VGOD Pro Mod



Mechanical tube mods are still quite popular, and provide a much different vape experience in comparison to regulated devices. The feeling alone of holding a tube mod in comparison to a box mod is just different as well, and will certainly bring some vapers back to a time when high powered regulated box mods didn’t exist.
VGOD has released their newest hybrid mechanical tube mod, providing an affordable device, but still offering solid performance. Firstly, I do want o thank Heaven Gifts for sending the VGOD Pro Mech Mod my way for the purposes of this review. I will go over my first impressions, using the device, its overall performance, cons, and conclude with whether or not I recommend it!

Out of the Box

When I first received this product, I noticed the packaging immediately. It does come in a relatively large box that goes over some details about the product itself. However, what came inside of the packaging is what really surprised me. Inside of this packaging, you do receive a case, which is where the VGOD Pro Mech Mod is located.
The included case is a really nice bonus, because you can store anything in there really such as e-liquid, RDAs, RTAs, even a smaller box mod can fit with no issues. It does have straps inside, so whatever you do store will be secure. Also, there is a pocket with a net as well, where you can store batteries, cotton or any other accessories. The front of the case does say VGOD, which is another nice touch, and definitely appreciated.
Honestly, the overall presentation of the VGOD Pro Mech Mod as superb. It may be something small to look at, but I always appreciate a product that has a great presentation, as it will only provide the user with a great first impression.
When first seeing the mechanical tube mod, I noticed the deep VGOD engraving. This device is constructed of billet copper, which is what you see within the engravings. However, this tube mod has a matte black coating, so you won’t get any copper smell on your hands, which is a huge pro for me!
The VGOD Pro Mech Mod is a bit shorter that some of my other mechanical tube mods, which was nice and makes it comfortable to hold. Honestly, its size is near perfect for me.
Also, I did notice the solid quality of it as well. All of the threading was smooth, and it came very clean. I didn’t notice any machine oil anywhere, and the feel of the matte coating is also very nice. However, this is subjective, and some may prefer the feel of copper over a matte black coating. It does have a texture to it, but it is comfortable to me.
Something else I noticed right away was the carbon fiber on the button. It does have a nice texture to it, and does feel like actual carbon fiber. Some vapers may not like the feel of it, but I actually liked it. Also, the button is recessed, so you can sit it on a table without worrying about it auto-firing.

In addition, this tube mod does have vent holes throughout the body of the mod. This is definitely a huge pro, as it adds a ton of safety for the user. Typically, tube mods have vent holes towards the bottom, in the button itself, or just towards the top, so seeing multiple vent holes is just a huge plus.
The overall diameter of the VGOD Pro Mech Mod is 24mm, so all of your 24mm atomizers will sit flush. However, your 22mm atomizers won’t look as good, so some vapers may see this as a con. However, many atomizers that are being released are typically 24mm, so it’s not a huge con by any means.
Included with the VGOD Pro Mech Mod, you do receive an additional gold plated spring. This is definitely a pro! Some vapers may prefer a button with magnets, but I personally do not mind a spring.
I do want to mention that this tube mod does have a hybrid connection, which means the 510 of your atomizer and the positive side of your battery will come into direct contact; therefore you must use atomizers with protruding 510 pins only! If you do not, then you will hard short your battery, which is something you want to avoid at all costs. So, please if you are using any hybrid mechanical mods or interested in one, be aware of this.
Also, since there are no safety features, it is recommended that you understand ohms law and battery safety before using a device like this. Do not use any batteries with torn wraps either, as this can cause issues as well. In addition, always stay within your battery limits.
All in all, my first impressions of the VGOD Pro Mech Mod were all good! The overall quality of this tube mod was great, especially considering its price, and the inclusion of the case was certainly a pro in my opinion. In the next section, I will go over my experiences using the device!

Using the VGOD Pro Mech Mod

Like stated previously, the VGOD Pro Mech Mod is a bit shorter than some of the other mechanical tube mods I currently own, especially 24mm tube mods. This made it comfortable to use and hold over time, and it just felt right every time I grabbed it and took a vape.
Also, the matte black coating was very comfortable and it gave the mod a nice feel. Like said before, some vapers may not like it and will prefer no type of coating, but for me since it covered the copper it was a huge pro. I personally dislike the smell of copper on my hand, so I welcomed the matte coating. In addition, over time I didn’t notice any chipping or peeling, so the coating has held up fine with use. Of course this can change in the future, and I will update if I notice the coating wearing off.
You can definitely feel the quality of this mod when you holid it as well. The quality is definitely well above average, especially considering its price.
The button has a nice throw as well, and not too stiff either. You can’t really fire it with your pinky finger, but with your other fingers it doesn’t take much effort to fire it. Also, the throw is very smooth.


