BLOG – Page 14 – E-Cigs Advice

A relatively newcomer in the vaping world, Smoant has introduced itself as a major player with products such as the Talos, Charon, and Mobula. While these may not be household names, active vapers know that Smoant products mean business. The latest mod to come out of the company's stable is a dual battery 200-watt device called the Battlestar. Question is, how does it stack up against other multi-battery mods? PACKAGING & DESIGN The Battlestar comes in a black box with bold, yellow lettering that lets you know immediately what is inside. A photo of the mod (in yellow, too) is on the box, even if the mod itself is of a different color. Inside, you will find a Battlestar mod, four extra magnets, a USB charger, and an instruction manual. The mod is simple yet stylish and measures in at 83mm in height with a width of 34mm. Though it looks big, the design makes it easy to grab on to. It's made from a zinc alloy and some sources say it has ceramic parts. Even with batteries, the Battlestar is not as heavy as you might think compared to the Wismec RX 200S or the RX2/3. Additionally, the battery door is very easy to use compared to its Wismec counterpart. The spring loaded 510 connector ensures most of your atomizers and tanks will fit flush. Though the mod is advertised to fit up to 25mm atomizers, there is a slight overhang. While it is only a very small overhang, it is something that bothers me a little so I stick to using 24mm atomizers and below, but this may not be an issue for you. Another thing that I’m a little disappointed to see is how easily the paint chips around the area where you screw your atomizer on. Granted, this may be a little nit picky since it happens to most MODs that are painted, but it has to be said since it does give it a tattered look. On the front, there is a large fire button just above the OLED screen, and below it you’ll fund the up and down adjustment buttons. The buttons feel solid, though they do rattle a bit when shaken. The overall design will remind you of the Wismec RX 2/3 with its angled sides. However, the Battlestar is slightly smaller, maybe due to the fact it also utilises a smaller screen. You can get it in three colors – black, white, and yellow. Personally I prefer the all black version. KIT CONTENTS 1 x Smoant Battlestar 200W TC Mod 1 x User Manual 1 x USB Cable MOD SPECIFICATIONS Requires 2 x 18650 Batteries (Not Included) Zinc Alloy with Ceramic Baking Output: 1-200w Size 83.5*34*40mm Thread: 510 Output Modes: VW, Bypass, NI, TI, SS, TCR FUNCTIONALITY The Battlestar does not scrimp on features. Capable of putting out 200 watts of power, this is more than you should ever need. There is also temperature control, with support for Ni200, titanium, and stainless steel coils. The TC works like a charm. When not in use, you can press the power button five times to turn the device off to avoid accidental misfires, while another five clicks turn it back on. Holding down the fire button along with the plus and minus button will lock the power, while holding down the fire button alone will reverse the screen color. Three clicks will take you to the menu system where you can choose between variable wattage or TC mode. Your options include Ni200, titanium, or stainless steel for temperature control. One press of the fire button will confirm your choice. Of course, the Battlestar has a slew of safety features such as reverse polarity, low voltage, overheating, short circuit, no atomizer, and a 10-second cut-off in case the mod accidentally fires in your purse or pocket. DISPLAY The OLED display looks like the usual displays you'll see on most other mods. The on-screen information includes the current battery level, the mode you are in, temperature or wattage level, the atomizer resistance, and voltage. Since the screen has a glossy finish it can be difficult to read outdoors. I often find myself hiding it in my jacket to catch what’s on the screen. Not ideal. It’s easily readable under normal lighting conditions (indoors) though. BATTERY DETAILS The Battlestar takes two 18650 batteries, which aren’t included. If you invest in a couple of decent 18650’s you’ll find the battery life is superb. Vaping at moderate level, from 20 to 50 watts, can last you a couple of days before charging. However, if you are a cloud chaser who goes all out in terms of wattage, expect the battery life to drop significantly. The batteries can be charged vie the USB port on the device, however, it still recommended to use a proper battery charging bay. DISLIKES Atomizers over 25mm don’t fit flush- If you plan on using atomizers with diameters over 25mm, there will be a slight overhang Paint chips easily - Screwing on an atomizer can easily strip paint off the mod, which can give a tattered look Rattling buttons - When the mod is shaken, the buttons rattle Display finish - Too glossy finish on the display makes it hard to view outdoors No firmware upgrades - Unlike other mods in its class, the Battlestar has no firmware upgrade options LIKES Ergonomic design - Despite being a dual battery mod, the Battlestar is surprisingly easy to handle Plenty of ventilation - Vent holes abound in this mod, giving you peace of mind that batteries won't suddenly explode while in use Solid Construction - Buttons may rattle, but overall, the Battlestar is built to last Battery door access - Unlike the similar RX 2/3, the battery door here is easy to open and close Simple to use - Everything is laid out simply and new users won't be confused when using the Battlestar Instant firing - Even from sleep mode, the Battlestar fires instantly. I’ve experienced no delays SHOULD YOU GET THE BATTLESTAR? The Battlestar is an overall fantastic mod suited for both beginners and advanced users. Beginners will find the easy-to-use interface a breath of fresh air compared to the over complicated sea of regulated mods that now proliferate the market. Advanced users, on the other hand, will appreciate the plethora of features available to help find the perfect vape. While far from flawless, the Battlestar is still a worthy mod that can hold its own against others in its price range such as the Wismec RX 2/3 or the Sigelei Fuchai. It's easily one of my favorite mods so far this year!