When you read the term “mod” relating to electronic cigarettes, you are presented with a term that refers to an advanced unit. It is a modifiable e-cig: users adjust them in various ways. There are several models to consider. Here are some points to help you get your bearings.
Mechanical Mods
The most expensive e cig mods are usually mechanical devices. A mechanical modifiable e cig is the unit in which a battery is housed; nothing else. “Mechanical” means there is no screen, no voltage variation button, and no LED light. While most e cigs are one part battery, one part tank, the battery is a separate item inserted into the mod base.
These devices are expensive for several reasons. One is durability. Numerous products are made using single pieces of steel rather than being welded together from more than one piece. Mechanical mods, not relying on electronic elements, are less prone to breakage than electronic mods. Consumers replace batteries occasionally, but the most important piece of hardware keeps working because of its simplicity.
However simple it is, mods can do something most e cigs cannot: create really low resistance. Go below the 1ohm mark even, which is impressive considering most devices operate at around 1.8ohms or more.
Many of these devices are created in limited batches, like the Empire Mod, and this serves to heighten their value. A limited edition mechanical mod can cost over $200 with no other parts.
Examples of Mechanical Mods include items from the Philippines by Vicious Ant, NZonic, and Madz Modz. They frequently work with rebuildable atomizers, each one of which is as expensive as an ordinary e cig or costlier.
The Terra Mod by Paradigm costs roughly $210. Its spec sheet shows the Terra is made from 304 stainless steel and tiger brass. The floating telepin permits you to attach more than one size of battery. Copper contacts are plated with silver. Airflow can be adjusted.
Electrical Mods
E cig mods with variable voltage and/or wattage are known as APVs. Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably, but any electronic cigarette that requires a lot of fiddling and adjusting is an advanced product and should not be used by amateurs. Don’t leap to the purchase of a mod because it looks pretty or is a status symbol; give yourself time to get used to the most basic devices first.
Usually, buttons or a dial at the bottom of the battery allow the user to adjust features like voltage or wattage. A screen shows the wattage you have achieved plus other details.
The usual ones include battery power and perhaps how many puffs you have taken. At least one product shows you the temperature of your device, which is at risk of overheating.
This is one of the dangers of using anything containing a lithium ion battery. Other dangers are short-circuiting, reverse battery issues, and exceeding voltage limitations. Most electronic mods feature some kind of battery protection against these dangers.
Examples of electronic mods come from well-known makers of e cigs such as Sigelei. That company’s 20 Watt Mod for around $80 is unique in that it senses changes in gravity. Tilting it one way or the other allows you to change settings. It is capable of 0.5ohms.
The Innokin Cool Fire grenade-shaped e cig is an example of what can be done with the mod format. Consumers willing to pay $80 receive a fancy looking unit with 7 to 12 wattage capability. A battery level indicator shows you how your power source is doing. Battery protection is built in, such as a protective fuse.
The Vamo V5 for around $55 to $60 comes with an OLED screen, variable voltage or variable wattage. When you set wattage, your Vamo V5 automatically sets voltage. The Tesla ($70), an American-designed product, is vented all over to prevent overheating. The material is aluminum alloy. A built-in chip makes this a high-tech item that will check for atomizer function. It has a 3-amp circuit and is designed for use with 18650 flat-topped batteries.
Innokin makes a number of high-tech e cigs, including the MVP 2.0. For about $65, customers actually receive a kit of parts including a tank. Set voltage from 3.5 to 5 volts and 6 to 11 watts.
The MVP 2.0 checks resistance, battery power, and puffs. It works with a 2600mAh battery. Putting that into perspective, a regular mini cig operates off of a battery less than 1/10th that power. Another Innokin product, an iTaste VTR, costs around $100. Turn a dial to adjust voltage or wattage.
JoyeTech et al
Those are all very popular names and good prices for quality items, but JoyeTech is arguably the best known name in Chinese-made e cigs, including electronic e cig mods. Their eVic for around $120 has built-in software so you can plug the unit into your computer and download data referring to your routine use of the eVic. Like the VTR, this one is controlled via a dial. Details show up on the head which has a 360º screen.
Some Issues with Mods
One problem you often experience with mods is that they are out of stock when you want them. Obviously, this is not the case for people who are on the ball enough to pick up a product when it is first released, but a lot of them are made in small enough numbers to cause stock issues.
Another problem is cloning. Numerous clones are much cheaper, but not as durable or well-equipped as the real thing.