Commercial characteristics
- Sponsor having loaned the product for the magazine: HappeSmoke
- Price of the tested product: 49.90 Euros
- Product category according to its selling price: Mid-range (from 41 to 80 euros)
- Mod type: Variable voltage electronics
- Is the mod telescopic? No
- Maximum power: 233W
- Maximum voltage: 7.5V
- Minimum value in Ohms resistance for a start: 0.1
Reviewer comments on business characteristics
HotCig offers the R233, a small box that I find particularly interesting. In addition to its successful appearance, this mod is compact, lightweight, clean and convenient.
The R233 is equipped with a potentiometer which allows to go up to 233W with a maximum voltage of 7.5V and a minimum resistance of 0.1Ω. The novelty lies in the leds that illuminate the facade under the switch. Although the box is devoid of screen, we know by this means approximately how much power we vape, the level of the battery is indicated and all this thanks to light codings simple to apprehend.
This box requires two 18650 format batteries which work in series to allow this power, but it requires the use of accumulators with a minimum discharge current of 25A. I regret that the notice does not specify it, this should be mandatory. On the other hand, it is stated that the chipset is waterproof, a feature that I would not test, because I rarely vape in my shower.
The covers are removable and interchangeable with another optional model. The aluminum body is also proposed in black for those who would be interested.
Obviously all the security features are offered on the R233 and the coding of leds also informs you about the type of problems.
Physical characteristics and felt quality
- Product Width or Diameter in mms: 55 x 25
- Product Length or Height in mms: 90
- Product weight in grams: 108 without batteries and 200 grs with double batteries
- Material composing the product: Aluminum alloy
- Form Factor Type: Classic Box - VaporShark type
- Decorative Style: Cultural Reference
- Quality of decoration: Good
- Is the coating of the mod sensitive to fingerprints? No
- All components of this mod seem well assembled? Yes
- Fire button position: Lateral near the top cap
- Fire button type: Mechanical plastic on contact rubber
- Number of buttons making up the interface, including touch zones if they are present: 1
- User Interface Buttons Type: Plastic Adjustment Potentiometer
- Quality of interface button (s): Not applicable interface button
- Number of parts in the product: 3
- Number of threads: 1
- Quality of the threads: Very good
- 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: 4.7 / 5 
Reviewer's comments on physical characteristics and perceived quality
For the price, we will not expect to have the fingers of the titanium, but the assembly and materials of the product are very correct.
The two covers are fixed by four magnets each, the maintenance is firm and their opening is facilitated thanks to the lug positioned on the bottom of the box, thus allowing to insert the nail to lift the plate. Both plates are black plastic, very light. They are also barely domed and have an original design which, once the two plates are placed side by side, reveals a tribal face. The insertion of the batteries is very easy but only done on one side. Removal is just as easy without even the need for a tape.
The body of the box is in aluminum alloy, the curb weight of 108 grs is not mistaken, this R233 is really lighter than some tubular mods. Its finish is smooth with a grainy visual appearance that is not afraid of traces. The 510 connection plate, made of steel, is held by three small perfectly integrated screws but the diameter of this plate (16mm) remains insufficient to avoid traces of "screwing / unscrewing" the atomizer in the long term. The 510 brass connection is spring loaded to provide a totally flush set-up.
The front panel offers a round black plastic switch and medium size, positioned near the top-cap. Below, there are three fine and vertical openings of different lengths, respectively: 12, 20 and 12mm, intended to integrate light effects that inform the power of vape. Below, there is a black potentiometer graduated in five positions. It handles very well with the nail, which avoids changing its voltage unexpectedly or even dragging a screwdriver permanently in the pocket. Under this potentiometer, 4 small holes equipped with green LEDs give the indications on the state of the battery.
Regarding the lights, as it is sometimes difficult to distinguish those in the center of the box, as the green LEDs for the remaining energy autonomy are very visible.
The inside of the box is clean, well assembled, with very firm brass contacts. However, there are no joints that seal around the batteries. So, be careful: when you talk about the tightness of the chipset, it is against the flow of liquid that would pass through the pin 510 connection, do not go diving with, is not it?
Under the box, a serial number is visible. However, I did not find a vent to ventilate the chipset or the batteries in case of overheating.
Functional features
- Type of chipset used: Owner
- Connection type: 510
- Adjustable positive stud? Yes, through a spring.
- Lock system ? Electronic
- Quality of the locking system: Excellent, the chosen approach is very practical
- Features offered by the mod: Battery charge display, Protection against short circuits from the atomizer, Protection against reverse polarity of batteries, Clear diagnostic messages, Operating light indicators
- 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? No recharge function offered by the mod
- Is the recharge function pass-through? No recharge function offered by the mod
- Does the mode offer a Power Bank function? No power bank function offered by the mod
- Does the mode offer other functions? No other function offered by the mod
- Presence of air flow regulation? No, nothing is planned to feed an atomizer from the bottom
- Maximum diameter in mms of compatibility with an atomizer: 24
- Accuracy of the output power at full charge of the battery: Excellent, there is no 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 / 5 
Reviewer's comments on functional features
The features of the R233 depend on the chipset. It is not maneuvered through a screen by buttons, but by a potentiometer that offers five positions.
