timwis

Hi Vapor Talk members, In this review i take a look at the Fetch Pro 80W VW Pod Kit from Smok. The Smok Fetch Pro 80W VW Pod Kit was supplied for the purpose of this review by Ella from Sourcemore.




Introduction

I know the RPM40 was released first but the Fetch Mini was the first Pod Mod i reviewed and with what had gone before only the Orion had took the Pod as far creating what was to become the Pod Mod revolution.

What the Fetch Mini brought to the party over the RPM40 and Vinci devices was the mini box mod form factor and taking stylish design and finish to a new elegance which is something we wouldn't associate Smok with in the past.

The Fetch Pro keeps that box style form factor and "2.5D arc-side high-end transparent glass, UV transfer grating texture, combining with AG process and nano-scale AF optical coating" (what a mouthful!) finish of the mini but has a load of upgrades which ticks nearly every box when it comes to how the mini could be improved. The only downside is it's a bigger device but still small considering and for that small trade off we now have a larger e-liquid capacity (standard pods), adjustable airflow, upgraded display, increased top wattage, Type C USB, side fire bar and a massively increased battery life with the accommodation of an 18650 battery.

Now with an RGC pod rather than Nord to accompany the ever present RPM pod and coming in 6 different Colour options, let's check out the Fetch Pro!

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In The Box



Contents:

Standard Edition

1 x Fetch Pro Device
1 x Fetch Pro RPM Pod (RPM Mesh 0.4ohm Coil Pre-installed) (4.3ml)
1 x Fetch Pro RGC Pod (RGC Conical Mesh 0.17ohm Coil Powered by nexMesh Pre-installed) (4.0ml)
1 x Type-C Cable
1 x User Manual


US Edition

1 x Fetch Pro Device
1 x Fetch Pro RPM Pod (RPM Mesh 0.4ohm Coil Pre-installed) (4.3ml)
1 x Fetch Pro RGC Pod (RGC Conical Mesh 0.17ohm Coil Powered by nexMesh Pre-installed) (4.0ml)
1 x Type-C Cable
1 x User Manual


EU Standard Edition

1 x Fetch Pro Device
1 x Fetch Pro RPM Pod (RPM Mesh 0.4ohm Coil Pre-installed) (4.3ml)
1 x Fetch Pro RGC Pod (RGC Conical Mesh 0.17ohm Coil Powered by nexMesh Pre-installed) (4.0ml)
1 x Type-C Cable
1 x User Manual


2ml EU Edition

1 x Fetch Pro Device
1 x Fetch Pro RPM Pod (RPM Mesh 0.4ohm Coil Pre-installed) (2ml)
1 x Fetch Pro RGC Pod (RGC Conical Mesh 0.17ohm Coil Powered by nexMesh Pre-installed) (2ml)
1 x Type-C Cable
1 x User Manual



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Aesthetics and Ergonomics

The Fetch Pro comes in cardboard box packaging and on opening i was met by a classy looking pod mod with a box mod form factor. I received the Blue version, it's available in 6 different colours with the same 2.5D arc edge glass panels both sides that we saw on the Mini. The colour/design beneath the glass panels uses combined AG Process and AF optical coating so the overall effect is different texture and shades showing through the glass as the light catches from different angles. The device like most of these portable pod mods is ergonomic and very handy for on the go use. I will leave it's detailed description to the included photo's and just point out a few aesthetic features.

The pod occupies one upper corner of the device and on both sides of the device we have a slot for airflow beneath the protruding visible part of the pod assembly. On one side below the airflow slot we have a 0.96" colour display with side by side navigational buttons below. The spine is indented centrally slimming the device for the purpose of hand feel and the opposite side accommodates a fire bar with Type C USB below. The main side panels of the device with the glass like finish isn't too bad when it comes to attracting fingerprints while the mirrored main chassis is quite the opposite!




Fetch Pro with Fetch Mini!



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Fetch Pro Specs and Features:

Size: 93.5 x 46 x 22mm
Battery: 1 x 18650 battery (not included)
Standby Current: <200uA
Drip Tip: 510
Capacity: 2ml/4ml/4.3ml
Coil Compatible: RPM Coil/RGC Coil
Input Voltage: 3.3V-4.2V
Output Voltage: 0.5V-4.0V
Resistance Range: 0.10-2.5ohm
Output Wattage: 5W-80W
Charger Output: 5V/2A
Output Mode: Watt
Charging Voltage: 5V
Charging Port: Type-C Charging
External 18650 battery and two selective pods
Full-colour 0.96" display shows vaping status clearly
Variable wattage support up to 5-80W
High compatibility with RPM coils and RGC coils
Bottom airflow control system
Lateral fire button design
Easy side filling design
Colour: Orange, Silver, Green, Blue, Red, Black





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The Pods

You receive two different pods which both come pre-installed with a coil head and apart from different colour fill port bungs they look identical but only the RPM pods will fit the RPM pod identified by the Black fill bung and only the RGC coil heads will fit the RGC pod which has a Red bung. With the TPD version the capacity of both pods is 2ml but the other versions see the RPM pod have a 4.3ml capacity while the slightly bigger RGC coil head reduces the capacity of that pod to 4ml. Both pods come with attached metal adjustable airflow ring on the base.

