Category: Hardware

Massive market appeal
The highly efficient Aqua Master V2 can provide both direct-lung vaping and mouth-to-lung vaping based on the build.
By Mike Huml
Footoon’s Aqua Master V1 was a relative success. The tank received generally favorable reviews among the vapor community. It was a solid dual-coil RTA, but it was a bit stifled by the overall vapor market where RTAs are a dime a dozen. The Aqua Master V2, however, has been reimagined with an entirely new single-coil deck and a unique airflow system while retaining the original’s classic RTA aesthetic.
Unlike many other tanks and RTAs, the Aqua Master V2 is capable of providing both a true direct-lung vaping experience and a true mouth-to-lung vaping experience based on the build, airflow setting and mouthpiece. This highly efficient RTA has the potential to appeal to a wide market with its features and simplicity. The Aqua Master V2 inevitably has many features found on other tanks, such as top fill capabilities, adjustable airflow, 810 mouthpiece compatibility and an optional 4.5 mL capacity bubble glass tank section. These quality-of-life features are all but necessary for a tank in today’s market, but not all manufacturers handle these features effectively.
Fortunately, Footoon has succeeded in stretching the effectiveness of these features as far as possible. The bubble glass, for instance, brings the default capacity of 2 mL up to an impressive 4.5 mL while not adding unreasonable bulk or looking wonky. The adjustable airflow works in much the same way as any other tank: A ring at the base is rotated until the desired airflow is reached. However, the Aqua Master V2 has four notches that correspond to four very specific airflow states for both direct-lung vaping and mouth-to-lung vaping.
Filling is accomplished by unscrewing the top to reveal two very large kidney-shaped holes that allow for quick filling from any size bottle. Additionally, any 810 mouthpiece can be used, and the Aqua Master V2 is designed to incorporate a gap underneath the 810 o-ring that collects condensed vapor to reduce spitback and leaking. Even these features, while not unique, are well-thought-out and implemented effectively.
The first truly stand-out aspect of the Aqua Master V2 is that it’s designed for single-coil builds, which is a rarity these days. Dual-coil builds have largely become the standard, but single-coil builds still have many benefits. First, single-coil tanks are more efficient in terms of both battery life and e-liquid consumption with little to no impact on vapor production or flavor.
Vapers who are accustomed to dual-coil builds can literally halve the power used for their dual-coil atomizers and get the same results from a single-coil tank, and due to less vapor being produced from one coil compared to two, less liquid is being consumed. Common sense would indicate that this means less vapor production, but this has more to do with airflow rather than the number of coils, and the Aqua Master V2 can certainly provide enough airflow to produce considerable vapor. As an added benefit, single-coil builds are generally easier to use since the user need not worry about building two coils that are exactly identical in order to provide even heat among both coils.
Next is the airflow system. As mentioned above, there are four total airflow settings, two that work best with direct-lung vaping and two that are ideal for mouth-to-lung vaping. The coil receives airflow from three directions: front, back and underneath. Each can be closed off by adjusting the airflow ring. This is important because most tanks on the market can technically achieve tight airflow for mouth-to-lung vaping, but the result is generally anemic vapor production with a hit that is overly harsh. This is due to the fact that internally, the passage of airflow remains the same while the limiting factor is the adjustable airflow ring.
With the Aqua Master V2, the internal airflow is designed to work alongside the external airflow, meaning that builds designed for mouth-to-lung vaping and direct-lung vaping are equally effective and without compromise. However, it should be noted that different builds are required for maximum effectiveness. Direct-lung builds work much better when larger or more complicated wire types are used, and mouth-to-lung builds require thinner wire for the best performance.
While one can choose to switch between these two styles on the fly by simply adjusting the airflow, building with the intent of using one vape style or the other will yield better results. For mouth-to-lung vapers, the Aqua Master V2 also includes a thinner mouthpiece that’s much more comfortable.
The build itself is incredibly simple. The coil is held in place by two Allen screws that tighten downward while the coil is inserted horizontally. Coil placement is very forgiving, and getting it set to the correct alignment is intuitive and shouldn’t present any problems, even for those new to rebuilding. Tanks can be notorious for requiring precise wicking that demands a good amount of trial and error, but that’s not the case with the Aqua Master V2.
Ideally, each side of the wick should be long enough to just barely reach ends of the coil and get gently tucked into each juice flow port on either side of the coil (approximately one centimeter), but even if the wick is a little too long or too short, the tank still performs wonderfully. Wicks that are too short can lead to a small amount of leaking upon refilling, and wicks that are too long can impede wicking and cause dry hits when vaping too fast or using thick liquid. However, neither situation is catastrophic, and the margin for error is wide.
Footoon has made great use of the size of the tank as well. It’s small for a 24 mm diameter tank but still reaches nearly 5 mL of e-liquid capacity without looking bulky or being intrusively tall. It’s short enough to still give the feeling of heat when taking a drag but tall enough that spitback never presents itself as an issue. The base is stout and doesn’t contribute unnecessarily to the height. Furthermore, since the base and deck are relatively short, this means that the wick can be short as well. As such, the tank wicks very quickly, and even thick liquids at reasonable wattages can keep up with chain vaping.
So, what needed to be sacrificed in order to ensure the Aqua Master V2 could provide ideal vaping experiences for all types of vapers? Honestly, not much at all. The airflow is slightly louder than average since there are a few more moving pieces than usual for RTAs involved with the airflow mechanism. The airflow isn’t turbulent, but it’s not perfectly smooth either. The smoothest airflow is produced with the popular “honeycomb” design that uses many small holes for airflow in lieu of fewer larger holes. The Aqua Master V2 doesn’t have this level of smoothness in terms of airflow, but it’s not bad by any means, and a small price to pay for the versatility that this tank offers. Beyond that, there are no negatives to speak of.
However, users are limited to strictly single-coil builds, which could be viewed as a negative for a niche market. Plenty of other RTAs boast dual-coil or single-coil options, but the single-coil option is always an afterthought. Sometimes an additional piece is used to block one half of the build deck, or airflow is shut off on one side. It never provides a great experience. Footoon has opted to omit dual-coil capability, and the result is one of the best single-coil experiences available today. In this way, the positive aspects of a strictly single-coil tank greatly outweigh the negatives.
The build quality is also worth mentioning. All the threading is buttery smooth, and all pieces of the tank fit together perfectly. Even the laser-etched design on the upper and lower sections of the tank are a nice touch, adding a slightly more complex aesthetic without going full-on baroque. Footoon is a reputable manufacturer, and the Aqua Master V2 is a testament to its quality.
As a side note, the Aqua Master V2 is available in several finishes, including sand-blasted (matte) stainless steel. Many other tanks opt for a more polished finish, which is still available as an option for this RTA, but mods generally incorporate a more matte or brushed stainless steel finish to avoid fingerprints and smudging. As such, the Aqua Master V2’s sand-blasted stainless-steel finish looks markedly better atop many popular mods.
RTAs don’t generally receive the same fanfare as they did several years ago, but the Aqua Master V2 deserves to be recognized as not only one of the best single-coil RTAs currently on the market but as one of the best RTAs period. Very little is lost in the way of vape quality when comparing dual-coil builds to single-coil builds, but much is gained in terms of efficiency.
As mouth-to-lung vaping continues to make a comeback, the Aqua Master V2 is a great product that capitalizes on offering a great vape to many different types of vapers. It’s simple enough for new rebuilders and stands up to scrutiny for even the most advanced vapers. Direct-lung vapers and mouth-to-lung vapers can both find an ideal, uncompromised vaping experience in the Aqua Master V2 RTA.

Mike Huml is Vapor Voice’s hardware reviewer. An enthusiast vaper since 2009, he is always trying to get his hands on the newest, shiniest mod. Huml has evaluated countless vaping devices over the years, but you’ll usually find him with a mechanical mod and RDA in-hand, surrounded by an aura of fog. His personal motto: “Happiness is a warm coil.”
September 1, 2019
Reliability Factor

The new Vfolk pod system uses a ceramic coil to provide a smooth, consistent vape.
By Mike Huml
The Vfolk Pro pod system represents the latest in pod system technology. While it may not appear much different from comparable pod systems, what lies inside each pod is what pushes the Vfolk past the competition. Vfolk has teamed up with Smoore to create an entirely new vaporization system that doesn’t rely on wick and wire, and the result is one of the smoothest and consistent vapes on the market.
Smoore is one of the largest manufacturers in the vapor industry. For years, they manufactured vaping components for several major third-party brands. More recently, they’ve started manufacturing for their own brand: Vaporesso. For the Vfolk, Smoore has contributed an entirely new atomization system called Feelm. Each Vfolk pod is fitted with this ceramic vaporization chamber that yields voluminous vapor and incredible flavor. Feelm technology is the cornerstone that sets the Vfolk apart from other pod systems, and it works extremely well.