Once translated, the features are clearer:
1. On Off:
After the battery is fully charged, the RGB light (Red Green Blue) will flash 3 times during power on. 5 clicks on the switch, the RGB light flashes 5 times and the device turns off. When the device is off, 5 clicks on the switch, the RGB light flashes 3 times and the box turns on. In standby mode, the RGB light shows a breathing state (RGB lights slowly flashing), the light will turn off after 30s without operation.
2. Factory setting:
The potentiometer control knob is for setting the power. From position 1 to 2, the RGB light flashes green (10W- 60W), from 2 to 3, the RGB light flashes blue (61W-120W), from 3 to 4, the RGB light flashes in red (121W-180W), from 4 to 5, the RGB light flashes in multiple colors (181W-233W).
3. Warning tips:
- No atomizer (too weak / too high resistance): the RGB light flashes 3 times in red
- Short circuit: RGB light flashes 5 times in red
- Check the battery: the RGB light flashes 4 times in red
- Overheating: RGB light flashes 6 times in red
- Low voltage: RGB light flashes 8 times in green
4. Battery charge:
100% power displayed at 4 indicators. 75% power displayed at 3 indicators. 50% power displayed at 2 indicators. 25% power displayed at 1 indicator. At low power, 1 indicator will flash 3 times.
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? No
- Does the manual explain ALL features? Yes
Vapelier's note on packaging: 4 / 5
Reviewer's comments on conditioning
The conditioning remains classic in a solid box and cardboard, the box is wedged on a foam post-formed.
This is accompanied by a user manual only in English and Chinese as well as a warranty certificate. In view of the price, the packaging is perfectly consistent.
Appreciations in use
- Transport facilities with the test atomizer: Ok for an external jacket pocket (no deformations)
- Disassembly and cleaning facilities: Super simple, even blind in the dark!
- Easy to change the batteries: Super simple, even blind in the dark!
- Did the mod heat up? No
- Has there been any erratic behavior after a day of use? No
- Description of situations in which the product has experienced erratic behavior
Vapelier's rating in terms of ease of use: 4.5/5 
Reviewer's comments on the use of the product
Concretely, the various positions give us:
From I to II: from 1 to 2,7V
For a power of 10 to 60W ==> green light color
From II to III: from 2,7 to 4,2V
For a power of 61 to 120W ==> blue light color
From III to IV: from 4,2 to 5,9V
For a power of 121 to 180W ==> red light color
From IV to V: from 5,9 to 7,5V
For a power of 181 to 233W ==> all the colors successively.
However, these values are highly dependent on resistance and only light offers a realistic view of the power of vape. For example, with a resistance of 0.6Ω, I positioned my cursor between II and III. My light stays green when I switch, between 10 and 60W, so I'm at 35W and my feeling confirms this power.
Therefore, the values of voltages and powers are provided for extreme conditions with a minimum resistance of 0.1Ω. The light gives a more precise information during the vape.
It is a sweet and smooth vape, without fluctuations, with a very responsive switch. The ergonomics adapt to small hands and the weight contributes to a great comfort during the handling as well as a practical transport.
However, the materials seem a little fragile in case of a fall.
The cable charging is not planned, so you will be forced to take out your batteries and use an external charger, which is always better for the life of your batteries. Of course, the R233 works strictly in a variable voltage mode.
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? Dripper, Classic fiber, Sub-ohm assembly, Genesis-type rebuildable
- With which model of atomizer is it advisable to use this product? All those with a diameter up to 24mm
- Description of the test configuration used: With the Kylin in double coil for 0.6Ω
- Description of the ideal configuration with this product: There are none in particular
was the product liked by the reviewer: Yes
Overall average of the Vapelier for this product: 4.6 / 5 
Link to a video review or blog maintained by the reviewer author of the review
The mood ticket of the reviewer
Although the Oled screen is not essential for the accuracy of my vape, light indicators associated with the potentiometer are a good idea for a significant compromise and a visual judgment of the power delivered.
Said power will depend on your installation, we have here a box that works on variable voltage and the proposed positions are fixed voltage outputs.
Finally, Hotcig offers an effective visual on the state of charge of the battery. Very practical, the four small green LEDs are very bright and easily "decoded". Impossible to test on loaned equipment but the chipset is supposed to be waterproof against dripping liquid that fits into the body of the mod.
Overall, I loved this R233 which offers a good compromise between boxes "pots" without Hexohm type interface or Surric and electronic mods with an Oled screen. A minimalist visual about our power / voltage values, but terribly efficient and sufficient. As well as a practical visual coding for the insured securities.
Overall, the box remains a mid-range product with sufficient materials but not of exceptional quality so, once again, beware of falls. For the price, it's more than correct because at the level of the vape, the rendering is excellent and the disconcerting ease of use adapts to all vapers.
Sylvie.I
(c) Copyright Le Vapelier SAS 2014 - Only full reproduction of this article is authorized - Any modification of any kind is totally prohibited and infringes the rights of this copyright.