The carbon fiber button is definitely a nice touch, and gives it its own unique touch. I can definitely see some people not liking the texture, but I personally liked it. This also doesn’t show any wear either, which is a great.
The VGOD Pro Mech Mod does feature a self adjusting gold plated battery contact, so you never have to adjust for battery rattle. In addition, I never experienced any battery rattle with any of the atomizers I attached to this device, which is a huge pro.
I do want to mention, I didn’t really notice any patina in the VGOD engraving. I do think after some time the patina will start to show, but it hasn’t really started to patina yet, which is a good thing.
Overall, using the VGOD Pro Mech Mod has been a pleasure. It is comfortable to hold, and best of all there’s no copper smell on your hands! In addition, the button texture adds a nice touch, and the self adjusting gold plated battery contact is definitely a huge pro, as it makes battery rattle non-existent without you having to do any adjusting! In the next section, I will go over the performance!

Performance of the VGOD Pro Mech Mod

The most important question with any mechanical tube mod is how does it perform? Well, I can easily say that the VGOD Pro Mech Mod performs extremely well! Honestly, this tube mod hits just as hard as mods that cost $100 more.
My preferred builds for mechanical tube mods is either a dual fused Clapton with a resistance of 0.16 ohm or a simple 22GA Kanthal dual coil build with a resistance of 0.15 ohm. With either of these 2 builds, I get a nice satisfying vape experience with any atomizer I attach to this mod.
Since the VGOD Pro Mech Mod is constructed of Billet copper, you can expect its performance to be good. Also, I do want to mention that I did not experience any misfires, and every time I hit the fire button, it fired with no issues. It is important to note that with mechanical mods, its performance will be determined by the build you put in your atomizer. Also, lower resistance builds generally perform better with these types of devices, since the wattage output is determined by the resistance of your coil build.
Also, with a hybrid connection, you can expect minimal voltage drop as well. Like stated previously with any hybrid connection, only use atomizers with protruding 510 pins! I cannot stress the importance of this.
Even though it does have a spring rather than magnets, the throw still still silky smooth, and I never had any issues in regards to the performance of the button. Also, I didn’t notice any severe voltage drop, and like said before it was definitely on par with some of my other more expensive tube mods.
All in all, the VGOD Pro Mech Mod was an excellent performer! Even though it performs well, there are still some cons to be mentioned, which is the next section.

Cons

All of the cons listed here are subjective, as I did not find any major cons to be mentioned. The first cont to be mentioned is that this device utilizes a hybrid connection. Some vapers prefer to have a floating 510 pin rather than a hybrid top cap, so it’s worth mentioning.
Another subjective con is the texture of the button. Even though I found it comfortable, I do think some vapers may not like the texture. It is carbon fiber, which gives it a unique look, but it does carry that texture with it. Not a huge con if it is to be considered one, but still worth mentioning.


Also, a subjective con is that this device is 24mm in diameter, which means that you’re 22mm atomizers won’t look the greatest. Also, 25mm atomizers won’t sit flush and will overhang.
In addition, a subjective con is the texture of the matte black coating. It does have a texture to it, which I find comfortable, but some vapers may not like the feel of it. Also, some vapers prefer the natural feel of raw copper, so vapers who tend to like those mods will probably not be a fan of the matte black coating.
The last subjective con is that the button utilizes a spring rather than magnets. I know some vapers who just simply prefer a button with magnets, so this is definitely worth mentioning.
Overall, there aren’t too many cons to this tube mod, if any really, which leads to the next section, the conclusion!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the VGOD Pro Mech Mod is a solid performing hybrid mechanical tube mod. With the inclusion of the VGOD case, and extra spring, it makes it that much better.
With its billet copper construction and the hybrid connection, it was only bound to vape well. The VGOD engraving is stunning, and the self adjusting gold plated battery contact makes it so that you don’t ever have to adjust for battery rattle yourself. Not to mention, I never experienced any battery rattle whatsoever with this mod.
Also, with its compact form factor, and design cues, it makes it comfortable to hold and use all day long. The button throw, for me, is perfect and it’s silky smooth. In addition, I never experienced any misfires, which is definitely a huge pro.
Most of the cons to this tube mod are subjective, and I honestly couldn’t find any real cons to it. For the price, and what you receive, it’s just a great value overall.
All in all, the VGOD Pro Mech Mod is a great mechanical tube mod. It offers a ton of value for a price much less than its competition. I can easily recommend this tube mod for the experienced user who’s looking for a new hybrid mechanical tube mod! However, I do not recommend this device to beginners since it does utilize a hybrid connection.
I hope this review helps you in picking the right device that fits your vaping needs! Feel free to leave any questions or comments below! Thanks for reading!
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Tesla Invader III 240W Box Mod



