Wismec Ravage 230 Review | Test Results Are In
Wismec Ravage 230 Intro
Wismec and Sinuous are back at it again. The Ravage 230 features a large front-facing color screen and puts out 230 watts of power from two 18650 batteries (not included). Packed with features like TC and pre-heat settings all in a small form factor similar to the Predator, it aims to be the mod the Predator should have been, if not for the 510 issues.
This review will be centered around the performance test results. Does the Ravage 230 W come through with its promises? The test results are in… read on to find out.
Price: $59.99
Colors: Red, custom blue, brushed stainless and high-gloss black
Wismec Ravage 230 Gallery
Wismec Ravage 230 Specs and Features
Kit Content
- 1 x Wismec Ravage 230 Mod
- 1 x Micro USB Cable
- 1 x Warranty Card and Manual
Specifications
- Dimensions: 43.6 x 30 x 83.4 mm
- Weight: 147.3 g
- Thread Type: 510 spring-loaded connector
- Utilizes (2) High-amp 18650 batteries (Sold Separately)
- Output Mode: VW / TC-Ni / TC-Ti / TC-SS / TCR mode
- Output Wattage: 1-230 W
- Resistance Range: 0.05-1.5 Ohm for TC modes
- 0.1-3.5 Ohm for 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
- Large 1.45-inch color display
- 2 A Max Charging Current for Quick Charge
- Dual-Circuit Protection
- Reverse-Polarity Protection
Notable Remarks
Initial impressions and features
When I first got this mod, it reminded me a lot of an updated Predator. It has the same form factor and aesthetics, right down to the fire bar. There have been some minor updates to the design however. This time around they went with a full-color screen. They also centered the 510-pin which will allow up to a 28 mm atomizer to sit flush on it.
The menu has been updated into something much better and more user friendly than the older Wismec mods. They’ve also added in another button above the fire bar that can be used to turn the screen on and off, or to cycle through modes without entering the menu. Also, the paint job on it is excellent. It almost looks as if it were anodized, but it’s not. No scratching or peeling at all.
Testing background
I test all mods using an oscilloscope to find out exactly how accurate and consistent the mod itself is. All testing is done using fully-charged Sony VTC5a batteries (above 4.0 V per cell). This is done in a controlled testing environment and I’m aware of the risks involved and make appropriate precautions. I don’t recommend vaping over 150 watts on a dual battery mod. Always use authentic 20-Amp CDR or higher batteries such as Sony VTC6, VTC5a, or Samsung 30Q.
Test results
I ran tests at resistances of 0.11 ohms, 0.15 ohms, 0.2 ohms, and 0.49 ohms.
The lowest resistance of 0.11 ohms allows me to test the max amperage of the mod. It capped out at 44 amps which is very good for a dual-battery mod. Anything higher than 40 is above average. That’s a max output of 213 watts with a 0.11-ohm coil, which is very impressive for a dual-battery mod. Outside of that, at 0.11 ohms, the mod hits anywhere from 1-14 watts lower than the actual setting. It’s much more accurate under 100 watts. This is normal behavior for most dual-battery mods at this resistance
Most dual-battery mods reach their max wattage in the 0.14 to 0.2-ohm resistance range.
For my test at 0.15 ohms, the mod maxed out at 231 watts, meeting its promised specifications. It’s also extremely accurate at this resistance; it’s never being off by more than one watt, which is very impressive.
At 0.2 ohms, it maxed out at 234 watts, hitting its max wattage. At 200 watts it was 6 watts higher, but under 200 watts it was never off by more than 2 watts. Again, an excellent performance for a dual battery mod and much better than most.
Max voltage test
Next, I did a high resistance test of 0.49 ohms to find the max voltage output of the mod.
The Wismec chip actually has its limits built into the firmware and won’t let you adjust past that. So, at a 0.49-ohm resistance, the max setting of the mod is capped at 165.3 watts due to the 9-volt max. Output at this setting was 171 watts which is 9.152 volts, meeting its 9-volt stated limit and shows that the mod does have a boost circuit which is a nice plus. Many mods are buck only, but we are seeing more and more mods coming out with a boost circuit which helps performance at higher resistances. As far as accuracy goes, the mod does hit higher than expected at this resistance. At 100 watts or more, it’s 6 to 13 watts higher than the setting. Under 100 watts it only hits 1-6 watts higher. This is standard for most dual battery mods.
