My story is the same as the op. Started on EgoT and just ordered the stainless Apollo.
For this of you already using it, any tips starting out with them? I haven't been near a VV before.
They're pretty simple. Just a couple things. Most important is the resistance. Stay between about 2.5 and 3ohms when possible. Do NOT use dual coil anything. Dual coil will work, but the amp limiter will cut your voltage to 3.7V which, IMO, is insufficient to power the two 3ohm coils inside a 1.5ohm dual coil. Even those who swear by dual coil cartos on their 3.4V eGos will criticize the V-tube for cutting the power to 3.7V. Of course, that makes no sense whatsoever, but go figger.
Put a 3ohm carto on it. Start at 3-3.5 volts. Use the + button to increase your voltage until it tastes good and makes the vapor you like. That's it. When you change flavors, repeat the process. You'll soon learn your favorite settings for the various types of juice you like.
The one serious flaw in the V1 Lavatube is that, when the battery gets below about 3.7-3.8V, you will notice a decrease in power. At that point, you'll want to bump the voltage up a little. The good news is that it takes about 6 or 8 hours for the battery to get that low. I swap batteries by then anyway, so it doesn't bother me.
Go to the Lavatube forum and read about the Stlss stl. models. They are built differently than the aluminum models and accept cartos and clearos designed for the eGo. A few people have complained that the draw is too "airy" for their tastes. There are some suggestions there abuot how to tighten up the draw if you end up being one of those people. Most people have no complaints about it, but a few have.
The interface is pretty self-explanatory. The + button increases the voltage and the - button decreases it. Holding either button does not "auto increment". You have to push the button for each 0.1V change. When you get to 6V, it will start again at 3V.
When changing batteries, if you do it within about 10-15 seconds, it will maintain the current voltage setting. If you take too long, it will reset to 3V.
Holding down the red "power" button (not the larger "fire" button) will shut the unit off. Holding it again for 5 seconds will turn it back on.
Pushing the + and - button at the same time will lock in the current voltage. Doing it again will unlock it.
Seven presses of the red power button will display the remaining battery voltage. It is supposed to shut down when the battery gets to 3.3V. I don't wait for that. I swap batteries at 3.7 or 3.8V. It's not strictly necessary and 3.5 is probably just as good, but the less you drain the battery, the better off its health will be.
The 1600mah battery they include is decent, but you'll need a spare. I recommend the 2250mah Panasonic CGR18650CH. They are $8 shipped from orbtronic.com They are the absolute best battery available in their size and type. You cannot use "protected" lithium batteries in the V1 Lavatube. Most of them are too long to fit.
Lube the threads on the bottom cap with noalox. This will keep them working smooth and avoid the cap seizing up or cross-threading. You can find noalox in the electrical supply aisle at any McHome improvement store.
The Lavatube is a really simple device for newbs to VV. If you put the battery in backwards, it won't turn on. If you select too high a voltage for the carto you're using, it will adjust to a safe voltage so you don't pop your coil. It will do this automatically, however, and won't tell you about it. You can select 6V with a 2ohm carto, but you'll really be vaping at 5V. But at 12 Watts, that's probably to hot for your tastes anyway. So, except for using dual coils, the 2.5amp limit doesn't seem to get in the way of anything. If you stick to 2.5-3ohms, the limiter will never kick in and you'll have the full range of voltages available. It won't be an issue.
