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The Eleaf iStick Rim-C Review – A long while back, I reviewed a few rock solid pen/box mod hybrids that did a pretty good job standing out. None of them were standout award-winners, but we didn’t toss them aside, either. Fast-forward a year and along comes Eleaf with something awfully similar… but maybe a little behind the times, depending on your vaping style.
Let’s see how our friends at Eleaf describe the Rim-C kit:
The Eleaf iStick Rim C Mod surface is made using unique IML technology, glossy and round, refined and modern. The Eleaf iStick Rim C Mod is powered by a single 18650 battery and can transmit up to 80W of output in VW mode. Charging via Type-C charging port for faster transfer speed. In addition, iStick Rim C Mod can support VW, TC, Bypass modes that bring the multiple vape experience. It also supports anti-dry burning to ensure safe vape. With the comfortably big fire button and compact size, it is easy to vape. Eleaf iStick Rim C Mod is compatible with iStick Rim C Kit with MELO 5 Tank.
Specs:
- 35 x 30 x 135mm Dimensions
- 18650mAh Battery (Not Included)
- 1-80W Output Wattage
- DC 5V Input Voltage
- 05ohm-3.0ohm Resistance Range
- 146g Weight
- 69-inch OLED display
- Adjustable Temperature & Wattage
- Chrome Firing Button
- MELO 5 Tank
- 510 Threaded Connection
- Type C Fast Charging USB Port
- Distinctive In Molding Label (IML) Technology
- Zinc-Alloy Construction
- Chrome Buttons
- Ergonomic Design
- Rubberized Panel For Comfortable Hold
- Easy Top Filling Design
- Adjustable Bottom Airflow Control
- Multiple Safety Protections
- Drip Tip
- Lightweight & Extremely Portable
- Six Glossy Color Designs
Contents:
- iStick Rim C Mod
- USB Type-C Cable
- User Manual
- Warranty Card
Aesthetics of the Leaf iStick Rim-C
Eleaf may not be the vape innovators they once were, but they don’t make junk either. The Rim-C’s construction and machining is predictably top-tier from head to toe, with awesomely responsive buttons, bright OLED screen and comfortable hand feel. Maybe the aluminum alloy frame feels a little lightweight, but at this price point, I’m not concerned.
(Especially since I accidentally dropped my Rim-C several times over the course of testing.)
The removable battery door is secure, and didn’t come off during my handful of accidental drops. But the compartment itself is a little too snug for my tastes, making me snag my battery wraps more than once when making frequent swaps of a single 18650.
Display/Screen
I also kind of wish the screen was a little more impressive – monochrome, blocky, horizontal OLEDs are fine, but something a little more modern would have done wonders here. The narrow display size seems a little odd, considering how much more real estate surrounds it, but I suppose Eleaf had to work with the modest chipset at hand.
The available color schemes are pretty good, especially when compared to the gaudy, over the top designs on the original Eleaf Rim mod. But it’s nice to see Eleaf toning things down for a more adult audience, rather than feeding our industry’s detractors more fodder for baseless complaints.
But, overall there’s nothing on the Rim-C mod that seems even remotely sub-par – from 510 connector to USB-C port placement, Eleaf took a compact, slender device and made it as usable as possible, with limited available real estate to work with.
Vaping the Eleaf Rim-C Mod
I don’t always prefer pen/stick mods, so I was hesitant to give the Rim-C a fair shot. But despite the narrow design, the mod actually feels and operates more like a standard box than a pen. Maybe it’s the rounded edges or sculpted side panels, but the Rim-C doesn’t give off that awkward pen vibe, which improved my enjoyment tremendously.
(Note: The Rim-C DEFINITELY feels top-heavy with larger tanks, so consider that if not buying this mod as part of a complete kit. Most tanks under 26mm diameter will do just fine, but the height should always be a concern, especially if it’s standing on a hard surface.)
Because the button placement is very similar to other pen/box mod hybrids, I felt right at home with the Rim-C, and actually think operating the Rim-C was easier and more comfortable than most, thanks to the compact form factor. Using one hand, I was quickly clicking my way through the Rim-C’s linear menu options, switching from wattage to temp control to bypass in seconds, not minutes.
Anyone Still Use Temperature Control?
Speaking of which, temp control was temp control. In writing that, I mean it was there, it worked, and it only stuttered a little under heavy use. To be honest, I was actually a little surprised to see it on an entry-level device, considering how few beginning vapers use these modes. I suppose it’s always good to give vapers more options and opportunities to learn, but there was nothing here that wowed us during testing.
Wattage mode is where most users will live, and thankfully, we’re happy with the smooth, no-frills performance given off by this compact mod. Now that we have pod mods giving off 80 watts or more, the top output of the Rim-C wasn’t mindblowing. But unlike those ever-present pod devices, the Rim-C handles these wattages with ease, rather than caution.
We worked our way up the ladder of power using a range of tanks and RDAs, and never really experienced any hiccups, save for one instance when the mod was under heavy use. And that was a quickly rectified problem after a few seconds of cool down.
Overall, this was a solid, if not a little forgettable, mid-range vape experience. Nothing more, nothing less. But oh man, that rainbow, or multi-color model sure is pretty!
iStick Rim-C Pros:
– Simple, mature design and finish
– Smooth wattage and decent TC performance
– Strong buttons and comfortable hand-feel
iStick Rim-C Cons:
– A little top-heavy with larger tanks
– Lame, old-fashioned display
– Some might think it’s a little lightweight, lacking durability
The iStick Rim-C Bottom Line
Overall, the Rim-C kit is just a well-designed, solidly performing, entry-level mod that may have some appeal to new vapers and anyone tired of pod mods. Does that warrant your money? As much as we’d love to give a definitive answer, it’s really going to come down to preference, and how much (or little) performance you need.
We liked the Rim-C well enough, but in a marketplace flooded with same-y mods, we’re not sure it does enough to last.
