Amber’s Aegis
Let me start by saying this is not so much a review, as the perfect review was already mastered by @steampugs. This is my opinion and thoughts on the Aegis 100, provided through giveaway from the wonderful folks at 3Avape.
Aegis 100 Spec-a-roos
Product Features:
1 to 100W Output
GeekVape Chip
Seven Total Output Modes
0.05 to 3.0 ohm Atomizer Resistance Range
1 to 9 Voltage Range
0.96" Display Screen
Temperature Control Suite
Ni200 Nickel Support
Titanium Support
SS316 Support
Kanthal Support
POWER Support
VPC Support
Bypass Mode
Threaded Battery Door Cover
Durable through terrain
Military Standard 810G-516.6 Shockproof System
IP67 Water Proof and Dustproof System
Single 18650 or 26650 Battery (sold separately)
0.91 Inch Color Display
Amp Range
Output Power
Atomizer Resistance
Battery Life Indicator
Puff Counter
Neatly Displayed
Zinc and Aluminum Materials
Hidden Micro USB Port
Dual Torx Screw Secured
Update Only
Spring Loaded Gold Plated 510 Connection
Hexagon Shaped
Low Voltage/Current/Output Short Circuit/Load/Low Resistance/Overheating
Product Dimensions:
37.8mm by 46.8mm by 88mm
*The picture below is my reason for not intentionally damaging the mod, I mean even the damn book says not to.
Aesthetics
The first thing to catch your eye is the 510 connector, and the plating. It is huge and magnificent, and more importantly, should you overdrip, this makes it a breeze to wipe from, no small grooves or valleys for the liquid to fall into, only the small gap between the plating and the top of the mod. The fit is snug, it does not feel like it is overtightened, nor does the atomizer feel wobbly, it sits perfectly. For an atomizer 24mm or smaller, the plating is going to show, as the diameter of the plating is quite large.
Can I just say, I am absolutely loving the firing button. It is quite large, light-switch style, and the click is the most satisfying click I have ever gotten from a mod button. The (+/-) buttons are sturdy, without any rattle. The firing button is also very comfortable on the fingers, whether you hold it facing you, or away.
The LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber) coating feels amazingly smooth when gripped, giving a real sense of protecting the mod from the dreaded ‘slippage’ as well as any drops. Ever rush out of the door with your hands full and your mod held under one of your arms? Mods that have a smooth paint coating are not only slick, but that paint coating eventually wears off after so much contact, especially given the fact that we all have a preferred way of holding our mods, and usually grip the same spot during use. Just like an Xbox Controller, added grip makes for a better experience. The leather and stitching is beautiful, even if it truly serves no purpose whatsoever.
Functionality
The Aegis is 5 On/Off as usual, and 3 clicks while on to cycle through different modes. The option to adjust brightness is awesome, you simply hold the fire button and the + or - button to increase or decrease brightness. I have mine turned all the way down to 0% (for battery). VPC Mode is a neat little feature, it allows you input five values, each representing a second, and it even displays a graph of the curves you create. Want a higher wattage the first second? You got it. VPC Mode will continue with the 5th input value until you release the firing button. I may play more with this feature, but I can see where it may impact the battery life a bit. With the latest firmware, you can hold (+/-) down together while the mod is off to display the firmware version.
Battery Life
Battery life would probably have to be the deciding factor for someone looking to buy the Aegis. If you vape high wattage and ohm out super low, this may not be the mod for you. I say this because the life you would get from a single 18650 would be minimal, a 26650 slightly better. I bought an Ijoy 4200mah 26650 to use with the Aegis, which provides about 24 hours of usage for me. I use 56-65 watts, but my coils usually ohm out at 0.41-0.42. I can get around 2 days usage from a dual 18650 device using 2 Samsung 30q’s. You would need to plan on having at least 2 26650 batteries unless you rotate out devices.
Instantaneous Firing
I love this feature. My vape sessions using the Aegis are somewhat shorter because I get way more satisfaction from the hits than on my other devices. I take pretty long draws, and with this mod I have cut off a second because of sheer speed at which this fires. My draws are not long due to ramp up either, my coils heat up fast and cool down just as quickly, I just like a long, lung filling draw.
Firmware Update
After removing the 2 Torx screws on the top of the mod where the vent holes are, there is a small silicone rectangle plug that must also be removed. I had to go through several cords before finding one that fit, not because of the type, but because the micro USB port is buried down quite low into mod itself, the black casing was hitting the top of the mod before it had a chance to fully plug in. Geekvape’s website is not clear on firmware update instructions, in fact they say ‘repeatedly press’ when what they mean to say is ‘hold down’. Steps are below.
To update the firmware:
- Download firmware
- Unzip file
- Take off atomizer/take out battery
- Hold firing button down, while holding down attach Micro USB to Port on the mod, keep holding the button down as you open the firmware update.
- Press Start on the Firmware Update.
- Release firing button once the update says 'Updated Successfully.
Edit: 10/17/2017
Upon testing the latest firmware, version 1.23, I noticed a significant drop in power even with a fully charged battery. My wattage would drop from 55 to 53.0 and 52.0 during a hit. This started immediately after updating the firmware. After reading of the issues regarding firmware versions 1.21 & 1.22 I decided to test these and the result was even worse. With firmware updates 1.21-1.23 the mod was almost acting as though it was in Bypass mode, or going directly off my battery even though I had more charge than the power it was giving. I decided to roll back the firmware to version 1.20 which has fixed the issue completely. I am now getting adequate power from my battery. I would suggest letting Geekvape get further with their firmware before updating, or roll back to version 1.20 if you notice any issues after updating.
*Version 1.20 is now simply Version 1.0 on the download page as of Feb. 2018.
Amber’s Conclusion
This mod is great for outdoors, clumsy people, women, men, and me. Specifically me for my wattage range and resistance though. If you vape like my husband, not so much. The 26650 wouldn’t last him the day, not even close. But, there is a but, if you are getting this for its ability to withstand unfavorable conditions, then it is a really good buy. I know if I drop it with my hands full, it will still be functional. I can’t say that for tank users, as the glass would go ker-splat. I love this mod, and the draws from it are incredible. Would I have bought it myself? Probably not, but the only reason for saying no is that I tend to stick within a certain price range for myself, as I spend more on DIY and flavors than devices. I would buy this again if I had to though, it is a thoroughly enjoyable mod. I have one thing in mind buying for myself, and that is longevity. I can see this mod lasting me a good long time.