Vapor Mods

The original Nemesis mod can be found at VaporDNA for about $230. They are almost never in stock so you’ll have to be really patient.

You can find a clone to tide you over at FastTech that works as well as the original and looks identical. Fasttech has them for $24.63.

Today we’re going to talk about one of the sleekest mechanical mods available – the Nemesis mod. I’ve had my Nemesis for about a month now and it has quickly become one of my favorite mods. The Nemesis mod is mechanical – in other words, there are no electronics involved – its basically a battery tube. But being my first mechanical mod, the Nemesis has quickly adapted me and I actually prefer mechanical mods these days for vaping.

The Nemesis is basically a pricy, but sexy looking battery tube. There are some subtleties that make it worth the money beyond just looks and we’ll look at those in this review. Also there are clones available at a much cheaper price. This is not an ethics debate, but I will give you my 2 cents on the matter so please read on.

The Nemesis Mod Design

The Nemesis mod is designed and made in Greece by Atmomixani. Its a beautiful, tube adjustable, mechanical mod featuring silver plated contact posts, extension tubes, an airflow controller for 510 air hole devices and a gorgeous laster etched inlay and serial number. The Nemesis mod accommodates 18350, 18490 (each with kick) and 18650 sized batteries.

Both contact pins are thumb adjustable so you can get everything snug and flush keeping the unit as stealth and small as possible. If you’re vaping straight from an 18350 battery, the Nemesis mod nearly disappears in your hand. It really is a beautiful work of art.

The Nemesis mod comes in a few different finish configurations – basically variations on polished and matte stainless steel as well as brass.

The two silver plated contact pins are designed for maximum power translation off of the battery. This mod hits like a champ.

The Nemesis Mod and Mechanical Vaping

If you’ve never used a mechanical device, its not difficult but you need to understand that you’re vaping right off of the raw battery power. So there’s no boosting the wattage or voltage like you can do on something like the Vamo. This simply means you’ll want to be conscious of the ohm resistance of your atomizer or cartomizer. Personally I wrap my own coils to 1.0 ohms or 1.5 ohms depending on the juice and the way I want it to hit – this works out just fine for me. Some people like to use mechanical mods to sub ohm vape at much lower resistance.

If you do want more wattage or control over the power, the Nemesis mod does have room for a kick or kick 2 device. This is a little computer circuit that costs about $45 that you can set the voltage on if you want a boost. I use a kick once in a while – it fits right inside the smaller of the extension rings and works wonders with the Nemesis.

The Nemesis Mod VS Clones

The original Nemesis mod can be found at VaporDNA for about $230. They are almost never in stock so you’ll have to be really patient.

You can find a clone to tide you over at FastTech that works as well as the original and looks identical. Fasttech has them for $24.63.

So like just about everything else in the world, several companies in China are selling 1:1 spot on clones of the Nemesis. Some people feel this to be pretty controversial because they are also selling them at a fraction of the cost of the original. While this is questionable business practice I personally don’t have a problem with clones. An original Nemesis is practically impossible to find because of the limited production runs so if you want one, you’re best bet is to get a clone. If you have an ethical problem with this, then you could always buy the real thing when they come back in stock – if ever. High end mechanical mods are designed and priced as boutique collectors items. I own some, but I also own clones.

The sad truth is that the Nemesis clone that I’ve got actually hits a little stronger than the original. Not enough to be really noticeable, but that is the one feature that makes or breaks mechanical mods. Some don’t transfer the power well and the vaping experience is less than.

You are welcome to have your own ethical stance on this matter. My whole point is that you’ll find the clones easily and for this review’s sake – the quality is dead on and actually better in the power area.

Vaping the Nemesis Mod

I mentioned earlier that this was my first leap into mechanical mods. I found it was a lot less confusing than I initially thought and I actually only use mechanical mods now – mainly my Nemesis.

I’d recommend a decent tank or dripper if you’re interested. And if you think you need it you can get a Kick 2. Either way this makes a really decent rig. I personally only use mine with a Kayfun Lite during the day and a Trident RDA for dripping in the evening while working or watching TV.

The Nemesis is probably the most beautiful mechanical mod available today. With either the original or the clone – you will not be disappointed.

Where can I find the Nemesis Mod?

The original Nemesis mod can be found at VaporDNA for about $230. They are almost never in stock so you’ll have to be really patient.

You can find a clone to tide you over at FastTech that works as well as the original and looks identical. Fasttech has them for $24.63.

On Sale

Available for
» $99.99 at VaporAlley
» $94.99 at Madvapes
» $99.99 at VaporDNA

About the Innokin iTaste VTR

The Innokin iTaste VTR is a steampunk/zippo lighter looking device that’s the big brother of the iTaste MVP. But the iTaste VTR offers much more. Its a variable voltage/variable wattage mod that’s similar to the iTaste MVP, but with a removable 18650 battery. It comes in both stainless steel and army green offering two different looks.

But the magic happens when you realize that this mod is capable of sub-ohm vaping. That’s right – this is the ultimate travel mod for sub-ohm lovers. It claims to support sub-ohm vaping down to .7, but I’ve seen reports of people vaping at .5

This is a big deal as most VV/VW regulated mods don’t fire below 1.3 (in many cases higher than that). So the options for vaping can be limited on these devices. Not any more! The VTR brings it!

