Tests and review: Chronus "SHIKRA" 200W Kit by Sigelei ~ Le Vapelier

Commercial characteristics

Sponsor having loaned the product for the magazine: LCA Distribution
Price of the tested product: 85 €
Product category according to its selling price: High end (from 81 to 120 €)
Mod type: Variable power electronics and temperature control
Is the mod telescopic? No
Maximum power: 200W
Maximum voltage: 7.5
Minimum value in Ohms resistance for a start: Less than 0.1

Reviewer comments on business characteristics

A predator, a raptor, a poisonous snake, the very recent “small” capitalist world of the Far East has nothing to envy to traditional Anglo-Saxon predators. After the snow wolf, the animal kingdom definitely inspires Chinese communicators to Sigelei. The little hawk (accipiter badius) is a shikra, very present throughout the south of the Asian continent.

The series Chronus is now decked out with another version, a limited edition version of the Chronus 200W which differs slightly, not by aesthetics (identical) but in terms of added features, among which you will appreciate the firmware update, the clock (fortunately silent), a system lock by configurable 4-digit code , a positive pin adapter to interchange the coils of the clearo and the TFR function that the geeks of the regulated vape take care to program for ever more perfect sensations.

Another point, which demonstrates the particular care that the R&D part brings to the efficiency of the on-board electronics, is the improvement of the response time to the pulse, reduced to the thousandth of a second, (it does not pretend to calculate), Evolv's DNA technicians will have to hang on if they don't want to be left behind.

This "Starter Kit" can be found online on the manufacturer's website at € 75,80 (excluding shipping costs), it will certainly cost you a little more (around € 90) in France and in a store (physical ), import costs oblige… Let's see this in detail and in color.

Physical characteristics and felt quality

Width or Diameter of the product in mm: 30
Product Length or Height in mm: 133
Product weight in grams: 300
Materials composing the product: Zinc alloy, stainless steel grade 304, brass, resin
Form Factor Type: Classic Box - VaporShark type
Decorative style: Classic
Quality of decoration: Good
Is the coating of the mod sensitive to fingerprints? No
All the components of this mod seem well assembled? Yes
Fire button position: Lateral near the top-cap
Fire button type: Mechanical metal on contact rubber
Number of buttons making up the interface, including touch zones if they are present: 2
Type of user interface buttons: Mechanical metal on rubber contact
Quality of the interface button (s): Excellent, I love this button in every way
Number of parts in the product: 7
Number of threads: 3
Quality of the threads: Very good
Overall, do you appreciate the quality of manufacture of this product with regard to its price? Yes

Vapelier's note on quality feelings: 4.2 / 5

Reviewer's comments on physical characteristics and perceived quality

The box alone measures 88,2mm for 44mm wide (not including 0,3mm offset from the switch). In general, the body ("Gunmetal" stainless steel surface) is 29mm, to which we can add an offset of the screen and part of the decoration of 2mm and 3mm to the joystick button. Its empty weight is 153g and 245g with the 2 batteries.

The clearomizer shikra Black stainless steel tank measures 44,75mm (without the 510 connection) for a thickness, at the base, of 24,5mm and 28mm at the level of the tank (bubble Moonshot 120 - 5,5ml), the tank of 3,5ml (Moonshot 120 cylindrical) is 24mm in diameter.

The ato in 5,5ml version weighs 55g. It is in many ways comparable to the Snowwolf and other Sobra which it shares the tank options and the various resistances. The airflow is adjustable and the filling is done by the drip-top to unscrew. The positive pin and its silicone insulator can be removed.

The functional kit therefore measures 132,95mm for a total weight, with 5,5ml of juice, of 305g.

The materials used are a zinc alloy (without aluminum contrary to the Chronus 200W) and SS stainless steel, the retractable positive pin is brass. The ato is stainless steel, the tanks are glass, the resistors are supplied in stainless steel (SUS 316L).

Let's note a curious little detail about the location of the 510 connection disk which is not exactly centered on the top-cap. On the front (screen side), it is 5mm edge, while at the back, it is only 3,75mm, a gap certainly small but can hinder the alignment (junction box / ato) with an ato of a diameter 30mm for example.

The energy compartment can be opened with a finger, the closing clip is effective, the directions of polarities are indicated for each battery, 2 x 18650 (not supplied). Presence of degassing vents.

