Kick Module – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
A Kick Module is a small, removable electronic circuit that drops into a mechanical or hybrid VapeMod“>vape mod to give it smart, variable-wattage control. Instead of firing at the raw battery voltage, the Kick reads the resistance of your coil (whether you’re using Wire“>Kanthal Wire or stainless steel) and automatically adjusts output so every puff is consistent. It turns an old-school tube mod into a regulated device without changing the look or feel of your Kit.
Technical Details
How the Kick Module Works
Inside the Kick is a miniature DC-DC boost converter and a micro-controller. The board senses coil resistance via a 510 connection pin, then uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) to hold the wattage you set—usually anywhere from 5 W to 15 W in early versions, up to 40 W in modern “Kick 2” and “Kick 3” models. The module is 19 mm in diameter and 11 mm thick, fitting flush inside 18650 tubes with a Knurled Design cap for easy removal. Input voltage range is 3.2–4.2 V, and it can handle 0.5–3.0 Ω builds. Some variants swap the standard spring for a floating pin to maintain contact even on Kayfun-style 510s.
Usage & Tips
- Install correctly: Positive side faces the battery, negative side the 510. Reverse placement will cause a “short” blink code.
- Avoid stacking: Never use two Kicks or a Kick with stacked batteries; the board can overheat and fail.
- Check resistance first: If your coil is below 0.4 Ω the Kick will refuse to fire—rebuild or switch to a regulated mod.
- Clean contacts monthly: Wipe the gold-plated spring and 510 threads with isopropyl alcohol to prevent misfires.
History & Context
Evolv LLC introduced the original Kick in 2011, revolutionising mechanical mods by offering VW in a drop-in chip. As high-drain batteries and sub-ohm builds became popular, Evolv released the Kick 2 (2013) and Kick 3 (2016) with higher current limits, cementing the term “Kick Module” in Australian vape slang and influencing today’s compact regulated tubes.