Budget mods- worthwhile?

[MPZ]

Hi,

After much research and lurking of this forum, I'm about to (and due to the plethora of flavors, am eagerly looking forward to) dive into the world of vaping. I was planning to get an e-go, and then someone mentioned e-power, I watched a review video, and basically decided it's what I want on the spot. Basically I'm attracted to it's cigar-like form factor (at least as far as e-cigs go, especially with a smoktek XXXXL e-power carto on it) and the fact that it's stronger/longer lasting than a stock e-go setup. (and there's the whole can-buy-the-batteries-in-a-hobby-shop factor)

So my question is this:
Given my enthusiasm, am I going to find myself buying a provari in a month? Should I just start at the top? (I don't want to spend alot but I can). (how much of a step up from an e-go is something like the e-power, and how much of a step up is it from there to something top shelf?)

Now That I think about it, I guess the real question I'm asking is a) will I not care about tobacco-related form factor/aesthetics in a month, and b) just how important is variable voltage?

Man, noob status is fraught with questions.

All comments appreciated in advance
-MPZ

 

[nqabassist26]

Hi,

After much research and lurking of this forum, I'm about to (and due to the plethora of flavors, am eagerly looking forward to) dive into the world of vaping. I was planning to get an e-go, and then someone mentioned e-power, I watched a review video, and basically decided it's what I want on the spot. Basically I'm attracted to it's cigar-like form factor (at least as far as e-cigs go, especially with a smoktek XXXXL e-power carto on it) and the fact that it's stronger/longer lasting than a stock e-go setup. (and there's the whole can-buy-the-batteries-in-a-hobby-shop factor)

So my question is this:
Given my enthusiasm, am I going to find myself buying a provari in a month? Should I just start at the top? (I don't want to spend alot but I can).

Now That I think about it, I guess the real question I'm asking is a) will I not care about tobacco-related form factor/aesthetics in a month, and b) just how important is variable voltage?

Man, noob status is fraught with questions.

All comments appreciated in advance
-MPZ

I've been using my kGO for a few months now and am about to order a Buzz pro (similar to provari).

My kGO has helped me cut back majorly off analogs, and gives me all the fulfillment that I wanted out of vaping. I don't think it was a mistake at all to buy it. And if you decide on going VV, it will be for whatever reason you have for yourself. My particular reason is just curiosity, and I love diving deep into a hobby.

What you're ordering will be good for as long as you want it to be, the only real reason I see you wanting to go VV is for a reason similar to mine. But I could be wrong, I'm a newb too.

 

[Shilo]

The potential benefit of a variable volt is being able to adjust the setting to match any carto or atty you can use for its applicable ohm's. Meaning you can have SR and LR cartomizers/attys on hand and be able to use them both. Some flavors taste better on a less hot vape and vice versa. I personally don't think the cig looking will matter in a month. A month in I bought a 3.7 volt box mod and I love it with LR cartomizers. Wish I had bought it first.

 

[washvap]

WELCOME TO THE ECF

Yes, you'll probably find yourself getting a Provari very soon. Since you already have it in your mind anyways. The e-power is a pretty good step up from an ego in that it will be a true 3.7V device. That's if you order an 18650 but, I've heard that there's a lot of problems with the switch and the finish if you get a black one.

You can start at the top but, that might discourage you if it's to difficult. Won't hurt though and will save you a lot of money in the long run. Big batt starter kits such as an ego or kgo give you the ability to see what vaping is all about. At the same time, it gives you the ability to see what you do and don't like before you move on.

As for your other question. You might not care about the form factor. Since cig sized pv's don't hold that much power. So, you'll be recharging them pretty often compared to a mod. So, you will probably want more battery life from your mod and also, improved performance. VV is VERY popular right now, in that you can change the voltage to match your ohms on the atties/cartos you have to find your sweet spot. Also, some juices taste better at certain voltage.

All in all, it's going to be your call on what you go with first. Hope you make the move to transition to e-cigs. It's always goo to see another Washingtonian on the board. Good luck.

 

[hairball]

Skip the small mods and go for variable voltage. It makes a world of difference. Being able to fine tune your juices in, is worth every penny you spend for a good mod.

 

[LeAnn]

I have an e-power and I love it! The thing about mods vs e-go's is eventually e-gos die and yu have to replace them, the e-power you just have to replace the battery and if the switch goes you can just replace it, I have severl batteries and can charge one while I use one. I have many ego and when they die I will be replacing them with a mod.

