Hi Ecigssa members, In this review i take a look at the Invader 4X VV Kit from Teslacigs. The Invader 4X VV Kit was supplied for the purpose of this review by Gloria from Tesla.
http://www.teslacigs.com/design/invader4xkit.html
Introduction
The Invader 4X is a potentiometer style variable voltage device and not really any different in how it works than the Invader 4. The 4X version is a more compact lightweight version of the Invader 4 using the same materials and rubber coating finish that we see on the Wye. Being more compact the Invader 4X is a dual 18650 device only unlike the 4 version which would accommodate 2X700 batteries also.
Firing down as low as 0.08 and cranked write up to max potentially this powerful device will put out 280W, whether 18650's will allow for this i wouldn't know and have no intentions of trying and would advise doing modest builds and dialling the voltage to suit (just because you can doesn't mean you should).
The Invader 4X is paired with the matchy Invader 4X RDA which has weird posts and terminals configuration and an airflow design that is not precise but then is also very forgiving. I have a few potentiometer device's and haven't yet had one i haven't enjoyed using so let's give the Invader 4X and it's RDA a look!
___________________________________________________________________
In The Box
Contents:
1x Invader 4X MOD
1x Invader 4X RDA
2x Coils
3x Silicone Rings
1x Wrench
4x Screws
1x Organic Cotton
1x USB cable
2x User Manuals
1x INVADER 4X Kit Package
___________________________________________________________________
Aesthetics and Ergonomics
The Invader 4X Kit came in the usual cardboard packaging that Tesla products come in with the device in the top tray and RDA and all accessories in the bottom layer. I received the Black version, it's also available in White, Blue and Red, the RDA matches the device in colour including cobra style resin Goon fitting 810 drip tip. The device has also been given the name "Sharpe Blade" by Tesla comparing the claws of a Wolf to blades and the main aesthetic feature of the device is on both side panels we have cutout sections that look like it has been clawed, we have the same matching design on the RDA.
The device and RDA is all one colour with no accents or variations in shade but the rim of the Gold coloured base of the RDA is visible, some will like the way this breaks the colour up, others won't. The face of the device has a large protruding round fire button with slight serrated edging at the top and then towards the bottom a round dial to adjust voltage, this is followed by a good sized horizontal LED indicator strip.
On one side in the bottom corner is the micro USB port then moving to the base we see a notch for battery panel removal and carved branding and safety marks. Moving to the top and to one side we have a flush 510 plate with Gold plated, spring loaded 510. The device is not a curved ergonomic sharp and has a lot of edges, but nothing is sharp and it's light weight makes it reasonably comfortable to use. The device is basically plastic with a rubberised finish but still is made well and seems durable.
___________________________________________________________________
Invader 4X RDA Specs and Features:
Dimension: 25 x 34mm
Post holes: 1.5 x 3.0mm
Drip tip: Resin wide bore drip tip
Adjustable bottom airflow system
25mm RDA with easy dual coil build deck
Thread: 510
Colours: White, Black, Blue, Red
___________________________________________________________________
Invader 4X RDA
The included RDA has been specifically designed for this kit which does mean the design matches the device so it looks the part on top of the Invader 4X. It's very much a kit RDA and very simple in it's design if a little strange. The drip tip is a cobra Resin Goon fitting 810 and then the RDA is a one piece sleeve and base section, the RDA comes with a standard pin fitted and as it's specifically manufactured for this kit no BF pin is included.
The airflow slots are set quite low and are fully adjustable but with no stopper. Rather than the airflow being directed from the slots straight at the coils or into a cleverly designed airflow system to give maximum coverage the airflow is quite strange and a new one on me. On the outside of the base section to match the airflow slots on the sleeve we have sections that are recessed in so the airflow hits the recessed wall and then goes up into the RDA. Obviously when i'm writing this i have used the RDA so know how it performs but when first looking at the airflow i am a bit baffled as the airflow just isn't directed at the coils at all and at very best will just skim the outside edge of each if positioned as close to the sleeve as possible.
___________________________________________________________________
The Deck and Build
The deck is 25mm so plenty of room and central we have 2 weird paddle shaped posts with 3 terminals on each. Each post has 2 outer terminals which are fastened from above and one inner terminal which is also fastened from above. Looking at the design for modest builds you use the inner terminals and bottom outer terminals for your dual build which is straight forward and as this is what i did can report it is a very easy build.