The Vfolk itself operates much like other pod systems, which is desirable. For pod system users, it retains familiarity and simplicity of use. The device is slightly larger than the Juul but is more rounded and ergonomic. It features an automatic switch to more closely replicate smoking analog cigarettes, and an LED on one side illuminates when the user takes a drag.
The LED will also turn red when the battery is low in order to clearly indicate that charging is needed. Charging is accomplished via a standard micro-USB connection, and a cable is included with each kit. The 350 mAh battery can be charged from empty to full in approximately 45 minutes and is designed to last for the duration of an entire pod. Each Vfolk pod contains 1.2 mL of e-liquid at a strength of 5 percent, or 50 mg/mL. Some flavors are also available at 2 percent, or 20 mg/mL.
At 1.2 mL, each pod is equivalent to two packs of standard cigarettes in terms of nicotine. As far as the number of drags, the advertised 500 puffs are slightly exaggerated, but that heavily depends on how each user uses the Vfolk. Longer drags will obviously yield fewer drags per pod. Overall, a pack-a-day smoker can expect between one and two days of use per pod.
For comparison, each Juul pod contains 0.6 mL of e-liquid, so those familiar with the Juul can expect twice as much longevity from each pod. Pods are simply inserted into the battery, and a magnet keeps them secure. The pods couldn’t be easier to insert and remove, and the magnet is more than strong enough to maintain a stable connection.
Vfolk offers seven flavors: cucumber, coffee, mint, mango, mung bean, lychee and tobacco. Currently, their sample pack of pods does not include cucumber or lychee, their newest flavors. However, each of the other four flavors is striking and unique. Coffee is reminiscent of a creamy latte, with none of the bitterness that can often plague coffee flavors. Mint is a light and refreshing burst of peppermint and spearmint that isn’t overpowering. Mango has a dash of mint as well that adds a much-needed crispness to the fruitiness of the mango. The tobacco is more of a nutty flavor, which is common with tobacco e-liquids. It’s impossible to recreate the flavor of burning tobacco without burning plant matter, as any vaper who has tried tobacco flavors can attest. However, Vfolk’s tobacco has a very clean taste whereas cheaper tobacco flavors can taste “dirty,” for lack of a better term.
The vape experience offered by the Vfolk is second to none. Each drag is smooth, and due to the Feelm atomizer, there is no gurgling, crackling or popping. The only sound is the slight sound of air passing through the device. The airflow is just about perfect, riding that fine line between the stiff draw of an analog cigarette and the open draw that other pod systems incorporate in order to “fake” more vapor production. Here, the vapor is dense, flavorful and satisfying while the drag and nicotine level are sure to appeal to those used to cigarettes.
As far as pod systems are concerned, the Vfolk doesn’t stray too far from the established mold, and that’s not a bad thing. Everything about this device is familiar to avoid alienating a potential market of current pod system vapers. The Feelm technology is where things get interesting as it is solely responsible for keeping the Vfolk from becoming “just another” pod system.
The ceramic heating system is enough to spark interest in those with even an ounce of vape enthusiast within them. Even vapers who don’t consider themselves pod system users may raise an eyebrow based on a new kind of heating element alone. While mesh coils are starting to find popularity, they don’t seem to be the revolutionary new technology that will overtake standard coils, which are generally cheaper, more readily available and even preferable in some situations. However, this Feelm technology offers an upgrade to every other pod system in that it provides a consistent experience, as well as an arguably better vape, with every drag.
Even the Juul’s vapor production and drag can vary wildly from anemic to completely over-saturated due to a multitude of factors. It’s an issue so widespread that squeezing the top of the Juul’s pod regularly in order to stimulate juice flow is almost a necessary workaround. The Vfolk with its Feelm heating element provides a better experience with every drag than what the Juul can possibly provide under ideal circumstances.
The Vfolk advertises an autoship option on the box, much like the Juul, but that service is currently unavailable via the Vfolk website. When this feature does come online, it will add a massive convenience factor that’s almost expected at this point when it comes to pod systems. A starting price of $29.59, with a 20 percent discount code, will buy the Vfolk device, a charging cable and two e-liquid pods.
The starter kit only offers a choice of tobacco, coffee, mint and mango, but the additional three flavors are available separately for $11.99 for a two-pack. End users can also enjoy free shipping on orders over $35, but this is where things get a bit dicey. Regular standard shipping runs about $17.50 depending on location. That’s significantly more than the price of a pod pack. As such, online buyers are strongly advised to buy in bulk, ensuring each order is above that $35 mark. This is the weakest aspect of the Vfolk brand but could prove advantageous for a retailer.
Given that shipping is so expensive, and many people still prefer to buy smaller quantities of e-liquids or pods on a more frequent basis, vape shops can offer more convenience and better pricing than online retailers. Generally, the opposite is true in the vapor industry. Due to overhead, smaller order quantities and limited storage space, brick-and-mortar shops often charge more than online retailers. For possibly the first time, retail locations can provide more convenience and value. As the Vfolk brand matures, this is likely to change, so it might be wise to hit the ground running while the opportunity is still presenting itself.
Other than the double-edged sword of a shipping price, the Vfolk is an exceptional product all around. It’s offered innovation in the form of the Feelm heating element, which offers value to the enthusiast vaper who can’t ignore a new type of heating element as well as the average vaper who only knows that the Vfolk vapes better than other systems and doesn’t care why.
It retains all the features that make pod systems valuable, including simplicity, ease of use and convenience, while still one-upping the competition when it comes to raw vape quality. Vapor production, flavor and throat hit are all top-notch. The Vfolk won’t chuck clouds, and it’s not supposed to, but it does pump out more vapor than the average pod system, and it does so drag after drag. If there was one word to sum up the Vfolk, it would be “consistent.”
Not only is this the first vapor device to omit some type of wick and wire system, but it works, and it arrived in the form of a pod system. Innovation usually happens from the top down—it will be interesting to see if ceramic Feelm technology will make its way upward toward more advanced devices, but if it doesn’t, it’s a small miracle that it works as well as it does in a pod system environment.
Consistency is one of the most important features of any vapor product, and it’s often overlooked or taken for granted. Even for a product with flaws, if those flaws are consistent, it’s far preferable to a product that’s unpredictable or erratic. Thankfully, the Vfolk is virtually flawless, and its consistency only acts to improve everything else that makes it a fantastic product. Consistent is always preferable, and consistently good is the best one can ask for, particularly when it comes to vaping.

Mike Huml
Mike Huml has been vaping since 2009 and has been working in the vapor industry for more than five years. He has extensive experience in various industry segments, including purchasing, quality assurance and content creation.
August 21, 2019
Bang for the Buck

The Orion DNA Go is one of the most feature-rich pod systems available but remains simple to use.
By Mike Huml
Lost Vape’s new Orion DNA Go pod system is more than just another pod-system device. It’s somewhat of a crossbreed between a small mod and a pod system, taking the best aspects of both types of devices and combining them into a spectacularly unique product. What’s more, the flagship Orion DNA Go features the first DNA chip to be used in a pod system, which makes top-of-the-line temperature-controlled vaping more affordable and accessible than ever.
The Orion consists of two parts: the device and the pod, which includes the coil as well. The device is quite a bit smaller than pictures would lead one to believe. It’s larger than the average Juul-type pod system but almost half the size of the common mod/tank setup.
The device is made of solid metal and is very well constructed and durable. The pod is a smoky plastic with metal elements that use 316L coils with organic cotton wicking material. The two parts assemble seamlessly to create a sleek but not tacky aesthetic with different color options to maximize appeal.
The package includes the Orion DNA Go device itself, a USB charging cable, a lanyard and a comprehensive user manual. Pods are sold separately in packs of two, but they are refillable and advertised as being able to last for approximately two weeks of average use. Upon testing, this claim is accurate but heavily depends upon the type of liquid being used, the power/temperature setting and whether replay mode is active.
Even with frequent pod replacement, upkeep cost for the Orion is potentially much less expensive than that of proprietary prefilled pods. As mentioned previously, multiple colors are available, ranging from flamboyant and flashy colors to subtle and subdued colors. Although a wide selection of color choices is available, that’s only where the options begin. For such a simple device, a surprising amount of customization is possible through a few simple onboard operations as well as Evolv’s Escribe software.
The Orion DNA Go is one of the most feature-rich pod systems available but remains genuinely simple to use. In lieu of an automatic draw-activated switch, the Orion gives users total control with a manual button. Holding the button naturally fires the device, while five sequential clicks toggle the device on or off. A secondary button at the bottom cycles between three temperature settings, indicated by a small LED above said button.
This LED also cycles through three different colors to indicate remaining battery life, with flashing red signifying an imminent dead battery. Set above the fire button is a slide latch that’s used to release or install the pod section.