I’m a big fan of powerful box mods to use with my RDAs and my SMOK TFV4 tank, but this is my first time testing a device that goes over the 200W limit. Meet the Tesla Invader III, a solid and incredibly well built powerhouse that can deliver a maximum of 240W and put a smile on any cloud chaser’s face.
It comes packed in a black and red cardboard box and inside you will find only the device, a quality control certification and a user’s manual. It’s a very sturdy box mod made from top quality Zinc alloy and it’s powered by two 18650 high drain batteries connected in series. You have three color options to choose from – blue, black, and stainless steel – and it’s incredibly cheap if we consider the below $50 price tag.

I was very surprised with the quality of the Tesla Invader III, especially given the low price tag. To be honest I expected something average but this product is clearly premium. The materials used are top quality and the finish is exceptional. It feels sturdy, almost indestructible and the paintjob is UV craft to give it a scratch resistant, glossy coating. It measures roughly 90x50x23mm and despite its weight (200g) it’s a pleasure to hold and use.
On the top side of the Tesla Invader III we have a perfectly machined 510 connector with a floating center pin (made from silver plated brass) and an LED notification light positioned at an angle. It doesn’t have any LCD or OLED display nor does it come with up & down adjustment buttons. It’s a very simple design that’s a bit similar to the one on the Hex Ohm. We have the round firing button located on the main side and a potentiometer for adjusting the voltage as well as venting holes for the batteries on the base.
The battery door is held in place by two massive magnets and they do such a great job that you won’t have any rattle with this mod. Everything fits in perfectly and, as I mentioned before, it feels very sturdy and premium. It’s powered by two high drain 18650 batteries (connected in series) and make sure you get something with at least 30A. My recommendation would be to buy similar batteries (same brand and company) and to ‘merry’ them to the device (always charge and discharge them simultaneously).
And while there are clear indicators on the inside of the battery compartment on how to position the cells, the mod also comes with a variety of safety features which include reverse battery protection, overcurrent, low voltage protection, short circuit protection, temperature protection and 10s cut-off interval.

The Tesla Invader III is clearly the kind of mod best suited to be used with all of the different types of pre-built wires we have today (Clapton, Twisted, Hive, Tiger, and Quad Twisted) as it can fire as low as 0.1 Ohms. With the voltage adjustment potentiometer you can choose how much power the box delivers and it goes from a minimum of 3.6V to a maximum of 6.6V. Depending on the type of RDA you use, it can top a maximum wattage of 240W and it has a maximum current limit of 45A. You can even exceed the 240W when using even more powerful batteries (35A models for instance), though I wouldn’t recommend it.
The LED notification light will blink each time you turn the device on or off (5 clicks) or each time there’s an error with the atomizer or the batteries. The voltage adjustment potentiometer has five intervals (I – V) but there are no indicators about the actual values, just a diagram. You can twist the knob with a flat head screwdriver and it increases or decreases the power accordingly.
In terms of performance, this mod is an absolute beast and I do recommend pairing it with an RDA or a high power tank for the most incredible clouds you’ve ever witnessed. However you can also use it with any tank or RTA and know there’s some extra power always available if you ever decide to buy a new atomizer. The build quality is exceptional, the functionality is simple and flawless and everything about this mod is top notch. However, as a side note, you will also need an external charger (besides the batteries) with the Tesla Invader III because there’s no micro-USB cable or charging port.
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Kangertech K-Box 40w



