Tests and Reviews: Change by Steampipes ~ The Vapelier

Commercial characteristics

Sponsor who lent the product for the review: the little vaper
Price of the tested product: 125 Euros
Product category according to its selling price: Luxury (over 100 euros)
Atomizer type: Classic rebuildable
Number of resistances allowed: 2
Resistor Type: Classic Reconstructible, Rebuildable Micro Coil, Genesys Reconstructible
Type of wicks supported: Silica, Cotton, Ekowool, Metal Mesh, Steel Cable
Quantity in milliliters announced by the manufacturer: 4

Reviewer comments on business characteristics

Let's say it clearly, this atomizer is a real UFO!

The exact opposite of the trend in place for a few months already, Steampipes, the German manufacturer gives us a top-coil atomizer (resistance at the top), in the old way. Here, no depression, venturi effect or complex fluid mechanics but just the good old capillarity and the eternal gravity that influence your rendering. And we will see that recipes that we thought were outdated know how to remind us that the simple principles can work as well as the complicated ones. And sometimes better ...

The Change is therefore a top-coil atomizer that can be mounted as desired in single or double resistance and which uses a tank placed below. It looks like a bottom feeding dripper but in one element! It will therefore be necessary to ensure a coherent assembly and to make the best use of the capacity of the atomizer to mix different materials, to ensure the transfer of the liquid from the bottom to the top first and to keep this liquid on the plate afterwards. A challenge? No, a method to find but which could give amazing results!

The price is high in absolute terms, we have to admit it but this atomizer has rare qualities, including in the high-end segment, which are able to justify the price. And the Change could well come, like Norbert's Origin, upset the situation and the sacrosanct podium that all seasoned vapers know well.

Physical characteristics and felt quality

Width or Diameter of the product in mms: 22
Length or height of the product in mms as it is sold, but without its drip tip if it is present, and regardless of the length of the connection: 50.5
Weight in grams of the product as sold, with its drip tip if it is present: 86
Material composing the product: Pyrex, Stanless Steel Food Grade
Form Factor Type: Kraken
Number of component parts without screws and washers: 7
Number of threads: 3
Quality of the threads: Excellent
Number of O-rings, Dript-Tip excluded: 6
Quality of O-rings present: Very good
O-ring positions: Drip-Tip Connection, Top Cap - Tank, Bottom Cap - Tank, Other
Capacity in milliliters actually usable: 3.8
Overall, do you appreciate the quality of manufacture of this product with regard to its price? Yes

Rating of the vapelier as to feelings quality: 5 / 5

Reviewer's comments on physical characteristics and perceived quality

The Change is made from 1.4301 type steel, which is the European designation for 304 steel, and is food grade. The tank is made of pyrex, very thick and is protected by steel armor. It is not so surprising here to talk about armor for this atomizer which represents the must in construction of what the world production can offer us in terms of solidity and finish. The weight of the atomizer is in itself an excellent indicator. The manufacturer has not been stingy when it comes to matters and certain thicknesses of steel are surprising and reassuring, it must be admitted. The finish, when it comes to it, is so accomplished that it even sends much more expensive atomizers to their dear studies…. Because the Change does more than align itself with current construction criteria but is posed as a new benchmark, no more, no less.

The whole is very elegant, not as imposing as one might think and has cooling fins on the top cap which will be far from useless when vaping because the furnace will be very close to your lips.

I wouldn't want to end this section without mentioning the apparent simplicity of Change. Seven pieces in all and for later or other atomizers offer up to six times more. So, put away your mechanical engineering or aeronautical technician diplomas, your extension assembly instructions and your toolboxes. Here, it will only be necessary to focus on one thing: the editing.

Functional features

Connection type: 510
Adjustable positive stud? Yes, through an adjustment by thread, the assembly will be flush in all cases
Presence of air flow regulation? Yes, and variable
Diameter in mms maximum of the air regulation possible: 4
Minimum diameter in mms of the air regulation possible: 1
Air regulation positioning: Lateral positioning and benefiting resistors
Atomization chamber type: Conventional / reduced
Heat dissipation of the product: Low

Reviewer's comments on functional features

We must understand here the purpose of such an object. This is an infernal machine to exalt the flavors of an e-liquid! Also, the draw will go from tight to relatively light but do not expect to find here the sensations that you could have with a Squape R, for example. The aiflow ring allows easy adjustment and above all well fixed which will allow you to easily find the rendering that suits you best. Let's say, to roughly schematize, that we are on a vape a little more aerial than a Taifun Gt, first of the name. But, compared to the avowed goal of the Change which is really typed “flavors”, it must be admitted that the strong feelings are there. Including in the volume of vapor, far from being ridiculous and especially in its density so high that it seems almost solid in the mouth.