More about that adjustable airflow later, also on the base of both pods we have 4 magnets, one to each corner. Moving to the top of the pod and we have a metal cylindrical protruding section which has a 510 fitting, we have a 510 delrin drip tip installed but of course you can fit your own if you prefer. The pods also have a fill bung on the flat section that gets fitted against the wall of the device when the pod is installed. The flap lifts easily to remove the bung (it stays attached to the pod) and works much better than the ones that came fitted to the RPM40's pods which i have heard some people tearing the bung while trying to remove.



The pod needs to be on it's side to fill but the port is a good size and every time i filled it was a mess free experience. The pods are tinted but the whole e-liquid carrying section of the pod is on show so there is no issue with visibility, the only con for me is that the pod needs removing to fill which isn't ideal.



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Fitting The Coils

You receive both a 0.4ohm RPM mesh coil head which gets push fitted into the RPM Pod and a RGC Kanthal Nexmesh Conical mesh 0.17ohm coil head which also just gets push fitted into place (both come pre-installed), both pods have an airflow adjustment ring.



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Coil Availability

All the RPM coil heads are compatible with the RPM pod giving loads of options including the RPM RBA coil head. To date for the RGC pod we have the included 0.17ohm mesh coil head and also an RGC RBA coil head giving a rebuildable option with both pods!





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The Airflow

On the device either side below the pod we have a slot which allows air to the bottom of the pod. Both the RPM and RGC pods have a control ring that can close down the amount of air getting to the coil (in theory) and it works in a fashion but more about that in the final section!



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Fitting The Pod

The pod bay has a cylindrical tower to each corner with a magnet on the top surface of each to line up with the magnets on the pod. On each side wall of the bay between the magnet towers we can see the airflow slots and deep in the bay on a raised Black surround we have the Gold plated, spring loaded contacts.

The pod snaps into place you can really feel the strong magnetic pull as the magnets get close. Despite the strong magnets and secure fit we do have slight side to side movement but only when testing for it, during normal use no movement is detected!



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Fitting The Battery

A single 18650 battery get's fitted via the hatch door on the base of the device. Just slide the door forward and lift up, positive is clearly labelled at the bottom of the tube but negative is marked Black on Black on the underside of the door so not easy to see at all, please White in future Smok!

When the door is shut we have no movement or battery rattle whatsoever, a really nice solid door!



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The Display

The colour display is very bright, impressively sharp and quite colourful with all the information needed on show. Top left we have "SMOK" then top right we have the battery status bar. Underneath we have the wattage and below this we have a padlock to the left in either the locked or unlocked position, to the right of the padlock we have voltage top and resistance underneath. At the bottom of the display we have the duration of your vape and finally beneath this the puff count.



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Operating The Fetch Pro

The Fetch Pro has a very simple user interface which to start with is 5 clicks of the fire bar to turn on and 5 clicks to turn off. Once on pressing both navigational buttons together locks and unlocks those buttons but when locked the device still fires. Alternatively pressing the fire bar 3 times very quickly locks and unlocks the whole device.

The Fetch Pro is a very simple wattage only device which adjusts in 1 watt increments from 5 to 80w and it does round robin. Pressing the fire bar and right together changes the colour of the display between Salmon, White, Cyan or Yellow and left and the fire bar together clears the puff count, that's it!

When does a device fire just too quickly? i am only finding this a con because it's a little annoying but when pressing the fire bar for any reason whether it's changing the display colour, clearing puffs or locking the device it fires which is a pro when it comes to firing time but does it really need to be so responsive.



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Protections

Intelligent Atomiser Recognition
Puff Monitoring System
8 Seconds Cut-off
Short Circuit Protection
Over-heating Protection
Low Battery Protection



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Charging

Personally i wouldn't recommend charging in the device unless it's your only option but if you do you will benefit from the device having Type C USB. We have a 5V/2A charge rate and while charging a battery status bar is displayed and the charge is also shown as a percentage, i also checked and pass-through is supported.



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My Experience Using The Fetch Pro

I really liked the Fetch Mini and RPM40 yet found the RPM80 could of been executed better and i did have issues with leaking from the RGC pod so with this also utilising an RGC alternative pod like the RPM80 would i have the same issues?

