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

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thatwierdguy

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OK, this may be my last question before I place my orders if someone could possibly enlighten me: I'm wondering which wall-socket adapter(s) I can use with the MVP2 and VV 3.0 units. Can't seem to find the official iTaste brand adapter without buying the "full kit" VV3.0 for $59.99

Thank's for all the advice, info, and patience everybody! :)
 

Katya

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Ok, that's good. If I get the Zmax, I think I'll go with the Nitecore Intellicharge (2 batt model), and since they don't seem to carry the AWR's I'd prob just default to the efest.
I just read through several pages of that thread, idk...it seems like there tend to be some issues with the Zmax, I'm a little hesitant. Any increased likelihood of having to deal with needing warranty replacement/service is definitely something in the con column- but maybe these issues are rarer than my recent reading leads me to believe. Also, until I get past the beginning-to-moderate vaping phase idk if I can really give the Zmax an intense enough trial before the warranty-replacement window closes. Does this make as much sense as it seems to me?
If the MVP2 is indeed a little more idiot/newbie proof (as it seems from reading an MVP2 thread here) maybe it'd be a better choice for a first larger unit. I do like the idea of being able to replace just the batts, for sure, and although the Zmax seems kind of complicated, often electronic devices end up being less complicated than they first appear. I'll do some more research about the Zmax 3, even the V5 if it has any refinements making it easier to work with or more reliable...
I did less research before buying my car, heh! :)

That thread is old... You should have started reading from the end. :D Anyway, the Zmax V1 had two issues, really--a soft 510 connection and a crooked display window. Those things have been fixed since. I have the stainless version and it's a nice finish.

Have you seen Phil's video review?



He has two followups to that review, BTW.

You won't find a mod that has no problems whatsoever--except for the ProVari. They all have minor issues, just like cars, refrigerators and hair dryers. Don't overthink it. Both Sigelei and MVP are very popular around here.

I was lucky; my mini Sigelei Zmax works great. How long is it going to last? No idea. That's the nature of the beast.

Good luck.
 
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thatwierdguy

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Katya- thanks! Will check out the vid(s) and later in that thread... I think I'll prob just start out with the MVP2 and one or two VV 3's- seems to be where my first quest is leading me (but that's not written in stone)....

Whatever it means, I'm ending up taking over 5 second draws on my tanks connected to my basic Kanger EVOD batts and I've seen much bigger clouds coming out of GrimmGreen's mouth. I wonder if dialing it up with a VV (or VV/VW) unit would give me better hits, but mostly I'm trying to use up some 20mg, maybe about 20% PG liquids I bought at a local shop. I think the stuff I've tried so far from High Desert is giving me more vapor and those are 50/50%, plus some I haven't tried are 70% pg I guess I'll have to get at them and see- no empty tanks to use ATM. Is there any rule of thumb about vaping at higher or lower temps/volts when using higher VG liquids?
Anyways, some of these questions are somewhat rhetorical- if nothing else in the sense that I can look for the answers.
Maybe I'll just have to check for threads about high VG- which, in theory at least, I prefer over high PC.
Oh well, I'll see what I can find....
 

Katya

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Yup, generally speaking, more VG and more wattage will produce more vapor.

That said, those clouds you see in the videos is often enhanced by lighting. ;) Variable wattage device will help you adjust your wattage, but you can't go too high with the heads you're using or you'll get dry hits. They can't deliver enough juice fast enough to the hot coil to cool it off. You really should stay in the 5.5-7.5 watts range, at least at the beginning.

One of the reasons people like RBAs is that they are designed to be used at higher wattages and they are capable of moving much more juice to the coils very fast. That creates a lot of vapor! You can't do it with a commercially available heads.

I vape 70%PG and I'm perfectly happy, but I'm in it for my nic fix and the flavor, in that order. I don't chase clouds.

If you want better vapor production, look into dual coil clearomizers like iTaste 16 or 30 or the new Aspire BDC clearomizers.

Good luck.
 

Katya

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If memory serves, Grimm likes to vape around 8 watts and is especially fond of dripping. (My memory could be faulty.) Namber Juice, he and his wife's own brand, is 50% PG/50% VG (but he's often vaping other people's brands on the vids).

Thanks Mad. I didn't know that--I don't watch many videos anymore, except for Phil's--he's my go-to guy. But Phil vapes mostly Boba's Bounty, which is, I believe, almost all VG--and he uses very sophisticated RBAs, so he really does produce clouds of vapor. :D
 

madqatter

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Thanks Mad. I didn't know that
My memory may be off. But I've just found some notes in which Nick says he prefers 8-9 watts. But he also says "The more wet your coils are, the higher voltage you can rock them at," of course.

Phil vapes mostly Boba's Bounty, which is, I believe, almost all VG--and he uses very sophisticated RBAs, so he really does produce clouds of vapor. :D
Yes.
 

