Wismec Predator 228 W review | The Alien destroyer?

Wismec Predator 228 W Intro

Shots fired.

The Predator was designed to directly compete with one of the most successful box mods ever made, the SMOK Alien. The name clearly suggests superiority, based on the popular comic and movie series Alien vs. Predator. Wismec and Sinuous Designs came out with their balls to the walls on this one.

It’s been one year after its release. You might be wondering who won this epic battle? There’s only one way to find out. After revisiting the Alien, it’s time for a head-to-head comparison between the two. Will the Predator live up to its name by destroying the Alien? Let’s have a vape and find out…

The full kit comes with the Elabo tank, but today we are going to be focusing exclusively on the mod.

Price: $54.95 (Full Kit – Direct Vapor)

Colors: Black, Silver, White, Red, Gold

Wismec Predator 228 W Gallery

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Wismec Predator 228 W Specs and Features

Kit Content

• 1 x Wismec Predator 228 Mod
• 1 x Wismec Elabo Sub Ohm Vape Tank
• 1 x Triple 0.2Ω Head
• 1 x NS Triple 0.25Ω Head
• 1 x QC Micro USB Cable
• 2 x User Manuals
• 1 x Warning Card

Specifications

• Size: 43.6 * 29 * 86.7 mm
• Thread Type: 510 spring-loaded thread
• Cell type: High-rate 18650 cell
• Output Mode: VW / TC-Ni / TC-Ti / TCSS / TCR Mode
• Output Wattage: 1 – 228 W
• Resistance Range: 0.05-1.5 Ohm (TC mode); 0.1-3.5 Ohm (VW mode)
• Temperature Range: 100 – 315°C / 200 – 600°F (TC modes)
• Maximum Charging Current: 2 A
• Maximum Output Current: 50 A
• Output Voltage Range: 0.5-9 V

Notable Remarks

The mod

At first glance, the Predator looks just like the Alien. Upon further inspection, you’ll notice that it’s wider and heavier. The upside is that you can fit larger atomizers, up to 28 mm in diameter without overhang, versus only 25 mm. That 3 mm can make a big difference, especially if you’re OCD like me.

If you have smaller hands, then you might prefer the Alien. But if you have butter fingers, then the Wismec Predator is right up your alley. It seems to be more resilient to wear and tear. Many people have dropped their Predator without failure.

Now it’s time to address the elephant in the room…

The 510 Situation

The biggest mistake Wismec made with this device was using a press-fit 510-connection. There have been countless reports of the Predator’s 510-pin popping out over time. This was also an issue on the Reuleaux, that was apparently was never addressed on the Predator. It wasn’t until the creation of the P80 that Wismec (and Sinuous Designs) decided to have the 510-pin milled into the actual device. (Until now… Read on for more details)

It’s hard to ignore this “minor defect”. In fact, it’s not that minor at all. If you were one of the unlucky vapers that got a bum 510, you were either forced to buy a new mod, or glue it back together. (Hopefully using conductive adhesive, and not crazy glue, which would result in grounding issues.)

What a bummer, man.

Good news: Wismec has finally updated the 510-pin on the Predator! It uses the same style as the Sinuous Designs P80 mod which is now milled in. (See image above) Make sure you are getting the most up-to-date version when purchasing.

Notable features

The Predator’s side firing bar is a bit stiffer than the Alien’s. I prefer a slightly softer throw, but you might feel otherwise. The device is compact for a dual-battery mod, despite being wider and heavier than the Alien. The paint has a matte finish, while the accents have more of a brushed steel look.

All in all, it is an attractive mod with subtle branding, much like the Wismec P80. It also has “Sinuous” laser-etched on one side, with his logo carved into the other. On the bottom of the mod, next to the charging port is a single button that functions as your left and right adjustment controls. Everything is conveniently placed in the most ideal locations with no button rattle whatsoever.

The battery door opens with a tiny latch, and clicks back into place when closed. I prefer this style to the one on the Alien, which requires a bit more finessing to operate. The battery venting holes are hidden on the bottom of the device, unlike the Alien which has visible battery vents located up top.

Menu system/screen

Although the SMOK Alien has a bigger display with more information, the Predator screen is brighter. This might sound appealing, but also keep in mind that it drains your batteries faster.

If you’ve used any Wismec device in the last year or two, then you are familiar with this interface. Three clicks will allow you to access the menu to change between modes, reset the puff counter, etc.

Sometimes the menu system can be a pain in the ass, when you are trying to switch settings. If you miss your selection, you need to round robin through the menu to get back. This isn’t such a big deal if you’re just using it at home, but can be a major inconvenience when you’re using it out and about.

Performance

The Predator delivers. Whether it’s in temp control or straight wattage mode, I can’t say anything bad about its performance. The wattage output is accurate and it also does temperature control quite well. Nothing to complain about, provided that your 510-pin is still intact. I’d strongly advise you to limit your wattage in temp mode so that it doesn’t ever blast your coils out with 228 Watts.

Aside from that, sometimes the mod can get rather warm, probably due to its insufficient battery ventilation. This was the only major performance issue that I can say about the Wismec Predator. On the plus side, the mod utilizes 2-Amp charging, so it powers up nearly twice as fast as the Alien.

There is also an optional accessory that converts your Predator into a power bank. (Not included)

Alien vs. Predator

Which side are you on? The Predator by Wismec has created quite a stir in the vape community since its release. Both the Alien and Predator became devices that vapers swear by. Never have I seen such polarizing mods within our community. You are either on team Alien, or team Predator. Which one is better? It depends who you ask. I am going to be as objective as possible, so that YOU can decide.

SMOK Alien 220 W

• Bigger screen with more information
• Accommodates 25 mm atomizers
• Firing bar has a softer throw
• Paint chips off
• No issues with 510-pin
• 220 Watts
• Lighter (299g) and slimmer
• 1.1 A charging
• Stiff battery door
• Visible battery vents (mod stays cool)
• Slightly longer battery life

Wismec Predator 228 W

• Brighter screen
• Accommodates 28 mm atomizers
• Firing bar has firmer throw
• Decent paintjob
• Press-fit 510-pin (Fixed on the updated version)
• 228 Watts
• Heavier (318g) and wider
• 2 A charging
• Battery door easier to open/close
• Hidden battery vents (mod gets warm)
• Slightly less battery life

Take our poll and leave a comment below telling us which mod you prefer and why. Today we will put this debate to rest…

Likes

• Durable
• Slick aesthetics
• 2A charging
• 228 Watts of power
• Temp control for all wire types
• Compact (for a dual-18650 mod)
• Bright display
• Locking battery door
• Suitable for up to 28 mm atomizers

Dislikes

• Not a lightweight mod

Verdict

So, who won? I’m going with the SMOK Alien. The paint chips off faster, but after that, it still works. As for the Wismec Predator, once that 510 breaks, you’re done. You can always glue it back together, but who really has time for all that? But let’s say you bought the updated version, which mod is the better performer?

I’m sticking with the SMOK Alien. I prefer its slightly slimmer form factor and easier to push firing bar. It just feels better in my hand, although I give Wismec credit for a valiant effort. Some people still like their Predator more for its brighter screen, 2-Amp charging and durability, but it’s hard to ignore the situation with the 510 falling off. What has been your experience with the Wismec Predator? Leave a comment and share your true feelings, whether it’s hate or love… but, can’t we all just get along?

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