This RDA does allow for big coils which then brings into play using the 4 outer terminals leaving the inner terminals redundant. If i personally used large exotic coils (which i don't) i really wouldn't fancy this deck because after fastening down the grub screw for your bottom terminal you then have to use one of the supplied extra grub screws to fasten down your coil leg in the top terminal so a grub screw on top of grub screw design. This also means the bottom terminal needs using before the top if using both, it all just seems unnecessarily a pain in the rear.
The build i did was just a matter of unscrewing the grub screws for the bottom outer terminals and the grub screws for the inner terminals and then fitting one coil at a time. Put one coil leg in the inner terminal on one post and the other leg in the outer terminal on the other, then holding the coil in place fasten down the grub screws before then trimming any leg access. Then just use a coiling rod to get the coil in the best position and wick with your cotton which is straightforward.
___________________________________________________________________
Invader 4X Specs and Features:
Dimension: 88 x 52 x 26mm
Material: PC+ABS
Cell Type: 2x Hi-drain 18650 (not included)
Maximum Output Wattage: 280W
Voltage Adjust: I-V level
Output Voltage Range: 3~8V
Maximum Output Current: 53A
Resistance Range: 0.08Ω-3.0Ω
Input Voltage Range: 6.4V~8.4V
USB: 5V/1.5A
LED light Indicator: Blue-Green-Red
Light-weight VV MOD with 280W maximum output
Sharp blade pattern like wolf claws
Easy operated 5 levels variable voltage
Colours: White, Black, Blue, Red
___________________________________________________________________
Fitting The Batteries
The side panel that needs removing to fit your dual 18650 batteries has a very visible notch on the base of the device. Once off we see it has invisible magnets to keep the panel in place and the compartment is very neat. A battery ribbon is attached to help with the removal of your batteries and orientation is yet again disappointingly Black on Black. When testing for movement on the panel with the batteries fitted i did detect some but it's so minimal and it doesn't have any movement during normal use, overall a good job!
___________________________________________________________________
Operating The Invader 4X
The Invader 4X is a potentiometer style variable voltage device which is so simple to use but needs to be given respect as these type's of devices can give quite some power. The device is the usual 5 clicks to turn on and 5 clicks to turn off, when turning off the LED flashes twice to confirm and when turning on it flashes 3 times. The device has battery status indication which is shown by what colour the LED strip lights while vaping, when it lights Blue the batteries are between 61% and 100%, when it lights Green it's between 31% and 60% and finally when it lights Red your batteries are at 30% or lower. If charging your batteries in the device (i would only do this if it was your only option) the LED gives charging indication which follows the same colours and percentages as when vaping, when the batteries are fully charged the LED goes off. To use the device you turn the dial to adjust voltage and vape. Their are 5 main settings on the dial with 4 settings between each making 21 in total, you can also go between markings and micro manage the exact power you are after. You can't see what the exact voltage is or know what wattage output is being given, the trick is to start very low and slowly increase the voltage until you get the power you want, these devices are vape by feel rather than settings which add to their charm. The device comes with all the usual safety protections you would get with any other regulated device which are indicated by various flashes of the LED.
___________________________________________________________________
Protections:
Over puffing protection
Reverse connection protection
Atomizer short-circuit protection
Low voltage protection
Overheat protection
Over-current protection
___________________________________________________________________
My Experience Using The Invader 4X Kit
I really like potentiometer style variable voltage devices and the Invader 4X is the best i have used yet. You really do need to start on the lowest setting and slowly crank it up until you get the power you want and i have a good example.
Before i had done a build in the RDA i just stuck my Serpent Elevate on top which i had been using at 30w with a 0.3 build on another device i am testing. I got the exact power i wanted without even moving the dial so it was on the lowest possible setting, the lowest setting is 3V (it goes right up to 8V) then it occurred to me 3V with a 0.3ohm resistance does in fact give 30W. So imagine if i had set the dial to just over the 2nd main setting which is still low so about 4.4V, that would of giving me twice the power i wanted at about 60W despite being set low so these devices need to be shown respect starting at the lowest setting and then slowly increasing the power until you get the power you need (i apologise for repeating myself).
