By Spinfuel Editorial • Nashua, NH • June 15, 2024
Welcome back, Spinfuelers! Today, we’re diving deep into an updated look at a device that made significant waves in the vaping community upon its release: the IPV4 Box Mod. While many devices come and go, some leave a lasting impression, and the IPV4 certainly falls into that category. We’ve spent more time with this powerful mod, moving beyond initial impressions to truly understand its long-term performance and user experience.
Our initial review covered the basics, but what happens after a few weeks of consistent use? How does it hold up? What are the nuances you only discover with time? That’s precisely what our updated review aims to tackle. We encourage you to watch our comprehensive video review below, where we share our findings after two weeks of putting the IPV4 through its paces.
Unpacking the IPV4: Key Features & Long-Term Performance
The IPV4, from Pioneer4You, was an ambitious device at the time, boasting a significant 100W of power (later upgraded to 120W via firmware) and early forays into temperature control. After two weeks, we’ve had a chance to evaluate how these features translate into real-world, everyday vaping.
Design and Build Quality: Holding Up?
From a tactile perspective, the IPV4 always felt robust. The aluminum body, while not flawless, has generally held up well against daily wear and tear. We did observe that the original magnetic battery door, while convenient, could become slightly loose over time for some users. The overall ergonomics remain comfortable for extended use, and its size, while substantial, feels appropriate for its power output.
Power and Performance: Consistent Delivery
The device continues to deliver consistent power, providing a satisfying vape across a range of atomizers. Whether you’re running a high-wattage build or something more modest, the IPV4 handles it with ease. The two-week mark is crucial for evaluating chip stability, and we’re pleased to report that the YiHi SX330-V4S chip inside the IPV4 maintains its responsiveness and accuracy.
Early Temperature Control Experience
One of the more anticipated features of the IPV4 was its temperature control capabilities. While early TC implementations often had their quirks, the IPV4 provided a reasonably stable experience for nickel (Ni200) builds. After two weeks, we found that understanding its nuances was key – proper coil builds and consistent contact were essential for reliable temperature limiting. It may not be as refined as modern TC, but for its time, it was a solid effort.
Battery Life: The Dual 18650 Advantage
Powered by two 18650 batteries, the IPV4 offers excellent battery life, especially when compared to single-battery devices. Even with moderate to heavy use over two weeks, we rarely found ourselves needing to swap batteries more than once a day, making it a reliable companion for all-day vaping.
Pros and Cons After Two Weeks
Pros:
Consistent Power Output: Reliable performance even after extended use.
Solid Build Quality: Generally durable aluminum chassis.
Pioneering Features: Good early implementation of temperature control (for Ni200).
Ergonomics: Comfortable to hold and operate.
Cons:
Original Battery Door: Can become slightly loose over time.
Early TC Nuances: Requires careful build practices for optimal performance.
Firmware Updates: While beneficial, some users found the process less intuitive.
Our Final Verdict: Is the IPV4 Still Relevant?
After two weeks of living with the IPV4 Box Mod, our appreciation for its robust performance and groundbreaking features only deepened. While newer, more advanced devices have certainly emerged, the IPV4 stands as a testament to the rapid innovation in the vaping industry and remains a solid choice for those looking for a dependable workhorse.
It offered a fantastic blend of power, battery life, and early temperature control functionality that truly pushed boundaries. For experienced vapers who appreciate a powerful and reliable mod, the IPV4, even today, holds its own as a capable device. It’s a great example of a mod that wasn’t just a flash in the pan but a foundational piece in the evolution of regulated devices.
Have you owned an IPV4? What were your experiences after extended use? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