 

[Xiox]

Hi MPZ,

I think there is also another aspect to your dilemma. If or when you get a higher-end mod your e-power won't be in any way useless. No matter how well a mod is made sometimes there are issues and you have to send your device to the manufacturer for repairs and in such scenario it is important to have a backup. If you rely on one device only you might have to resort falling back to real cigarettes which is... not a very nice experience.

 

[Muramasa]

If u want a vv mod and dun care about the price, i have a few recommendations.

1st: provari. solidly build electrical mod. allows u to change voltage by clicking buttons. pricey

2nd: lavatube. not so solidly build electrical mod. works almost the same as provari cept for resistance checking functions. cheap.

3rd: GGTS. Very solidly build mechanical mod. have to change battery config to make it "vv" per say. build to last almost forever. pricey.

So it depends on what u want actually. but i nvr regretted on getting my provari. the only regret i have is i can't get a 2nd provari with the blue led due to country's restriction =/...

VV plays a part in how u vape actually. Having a VV on hand = u can work it with any atty/carto and any juices. i.e. different resistance atty will require higher or lower voltage to work with. different juices taste better at warmer or cooler temperature and u can explore all that on a single vv device.

If u want to explore a vv mod but dun wanna pay too high a price (yet), u can play with lavatube first. then after which when u r satisfied, u can go for provari. They r almost the same but i love the build of provari compared to lavatube. Me having both, my provari stays at home in a comfy cushion while my lavatube will go out with me to take some knocks. (provari is my precious)

p.s. i'm surprise nobody mentioned lavatube.

 

[Huffelpuff]

I ripped through a number of models before I got my vv devices. Can't imagine going back. Should've just jumped in and gone for it in the beginning and skipped the kinda costly learning curve.

The other positive is that the higher end mods do hold some of their value. If you don't care for them or want to upgrade there are buyers on the classies who will gladly relieve you of your problem. The SSGTS is a nice mod as well but a bit outside of my budget at the moment. Don't know much about it but the kick is also coming out so that people can have the vv experience with mechanical mods as well.

Everyone is different in their preferences, just is a good move IMHO.

 

[Mezzum]

A Provari with all the trimmings for me, equal less than a month I spent on analogues cigs. If you take a calc and do the math, you will find the savings over the months and years, will buy a lot of things, a Provari is just the beginning. For example, I paid myself, at my wife's suggestion, half the money a day I spent on cigs. In six months I bought not only my Provari but my IPAD, and a couple other toys.

I have had my Provari for about 5 months, I spent cash on trial and error, the Provari, with the VV, fixed any and all my issues of Vaping just not feeling right.

 

[MPZ]

Hey everyone,
Sorry to take so long to reply- I tried to days ago but for some reason it didn't work, and then I got really busy with work. Paycheck tomorrow, and re what Xiox said, I will go for the e-power. I like the idea of having 2 pv's.

I oficially started vaping last friday... and had to stop within a few days. Turns out i'm pretty sure I'm allergic to PG. Oh well. I now have a cig2o disposable to give to someone. But... I loved it! except the allergy part. It was literally puff, puff, no more cig cravings for the rest of the day. And, I had substantially more energy than usual. I should also note that I have rather bad ADD- I went through 10 different meds for it in high school with no success. That's actually why I started smoking- aside from the euphoria, it treated my ADD. E-cigs work FAR better than analogs in this application (for me at least). So I was really happy-except for the allergies.

In any event, tangent aside, I want to thank everyone for both the advice and the warm welcome to ECF. And now I have a burning question befor I order tomorrow: Washvap, what's this I hear you implying about the 14650 version of the e-power not being true 3.7V? is it not regulated? I mean, I saw a youtube video showing that it's actually like 3.5v under load from a carto, but isn't that kind of drop impossible to avoid without starting above 3.7v? details please! I was going to order the 14650 kit from crystal clear vaping tomorrow (free 30mil of vg juice and 5 LR cartos ftw)- but if the 18 is regulated and the 14 isn't I might have to reconsider.

14 vs 18! Help! I want to start vaping ASAP (and yes, I've read up on them on this forum and hit youtube- but apparently I missed this comparison!)

