Earlier versions of the
Indulgence from Eastmall
consisted of a big battery tube, a switcher and adapters for
different atomisers. This new version has the main change of
combining all three components into one unit. This solves some of the problems inherent in the old unit such as contact problems between the adapter and the switcher after continuous removing and fitting of different adaptor heads since it eliminates a spring joint between the adaptor and switch, and therefore two contact points being hardwired into one. The spring is also easier to clean since the battery is now inserted from the bottom of the tube instead of at the top. Theoretically, it should save in costs since adaptor heads are out of the equation. Surprisngly it is sold for about US$20 more (currenty$59). Apart from the lack of adapter head options (now relying solely on atomiser convertor heads to the 510 thread), there is a furthur limitation on the tube size. Where before there were two sizes (for short and long) there is now only the one long tube to fit either 18650 at 3.7v or two smaller batteries in series at 6v or 7.4v. |
Looks | Usage |
Rather than follow it's
predessor's chrome finish, the V3 is all matt aluminium. Gone is the wobbly feel of the switch button which is now sturdy and positively metal. The old switch, you couldn't tell wether it was metal or plastic because it was the first thing to lose it's chrome coating. The V3 reminds me of the days when bicycles first trended to one piece models. Suddenly you could get a one-piece aluminium or carbon fibre frame. The beauty and concept would overwhelm you to be satisfied just owning one, nevermind the functionalty. Unfortunately though, this particular design cannot compare with the elegance of the older models. Something must have went wrong with the curving of the switcher head and atty socket.. If they had done the same curving for a larger battery base cap it would have balanced it out, but the battery cap is flat. With a regular black 510 atomiser and black cartridge, the V3 looks unimpressive. It looks like one of those kitchen utensils you use to light the stove. You really need to replace the stock cartridge for a drip tip to get the best looks. |
This is the first time I've used
a tube holding a 18650 long battery. I can't help feeling it's
bottom heavy. At times
I feel I've nearly let it slip and drop from my hand. This is
because the switch is quite high up and wether I choose to activate
it with finger or thumb, the switch becomes the pivot point,
meaning the bottom of the battery is always trying to wieigh it
down. i don't suppose it's the only big battery mod that has this
problem. I guess that's the downside of holding 3000mah worth of
power. The V3 retains a hard click switch, annoying for some but satisfying for others. Wether the quality is any better than the old switch, only time can tell. If a switch can't handle the power (amps) it will deteriorate over time and the first signs of this is that it will increase in resistance and reduce the current flow. The problem with the old Indulgence is that because of the small size of the switch, it is near impossible to find a replacement small enough to take the power. You can of course just replace it with a lower amp rating switch and hope that it will last. If the V3 uses the same switch, then it adds a major problem of actually getting the switch out. Because it's a one-piece now, it looks pretty impossible. |
Vapour | Taste and Throat hit |
Depends on your atty. |
Depends on your atty. |
Pros | Cons |
Carries the tradition
of the old Indulgence of taking a 18650 battery or two smaller
3V/3.7v batteries. Solves some inherent problems of the old Indulgence. Sturdy switch. Easy to clean battery spring. |
No option for shorter
tube. Bottom heavy. Relies on conversion adapters for atties other than 510. Switch seems irreplaceable. |
Conclusion | |
It was a good idea to update the
Indulgence to a simpler , lower maintenance model. But it looks
like they went too far. Keeping the same elegant, straight, chrome finish would have kept it's legacy looks. Keeping the battery tube seperate would have allowed for a shorter tube option and justified the upgrade. As a first big-batt mod for newbies, the price is a bit steep as there are many mods out there with similar features. |