Personally when I travel, I don’t have the time or patience to fiddle around with mechanical mods. Leaky tanks, fiddly bodies etc are too much to deal with when busy. Up until now I though the ultimate travel mod was the iTaste MVP – not any more. Get an iTaste VTR and join the club – you’ll love this mod!

Where can I find the iTaste VTR?

Available for $99.99 at VaporAlley or $94.99 at Madvapes

Operating Voltage: 3.0V-6.0V
Release Date: 2013-09-25

The iTaste VTR is a solid variable wattage and voltage vaping device with a detailed finish. It features a rotational wheel and a protective casing to hold the tank inside. The voltage and wattage can be adjusted with the rotational wheel; the screen displays voltage or wattage and offers intuitive control over the settings leading to accurate performance.

iTaste VTR specs

Variable Voltage: 3.0 – 6.0 volts
Variable Wattage: 3.0 – 15.0 W
Short Circuit Protection;
RMS (root mean square);
Reverse Battery Protection Circuit;
Resistive Load Detection (Ohms meter);
ON/OFF battery switch;
LED Battery Power Display;
Low Voltage Warning;
Overtime Vaping Warning (10 second switch cutoff);
Battery safety protection (Vent holes);
High compatibility 510/eGo connector:
Built-in 3 digit display (Ohms meter, Volts /Watts, Atomizer voltage output)
Replaceable Battery: iTaste VTR supports 18650 batteries (unprotected)

Where can I get the iTaste VTR

Available for $99.99 at VaporAlley or $94.99 at Madvapes

As you can see by looking through this website, vaping has literally changed my life. One of the main reasons I do this site is to hopefully help someone else do the same and kick the habit of smoking analogs. One of the most commonly asked questions I get from people is “What is the best electronic cigarette starter kit” – I understand why this is asked because there is a TON of options out there.

What Constitutes the Best Electronic Cigarette?

The biggest factor you want to consider when deciding on what to buy is convenience. Especially if you are just starting to quit. Its tempting to go back to smoking, but if you have decent gear, you’ll succeed in switching to vaping. So remember you have to keep everything convenient and easy. For me this means:

1. Having Decent Gear
2. Having 1 extra battery at all times
3. Keep extra coils – they go out and taste bad in 1-2 weeks and
4. A few flavors to choose from

If you can follow that criteria, you’ll never be in a situation where you’ll be tempted to smoke regular analog cigarettes again.

The Best E-Cig Starter Kits

I would easily recommend any of the following. Lets take a look at each kit and see what it has to offer.

JoyeTech 1000mAh Upgraded Kit

This is an excellent kit – it sells for about $39.99 – the thing to be careful with here is that it only comes with 1 battery and 1 tank. This means one flavor and no backups. But not to fear – these are inexpensive. I would suggest getting this kit with one extra battery and one extra tank and you’ll have the variety and backups you need. The Kanger tanks are easy to get coils for and they perform really well. The highlight here is that the battery is 1000mAh. mAh, or milliampere-hour is the duration you get out of the battery. 1000mAh easily lasts me all day. Get a back up so one is always charged and you’ll just switch the battery out every day or so. This kit also comes with a charger, case and lanyard. Keep it all in the case and you’ll be set!

Kanger Evod Full Kit

Very similar to the kit above, but this has everything you need – including extra coils for $49.99. The difference here is that the batteries are 650mAh – this will get you almost a full day – at least an 8 hour work day so remember to always be charging the one you’re not using. This is a really quality starter kit – I’d probably start with this one if I were just getting into vaping. Its also got the charger and case you you’ll have everything with you at all times.

Vision Crystal Kit

A good buy as well, but probably my least favorite of the above. It is the least expensive however at only $34.99 The batteries are only rated at 400mAh which you will need to be changing out during the day. If you always have one charged this is not a big deal. Personally I think the other 2 options are a little better, but these do come in various colors if that matters to you. Still a solid kit if you can keep things charged. At this price though, you could even consider getting 2 kits!

One other slightly less conventional suggestion

If the idea of a box mod doesn’t put you off, you might even think about getting an iTaste MVP 2.0 – its a little more expensive at $64.99 but it is an extremely solid piece of gear. The internal battery is about 2600mAh which for me lasts almost 3 days. You could get a second one for a backup, but I just keep the cable with me so I can charge it at night or on my laptop USB. This is sold as a kit with 2 iClear 16 tanks which perform nicely. Its also Variable Voltage and Variable Wattage so you can dial in the performance and flavor that you really want. Now it is a box mod so this style might not be for everyone, but I really love this mod – especially when traveling. I can charge my iPhone on the USB output as well!

Don’t Forget Juice

If this is your first time buying an electronic cigarette, you’ll want to try a few juices and discover what you like. I’d recommend Mt Baker because they’re the most affordable. Get a 50-50 mix of VG/PG if you don’t know what that means. You can adjust later. For nicotine levels – it depends on how much you smoke.

