Tests and Reviews: VT75 by HCIGAR ~ The Vapelier

Commercial characteristics

Sponsor who has loaned the product for the magazine: Do not wish to be named.
Price of the tested product: 103 Euros
Product category according to its selling price: High end (from 81 to 120 euros)
Mod type: Variable power electronics and temperature control
Is the mod telescopic? No
Maximum power: 75 watts
Maximum voltage: 6
Minimum value in Ohms resistance for a start: Less than 0.1

Reviewer comments on business characteristics

Manufacturer of rebuildable mods and atomizers, HCigar owes its notoriety to the cloning of often overpriced materials.
However, for several months, the Chinese have changed trade policy and now offer products of their creation, thus obtaining a full manufacturing status.
Collaborating with well-known specialists in the “High End” universe, they offer us DNA boxes, including this VT75, equipped with the famous American chipset, the founder Evolv.
Note that to date, the VT series has 6 different models, all powered by Evolv DNA.

On the other hand, the price remains at the level of “Made in Shenzhen” productions. 103 € for this VT75 DNA, it seems a great deal ...
Before detailing more the animal, let us specify that it will be intended for a public of informed geeks, as the level of personalization of the DNA is high, combined with measurements and a weight consequent.

Physical characteristics and felt quality

Width or Diameter of the product in mms: 31
Product Length or Height in mms: 89.5
Product weight in grams: 226
Material composing the product: Stainless steel, Aluminum, Zinc Alloy
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 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): Very good, the button is responsive and does not make any noise
Number of parts in the product: 3
Number of threads: 3
Quality of the threads: 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: 4.1 / 5

Reviewer's comments on physical characteristics and perceived quality

The coating of the main body, beautifully made, ensures a pleasant grip. It is covered with a quality paint with an effect that does not fear fingerprints; for the red which serves as a test in any case, since I did not have the black in my hands.

The other parts, bottom-cap, top-cap and front of interface are a flattering shiny black which seems more fragile to me.
If I have no traces at the top-cap, it is partly thanks to the ring screwed at the level of the 510 pin which is almost flush with the atos in 22mm but the “butt” of the box, begins to “mark” ”While I take great care of this loan model. To see over time….
Once the battery hatch is open, the interior is clean, nothing sticks out or taints a good finish.

Regarding the grip. The ergonomics are pleasant but the dimensions of the box and its weight may confuse some. Personally, I am not really upset. Considering that this type of “cube” will mostly be in the hands of vapers with even larger equipment; I do not see a problem in perspective.

On the front, the two interface buttons and the switch are made of metal. Here again, the quality is present and their responsiveness very good. However, I would have appreciated a slightly larger pulse button but already, those present do not play castanets, which is rather a good thing.
The OLED screen is basic, its readability is no problem. On the other hand, I don't like its rim which, in addition to being a dust nest, bothers me a little (a matter of habit, too) in the grip.

The particularity of this VT75 consists in being able to mount a 26650 or 18650 battery via a reducing sleeve provided. If the box delivers in both cases the same power of 75W, the battery in 26 will allow better autonomy.

The hatch is screwed on, reminding me of the Pro Nine Pipeline that I was able to evaluate some time ago. I am not surprised by this type of assembly that I prefer to traditional magnets. On the other hand, the thread is not at the level of the model cited, and of course, it is always in the evening or when I'm in a hurry, that I have trouble engaging the first thread. Again, nothing prohibitive if we compare the prices.

Also on this hatch, you will find a screw to perfect the connection between the bottom-cap and your battery. There is on the other hand another screw with flat head, of which I did not understand the functionality but which seems to be intended to ensure a good conductivity of the positive pad.

Regarding the top-cap, it is customizable via an ornate ring provided in the kit, which can accommodate atomizers up to 25 mm in diameter. I did not really find the interest but we know the Asians are fond of customizations not always to our liking ...
The 510 pin connection also has a screw ring. Nice tip. Once dismantled, we realize that the seal is ensured by a very useful seal to protect the box of customary atomization equipment from leaks ... But yes, we have all had them! 😉

The conclusion of this chapter allows me to note that the VT75 is well manufactured and of a very good quality finish.

Functional features

Type of chipset used: DNA
Connection type: 510, Ego - via adapter
Adjustable positive stud? Yes, through a spring.
Lock system ? Electronic
Quality of the locking system: Good, the function does what it is for
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 current vape voltage , Display of the power of the current vape, Variable protection against overheating of the atomizer resistors, Temperature control of the atomizer resistors, Supports the update of its firmware, Supports the customization of its behavior by software external, Display brightness adjustment, Clear diagnostic messages, Operation indicator lights
Accusability: 18650, 26650
Does the mod support stacking? No
Number of batteries supported: 1
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
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: 30.1
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: 3.8 / 5

Reviewer's comments on functional features

We come to the feature registry. And there, I admit that it is not easy to go into detail.