Well yes i do get some leaking from the RGC pod but it doesn't seem as bad as on the RPM80 and i didn't get juice coming out the airflow slots (just a bit in the bay). Again the adjustable airflow does work but isn't over effective as air gets underneath the coil head assembly and there is a cavity between coil and airflow control ring allowing air to access the pod (same for both pods) so even closed right down the tightest you will get is a loose MTL and for a mid to loose you would also need to take advantage of the narrow bore on the RPM MTL coil.

Up until using the Freemax coils in the AutoPod 50 the RPM 0.4ohm mesh coil head had been my favourite out of all the different coil heads available for the various pod mods we have seen although i find it's recommended wattage of 25W gives a slightly cool vape so i use it at 30W which is much better delivering more warmth and bags of flavour. I used the RPM pod just to check everything was in order and the RPM coils performance is what i have experienced in the past so all is well. The airflow control ring is a little tighter on this pod than the RGC so it does work better with airflow adjustment but still limited!

Next to the RGC 0.17 coil head with nexmesh and what a mixed bag i found this to be in conjunction with the adjustable airflow on the RPM80 device and no different here apart from less leaking. The first thing i noticed was what a warm vape it gave and i personally only used it at 45W after some experimenting despite it's 40-80W rating. When it came to flavour only Freemax AutoPod coil heads surpass it (nexmesh really delivers) but is it worth the baggage? First although we have adjustable airflow plenty of air gets underneath and there is a gap between the airflow control ring and coil head so even when closing the airflow right down i could tell very little difference so i ended up just not even checking it as i got pretty much the same draw whatever it's position. A word of warning if you do want to alter it during vaping leave it a good few minutes after a vape before touching the control ring, it gets red hot as i found out ouch!

So i find the RGC coil head does leak a little, gets extremely hot and airflow control barely works, but it does give great flavour. The RPM Pod i had no issues with and the airflow control was more fit for purpose making it worth having but the tightest draw is a loose MTL and the device is much more suited for restricted and semi-restricted direct lung.

I love the upgrades, it feels great in the hand and the fire bar works great using the squeezing technique. The extra wattage is a pro with all those available RPM coil heads as is the increased battery life accommodating an external 18650.

Although not recommending charging in the device having Type C USB, 2A charge rate, good charging feedback and supporting pass-through are all pros!



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Likes

Nice build quality
Glass panels using 2.5D arc edge glass
Combined AG process and AF optical coating for nice visual effect
Portable, Ergonomic and compact 18650 device
Plenty of colour options
Side fire bar
Fires Instantly
Performed very well
Detected no leaking with RPM pod
Waterproof and Dustproof bay design
2 different pods included (RPM pod and RGC pod)
RGC Pod has adjustable airflow (very limited in it's performance)
RPM Pod has tighter fitting airflow control ring (works better)
RGC 0.17 coil (using nexmesh) gives excellent flavour
RGC coil gave very warm vape
RPM 0.4ohm mesh coil (very good flavour)
Semi-restricted, restricted and loose MTL draws available
Filling is quick and mess free
pod fits securely
Good visibility of e-liquid
Standard 510 drip-tip fitting (can use your own)
Accommodates 18650 battery
Battery fits very securely
Sharp, bright, well laid out colour display
Display colour can be customised
Puff counter
Type C USB, 2A charge rate
Supports pass-through


Cons

Need to remove pod to fill
Not really suitable for MTL (loose MTL at best with available coils)
Fingerprint magnet
RGC Pod does have some leakage (but less than with RPM80)
Airflow control makes little difference to the draw (works better on RPM pod)
Using above 50W the pod and drip-tip got far too hot
Battery Orientation labelling should be more visible
Device firing while operating device (resetting puffs etc) can be annoying
Slight pod movement but only when testing for it

I would once again like to thank Ella from Sourcemore for supplying the Fetch Pro 80W VW Pod Kit for the purpose of this review, thanks for reading and stay safe!


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Hi Vapor Talk members, In this review i take a look at the Techmod 80W TC Side by Side Box Mod from Kizoku. The Techmod was supplied for the purpose of this review by Tina from Kizoku.




Introduction

Kizoku are one of the newest vaping manufacturers who introduced themselves initially with colourful high end 510 stands and fancy drip tips before introducing the Kirin, a mosfet semi mechanical 18350/18650 tube device that i liked that much i bought one in each colour. The Kit also introduced an idea already copied by my good friends at Voopoo in the form of pods that fit into a 510 adaptor which has adjustable airflow, only the airflow control works much better on the Kirin pod tank and also allows for a standard 510 to be used.

We then had the Limit RTA which is paired with the Techmod in the Kit version and i did receive it separately but will be giving that a much deserved separate review. That brings us to the release of the sleek, clean looking Techmod and the innovative Unlimit RTA which is a bit 007 and a product i hope to get to review in the future.

Kizoku products are manufactured in China but are designed in Japan and do offer a little something different in design. The Techmod is a Side by Side which offers a clean looking, high quality option to the latest trend in the market offering Variable Wattage, Variable Voltage, Bypass and full TC suite, let's give this little gem a good look!