All in all, they list the specs as 50 amps, 230 watts and 9 volts max output. In my test results the wattage and voltage output were met and exceeded by a little, making it an accurately-rated device. The amp output fell a little short at 44 amps, but still puts it at above average for a dual-battery mod.
The output was smooth and consistent in my testing and the mod doesn’t get hot, only warm at really high wattages. Nothing to be concerned about. Overall, I find this to be an excellent performer that is well above average for a dual-battery mod.
Temperature control performance
Using SS316 wire with the default SS mode I tested 8 builds ranging from round spaced to exotic single and dual coil builds. Overall, I was pretty impressed with the performance at the price point of this mod. In 2017, we’ve seen a lot of good-performing temp control mods that don’t cost an arm and a leg. The Wismec Ravage 230 is right there with them. It’s been smooth, consistent and has great ramp up times. And there is no limit on power in temp control besides the mod’s max wattage. It throttles back nicely and is never “pulsey” or completely off.
I like a warm vape and every build I’ve used has worked well in the 450-470 F range so it feels pretty accurate, with good dry hit protection. I did have one instance after a battery change where it hit really hot, then kicked me back to power mode. This only happened one time so I’m willing to chalk it up as a fluke, but I felt it was worth mentioning. All the other times, no issue at all. I think most will find their preferred vape in the 400 to 480 F range which is how it should be. Overall, I found the Ravage 230 to be a solid performer in temp control mode.
Other usage info and features
The Mod itself can only be disassembled so much. It’s impossible to see the internal make-up of the 510-pin, but I’ve used over a dozen atomizers including SMOK tanks on this mod with no issues. I’ve also pulled at the 510 and wiggled it but saw no issues or drop in performance like I have with other Wismec mods. Nothing in my testing has shown any issues either. For all intents and purposes, I’ve found no issues with the 510 pin which is a first from a Wismec product for me.
- The color screen on the Ravage 230 is large, bright and gives you all the information you’ll ever want or need. It has a digital clock and a puff counter as well.
- The Ravage also has a pre-heat feature that allows you to select the wattage and the length of the preheat.
- The battery door works well and is easy to open and close with no gaps.
- The centered 510 pin allows for up to a 28 mm atomizer without overhang.
- The mod features a firing bar so you can just squeeze it to fire. It works well and is nice and clicky.
- The mod does feature 2-amp fast charging, but I never recommend charging multiple battery mods internally, so I didn’t test that out. Always use an external charger.
How To Use the Ravage 230
The mod follows the standard 5 clicks to turn on and off. It has an extra button on top of the fire bar. This button does 2 things. Click it to turn the screen on or off or hold it to cycle through modes. Personally, I don’t use it as I find it faster to use the regular menu system. To enter the menu, use 3 clicks. This brings you to a sub menu for mode, settings, info and exit to go back to the main screen. Use the up and down buttons on the front to scroll and the fire bar to lock in your choice.
Going into Modes gives you power, temp control, real time clock (RTC), and TCR. Temp control has defaults for Ni200, Ti, and SS316 wire. In settings, you can lock your coil, change the power in TC mode, enter the Subpara menu, set your pre-heat, clock, and your screen timeout.
In the Subpara menu, it shows your puff counter, puff timer and has an option for amp which does not appear to do anything. In the info menu you can see your individual battery voltages and your firmware and hardware versions.
Likes
- Wattage performance
- Temp control performance
- Easy to use menu system
- Accurately rated
- Full power allowed in TC mode
- Build quality
- Sleek simple design
- Centered 510 pin good for up to 28 mm atomizers
- Bright screen
- Clicky fire bar
- Pre-heat option
- TCR mode
- No button rattle
- Good paint job
- Small and comfortable
Dislikes
- Button above the fire bar not necessary
Conclusion
With all that said, do I recommend this mod or not? My recommendation leans heavily towards yes. It’s by far the best Wismec mod to date and the only one in 2017 that I’ve used and could personally recommend. (And I’ve used quite a few of them.) If they build off the design of this mod, they should have a great 2018.
Let us know your thoughts, questions or comments below.
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