2 packs a day – go with 24mg
1 pack a day – go with 18mg

I’d also recommend getting several different flavors to try – make sure they are different. Try a mint, a fruit and a tobacco. My personal favorites from Mt Baker are Thug Juice and Hawk Sauce – both berry/mint combos!

That’s it! Remember – convenience is key. You can do this!

Available from VaporAlley – $56.99 and from VaporDNA – $47.99

Vamo V5 – Overview

The Vamo V5 is a reasonably priced VV/VW APV. Its generally held in high regarded by vapers for its ease of use and performance. I recently got my Vamo V5 in the mail and after about 2 months of use, I’m happy to report that its a keeper. Its got some great qualities and features that make it one of the best, most hassle-free APV’s on the market. Sure there are a few gripes that I have with the unit, but for the most part I love it. Lets look at the Vamo V5 a little more in-depth.

What is the Vamo V5?

So what’s new compared to previous versions? The Vamo V5 uses the body style of the Vamo 2 which is cool. The Vamo 3 introduced some great electronics and a new OLED screen, but the body was weird with these stripped swirly lines. For whatever reason we skipped a Version 4 and went straight to the Vamo V5. So essentially V5 is a Vamo 2 body with Vamo 3 electronics. There is also a removable top that makes it easy to get ego mods on and off.

The Good

The Vamo V5 is extremely well built and feels solid in the hand. Its not telescoping, per-se, but it does have a small extension tube that lest you switch between using an 18650 battery and an 18350. Its easy – want the longer battery? Just screw on the extension tube and your Vamo V5 is in 18650 mode.

The control layout is honestly the best of any of these Chinese made APV’s. It features a horizontal screen so its always easy to read. There are 3 buttons – the main firing button and 2 smaller buttons for various functions.

While vaping these 2 smaller buttons turn the voltage up or down or the wattage up or down depending on how you have the power set up on your Vamo V5. I love this – no menu scrolling. Want to know how much battery is left? Hold down the left button for a few seconds and you’ll see the remaining battery power on the screen. Want to check the ohms? Hold down the right button for a few seconds and the resistance readout is on the screen. This really is the easiest APV to use and the main reason I love the Vamo V5.

To get into the system options, hold both buttons down for a little while – this puts you into the menu system. The left button becomes the “scrolling” button while the right sets the options for what you have selected. Its a little werid, but you get used to it really fast.

Also worth noting that you can change the power setting from Mean to RMS. Hold the left button down for a LONG time – 10 seconds or so. What it reads is what its set to. Again – weird, but if you want RMS, hold it down. If it says Mean – you just set the Vamo V5 to Mean so do it again to see it read RMS. Its a little weird, but again – you’ll get used to it.

So that sums up why I love this mod – easy operation, the 3 button layout is fantastic and the unit feels good in the hand. The power output is nice and it performs really well – particularly if you like standard resistance cartomizers or coils. If you’re vaping at 3.0 you’ll need power that lots of mods won’t give you – the Vamo V5 delivers. The Vamo V5 power output uses pulse width modulation which I have no problem with. It vapes beautifully.

The Bad

Okay so the Vamo V5 is not without flaws. First off is the length of the unit. Its too long in 18650 mode. It feels like a skinny lightsaber so stealth it is not. The Vamo V5 in 18350 mode is fine, but even this should be shorter. There is a lot of wasted space where the electronics and screen are. Not the end of the world – I got over it. But trust me you’ll want smaller batteries – carry a few spares around and you’ll be fine.

The second complaint is the 510 connection. Its weak. This is a classic problem with Vamo’s in general. Some are better than others. The solution is this – either be very careful when connecting your tanks or you can do what I did. I got a 510 “airflow controller” to act as a buffer. The airflow controller is basically 2 washers that control airflow to the 510 if that’s where your air holes are. I don’t use it for this – I just pop that on and it holds the Vamo 510 connection more snug. This will solve the problem. I know its a pain, but its a $1 fix. For me it was worth it because I like this unit so much better than my other mods.

Overall

If you don’t have a Vamo – get this. VaporAlley has them for $56.99 and from VaporDNA for $47.99. I recommend the brushed stainless steel. The Gun Metal finish is cool, but it comes off too easily. I like a beaten up look, but not everyone does. The brushed stainless will stay clean and look great.

If you already have a Vamo V2 or V3 – this mod gives you the same performance with the only enhancement being the screen. It is beautiful so if you want aesthetics get it – its cheap. But there’s no major performance difference.

Available from VaporAlley – $56.99 and from VaporDNA – $47.99

Vamo V5 Specs

Variable voltage 3.0 – 6.0V (.1 increments)
Variable wattage 3 – 15W (.5W increments)
Voltage operation selection (RMS or Mean)*
Multiple battery options (single 18650, dual 18350, single 18350)
Atomizer resistance display
Battery voltage display
eGo/510 threading (recessed)
Chrome over copper construction
Chrome over copper button
Blue OLED readout
Over/under current protection
Low resistance protection
Approximately 5 3/8″ Long and 7/8″ diameter. (Complete unit)

Available from VaporAlley – $56.99 and from VaporDNA – $47.99