Katya

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In my experience, anything above 8.5 watts with on a clearo or carto is already pushing it. It can be done, but I never had the need to do it, really. I can go a bit higher with a good dripping atty, but, again, I don't. IMHO, 9 watts and above is just not doable on those clearos with small coils and limited wicking abilities. You need an RBA to go higher--9-10 watts and above.

Just my opinion. YMMV. :D

ETA: I'm talking about single-coil atomizers only--dual coils is a different story altogether.
 
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madqatter

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In my experience, anything above 8.5 watts with on a clearo or carto is already pushing it. It can be done, but I never had the need to do it, really. I can go a bit higher with a good dripping atty, but, again, I don't. IMHO, 9 watts and above is just not doable on those clearos with small coils and limited wicking abilities. You need an RBA to go higher--9-10 watts and above.
I'm not currently feeling a need to go higher than that.

Honestly, I've got my kick set around 5 watts right now because I've got a very mild, mostly fruit, 70% VG juice in a Protank. Lovely.
 

thatwierdguy

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Looks like I'll have to try a dripping atomizer. A bit shy of trying my hand at a rebuildable, though. Someday, I could see it, but prob not for at least several months(one thing at a time, baby steps etc etc)... Katya, was it you who reccomended the "disposable" Joye/Joyetech (is there a difference) attys? I'll have to go a few pages back for the model #. Sounds cool, and low risk financially. Can I push the voltage/wattage further when using Pyrex clearos? Or can carto-tanks handle a bit more? I've been liking my clearos, pretty easy to refill and stuff. Guess I'll try to add a few extra bucks to a soon forthcoming order to try some sort of dripper. I know I'm getting stronger hits after recharging a batt, but these EVOD's are just, what 650mah or something...maybe starting to outgrow them already, I'm not sure if they're regulated or not. Must keep evolving, I s'pose... Catchy'all later :)
 

Vapoor eyes er

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I just read through several pages of that thread, idk...it seems like there tend to be some issues with the Zmax, I'm a little hesitant. Any increased likelihood of having to deal with needing warranty replacement/service is definitely something in the con column- but maybe these issues are rarer than my recent reading leads me to believe.
As Katya has said that was Version 1. In regards to vaping gear I NEVER buy Version 1 as there always seem to be issues...we are the R&D for this Chinese built gear- if it has issues just release another version LOLLL and I've yet to see a Version 1 of anything that has worked properly. My first PV was British made quality Mech Mod- expensive- 510 connector was stripped after 6 months use. Nephew who's a tool and die maker manufactured a new connector for me.
My first Vamo was V2 and I would've been happy if it lasted 4 months as I only paid $37 incl shipping. Luck of the draw it's lasted 9 months but the buttons are wonky.
Whatever it means, I'm ending up taking over 5 second draws on my tanks connected to my basic Kanger EVOD batts and I've seen much bigger clouds coming out of GrimmGreen's mouth. I wonder if dialing it up with a VV (or VV/VW) unit would give me better hits, but mostly I'm trying to use up some 20mg, maybe about 20% PG liquids I bought at a local shop. I think the stuff I've tried so far from High Desert is giving me more vapor and those are 50/50%
When I was using Kgo batts (same 3.7 volts as your Evods) my fave carto was the SmokTech 1.7 ohms carto- plumes of vapor- lower res OR higher voltage/ wattage= more vapor cuz it's burning more juice in a quicker manner. Realize also high VG juice doesn't wick very well sometimes and is maybe having a hard time keeping up with your 5 second draw.- some add a tiny bit of distilled water if it's too thick.

Looks like I'll have to try a dripping atomizer.
Best way to test juices and a normal everyday 510 atomizer will do- make sure you have a 510 drip tip that will fit. Moving up the atty ladder in quality is the Atomizers - Avid Vaper Can be quite expensive.
There is also the option of bottom feeder PVs if dripping is really where you want to be at. I borrowed a friend's Reo and it was heaven BUT there is a learning curve along with pros and cons.

Guess I'll try to add a few extra bucks to a soon forthcoming order to try some sort of dripper. I know I'm getting stronger hits after recharging a batt, but these EVOD's are just, what 650mah or something...maybe starting to outgrow them already, I'm not sure if they're regulated or not. Must keep evolving, I s'pose
It's the nature of our addiction to be always looking for a stronger hit/ vape. Some of us use a higher Nic/ mg for those times. Eventually, with most vapers, this goes away. I've been a volunteer addiction counselor for 15 yrs and run a non profit vape prog out of a charity I'm involved with. It's not only given me an opportunity to help other smokers but also to observe how the various addictions interact.
As for batteries- AW, Panasonic and MNKE are the best. Efest have had mixed reviews. If buying batteries for an APV make absolutely sure they're:
Safe chemistry LiMN, high drain and unprotected.
Aw does not manufacture batts but buys the cream of the crop from other manufacturers and rewraps them. Last I heard Panasonic was supplying them with batts BUT that may have changed.
Nephew and I are designing a new APV but he's been on assignment in Europe so things are kind of at a standstill. We are "trying" to resolve the issues with present APVs- replaceable 510 connector, no cheap silicon ring under the 510 connector and a number of other things. Patents? we know the Chinese will clone it so what's the use. Maybe will be some regional patents. One thing I've learned- once you have a state of the art machining facility (prolly the largest on this planet) it's so easy to make these things.

