Category: Recent News
A BATTERY MOOCH POST: LiPo’s don’t perform like crap
Just because LiPo’s might have preposterously exaggerated ratings doesn’t mean they don’t still perform well against 18650’s.
My recent testing update post mentioned the wildly exaggerated ratings I saw for a couple of 3S 1800mAh LiPo packs. I received quite a few messages from people wondering how I can say that because they get great performance from their LiPo’s. And they should! Not meeting the 100C, 70C, or even the 50C ratings these packs have doesn’t mean they are lousy performers. It just means they don’t perform anywhere near their ratings. They can still be better than the 18650’s we use.
For example, see the graphs linked to below.
I tested two 3S 1800mAh-1850mAh LiPo packs against a 3S setup of Sony VTC5A batteries in a good quality battery sled at 10A, 20A, and 30Ap. Their DC internal resistances are:
Green LiPo = 0.028 ohms
Red LiPo = 0.044 ohms
VTC5A’s = 0.078 ohms
You can clearly see the difference the different internal resistances make. The higher the internal resistance, the greater the voltage sag and the lower the battery voltage is.
The Green LiPo is the clear winner here with the Red LiPo performing next best and the VTC5A’s performing the worst of the three. Interestingly, the Red LiPo is a very expensive pack from a very well respected manufacturer. The Green LiPo is slightly larger but is about half the cost and performs a lot better. I won’t be revealing the manufacturer’s name for either LiPo until I can test a second pack from each company to make sure my results are correct.
Neither LiPo performs anywhere near its ratings but in spite of that they still outperform a pack using one of the best 18650’s available.
There are safety issues when using LiPo’s though. I’ll be addressing these, and other considerations, when I have finished testing the rest of the 1800mAh-1850mAh LiPo packs. I hope to be able to do that within a couple of weeks.
https://imgur.com/a/fch74
NEW IN THE QUEUE – THE ELEAF ASTERS – 12/15/16
Eleaf sent along their new Aster line of mods. In the line you’re going to find the standard Aster, the Aster Total, and the Aster RT.
Before you say it, yes, the standard and the Total do look like 1/2 of a coffin. You weren’t going to say it? Well shit, now you’re not going to be able to stop seeing it.
Regardless of what it reminds you of, this is a new shape we (or at least I) haven’t seen before and it fits damn well in the hand.
The Aster standard is a single 18650 device that features 75W of power and temperature control. It also has Smart (remembers wattage vs. resistance settings), Bypass, and custom TCR settings and is firmware upgradable.
It comes in black, gray, pink, white, and silver.
Here’s some additional information from Eleaf on the Aster:
Beautiful and colorful, ASTER is a new skillfully engineered product with a fashionable metallic appearance. Powered by single interchangeable 18650 cell, it is capable of outputting up to 75W of power. It also features the upgradeable firmware and convenient side charging port. With an ergonomically redesigned shape, you can hold it in the palm with ease and comfort.
Parameter:
Size: 35.5mm*23.0mm*91.0mm
Thread type: 510 thread
Output mode: VW/Bypass/Smart/TC(Ni,Ti,SS,TCR-M1,M2,M3) mode
Output wattage: 1-75W
Resistance range: 0.05-1.5ohm (TC modes)
Resistance range: 0.1-3.5ohm (VW/Bypass/Smart mode)
Temperature range: 100－315℃/200－600℉ (TC modes)
Color: deep pink, grey, black, white, brushed SilverStandard configuration:
1× ASTER (without cell)
1× USB Cable
1x User Manual
Now we move to the Aster Total. This is an all-in-one in the shape of the standard Aster above.
This one has no settings (think bypass only). It has an internal 1600 mAh battery and the built in tank can hold around 3.2ml of liquid. It comes in either silver or black, but can be modified utilizing the included “leather” stickers. One will already be installed for you. It uses the same coil heads as the iCare.
Here’s some additional information from Eleaf on the Aster Total:
The ASTER Total is an integration of both a battery and a tank in one unit yet still retains the ergonomically redesigned shape of original ASTER that perfectly fits in the palm of your hand. It is comfortable and easy to use with conveniently placed fire button and direct output voltage system. The e-liquid can easily be refilled by removing the top cap and the airflow can be adjusted to your preference. Also you can change the color of your ASTER Total whenever you like by replacing its leather sticker.
Parameter:
Size: 37mm*23.5mm*116mm
Output mode: Bypass
Output wattage: 25W max
Resistance range: 0.15ohm-3.5ohm
E-liquid capacity: 3.2ml
Battery capacity: 1600mAh
Color: Black, silverStandard configuration:
1× ASTER Total
2× IC 1.1ohm Heads
2× Stickers
1× USB Cable
1× User Manual
Finally we move to the Aster RT. If we want to put this in terms of mod sex, then it looks like a Reuleaux and a Tesla Stealth got busy.