The pod itself has a few convenient features as well. The mouthpiece utilizes a rotating ring to adjust airflow. Mouth-to- lung and direct-lung vaping are both possible and comfortable. The adjustable temperature control combined with adjustable airflow ensures that direct-lung vaping produces a good amount of vapor while eliminating the harshness of mouth-to-lung vaping that usually plagues devices more suited to direct-lung vaping.
In addition, the pod is refillable and allows any type of e-liquid to be used. This opens up the vast array of e-liquid options available on the market to users of the Orion, freeing them from the proprietary ecosystems of other pod devices.
The fill port on top of the pod is accessed by unscrewing a small metal piece to reveal a generously large fill hole. Liquid backup shouldn’t be a concern whatsoever, and bottle tips and droppers of any size are accommodated with ease. The pod holds 2 mL of e-liquid, making it TPD compliant. This complements the 950 mAh internal lithium polymer battery perfectly, as the liquid capacity is estimated to last for 400 puffs and the battery for 450 puffs.
The Orion comes with a USB charging cable that plugs into a hidden port on the bottom corner of the device. A small plug conceals the USB port and protects it from errant liquid, dust or lint.
As far as basic use, the Orion couldn’t be simpler. Fill the pod, tilt it into position, click the fire button five times and start vaping. However, the Orion has a few tricks up its sleeve that can appeal to more advanced vapers as well. For example, while the maximum output power is 30 watts, the Orion “boosts” up to 40 watts during the initial button press in order to instantly start producing vapor. In short, there is no ramp-up time. The Orion produces instant vapor when the fire button is pressed.
Another subtle advanced feature is replay mode. Although Evolv’s DNA technology is remarkably consistent, it becomes even more so when replay mode is activated. Due to the rate of liquid flow, age of the coil, temperature setting, etc., each drag can fluctuate slightly. However, with the Orion’s replay mode, once the user attains that perfect drag, he or she can hold the lower button on the device and guarantee that every subsequent drag is exactly the same.
Replay mode increases consistency in an already consistent device. It’s also an innovative way to organically dial in a perfect vape experience without the use of potentially confusing menus and button combinations.
One of the most desirable advantages for vapers of all levels is Evolv’s Escribe software. Escribe offers myriad features that aren’t available on any other device in the vapor market. Escribe can be installed on virtually any PC or Mac and is the most powerful and user-friendly piece of vapor software. In addition to firmware updates, Escribe connects to the device in real time and can truly unlock the potential of any DNA-powered device.
It can be used to adjust the power output and temperature assigned to each of the three DNA Go settings, adjust the boost power and tune the consistency of replay mode in order to optimize battery life or prioritize vapor production.
The Orion isn’t all about fancy cutting-edge vapor technology; all of that can be completely ignored if the user so chooses. The Orion can be used right out of the box with default settings and still offer one of the best temperature-controlled vape experiences possible with any device, not only when compared to other pod systems. Vapor production is effortless and satisfying, and the flavor reproduction is pristine. Vapor devices as intuitive as the Orion that also offer so many features and this level of customization are few and far between.
Vaping has always been about options. Everybody has his or her own preferences, and the more options available, the larger the potential market. Generally, more options lead to more complications, but the Orion can be as simple or as involved as each vaper desires without becoming convoluted or contrived.
The Orion is also convenient due to its size and relatively large battery size. Even those who vape with moderate consistency can squeeze a day’s worth of vaping out of a single charge. As far as pod systems go, 2 mL of e-liquid capacity is significant, particularly when using nicotine salt or higher strength e-liquid. Granted, the Orion isn’t a cloud-chasing monster nor is it intended to be.
But even the enthusiast vaper would find value in something convenient and feature-rich that’s unobtrusive when running errands or commuting to work. As far as pod systems are concerned, the Orion is the only contender for a daily driver for a large swathe of the vaping community.
When it comes to filling out a product line for a retail location or online store, the Orion is in a class of its own. It separates itself enough from other pod systems as well as standard devices. Other manufacturers have acknowledged this by releasing their own variations that are obvious copycats of the Orion, but it’s difficult to compete with the DNA Go chip.
Evolv has paved the way for the rest of the vapor industry since the inception of the Darwin back in the golden age of vaping. By the time competing technology finally catches up with Evolv, Evolv has already evolved.
Lost Vape has also long been a reputable manufacturer, partnering with Evolv in the past to create some of the most affordable DNA devices without sacrificing quality or accessibility. With the Orion DNA Go, Lost Vape and Evolv have reunited to create a perfect response to market demand. The proven quality of Lost Vape and the technological innovation of Evolv is a dangerous combination for every other manufacturer, as has been proven in the past. With the advent of pod systems, the creation of the Orion seems only too natural.
Although the Orion is available without the DNA Go chip, the combination of Lost Vape hardware and Evolv firmware and software at a retail price of around $50 really can’t be beat. The Orion DNA Go isn’t just the best bang for the buck—it’s also hands down one of the best devices in its class.

Mike Huml
Mike Huml has been vaping since 2009 and has been working in the vapor industry for more than five years. He has extensive experience in various industry segments, including purchasing, quality assurance and content creation.
June 25, 2019
High Gear

The Gear RTA may be the perfect rebuildable atomizer for vapers of all experience levels.
By Mike Huml
The freshman offering from OFRF—pronounced “off”—exemplifies quality in simplicity. The Gear RTA is a 24 mm single-coil tank that’s easy to set up and performs similarly to the best rebuildable atomizers (RDAs) available. With a fantastic size-to-capacity ratio and stellar flavor reproduction, the Gear RTA may be the perfect RDA for vapers of all experience levels.
The first thing one notices is the size. The Gear RTA is tiny, being the same size, if not shorter, than the average RDA. For those who prefer the aesthetics of an RDA in lieu of a tall tank, the Gear RTA is a perfect solution. Additionally, the capacity doesn’t suffer too much from the tank’s short stature.
The Gear RTA comes with two glass tank sections included: a straight glass tube for a 2 mL capacity and a bubble glass section for a 3.5 mL capacity. Early adopters of the Gear RTA complained that the bubble “glass” was, in fact, made of plastic. OFRF has taken this feedback into consideration, and the package now includes a proper glass section for both the 2 mL and 3.5 mL tank sections.
The angular shape of the base and top cap of the tank create the illusion of width in such a way that the bubble glass looks much more intentional than the bubble glass included with most other tanks. Bubble glass tends to look decidedly aftermarket on most tanks, but the Gear RTA accommodates the style very unobtrusively.
The package also includes two mouthpieces, both sized for a standard 510 with one featuring a slightly wider bore. The wide-bore drip tip is the preferred option here, as the narrower mouthpiece tends to encourage spitback and turbulent airflow due to condensation buildup.
Additionally, the shape of the mouthpiece is off-putting for some since it doesn’t angle down to sit flush against the cap as most other tips do. Instead, it follows the angular nature of the cap and base and tapers down to fit the 510-sized hole. It’s an aesthetic decision that actually works upon closer inspection but can look odd at first glance. It’s an acquired taste.
The Gear RTA also comes with a myriad of additional parts, including replacement and alternate color o-rings, extra screws, cotton, coils, a positive pin and a flathead screwdriver. Everything required for several weeks of vaping, excluding e-liquid, is included. The coils that OFRF provides are pre-made 3 mm nichrome fused Clapton coils, and they work well enough.
Three millimeters is the ideal coil size for the Gear RTA, allowing it to fit within the surprisingly spacious deck while also incorporating enough cotton to fill out the juice flow ports. The included shoelace-style cotton makes the initial build effortless.
The deck itself has four posts but is designed for single-coil builds. The design allows for easy coil installation with either clockwise or counterclockwise wraps. Each lead is secured with a flathead screw, and the wire is simply placed and secured underneath. There is no threading of post holes involved whatsoever. The cotton is simply threaded, cut to the width of the base then tucked into the juice flow holes.
Liquids of all viscosities appear to wick flawlessly if the correct amount of cotton is used. The included cotton takes the guesswork out of the first build, but subsequent builds may require some adaptation. Denser wicking is required for thinner liquid to reduce leaking, and looser wicking is ideal for thick liquid to avoid dry hits. All in all, the building process is as quick and easy as ever. Simply wrap, install, wick, juice up and assemble. While the build is incredibly easy, that shouldn’t reflect poorly upon the vape quality. In fact, the flavor and vapor production surpass that of most other tanks and even rival RDAs.
The great thing about a single-coil build is that it maximizes battery life and e-liquid efficiency. Generally, this is at the cost of flavor and vapor production, but that doesn’t seem to be the case with the Gear RTA. Due to the short size of the tank, the mouthpiece is very close to the coil, which means vapor has less time to cool before being inhaled, which in turn provides better flavor.