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In The Box



Contents:

1x TECHMOD
1x Type-C Charging Cable
1x User Manual
1x Warranty Card



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Aesthetics and Ergonomics

The Techmod came in cardboard box packaging with a sample sticker on the front so the retail packaging may differ but i doubt it. I received the Black version, the options are Black, White, Black Gun Metal or Gun Metal.

The Techmod is a very compact side by side device with the lower front having a 5 degree outwards slant which is made much of in the marketing and i must say this is such a comfortable device to hold leaving the thumb in the perfect position to fire the Stainless Steel side fire button. That 5 degree slant gives the Techmod a really nice aesthetic form factor and the device is also very sleek and clean looking. Made of a Zinc Alloy main chassis and with Stainless Steel front panel, battery tube and screw plate, buttons and 510 plate the all metal affair does have some weight to it but it's so compact it's not going to weigh your pocket down it's just a solid well made device.

The 22mm stainless Steel 510 plate is raised but the gap with 24mm tanks doesn't seem to look so out of place than is the case on standard devices. You are limited as with most of these side by side mods to 24mm tanks but the Techmod does have a fraction to spare so those "large" 24mm tanks that are actually a fraction bigger will fit no problem. We have a Gold plated, spring loaded 510 with a looser than average throw and for more aesthetic details see the included photos!







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Techmod Specs and Features:

Size: 78 x 49 x 24mm
Wattage Range: 0-80W
Output Voltage: 1.0v-8.0v
Input Voltage/Current: 5V/2A
Battery Type: 1 x 18650 (not included)
Screen: 0.91 inch
Charging: Type-C
Connection: 510
Materials: Stainless Steel, Zinc Alloy
4 classic & attractive colour options
Wide compatibility with most atomizers
Unique ergonomic design of 5 degree bevel
24mm ultra-thin body
Highly reliable materials - SS304 & zinc alloy
Multiple battery protections for safe vaping
Colours: Black, White, Black Gun Metal, Gun Metal





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Fitting The Battery

Of course being a side by side device one side is the battery tube with a threaded plate that screws down into the threading for a tight fit. We have the positive orientation clearly marked at the bottom or the tube and negative on the underside of the plate.

It can be a bit fiddly to get the threading to catch when screwing the battery plate in position to secure the battery which can take a few seconds or even longer sometimes (but only a few swear words passed my lips). Once it catches though the threading is nice and smooth and if just a little patience is needed when installing a battery is about the only issue then overall i am a happy camper!



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The Display

The Techmod has a basic old school display which is at a 5 degree slant to match the front slant of the device. It is very bright and well laid out, in the central section we have accented areas top and bottom, top is where the mode is displayed and bottom is the resistance. I have never known something so important as the resistance being so clearly displayed using a decent sized font before, a little detail but i like it a lot.

To the left of the display we have the wattage when in Power mode which instead is voltage when in Variable Voltage, voltage and amps when in Bypass and temperature when in TC. In the right area of the display we have a battery status bar top (wish it was also given as a percentage) and below your puff duration, but no puff counter!



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Navigating The Techmod

The device is the usual 5 clicks of the fire button to turn on and five clicks to turn off and once on holding both navigational buttons down together locks and unlocks those buttons but the device will still fire.

It has a very simple menu system so no bells and whistles such as curves but all the modes you would expect. Three clicks of the fire button highlights the mode and then using the navigational buttons you can scroll through the mode options which are Power, Voltage, Bypass, Temp Ni, Temp Ti and Temp SS, pressing the fire button selects the mode and takes you to the selected mode working screen.

In Voltage mode it will adjust from 1.0V to 8.0V in 0.01 increments but holding the button down switches to 0.1 increments and it does round robin. Wattage adjusts from 5W to 80W in 0.1W increments which switches to 1W increments when holding the button down and again it round robins. Finally temperature goes from 100 degree Celsius to 300 degree Celsius then moves to Fahrenheit where it can be adjusted from 200 degrees to 572 degree before it round robins back to 100 degree Celsius. With only using easy TC modes such as Replay and Smart TC i am not sure how much of an issue it will be to TC users but there is no way of setting wattage for temp control at least non that i can find!



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Protections Include:

Over-heat Protection
Overcurrent Protection
Low Voltage Protection



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Charging

So as ever i don't recommend charging the battery in the device unless it's your only option (Groundhog Day), but if you do or there is an update you wish to upload then i am pleased to see the Techmod has Type C USB which all new devices should now have as standard!

The charge rate is 2A so a nice quick charge although only a battery status bar is shown during charging, no percentage or estimated charge time given!



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My Experience Using The Techmod!

What a cracking little side by side device the Techmod is, i absolutely love it. The build quality is as good as with any device i own and it just feels so darn good in the hand, the fire button position is perfect for thumb firing and delivers a satisfying click.

