Advice for a new APV!

[samncrzy]

First off, I am still mostly a newbie with the vv/vw APV's. I've been smoke free for 2yrs now, and my old reliable 1100Mah Ego batteries have served me well!
I recently purchased a vv EGO V2 mega and a Nautilus tank, and I'm loving the way it takes vaping to the next level!
So, I'm looking to upgrade to a "good" reliable vv APV to really experience the vape!
I am seriously considering a Vamo V5 as it seems to have good reviews, and flexibility with battery options.
I value the experience and opinions on here, and it seems like the perfect place to hear all the good and bad, as well as other recommendations!
I'm looking at the top range of like $120, I just don't feel that I would utilize an APV like a Provari to it's potential, like I said, I'm still learning about the volts/ ohms, etc.
Thanks!!!!!

 

[ry4love]

The Innokin Itaste MVP 2, is pretty great. Its vv and vw and it has a 2600 mah battery. And you can get one for around 40 bucks.

 

[Ryuukon]

Well, a Vamo V5 isn't bad by any means. It's got a lot of features and, depending on the model you get, can use either 18350s, 18650s, stacked 18350s, or if you get a telescopic model an 18490/18500. Variable voltage, variable wattage, reverse battery protection, short circuit protection, etc., all the features you'd expect.

It does have some problems though. The 510 threads are made of aluminum so they tend to get stripped fairly easily. Also, the insulator around the 510 pin can be easily worn out if you tighten your atties down too much, leading to permanent shorts, though it can be fixed with a 10 cent o-ring. Finally, they use 33.3mhz pulse width modulation circuitry, which personally I don't really care for.

For the good reliable APV arena, the best choices are currently (and have been for awhile) Innokin VV V3s and MVP V2s.

Frankly that's where I would start if I were you, or if you don't mind spending a little more, look into a Sigelei 20w. You can pick one up for around $75 - $80 and jump right into a high wattage device, even if you likely won't be using that much power right away. Or, since you said you were looking at the top range of $120, get both a Sigelei 20w and an MVP V2. It's always good to have more than 1 device in case one fails.

 

[samncrzy]

Thanks for the advice! I have a drawer full of old reliables in case of failure (I am a professional fishing guide, so .... happens on the river all day!) I'm trying to get away from carrying a pocketful of extra batteries, etc. While at the same time having the taste and vape that I expect! I had the Innokin vv, and it pretty much fell apart in my hand, so I'm a little leary of them. I like the ability of the Vamo V5 to accept the bigger battery, or 2 stacked batteries which eliminates carrying extra batteries for the day.
I'm gonna check out the Sigelei 20w to see what it offers, I hear a lot of good reviews of them also!
The folks at one of my local B&M stores, have put down their Provaris in lieu of the V5, and highly recommend them????
They are super informative and have samples of every mod, battery, atomizer, or tank available, and encourage you to try before you buy! So I can get a good close up try of anything recommended!!!
Awesome people!!!!

 

[DetraMental]

The MVP2 is a pretty durable piece of equipment. It has a 2600mAh internal battery and you wouldn't have to carry any extra with ya, just charge it up good before heading out and it ought to last you 1 1/2-2 days easy. I have a Vamo 2 and it started acting screwy in the 2nd month, fires when it wants to. I still like it and use it but I don't trust it as my go to apv. I've heard some pretty good things about the Sigelei 20w but not enough to make me wanna buy one over the one's I already have. There's the Cana DNA 30 Variable Wattage Mod at MountBakerVapor for $80 with the code VE10 to bring it down to $72. Cana DNA 30 Variable Wattage Mod - Mt Baker Vapor - Electronic Cigarettes
I'd do some review checking on it as well. Good luck in your Search!!

 

[Ryuukon]

Like I said, the Vamo V5 isn't terrible. I know, I own one. That said, I speak from experience on the performance of it, and its issues.

Sounds like you are pretty set on a Vamo, just be aware of what you're getting into. The threads are easily damaged, so you might look into getting an airflow control ring and keeping it on the Vamo full time to protect the threads. That would also protect the insulator. And even if the insulator goes, you can fix it easy enough with a #60 o-ring from Danco.

Another bit of advise is to make sure it's in RMS mode when you get it. Do that by holding the left button for 10 seconds. Mine came with mean mode as default. Mean tends to be a lot hotter vape as it puts more power to your device than RMS, and can be... quite harsh.

I'd also be leery of people putting down their Provaris for a Vamo. A Provari has over 800hz pulse width modulation, so fast it's virtually a flat signal. A Vamo uses 33.3hz, which means for example to get to 4 volts, it pulses the coil 33.3 times per second at a higher voltage to reach an average of 4 volts, which makes for a hotter vape, and not nearly as smooth.