An Inquisitive Poll (Buzz, Darwin, ProVari & VMax)

[mostapha]

I'll chime in here just a bit. I'm new, and using one might change my mind. But, I have to say that neither a Darwin nor a Provari appeal to me in the slightest.

I have the utmost respect for both of them an the people who buy them. It's picky personal things, and compared to things that seem very close for a good bit less they just don't seem worth the cost.

The Provari seems like the way PC users complain about Macs. They're GORGEOUS. They're really powerful. They're expensive. And like the stereotype, they force you into what I see as a weird way of working. I'd never be happy with that one-button interface, and if I hadn't watched pbusardo's review of it, I would have returned it very quickly.

Sometimes a slick device isn't worth the hoops.

Similarly, the Darwin just doesn't look right. The interface seems spot on. I like the display. But I couldn't get over the fact that it looks more like a tire gauge than a PV. I don't like how it works with tanks. I wouldn't carry it around. And I don't vape in my apartment. It has no place in my collection no matter how awesome it is.

I don't regret deciding to wait for the next generation of top-end PVs to come about before even thinking about buying.

 

[DPLongo22]

Upon further review:

I must now withdraw the question. The likelihood of these arguments stopping stands approximately the same chances the Miami Dolphins have of ever winning another Super Bowl while under the ownership of one Stephen Ross.

Besides the fact that the best-case-scenario is actually the worst-case-scenario, in that stopping such activity would make for one freakishly boring forum.

Therefore, with such realization hitting me like an anvil on my head, I say to all -

ARGUE ON, DUDES!

Longo, out.

 

[tearose50]

Gulp -- I'm not a complainer. I don't really regret any of the purchases -- it's all part of the never ending learning curve. Part of that is learning what we like or want in a mod. That takes practice and experience.

I love my other GLV's, btw. My first was the GLV3 feeder model and hated the waiting. I somewhat regret that I jumped on the first order bandwagon and didn't wait for reviews......not that I haven't done the same thing from time to time quite successfully. lol

It was way too heavy for me and larger in person than my to scale drawings suggested it would be. Had to squank too hard for the top feed and it worked best with fairly full bottle, tho I liked being able to see the juice go into the atty. The squank hole is a little small for a gal with fingernails. If the "sidecar" was made out of thinner steel or aluminum, I'd probably still own it and would have worked through the other small bugs, as others have. It is a true military grade product! On the other hand, I do love my mini GLV. It lives in my purse and is so hand friendly.

Xhaler XL -- I was just grooving in on the low button placement when I needed to dis-assemble the mod due to a slight button misalignment and cleaning. I couldn't do it -- don't have the brute force needed. When I finally did, it was just as hard for me to put it back together. The skin got mushed and I set it aside..... Just a bit frustrating for this non-fiddler, non modder type vapor. It's a fine simple all mechanical mod---brass and aluminum. Loved it for a few days and adore the Kick.

My main arsenal: Darwin, Provari, Phidiae, GLV mini, Vmod, Roughstack---used daily.

And -- I'm sure I've not owned a PV, Tank, Atty or Carto or even Drip Tip that someone hasn't bashed. I'm used to it by now.

 

[hificat101]

I certainly wouldn't say I regret buying it, but my trusty B Pro hasn't been performing like it once did. I usually carry 3 PV's with me daily, and since I've gotten an ego twist, the B Pro rides the bench often, while I carry my new chrome Young June v2 Lavatube, my Altoids mod from smartvapes, and the Twist.

 

[Ravenscroft]

3 Buzz'z 1 original and 2 pro's. Great and no regrets.
1 Infinity now dead, it was free as I won it by coming up with the name.
1 VMAX black beast... Fantastic! Ordered another 2 in SS.
5 Twists really, really impressed.
1 Lava Tube, pretty good.

I tend to use them all plus a couple of Kiced Mechanicals and have no regrets.

Though I do prefer my VMax and Twist's these days.

I never bought a Pro Vari or Darwin as I never liked how they looked.

RC

 

[SpringzVz]

I'll bite...

Well I had a Buzz when they first came out and had issues with just about everything. Granted Notcigs are the pioneers of Tube Style true VVs and like every ground breaking item it had issues. Notcigs was great and always quickly repaired it at no expense, but after a few months the ProVari debuted so I sold the Buzz. So I can't really speak about the current Buzz since mine was from 2 years ago.

The ProVari is a great device, a milspec build it is almost indestructible, great airflow, it has never let me down...not even once. A single battery device it has great airflow, not too tight, not too airy, a very accurate display, easy to use menu system, great button, 7 layers of protection, made in the USA, it has the ability to use either 18490 or 18650 batteries with extender cap enabling a longer or shorter form fit. Like Notcigs, Provape is a great company and give their customers the ability to upgrade, when upgrades are available (once so far) for a nominal price. A somewhat heavy device it also has the dual purpose ability to be used as a weapon...hehehe

The Darwin...pass..a little to expensive for this guy..what's the latest version...version 19 or something like that?