What makes the Invader 4X stand out from other similar devices i have used is the large size or the dial and how easy it is to adjust, it says there are 5 settings but actually there are marks between each setting and you can also set between these so can really fine tune the voltage. It fires without any delay with instant ramp up and as already mentioned gives plenty of power that can be adjusted accordingly.
The Battery indication is done well and i do like the large horizontal LED strip, i personally love the look of the device and although it's not the most ergonomic of devices it is a really nice weight in the hand. The device can accommodate up to 25mm atty's without overhang which means the vast majority will fit fine but if you are looking for a device that accommodates large atty's this isn't for you.
The RDA when i first looked at the airflow made me think it would be flavourless and it's far from a flavour banger but actually it's decent for a kit RDA giving reasonable flavour and fair cloud. The airflow fully open has just slight restriction and while not being the smoothest it's not over turbulent giving a decent vape. I used the supplied coils which had no specs whatsoever, when testing on a variable wattage device the build came out at 0.19ohms and i settled for the 4th mark on the dial just before the second main setting (see pic) which was plenty powerful enough and when i tried turning the dial any higher it was very noticeable that the RDA got very hot. Like i said the RDA isn't rubbish but if it was sold separately i wouldn't recommend it.
___________________________________________________________________
Likes
Well made device
Aesthetically pleasing
Light
Rubberised finish
Best dial i have used on a potentiometer device
Micro manage voltage output for the power you want
Powerful device
Fires instantly with instant ramp up
Very simple to use
Nice LED strip
Battery status indication
Battery life seemed slightly better than expected
Multiple safety protections
On-board charging supported
Likes Invader 4X RDA
Decent kit RDA
Looks the part having the same clawed design feature as the device
Acceptable flavour
Fair Cloud
Very easy build using modest sized coils
Cons Invader 4X
VV only (obvious)
Not the most ergonomic of devices
Black on Black orientation
Cons Invader 4X RDA
To fit larger coils looks a pain with the post and terminals configuration
Lack of airflow coverage to coils
RDA got noticeable hot
Flavour no better than acceptable
Slight turbulence
No specs with supplied coils
I would once again like to thank Gloria from Teslacigs for supplying the Invader 4X VV Kit for the purpose of this review.
http://www.teslacigs.com/design/invader4xkit.html
___________________________________________________________________
http://www.teslacigs.com/design/invader4xkit.html
Introduction
The Invader 4X is a potentiometer style variable voltage device and not really any different in how it works than the Invader 4. The 4X version is a more compact lightweight version of the Invader 4 using the same materials and rubber coating finish that we see on the Wye. Being more compact the Invader 4X is a dual 18650 device only unlike the 4 version which would accommodate 2X700 batteries also.
Firing down as low as 0.08 and cranked write up to max potentially this powerful device will put out 280W, whether 18650's will allow for this i wouldn't know and have no intentions of trying and would advise doing modest builds and dialling the voltage to suit (just because you can doesn't mean you should).
The Invader 4X is paired with the matchy Invader 4X RDA which has weird posts and terminals configuration and an airflow design that is not precise but then is also very forgiving. I have a few potentiometer device's and haven't yet had one i haven't enjoyed using so let's give the Invader 4X and it's RDA a look!
___________________________________________________________________
In The Box
Contents:
1x Invader 4X MOD
1x Invader 4X RDA
2x Coils
3x Silicone Rings
1x Wrench
4x Screws
1x Organic Cotton
1x USB cable
2x User Manuals
1x INVADER 4X Kit Package
___________________________________________________________________
Aesthetics and Ergonomics
The Invader 4X Kit came in the usual cardboard packaging that Tesla products come in with the device in the top tray and RDA and all accessories in the bottom layer. I received the Black version, it's also available in White, Blue and Red, the RDA matches the device in colour including cobra style resin Goon fitting 810 drip tip. The device has also been given the name "Sharpe Blade" by Tesla comparing the claws of a Wolf to blades and the main aesthetic feature of the device is on both side panels we have cutout sections that look like it has been clawed, we have the same matching design on the RDA.
The device and RDA is all one colour with no accents or variations in shade but the rim of the Gold coloured base of the RDA is visible, some will like the way this breaks the colour up, others won't. The face of the device has a large protruding round fire button with slight serrated edging at the top and then towards the bottom a round dial to adjust voltage, this is followed by a good sized horizontal LED indicator strip.
