The Telescopic Storm X6 by Kamry

We recently reviewed the EA Mod, a mechanical PV with several similarities to the Golden Greek GGTS.  If the EA Mod represents the high end of the GGTS clone scale, the Kamry Telescopic Storm X6 (also commonly known as the KTS, Chi Chi, and CCTS), sits firmly at the other end of the scale. A Chinese-built mechanical, the KTS sells for a fraction of the EA Mod’s price, and even lower compared to the GGTS.  So what are the trade-offs?

For a start, the materials which were used to build the KTS are of a much lower grade than the EA Mod and GGTS.  It is constructed of chrome-plated brass (an unplated version is also available, but somewhat harder to find), compared to the stainless steel of the other mods. The metal is also quite thin in comparison, which gives the KTS a somewhat flimsy, lightweight feel.  This is not a mod that’s going to survive being run over by a truck; it’d flatten like a pancake.  We also found the threading of the tubes to be somewhat inconsistent. For the most part the pieces seem to fit together well, but we ran into some trouble with the bottom cap of one of our units.  While we were able to screw it on, it did require a bit more force than should have been necessary.

Like the EA Mod and GGTS, the KTS has a side-mounted button at the bottom of the unit. This button is significantly smaller than the GGTS, and approximately the same diameter as the button on the EA Mod. We found the button to be quite comfortable to use, even after long vaping sessions. It is also easy to remove, unlike the one in the EA Mod.  This makes it easy to clean, something that’s relatively important in a mechanical mod, as contacts tend to lose connectivity over time if left to themselves. We found the button to be responsive and it does not seem prone to misfiring. It includes a locking ring that can be extended to prevent the unit from firing in a pocket or purse.

Internal contacts are stainless steel, with a brass spring at the negative end. The configuration of the contacts is very much like that of the GGTS. The telescoping feature of the KTS allows the use of any battery from an 18350 up to an 18650, with an optional extension available to allow the use of a Kick even with an 18650, though this extension is not included with the mod.

The KTS features a slanted top with a 510 connector, making it most suited to atomizers with a 20mm diameter. This may be a disappointment to many, as flat tops which match better with the wider atomizers commonly used with mechanical mods seems to be a preferred configuration.  Slots have been cut into the top to allow airflow when atomizers are flush with the cap.  The center pin does not appear to be adjustable.

So, how does this clone stack up?

Build Quality: 5/10

The materials used in the construction of the KTS are thin and chrome-plated.  Threading of some pieces was found to be rough, but usable.

Looks: 6/10

The GGTS look is extremely popular, but this is an obviously cheaper, scaled-down version of that look.  Some will appreciate the availability of brass as a color option, but the slanted top is bound not to be a popular design choice.

Flexibility: 7/10

The ability to accept a range of battery sizes, rather than one or more fixed sizes, is a huge plus for this mod. Additionally, the ability to use a Kick even with batteries as large as an 18650 with an optional extension tube is a somewhat unusual and welcome option.

Price: 7/10

The KTS is typically sold as part of a kit containing the PV, batteries, a charger and a tank for around $50 to $65. Even given the mod’s shortcomings, this seems like a very reasonable price for a complete kit.

Overall Score: 6.25

The Telescopic Storm X6 by Kamry