This also generally leads to massive spitback directly off the coil, but again OFRF seems to have avoided this problem completely as well. For no discernible reason, the Gear RTA causes no “fireworks” effect—that is, the juice doesn’t explode off the coil and send hot liquid onto the tongue of the user. Of course, this depends on the type of coil and method of wicking, but if one uses the included coil and amount of cotton provided as a guideline for future builds, this problem can be avoided entirely.
As far as airflow, the Gear RTA provides somewhat open restricted airflow at its maximum but can be adjusted down to preference. For those looking for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, it is possible with the Gear RTA, and narrower 510 mouthpieces can be used for additional comfort. However, due to the relatively large airflow path, MTL drags may be a bit harsh.
With experimentation with different wire types, this can be somewhat mitigated, but the intended use is direct-lung vaping. When used as designed, direct-lung vaping is smooth, flavorful and voluminous. Flavor is bold and clean, and clouds are produced effortlessly, even at relatively low wattages. For heavy vapers, the tank may need to be refilled five or more times per day, but fortunately, filling the tank is fast and easy.
The top cap unscrews for filling and reveals two large kidney-shaped fill holes. This design lends itself to fast and clean filling with no pressure backup or leaking. The threading on the top cap is smooth and catches easily, for the most part. Cross threading is always a looming worry when it comes to any threading in vaping, but the quality of the machining on the Gear RTA is good enough to minimize this concern.
The Gear RTA has managed to do the impossible—or at least the improbable. By just being a well-made tank with a well-thought-out design, it has managed to counteract all the potential negative aspects of its design. Typically, 510 mouthpieces should have endless condensation buildup and spitback when lung-hitting, but this one doesn’t. The short path between the coil and the user’s mouth should create a volatile situation with explosive hot liquid, but not here.
A tank this small should have a small capacity, but 3.5 mL is still incredible for a tank the size of an RDA. The bubble glass that allows this capacity should be unsightly, but the design of the rest of the tank eliminates any ugliness. Single-coil tanks should produce less flavor and vapor, but both rival some of the best tanks and drippers on the market. A vape this good should be more complicated, but the Gear RTA is almost trivial in its operation and usage.
There may not be a better initial product from a new vapor manufacturer than the Gear RTA from OFRF. It may not look like much at first glance, but it really is an impressive piece of hardware. The Gear RTA does so much with so little that it’s amazing that nobody else has put all the pieces in place before now. The only downside to speak of is that it can be difficult to disassemble the tank for rebuilds, as one needs to hold the glass to ensure that the base unscrews. Aside from this minor complaint, the Gear RTA is a perfect RTA in the modern era of vaping.
More and more people are taking up vaping, and most of those people are hesitant to move on to more advanced setups. With sub-ohm tanks with pre-made coils also increasing in quality over time, it can be difficult to persuade vapers to take the extra step to learn how to rebuild. The Gear RTA should make this transition extremely easy. Of course, building the coils requires some practice and patience, but unlike many rebuildables of the past, the Gear RTA is very forgiving due to its simplicity. There’s very little that can go wrong.
Veteran rebuilders will also find value here, as the Gear RTA is perfect for RDA users. It retains the same profile on most mods compared to any 24 mm RDA and provides a quality of vape that will undoubtedly surprise. There will always be a niche market for obscenely large RTAs among enthusiast vapers, but for those willing to refill a bit more often to gain some convenience, the Gear RTA is perfect. Increased portability, prolonged battery life and increased e-liquid efficiency are sure to be a welcome relief for many vapers.
There really isn’t a better RTA for a store to carry. The Gear RTA has all the positives and almost no negatives. It’s easy enough for first-time builders and could be the breakthrough product that converts customers to rebuilding. It also provides a vape experience that will exceed the expectations of most any enthusiast. Lastly is the price—the Gear RTA retails for as low as $30. Large potential customer base, unique product and low cost; the Gear RTA is a winner in every sense, and OFRF is definitely a company to keep an eye on moving into the future.

Mike Huml
February 18, 2019
Unbreakable

The Aegis Legend could be the foundation of a retailer’s high-power mod selection.
By Mike Huml
A self-proclaimed “Indestructible Beast,” the Geek Vape Aegis Legend is a 200 watt, dual 18650 mod that is a waterproof, drop-proof and dust-proof workhorse. The design is flashy without being tacky, and its performance is flawless and simple. For vapers looking for the ideal all-around mod with no strings attached and an extremely reasonable price, the Aegis Legend fits the bill perfectly.
The Legend could be considered old-school in a vapor market that is saturated with pod systems and squonk boxes. This piece of hardware features a standard 510 connection, houses two 18650 batteries and can fire with up to 200 watts of power. Minimum resistance is 0.05 ohms, and the maximum resistance varies depending on which mode is selected. Among said modes, the user can choose standard variable wattage, variable power curve (VPC), temperature control for nickel, titanium or stainless steel wire types, and temperature control with a custom temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) for increased customization. Basically, the Aegis Legend covers all the bases.
Many other mods have been pushing the limits of power output for years, either by stretching two batteries up to 220 watts or more or by incorporating a third battery and increasing the power output even further. These higher wattages may contribute to bragging rights, but they do very little to advance vapor technology and offer little value to most vapers. The Aegis Legend keeps it reasonable at a nice, round 200 watts.
Likewise, the temperature control range is standard at 100–315 degrees Celsius. Maximum wire resistance in temperature control mode varies based on the wire type being used, but the ranges are all reasonable. Most coil builds should have no problem falling within range. Temperature control is easy to set by using the menu, and it performs with incredible accuracy.
VPC mode allows the user to set the device so that the power changes automatically over the course of each drag. This serves two functions. First, the Aegis Legend can be set to have a fast ramp-up. If a coil is normally vaped at 50 watts, for example, the device can be set to fire at 70 watts for two seconds then fire at 50 watts until the drag is finished. Second, VPC mode can be used as a makeshift temperature control mode for Kanthal or nichrome.
Using the same coil as an example, the user can set the mod to fire at 70 watts for two seconds in order to get that quick vapor production, then drop down to 50 watts, then 40 watts, then maintain 30 watts for the duration of the drag. Naturally, every coil is different, and the user will need to discover the ideal values, but this mode achieves the same thing as temperature control but with a bit less finesse since true temperature control constantly adjusts the power output. The Aegis Legend allows the user to set five wattage values that activate in sequence starting from the initial button press then changing every two seconds. The automatic cutoff kicks in after 10 seconds in all modes.
The last mode that should be mentioned is bypass mode. While the name would imply that this mode provides direct battery voltage, which would be 7.4 volts in the case of a series configuration mod like the Aegis Legend, it actually provides a consistent 4.2 volts. This is generally preferred over 7.4 volts, as coils made for unregulated mods can be used seamlessly. As such, one can think of this mode as providing the same experience as an unregulated mod that never suffers from voltage drop-off as the battery is depleted.
The Aegis Legend’s menu is very intuitive and visually appealing. It’s small to average in size compared to other mods, but it’s also clear and easy to read. The color scheme can be changed, with options for light blue, dark blue and red. Full instructions are provided in several languages within the included instruction manual, and operation involves combinations of the three buttons as well as clicking the power button a certain number of times. This system should be familiar to anyone who has operated a three-button mod in the past. Functions such as stealth mode, power lock and resistance lock are all present.
Considering the buttons themselves, they feel fantastic. Each provides a quiet but tactile click upon pressing. The plus and minus buttons flare out on the outer edges making them easy to find and press. The fire button is uniquely shaped and encourages thumb firing. The thumb can be comfortably placed on the top corner of the mod and rocked downward to depress the fire button with the underside of the knuckle. The button has a short throw and the same satisfying click as the other two buttons.
Overall, the basic operation and functionality of the Aegis Legend is a shining example of a refined mod. Successful ideas from past mods are incorporated in a streamlined and user-friendly way, while some of the missteps that many mods have taken are omitted. The menu system is familiar and functional, button layout is standard, and the screen is simple and clear yet colorful. Functionally, the Aegis Legend is flawless. Aesthetically, the mod is a gem as well.
The Aegis Legend does not shy away from boldness in terms of how it looks. The core frame is covered in a matte rubbery material, with some metal and leather giving a remarkably sporty look. Other mods have attempted the rugged look in the past, but none have come away with such an appealing design. Geek Vape offers the Aegis Legend in a multitude of colors such as black with red stitching and rusty orange with white stitching, but also more adventurous colors like camo and snakeskin. The range of configurations is vast, and finding an appealing set of colors should be no problem for any buyer.
None of the above features hinder the mod’s comfort either. For those with medium or large hands, the Aegis Legend feels like a chunk of vaping heaven when held. The matte coating in the palm and firm leather under the fingers make this mod feel uniquely rugged and reliable. There’s nothing else on the market quite like it, and it must be felt in order to really be understood. After getting accustomed to so many mods being made of aluminum and plastic, it’s refreshing to see some new materials getting involved.