KangerTech is well-known for its range of easy-to-use eGo-style vaporizers and high-quality atomizer series such as the ProTank, AeroTank and SubTank. With the global vaping community moving towards small but powerful box mods, Kanger was expected to soon join the trend.
There are seven available wattage output settings – 8, 13, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 watts – which the user can select with the simple touch of a button. Each output increase is indicated by an LED light.
The KBOX is housed in an aluminum chassis so you get a heavy-duty vaping device that is lightweight and easy to grip. This box mod works with any 18650 type battery but KangerTech recommends cells that operate at 20A or more to achieve best results.
The KBOX has all the safety features you would expect from a top-of-the-line box mod, including short circuit, over-current, and reverse battery protection. Power output will be cut off automatically if you press the firing button for more than 10 seconds to prevent damage to your atomizer.

A set of bright LED lights indicates remaining battery power. The KBOX also has a heat dissipation hole and interchangeable battery socket. With a 510 connection, this box mod from KangerTech can work with most atomizers available on the market.
The KangerTech KBOX is designed for vapers who are new to mods. Any beginner can enjoy all the advantages of a variable wattage box mod without spending too much.
Features:
  • Replaceable battery
  • Battery level indicator
  • 7 wattage settings (8W, 13W, 20W, 25W, 30W, 35W and 40W)
  • Fires sub-ohm atomizers as low as 0.4 ohm
  • Lightweight and durable
  • 510 connection
Safety:
  • Short circuit protection (in case the connector output or coil has a short, the power indicator light will flash 3 times and disable any output)
  • Low resistance protection (for coils with less than 0.4 ohm, it will disable output with power indicator light flash 3 times)
  • 10-second cutoff (if the power button is held longer than 10 seconds, power indicator light will flash 3 times and output will be disabled automatically)
  • Overcurrent protection
  • Reverse battery protection

How To Use Your KangerTech KBOX Mod


To turn the battery on/off, press the power button 5 times within 3 seconds.
To change the current output wattage, keep pressing the wattage switch button until you reach the desired wattage. After the wattage setting passes the 40W mark, it will reset back to 8W.
The battery level indicator will flash 15 times when the cell needs recharging.
Note: Battery is not included in this kit. The user must purchase a suitable 18650 battery with output of 20A or above.
Warning:
  • Do not charge the cell outdoors.
  • Keep the KBOX and battery away from water.
  • Do not use the KBOX for any other purpose than vaping.
  • Choose suitable wattage settings to prevent any damage to the coils.
  • Keep away from children and pets.
  • Do not try to disassemble the KBOX.
  • Do not dispose batteries in fire.
  • Do not use batteries in extreme temperatures.
Specifications:
  • Battery: 18650 (discharge >20A)
  • Wattage output: 8-40W
  • Height: 89mm
  • Length: 40mm
  • Width: min 20mm, max 25mm
Package Contents:
1 x KangerTech KBOX mod
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Eleaf iStick Pico 75W TC Starter Kit



The iStick Pico, just like its name, is preferable, innovative, compact and outstanding (PICO). Powered by single interchangeable 18650 cell, it provides you with 75W maximum output and switchable VW/Bypass/TC-Ni/TC-Ti/TC-SS/TRC modes, With top e-liquid filling design, hidden airflow control and detachable structure, the new MELO 3 Mini is the best match for the iStick Pico.


Price


The Pico/Melo MSRP on the Eleaf site is $65.99, with some vendors asking as much as $70 during the initial roll-out. Online prices for Eleaf iStick products are typically discounted. I expect to see the Kit for $40-50 before too long.

Thoughts



Having just finished my review of the large and heavy Beyond Vape Wismec Centurion mod, we now waltz across the dance floor to the other side of the hall to review the diminutive and light iStick Pico mod that’s bundled with a Melo 3 Mini sub ohm clearomizer. Where everything about the Centurion felt substantial and heavy-duty, Jay Bo Designs took the opposite tack with the Pico. I wouldn’t say that the Pico feels insubstantial, since it offers all the features of a normal 75W temp control single-18650 regulated mod, but it crams those features and performance into a micro-package that’s half the size and weight of the Centurion.
Despite their differences in heft and bulk, I’d wager a guess that the two mods employ the same internal chip. The display screens are identical, as are the button-press sequences to adjust the various functions of wattage, temperature limit, and three customizable TCR values (Temperature Coefficient Resistance, called M1, M2, and M3 on both chips). Even reversing the display screen from left to right is accomplished the same way, by turning off the mod, then holding down the + and – buttons simultaneously. The chip has upgradeable firmware via the micro USB port, and a USB cable is included.
The idea of using one chip for many devices (with the only difference being the firmware’s programmed wattage output) makes sense, since Eleaf, Beyond Vape, and Wismec are all sub-companies within the JoyeTech conglomerate family. I guess that makes the Centurion and Pico relatives, like Big Cousin and Little Cousin.
To fit everything into a tiny package, Jay Bo had to use a top-mounted battery cap that functions as an extender, allowing the case to be shorter than the 18650. Also, the + and – buttons are located on the bottom of the mod, since there’s no room for them next to the display and firing button. Are these compromises? Sure, but they’re necessary to achieve the goal of a full-featured 75-watt TC mod in a tiny case that’s effectively a stealth unit.

