Expanding my existing kit. Buy another kit? Just new batts? Or what?

[thatwierdguy]

Katya, it's funny, I was looking at those models/series! I'll do more research on thoses for prices etc. Also clicked a link to the Smoktech Magneto, look's good too- but I'm still far from an expert. I will remember the Joye attys, sounds like a fun experiment if nothing else! Thought about the Davide (full size) just if I end up feeling like I need another large glass clearo- maybe just one more in the near future, or maybe not for a while. Also what about the flat-top batts vs the (round, or whatever they call 'em)?

Train2, that's the one I was thinking about, thank's!

I'm a bit tempted to get one Joye batt and one Vision, maybe with two Protank Mini 2's, but I'm not sure if I'd like them as much as my full-size PT2, or would that be kind of a sure thing??? Also, there's a nice kit at vapedojo Kanger Mini Protank 2 Starter Kit -VV. I know that I prefer glass, and with those VV batts it looks like a really good deal-to me, so far...

Still a little torn, to be honest. In a way, it'd be cool to have 2 batts to use and 2 backups, or 3 to use with 1 backup, etc -especially if I like to sample/rotate 2-4 different juices at a time, I suppose some purists like to stick with just one flavor during a session, but not me at this time...Then there's the thought of having one rather nice mod on hand...Maybe I should buy a 2fer kit, and then buy a mod further down the road, like 3 to 12 months from now...should sleep on it, I suppose...

Does MyVaporStore have a good rep? They seem to carry good stuff, and I've found many links to them. Also the same question about Vapedojo, I haven't heard too much feedback about them.

Rest assured, I've been paying attention to all the advice you folks have been giving me, and I do appreciate it. Thank's

 

[Katya]

Hehehehe...

Yeah, I can see that you're paying attention.

That kit with 2 eVod vv batteries is very nice--if you like mini ProTanks. So is the kit from MVP--that kit is more money, but is fully customizable, so if you want to try a 1300 mAh Spinner or a T3 or iTaste 16, you can choose whatever you want. You can't have too many batteries, IMO. Well, you can, but you're not there yet. Anyway, those are all good choices. You can't go wrong with either.

I think that getting a twofer now (with all the extras and backups) is a sound idea. It will also be a nice intro to variable voltage. Don't worry, even if you get a smallish mod at some point, you'll still have plenty of use for your Spinners or Twists or eVods.

In the meantime, concentrate on finding your favorite toppers. Aspire just came out with a new Bottom Dual Coil clearomizer, which is getting nice reviews, and Kanger is about to introduce their own version of BDC in ProTank T3.

Good luck and have fun.

ETA: WRT to batteries, some mods will only take flat tops, other require button tops--depends on the mod. Read the specs. I don't know much about the Magento, sorry.

However, if you decide to get a mod with a replaceable battery, make sure you get the best batteries and a charger you can afford; I use Nitecore I2 and AW IMR batteries and I highly recommend them.

 

[thatwierdguy]

Thank's Katya!

 

[Bouvmeister]

I have a vision spinner, and I think the quality is higher then then eGo's. Variable Voltage is a must now for me. I too started off with a evod battery and tank. It works. But, once I got the spinner, my vaping has completely changed. VV makes a world of a difference. Also, keep in mind that some of the clearomizers have a really bad metallic taste from the atomizer. Both, my protank and evod have this issue. I got a cartomizer and will never go back. SO much better.

 

[madqatter]

I don't know much about the Magento, sorry.

I have a Smoktech Magneto. It's a telescoping mechanical mod with a magnetic bottom button. I'm currently using it with a button top AW IMR 18490 battery and a Smok kick (because it telescopes, you can snug it to any standard mod battery size, with or without button tops). I love the feel of the whole mod, and especially the button.

If you go mechanical, thatweirdguy, you will definitely need to study not only on rechargeable batteries but also mechanical mod safety. Do your homework on necessary equipment and safety procedures. I am a newbie and have two mechs, but the veterans do not normally recommend mechs to newbies.

However, if you decide to get a mod with a replaceable battery, make sure you get the best batteries and a charger you can afford; I use Nitecore I2 and AW IMR batteries and I highly recommend them.

