Another "Ready to upgrade" thread - The usual suspects under review
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I'm also "ready to upgrade" from my trusty Evods and Esmarts. I was looking into the SID but wasn't keen on it's weight (I prefer heavier, rugged kit as I'm a walking disaster zone), I was gonna go for a vamo v5 as I've heard excellent feedback, but there's a design that just blew me away (figuratively)-the hand grenade-shaped Innokin Coolfire 2. I don't really care about the whole grenade thing, it's more an ergonomic thing: it looks perfect to hold. I've never used a vv device or an APV- I'm a complete newb, so I guess I'm asking if this would be a good choice for a first one?
I'm after something simple to use, but more importantly something very solidly and well built-something that can take a few knocks over the months and years. I couldn't find a thread dedicated to this model so any input from users of this model would be seriously helpful.
I'm after something simple to use, but more importantly something very solidly and well built-something that can take a few knocks over the months and years. I couldn't find a thread dedicated to this model so any input from users of this model would be seriously helpful.
I've held the Coolfire II and to me it was not very comfortable. And it only takes an 18350 battery which would have been a deal breaker for me anyway. But you may feel differently. As I stated a few posts back I really love the feel of the MVP 2 in my hand. In fact I like it so much I ordered a second on last night just 4 days after buying my first. Found a killer deal online for $35 shipped. Way lower than the $69.99 I paid local. Which was an impulse buy. Had it my hand. had to have it right there, right now even though I knew I could find it cheaper online. Oh well supported a new local business. And with what I paid for the second one it averages to $52 each. I can live with that.
In addition to being battery short, the Coolfire 2 is also ONLY VW, and only goes down to 7 watts. You might find that with some toppers and flavors, that's not low enough.
While that does make it "simple", it also limits it's ability to customize to your vape preferences.
The Vamo or Innokin SVD might be a better choice for something with replaceable batteries. Both are telescopes, allowing use of several different battery sizes. Both are VV and VW. The SVD is all stainless (the Vamo comes in a couple body materials, one is stainless), and pretty rugged.
While that does make it "simple", it also limits it's ability to customize to your vape preferences.
The Vamo or Innokin SVD might be a better choice for something with replaceable batteries. Both are telescopes, allowing use of several different battery sizes. Both are VV and VW. The SVD is all stainless (the Vamo comes in a couple body materials, one is stainless), and pretty rugged.
A few people have purchased them. They are a novelty mod/conversation starter, but not practical by any stretch of the imagination.
If you prefer "Heavier, rugged, kit," then you might as well start researching ProVaris and Reos. This is coming from a guy who has destroyed 2 Vamos and six eGo batteries through normal use. My ProVari is 3-4 years old now and is still holding up fine.
It really comes down to two things in my opinion.
Do you want something that you are comfortable throwing away after a year or so or something that will last?
If you are in the disposable camp, I can't see any reason for not getting an MVP 2. You get a long battery life, Convenient USB charging/nice form factor/etc. The MVP 1's have proven that the design is good for at least a year, as there are plenty of MVP 1's out in the wild still functioning after their first anniversary. I don't understand why anyone would buy a tube mod, that is made from components that won't outlast the battery. If I'm gonna end up throwing it away, I might as well enjoy the convenience of having an on board battery. If I buy something with a user replaceable battery, then the components used in the construction better outlast the battery I'm using....That just makes sense to me....
If you are in the something that will last column then I have to agree with Plan Of Man and say you need to look at ProVari or Reo. I don't include DNA-20 and 30's simply because they don't have a proven track record.....yet... Protovapor XPV, Zen ZNA, and Hana Modz all have the potential to last that long. Certainly early reports and build quality suggest that that they will. But again, time will tell. Only ProVape and Reo devices have been around long enough with the customer service to back it.
Anything else is pure conjecture.
Another rugged option would be the VTR. I considered one but my arthritic hands would not tolerate it for long periods of time. And didn't really like the side button placement. Still a really nice looking and solid piece.
Tap'd from my LG G2
I forgot about the Protovapor. That looks like a durable mod too. Also the Billet Box might be a good choice, and it does have a good track record.
Thanks for the advice re the Coolfire, everyone; it's given me food for thought. Unfortunately, a provari is a little rich for my blood right now, so I'm limited to the £50 range, maybe a bit more. I still haven't totally decided yet, but I think I'm leaning more toward the Vamo, though I still really like the coolfire, although purely for aesthetics. Btw this is most definitely a "begginers device" for me, as ive never used an APV or mod, so simplicity and user-friendliness is a factor, although having the scope for more advanced control as I get to learn the device.
Since I am also looking for upgrades in the near future I thought I'd throw my 2cents in the mix. I have 2 Itaste VV3's and a MVP 2.0, all about 3 1/2 months old. The MVP is going strong and when it starts to die I'm getting another, it's built like a tank and fires like a trooper. The VV3's fire a bit inconstantly and after 3+ months are starting to show a bit of battery capacity deterioration.
Time to hunt for an upgrade....
SIGELEI-20W -- A little pricey compared with the hardware I've purchased so far but reviews say its built like a tank. This listing shows it as being VV/VW and software up gradable. I like the idea of software upgrades.
SIGELEI Legend --- A little more economical than the 20W, does the new chipset perform that much better than the 33mhz?? chipset in the Legend?
SIGELEI Zmax V3 Flat & Vama V3 VV/VW --- More in line with what I am used to spending for hardware but something tells me that performance wise these might be a downgrade from the MVP 2.0. I could be wrong/making an asumption, can anyone shed light on this for me and provide a little more information and opinions on the 20W and Legend? Thanks all.
Time to hunt for an upgrade....