Vmax Version 2 Stainless Steel.....don't know about longevity, haven't had it long enough. A quick switch, good airflow, easy to use menu, a blue in-use background LED, solid 510 connector, and light weight design is very attractive. Of course I have only had it for 2 weeks so unlike the ProVari I question how long the end cap threads, switch and button will hold up. I don't have issues with stacked batteries as long as the batteries and unit have IC protection. Unfortunately the manufacturer is in China so upgrades and repairs will never be available. Outside of that the 800 e-fest batteries charge quickly (45 minutes) and outlast my AW IMR 18650 2000 mAh batt on the ProVari by 2 hours while rocking a 1.5 ohm DCC.

I'm going to add 2 that were unlisted to the mix

The Infinity Pro has worked well for me for over a year. The button isn't great, but it is reliable, the 510 connector is ok, but not as good as the ProVari or Vmax. It utilizes stacked 14430 batteries which are kind of a drag, but they last me a good 6-7 hours. Light weight, it has a hand friendly thin design and has served well as a back up to my ProVari until recently.

The Ego Twist is also new for me, I have had it for a couple of weeks and have to admit I am impressed. A proprietary 650 or 1,000 mAh battery (have both) it seems to last forever for it's size. Like the IPro it uses a dial adjust wheel but has an alignment mark and voltage numbers on the adjust wheel. If the Vmax is light weight, then the Twist is super light weight. Again, it's an Ego button so I'm betting the button will break before the life span of the battery is gone. Like all Egos I find the draw is a tad on the tight side, but nothing too terrible for $25-$30 dollars. Especially when you compare it to some of the plastic screw adjust box mods at those prices.

I guess if I had to rate them, granted some of them have not proven their longevity it would go:

ProVari - Rock Solid, great draw, unbreakable, easy to use menu, solid post
Vmax V2 - Light weight, great draw, blue in-use LED, easy to use menu, solid post, longevity???
Twist - Sleek, light weight, affordable, longevity???
Infinity Pro - Sleek, light weight, good draw, the post and button could be better, a good back-up until recently
Buzz (granted from 2 years ago) - Good draw, the rest is not applicable.

No regrets so far.....

How did I do? Did I win?

One defective Twist to report. First I want to stress that I love the Twist! For the price it has been a pleasure to own these batts! However one button on my first 1000mah Twist has failed... 2 weeks into it and it fell into the housing and wont spring back. This was under regular use ( I have 2 1100 Egos 2 years that never did this so I think its a fluke). However I do wanna say that the vendor is amazing and has another one in the mail as we speak to replace the malfunctioning one with a postage paid return label as well. Rock on Joye eGo | Joye 510 | Electronic Cigarette supplies Tulsa | Batteries, atomizers, cartomizers, e-Liquid and more!! Thanks!

 

[mostapha]

Hunh…that's where mine came from too. Purely by accident. About to finish the first work week with it.

 

[billherbst]

I'll chime in here just a bit. I'm new, and using one might change my mind. But, I have to say that neither a Darwin nor a Provari appeal to me in the slightest.

I have the utmost respect for both of them an the people who buy them. It's picky personal things, and compared to things that seem very close for a good bit less they just don't seem worth the cost.

The Provari seems like the way PC users complain about Macs. They're GORGEOUS. They're really powerful. They're expensive. And like the stereotype, they force you into what I see as a weird way of working. I'd never be happy with that one-button interface, and if I hadn't watched pbusardo's review of it, I would have returned it very quickly.

Sometimes a slick device isn't worth the hoops.

Similarly, the Darwin just doesn't look right. The interface seems spot on. I like the display. But I couldn't get over the fact that it looks more like a tire gauge than a PV. I don't like how it works with tanks. I wouldn't carry it around. And I don't vape in my apartment. It has no place in my collection no matter how awesome it is.

I don't regret deciding to wait for the next generation of top-end PVs to come about before even thinking about buying.

That post closely echoes my own opinions, except for my having plunged ahead and bought other stuff. In addition to the 10 VV boxes I purchased last year, in 2012 I also acquired a BuzzPro, an iPro, a VMax, three Vtubes (Young-June versions---two v1.5t units and a v2.0 chrome), two 650mAh eGo Twists, and an Ovale V8 (my new favorite).

The ProVari's what-you-set-is-what-you-get voltage and the Darwin's power-based regulation are very impressive. I just feel no particular desire to own either at their respective price-points.

 

[Northernshrink]

Bought a Buzzpro device is ok but I hate tanks, Dripping, and topping off carto's. Now I have 3 Reo's and would never buy anything other than a bottomfeeder.

 

[billherbst]

Bought a Buzzpro device is ok but I hate tanks, Dripping, and topping off carto's. Now I have 3 Reo's and would never buy anything other than a bottomfeeder.