I agree with Katya on this. No matter what mod you get, do not skimp on your batteries and charger, and get them from a reliable vendor. I also use the AW IMR batteries and a Nitecore I4 charger.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

I own both the Twists and Spinners and prefer the Spinner cuz:
Spinner voltage dial wider and knurled.
Voltage markings easy to read. Twist voltage markings invisible.
Spinner shorter than the Twist and comes in 4 diff sizes- 400, 650, 900 and 1300 mah.
Twist 1100 is far too long.
Seems everyone that owns both Twists and Spinners prefer the latter.

Twist Dial


Spinner Dial


If you do order the Spinner avoid the Chrome finish as the numbers wear out easily.

As far as upgrading to a Mod later Christmas is close and there should be some great sales happening.

As far as whether or not to buy a set voltage PV or VV the price diff between the two options is negligible with the VV offering a wider range of options- some juices taste much much better at higher or lower voltage and the quality of the vape is definitely enhanced IMO.

 

[Scarey]

New theme in this thread: Mods. I'm less than 2 months in, and own a mech, the Magneto. That said, I spent a month researching safety. I would suggest the same to anyone who is young in the vape scene. Read every thread you can find, and learn Baditude's blogs by heart: E-Cigarette Forum - Baditude - Blogs . After that, go for a mech. If you would prefer, see the regulated world first. It would be less study oriented. In that case, still look at Baditude's battery blog. If you get one of the batteries he recommends, then you can still use it in a mech. If you want links on good deals on mods, just tell me which, and I'll hit my folder. I have a pretty extensive bookmark file folder on great deals on the less expensive mods.

 

[thatwierdguy]

Oh man, didn't know the Magneto was a mech, I should have looked more closely! I think for me the mechs are out of the question for me for some time. I would like to know more about some decent regulated mods. Still prob up to $100-including batts + charger($125 if I really get the itch for something) Sounds like my mod options will prob be: Vamo, iTaste, or Sigelei. Am now feeling more open to box shaped units than I was... as always, any info/suggestions appreciated

 

[hebrockt13]

I have a bunch of battery's. And tops. If I find the kits cheaper I buy the kits. But if I can find individual stuff cheaper I buy them.

 

[flowerpots]

If you have a budget between $100-$125, you have enough funds there to get a decent setup.

For chargers, a decent and safe brand, Nitecore Intellicharger, with either 2 or 4 bays, is a good place to start. You can also go the safest route and get an XTAR or Pila charger for about twice the price. The last 2 will stop when the batteries are full to prevent over-charging and exploding.

For an APV, it's really whether you want a nicer model that will last longer or if you are content with a decent one that will need replacing at some point. People have their favorites, but you should read some threads on different APV's to get ideas of pros/cons, problems, what to expect, etc.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/apv-model-specific-discussion/

Batteries are another safety issue and AW-IMR are the safest unprotected from what I understand. You will want unprotected batteries with a regulated mod.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/apv-discussion/420323-imr-batteries-what-exactly-does-imr-mean.html#post9600523

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ecf-library/129569-rechargeable-batteries.html

 

[StacyInOkla]

My rule of thumb is to try to have at least one more battery than I do tanks. That way I can switch between flavors and when a battery dies I have a fresh one ready to go. Currently I have three eGo Twists and and an eVic going. I need to either get another eGo or battery for my eVic since my hubby stole my extra. Tank wise I'm using 3 pt2 and an atty. this is the atty I got when I first tried dripping Cisco SR510 2.5 ohm Atomizer + Drip Tip Special - Avid Vaper

Thank's for all the input folks! I should mention a few things that I failed to above. I have a Protank 2- full size, which I do like so far, but do want to try a Protank 2 mini. Also have 2 ARO's which I like quite a bit too. Also I'm curious about the Davides. I find myself wanting to have at least 4 e-liquids in rotation right in front of me and I'm getting sick of switching all those clearomizers back and forth between 2 batts(maybe I'm just lazy, idk), also I'd like to be able to charge 2 if need be while I use the other 2. I really want to have at least 2 working/charged batts on hand at all times. Definitely point taken with delivery devices, it's just that I gravitated towards clearomizers as I'm not so crazy about the idea of the filler material, also I liked the thought of the clearos being easier to fill (is that accurate?) and to see at a glance how much fluid I've got in there, I have gut-feeling issues with a cartomizer, maybe I'll have to try a cartotank then, and a top coil clearo. Isn't the PT2 mini a bottom coil unit? A nice glass top coil unit sounds good to me. Also getting curious about some kind of dripper atty, but I know even less about those. I must research MODS, but the Tesla's looked kind of good to me (or is that considered a AV?) - still much learning to do. I think I forgot to mention a thing or two here, but I'm up way too late and need some sleep, thank's everyone!