The RT stand for recessed tank and that’s what you get with this one a Melo RT 22 tank (BTW – the “Retractable Top Filling Solution” on the Melo is pretty slick). It has an internal 4400 mAh battery, is firmware upgradeable, does variable wattage up to 100W, temperature control, custom TCR settings, Smart, and Bypass modes. You also have control over your preheat wattage and time.
It’s available in silver, white, black, grey, and green.
Here’s some additional information from Eleaf:
Product Introduction:
The ASTER RT is a skillfully designed “Recessed Tank” (RT) style compact mod that is able to hold and hide tanks up to 22mm diameter. It is pre-installed with the new firmware that has preheat function and custom logo as well as different interfaces for you to check your total puffs and total vaping seconds. Also the firmware is upgradeable to be always the latest. The MELO RT 22 features its innovative “Retractable Top” (RT) solution which makes e-liquid refilling the easiest and most convenient ever. With a diameter of 22mm, the tank pairs perfectly with the ASTER RT.Parameter:
Size: 50.6mm*40.0mm*95.3mm
Thread type: 510 thread
Battery capacity: 4400mAh
E-liquid capacity: 3.8mL
Output wattage: 1-100W
Output mode: VW/Bypass/Smart/TC(Ni,Ti,SS,TCR-M1,M2,M3)
Resistance range: 0.05-1.5ohm (TC modes)
Resistance range: 0.1-3.5ohm (VW/Bypass/Smart mode)
Temperature range: 100－315℃/200－600℉(TC modes)
Maximum charging current: 1A
Maximum output current: 25A
Color: Silver, white, black, grey, greenStandard configuration:
1× ASTER RT
1× MELO RT 22 (with ER 0.3ohm Head)
1× ER 0.3ohm Head
2× Seal Rings
1× USB Cable
2× User Manuals
NEW IN THE QUEUE – THE INNOKIN COOL FIRE PEBBLE – 12/15/16
Another adorable mini mod, this time from our friends at Innokin. This is the Innokin Pebble.
I know I’m gonna have to do another mini-marathon, I just know it!
No temp control on this one folks, just a simple little 50W variable wattage mod with an internal 1300 mAh battery. This one comes in brown, black, blue, white, and gold.
Here’s some additional information from Innokin:
Cool Fire® Pebble Vape System profile
Innokin Cool Fire® Pebble. Powerful, fast and ultra-compact! This is the smallest Innokin vaporizer yet and it’s powerful!
Tiny, fast, accurate and powerful the Pebble is packed with 50 Watts of precise output in a stylish, ultra-compact 34*22*55mm box.
The Cool Fire Pebble has an internal 1300mah battery charged with an included MicroUSB cable and Vape While Charging technology means you’ll always be vaping with power!
High quality & durable stainless steel threading with a gold plated, spring loaded connection pin, vapes perfectly with all standard 510 tanks.Operatng Wattage: 6.0W-50W
Battery: 1300mAh
Maximum output Wattage: 50W
Maximum output Current: 15A
Maximum output Voltage: 7.5V
Clearomizer Resistance: 0.2-3.5Ohm (Recommended)
Charging: Micro USB DC5V/1A
NEW IN THE QUEUE – THE INNOKIN KROMA – 12/15/16
Innokin made a sexy looking HOT ROD!!
This is a pretty slick looking device with a lot of eye catching curves. The texturing cut into the body makes it super grippy. The fire button works best as a trigger, but the location of the button suites the middle finger better.
It has an internal 2000 mAh battery and features 2A rapid charging. In variable wattage mode, you can set it up to 75W. It also features temperature control courtesy of the Aethon chipset.
It comes in red, black, blue, purple (shown below), silver, and white.
Here’s some additional information from Innokin:
Kroma® Vape System profile:
The Innokin Kroma Vape System – 75Watts of Temperature Control Power in an Ultra-Compact 72mm design, fitted for maximum grip.
The Innokin Kroma Vape System is powered by the smooth precision of 75Watt Aethon Temperature Control Chipset (SS316L, Ni200, Titanium) with dry hit prevention.
Durable inset Stainless Steel 510 threading reduces the height even further when using the Innokin SlipStream 2ml tank and the included adapter allows the use of all 510 atomizers.
The high quality bright OLED clearly displays all important information and the power and ‘+’ – ‘-‘ adjustment buttons raise or lower temperature or watts in .5 increments.
