Videos Archives - Page 22 of 43

Vaping Diaries #151: Monarch Mods Virtue Philip Wolff Interview

Last month I chatted with Monarch Mods co-founder Philip Wolff to talk about the company’s new Virtue mechanical mod. This made-in-the-USA mech targets the high-end market, packs some unique features, and boasts outstanding presentation. The initial model is available in brushed or polished stainless steel. The contact points are silver-plated copper for some hard-hitting performance. The top cap is extremely thin, for an elegant look that’s hybrid-like. The firing mechanism — probably my favorite aspects of the Monarch Mods Virtue — has a recessed button with an extremely short throw, a feathery-light feel, and a locking mechanism that requires a short turn. The mod comes in a wooden box that’s filled with shredded leather. The prototype I saw was beautiful and well-made — definitely one of the finest made-in-America mods that I’ve seen.

Check out the video above to learn more about the Monarch Mods Virtue and stay tuned for the full review in the near future.

Vaping Diaries #149: Madz Modz Nzonic v4 Review

Madz Modz is a Filipino mechanical-mod maker that’s best known for its Nzonic series. The latest model of the popular telescoping mod is the Nzonic v4. In addition to sporting a gorgeous media-blasted finish, the mod has a few under-the-hood changes that improve its performance. In short, the Nzonic v4 takes this popular series of mechs to new heights.

Build Quality and Construction: Madz Modz did a great job with the build quality and construction of the Nzonic v4. The threads are smooth and the materials are top notch. The tubes are made from stainless steel and feature a handsome “media blasted” finish. The result is a dark look that doesn’t pick up fingerprints.

The contacts on the Nzonic v4 are particularly noteworthy. The positive pin is silver-plated copper — two of the best metals for electrical conducitivity. Many high-end mods feature silver plating of 15 microns, while many Chinese mods use less than that. The Nzonic v4’s pin has an unusually thick 20-micron coating of silver. Silver is an expensive metal and I appreciated Madz Modz’s liberal use of silver for the positive pin.

Overall, the Nzonic v4 is a well-made mod that’s among the best from the Philippines and can compete with the best telescopic mods from anywhere in the world.

Design and Ergonomics: As far as design goes, there are several things that make the Nzonic v4 stand out. Like most telescopic mods, it can be used with 18350 to 18650 batteries. Unlike most telescopic mods, it can be used with an 18650 battery and an Evolv Kick (or similar device). Most telescopic mods top out at 18490/18500 batteries for Kick use.

The Nzonic v4’s switch uses magnets. Unlike many competing mods that use magnets instead of springs, this one has a firm feel and a very short throw. Button feel is subjective, but for me the Nzonic v4’s button is perfect — it’s firm enough to stand unlocked without firing and the throw is short enough that firing requires a light touch. Misfires can be an issue with magnetic switches, but I never had the problem with Nzonic v4 after several weeks of vaping.

In terms of looks, the Nzonic v4 is distinct without being too flashy (a common criticism of Pinoy mods). The bottom tube has a subtle logo, the top cap has simple lines and an awesome Filipino-sun styled drip well, and the bottom cap has the company name, serial number, and decorative crystal. I love the design of the Nzonic v4; it’s a distinct and elegant mod.

Performance: The Nzonic v4’s performance surprised me. Considering that it’s a telescopic mod made from stainless steel, I was expecting bigger voltage drops. Of course the silver-plated copper pin helps boost the performance, but I was still surprised. This is one of the hardest hitting telescopic mods out there. Its performance actually exceeded some of the fixed-tube mods I’ve used. Naturally, it doesn’t hit quite as hard as high-end fixed-tube mods made from brass or copper. Overall I was extremely happy with the output of the Nzonic v4 and the mod made me even more excited for a brass version.

Verdict: Lately, I’ve been shying away from telescopic mods because they generally offer lower performance and I use 18650 batteries 99 percent of the time. While I plan on sticking with fixed tube mods for personal purchases, the Nzonic v4 will certainly have a regular spot in my rotation. I love the way it looks, the build quality is impressive, the materials are fantastic, and the performance is surprisingly great. If you’re looking for a telescopic stainless-steel mod then the Madz Modz Nzonic v4 should definitely be on your wish list.

Vaping Diaries #148: IBTanked Harry Gibson Interview (Vapetoberfest 2013)

It was an absolute pleasure chatting with IBTanked’s Harry Gibson at Vapetoberfest 2013. Known in the vaping community as “OCD,” Harry and his family (Mrs. OCD and Offspring) make high-quality made-in-the-USA glass cartomizer-tanks. Best of all, IBTanked’s tanks — and glass tubes for other atomizers — are very affordable. In the interview, Harry talks about IBTanked’s lineup, the new Tiny Tank, what makes his tanks different from the competition’s, the infamous “Thingie,” the gorgeous hand-painted glass tubes the company offers, and more.

In addition to having an outstanding sense of humor, I really admire how Harry and his family run their business. IBTanked conducts business in an honorable way, interacts heavily with the online vaping community, makes great products, and offers goods at reasonable prices. The vaping community is lucky to have OCD, Mrs. OCD, and Offspring in it.

Vaping Diaries #147: Bull Box Mods Brett Bulich Interview (Vapetoberfest 2013)

Bull Box Mods makes some gorgeous metal composite and stone composite drips tips. At Vapetoberfest 2013, I chatted with Bull Box Mods owner Brett Bulich about the company’s history, its current lineup, and future products. Brett started the company in his parents’ shed and has grown it into a successful business with an ardent following. In the interview above, he talks about his company’s start, the various types of drip tips he makes, and future products. While his metal and stone drip tips are very popular, I’m really excited about Bull Box Mods’ stainless steel and titanium mods.