The color TFT screen is circular, 22,5mm of internal diameter encased in 3mm of its periphery of protection, of 30mm of diameter, in relief of 2mm compared to the surface of the box. The facade concentrates all the features, including a golden button (for the test copy) of the joystick type 5 positions, and a micro USB input for reloading and firmware update (internal software).

The ergonomics are well designed with 45 ° chamfers with softened edges 8mm wide on the front and 10mm at the back, which ensure a comfortable grip and compensate for the lack of "natural" grip due to the material used (metal vertically anodized). The decoration is sober in relief, the finishes are impeccable, the same for the clearomiser which we will talk about later.

A kit at first glance very well studied, not too bulky or heavy, certainly better suited to a man's hand, but I may be moving forward a little. The main thing remains to be evaluated, does this stuff vape from hell or Rochereau?

Functional features

Type of chipset used: Owner
Connection type: 510
Adjustable positive stud? Yes, through a spring.
Lock system ? Electronics with code 4 digits
Quality of the locking system: Excellent, the chosen approach is very practical
Features offered by the mod: Display of the battery charge, Display of the resistance value, Protection against short-circuits from the atomizer, Protection against reverse polarity of batteries, Display of the vape voltage in current (depending on the mode), Display of the power of the current vape (depending on the mode), Display of the vape time since a certain date, Fixed protection against overheating of the atomizer resistors, Variable protection against overheating of the atomizer resistors, Temperature control of atomizer resistors, Support firmware update, Display brightness adjustment, Clear diagnostic messages
Accusability: 18650
Does the mod support stacking? No
Number of batteries supported: 2
Does the mod retain its configuration without batteries? Yes
Does the mod offer a recharge feature? Charging function possible via Micro-USB
Is the recharge function pass-through? Yes (on pc)
Does the mode offer a Power Bank function? No power bank function offered by the mod
Does the mode offer other functions? Clock
Presence of air flow regulation? Yes
Maximum diameter in mm of compatibility with an atomizer: 28
Accuracy of the output power at full charge of the battery: Good, there is a tiny difference between the requested power and the real power
Accuracy of the output voltage at full charge of the battery: Excellent, there is no difference between the requested voltage and the actual voltage

Vapelier's note regarding functional characteristics: 4.8 / 5

Reviewer's comments on functional features

This is where the box shikra will show the main qualities of this kit, judge instead:

Protections and alerts

cut : in the event of a short circuit (“Short”) - Overvoltage (“supply Voltage is Too High”) and under voltage - Internal overheating (PCB) (“Too Hot!”) and coil in TC mode - battery on and under charge (below 6,2V, or battery fault: "Check Battery" message) - Reverse polarity - Puff duration limit (programmable up to 20 seconds): "Vape Too Long" message - "Atomizer Missmatch" without the possibility of vaping, occurs in the event of a bad atomizer configuration or non-compatibility with the box, the device automatically returns to USER mode.

Various warning messages for the cases mentioned above and: if a battery is below 3,4V and in the event of a voltage difference beyond 0,45V between the batteries: message "Unbalanced" - "Low resistance "For a coil below 0,05Ω -" Chek Atomizer "if there is no ato or contact problem - In TC mode, if the resistance value is below the programmed reference: the message" Retest Resistance "appears , the device will automatically read the value of the resistive present, it's up to you to lock the new value.

Other functions / options

Lock function by 4-digit code (locked vape system impossible) - Choice of screen compositions including the persistent digital clock in USER mode (GUI position) or dial / hands style, persistent for 10 seconds in rest mode.

- Screen brightness adjustment - Preheat programming - Power TCR / TFR modes (5 memories), SS304 / SS316 / SS317 / Ti1 / Ni200. In Power mode (WV) possibility of various control and display options (Hard, Normal, Soft, User) - Lock function of programmed parameters - Choice of temperature expression in ° Centigrade or ° Farenheit - The recharging option via a USB / microUSB connection is included in the box: DC 5V / 2.5A max, if you use an external charger (phone) without vaping while charging, the option is also possible via a computer, occasionally and allowing to vape during the charging period, as well as to upgrade the firmware (internal software) via the website of the builder.

Still in phase, friends? perfect ! We continue with the technical specifications including the clearomizer.