SIGELEI-20W -- A little pricey compared with the hardware I've purchased so far but reviews say its built like a tank. This listing shows it as being VV/VW and software up gradable. I like the idea of software upgrades.
SIGELEI Legend --- A little more economical than the 20W, does the new chipset perform that much better than the 33mhz?? chipset in the Legend?
SIGELEI Zmax V3 Flat & Vama V3 VV/VW --- More in line with what I am used to spending for hardware but something tells me that performance wise these might be a downgrade from the MVP 2.0. I could be wrong/making an asumption, can anyone shed light on this for me and provide a little more information and opinions on the 20W and Legend? Thanks all.
Might want to grab another MVP NOW with some of the hot deals going on. I just ordered a second one for $35 shipped.
i'm going to suggest 1000 mah or better ideally. the math and the literature adds up. plus there's the known discrepancy with usb pc ports.
considering usb 3.0 is rated at 750 mah and usb 2.0 is rated at 500 mah... and it's pretty well known that charging the mvp II is highly suggested not to be charged through either medium connected to a pc motherboard, it stands to reason you should ideally supply the mvp with more than something 750 mah capable.
then there's the case of known battery capacity and the literature that comes with the mvp.
known battery capacity is 2600 mah.
literature that comes with the mvp says it should take 2.5 hours to fully charge the unit.
that's about 1000mah charge rate.
even if you were to adjust for voltage. battery voltage being 4.2 and usb output voltage being 5 volts. that doesn't account but for under 20% whereas there's a 25% amp rate to make up for.
keep in mind that's before the 20% head room you should leave yourself for any electronics device. that's also with usb 3.0. the greater value spec of the 2 protocols.
4.2 volts (fully charged battery) @ 1000 mah = 4.2 watts
5 volts (usb output) @ 4.2 watts = 840 mah before factoring in inefficiencies.
i'd shoot for 1000mah minimum. though any charger (ac 110V to dc 5V converter) @ 500mah should hold up for a while and only produce a small amount of heat during charging.
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Can't directly speak to any of those, but...
Between the ZMax V3 and the Vamo, the Zmax usually gets better reviews. Although the V5 Vamo is reported to have finally fixed the weak point of the 510 threading. (Maybe only in the stainless? Anyone?)
If you think you might want to try high wattage vaping, the 20W should certainly do the job. The Legend has a gravity sensing mechanism to adjust it, which might be really nice - and might require a learning curve!
I doubt the performance of any of those would be a downgrade. Conversely, how much of an upgrade would they be? Replaceable battery, keep the mod when it dies, swap on the fly and keep vaping. Tube instead of box, which may or may not be a concern for you.
In the end, I decided to go with the Coolfire 2; it's very sturdy and very compact, two pluses IMO. I know it's been described as a "beginners mod" but that's fine with me...as I am a beginner. It comes with the the innokin 30b tank though, and I just can't find anywhere selling the 30b wicks; will it take the innokin 30 wicks? If not, I guess I'll just use one of my Evods, and eventually upgrade to a protank or an air tank.
I guess I could try re-wicking my 30b as the wicks burn out; the mod is supposed to have short circuit protection.
This device is variable wattage only, of course; what does that mean in real terms? I mean, as long as I can adjust the amount of vapour I get when I fire it up, I'm happy.
I guess I could try re-wicking my 30b as the wicks burn out; the mod is supposed to have short circuit protection.
This device is variable wattage only, of course; what does that mean in real terms? I mean, as long as I can adjust the amount of vapour I get when I fire it up, I'm happy.
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I'm actually on here looking at mods because, well, I'm a gadget geek. My MVP2 works great, absolutely no complaints. I've only once had it run low in 4 months of use, that battery just lasts and lasts. I just plug it in occasionally when I'm on my computer and never worry about it. I love the variable wattage and that it'll take any tank.
Why am I still looking? Why, because I'm a geek and wonder "but can it get even BETTER?". Thus far I'm not finding anything better other than maybe size, but I DO have some smaller mechanical batteries that I can use in a pinch already, and I'm not seeing anything telling me "hey, this is loads better than the MVP2"
I guess, ultimately, all they ARE is batteries, maybe with variable wattage or voltage (prefer wattage, let the computer do the math). The MVP2 is a great battery, and not tooo bulky (more compact than most wands I see actually, I'd rather a box than an 8" wand!).
That's just my 2c worth, sorry, I know you said no on the mvp because of the nonreplacable battery, just wanted to say, I vape pretty fulltime and it lasts for at least days, not really sure as it's only once run out with occasional plugging in (of course that time I didn't occasionally plug it in).
Even my wife with her constantly dead cellphone (and 3 spare constantly dead batteries) never runs out of charge on her mvp lol
Why am I still looking? Why, because I'm a geek and wonder "but can it get even BETTER?". Thus far I'm not finding anything better other than maybe size, but I DO have some smaller mechanical batteries that I can use in a pinch already, and I'm not seeing anything telling me "hey, this is loads better than the MVP2"
I guess, ultimately, all they ARE is batteries, maybe with variable wattage or voltage (prefer wattage, let the computer do the math). The MVP2 is a great battery, and not tooo bulky (more compact than most wands I see actually, I'd rather a box than an 8" wand!).
That's just my 2c worth, sorry, I know you said no on the mvp because of the nonreplacable battery, just wanted to say, I vape pretty fulltime and it lasts for at least days, not really sure as it's only once run out with occasional plugging in (of course that time I didn't occasionally plug it in).
Even my wife with her constantly dead cellphone (and 3 spare constantly dead batteries) never runs out of charge on her mvp lol
I'm exactly the same way; I got my brand new APV only yesterday, and already I'm planning my next buy...the idea's to go completely mechanical, ensuring a device that'll last pretty much forever. I'll have to research mechs first though,I really don't know much about them.
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