The Change also does not forget to be easy to implement on a mod, with its 22mm diameter and the possibility of adjusting the connection screw to sit with precision on any type of mod.

The Change is available in two versions: one in polished steel and the other in sandblasted finish.

Drip-Tip Features

Drip tip type: 510 Only
Presence of a Drip-Tip? Yes, the vaper can immediately use the product
Length and type of drip-tip present: Medium
Quality of the drip-tip present: Very good

Reviewer's comments on the Drip-Tip

The drip-tip provided is as good as the atomizer. Pleasant in the mouth and remarkably machined, it is efficient and perfectly suited to the atomizer.

Evaluation of the packaging

Presence of a box accompanying the product: Yes
Would you say that the packaging is up to the price of the product? No
Presence of a user manual? No
Is the manual understandable for a non-English speaker? No
Does the manual explain ALL features? No

Vapelier's note on packaging: 1 / 5

Reviewer's comments on conditioning

The packaging manager at Steampipes did not strain his brain. A simple square section tube in hard plastic which correctly protects the product but which will not make a date in the annals… We note the presence of an airflow ring dedicated to the single coil AND an airflow ring dedicated to the dual coil. And then that's all…

Appreciations in use

Transport facilities with the mod of the test configuration: Ok for a back pocket of Jean (no discomfort)
Disassembly and cleaning facilities: Easy, even standing in the street, with a simple tissue paper
Filling facilities: Easy, even standing in the street
Easy to change resistors: Easy but requires a workspace to lose nothing
Is it possible to use this product throughout the day with several vials of EJuice? Yes perfectly
Was there leak after one day of use? No
In the event of leaks during tests, descriptions of the situations in which they occurred

Vapelier's note on ease of use: 4 / 5

Reviewer's comments on the use of the product

There are two steps to consider in the Change. First of all the assembly itself and then the use itself including filling, cleaning ...

The first step is not a priori difficult but it still requires a good knowledge of reconstructable atomizers and especially to take your time to develop the best possible assembly. Be careful, there are atomizers that are much more difficult to handle at this level but, on a top-coil, we cannot be satisfied with an approximate assembly if we want to avoid dry-hits. On the other hand, if we carry out a coherent assembly, which takes ten minutes, no problem for the rest.

In pure use, the atomizer is crystal clear. It is undoubtedly the cleanest of the top-coil atomizers that I have been able to use in my vaping journey. No leaks, no gurgles, no problem to report. It works wonderfully. I would just issue a little, very little reservation on the infill. Indeed, it is enough to unscrew the top cap to access a side hole which allows the filling of the atomizer. On paper, it looks simple. But in reality, you really have to have a vial with a fine tip or needle or have a syringe. But with a little preparation before going out, this slight handicap is no longer necessary. Be careful, however, when filling, the juice may flow back a little and this is the only time when you risk seeing a drop. So still plan to wipe off. But overall, it is rather an easy and reliable atomizer.

One last thing regarding the change in fiber or resistance. It is quite possible to operate with a full tank. Which is always good news ...

In the next section, I'll give you an example of editing that, for me, works very well.

Installation

First of all, I want to clarify that this montage was strongly inspired by Anthony's video on the subject and I want to thank him here.

I naturally started with a simple coil assembly because I am personally more adept of this type of vape. But nothing prevents of course from doing in double coil. So I took the airflow ring dedicated for this purpose. I first removed all the parts of the atomizers not necessary for assembly in order to have a clean workspace.

I first used two lengths of silica fiber in 2mm that I positioned in a U between the two plunge holes like this:

I was careful to cut the fibers to the right length so that their ends touch the bottom of the tank after their passage. If you have trouble inserting the fibers into the holes, feel free to moisten them lightly.
Then, I moved on to the realization of the coil itself. I used Kanthal 0.30 on 2.5mm in diameter. I have personally chosen a microcoil in order to have a more homogeneous heating surface: six turns for a resistance of 1.3Ω.