Melo 3 Mini Sub-Ohm Tank



The Melo 3 is a standard 22mm diameter tank, but the 2ml eliquid capacity allows it to be shorter in length, only 38mm tall from the base to the cap, and a mere 50mm including the metal drip tip. Like its bigger brothers in the Melo line, however, it uses a full-sized factory coil head. Two heads are included in the Kit, both vertical Kanthal coils, in 0.3 ohm and 0.5 ohm resistances. Melo heads are cross-compatible with the Aspire Atlantis-style heads used by numerous popular sub-ohm tanks.

Temp Control — One Chip, Many Mods




Temp control is state of the art for a mid-priced chip (as I speculated above, this is apparently the same proprietary chip Joyetech uses in the Centurion, Stout, and RX200), with adjustable temperature and wattage, fixed settings for nickel, titanium, or stainless steel wire, plus three user-programmable custom TCR settings. No, temperature limiting on the Pico chip isn’t as complex or sophisticated as on the high-end Evolv or Yihi chips, but it’s user-friendly and accurate enough for all but the most demanding temp control vapers.

Performance


Here’s where the story gets interesting. Although the pairing of the teensy-weensie Pico with the Melo 3 Mini makes for an amazingly tiny vaping setup, there’s nothing small at all about the vaping experience. This tiny setup provides as full a vape as one could want from the mid-power regulated mod with a sub-ohm clearo tank. It might be a tad shy of the experience provided by a high-end RDA on a 26650 mech mod, but it’s darn close.
Using the 0.3 ohm head, the Melo 3 Mini yielded a completely satisfying vape, with full flavor and good vapor production, at 65 watts. The Pico cranked out that amount of power easily, without so much as breaking a sweat. Chain-vaping at 65 watts, the Melo tanks gets warm to the touch, but not hot, and the Pico mod remains cool as a cucumber.
As with the Centurion, the display on the Pico is only average size, and the smaller numbers are tiny, but the white-on-black LCD screen is bright and clear.
All the expected protections are built into the chip: 10-second cut-off, low resistance, atomizer short, reverse battery, and overheating shutdown. The lower limit of one watt output implies that the chip can buck as well as boost.
Battery life with the a single 18650 (not included) is about what one would expect. Depending on the wattage used, vape time between tank refills and battery swaps could be fairly short, especially so if you vape near the higher end of the Pico’s 75-watt power output. That’s not really a con, however, since the whole point of the Pico Starter Kit is to squeeze as much performance as possible from a tiny package.
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Joyetech eVic VT 60w Box Mod

The Joyetech EVic VT is a 60w box mod that supports titanium and nickel coils allowing you vape with temperature control, along with variable voltage mode that most are used to with smaller vaping devices. These features help make this box mod extremely versatile and helping itself stay atop of many lists because of it.

Joyetech is one of the leading ecig manufacturers and they have one of the largest laboratories in the world. They have surpassed many fly-by-night companies by dedicating their focusing on thorough testing and concentrating on minuscule details. Since 2007, they are responsible for some of the most highest quality, and reliable devices to date.
The Joyetech EVic VT is a 60w box mod that supports titanium and nickel coils allowing you to vape with temperature control, along with variable voltage mode that most are used to with smaller vaping devices. These features help make this box mod extremely versatile and helping itself stay atop of many lists because of it.