Not too sure how much of an issue not being able to set wattage for temp control will be for TC users but i have heard that although on the conservative side the TC works fine. As for Power mode every wattage i vaped at seemed accurate and 80W seemed 80W to me. The device fires without delay and hits set wattage instantly, it performs like a real trooper!

I love the simplicity of the menu system and old school display, even the slant of the screen which i thought may be an issue is just not noticed during use and aesthetically it just looks right matching the 5 degree slant of the front end of the device.

So how about any cons? Well i am struggling so need to be petty, the only one of note was how fiddly it could be to get the threading of the battery plate to catch but once it did the threading is silky smooth! Although the gaping didn't bother me the raised 510 plate does give a visible gap which will be a con for some and again not too sure how not being able to set wattage for TC will be a draw back for TC users, finally like most of these side by sides it does limit you to a 24mm diameter tank but it's a generous 24mm so those that are just slightly over will also fit!

Although i personally don't recommend charging the battery in the device it does have Type C USB for Data transfer and charging with a charge rate of 2A but not much in the way of charging feedback is given, it supports pass-through!



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Likes

Excellent build quality
Clean sleek looking
Compact
4 Classy colour options
Very comfortable to hold and fire
Full TC Suite (heard it works fine but if TC user recommend more research)
Performed excellently in power mode
Fires without delay with instant ramp up
Also Variable Voltage and Bypass Modes
Old school bright display
User friendly simple menu system
Type C USB
2A charge rate
Supports pass-through
Firmware Upgradeable


Cons

Can be fiddly to get battery plate threading to catch
Gap with 23 and 24mm tanks (didn't bother me so subjective to the individual)
Can't set wattage for TC
can only fit tanks up to 24mm in diameter (common for side by side devices)
Feel better charging feedback could be given if charging in the device
No Puff Counter (obviously only a con for those that count their puffs)



I would once again like to thank Tina from Kizoku for supplying the Techmod Side By Side TC 80W Mod for the purpose of this review, thanks for reading and stay safe!


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Hi Vapor Talk members, In this review i take a look at the Potento Pod System Kit from Advken. The Advken Potento Pod System Kit was supplied for the purpose of this review by the Healthcabin.




Introduction

Advken isn't a manufacturer i have used more than a couple of products from so not that familiar with them but just by what i have read and heard they have produced a couple of very good products but also some which received a mixed reception.

The Potento Pod system brings us new meets old in the way of variable voltage via a potentiometer dial (who doesn't like a potentiometer dial from time to time). The dial gives variable voltage from 3.2 to 4.2v to get the power and warmth you prefer in conjunction with the 1.2ohm Pod. The lightweight Pod device utilises either 2.5ml or TPD compliant 2.0ml pods both of which house a 1.2ohm coil for a MTL vape. The device is draw activated but does have a on/off button which can also be used to check battery status. Coming in 4 colour options let's give the Potento Pod System a look!

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In The Box



Contents:

1pc Potento Device
1pc Type-C Cable
2pc Potento Pods
Paperwork



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Aesthetics and Ergonomics

The Potento comes in cardboard packaging with a picture of the device in the colour of choice on the front. I received the Silver Blue version which starts Dark Blue at it's base and gradually fuses into a Silver that dominates the top of the device. The colour options are Obsidian Black, Silver Blue, Ruby Red or Slate Grey, on both the front and back of the device on the upper area we have an indented dimpled effect which is the main aesthetic feature.

Towards the top on both sides we have a small hole for airflow and towards the bottom one side we have printed safety stamps and a Type C USB port, on the opposite side we have a on/off button and LED. Moving to the base and central we have a potentiometer dial with a protruding leg either side to allow the device to stand up. Most of the dark tinted pod protrudes from the device allowing visibility of your e-liquid level in good light but too dark to be fully practical.

The form factor isn't a million miles different to the Caliburn just larger but the Potento actually feels lighter and is nice and comfortable in the hand!



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Potento Specs and Features:

Size: 121.2* 22.8* 12mm
Battery: 560mah built-in battery
Coil Material: Mesh Coil
Charging port: Type-C
Coil Resistance: 1.2ohm
Output voltage: 3.2V-4.2V
Cartridge Material: PCTG
Device Material: ALUMINIUM ALLOY/PCTG
Capacity: 2.5ml/2ml (TPD)
Voltage adjustment by rotating the bottom potentiometer control knob
Side filling design
Colours: Obsidian Black, Silver Blue, Ruby Red, Slate Grey





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The Pod

The Pod is both one complete moulding and a sealed unit so the whole pod needs replacing rather than just the coil. The Pod has a capacity of 2.5ml with the standard pods but also TPD compliant 2ml pods i have had no trouble finding online. You receive two pods both of which houses a 1.2ohm coil and as far as i can find no other options are available.