Additionally, the top of the mod is wide with the 510 connection sitting dead center. Atomizers with diameters up to 25 mm will sit flush within the bounds of the rubber “armor.” Atomizers larger than that may rest atop the edge of the rubber and as such may not be able to be screwed all the way down. However, even 22 mm atomizers will look good atop the Aegis Legend.
A rubber piece next to the atomizer covers the USB port, which is used for firmware upgrades as well as charging. It’s discreet and need not be used often if the users opt for charging the batteries in a dedicated charger. The battery door at the bottom of the mod swings out lengthwise and is attached with a simple latch. Sliding the latch toward the hinge releases the door and allows the batteries to slide out. It’s basic and it works.
Taken as a whole, the Aegis Legend is absolutely amazing for anyone looking for an affordable mod in which the quality far exceeds expectations considering its price. It operates perfectly and looks like a serious piece of hardware without coming off as tacky or abrasive. Geek Vape has long been known for quality products, but the Aegis Legend brings it to a whole new level. All the features found in this mod are, once again, a testament to what years of refinement can produce.
Nothing about the Aegis Legend is unique. Sure, the materials used and the claim that it’s indestructible are rare but not unheard of. Instead, the Aegis Legend is a perfect example of how a manufacturer can draw from the successes and failures of the past to create much better mods in the present.
Believe it or not, there are still many vapers who prefer a more traditional setup: a mod with removable batteries and a 510 atomizer or tank. While pod systems have taken off over the last year or two, advancements in technology for older types of setups have plateaued. As this publication has predicted, the focus has now shifted from innovation to refinement, and the Aegis Legend is a prime example of this shift. It does all the things that any other 200 watt mod can do, but it does all those things flawlessly. It incorporates a stellar design, but that design has purpose. The mod adds that one little extra thing that sets it apart from the rest: so-called indestructibility. It’s drop-proof from a height of 2 meters, waterproof at a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes, and dust resistant and easy to clean.
The Aegis Legend can’t be recommended enough. For vapers who work dirty jobs, this mod has no equal. No other modern device is built to withstand the punishment that the Aegis Legend can take. For everyone else, the Aegis Legend is still a completely viable option. The fact that this mod can withstand some rough situations doesn’t necessarily mean that it needs to.
Vapor retailers would be wise to continue carrying products that appeal to all vapers, even those that may now fall into a niche market. At the same time, overstock of antiquated mods is not desirable. The Aegis Legend could be considered the perfect choice as a cornerstone high-power mod. It has all the standard features with familiar operation and nothing extraneous to speak of. It’s rugged and reliable, and it retails between $45 and $60 on average. The Aegis Legend is the result of the culmination of years of trial and error. “The Indestructible Beast,” indeed.

Mike Huml
February 18, 2019
A staple starter kit
The Joyetech eGo AIOBy Mike HumlJoyetech has done it again. By simplifying some trendy new features currently dominating the vapor market, Joyetech has succeeded in creating the all-around best starter kit for new users. The AIO, or “All-In-One,” incorporates a battery and a tank into a single easy-to-use device. From the fit and finish to the performance, one would be hard-pressed to find a more ideal kit for a wide range of new customers.Joyetech has taken its wildly popular Cubis tank and modified it into a hybrid device atop a 1,500mAh battery. While the idea seems like an obvious application, whether by intention or happy accident, these two pair perfectly. The Cubis is revered for being “leakproof,” and while that may be an exaggeration for the sake of marketing, it’s only slightly so. The only feasible way to make a Cubis (or the AIO, for that matter) leak is to overfill it. Due to the unique cup design of the glass tank, the only place for liquid to escape is through the top. So while the term leakproof may only be 99 percent accurate, it’s far from being false. Knowing this, the largest benefit of the AIO becomes clear. Nothing stops a new user from pursuing vaping faster than a leaky tank, and the AIO solves this problem better than any other device on the market. Leak resistance is, by a large margin, the best reason to carry this starter kit because it’s more likely to satisfy a new user with minimal growing pains. Luckily, the performance, price point and versatility of the AIO only add to its value.Out of all the starter kits designed to mimic the experience of smoking, the AIO comes the closest. While the device is compatible with any of Joyetech’s BF coils, the manufacturer recommends only using the 0.6-ohm stainless steel variety, as this one was designed specifically for the AIO. When using this coil, the user is able to use the device in a way similar to a cigarette, with sharper and faster drags that provide a warm vape with bold flavor. For the best results, the user will want to hold the firing button down until the crackle of the coil can be heard before taking a drag. This will most closely replicate the smoking sensation. However, if a customer isn’t satisfied with the experience, a store owner has a perfect opportunity to show off the value of his or her customer service by experimenting with some of the Cubis’ other BF coils in order to modify the vape to the customer’s liking. Unlike some other starter kits, the AIO outputs an unregulated 3.7 volts, which allows for more options and therefore gives the potential to appeal to more users.While the AIO does offer adjustable airflow, this feature is undoubtedly its weakest point. Airflow is adjusted by rotating the top cap of the tank, with the two indentations lining up to signify open airflow and a 90-degree offset representing tight airflow. However, there is very little difference between the two extremes. On one hand, the airy draw is a significant factor as to why the 0.6-ohm coil works so well, and why sharp mouth-to-lung drags actually produce an impressive amount of vapor without an unreasonably sharp throat hit. It also gives the user the opportunity to try lung hitting, once again providing options that appeal to a wider range of vapers. However, there is a risk of the AIO living in that no man’s land of awkward airflow where it’s just too airy for mouth-to-lung and too tight for lung-hitting. That being said, a new user with no point of reference may not even realize that this is an issue. If he or she does, it’s important that a store employee is aware of this potential problem area in order to address it, particularly if the new user isn’t able to verbalize what he or she is experiencing. For the most part, this isn’t expected to be a widespread complaint, but it’s worth noting for the simple fact that it may be the only complaint that a store owner may come across.Additionally, the AIO is childproof. Again, this is mostly marketing jargon, as nothing is truly childproof, but it is childproof in the traditional sense: The user must push down and twist the top of the tank in order to open it. So while this feature will most likely discourage a child from opening the tank and drinking the liquid, there’s still nothing to keep one from pressing the button and firing the atomizer, above and beyond the five-click on/off feature that comes standard on the majority of vaporizers. Nonetheless, the child-resistant design may be a selling point for anyone worried about children getting a hold of his or her device.Usage of the AIO is as simple as it gets. Unscrewing the child-resistant cap will allow the user to both fill the tank and replace the coil. The coil will be removed along with the top cap, and replacement is as easy as unscrewing it from the top and installing a fresh one. As with any tank, about five minutes of rest time is sufficient to ensure that the e-liquid has saturated the wick. Filling the tank involves only pouring, squirting or dripping liquid into the cup until it reaches the fill line. Depending on the color chosen for the AIO, the fill line may be a fill line proper or where the secondary color of the device sweeps up and meets the primary color. Either way, the AIO stores 2 mL of liquid, which is adequate for a starter kit. An LED illuminates the reservoir from the bottom, not only adding a personal touch to the style of the device but also making it easier to see how much liquid is in the tank. The refracting light creates a subtle glow but also a sharp line where the liquid meets the air pocket at the top of the reservoir. In addition, the color of this light can be selected (or turned off) by holding the firing button down while the device is turned off. When it lights up, press the button until the color changes and repeat until the desired color is shown. When firing, the LED will illuminate, then turn off when firing has ceased, then illuminate briefly to indicate battery life before fading out again. While not 100 percent necessary, the LED is a nice touch that goes beyond aesthetics to add some functionality.The eGo AIO will come with an additional 0.6-ohm BF replacement coil, a micro-USB charging cable, a user manual and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece features an internal spiral design that eliminates spitback without restricting airflow. The USB port is located on the side of the device, allowing it to be set down upright while charging. In addition, the AIO can be used while charging, perfect for heavier users that can’t make a 1,500mAh battery last a full day. It’s a minimalistic package that comes with exactly what is needed, nothing more or less. The only additional purchase required is e-liquid, and with the price point of the AIO being extremely reasonable, this shouldn’t be an issue for any customer.Retail prices hover around the $20 range, making the AIO one of the best starter kits to date in terms of performance, features and value. Joyetech once again pushes the envelope of eGo technology by offering its users not only color choices but coil options, a customizable LED and adjustable airflow for varying vape styles. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the AIO accomplishes this with stunning simplicity, an unbeatable price point and first-to-market features like leak resistance and child-resistant design. The Joyetech eGo AIO would be worth consideration if it were double the price. As it stands currently, picking up this kit is a no-brainer.

