AMC MODS HAKA By Benedict Jones
Specifi cations:
- Dimensions: 91mm*28mm (widest point) – Tapered to 25mm
- Construction: Solid brass
- Weight: Approx 155g
- Switch: Constant contact design with brass plating
Making a mechanical mod compelling in 2019 is a tall order. It takes
great performance, build quality, aesthetics and ease-of-use to really
stand out. AMC are newcomers to the mech market and the Haka
mod is their fi rst release.
Construction, fi t and fi nish are flawless. The tube itself is solid brass,
coming in at approximately 155g. With thick walls and a relatively
short 91mm height, this is a nice compromise between weight,
resilience and size. Threading on both the 510 hybrid connection
and switch is buttery smooth, so no issues here. The mod features
a series of deep engravings, inspired by Mauri culture, a heritage
that is shared by AMC’s founder Acapella. This is a personal touch
with sincere meaning to the modder and that’s something we can
all appreciate. Make no mistake, the Haka looks and feels like a top
shelf mech mod.
Ergonomics are key with a traditional bottom-fi ring confi guration
and AMC have done well here, too. The mod tapers out in the middle,
which allows the user to hold the device in a variety of ways and stops
it from slipping when in use. This is a simple solution and we’ve seen
similar designs in the past but it’s been implemented particularly well
in this case, since the extra weight in the middle makes the Haka very
stable when set down on a surface.
AMC’s approach to the switch assembly design clearly prioritises
simplicity. This is a constant contact device, which means
maintenance should be performed on the internals, rather than
the external contact which interacts with the battery. Unthreading
the self-adjusting Delrin insulator reveals a chunky spring and
internal contact. You can then disassemble the rest of the switch by
compressing the button and unthreading the internal contact. As far
as constant contact switches go, this is one of the simplest designs
I’ve seen and any experienced mech user should have no trouble with
regular maintenance. You should take care when reassembling the
Delrin insulator, since cross threading is possible, but I had no issues
during testing, due to the precise tolerances of the threads.
The Haka can accommodate 21700, 20700 or 18650 cells (with an
PROS
- Great build and fi nishing
- Minimal voltage drop
- Simple to maintain
- Affordable
included adapter). Those looking for optimal performance should,
of course, use a quality 21700 cell, since these boast lower internal
resistance and higher amp limits. The Haka handily competes with
the hardest-hitting mech tubes I’ve tested, with no noticeable voltage
drop. Even when using an 18650 with the included adapter, I did not
experience any substantial loss of power. This is impressive and
may come as a surprise to some veterans, who swear by solid silver
contacts. I was not able to detect any difference in power output
between this device and one using 99% silver. Due to the venting
design, we recommend orienting your battery positive down but there
is room for gas to escape down the sides of the tube, so positive up
isn’t out of the question.
In summary, the AMC Haka is a phenomenal mech mod. It’s built very
nicely, has great performance and can accommodate all of the most
common battery sizes. Knowing that there’s a personal story behind
the design also adds to the appeal in my view and dealing with a
small, independent company for after purchase care is always a huge
bonus. The Haka should be near the top of any mech head’s list of
mods to buy.
CONS
- None
VAPER EXPO 135