 

[Maximillian]

Heyas MPZ,

I don't own an e-power, but to the best of my knowledge, none of them are regulated. The voltage on any of them will gradually drop as you use it. That's one reason I'm still happy and using my ego batts. Unlike the riva, kgo, e-power, ugo, whatever, the ego's are regulated. Might not have as much voltage to start off with but it's very consistant from the time it comes off the charger untill it starts flashing at you to charge it again.

As far as jumping right in to a high end mod... I'm happy I started small. I'm up to 8 ego batts and 5 mods now, 4 of them vv mods. I still use the ego's every day. They're a good pocket size for me, consistant, charger is small, and I don't care if I drop them. The only vv mod I can say that I'm not worried about dropping is the lava tube. All of my vv's are well made, but the other 3 are just so nice, I don't want to even chance marring the finish. There's something to be said for inexpensive.

Anyways, happy hunting!



Maximillian the Vaguely Disreputable

 

[lawnman3]

budget friendly mod would be a v3 from puresmoker.com around$ 85.00 and it can do 3.7 6 volts and it just simply works all the time ...its all mechanical and ss to boot a great mod at a even better price oh and try the boge 510 standard resistance 3 ohm cartos at$ 1.49 each its a win win for a great mod at a even better price...

lawnman3...

 

[ManuDawg]

I agree with Maximillian. I have 5 egos and quite a few mods. I still use my egos for Football Games, Disneyland, Concerts, Walks, etc. I do have 3 Bombshells from HotVapes. They are very reasonably priced and run 3.7, 4.8 with a mod battery from Electronicstik and 6 volts and with a DCT Map Tank I am comfortable taking them out and about. My Saber Touches and Provari I won't take just anywhere because they are so nice I worry about loosing or droping them. For my Provari I purchased a flashlight holster so I can wear it on my hip but still wouldn't want to break that bad boy out to stealth Vape at a family dinner - the egos are much better for that type of occasion.

 

[madjack]

...actually, the E-Power is a regulated 3.7v device...my take on the OP's question...I drive a Chevy P/U, I am not going to buy a Cadillac to goto the grocery store...I started with a Rivas...decided I wanted better batt life so I got an E-Power...I may(as in will) get(or build or both)a VV box mod eventually but that is probably as high up the scale as I, personally willing to go. I started this whole vaping thing to both improve my health and SAVE MONEY...how far you want to take your vaping is uptp you...finally, the E-Power will do you well until you get ??? and afterward, it serve you quite well as a backup...as all veterans know, back-ups and spares are SO important..................
madjack

 

[dormouse]

I am a shopaholic but I try to keep myself from buying expensive things by getting something less expensive. So I own a couple of 3.7v plastic box mods ($20 each), another with bottom feeder by Old Goat (my not buy a Reo mod), and a nice simple wood mod (my stop-watching-Classifieds-for-a-Woodvil mod). And a 3-stage Ego (not a mod, but it's my not buy a VV mod).

I work at a startup and don't get paid regularly (and sometimes don't get paid at all) so that's how I shop.

 

[mynameisrob]

The E-Power is def regulated. I own one and couldnt be happier with it. I get about a day to a day and a half on one battery and really dont notice much difference in vape from a battery fresh off the charger and a battery Ive been using all day. I think the E-Power would be a great kit to get you going.

As far as should you buy a Provari right off the bat, IMO no. VV is awesome and it is nice to be able to change the voltage and see what voltage works best with juices, but I dont feel thats a necessity.
You havent figured out if your REALLY going to stick to vaping yet, so why drop $200+, yet at least.
I think theres just as good of a chance that you would be very satisfied with the E-Power and not feel its neccessary to get a more expensive PV.