The Pod is very darkly tinted so not as practical as it should be but in decent light i could see the juice level without much difficulty. It smoothly tapers both front and back to form a very comfortable mouthpiece which has a bore suited much more to a MTL vape rather than any form of DL.

On the rear of the pod we have a silicone flap with bung which will need pulling outwards to fill. Moving to the base of the pod we have the two Gold plated contacts and central opening which will lead to the membrane switch when fitted to the device.



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Filling The Pod

As mentioned on the rear of the pod we have a silicone flap which is easy to get hold of to pull the bung out of the fill port. The bung sits quite deep for a good seal and the silicone piece is soft and pliable allowing for easy access. The fill port is a good size allowing air to escape while filling and despite the pod being darkly tinted i had no issues seeing the level as i filled, i had no issues at all!



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Fitting The Pod

Looking inside the pod bay we can see the sturdy Gold plated, spring loaded contacts and opening to the membrane switch. The pod just gets press fitted into place but a click can clearly be heard as it secures. When checking for it their is slight movement but it takes a bit of effort so during vaping no movement whatsoever is detected!



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Operating The Potento

The Potento is a draw activated Pod System but does have an On/Off button that can also be used to check the limited battery status indication. To turn the device On/Off is five quick presses of the button, off is confirmed by 3 white flashes of the LED while switching the device on is confirmed by one flash.

On the base we have a potentiometer dial which is numbered 1 to 4 in Roman Numerals but also you can have it set between Numerals. It adjust from 3.2v up to 4.2v although you go by feel as there is no way of knowing exactly what voltage you have set unless at it's lowest or highest points!







So just keep turning the dial and take a draw until you get the warmth and power you are after then happy vaping! When taking a vape the LED lights up to show the battery status, this can also be checked by pressing the On/Off button although it is very limited lighting White from 30% to 100% and Red below 30%, when the battery needs charging the draw activation stops working and the LED flashes Red 5 times. The LED is also used for protection alerts flashing various amounts of times when a safety protection kicks in!



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Protections:

Short Circuit Protection
Over-charge Protection
Over-heat Protection
Over-Time (10s) Protection
Low Voltage Protection

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Charging

Really happy the Potento has Type C USB and supports a 1A charge rate which meant the 580mAh battery was charged in just under 45 minutes while supporting pass-through. While charging the LED slow pulses White and then stays lit once fully charged.



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How It Vapes? And Thoughts!

First off the Potento is marketed as being both MTL and DL and i think what they are getting at is the airflow is in that loose MTL grey area which also allows for a RDL vape if you prefer but my experience was this gives just a slightly tighter draw than the Caliburn and is more a medium loose MTL as it didn't give me a satisfactory RDL draw. I actually like the draw it gives and the flavour from the 1.2ohm pods while not being quite on par with the Caliburn for example is still very decent and i got six fills before noticing a slight drop off in flavour which again is about par for these type of pods.

The draw activation is as good as on any device that i have tried and it didn't once fail to activate giving a reliable vape every time. Also the potentiometer dial works great, as you turn it and take vapes you can detect the increase in power and vaper as well as the warmth of the vape increase. At the lowest point (3.2v) it still gives a decent vape but is on the cool side so just turn the dial until you hit your sweet spot.

For me having to change the whole pod when the coil is spent rather than just the coil is a con but at least this type of sealed pod is much more leak resistant and i experienced no leaking whatsoever. I could see the juice inside the pod but not always just at a glance and although i don't mind lightly tinted pods the Potento pods are just too dark! I also don't like the need to remove the pod from the device to fill although i had no issues while filling.

The two tier battery status is better than nothing but really i would expect 3 tiers minimum although i do like how easy it is to check the status and the fact despite being draw activated only it has an On/Off button so the device can be switched off.

For it's size and having a potentiometer a 580mAh battery is as big as is possible which isn't great but in conjunction with the 1.2ohm pod doesn't give bad life but it does vary depending on how high you set the dial. Having Type C USB is great and 45 minutes to charge while supporting pass-through i am also very happy with as i am that the device can be stood up even while charging.

To sum up the Potento with it's potentiometer dial and very responsive draw activation has a bit more about it than most simple pod systems but could be improved on in way of better battery status indication and a clearer Pod!



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Likes

Nice looking well made device
4 Colour options
Lightweight
On/Off button
Potentiometer variable voltage dial
Type C USB
Responsive Switch
Performed flawlessly
Nice medium loose MTL draw
Good flavour
Longevity about par
Battery status indication (limited see cons)
No leaking experienced
Can stand up even when charging (side port)
Charges within 45 minutes
Supports pass-through


Cons

Only 2 tier battery status indication
Dark Pod
Need to remove pod to fill
Whole pod needs replacing rather than just coil
1.2ohm pod only option
No fire via button option (draw activation only)



I would once again like to thank the Healthcabin for supplying the Advken Potento Pod System Kit for the purpose of this review, thanks for reading and stay safe!