Even though at first glance this box mod has the typical box look to it that’s where the comparisons pretty much stop. Starting at the top you will notice there is a toggle switch – this is used instead of buttons to switch settings and adjust the power. Love it, it’s easy to use and the response is just as fast as the standard button system you see on most mods. A big plus with the toggle being up top, you simply don’t bump it accidently as its completely out of the way.
The vapor output is solid on the basic wattage mode and vaping with the temp control, even at 600 degrees the temperature protection kicked in immediately and was very impressive. We definitely got a feel of a very well crafted device and it does what its supposed to consistently, thus practically making a dry-hit impossible.
As far the aesthetics go, the black and red color scheme looked very sharp and the lacquer paint job really helps it pop. This kit comes with a  white rubber cover, which is very helpful in getting a better grip on the device for those with butterfingers. Solid feel in your hand, not too big even with a tank, and the weight of the device is appropriate with a mod of this size.
The 5000mAh battery carried my through the day and deep into the night in temperature mode. Recharging was a little bit of a let down as this box took almost 4 hours to fully charge.

In The Box

What’s Included:
  • 1 x eVic-VT 60W TC Full Kit
  • 1 x eGo One Mega (with ONE CL Ni head)
  • 1 x ONE CL head(Ti)
  • 1 x eVic-VT Skin
  • 1 x USB Charging Cable
  • 1 * Wall Adapter (1A)
Specs & Features:
  • Output mode: VT-Ti/VT-Ni/VW Mode
  • MOD Size: 47 x 25.5 x 85.6mm
  • Built-in 5000mAh battery
  • Tank Capacity: 4ML
  • Temperature Range: 100-315℃/200-600˚F
  • Output Wattage: 1 – 60W
  • Resistance Range: 0.2ohm(CL-Ni head) / 0.4ohm (CL-Ti head)
  • eVic-VT Visual Display: VT-Ti mode/VT-Ni mode/VW, Wattages/ Voltages, Atomizer Resistance, Battery power/Puff/Time


For review purposes, we use the tank that comes with the kit. The eGo One Mega tank really surprised me with flavor output but the reservoir claims its 4ml but it felt like it was slightly less than that. Nevertheless, the eGo One is a great setup with this kit and Joyetech gets an “A” for using this tank.
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Axis Vapes M17 (DNA200) Mod