Box shikra :

Output powers: from 10 to 200W in increments of 0,2W up to 50W and 0,5W beyond - Output voltage: 1.0 - 7,52V - Resistances tolerated: from 0,05 to 3,0 Ohms - Range of controlled temperatures: 100 ° -300 ° C / 200 ° -570 ° F - Compatible with Kanthal, Ni200, Titanium and Stainless Steel resistives (SS inox and Nichrome) - Two 18650 batteries at 25A minimum (not supplied). “0.001s Instantaneous Firing Speed” (as we say in China), the famous instantaneous response to the pulse that I told you about at the beginning, the calculations of TC, TCR / TFR, W, and other possible preheat, are therefore carried out in a minimum time: no pulse lag (as we say at home).

Clearomizer Shikra Tank

Stainless steel body SS 303, capacity 5,5 or 3,5 ml according to the selected tank, supplied. Drip-tip resin (810 Widebore) of 7mm high and 6,25mm of useful aperture.

Lateral airholes at the base of 8mm X 2mm, adjustable by rotation of a ring.

Resistors supplied: MS-H 0.2 Ohm (60-120W) - MS 0.25 Ohm (40-80W) - Compatible with MS-M Mesh (ø 14,5 x 20mm) and other resistors from other brands such as Smok TFV 8 Baby, or the Coils w / Extra Pin models: ø 13mm at the base screwing and 14,5mm at the flange, (using the positive pin adapter supplied).

Well, we went around, it was a bit long, we deserved the coffee break, right now ...

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? Yes
Presence of a user manual? Yes
Is the manual understandable for a non-English speaker? Yes
Does the manual explain ALL features? Yes

Vapelier's note on packaging: 5 / 5

Reviewer's comments on conditioning

Two white cardboard boxes are inserted in a thinner cardboard case, which shows and details the product front and back. A certificate of authenticity is on one side. The devices are well protected in molded compartments, semi rigid foam, from which they can not go out or move during periods of transport and other handling. Packaging is all right, with each box, a security of first opening.

The package contains:

the box Shikra 200W

Shikra Tank clearomizer 5,5ml (mounted)

1 tank glass cylinder (3,5ml)

1 USB / micro-USB cable

1 MS-H resistor - 0,20Ω (pre-installed)

1 MS Coil resistance - 0,25Ω

1 bag of O-rings and spare profiles

1 pin + adapter for resistors

2 instructions for use including one in French (without magnifying glass)

What are we going to be able to vape with such promising material? I tell you this in the next chapter.

Appreciations in use

Transport facilities with the test atomizer: Ok for an external jacket pocket (no deformations)
Disassembly and cleaning facilities: Easy, even standing on the street, with a simple handkerchief
Easy to change the batteries: Easy, even standing in the street
Did the mod heat up? No
Has there been any erratic behavior after a day of use? No

Vapelier's rating in terms of ease of use: 4.5/5

Reviewer's comments on the use of the product

Please note that you must use 18650 batteries with a minimum discharge capacity of 25A and that except galley or unforeseen, the recharge via the box is not advised, if you must do it, privilege a phone charger to the PC. “On the use of a good dedicated external charger, the lifespan of your batteries depends” young padawans.

Without telling you about my life, I will still tell you that I usually vape juices in 30/70 or 20/80 PG / VG. To test the equipment entrusted to me, it has the advantage of considering whether or not the ato and its coils are compatible with any type of juice. The less fluid viscosity of a 20/80 (than a 50/50), can be problematic when using certain proprietary coils, such as poor circulation which invariably leads to a dry hit and the premature death of a coil at 3 €. Several times a day, the case can get costly and the lungs filthy.

Let's detail the boot procedure for our neophyte readers. The top-cap unscrewed, the tank removed, you close the airholes. The operation is to soak the cotton a few drops of juice, 4 outdoor lights and the center of the resistance, from the edge by tilting. It is best not to pour juice vertically into the heating chamber, it will eventually flow through the vents (airholes) of the base. You can go up the ato and now fill it with the top-cap. You screw the drip-top and you still wait 5 good minutes. If you do each new use of resistance, you reduce considerably the previously mentioned disappointments (dry hit, trash). That's not all, we must now set the power to which you will heat the coil.