The VT75 is under Evolv system, the chipset, a DNA75. Those who have a DNA mod sketch a smile ... others, those who do not want to take the lead or who do not feel the soul of a geek, I advise you to flee ... 😆

This engine is one of the best currently on the market and its developer, Evolv, is quite fond of computer programming. With time, patience and a little method, you get there but it's still quite impressive and intimidating at first.

It's not complicated. Without going through the dedicated software, Escribe, it is not even worth using your hardware because you will only use it at a ridiculous percentage. On the other hand, once downloaded the tool and after having read a minimum of it, everything is configurable.

If you want to learn, there is no reason to do without it, it is always rewarding to domesticate such material.

Here is the Escribe download link. Note that the latest version is: 1.2.SP3 and that it detects the language you will find in French.

The link here: Evolv DNA75

To be complete, I add the link (the same) from the manufacturer's page: HCigar VT75

Note, however, that the VT75 is factory configured and of course, you can use it as such, without going through Escribe.

Seen from this angle, it gives the impression of an ordinary model with the characteristics of a box of its time.

Temperature Control Mode: Ni, Ti, Ss from 100 ° to 300 ° C or 200 to 600 ° F.

Variable power mode: from 1 to 75W.

To this, you add of course, all the panoply safe for a serene use.

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

It's nice to see that HCigar didn't save on packaging. The VT75 will be delivered to you in a rigid box with the most beautiful effect.
Inside, you will find the box (well, I hope for you!) Accompanied by a USB / Micro USB cable. Remember once again, that this cord can be used for recharging your equipment but that it is not recommended and to be reserved exceptionally for repair. The autonomy and performance of your battery will be guaranteed and optimum through an external charger dedicated to this specialty. The cabling will be useful for updating the firmware and especially for connecting it to Escribe.
The packaging also offers the personalization ring of the top-cap already detailed in a previous chapter.
You will also find a notice, in English, useful or not, according to whether you have decided or not to customize the box via the dedicated software.

Appreciations in use

Transport facilities with the test atomizer: Ok for an inside jacket pocket (no deformations)
Disassembly and cleaning facilities: Easy, even standing on the street, with a simple Kleenex
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
Description of situations in which the product has experienced erratic behavior

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

Reviewer's comments on the use of the product

Even with the factory settings, operation of the DNA75 is a treat. The signal is flat and stable, it provides an ideal vape that can be further enhanced by the myriad of recordable / memorized settings.
With the 8 profiles available in Escribe, each of your different atomization devices will be adjusted “onion”. And here you are busy for the long winter evenings.

If the DNA75 is a powerful, rich chipset, coupled with recognized reliability, it is nonetheless energy intensive. For this evaluation, I mainly used a 26650 battery allowing to obtain autonomy in the standard. In 18650, it is insufficient beyond 40W.
Given the investment made, even if it is reasonable compared to the services offered, I recommend the use of quality batteries. Your security will be even more assured and this will also allow you to have equipment that can have all of its performance.

During the few weeks that I spent with it, this VT75 has never had erratic behavior. Returning it to its owner will be difficult but I will have fond memories of this evaluation.

Recommendations for use

Type of batteries used during the tests: 26650
Number of batteries used during the tests: 1
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? Any atomizer up to 30 mm except Bottom Feeder
Description of the test configuration used: All my RBA, RDA, RDTA
Description of the ideal configuration with this product: What you want up to 30mm, except Bottom Feeder

was the product liked by the reviewer: Yes

Overall average of the Vapelier for this product: 4.5 / 5

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

The mood ticket of the reviewer

A DNA 75 for “High end” at the Chinese price. This is what HCigar offers us and the least we can say is that the proposal is not indecent.
The proof ? Well, this is a “Top Mod” awarded by the Vapelier.

Evolv's DNA75 chipset is one of the most efficient electronics on the market. It was still necessary to produce an ensemble that was worthy of welcoming him.
The bet is successful because I have not found fault with this box mod which works very well and offers daily satisfaction. Remember, however, that it is offered at a price very close to 100 € ... reasonable price for this type of service.
So of course, it is not to put in all hands because its operating system is not the simplest. But what satisfaction when you have mastered the tool ...

With all that, I say: I BUY!

See you soon for new adventures to jostle neurons,

Marquolive

(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.