The question you asked is something Ive been thinking about quite a bit. I honestly feel like for most people, not all, but most people, the reason they always want to buy a new PV is not because their not satisfied with their current PV, but its the infatuation of wanting something new, and wanting to try something different. Theres nothing wrong with that at all, its a lot of fun, but I dont feel its a necessity. There are many, many PVs out now and new ones are coming out constantly. Its normal to have that urge to want to try that shiny new PV.
This obviously isnt the case for everyone, but I feel its true for a lot of people. And theres nothing wrong with that. Vaping really is alot of fun, and turns into a sort-of hobby for a lot of people. There are plenty of people even that have a Provari, and STILL want something else. Its not because their not happy with their Provari, bc its a bas ... PV. Its just that want to have something new and different.
For me, Im no different. I have an E-Power and while Im very happy with it and its competely gotten me off cigs and satisfies my cravings, Im still tempted to get a VV PV. Not because Im not happy with the E-Power, just because its that urge to want to try something else. My E-Power with a Ressurector carto on it gives great hits and is very satisfying, and competely kills any craving I get for a cig. Yet, Ive almost pulled the trigger a few times and bought a nice VV device, but then I always stop myself and say to I really need this? I started ecigs to get myself off cigs, and thats it, and the E-Power gave me everything I needed to do that. So really, I dont need to buy a more expensive PV, because the E-Power got me off cigs, which is the whole reason I started vaping to begin with. Yet, I know even though I dont need it, Ill prob end up buying a newer VV PV at some point.

So to answer your question, I dont think you need to buy a Provari, at least right off the bat. It really depends what your trying to do. If your just trying to get off cigs and nothing else, then I think an E-Power or similar 3.7V could do that for you, without having to drop a ton of money on more expensive PVs. If you want to turn this into a continuing hobby, which a lot of people do, then you prob will want to buy another PV down the line.

So, I dont think you need to start off with an expensive PV. The E-Power is a great PV to start with that will give you what your looking for. Its inexpensive and will help get you going. Then once you decide that you really like vaping and its something your going to stick with, then if you want to buy a more expensive PV, go for it! But I know a lot of people that never bought another PV after their eGo, kGo, E-Power, or Riva because they were happy with what they had and didnt feel it necessary to keep buying more PVs.
And like others said, you always need backups. Even if you get a Provari, your still going to want to have some sort of backup in case something happens. So your not going to be wasting money if you get a E-Power and then later purchase another PV because the E-Power would then make a great backup. I think theres a good chance though that you will be pleasantly surprised with the E-Power and not feel its necessary to drop more money for another PV. And if thats the case, then you got what your looking for and saved a bunch of money in the process

Hope that made sense!
Goodluck!

 

[dearme]

I think if your first buy is a Provari, top of the line VV, it will do everything you could want in a PV, regardless if you finally decide you really only want to vape at 3.7..........and if you get the extended cap and use 18650 AW IMR batteries, which are high drain, you will only have to get 2 or 3 batteries and charger........way cheaper in the end than working up to your ideal PV.......it will do everything you could ever want and last forever, plus hold resale value........

I knew I didn't have the patience for fiddling around with refills, etc, so I bought 2 Reo Woodvil bottom feeders which took care of that problem. I have now ordered a Provari with the blue LED and will use it with a tank (see comment about patience for refilling.....LOL)..........I love my Reos and now with the Provari will have covered all the bases for being able to do anything...........and I think I have saved lots of money in the long run, regardless of what happens with the FDA, and/or what new things come down the pike...........Just my opinion, as always...........

 

[markfm]

For cheap startup, I still like the $30 liberty flights Riva lite bundles, add some 2 ohm cartomizers.

For VV, I am a notcigs fan. They're solid, high performance, excellent run time between battery swaps (6 - 7 ml for me, based on the carto resistance and voltage I use), with 15W capability you can even run a 1.5 ohm dual coil carto up to about 4.7V. Current sale on the Infinity Pro is $110 for a unit with one pair of batteries and charger, add a second pair of batteries, use the "ECF Buzzkill" coupon code, and you're in good shape, fully kitted out at noticeable savings compared to the other high performance VV out there.

The Infinity Pro and Buzz Pro use the same circuit, and their batteries have about the same capacity, as measured by Buzzkill and confirmed by my own use (how much eliquid I can run through between battery changes). Infinity is slimmer, longer, uses 14xxx batteries instead of the Buzz 16xxx batteries.

On the possible PG allergy, yes, some people have it, though with others it's just learning to drink a LOT of water. There is a VG-only forum area here on ECF, many vendors now are carrying low or no PG blends. In many cases it isn't a hard allergy, people can still have varying amounts of PG in their mixes, just not 80 - 100%.

I'd tend to stay with a simple kit at first, like the Riva or eGo. Get your feet wet, figure out what eliquids you like, etc. Be aware that people's taste can change hugely over the first few months -- you might love something today, gag on it in 90 days.

good luck, and welcome!