I got the AVA SR bottom feeder about 2 weeks ago. I have been using it on and off during that time, so it is broken in by now but not heavily used.
I was really hesitant to buy an atomizer that was so expensive. I had been using the HH 357 since October but I wanted a different atomizer for my Surge Tank. The 357 was too airy for me on it, so when AVA came out with the bottom feeder/open end I decided to take the plunge. I have a provari so I figured a middle of the road standard resistance would be best. I accidentally ordered a LR atty and immediately emailed AVA and asked if they could switch my order to an SR. They were very friendly and changed my order with no problems or delays. When I received the atty I checked the resistance (the last thing I wanted to do was risk killing it). It read 3.2 ohms. I thought maybe they shipped the wrong one but the side of the atty has SR imprinted on it. I added some juice and checked again, still the same reading. Maybe this was a defective piece or something? I emailed AVA wondering why it was so high. They told me "...the resistance reading for the SR Atomizer is anywhere from 2.8-3.2 These are acceptable numbers." Wow, ok I'm glad I have VV because at 3.7 the atomizer is useless. At 5.0+ it works quite well. More on that soon.
I have two other design related issues. First is that it does not fit on the Surge Tank!! The bottom opening is too small (or the tube on the Surge Tank is too big). Since this is the only bottom feeder I have, I have no idea if it will fit on another mod. The other problem is that the atomizer tube seems very slightly larger than other atomizers. A regular drip tip is loose and my VapeMate is also loose. The trippytip which is snug in my 357 fits perfectly in the AVA. Maybe new O-rings on my other stuff will remedy the looseness, I haven't gotten that far.
As far as vaping performance goes, the AVA is actually pretty good above 5.0 volts. The vapor production is lower than my 357 as well as the other atomizers I have. The flavor is great though, compared to any other atomizer I have used the AVA is tops. The thing to understand is that the heating element really needs about 2-3 seconds to heat up fully. Until it is hot there's not much vapor or flavor, I usually hold the button down until I hear it sizzle (about 3 seconds) then I take a long draw or two on it.
Since this atty doesn't work with my juice delivery systems, I have had to drip. I drive a truck so dripping isn't an option for the majority of my day. Anyhow, once I get just the right amount of juice in it (usually 5 to start then 3 or 4 to keep it going) I don't have any problems with leaking unless I add too much. I don't think it is possible to flood it, if there's too much juice it just runs out, so there's no spitting or sucking up excess juice. I've not yet had that horrible dry hit you can get from a regular atty either.
Throat hit is great with any juice I have used, and with one of my juices I went into a small coughing fit because I wasn't ready for it! I also find that I vape a bit less with this atty when I am using it. I'm guessing that the vapor droplets must be larger which gives more flavor, throat hit, and nicotine with lower vapor production.
I've referenced the 357 mostly because it is the only other "high end" atomizer that I know of or have used. The AVA is absolutely better than any other "regular" 510 atty I have ever used. Compared to the 357... well, it is just different. I can't really say which is better. I'm very happy with the AVA but once it is dies... at nearly $50 after shipping this is not something that will likely become a regular piece in my collection.
I guess the way I see the AVA is this: It would be a very nice gift for that special vaper in your life or a good reward for yourself, but the cost excludes it from being a total replacement for other atomizers.
Think it was because they are gen 1 atties. Or just got to try a different batch? The alpha max ultra or what ever it is called is amazing. Just not a fan of the res. Is it different things make other happy or do you think it is more. I agree with most of your other opinions.
will let you know!