The Kroma is extremely compact, fast and powerful with an internal 2000mah battery with 2Amp MicroUSB Quick charge and Vape while charging technology.Technical detail for Innokin Kroma Vape:
Battery: 2000mAh
Maximum output Wattage: 75W
Maximum output Current: 35.5A
Maximum working Current: 27.5A
Maximum output Voltage: 7.5V
Atomizer Resistance: 0.1Ω (Minimum)
Temperature Control Mode: Ni (0.1-0.2 Ω), Ti (0.1-0.5 Ω), Stainless Steel 316L (0.2-1.0 Ω) coils are recommended.
Important: Temperature Control is only available with T.C. compatible coils.
NEW IN THE QUEUE – THE KANGER DRIPEZ – 12/15/16
Ok, I’m sure there are people out there who don’t think this looks ridiculous, but I’m not convinced I’m one of them. 🙂
Here’s the Kanger Dripez! One part giant mod, one part badly designed atomizer, and one part perfume dispenser. Alright, let’s give them some points for originality and creativity and get serious for a minute.
In addition to reminding me of a perfume bottle, it also reminds me of a manual version of the Eclipse EQ. An Eclipse EQ? What the hell is that? At least Basil Ray will remember what I’m talking about.
This is a single 18650, 80W device with variable wattage, temperature control, and is firmware upgradable. It has an onboard glass bottle that holds about 15ml of e-liquid. Instead of dripping or squonking with this one, you’re pumping. No wonder why Dimitris likes it so much!
The perfumed style pump, pumps the liquid out of the glass bottle and into the side of the atomizer.
Let’s talk about that atomizer for a minute.
First, it comes with that little anti-spit back insert that fell out of a similar atomizer on me and was melted by the coil.
Second, the air slot on this is completely missing the coil and it way too high, IMHO of course.
Third, when I saw the post design, I thought WHY does it not have a Velocity style post for dual coils?? Easy answer, it’s not designed for dual coils. The little spout on the side of the atomizer that the tube connect to could easily short a coil so they recommend a single coil only and want to you be sure it’s on the opposite side of the spout. I’m quite sure people will ignore that in the manual, build a dual coil, not realize there’s a piece of metal sticking out on the inside of that atomizer and wonder why it’s shorting out.
Fourth, on their site it says is comes with something called the Push RBA 0.3 Ohm X 1 (Mouth to lung inhale). I see nothing about the included atomizer that will do proper mouth to lung.
The fire and control buttons are very lose and super rattly on this one. It works best if you pick it the right way and use the side of your thumb to fire it.
Those of you who like simpler looking devices may want to stay away from this one because it screams… “What the fuck is that?” 🙂
Those of you who love to drip, but hate the act of dripping and squonking, this one may be right up your alley!
Here’s some additional information from Kanger:
Features:
- OLED Display
- Micro USB
- Comes in Black/ Silver
- Drip tip: POM
Specifications:
- Casing: Zinc Alloy
- Height: 57.5mm
- Length: 39mm
- Width: 31mm
- Weight: 270g (exclude 18650 cell)
- Output watt: 5W to 80W
- Charging: Micro USB, DC 5V at 1A
- Resistance: 0.1 – 2.5Ohm
What’s in the box:
- DRIPEZ X 1 (Direct lung inhale)
- Push RBA 0.3 Ohm X 1 (Mouth to lung inhale)
- Drip coil 0.2 Ohm X 1
- Second Juice pump X 1
- Manual
- USB cable
NEW IN THE QUEUE – THE KANGER TOGO – 12/15/16
This is a solid little all-in-one style box mod. There are no adjustments on this one, you get what you get. There’s an internal 1600mAh battery and it comes with a .5 Ohm SS coil for direct lung and a NiCr (really???) 1.5 Ohm coil for MTL. Really surprised and a bit disappointed that the 1.5 is NiCr and not Kanthal. It comes in red, orange, and black.
I did try this for MTL and I was happy with the performance. I thought the flavor was off a bit and now that I see it’s using NiCr, that kinda explains it.
The fire button has a bit of rattle and with it sitting flush, it’s difficult to find at times. I wished it stuck out just a little bit.
I REALLY like the finish on this one. It’s got a rough, grippy finish that I haven’t seen before. Hopefully it’s as durable as it looks.
Here’s some additional information from Kanger:
Specifications:
- Length: 44mm
- Height: 76.5mm
- Width: 22.5mm
- Weight: 140g
- Capacity: 1.9mL
- Resistance: above 0.15 Ohm
Features:
- New symmetrical air flow design
- Slim design with 1.9 mL capacity
- CLOCC coils
- Durable finish, excellent hand feel
- 1600 mAh build in Li-battery
- 5 LED battery indicator
- Replaceable Pyres glass
What’s in the box:
- 1 x TOGO MINI 2.0
- 1 x CLOCC SS 0.5 Ohm coil
- 1 x CLOCC NiCr 1.5 Ohm coil
- 1 x Set of seal ring
- 1 x Replacement Pyrex glass
- 1 x Manual
NEW IN THE QUEUE – THE VIKA BUFFALO 75 – 12/15/16
Here’s a new DNA-75 offering from the folks who brought you one of my favorite tanks, the Vika Fantasy. It’s also available in a DNA-200 version.
