GEAR REVIEW: UNDERGROUND TUBE BY MCM MODS

© MCM Mods

Hi, everyone. Here's a review of another Ph-made tube mod: the Underground Tube from MCM Mods.

I've been eyeing the Underground (UDG) tube mod by MCM ever since I started to think about trying mechanical tubes. It's one of those 'dream mods' for me and it was only recently that I managed to score one.

I liked the way it comes in different finishes - brass, black coated brass, stainless, and paint-coated. I also believe there was a copper variant? The extension tube for series config is a surprise and is definitely a plus in my book.

The UDG tube is a 22mm hybrid mechanical mod. It's compact, easy to carry, and a classy looking mod at a reasonable price point - SRP is P2,800. All your 22mm atomizers will sit flush but please do be careful about using attys with short 510 pins as it is a hybrid tube.

First impressions: this is an elegant looking mod. The polished stainless version I got is smooth to the touch.The machining is great, no burrs in the threading on both the top and bottom parts. The laser engraved “UNDERGROUND” text and MCM skull head logo are a great touch. The soft throw switch makes for easy firing while the delrin protected top cap has 4 vent holes and an intricate engraved design. The copper firing pin can be easily removed for cleaning, thanks to the flat head groove. The delrin firing button is light and is fairly heat resistant.

© MCM Mods

Here are the pros and cons in my opinion:

Pros:

Aesthetics – I’m definitely a fan of the UDG tube’s design. From its stance to the way it is assembled, you can easily say that this is a well-researched and designed vape gear. The flower-looking recessed firing button shortens the overall look of the mod and the top cap engraving is unique to say the least.

Machining – one of the best I’ve seen to date. MCM Mods is known for the quality of the pieces they bring to the market. I can go and say with confidence that the UDG tube is a high quality mechanical tube mod. Everything is smooth to the touch. You won’t get cuts and nicks by taking it apart and putting it back together. That’s how great the machining is in my opinion. The threading of the bottom firing switch and the top cap is unique and is meant to accept only authentic MCM parts.

Power – the single 18650 mode is a performer. There are other tube mods that can hit harder at this config, given the stainless material used in the UDG but that’s to be expected. Copper > brass > ss. Although I wouldn’t take a point from the UDG. It was designed that way and was meant to perform as such. On series config, the UDG tube transforms into a different beast altogether. It’s just pure power from there on. Again, the extension tube fits seamlessly so there’s no need for a connector to make sure that the batteries are always in contact with one another. A simple tap of the button gives you all the vapor you could possibly want.

Options – the mere fact that you can use the UDG in both single and stacked config is definitely a plus. Not to mention that users can opt to buy different switches from MCM as well as top caps if ever the need arises. Customer service is great. The modder himself along with other representative from MCM will personally guide you to get the solution you need for your mod’s issues. Switching to the ultem v2 switch is probably one of the best decisions I made when it comes to mod/vape gear upgrades.

Safety – the top cap is fitted with a delrin insulator to prevent accidental contact. The bottom firing switch also has a chunky delrin insulator for safety. The vents on the top cap and the tube body are enough to let battery gases flow in case of battery venting. Plus plus!

Cons:

Firing switch – the stock firing switch was a bit finicky to use. I found myself having to adjust it every now and then to ensure a good connection and it would sometimes heat up even after cleaning. The build I was using wasn’t even too low. Maybe it was just an isolated case in my tube’s case but it was easily resolved by opting for the ultem v2 switch upgrade. I’ll call this one subjective since I haven’t had the chance to try out other UDG tubes.

SS tube heats up faster than other materials – this one is also subjective. I put the tube to heavy use and it would get warm to hot quickly – chain vaping, low builds, the usual stuff. It’s expected of a tube mod to do that, I know. But only recently have a I discovered that ss heats up quicker than other materials. Again, subjective. It all boils down to how you use your mod.

Switch and top cap can sometimes be difficult to thread – due to the fine machining, you have to align the threads the right way to get that buttery smooth sweet spot. Again, subjective. But once you thread it in, everything falls into place. Also, the switch has to be threaded deeply into the bottom of the tube so a bit of patience is required. The grooves on the flower-looking switch helps with the grip although the two notches at the bottom of the tube can be a bit small to work with especially if you have thick or nubby fingers.

Extension tube doesn’t sit flush with my rda – there’s a bit of a lip on one side of the atty. When i use it on single 18650 mode, everything sits just the way they’re supposed to. For some unknown reason, there’s a tiny overhang on one side with the extension tube. Small stuff, really.

Price point – at P2800, the UDG tube is not a cheap tube mod. Plus the P1000 for the extension tube make for a hefty price tag. There are other more affordable tube mods in the market although the versatility you get from this setup is great. Honestly, you get your money’s worth with the UDG.

TLDR Summary: the Underground Tube Mod is great. I’m a fan. I’m not a 22mm fanboy but I’m sold with this one. It can do stealthy and in-your-face vaping whenever you want it to. Philippine-made mods are known for good design and great craftsmanship. The MCM Underground Tube mod is one of those mods that will make you feel proud to support our local vaping scene. Good job, MCM.

Would I bout another one even if I already have a UDG Tube? Yes, definitely. A brass tube with a brass extension looks so tempting. I'm currently fighting the urge to go out and buy a separate brass tube. My wallet hates me.