I positioned the coil above the silica fiber without it touching the fiber (about 2mm). Here, the silica fiber only serves to transport the liquid to the level of the plate and nothing more. This prevents the combustion of the fiber from generating micro-particles of silica whose harmlessness to health has not been demonstrated.
So far, nothing very complex. Moreover, nothing in this assembly is really it, it is enough to proceed methodically especially on the last part:
Then, I took Fiber Freaks in Density 2 for its great capillarity and I rolled it a bit like a “mustache” cut at both ends so as to taper the ends:

The slightly more difficult moment arrives but it is only a matter of patience. In accordance with Anthony's recommendations, I passed each end of the Fiber Freaks under the corresponding tab of my resistance then I cut the excess.

The goal is to have the maximum number of Fiber Freaks in contact with the silica fiber. In this regard, I added a small piece of Fiber Freaks just below the coil and above the silica in order to cover as much surface as possible. The Fiber Freaks being perfectly inserted between the bottom of the turns and the top of the silica, it will allow a humidification of the coil by this place too.
Be careful not to forget to position the back of the Fiber Freaks on the silica wick of the rear holes in order to capture as much juice as possible. Thus, we fully guarantee ourselves against any possibility of dry-hit. Likewise, take advantage of the fact of moistening the contents of your tray to pass a little liquid on the O-rings. This will make it easier for you to reposition the pyrex afterwards.

Of course, we can easily replace the silica fiber with 4 mesh tubes, non-oxidized because each plunge hole is equipped with an insulation. I admit not having tested this method but I am convinced that it would give very good results too. I found it easier to start with this assembly which remains quite easy to achieve even if it is recommended to pay attention to each step in order to get the best out of it.

This assembly guarantees perfect functioning of the atomizer. There is never a lack of juice on the tray and the Fiber Freaks always remains perfectly moistened. Including at high powers for an RBA (tested at 25W in chain vape). With this type of power, however, remember to bring a Teflon drip-tip because the heat dissipation of the Change also has its limits when you consider the great rise in temperature.

Other montages are also possible and do not hesitate to post them in comments to help the community. Thanks in advance! 😉

Recommendations for use

With which type of mod is it advisable to use this product? Electronics AND Mechanics
Which mod model is it recommended to use this product with? A mod with regulated and smooth output or a mechanical mod to appreciate the rendering of flavors.
With which type of EJuice is it advisable to use this product? All liquids without problem
Description of the test configuration used: Vaporshark + Change
Description of the ideal configuration with this product: Any mod in 22mm or more, any box.

was the product liked by the reviewer: Yes

Overall average of the Vapelier for this product: 4.7 / 5

Link to a video review or blog maintained by the reviewer author of the review

The mood ticket of the reviewer

We are indeed in the presence of an exceptional atomizer. And in more than one way.

First of all, in terms of build quality and finish, we are a good step above the leaders in the segment.

Level returned then. Never, and I will never repeat, I had tested an RBA atomizer which has such density and such precision in the restitution of flavors. The taste is full, saturated, balanced and the vapor is of great density and very white. If we had to compare it to have a reference, it would be a notch above 98% of the drippers I was able to test. There is no need to procrastinate, it is the indisputable champion of flavor. Each aroma stands out with finesse while taking on its full meaning in the mouth in a voluptuous and greedy cloud. This is delicious. I even rediscovered liquids that seem transfigured by their inimitable rendering. A real “good” vape machine that will express itself at best, given its temperature rather at the top of the spectrum with tobacco liquids, gourmet tobacco or purely gourmet. And of any viscosity.

In addition, it offers the unique possibility of reconciling “metallic” and “cottony” by being able to easily mix the two trends for a divine result. Mesh or fiber, the choice is yours!

If we except a simple but sometimes capricious filling, the only real flaw that remains is its remarkable ability to consume like a large V12. But this is undoubtedly the price to pay for an exceptional capillarity and a rendering that is no less.

I wish everyone to have the happiness of tasting the joys of the Change and a lot of pleasure in the competition when it comes to concocting an atomizer that will have an equivalent rendering of flavors. My favorite of this early 2015 anyway.

To finish this review, I would like to thank Antoine340, alias Antoine M., registered user on our site, for asking us to rate this superb atomizer.

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Looking forward to reading you.

Papagallo.

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