In this review, we will talk about another tiny mech mod for 18350 batteries, this time about Rhizome from the Korean manufacturer Xtra Mile Vape.
The device came into my hands in a small plastic tube for a drill. It differs from Chinese clones only by the presence of a sticker with the name of the device, the name of the manufacturer and links to the site (almost an empty resource, in the “MOD” section at the time of the review there is nothing) and a Facebook group. Unfortunately, neither the version of the mod nor its serial number are indicated, but there is a reference to a certain company Y&S Tech, which, apparently, produces this mech mod for Xtra Mile Vape. Inside the package, in addition to the mod itself, in a separate zip bag, there were only two spare gold-plated springs for the button. The manufacturer did not prepare any other “goodies” for us.
Rhizome V2.2 is a “shortened” version of the Rhizome V2, which is designed to work with 18650 batteries, and is the “big brother” of the device in question. vape shops canada By the way, the large mod can have a different outer surface finish (Brush, Emery, Rough Emery), while the V2.2 has only “satin” (Brush). In general, the mech mod is a strict and straight classic steel pipe mod with a diameter of 22 mm with a bottom button, which is perfect for a compact bundle and use with MTL atomizers on high-resistance windings. The device is made of SS304 stainless steel, the contact group in the button is made of brass and (apparently) gold-plated. But most likely we are not talking about the entire structure, but only about the pusher and springs, the contact and nut are noticeably paler and are covered with an oxide film and small traces of short circuits. Rhizome V2.2 Specifications
Diameter: 22 mm
Height: from 46 mm
Weight: 51.6
Materials: stainless steel and brass
Hybrid connector
Powered by 18350 battery
Spring in the button design
Gold-plated button
On top of the mod, there is an engraving with the name of the device on the connector. Three times, apparently, so as not to get confused. At the same time, there is no mark on the body about the version of the mod, just as the device does not have a unique serial number. The connector is hybrid, the positive pin of the atomizer directly touches the battery contact, so you need to watch how much the pin protrudes above the thread. Rhizome uses a classic bottom button, it also has its own engraving with a nice and intricate pattern. The diameter of the pusher is 18 mm, with such dimensions of the mod, the area for pressing can be safely called comfortable.
The design of the mech is a telescope, i.e. adjustment to the height of the can is done by the thread connecting the upper and lower parts. Therefore, when assembling, do not overdo it so as not to press the battery contacts with the pin of the tank or dripper. The threads in the device look neat, but upon closer inspection you can see sharp burrs on the tops in some places, so the new mech mod may creak when assembling and disassembling.
On the inside of the connector there is a familiar protection against short circuit of the battery to the case, and it is not made by a simple groove in the metal, but by a plastic ring, which the can will rest against. There is also a small Easter egg – a colored engraving with the manufacturer’s logo. Honestly, this is a kind of protection against counterfeiting, the Chinese have long been able to make the same, and a serial number or some kind of originality card in the kit would be more reliable.
Button
The button has a small (about 1 mm) and very soft stroke, while you can feel the friction of the metal parts with a slight crunch. Perhaps, over time, it will disappear, since I had a practically new device in my hands. Pressing confidently occurs only in the center, at the edges the pusher can bite, although the gap between the parts is minimal, a small backlash between the button and the case is still felt.
Impressions
Size comparison: Rhizome V2.2 in handFrankly speaking, the mech mod does not impress with any characteristics or design features. Except for the small height, which is 1.5 mm less than the previously reviewed Colibri Stone. Rhizome V2.2 is a classic mechanical mod, straight and strict in shape for lovers of small setups and cigarette “classics”. You should not expect any revelations from a fairly simple device, but for fans of taste, not clouded by electronics and some limitations, the device is perfect for everyday use. Stainless steel does not require special care, you just need to keep the threads clean, of which there are still more in the chain than in many modern mechs “for the bulk”. Otherwise, the drawdowns will be noticeable even when using high-resistance windings. I have a small complaint about the implementation of the gas outlet, in my opinion, its presence is generally pointless, since the same amount of air passes through the button as if these four holes were not there at all. Whether the push is soft or hard is purely a matter of personal preference, but the biting mechanism of the pusher is an objective complaint. Perhaps a tight or conical spring would correct this drawback, but this is nothing more than an assumption. Another point that raises a question for me concerns the possibility of distinguishing a Korean original from a Chinese fake.