Vaping Diaries #146: Cyber Liquids Chris Battenschlag Interview (Vapetoberfest 2013)

Formerly known as Vaping Haze, Cyber Liquids is a Southern California e-liquid company that makes some fun juices and uses a cool cyborg theme. At Vapetoberfest 2013, I caught up with Cyber Liquids owner Chris Battenschlag to talk about the reasoning behind the company’s transition to the new brand, his juice lineup, and what makes his products different. RPadholic N8R was particularly impressed with Cyber Liquids’ cereal flavors Apple Jax and Krunch Berries. I didn’t get a chance to try the company’s juices because the staff at the booth scared me; I was pretty sure that they were all cyborgs and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from the Terminator series, cyborgs are deadly.

Seriously though, Cyber Liquids is a fun company and its juices are really popular in SoCal vape shops. I’m looking forward to trying some of the company’s juices in the future. Check out the video above to learn more about Cyber Liquids and to see if the company’s juices are right for you.

Vaping Diaries #145: Ovale USA Brandon Crow Interview (Vapetoberfest 2013)

Ovale USA director of marketing Brandon Crow covers a wide range of topics in this Vapetoberfest 2013 interview. He starts off with the company’s new Cylo clearomizer moves onto Ovale USA e-liquids and finally discusses the relationship between Ovale and Joyetech. The Cylo is a clearomizer that uses eGo-C atomizers for familiarity and easy replacement. While Ovale USA gets a lot of attention for its hardware, I believe that its e-liquids are underrated (RPadholic N8R is a big fan of the company’s Sweet Bean). Lastly, it was important to me to get information out there on the Joyetech relationship. While many vapers have used Joyetech products to quit smoking, many of them are unaware that the company is simply a manufacturer. Ovale is the designer and inventor of products like the eGo-C, eVic, eMini (eRoll), and more. As someone that has always admired creators of videogames and comics more than the publishers, it bothers me that Ovale doesn’t get the credit that it deserves.

Special thanks to Ovale USA Brandon and Katie for letting Nate and I stash our gear at their booth during the show and for being excellent company outside of Vapetoberfest!

Vaping Diaries #144: Claudia Alan Interview (Vapetoberfest 2013)

It was fun meeting model Claudia Alan at Vapetoberfest 2013. She was working for Vape Los Angeles at the show, promoting the new Oni mod. In addition to being a stunning young lady, Claudia Alan recently graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism. As a former journalist, my past work clearly inspired her and she was naturally drawn to me at the show (not really…on both counts). Before she starts her BroJo career, she’s taking some time to enjoy the life of a model. In addition to her Vape Los Angeles work, Claudia Alan is the spokesperson for Toyo Tires and has worked for Namco to promote Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures. That’s right, Claudia Alan has touched the lives of vaping nerds, comic-book nerds, and videogame nerds. She should get some sort of trophy for that. Ha!

Anyway, check out my Claudia Alan interview above. If you want keep up with her, check out her Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

Vaping Diaries #143: Twelve Point Vape Shawn Lindell Interview (Vapetoberfest 2013)

It’s funny how I met Twelve Point Vape owner Shawn Lindell at Vapetoberfest 2013. My buddy Scott excitedly told me, “Dude, there’s this guy making juice with deer antlers! You have to check it out.” Since the Twelve Point Vape logo is a buck, I thought Shawn was that guy. It turned out that Shawn wasn’t that guy, but I’m super-happy to have met him. In addition to having an excellent sense of humor and impressive knowledge of music, Shawn has an interesting take on crafting e-liquids. He started Twelve Point Vape because he wasn’t satisfied with the juices he was buying. One of his friends owns a local vape shop and Shawn shared his concoctions with him. They turned out to be so popular that customers were demanding to pay for half-empty bottles of the juices that would become Twelve Point Vape’s lineup.

Check out the video above to hear the full story of Twelve Point Vape, learn about the company’s current lineup (Peanut Butter and Crack!), and learn about upcoming flavors. You can also follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Vaping Diaries #142: eLiqCube Vaping Vortex Cannon (Vapetoberfest 2013)

At Vapetoberfest 2013, the gang from eLiqCube showed me one of the best “Stupid Vaping Tricks” ever — the Vaping Vortex Cannon. One day, eLiqCube’s Jason and Zack were bored at work and saw a YouTube video of a fog-machine cannon made from a cardboard box. The pair thought it would be fun to do the same thing for vaping and the eLiqCube Vaping Vortex Cannon was born. While it has been used to terrorize coworkers, the boys brought it to Vapetoberfest to entertain attendees (and themselves). Check out the video above to see the eLiqCube Vaping Vortex Cannon in action.

Vaping Diaries #141: Mythical Fabrications Jester Interview (Vapetoberfest 2013)

Mythical Fabrications is a very cool and very eccentric creator of vaping pipes. At Vapetoberfest 2013, I caught up with the head of the company, known as The Jester. He spoke about the company’s new e-pipe system that uses silver wiring for some hard-hitting vaping. For those of you not familiar with Mythical Fabrications, the company makes striking vaping pipes made out of acrylic, metal, stone, and wood. You should definitely check out its site to see its beautiful wares.

One extremely unique aspect of the company is that it’s also a group of fire performers — you know, those guys and gals that breath fire. The Jester spoke about his fire performing and how vaping helped improve his results. Other topics include the upcoming tri-brid device that combines mechanical, variable-voltage, and hybrid functionality. Be sure to watch this video interview on this really unique and exciting company.

On a side note, Mythical Fabrications has made vaping pipes out of Pokeballs. As someone that has literally spent thousands of hours playing various Pokemon games (700+ on Pokemon Pearl alone!), this is something I must have. Hopefully Mythical Fabrications can take a journey to Kanto or Johto so that it can stock up on more Pokeballs. Want!!!