We were stoked to announce the buzz around Axis Vapes and their mission to create a more obtainable high-end DNA200 Mod. Well have they done it? Is it all it’s cracked up to be? Are they easy to get? Yes, Yes, and Yes! Lets talk the details, shall we?
First and foremost Axis Vapes has killer service. This is an important ingredient in being successful in any business, let alone the Vape industry. We scored a mod on their first release and there was a mix up, two of us ordered the same mod. So what did they do? They got in touch immediately and offered us a couple new finish choices, we were set on blue and they didn’t have one ready yet but they let us pick a block and then did a great job getting it ready a couple days later. Keep in mind they had no idea we were going to review it or who we were, this is the level of service you can expect for everyone. Just stellar!
Since our order we have kept a close eye on their releases to see if they could keep their promise of making it easy (or at least easier than most other high-end mods) to get, and we are happy to report they have done a great job. And as of Feb 19th they have stepped up to full production and are adding mods for sale on a somewhat daily basis. It’s a good idea to follow the company on Instagram, they announce releases on their feed.
The Axis Vapes site is well thought out and gives a personalized feel to the order process. Each new Mod is showcased with several pics and its serial number, making it easy to get a great sense of what you will receive on delivery. The packaging and detail around shipping is stellar, they ship quick and you can rest assured your Mod will arrive in perfect condition.
Okay so what about the Mod? How is it? Is it worth the $350-425 price tag? Well yes it is. The High-end market is weird, the mods function really no differently than one you can purchase in your local vape shop with the same chipset and battery specs. It’s about the materials, case design, and hand feel. So if you think about it, they are never going to be good value, but the emotional connection you have with them may make up for it.
The M17 is beautiful crafted and finished, the wood is perfect, there are no surprises (you get the one you ordered), and thanks to the Evolve DNA 200 chipset it functions beautifully. The hand feel is quite good, smooth, curved perfectly, a little tall but the proportions are spot on for an average sized hand. The Wood is thick, there is no flex, it’s going to stand up very well. The sanding and polishing are again spotless. Axis has done a great job curating their wood block selection, there isn’t really an ugly M17 out there. They come in 3 finishes, 1 colour dyed stabilized wood($350), 2 colour dyed stabilized($375), and soon an acrylic stabilized hybrid they are calling “Shokwood”($425). We aren’t positive but we think we scored a two colour, it’s blue with slight purple accents, but not sure how it qualifies.
The fit and finish is pretty spotless, the tolerances around the aluminium faceplate are pretty much perfect.The Mitech fire button has the trademark clickiness with a short throw. The control buttons are stainless and match the fire button perfectly. Again everything looks to be very durable (we have only had it a couple weeks) with no signs of wear so far. The little details in the quality and positioning of the logo, serial number, and vent holes are flawless. You will find yourself staring at it frequently.
A couple small gripes, one is the allen screw heads that secure the faceplate simply look cheap (their faces are rough and the colour of the material doesn’t really match with anything, making them stick out visually), and our unit has a bit of an issue with the level of protrusion on the up/down control buttons (they aren’t sticking out equally, the right button is about 1-2mm further into the faceplate, works perfectly, you just feel it). These are minor issues, but when you spend $350+ USD on a mod, you find yourself getting picky, for us it’s because we want to live with it a long time and so we want it perfect. All this said it’s still an awesome, awesome mod!
Battery life is decent, it’s not really Axis Vapes problem, they have put in a more than average capacity LiPo battery. Most moders and manufacturers use 900 mAh, so the 1100 mAh is nice, it still won’t make the mod last all day. We find with all DNA200 LiPo setups that vaping anything over 25W at a chain vape level only last a max of 8hrs or so, you get a little more life jumping to 1100 or 1300 mAh, but not a ton more (maybe an real world hour per capacity). The good news is it charges pretty quick and if you are buying this mod you more than likely have another mod you can use while it juices up.
The M17 feels great in the hand, it’s light, about the same weight at a Hobo X which is much smaller. The weight will surprise you, much lighter than you think. Everything about this mod feels high-end, Axis has delivered on their promise. It’s not affordable- but much better priced than many, many other mods of this level on the market. And you have a great chance of scoring one, unlike a lot of those other crazily priced mods. This whole side of the market is about preference and style, you need to love the aesthetic and design for it to be worth it for you.
If you are in the market for a high-end mod you need to at the very least check out the M17. We love what Axis is trying to do and think they are doing an awesome job at making the high-end market more accessible. Hopefully more moders/manufacturers will follow suit.
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Maraxus Mod



The Maraxus Mechanical Mod is one of the few truly telescopic mech mods on the market. Unlike mods with removable rings, the Maraxus has a threaded telescoping centerpiece, giving it the flexibility to use any battery with an 18mm diameter! Made of stainless steel and brass, with gold-plated contacts, the Maraxus Mechanical Mod is gorgeous, high-quality, and flexible. Eight vent holes ensure safety in the case of a battery failure, and the brass components minimize the resistance in the mod body.


Like all mechanical mods, the Maraxus is completely devoid of circuitry or wiring. The lack of regulatory features is complemented by direct access to the circuit, and grants the ability to maximize the power delivered to your atomizer! Be careful when using any mech mod, however, as the lack of safety features makes it easier to misuse your device. The vent holes on the Maraxus are wonderful, however, and make this mod much safer than many.

Scoring the Maraxus Mechanical Mod

Design: 9.5/10
The design of the Maraxus really lets the stainless steel and brass shine through. Bright and beautiful, with a near-symmetrical design reminiscent of a lightsaber handle, this mod is one of the best looking out there.

Functionality: 8/10
With mechanical mods, the majority of the difference in functionality between different devices is in the button and the resistance. The button of the Maraxus actuates smoothly and with no play. The brass body of this piece has an extremely low resistance, letting the current flow straight into the coil.

Customization: 9/10
The smooth movement of the Maraxus’s telescopic center ring is a significant improvement on the discrete adjustments allowed on other mods. The ability to both adjust to any size and lock down the battery with the same ring is incredibly efficient. The floating center pin also can be adjusted, improving the flexibility with different atomizers!

Build Quality: 9/10
Stainless steel, brass, and gold make up all of this mod. It’s the highest quality imaginable, and is ruggedly-built to boot!

Overall Score:  9/10
The Maraxus Mechanical Mod is a beautiful mech mod with a telescopic center ring. It’s highly functional and flexible, is made of gorgeous metals, and has eight vent holes for safety. This is a hard mod to beat, especially in looks!
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