Mike Huml
An enthusiast vaper since 2009, Mike Huml is always trying to get his hands on the newest, shiniest mod. Huml has evaluated countless vaping devices over the years, but you’ll usually find him with a mechanical mod and RDA in-hand, surrounded by an aura of fog. His personal motto: “Happiness is a warm coil.”
November 24, 2016
Cloud capable
The new Smok TFV8 might be one of the best sub-ohm tanks on the market.
By Mike Huml
Mike Huml is product development manager at Wholesale Vaping Supply. An enthusiast vaper since 2009, he is always trying to get his hands on the newest, shiniest mod. Huml has evaluated countless vaping devices over the years, but you’ll usually find him with a mechanical mod and RDA in-hand, surrounded by an aura of fog. His personal motto: “Happiness is a warm coil.”
As with the majority of the most successful vapor products on the market, the TFV8 from Smok doesn’t try to do anything too crazy. The simplest description that can be presented is, “It’s a better TFV4.” As a buyer, one should have a fairly good idea as to what to expect and how it will sell in one’s particular market. Read on to find out what makes the TFV8 different from, similar to and better than the TFV4.
First, the similarities. Both the TFV8 and TFV4 are designed with cloud-chasers and lung hits in mind. Neither are ideal for the mouth-to-lung vaper, and there are better options out there that will result in more satisfied customers. Both tanks feature a 24.5 mm diameter that allows for larger coils, more airflow and more vapor production. As such, both tanks look better on box mods with a little extra room around the 510 connection; the Reuleaux, X Cube and H-Priv are all good options. Both tanks also feature top-filling by way of a top cap that swivels out to reveal the fill hole. Lastly, both tanks require a good amount of power to perform optimally. While one can get away with a 60- to 80-watt device, 100 watts seems to be the minimum in order for the TFV8 to really shine. Of course, if using the included RBA deck, smaller wire can be used to build custom coils that will function better at lower wattage ranges.
Moving on to the differences, the most apparent upgrade is the build quality. Overall, the TFV8 feels and looks markedly more solid than the TFV4. All the pieces of the tank fit together snugly, and the final product is straight as an arrow with no gaps or leaning. The stainless steel is also a bit smoother and more polished, which makes for an overall cleaner and bolder aesthetic compared to its predecessor.
In terms of performance, the TFV8 yet again one-ups the TFV4. The chimney, coils and airflow holes have been widened to allow for a broader range of airflow options. At maximum airflow, the TFV8 feels like a quality RDA, particularly when used with the RBA deck. In addition, this creates the nice side effect of eliminating spitback. While many other sub-ohm tanks implement some form of spitback prevention that ultimately doesn’t work, or makes spitback worse, the TFV8 doesn’t advertise any sort of spitback prevention at all. Yet, because of its widened design and large drip tip, condensed vapor never gets the chance to cling to the airflow and end up in the user’s mouth, even when pulling hard. Regardless of the coil type installed, the TFV8 offers a remarkably smooth draw devoid of any turbulence whatsoever. However, this was tested with thicker liquid. Having been designed to produce massive clouds, it’s assumed that the user will be using e-liquid with a minimum ratio of 30 PG/70 VG. The use of thinner liquids may or may not affect performance.
In addition to enhanced vapor production, flavor has also been improved compared with the TFV4. The TFV4 was notorious for having a long break-in time, but with the TFV8, it’s barely noticeable. Each coil differs slightly, but all of them are wicked with organic cotton, which has quickly become the standard wicking material for the majority of atomizers. Smok has also scaled coil options down from the far too many available for the TFV4 to four varieties for the TFV8, including the RBA head. The kit includes a quad-coil (V8-T4), an octuple-coil (V8-T8) and the RBA head, with a sextuple-coil (V8-T6) available separately. Each coil type is built in parallel for increased surface area. The T6 coil features three separate chambers with parallel coils in each, while the T8 coil is almost identical except that it boasts four separate chambers. The T6 coil has the most restricted airflow out of the bunch, and those seeking the most flavor should choose these coils when replacements are needed. However, for pure vapor production, the T4 coils are king. These heads have one enormous chamber with two separate strands of parallel wire and provide the most airflow. That’s not to say flavor is poor when using the T4 coils. In fact, all the coil options are very similar and differ in only what is emphasized. All three coil varieties have incredible flavor and airflow, yet each is slightly tweaked to offer a choice to cloud-chasers with different preferences. Of course, airflow can always be adjusted via the airflow ring, so between the coil options and adjustable airflow, an infinite number of permutations exist to satisfy every type of cloud-chaser.

TRIED AND TESTED
The RBA deck comes included with the TFV8 and is one of the best rebuildable sections available due to its Velocity-style design. While other sub-ohm tanks try to get creative with their RBA heads, this often leads to subpar performance compared to their respective pre-made coils. Smok uses a tried-and-true design that’s easy to build and performs better than any RTA. Normally, it’s recommended to use a dedicated RTA if exclusively rebuilding, while RBA sections for sub-ohm tanks generally serve as either a fun piece of hardware to tinker with or a last resort when coils are out of stock. That is not the case here. Any vape shop employee should feel comfortable in recommending the TFV8 to anyone looking for a great RTA, even if the customer isn’t interested in ever using replacement heads. The TFV8 RBA head wicks perfectly, can handle larger builds with any type of wire and has equal airflow to the T4 coils and most RDAs. In fact, it comes pre-built with dual fused Claptons with an inner diameter of 3.5 mm. That’s one of the many benefits of the 24.5 mm diameter: The RBA head is approaching the size of a proper RDA build deck. Of course, the increased capacity is a welcome feature as well.
As previously mentioned, both the TFV4 and TFV8 require a high-power device in order to be used to their full potential. Any dual-18650 should do the trick, but it is possible to use lower wattages for a cooler, lighter hit. While the coils are advertised to perform at up to 260 watts, extreme caution should be exercised if attempting this. With a dual-18650 mod, this essentially means that each battery is supplying 130 watts of power. To put this in perspective, imagine the performance, battery strain and battery life one would get while using a 0.15-ohm coil at 130 watts on a single-18650 battery mod. The results would be short-lived, at best. Make sure to use appropriate batteries, and start around 60 to 80 watts before increasing power incrementally until the preferred performance is reached. A power of 260 watts is overkill, resulting in damage to most batteries, short battery life and potentially unsafe conditions overall.
One additional improvement over the TFV4 is the top-fill swivel door. In the past, it was possible to put the TFV4 in a pocket or bag only to have the door swivel unintentionally and leak. The TFV8 reduces this possibility by increasing the tightness of the door, and it even requires the user to press down slightly when closing it. This provides some much-needed tension that keeps the door in place. For extra peace of mind, the TFV8 includes two silicone bands that can help hold the door in place more reliably, as well as help protect the glass in the event that the tank or mod is dropped or tipped over. If the glass somehow does break, the TFV8 comes included with a replacement too.
All in all, the TFV8 from Smok takes all the feedback and criticism from the TFV4 into account and ticks all the boxes in regard to what a sub-ohm tank should be. Not only is this arguably the best sub-ohm tank available, but it’s among the best RTAs as well. Any customer looking for clouds without sacrificing flavor will be pleased, if not surprised, with the TFV8. It’s simple and solid, which serves most vape hardware much better than gimmicks and excessive deviation from the norm. Think of the TFV8 as the Karate Kid of sub-ohm tanks, relying on the quality of the few things it knows well, rather than on an abundance of things it can’t, and shouldn’t, strive to perfect. Things like janky juice flow control, spitback prevention “technology,” shoddy heat dissipation, and unique and complicated rebuilding technique requirements are nowhere to be found here—because they’re not needed and not missed whatsoever. With a smaller pool of coils to choose from (with far less redundancy compared to the TFV4) and a near-perfect RBA deck, the TFV8 will no doubt find its way into the hands of many a cloud-chaser.
November 24, 2016
The summa
A reliable all-in-one box mod to rival Kanger’s Nebox
by Mike Huml
Artery Vapor is once again making the smart play by looking at the current market to determine what is popular. The Kanger Nebox took a cue from the Joyetech eGrip and improved upon it, making it larger and more suited to the enthusiast vaper, while still remaining a viable starter kit. Now, Artery Vapor looks to improve this integrated box design even further by increasing build quality, performance and versatility while correcting some of the issues that plagued the Nebox. Enter the Summa.
In a nutshell, the Summa is an integrated box mod, incorporating the “tank” into the mod itself, which results in a compact device that only requires an additional battery and e-liquid in order to function. The Summa uses proprietary ASC coils that utilize top-down airflow similar to the Cubis to eliminate leaking and airflow obstruction due to hand placement. A single 18650 cell powers the device. The cell can be charged internally or removed and charged in an external charger. Maximum output power is 70 watts, which is more than adequate to produce a hot vape with any of the ASC coils. Additionally, the Summa offers temperature control functionality with both nickel and titanium wires.