 

[thatwierdguy]

I have a bunch of battery's. And tops. If I find the kits cheaper I buy the kits. But if I can find individual stuff cheaper I buy them.

I'm trying to approach it that way myself. To do the research pricing combinations of individual components, then comparing the sum total with the value for the money with kits is taking quite a while(well, it feels like it...) and gives me mental fatigue, but it's worth the labor- I s'pose

flowerpots- I'll check that stuff out. Unless the iTaste MPV, Vamo (model name/# ???) or Segelei (Tmax or Zmax series) are rather idiot/newbie proof I think my next investment will be a kit (prepacked or make your own) with 2 decent VV batts and 2 nice glass tanks. Thinking the Kanger PT2Mini with VV batts kit from Vape Dojo (idk if it's exclusive to them) or the MYO kit from MyVaporStore with 2 kanger glass tanks (2 mini pt2's, or one PT2, and 1 Mini PT2) and 2 Vision Spinners or 1 Spinner and one Joye Twist. I've gotten to be about 80% sure it'll be one of the above options. I can research more, but after several hours a day, I'm growing weary. All I know is that I want to get myself a nice birthday present next month, and maybe a nice X-mas present when Dec rolls by. Input is still appreciated, maybe mostly info on which regulated mod(s) are, like I say, most (idiot/newbie) proof. If I go that route, I'll take your advice about batts and chargers.

StacyInOkla- I'm gonna use your advice as an excuse ok? And try to have one or two extra batts on hand.

Thank's folks!

 

[thatwierdguy]

What about this??? NEW Special Edition VAMO V3 Pro Package w/ Kanger ProTank 2 | VAPEHAPPYVAPEHAPPY

Seems pretty much what one would need, though I think I heard some controversy about UltraFire batts.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

What about this??? NEW Special Edition VAMO V3 Pro Package w/ Kanger ProTank 2 | VAPEHAPPYVAPEHAPPY

Seems pretty much what one would need, though I think I heard some controversy about UltraFire batts.

I own the Vamo V2 and V3. V2 I've had for 8 months and the buttons are "wonky". I've owned the V3 for 3 months and it's a better build than the V2 BUT Vamo quality seems to be hit and miss with the Vamo among owners= luck of the draw.
As for the kit:
It's not Version 3 but Version 4.
Any other finish other than the stainless steel does not wear well- scratches easily, fingerprint magnet and the finish wears off in places. A friend bought a Chrome and took very good care of it- within 3 weeks it looked awful.
The batteries and charger are very low quality. Not only is the charger low quality but it takes a very long time to charge the batts. Many starter kits have a weak link whereby the Vendor will include some very cheap accessories- this is one of those kits.

Low quality batts and chargers not only diminish the vape quality but can also be dangerous:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...arger-batteries-come-vamo-18350-kit-pics.html

 

[flowerpots]

I'm trying to approach it that way myself. To do the research pricing combinations of individual components, then comparing the sum total with the value for the money with kits is taking quite a while(well, it feels like it...) and gives me mental fatigue, but it's worth the labor- I s'pose

flowerpots- I'll check that stuff out. Unless the iTaste MPV, Vamo (model name/# ???) or Segelei (Tmax or Zmax series) are rather idiot/newbie proof I think my next investment will be a kit (prepacked or make your own) with 2 decent VV batts and 2 nice glass tanks. Thinking the Kanger PT2Mini with VV batts kit from Vape Dojo (idk if it's exclusive to them) or the MYO kit from MyVaporStore with 2 kanger glass tanks (2 mini pt2's, or one PT2, and 1 Mini PT2) and 2 Vision Spinners or 1 Spinner and one Joye Twist. I've gotten to be about 80% sure it'll be one of the above options. I can research more, but after several hours a day, I'm growing weary. All I know is that I want to get myself a nice birthday present next month, and maybe a nice X-mas present when Dec rolls by. Input is still appreciated, maybe mostly info on which regulated mod(s) are, like I say, most (idiot/newbie) proof. If I go that route, I'll take your advice about batts and chargers.

StacyInOkla- I'm gonna use your advice as an excuse ok? And try to have one or two extra batts on hand.

Thank's folks!