On one side in the bottom corner is the micro USB port then moving to the base we see a notch for battery panel removal and carved branding and safety marks. Moving to the top and to one side we have a flush 510 plate with Gold plated, spring loaded 510. The device is not a curved ergonomic sharp and has a lot of edges, but nothing is sharp and it's light weight makes it reasonably comfortable to use. The device is basically plastic with a rubberised finish but still is made well and seems durable.
___________________________________________________________________
Invader 4X RDA Specs and Features:
Dimension: 25 x 34mm
Post holes: 1.5 x 3.0mm
Drip tip: Resin wide bore drip tip
Adjustable bottom airflow system
25mm RDA with easy dual coil build deck
Thread: 510
Colours: White, Black, Blue, Red
___________________________________________________________________
Invader 4X RDA
The included RDA has been specifically designed for this kit which does mean the design matches the device so it looks the part on top of the Invader 4X. It's very much a kit RDA and very simple in it's design if a little strange. The drip tip is a cobra Resin Goon fitting 810 and then the RDA is a one piece sleeve and base section, the RDA comes with a standard pin fitted and as it's specifically manufactured for this kit no BF pin is included.
The airflow slots are set quite low and are fully adjustable but with no stopper. Rather than the airflow being directed from the slots straight at the coils or into a cleverly designed airflow system to give maximum coverage the airflow is quite strange and a new one on me. On the outside of the base section to match the airflow slots on the sleeve we have sections that are recessed in so the airflow hits the recessed wall and then goes up into the RDA. Obviously when i'm writing this i have used the RDA so know how it performs but when first looking at the airflow i am a bit baffled as the airflow just isn't directed at the coils at all and at very best will just skim the outside edge of each if positioned as close to the sleeve as possible.
___________________________________________________________________
The Deck and Build
The deck is 25mm so plenty of room and central we have 2 weird paddle shaped posts with 3 terminals on each. Each post has 2 outer terminals which are fastened from above and one inner terminal which is also fastened from above. Looking at the design for modest builds you use the inner terminals and bottom outer terminals for your dual build which is straight forward and as this is what i did can report it is a very easy build.
This RDA does allow for big coils which then brings into play using the 4 outer terminals leaving the inner terminals redundant. If i personally used large exotic coils (which i don't) i really wouldn't fancy this deck because after fastening down the grub screw for your bottom terminal you then have to use one of the supplied extra grub screws to fasten down your coil leg in the top terminal so a grub screw on top of grub screw design. This also means the bottom terminal needs using before the top if using both, it all just seems unnecessarily a pain in the rear.
The build i did was just a matter of unscrewing the grub screws for the bottom outer terminals and the grub screws for the inner terminals and then fitting one coil at a time. Put one coil leg in the inner terminal on one post and the other leg in the outer terminal on the other, then holding the coil in place fasten down the grub screws before then trimming any leg access. Then just use a coiling rod to get the coil in the best position and wick with your cotton which is straightforward.
___________________________________________________________________
Invader 4X Specs and Features:
Dimension: 88 x 52 x 26mm
Material: PC+ABS
Cell Type: 2x Hi-drain 18650 (not included)
Maximum Output Wattage: 280W
Voltage Adjust: I-V level
Output Voltage Range: 3~8V
Maximum Output Current: 53A
Resistance Range: 0.08Ω-3.0Ω
Input Voltage Range: 6.4V~8.4V
USB: 5V/1.5A
LED light Indicator: Blue-Green-Red
Light-weight VV MOD with 280W maximum output
Sharp blade pattern like wolf claws
Easy operated 5 levels variable voltage
Colours: White, Black, Blue, Red
___________________________________________________________________
Fitting The Batteries
The side panel that needs removing to fit your dual 18650 batteries has a very visible notch on the base of the device. Once off we see it has invisible magnets to keep the panel in place and the compartment is very neat. A battery ribbon is attached to help with the removal of your batteries and orientation is yet again disappointingly Black on Black. When testing for movement on the panel with the batteries fitted i did detect some but it's so minimal and it doesn't have any movement during normal use, overall a good job!