We’ll add this one to the ongoing look at DNA-75 devices.
This is a very simple and clean looking device and is available in carbon black, meteor gray, and amber gold.
The fire button out of the box is a little stiff and not enough tactile feedback for my liking & the two built-in, non-removable & hardwired 18650s have me scratching my head a bit.
Here’s some additional information from Vika:
Omni Balance Design
Concise design, comfortable to hold, compact design
You will feel so different vaping experience with vika buffaloTough
Stainless steel, 6 series aluminum alloy, armor level protection
High strength PVD and anodized coating, finger print freeConvenient
Build in dual 18650 batteries, 2 days without charging
USB charging, available everywhere
No extra batteries neededChip: Evolv DNA 75 chipset
Size: 85.80 x 53.35 x 24.00 mm
Weight: 200g
Material: 316 stainless steel surface PVD coating,aluminum anodized
Battery: 18.5Wh, built-in 2500mAh × 2 power lithium battery
Power: 1-75W
TC: 100-300 ° C / 200-600 ° F
Connector: 510 universal interface, gold-plated electrode
Firmware: upgradeable
Color: Carbon black / Meteor gray / Amber gold
Certification: CE / Rohs
NEW IN THE QUEUE – THE VAPORESSO TAROT NANO – 12/15/16
As I continue to wait for my new test atomizers to come in, I thought I’d put some New In The Queues up for you.
We’ve already seen this one in a video, but here’s some additional information about it. It’s the Tarot Nano from Vaporesso.
You can adjust this one up to 80W, it does variable wattage and temp control, has an internal 2500mAh battery, and has the Omni board in it so control and features are going to be very similar to the Nebula that I recently looked at. You can see that review HERE.
It’s cute, it’s small, it feels pretty solid and it comes in a black, silver, red, and a (Grimm) Green. 🙂
Here’s some more information from Vaporesso:
This Kit is the Bee’s knees, one drag after another it’ll prove itself the set-up of your dreams… Too cheesy? Give the tarot nano and the Veco tank a shot and you’ll see what we mean. Up to 80w and all the omniboard functions in a mod that is just the perfect size to be handled and carried with you at all times. Top-airflow ECO Universal Coil Tank with all the benefits of a variety of choices that will tickle your taste buds staying true to your liquid’s original taste.
- OMNI-Board Capabilities
- Waterproofing board
- Ergonomic design with many color options
- USB adaptable: Updatable and fully customisable firmware
- Output Wattage: 5w to 80w
- Suitable atomizer: 0.15 – 5 ohm
- Temperature Range: 100C’-315C’/280F’-600F’
- Battery Cell: 2500mah Built In Battery
- Dimensions: 69X38X22.5mm
- Casting: Zinc Alloy, Aluminium Alloy and Carbon Fiber
- Thread: 510 thread
- Display: 0.91’OLED
- Standby Current: <35A
- Voltage Range: 0 – 8.5 v
- Output mode: VW/VT(Ni200, SS, Ti, TCR)
BYPASS, CCW, CCT, Smart mode
From Vaping.com – Public health expert destroys CDC, Surgeon General
From Vaping.com:
“If the science matters in tobacco control – which apparently it doesn’t – this should put an end to the Surgeon General, the CDC, and others claiming that youth experimentation with e-cigarettes will lead to a progression to smoking and to a re-normalization of smoking among youth.”
Read the entire article HERE.
B. E-Liquids
Thanks so much to those who have picked up the B. E-Liquid line thus far!
JJ Vapes
Good Karma Vapor
The Steamery
Kidney Puncher
My Vapor Store
More are coming soon!
Although we’re still tweaking it, the website is also online now, the shipping rate has been resolved and it’s taking orders on the bottles, tubes, and My Von Erl Pods and starter kits:
We’ve gone through TPD compliance for the UK (currently) and will be ready in the 10ml bottles and tubes soon.
Interested shops and distributors in both the US and UK should use the “CONTACT” button on the top of the B. website.
Distribution in Canada has been picked up by Alero Labs.
China distributors and stores, please contact Boomer Tech.
Please keep in mind that this line was designed for the transitioning smoker and those who still enjoy the smoking experience, but now through their vape. Although it can be enjoyed in many ways it was designed and formulated to work best with tanks, low wattage, and the mouth to lung style of vaping in mind.
Thank you all for your interest & support. It truly means a lot to me. I hope you enjoy the line as much as I do!!
Happy Holidays everyone and Vape Happy!
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