The box itself feels fantastic to hold. It’s a relatively hefty piece of hardware that radiates quality. The buttons are clicky with nice tactile feedback, without any rattling whatsoever. Both the battery and juice compartment are easy to unscrew, with no crunching or binding. Airflow originates at the top of the device so the user’s hand doesn’t get in the way. As a result, a slight breeze can be felt on the user’s mouth when inhaling, which can be jarring at first but ends up being a pleasant side effect of top-down airflow. In addition, the airflow can be adjusted to a wide degree, with the Summa being capable of both wide, open airflow for lung hits and extremely tight airflow for mouth-to-lung drags, and anything in between. The coils are replaced, again, in a similar fashion to the Cubis. By unscrewing the airflow ring past its stop point, the entire coil/chimney assembly can be removed and the coil replaced. Unscrewing the opposite end of the e-liquid reservoir allows for fast and easy filling. Four holes are set approximately 1 centimeter down, allowing the user to literally dump liquid into the chamber. At maximum capacity, the Summa holds just over 5 mL of e-liquid, which is a downgrade from the Nebox but still above average compared to most modern tanks.
How does the Summa stack up against the wildly popular Nebox? In short: It’s better in every way. One of the most common questions that a retailer will undoubtedly encounter is, “Does it leak like the Nebox?” No! It doesn’t! That fact alone will surely sell the Summa, particularly to Nebox sympathizers who have been willing to put up with the leaking in order to enjoy all its other features.
If leak resistance isn’t persuasive enough, simply holding the Summa in one hand and a Nebox in the other will serve to demonstrate the quality difference. While the Nebox feels light and fragile, almost like a toy, the Summa feels solid and durable—a device belonging to a higher echelon of vapor products for the discerning, professional vaper. Regardless of which color appeals to a customer, the overall aesthetic sets it apart from many other devices originating in China. It’s bold, slick and looks exactly like it belongs in a well-lit display case. Underneath it’s eye-catching exterior, the Summa has the performance to back it up.
What makes the Summa truly great is its versatility. Regardless of a user’s vape style, the Summa pulls it off with gusto. This is mainly due to its incredible airflow range and coil quality. Each coil uses a vertical coil design with organic cotton wick, which is no revelation in the age of sub-ohm tanks. However, the ASC coils last for much longer than Kanger’s coils and have virtually no break-in time. Provided that the user has either primed the coil or let it sit in a full tank for several minutes, the flavor is true from the first hit to the last. As for airflow, lung hitting is no problem at all. Because of the exceptionally long chimney and distance from the coil heating element, spitback is nowhere to be found. It’s a smooth draw with nothing unsavory of notice. What’s truly impressive is how well the Summa can be used to mouth-to-lung hit, especially when used with temperature control. At its most restrictive, the Summa’s airflow is reminiscent of a full-flavor or filterless cigarette. It’s extremely tight, and brings back memories of Vivi Novas and DCT tanks, in the best way possible. Out of all the modern systems that try to replicate the draw of a cigarette, the Summa not only comes closest but flat-out nails it. Any user should be able to easily pick up the Summa and vape however they prefer.
The menu system is basic, functional and concise. By pressing the plus and minus buttons simultaneously, the user can quickly access the menu and change settings such as the mode, temperature, auto shut-off time and screen orientation. This is also where one would go to update the firmware or check the current version. In an era of ever-expanding features and clunky key combinations, it’s a relief to see a menu system like the one found in the Summa. It’s straightforward and gets the job done.
In addition to correcting some of the issues inherent to the Kanger Nebox, it improves upon every other aspect as well. Build quality is top-notch, performance is stellar in terms of both vapor production and flavor, and it has the potential to appeal to each and every vaper. If there were a single word to describe what makes the Summa an excellent addition to any store shelf, it would be “versatility.”
As a starter kit, it’s extremely easy to use and performs well for those looking to replicate a cigarette-style experience or produce formidable clouds. E-liquid of any viscosity will work, and for beginning users, the 5 mL capacity should last a full day or longer. The Summa also lends itself to experimentation, allowing a new vaper the opportunity to try out multiple vaping styles. Internal charging eliminates the need for a separate charger and helps to mitigate the cost of entry. For a first-time customer looking to invest in a device that will last, this might be the best option available.
For an intermediate user, the Summa could be sold as a flat-out replacement for his or her Nebox. It’s a similar experience with a better aesthetic, improved performance and no leaking. Anyone who liked the Nebox but has grown weary of its quirks will jump on this opportunity right away. Nothing is more tempting than holding an inferior device and staring its arguably better competition in the face. Anybody who is using or has used a Nebox, or anyone using a single 18650 device for that matter, will immediately be drawn to the Summa, and getting a bite out of them may only require that you let them hold it for a moment.
The toughest customer will most likely be the enthusiast. To see a device that only uses a single 18650 with no rebuildable option might immediately be a turnoff. They’ve heard of the Nebox and they’ve passed on it. If they’re going to buy a device, they want to use what they already know they like, and not be limited to a device with no 510 connection. That being said, never forget that enthusiasts don’t own just one device. The Summa may not be their daily driver, but it could fill a need, such as a backup or travel device. Even advanced users grow tired of carrying around large mods, extra batteries and a bottle of liquid to drip everywhere they go, but they grin and bear it in order to always have the best vape experience. A retailer simply needs to show that the Summa is a great vape experience and, although it may not replace the customer’s staple setup, there is value to be found. The trick is to listen to the customer and find a way in which the Summa can fill a gap in the enthusiast’s arsenal. It may be convenience or simply aesthetic design, but the gap is there, no matter how small. Find it, and you’ve got a sale.
Artery Vapor couldn’t have produced a better sophomore introduction to its lineup. Banking on the popularity of the Nebox and improving every facet of it is a slam dunk. As such, the Summa has a definite place in the vape community, and as a store owner, it would be wise to capitalize on that. With a wide potential market, excellent performance, superior quality and a proven demand, there’s no reason why a space shouldn’t already be prepared on store shelves.
November 24, 2016
Case closed
Ballantyne Brands’ new closed system simplifies sub-ohm vaping and confidently confronts FDA vapor regulations.
By Timothy S. Donahue
Sub-ohm vaping just became affordable. Ballantyne Brands, the creator of the Mistic and Haus lines of vapor products, has launched Mistic 2.0, the first sub-ohm vaping system for the big-box and convenience store markets. Not impressed? It’s also the first closed-system sub-ohm vaporizer available in any U.S. retail market.
The innovative device uses a 1,700 mAh battery that works with a uniquely designed e-liquid “pod” that provides vapers with a new atomizer (with a coil that fires at 0.3 ohms) and 10 mL of fresh juice every time a pod is replaced. Only 4 inches tall and less than 2 inches wide, Mistic 2.0 weighs just over 4 ounces, which is relatively light for a sub-ohm-capable device.
Mistic 2.0 has been under development for more than a year. Its design was finalized in January, and the company has been working closely with its hardware manufacturer in China. Production began in early May, and Ballantyne received its first production run for retail in early July. The device is expected to be available in as many as five national retailers. “It is going to be in drug, mass and convenience stores,” says John Wiesehan Jr., CEO of Ballantyne Brands, adding that Mistic 2.0 will launch nationally in more than 20,000 different stores throughout 2016.
There were two prevailing reasons behind the creation of Mistic 2.0, according to Wiesehan. Firstly, the company wanted to make the transition from combustible cigarettes to a quality vaping experience as simple as possible. “I wanted everyone to have the same experience as if they walked into a vape shop and purchased a $100 to $200 vaporizer,” he says. Mistic 2.0 will be available as a kit on retail shelves (with battery, charger and two pods) for about $39.99, making it one of the most affordable sub-ohm-capable devices on the market. “The MSRP [manufacturer’s suggested retail price] on the pods is between $17.99 and $19.99,” he says. “If you put two pods in the kit with a battery and charger, you are essentially getting either the battery and charger for free or the two pods for free, depending on how you want to look at it.”
Retailers are excited about the latest product in the Mistic line, according to Wiesehan. Mistic 2.0, he says, is finally going to give the combustible cigarette smoker, as well as the beginner and experienced vaper, a product that provides definitive gratification. “It’s a great vape, and you don’t have to switch or clean tanks,” Wiesehan says. “You don’t have to fill a tank. There are no messy bottles and droppers—just grab your pod, pop it into the device and vape. You’ll always have a brand-new tank and atomizer providing the ultimate satisfaction.” The pod also includes a new mouthpiece for each session.
The second reason for Mistic 2.0’s development is regulation. Ballantyne believes it is exactly the type of vaporizer that can comply with the deeming U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations concerning vapor products and survive the FDA’s premarket approval process.