___________________________________________________________________
Operating The Invader 4X
The Invader 4X is a potentiometer style variable voltage device which is so simple to use but needs to be given respect as these type's of devices can give quite some power. The device is the usual 5 clicks to turn on and 5 clicks to turn off, when turning off the LED flashes twice to confirm and when turning on it flashes 3 times. The device has battery status indication which is shown by what colour the LED strip lights while vaping, when it lights Blue the batteries are between 61% and 100%, when it lights Green it's between 31% and 60% and finally when it lights Red your batteries are at 30% or lower. If charging your batteries in the device (i would only do this if it was your only option) the LED gives charging indication which follows the same colours and percentages as when vaping, when the batteries are fully charged the LED goes off. To use the device you turn the dial to adjust voltage and vape. Their are 5 main settings on the dial with 4 settings between each making 21 in total, you can also go between markings and micro manage the exact power you are after. You can't see what the exact voltage is or know what wattage output is being given, the trick is to start very low and slowly increase the voltage until you get the power you want, these devices are vape by feel rather than settings which add to their charm. The device comes with all the usual safety protections you would get with any other regulated device which are indicated by various flashes of the LED.
___________________________________________________________________
Protections:
Over puffing protection
Reverse connection protection
Atomizer short-circuit protection
Low voltage protection
Overheat protection
Over-current protection
___________________________________________________________________
My Experience Using The Invader 4X Kit
I really like potentiometer style variable voltage devices and the Invader 4X is the best i have used yet. You really do need to start on the lowest setting and slowly crank it up until you get the power you want and i have a good example.
Before i had done a build in the RDA i just stuck my Serpent Elevate on top which i had been using at 30w with a 0.3 build on another device i am testing. I got the exact power i wanted without even moving the dial so it was on the lowest possible setting, the lowest setting is 3V (it goes right up to 8V) then it occurred to me 3V with a 0.3ohm resistance does in fact give 30W. So imagine if i had set the dial to just over the 2nd main setting which is still low so about 4.4V, that would of giving me twice the power i wanted at about 60W despite being set low so these devices need to be shown respect starting at the lowest setting and then slowly increasing the power until you get the power you need (i apologise for repeating myself).
What makes the Invader 4X stand out from other similar devices i have used is the large size or the dial and how easy it is to adjust, it says there are 5 settings but actually there are marks between each setting and you can also set between these so can really fine tune the voltage. It fires without any delay with instant ramp up and as already mentioned gives plenty of power that can be adjusted accordingly.
The Battery indication is done well and i do like the large horizontal LED strip, i personally love the look of the device and although it's not the most ergonomic of devices it is a really nice weight in the hand. The device can accommodate up to 25mm atty's without overhang which means the vast majority will fit fine but if you are looking for a device that accommodates large atty's this isn't for you.
The RDA when i first looked at the airflow made me think it would be flavourless and it's far from a flavour banger but actually it's decent for a kit RDA giving reasonable flavour and fair cloud. The airflow fully open has just slight restriction and while not being the smoothest it's not over turbulent giving a decent vape. I used the supplied coils which had no specs whatsoever, when testing on a variable wattage device the build came out at 0.19ohms and i settled for the 4th mark on the dial just before the second main setting (see pic) which was plenty powerful enough and when i tried turning the dial any higher it was very noticeable that the RDA got very hot. Like i said the RDA isn't rubbish but if it was sold separately i wouldn't recommend it.
___________________________________________________________________
Likes
Well made device
Aesthetically pleasing
Light
Rubberised finish
Best dial i have used on a potentiometer device
Micro manage voltage output for the power you want
Powerful device
Fires instantly with instant ramp up
Very simple to use
Nice LED strip
Battery status indication
Battery life seemed slightly better than expected
Multiple safety protections
On-board charging supported
Likes Invader 4X RDA
Decent kit RDA
Looks the part having the same clawed design feature as the device
Acceptable flavour
Fair Cloud
Very easy build using modest sized coils
Cons Invader 4X
VV only (obvious)
Not the most ergonomic of devices
Black on Black orientation
Cons Invader 4X RDA
To fit larger coils looks a pain with the post and terminals configuration
Lack of airflow coverage to coils
RDA got noticeable hot
Flavour no better than acceptable
Slight turbulence
No specs with supplied coils
I would once again like to thank Gloria from Teslacigs for supplying the Invader 4X VV Kit for the purpose of this review.
http://www.teslacigs.com/design/invader4xkit.html
___________________________________________________________________