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Hi Vapor Talk members, In this review i take a look at the Cold Steel 100 120W TC Box Mod from Ehpro. The Ehpro Cold Steel 100 120W TC Box Mod was supplied for the purpose of this review by Violette from Vapeciga.




Introduction

Ehpro were known for manufacturing quality affordable clones but that seems in the distant past as more recently they have been manufacturing some well received products of their own, including many collaborations with reviewers. The Cold Steel 100 is one of two devices Ehpro have designed in collaboration with Youtube reviewers, the Cold steel 200 was in collaboration with Nebelfee (a German Youtube reviewer) and this the Cold Steel 100 with AmbitionZ Vaper (makes me wonder what really is the collaborators contribution to the project). The Cold Steel 100 has the full works of wattage, Voltage, Bypass, Curves and full TC suite. The main marketing of both Cold Steels is their high quality Stainless Steel build quality so let's give the Cold Steel 100 a look! 

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In The Box



Contents:

1x Ehpro Cold Steel 100 MOD
1x Belt Loop Holster
1x USB Cable
1x 18650 Battery Adaptor
1x User Manual
1x Warranty Card
1x Certification Card
1x Battery Safety Card



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Aesthetics and Ergonomics

The Cold Steel 100 comes in cardboard box packaging with the device placed inside the included belt loop case. I received the Obsidian Black version, the other available versions are Grey Champagne and Old Gold. The form factor is odd looking and i do like it although not original has it looks very similar to a Zen mod from about 4 years ago or more recently the YiHi SL Class. The form factor is a tubular rear with a rectangular vertical protruding face section which houses the PCB, functional buttons, screen etc. The device looks front heavy as if it will topple over at any minute but the rear tubular section is Stainless Steel while the front section is the lighter Zinc Alloy metal so actually is very stable and even more so once the weight of a battery and atty is added. Brass is also listed in the materials so i am assuming the 510 and contacts are brass and maybe the inner threading for the battery cap.
The protruding face section has "AMBITIONZ VAPER" printed on the tapered roof (i just don't want a reviewers name printed on the device, thanks!). On the face's surface we have a squared light switch style fire button top followed by a narrow elongated screen, we then have a switch style rocker for navigation followed at the bottom by a micro USB port. The tubular rear section is featureless which i like apart from "COLD STEEL" being carved into the metal low down. Moving to the base which is the battery cap we have venting holes and printed safety stamps. Up top we have the 510 plate with inner and outer rim, the 510 i believe is Brass and is spring loaded.
Like with the Cold Steel 200 the Cold Steel 100 boasts very good build quality but also for a single battery device is on the heavy side, ergonomically it is sound using to either finger or thumb fire the device.




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Cold Steel 100 Specs and Features:

Dimensions: 39 x 27.5 x 91.5mm 
Material: Stainless Steel + Brass + Zinc Alloy
Coil Resistance Range: 0.05-3.0ohm
Voltage Range: 0.5-8V 
Wattage Range: 5-120W 
Output Current: 35A 
Temperature Range: 100-315℃ / 200-600℉
Micro-USB Charging: Yes
Online Software Update: Yes 
Work Mode: PWR/ TEMP / CURVE / VOLT / BYPASS 
Battery Type: 1x 18650/20700/21700(not included)
TC MOD Co-designed with AmbitionZ VapeR
120W Max Output Powered by Single 21700/20700/18650 Battery
Fully metal construction and ultra ergonomic design
Multiple working modes for different style vapers
0.0018S firing speed
Micro-USB port for charging and upgrade
Exquisite design & easy operated buttons
Thread: 510
Colours: Grey Champagne, Black Obsidian, Old Gold




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Fitting The Batteries

The Cold Steel will accommodate a single 21700 or 20700 and also a single 18650 when using the supplied adaptor. We have a screw off battery cap on the base of the device which undoes very smoothly but when screwing back in place is slightly crunchy. The inside of the tube has a reflective surface allowing for the marked orientation at the bottom of the tube to be very visible, also orientation on the underneath of the battery cap is Black on White making it stand out, cracking job! 



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The Display

The Screen is very narrow but elongated and old school in nature which many still prefer. The Display and fonts might be quite small but i had no problems reading all the information as it's sharp and bright. Top left we have the preheat in Power mode or wire type in TC mode, bottom left we have the battery status indication bar. To the right of what has already been described we have resistance top and the voltage when in Power mode underneath, when in TC, Voltage or Bypass modes instead of voltage this is where we will find the wattage. The right of the screen displays wattage in Power mode, temperature in TC mode or voltage when in Voltage or Bypass modes.