“We see the closed system as a great form factor for the future based on how the deeming rules have been written,” says Justin Wiesehan, vice president of regulatory affairs for Ballantyne Brands. “Mistic 2.0’s closed system offers greater control. “There is no exposed liquid, and we believe that if we can replicate the experience of an open system into a closed system, that would be a better way for the industry to move forward, based on the ease of use and simplicity of the product.”
Using a closed system would also save the manufacturer the hassle of showing the FDA how a juice behaves in different devices under varying settings. The Mistic 2.0 pod works only in the Mistic 2.0 device at a set wattage (30 watts/3.7 volts) and temperature. “It makes studies a little easier,” says Justin Wiesehan. “We will have the ability to bridge studies because every liquid performs the same in the device no matter the flavor.”
Simple sub-ohming
Sub-ohm vaping—vaping with coil resistances below 1 ohm—is often thought of as being too complicated for the average user looking to quit combustibles. This is what makes Mistic 2.0 stand out, according to John Wiesehan Jr. “When vaping with a sub-ohm atomizer, you’ll be using a bigger wick and coil. Basically you’ll be using much more battery power to spread heat over a larger surface of the cotton wicking absorbing the e-juice. This causes more vapor to be produced with each puff,” he says. “For the same reason that sub-ohming tends to produce larger clouds, it also tends to unlock much more flavor.”
Mindful of regulations, Ballantyne Brands has avoided using any kid-friendly flavor names, instead opting for simplicity with styles such as tobacco, menthol, mixed fruit, strawberry and cherry. The pods are designed so that they can’t be opened or refilled and are extremely difficult to break. They have been put through a scrutinizing quality-control process, according to Justin Wiesehan.
The company is releasing 10 flavors in total, each containing 4 mg of nicotine. The additional flavors will be coconut cream, creamy cantaloupe, java, mango and watermelon. Ballantyne Brands’ liquids are produced at two separate U.S.-based e-liquid manufacturing facilities in ISO certified labs. Liquids produced in these labs never touch human hands.
The liquid used in Mistic 2.0 pods was specially designed for the new device too. At a ratio of 80 percent vegetable glycerin to 20 percent propylene glycol, the new juices are less dense than Ballantyne’s other juice brands. This allows the liquid to move more fluidly through the coil, according to Justin Wiesehan. “It’s the same experience from the first vape of the pod until the final vape,” he says. “That was important to us; we wanted a high level of consistency. The battery, size of coil, the wattage—everything is at the perfect settings to get the best vape from the liquid in the pods.”
Mistic 2.0 has the potential to change the vaping experience for vapers who can’t afford the often high start-up costs of sub-ohm vaping. While nobody knows yet what exactly the FDA will want in a vapor device, Ballantyne Brands sees Mistic 2.0 as the best overall vaping experience for the everyday vaper. The only questions left are, will the market respond to the new device and can it compete with the higher-end vape shop products? John Wiesehan Jr. believes he already has those answers. “The Mistic 2.0 is one of the best vaporizers on the market,” he says. “Case closed.”
August 1, 2016
Familiar feel
The H-Priv from Smoktech
By Mike Huml

The H-Priv 220W from Smoktech is a dual-18650, variable-wattage series box mod with a squeezable button on the side. As a store owner, the most pertinent question that needs to be asked is: Did the X Cube II sell well in your shop?
In a nutshell, the H-Priv is a slightly smaller X Cube II that trades gimmicky LEDs for a slicker aesthetic. The board that it uses and the screen are identical to those of the X Cube II, and while the button has undergone an improvement or two, it feels very familiar. The battery door is now a slide-out component that’s objectively a huge improvement over the side-mounted magnetic door of the X Cube II. Overall, the H-Priv is similar enough to the X Cube II that any store owner should have a good idea as to how well it’s going to sell.
The fire button functions in the same exact way as on the X Cube II. It’s a firing bar located on the side, but the H-Priv has done a better job of incorporating its functionality into the design. The angular lines give a geometric aesthetic that obviously had more thought put into it compared with the X Cube.
Ergonomically, the button press is very familiar. While the button itself has been tightened up and doesn’t wobble quite as much, the feel of the button press and the feedback are identical. It’s a mushy feel with a slight bump at the actuation point. However, the button can only be pressed from the top, which adds a little comfort and reduces the chance of it being pressed accidentally. Additionally, the infamous firing delay from the X Cube remains present here, only adding to the sluggish feel of the mod. It’s a shame, because the design of the mod is akin to something of a sports car, something that should be fined-tuned for optimal performance. Unfortunately, there is a stark contrast in how the H-Priv looks and how it feels to use.
In addition to the design, the menu system has also been trimmed down in large part due to the omission of the LEDs and their accompanying settings. Three clicks of the fire bar will bring you into the main menu, of which there are four options. From here, changes can be made to the firing mode, puff counter, settings and power. The H-Priv is capable of quite a bit when it comes to its firing modes. Variable wattage is available, in addition to temperature control with nickel, titanium or stainless steel. Within those options, the user can choose among several options such as “hard,” “soft,” “normal,” etc. These settings add or subtract a certain percentage of the set wattage so that the user can fine-tune his or her experience. In reality, these settings are simply filler, as there is no difference between firing the device in “normal” mode at 85 watts and firing it in “hard” mode at 80 watts. It’s a bit redundant and adds to the clutter of the menu system unnecessarily. Going a level deeper, after selecting the option for temperature control, the user is asked to select the type of wire, then the TCR value, followed by SC or DC, which refers to single coil and dual coil, respectively. It’s admirable that Smoktech attempts to allow customization on this level, but the execution is a bit lacking compared to other mods that offer virtually the same experience with far less clutter. However, once everything is finally set, temperature control works just fine. Like with any other device short of a DNA 200, the accuracy of the temperature is something that the user needs to experiment with to get the desired experience.
On the plus side, the screen is located on the top of the device and is easy to read. Two buttons are located below the screen. They are used to adjust the power or temperature and can optionally be used to navigate the menu. The puff counter option works as it should but isn’t a feature that generally makes or breaks a sale. The menu option for settings allows the user to change several variables, such as screen contrast and orientation, how long the screen remains active after use, the time and date that is shown on the lock screen, the activation of the lock function itself, firmware upgrading, and the resistance of the atomizer. The last option may become necessary due to what appears to be a glitch in the software. Through testing of several devices, it was discovered that the H-Priv has an issue with detecting new atomizers. Like many devices, when a new atomizer outside of the preset range is attached, the user is asked to tell the device if the new atomizer is the same or different as the one stored in the device’s memory. For the H-Priv, the only option is “no.” When the user attempts to select “yes,” the H-Priv returns to the main screen, but the user is prompted with the same question with each button press, rendering the device unvapable until “no” is selected. This is not an isolated issue; it occurred with several devices. Hopefully, this is addressed in a future firmware update. For now, the user must make do with selecting “no” each time a new atomizer is attached and possibly changing the resistance manually via the menu.
Mike Huml is product development manager at Wholesale Vaping Supply. An enthusiast vaper since 2009, he is always trying to get his hands on the newest, shiniest mod. Huml has evaluated countless vaping devices over the years, but you’ll usually find him with a mechanical mod and RDA in-hand, surrounded by an aura of fog. His personal motto: “Happiness is a warm coil.”
Lastly, the H-Priv claims to be a 220-watt device, and it undoubtedly is, provided the attached atomizer has low resistance. With a maximum output voltage of 8 volts, resistances below approximately 0.3 ohms should be able to hit 220 watts. However, as with any regulated device, the wattage is split between the total numbers of batteries, meaning each battery will be effectively providing 110 watts. It shouldn’t be a huge stretch of the imagination to estimate the battery life one will achieve by using the H-Priv at 220 watts, and as such, it isn’t recommended. It’s a huge strain on the batteries, and extreme caution is advised when using the device at high power levels.
The H-Priv improves upon the popular X Cube II dramatically from an aesthetic perspective, with a great, trimmed-down look and tweaked firing bar. However, the performance isn’t as impressive. While it functions, mostly, how it should, many issues present in the X Cube have found their way into the H-Priv. The soupy firing button and relatively long firing delay can be managed but are deal breakers for many consumers. However, that didn’t deter sales of the X Cube II in many markets. Carrying the H-Priv should be a very easy decision because it shares both the strengths and weaknesses of the X Cube II. In short, in a market favorable toward the X Cube II, the H-Priv should do very well with the new design and aesthetic improvements. In a more discerning market, it may be a tough sell. In an industry with such broad diversity, every new device needs to do more than sell itself. It also needs to stand apart from the rest, and while the H-Priv may do exactly that in terms of looks, there are other options with more to offer under the hood at a similar or less expensive price point.
June 1, 2016