Northernshrink,

I've not owned a REO. Almost snagged a REO Mini from the classies last week, but I balked at $100 and didn't get it. I do have some other bottom feeders, though: 2 Phids that I run at 5 volts using the special nihm batteries, 2 MaximumVapors regulated 5-volt Luicy Juicies, an old 3.7-volt Missy WetBox, and a 3.7-volt Old Goat on the way.

When I shifted over to HH357 and IKV i06 atties, all my feeders got a new lease on life.

Bottom-feeders are grrrrreat!

 

[hificat101]

That post closely echoes my own opinions, except for my having plunged ahead and bought other stuff. In addition to the 10 VV boxes I purchased last year, in 2012 I also acquired a BuzzPro, an iPro, a VMax, three Vtubes (Young-June versions---two v1.5t units and a v2.0 chrome), two 650mAh eGo Twists, and an Ovale V8 (my new favorite).

The ProVari's what-you-set-is-what-you-get voltage and the Darwin's power-based regulation are very impressive. I just feel no particular desire to own either at their respective price-points.

Thanks Bill. I'm showing my wife your post tonight. The check is in the mail.

 

[meeems]

NO wayyy! thats bizarre. Guess there's a first for everything, i've never heard someone say that ever.

I find the darwin is just the ugliest thing i've ever seen. i'd only vape that in my bed with all the curtains closed.

Bought a Provari and hated it. Sold it

 

[Fazed]

I own all the mods mentioned in the OP. Of the 4 listed, I think the technology in the Darwin beats them all, but I like tanks and it's not tank friendly if you don't work at a desk. It stays at home. The ProVari goes to work with me because I have literally beat the frak out of it and it looks and vapes as new and I've had it over a year. The buzz (and infinity) pro is simple and quite simply works well. I use them mostly at home. The Vmax comes out occasionally (mostly for testing and using RA's with high ohms because I like them that way).

Is one "the best?" In a word... No. They all have strengths and weaknesses and thus have a niche in my Vaping regimen.

Other VV/VW devices I own and use.. The original LT (never use it). The new Apollo Vtube SS, the Kick in the SB and Don, SVR and Akston SL. The only one I really regret is that 1st lava and the Vision TOX (Junk).

 

[SethGrimm]

I'll chime in here just a bit. I'm new, and using one might change my mind. But, I have to say that neither a Darwin nor a Provari appeal to me in the slightest.

I have the utmost respect for both of them an the people who buy them. It's picky personal things, and compared to things that seem very close for a good bit less they just don't seem worth the cost.

The Provari seems like the way PC users complain about Macs. They're GORGEOUS. They're really powerful. They're expensive. And like the stereotype, they force you into what I see as a weird way of working. I'd never be happy with that one-button interface, and if I hadn't watched pbusardo's review of it, I would have returned it very quickly.

Sometimes a slick device isn't worth the hoops.

Similarly, the Darwin just doesn't look right. The interface seems spot on. I like the display. But I couldn't get over the fact that it looks more like a tire gauge than a PV. I don't like how it works with tanks. I wouldn't carry it around. And I don't vape in my apartment. It has no place in my collection no matter how awesome it is.

I don't regret deciding to wait for the next generation of top-end PVs to come about before even thinking about buying.

I understand your analogy of apple products and the Provari although the difference is the Provari actually performs perfectly. If it were an apple product there'd be poor customer service and it'd lack the most simplistic of features just so the "new and revolutionary" version would utilize these common and unimpressive features and you'd be forced in an endless cycle of buying the next big thing every year.

The Provari works precisely the opposite. $20 upgrades if new and improved circuitry comes out and I hear provape even replaces any parts that are wonky from long term use via the upgrade, very cheap replacement parts service, and the Provari has only needed to be updated once.


Sorry...I'm rambling in a way and seem defensive but I am speaking of my experience in my "iPhone days". I'm now a happy android and Provari user.

 

[danimal40]

[*]Other things you have tried but regretted (that's right Blu, I'm talking about you!).

The Author

Your My Boy............I Love You Blu

 

[Adam the Aussie]

Love how this thread has turned into the exact opposite of what the OP wanted.

 

[tpoulton]

Darwin, over rated for the price. I think it's a status thing maybe. Everyone asked me if I made it out of legos.

 

[DPLongo22]

From the ashes this thread rose.

I'm entertained by the fact that it did, and find it interesting just how much has changed (and how little, for that matter) since I started it. SO many more great devices out there, so many more users.

As Adam the Aussie points out though, I was hoping for more comments such as tpoulton's (above). My point one that there are very few of those. If you've got a good device, and it's working for you, AWESOME. But why so much intent on shoving them down everyone ELSE'S throat?

Enjoy it, comment about it, but it's just plain dumb to imply that anyone using something else (what-EVER it may be) doesn't know what they're doing. If they're not smoking, they're winning. Plain and simple.

Everyone - ENJOY FRIDAY!

 

[Fury83]

Glad this got bumped because it was an interesting read. Not a lot of time on my hands but I'm going to chime in later tonight. I don't have the OP devices but I can throw out what I do have, the reasoning for having them, pros/cons and the reasoning for not having the OP devices.