This is one option for a VV battery kit with glass tanks:

http://www.sweet-vapes.com/shop?page=shop.product_details&flypage=vmj_color_plus.tpl&product_id=2104&category_id=54

Also look at the vendor section for other vendor options.

 

[thatwierdguy]

Vapoor eyes er- thank's for the info, good to know what you're getting! Think I'll hold off on those kind mods for a while, but I'm not scared away from them for life. Will make sure to get good batts and chargers. There are 2 models of iTaste's that look good, the MVP 2 that I hear about, and the V3.0, both with internal "sealed" batts, I believe, both available at gotvapes, prob many other places too. iTaste V3.0 VV/VW Express Kit : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more don't think I've heard anything negative about the iTaste models so far. Maybe other similar type AV's.

flowerpots- Thank's for the suggestion. I'll keep that in mind, seems about the same price in the end (more or less) as the kit at MyVaporStore, will have to make comparisons with a few different options in these kits.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Vapoor eyes er- thank's for the info, good to know what you're getting! Think I'll hold off on those kind mods for a while, but I'm not scared away from them for life. Will make sure to get good batts and chargers. There are 2 models of iTaste's that look good, the MVP 2 that I hear about, and the V3.0, both with internal "sealed" batts, I believe, both available at gotvapes, prob many other places too. iTaste V3.0 VV/VW Express Kit : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more don't think I've heard anything negative about the iTaste models so far. Maybe other similar type AV's.

flowerpots- Thank's for the suggestion. I'll keep that in mind, seems about the same price in the end (more or less) as the kit at MyVaporStore, will have to make comparisons with a few different options in these kits.

My first PV was a Mod and Vets warned about charging batts unattended. I had TrustFire 18650's and a TrustFire/ TR-001. One day I wondered why the batts were taking so long to charge. Went over and the batts were very warm/ almost hot. Unfortunately the chip in either the charger or batts failed and thermal runaway was beginning. Better to use quality batts and charger- safe chemistry batts are best. Nitecore I2 is a reasonably priced and good quality. charger. The charger and batts??? I was so freaked out I threw them all away- of course they had been included with my quality Mech Mod Starter kit and it wasn't cheap. These types of batts and chargers should not be for sale in the vaping world IMO and I have very little regard for any Vendor that does sell them.
MVP 2- coincidentally a friend received his last night and LOVES it. I had warned him about the button being a little firm and that's his only complaint- still LOVES it though. He got the Titanium Blue and it really looks sharp.Add to that Innokin is a quality manufacturer.

Here's a sale-after coupon: $46.54
Vapor Joes - Daily Vaping Deals: LOWEST: INNOKIN ITASTE MVP2 KIT - $46.54
USE COUPON CODE VJ5off TO BRING THE TOTAL DOWN TO $46.54

Here's the direct link:
http://c2cvaping.3dcartstores.com/Innokin-MVP2-_p_194.html

 

[Katya]

What he said! ^ Vapoor knows what he's talking about!

The MVP 2 is a great little battery and that is a sweet deal.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Remeber these batts are only good for 250- 300 recharges.
The only problem I have with:
iTaste V3.0 VV/VW Express Kit : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more
is it's only 800 mah. If firing at a higher voltage batt drains quicker so 800 mah is really not enuff IMO.
This one is 2600 mah:
Vapor Joes - Daily Vaping Deals: LOWEST: INNOKIN ITASTE MVP2 KIT - $46.54

Direct Link:
http://c2cvaping.3dcartstores.com/Innokin-MVP2-_p_194.html



Full Text Review:
Vaping Diaries #101: Innokin iTaste MVP 2 Review

 

[Bill's Magic Vapor]

I'll give you my two cents, and you did provide a budget of $100 to $125, so I'll spend at least $125 (this is a Law, like Gravity).

I would get two iTaste 3.0's. IVape has them for $35 with coupon code "itastevv" (iTaste VV 3.0 - Variable Wattage Device - Pearl Chrome | Variable Voltage | MODS | iVAPE). They come with chargers in the Express kit, so I'm done there. These batteries are not high mAh batteries, pretty much matching 18350 size batts. However, they are literally perfect for out and about, stealth, backup, and even primary usage at times, though not great ADV, because, as Vapoor Eyes has said, they only last about a year with pretty constant use. But, that means two of them should last you 2 years, in rotation, and if you do add an ADV, they should last years.