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Navigating The Cold Steel 100

The device is the usual 5 clicks of the fire button to turn on and 5 clicks to turn off and once on we are met by the already described sharp, bright, old school style screen. We do have some combination key press functions which are - and fire together flips the screen, + and fire locks the navigational buttons but the device will still fire, + and - together locks the entire device so it also will not fire and finally pressing +, - and fire together is stealth mode.
The device has many modes but a very simple menu system which is 3 clicks of the fire button to enter. The menu gives us the options of Power, Temp, Curve, Bypass, Voltage and Back, when selecting Power it then gives us the options of preheat which are Normal, Soft or Strong. The Curves, Voltage and Bypass are all straightforward but selecting Temp gives us the options of Nickel, Stainless Steel, Titanium, TC and Back. Once we have selected wire material in TC it then allows wattage to be set in 1W increments right up to the maximum 120W. Once wattage is set it then moves to where we set the temperature which adjusts in 5 degree increments and round robins between Celsius and Fahrenheit. That's it!, Very simple and i do like that all screens have a back option and throughout including setting wattage and temperature everything round robins. When adjusting the wattage it adjusts in .1W increments up to 30W and then .5W increments all the way up to 120W, it also scrolls at a really nice speed!




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Protections

Short Circuit Protection
Over Heat Protection
Over Current Protection
Weak Battery Protection
Reverse Polarity Protection
10S Cut-off Protection
Low Voltage Protection
Battery Over-charge Protection



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My Experience Using The Cold Steel 100

First i have to state i did not use the device in temp control and don't have access to data so simply reviewed the device as i personally experienced it. Like the Cold Steel 200 this device fires incredibly quickly and has very impressive ramp up which is great but it makes me think it would of benefited having a select button because every time the fire button is pressed to enter the menu system etc it fire's without fail.
I used the device at various wattage's up to 80W and as far as i can tell it's pretty accurate and if anything slightly overpowered reminding me very much of the Minikin for the instant hit i got, all modes i tested which was all of them apart from TC worked great. I also did try the device with both a 18650 and 21700 at wattage's between 80 and 120w and while it fared much better with a 21700 it really didn't feel it was doing much above 100W, maybe with a fresh 21700 but not during normal use and as for with a 18650 80W is all this feels like it's giving out.
I really feel single battery device's that are 100W or 100W+ that will accommodate a 21700, 20700 or a 18650 battery should ask you which battery you are using and if you pick the 18650/20700 option it should switch to a 80W device. Instead the Cold Steel 100 at lower and mid wattage's as i said seems slightly overpowered while when going to higher wattage's we have a situation where especially with an 18650 battery it's severely underpowered! 
I love the squared light switch style fire button and switch style navigational rocker, also a big pro for the build quality and even if not an original design both aesthetically (in my opinion) and ergonomically the device is spot on.
The menu is very simple, every screen has a back option and everything round robins which makes it a very user friendly device, also the .5 increment adjustment and scroll speed gets pro's all round. 
Like the Cold Steel 200 every time the battery is swapped or the battery cap is just unscrewed then screwed back the device resets to 35W and has no memory of what you were vaping at but unlike the Cold Steel 200 it doesn't smartly (always in my case wrongly) set wattage it believes you should be vaping at with the resistance of the coil which i am pleased about. 
As ever i would never recommend charging batteries in the device unless it's your only option but the device supports 2A charging (1.8A to be precise) and is fully firmware upgradeable, but unlike the Cold Steel 200 it doesn't have a type C USB port which is disappointing. The Cold Steel 100 will accommodate up to a 25mm atty without overhang which is the vast majority of atty's that would suit a single battery device.
Finally the belt loop case you receive is rather nice but unfortunately they forgot to take into consideration the extra height when an atty is attached so isn't fit for purpose!




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Likes

Excellent build quality
Stainless Steel & Zinc Alloy construction
Aesthetically classy looking device (even if not original design)
Very Ergonomic device
Portable even if slightly heavy
Accommodates 21700, 20700 or 18650 (with supplied adaptor)
Squared Light switch style fire button
Switch style navigational rocker
Sharp, bright old school style screen
Lock just navigational rocker or entire device
Very user friendly menu system
Adjustment increments spot on also back options and everything round robins
Curves, Voltage and Bypass work as they should
TC (not tested)
Performed great in power mode
Fires instantly with impressive ramp up
Very clearly marked battery orientation
Supports 1.8A charging
Firmware upgradeable
Multiple protections
Belt loop case included


Cons

Heavy for single battery device (subjective to individual)
Auto sets to 35W after removing battery (no memory of previous wattage)
Severely underpowered unless using 21700 (Fine up to 80W)
Does not reduce max wattage when using 18650 or 20700 battery
Does not have type C USB
Belt loop case not fit for purpose when atty attached

I would once again like to thank Violette from Vapeciga for supplying the Ehpro Cold Steel 100 120W TC Box MOD for the purpose of this review.


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