In this review, I will tell you about a mechanical mod with a very interesting button and an omnivorous form factor from TimesVape called SAINT.
This mechanical mod was invented and made by the Chinese company TimesVape together with a certain LZ Vape. To my great regret, I have no idea who this is (and even Google did not help me). Perhaps it is one of the reviewers, or perhaps it is the name of a design studio or even the nickname of some particularly famous engineer in China. The TimesVape company itself is primarily known for its original products and the absence of ardent imitation of other brands, and this is what happened with the new mod under the simple name SAINT.
The mod is sold in a cardboard tube, which contains a minimum of information: on one side is the name SAINT, made in the style of very heavy metal bands, and on the other are the names of all the parties that took part in the creation of the mod and some tricky hieroglyph.
There are only two additional stickers: one has a barcode with the name and material the device is made of, and the second has an authenticity verification code.
What’s in the box
Inside, you will first of all be greeted by a suede bag with ties. vape stores canada On the one hand, this is a nice addition, but on the other, you won’t be able to fully use this bag: firstly, the mod with the drip tip won’t fit inside, and secondly, it’s only high-quality on the outside, while inside there are rough seams and a rather rough structure, which could theoretically scratch the polished surface of the mod.
The bag contains the mod itself, packed in a translucent bag, wrapped in instructions and placed in a plastic mesh.
The manual is written in two languages, English and Chinese. There are no special revelations in it, except that the format of supported batteries and a vague diagram of the mod itself are indicated. Additionally, a brief reference is given on how to install the battery correctly (for some reason, with the plus down, although the gas outlet holes are on top), what pin the evaporator should have (naturally protruding), what the insulation should be (intact). And a little about the general rules for using mechanical mods.
Despite the fact that the mod can work with 21700 batteries, TimesVape does not recommend using certain models due to their excessive thickness!
The appearance of the SAINT MOD is very simple, almost boring – a simple straight pipe with a diameter of 25 millimeters. But the main design “highlight” and a noticeable difference from other mods is almost impossible not to notice, this is a large and deep stamping of the mod name along the entire length of the mod. Thanks to this inscription, the device looks very attractive and at the same time lies confidently and tenaciously in the hand.
At the top of the mod there is a hybrid 510 connector, the area around it is flat, there are no technical means preventing the dripper from sticking to the mod. But there are inscriptions around the connector with the names of the manufacturers and the serial number.
TimesVape SAINT – gas outlet holes
Slightly below there are four gas outlet holes. For variety, they are drilled at an angle and directed from top to bottom. I think this is not the best solution, and for several reasons at once: this way, liquid will flow here when the dripper overflows, and during the release of gases, the main flow will be directed at your face. Still, the lower location of the gas outlet holes seems more adequate to me.
TimesVape SAINT – bottom view
As expected, the button is located at the bottom. Here it is made with a fairly protruding star glyph and at first glance completely recessed into the body.
After unscrewing the button (and this is quite easy to do, your fingers cling well to the rays of the star glyph) you will see a plastic tube-adapter for the 18650 battery. This one differs from other similar adapters in its greater length, it is partially put on the button and completely protects the 18650 from contact with the mod body. With such an adapter, you can theoretically use a battery without insulation at all, but it is better not to do so.
From the inside, near the 510 connector, the manufacturer has provided protection against short circuits in the form of a small groove. The inner surface of the mod is well processed, and I have no complaints about the threads, the quality of workmanship is at a decent level.
TimesVape SAINT – button assembly
And finally, let’s move on to the most interesting part of the mod – the button. This unit is screwed into the mod through a very small and high-quality thread on the fixed part of the button, and the movable one slides together with the pusher along three thin guides. This design has proven itself well when pressing exactly in the center of the button, but almost always jams when pressing near the very edge. In the case of the SAINT mod, this is also true, but it is absolutely insignificant, because of that very protruding star, it is almost impossible to get to the edge and all the presses occur where they should. The construction for the length of the dripper pin occurs by simply screwing the button “all the way” with the battery inserted, i.e. always, simply and unobtrusively.
SAINT MOD. Personal impressions
What I liked
Appearance
Button design
18650/20700/21700
What is simply good
Bag included
Normal operation even without constant contact
Hybrid connector
Silver-plated contact
There are brass and copper versions
What could be better
No groove around the 510 connector to prevent the dripper from sticking
No constant contact
Gas outlet holes are out of place
What is controversial
Diameter 25 millimeters
Requires regular polishing
Total
The SAINT mechanical mod turned out. It is not at the forefront of progress and contains almost no breakthrough technical solutions, but it works stably, has a reasonable adjustment for a battery/dripper pair and a conveniently pressed button that requires minimal attention and rare maintenance. Only the 25mm diameter landing pad causes a slight eye bleeding, all standard drippers sit with a small but constantly noticeable step. But the only DRA in my collection with a diameter of 25 – it fits here like a glove.
If you are not afraid of regular polishing of the case and you need a mod for 25 mm, be sure to pay attention to the products of TimesVape. Especially in view of the recently dropped price.