Edit: Prolly the number 1 problem encountered with PVs is a cold solder connection- have fixed a bunch of these on both eGo style and APV PVs. Next on the list would be a faulty pcb. Lastly button issues.
 
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Katya

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What he said! ^

Yes, I like the 2.2 Joyetech atties as they are easy to use--but they will not give you clouds od vapor, as Vapoor pointed out. They are great for sampling flavors and they let you control your vape well because you can literally see the coil and how saturated it is, but they a PITA. You have to constantly drip--unless, of course, you have a bottom feeder.

The trick is to learn how your particular gear works and use it correctly. It just takes some time and patience. Watching vaping videos can be very helpful. Whatever battery you get, I suggest you try several different toppers. Vapoor is right--get a good cartomizer. The Resurrector (Smoktech 1.7Ω) is a good one but you have to be careful not to burn it. You have to keep it moist or you'll burn the filler. Top them off often and top them off early. I also like LR Boge cartos (single coil).

@Vapoor--you're designing an APV? Interesting... Can I have one? :D
 

Vapoor eyes er

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What he said! ^

Yes, I like the 2.2 Joyetech atties as they are easy to use--but they will not give you clouds od vapor, as Vapoor pointed out. They are great for sampling flavors and they let you control your vape well because you can literally see the coil and how saturated it is, but they a PITA. You have to constantly drip--unless, of course, you have a bottom feeder.

The trick is to learn how your particular gear works and use it correctly. It just takes some time and patience. Watching vaping videos can be very helpful. Whatever battery you get, I suggest you try several different toppers. Vapoor is right--get a good cartomizer. The Resurrector (Smoktech 1.7Ω) is a good one but you have to be careful not to burn it. You have to keep it moist or you'll burn the filler. Top them off often and top them off early. I also like LR Boge cartos (single coil).

@Vapoor--you're designing an APV? Interesting... Can I have one? :D

You have to ask???? :confused: You were on the list a long time ago my good Lady. Also be sending spare parts cuz I want it to be abused. One of the main reasons for this APV is to force the Chinese and all other makers of Mods to:
1/ build quality products.
2/ make them easily and inexpensively repairable.
Nephew is a highly skilled T&D maker and when he saw my "quality" Mech Mod he was LOLLLLL- said there were a number of areas in which it could've been improved at very little cost. Was hoping for Christmas but no go.
 

Katya

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thatwierdguy

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Maybe the best non-rebuildable(is there a good term for that?) dripper in the $10-25 range? I know about the RBA's, and there are disposible ones, if I remember there are ones where you can just replace a coil-head type deal- or am I confused? Would be nice to have something I could re-use without wrapping my own coils. I could spend more on a unit a while down the road-I just don't know if I could afford it for a while, my two planned in-tandem orders are gonna cost me!!!
So I'm hearing about cartomizers here, I'm more drawn to the carto-tanks and I'd assume that they could work just as well- or nearly as well???
 

Katya

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Well, the whole point of rebuildables is that you build them yourself, as far as I understand it. I don't know of any with pre-made coils, but who knows? You may ask in the RBA subforum--they will know.

Kanger BCC, ViVi Novas, iClear, Aspire are all examples of clearos with replaceable coils.

The easiest and cheapest introduction to carto tanks:

BOGE F15 TANK CARTOMIZER 1 ML - $4.00 : VapeLite your source for Boge quality electronic cigarettes, Boge electronic cigarettes

For 4 bucks you get a fully assembled carto tank complete with a laser prepunched LR Boge cartomizer already installed--just fill and vape! I own and use one and I like it a lot.

And a video review--he's using f16--same thing, just bigger, because he's using it on his ProVari.



Warning--one bad word in the video... Sorry. But it's a good video.

That said, you have good batteries and good clearos. Learn how to use them well. Try other toppers we suggested (dual coils, cartos, top coils) before you move on to RBAs. Just my advice. :D
 

thatwierdguy

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Thanks for the tips! I'm sure that whatever I end up getting, there'll be 2 or 3 VV (& maybe VW) batts in there. I'm curious how my PT2 might perform at a higher setting.
Will watch that video soon here. Also will check out that forum.
Gonna look at the 2 sites I think I'm ordering from, and see what they have for dripping attys and cartos/carto-tanks. If all goes as planned, will order from 101Vapes and iVape, have heard some good stuff about both companies and they've got the best prices for what I want. Maybe I can add some of those toppers without breaking the bank.
 
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