Eleaf has earned its reputation by making small, portable mods. Usually these don’t go over 30 watts or so.
This time, however, the company was thinking big with their iStick TC 100W box mod.
Not only is it bigger than what you’re used to from Eleaf, but it’s more powerful as well.
Did Eleaf hit it out of the ballpark with this one?
Or do they strike out?
PACKAGING & DESIGN
Packed in a standard box, the iStick TC 100W comes with the mod itself, a USB cable, and a manual.
Not much box candy here, but since this is made for more experienced vapers, not much is needed.
Appearance-wise, it looks like your typical box mod, though sleeker.
The sides are rounded for a comfortable grip with the OLED screen and adjustment buttons located at the face of the mod.
Up top, there is the spring-loaded 510 connector and a lock/unlock switch, which I found a little awkward to use, especially if you don’t have nails.
On the bottom of the device there is the USB port, air vents, and not much else.
The overall design of the mod is simple but elegant with no polarizing features, and the build quality is great for the price.
One other thing worth noting is that the black version scratches easily so I’d recommend getting the silver one if you’re going to buy it.
KIT CONTENTS
- 1 × Stick TC 100W Battery Body(without cell)
- 1 × User Manual
- 1 × USB Cable
MOD SPECIFICATIONS
- Size: 52mm*23mm*94mm
- Color: Black, Grey, White
- Cell type: Two 18650 cells (High-rate) (Discharge current should be above 25A, for example, Sony VTC4)
- Thread Type: 510 Thread
- Variable wattage: 1.0W – 100W
- Rated resistance range: 0.05ohm- 1.5ohm(TC Modes)/ 0.1ohm- 3.5ohm(VW, Bypass Mode)
- Thread Type: 510 Thread
- Output mode: VW/Bypass/TC(Ni/Ti/SS/TCR-M1,M2,M3) mode
FUNCTIONALITY
When it comes to features, the iStick TC 100W comes jam-packed.
Variable wattage range is from 1 watt to 100 watts while temperature control ranges from 100 to 315C/200 to 600F.
The TC mode can handle Nickel 200, Titanium, and 316 Stainless Steel wires.
As for resistance range, in VW mode, the device can handle resistances from 0.1 to 3.5 ohms. On the other hand, in TC mode, you can use coils rated at 0.05 to 1.5 ohms.
To switch from VW to TC mode, you press the button below the adjustment buttons. Hold it for a few seconds, let go, and you gain access to the TC menu.
There is a bypass mode as well if you want to use the device as a mech mod, but I wouldn’t recommend using this if unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
Instead of a fire button eleaf has designed the mod in a way that you simply squeeze the mod to get it to fire.
It’s a little weird at first, but once you get used to it, you’ll find that it’s easier and much more intuitive.
There are a slew of safety features such as temperature alert, low voltage protection, temperature protection, atomizer protection, and short circuit protection.
The USB port isn’t just for charging, you can also use it to connect to a computer for firmware updates, which is fast becoming the norm for these kind of devices.
This helps to keep your device relevant for more than just a couple of years.
There is already an update that increases the max wattage output to 120W instead of the 100 – not that you’ll want to go that high!
One final thing I noticed with this MOD is that some atomizers don’t sit flush due to the short 510 pin.
Most of the tanks I’ve tried have been fine, but there is the odd one that leave a very small gap.
DISPLAY
The OLED screen is a pretty standard size.
You can view settings like the power/temperature, resistance, battery level, and voltage/wattage. It’s also nice and bright.
BATTERY DETAILS
The mod uses a pair of 18650 batteries, and, unlike some other mods, it’ll work with either one battery installed or two.
When using just one, you are limited to 75 watts, while two lets you set the power to the full 100 watts. Battery life will always depend on usage and the kind of batteries you put it.
Obviously, dual batteries set to a low power will give you longer battery life as opposed to using a single battery at full tilt.
DISLIKES
- Black version scratches easily – I recommend getting the silver version instead
- Lock switch is awkward – Since there is no fire button to initiate the usual five click to lock function, the use of a switch is needed, albeit awkward
- Short 510 pin – Some atomizers don’t sit flush, though most I’ve used fit fine
LIKES
- Ergonomic – The rounded sides makes for easier handling
- Sleek Design – Less ‘boxy’ than your typical box mod
- Spring loaded 510 connector – Ensures whatever atomizer you use fires perfectly
- Affordable – No need to invest a lot of money for a high powered mod
- High quality build – Gives more value for your money
- Simple to use – Great introductory device for first-time VW/TC users
- Can do 120 watts with upgraded firmware – Added power for advanced users
- Squeeze to fire – Simple yet intuitive
SHOULD YOU GET ONE?
The Eleaf iStick TC 100W is great value for money. It is well-made, looks good, and affordable.
While not perfect, the cons of the device are not deal breakers.
There are definately better dual 18650 devices available.
Having said this, I’d recommend this if you want to try a 100W mod without breaking the bank and more so if you’ve never owned a 100W device before.