Open the airhole halfway, it'll help to vape. I will consider that you have successfully unlocked the system using the 4 magic numbers revealed in one of the manuals. Always reading the manual, you will choose the POWER mode and in this mode, the USER option (you have 4 hours). Rest your magnifying glass, you will switch briefly to trigger the reading of the resistance value. Normally the pre-installed should be announced to 0,20Ω. With the joystick, bring the power to 40W, you can switch and vaper some first puffs of 2 or 3 seconds to properly start the circulation effect of the juice. Let's go, you will adjust your vape at your convenience by increasing / decreasing the power and playing on the opening of the airholes.

You will notice a stepwise variation of the resistance value up to 0,3 Ω (and sometimes more), this is a phenomenon due to the quality of the resistive wire, its heating coefficient, the power to which it is subjected, the duration of the heating ... And this is the reason why the world of vape has evolved towards temperature control and TCR / TFR modes which will adapt the signal transmitted to the resistance according to parameters specific to the nature of the wire used. I refer you, for more details, to the Vapelier Tutorials which deal with the issue.

Our shikra allows, of course, to configure and memorize the TCR / TFR settings according to the resistance that we use. With 5 possible memorizations, according to your preferences, the heating coefficients are configurable 4 digits after the decimal point. For a basic temperature control, choose the type of resistive present on the ato (cold), the maximum temperature at which you want to vape, let yourself be guided by the box (read and lock) and that's it.
The preheat function is also very useful for those who are vaping on an RDA type ato with 4, 6 or 8 Super Snake Tiger mega multi wires “porn coils”, for 0,1 Ω at 180W, you can then choose to balance 200W on it. during the first second of pulse (settings in 0,01 second and 0,1W increments).

Here are the detailed manipulations to amuse you and tweak your vape in search of the Grail.

I am pleasantly surprised with the results of my tests. The ato is a clearomizer but it correctly restores the flavors, the use of the MS-M resistance at 0,2 Ω (Mesh *) brings this type of ato even closer to drippers or good RDTAs in terms of taste quality. The box provides a high quality linear signal once correctly configured, the vape is very "beautiful" if you allow me the expression. The designers of the coils have now mastered their subject and the production of vapor has become bluffing. Autonomy at 60W (0,2 Ω) is also very satisfactory (2 tanks on a big day), despite a screen that probably consumes energy, especially when it is used frequently as in the case of an evaluation. This last point also depends greatly on the quality and youthfulness of the batteries, of course.

* Mesh coil: whose particularity is to offer a large heating surface involving the same cotton surface, we no longer find these burn grooves which in the long run end up causing a taste of calamine to our vape, this system is in in the process of generalizing on proprietary resistors, we will probably also very soon see it marketed for reconstructables.

A hardware that has nothing to envy to RX 200 or DNA 200 chipsets, it is equivalent if we exclude the software support Escribe, only available for DNA, and perhaps also, the impossibility of obtaining a PCB equipped with spare. For the most part, that is to say, the vape is high-end material.

Recommendations for use

Type of batteries used during the tests: 18650
Number of batteries used during the tests: 2
With what type of atomizer is it advisable to use this product? In sub-ohm assembly
With which model of atomizer is it advisable to use this product? that of the kit or that of your choice.
Description of the test configuration used: Box Shikra + Shikra Tank, resistance to 0,25Ω
Description of the ideal configuration with this product: Any ato up to 29mm, sub-ohm or other

was the product liked by the reviewer: Yes

Overall average of the Vapelier for this product: 4.6 / 5

The mood ticket of the reviewer

An almost disappointing note, so much this kit appeared to me "good in all respects", the aesthetics, the ergonomics, the functionalities and even the atomizer and its coils in particular the Mesh, make it a tool for all the vapes. , so all the vapeu-x-ses (decidedly inclusive writing, I don't get used to it, it's horror). I'm neither a box fan nor a clearomiser, the Vapelier team can attest to this, I tend to find flaws in them and their fragility frightens me, (Carpenter of the building need to be reminded) yet I really enjoyed vaping with this material, to which I award a Top Mod without even taking the advice of my colleagues.

It is true that it is very satisfying to be able to recommend a kit like this, to beginners as well as to experienced ones, without restriction, without a doubt, not finding what could get in the way, except of course the price. , high but in my opinion, justified. A very beautiful gift to offer to the being that one loves, often besides one does not say “well ordered charity begins with oneself”, it is true that personally I like myself, don't you?

Good luck to you, see you soon.

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