Ok, that leaves me about $60, more or less. I have two choices. I either get the Sigelei V3 (now deeply discounted because the V5 is now out and the difference is that you cannot charge your cell phone with the V3), or I get the MVP 2.0. Also, a new APV, but version 2 has an ohm meter, allowing us to now add variable wattage, as well. Also, the MVP 2.0 will last anywhere from a day to a week depending on whether you vape like me, or are a very moderate vaper. Most people get two to two and one-half days from their MVP. The box design, though, is not for everyone, just as the telescoping feature of the Sigelei V3 is not for everyone. Personally, I like both, and prefer the Sigelie (as recommended by Katya) slightly over the MVP 2.0 (as recommended by Vapoor Eyes). If I shop around, I can squeeze either one into my remaining $60 or so, and now have three batteries, as follows:

Option 1 ($125):

(2) iTaste 3.0's )
(1) MPV 2.0 ) both USB chargeable, OR

Option 2 ($135-140):

(2) iTaste 3.0's, and
(1) Sigelei V3 (Sigelei ZMAX V3- Flat top - 101 Vape) $45.23 after Coupon Code "Vaporjoes13"

The Sigelei, which is the best APV under $100, imho, will require batteries and a charger. The Nitecore I2 $15 at Fasttech, or less if you use coupon code "tenoff" bringing the total down to $14.06, and only one or two other chargers could be considered the same or better, at any price. But we now have no room in our budget for batteries, so we increase our budget to accommodate batteries.

For batteries, you will need at least two IMR batteries. I only recommend the AW IMR (all sizes)(RTD is the battery vape shop of choice for me (Genuine AW Batteries at RTD Vapor), the Panasonic CGR18650CH (a pair will run you about $15, or less on sale (Amazon was recently selling four of these for $21 delivered)), or possibly the MNKE's, which work great in all devices including mechs. In fact, all three of these recommendations will work great in mechs. I get the MNKE's at RTD, as well.

Ok, so I gave you the best three batteries with all accessories for about $140, imho. I went through a rather large learning curve on batteries and toppers because I needed to see for myself what worked best for me. Frankly, most people recommend what they bought, only natural to reinforce our buying decisions, but most of them didn't buy 30 PV's/APV's, so their knowledge is somewhat limited. You simply cannot go wrong with Sigelei, Innokin or the Vamo V3 in stainless here. If I had to do it all over again, I would kill for Option 2, metaphorically speaking, with Option 1 a very close second, the difference just being a slight personal preference for great quality stainless telescoping mods (the Sigelei V3), over box mods (MVP 2.0), but it's really, really close, and you can't go wrong with either setup.

There is no question that the Vamo V3 in stainless is the best value, the best bang for the buck, of any entry level APV. I have three of them, and the missus still uses it as her ADV, and she could use anything. Ultimately, it's all subjective, and different people like different features for different reasons. By the way, if you are considering the Tesla, make sure and see Phil Busardo's YouTube review on it as well (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH2CgqMp4_k). Phil didn't like the Tesla and gives his reasons, but you need to see all sides of these things. Of all the APV's mentioned, I have them all except the Tesla (Why?).

99% of all the China Mods under $100 use the same chip. So, performance is similar. I personally can use a one button design as easily as I can use a multi-button design, easier, in fact, for me, as my fingers always know just where to go. However, in spite of the same 33.3 chip, the build quality is different, QC is different, displays are different (LCD vs LED vs OLED), charging is different, form factors are different, etc. I would always choose stainless steel over a colored PV in almost every application, as they hold up better as Vapoor Eyes mentioned. So, here's what I'm recommending (my ):



I get two iTaste 3.0's and the Sigelei V3 for my approximate $130.

For toppers, that's easy, while the Davide is comparable to the Protank and Protank II, I have found that the drip tip doesn't seat very well and that my other drip tips don't quite fit right. In fact, it wobbles. I also have the mini Davide and while it seats a bit better, it wobbles too. The Protank II does not have this issue, the drip tip seats just fine. The Protank II, mini or full size, is the best clearo on the market, imho. My Protank II now sports purple glass and is just the best clearo I've tried over the last almost year. I have over 40 different clearo's, none better than the PTII, imho. Also, it's cheap to maintain, and easy to recoil. Good luck to you! My . Welcome to the Team, good luck in your GearQuest, happy trails, power up and vape on!