First mod: Sigelei Zmax v5 or iTaste vw v3

[moneymike]

First post, getting ready to buy my first device. I've been smoking 1-2 packs of camel wides everyday for 8 years. Tried cigalikes a few years ago but they died after a few hours and were too weak compared to wides. I've decided to give it another try after some friends successfully quit using them.

After doing a ton of research this week I've kind of gone in a circle on what to buy though. First it was an eGo twist, then the vamo or zmax v5, and now I'm thinking about just getting an itaste vw v3. I basically want something small for when I'm around other people and something nice for at home that doesn't need to be charged or refilled every few hours. So I'm thinking about buying a smaller one first, but it would be nice if it was telescopic instead of using separate devices.

It seems like most people suggest the eVod kanger kits to get off analogs, but if I'm going to buy something without vv it might as well be a mech mod. I'm a fairly quick learner but haven't built coils before so it might be a good idea to buy a regulated device first.

So my question is, should I buy something simple to start with like an eGo twist or itaste v3, or spend a few bucks more on a decent mod like the zmax?

 

[r77r7r]

Oughta delete your last sentence. Quickly.

 

[moneymike]

Thanks, knew I should've checked the rules before mentioning that...

 

[yzer]

The Sigelei Zmax Telescopic V3 and V5 are very good choices. The V5 is a V3 with a few extra features. I suggest buying one of these in a body-only deal (not a kit) and purchase a Nitecore Intellicharger i-2 or i-4 and AW or Efest IMR batteries separately. Varitube and Desert Vapes are good vendors for Sigelei V3 and V5.

Sigelei Zmax V3 Telescopic (flat top or other) reports: one week later

 

[r77r7r]

I have a V3, I think they're worth it over the Twist. They're all good products but you have to decide between the different battery sizes available and what your needs are.

 

[moneymike]

The Sigelei Zmax Telescopic V3 and V5 are very good choices. The V5 is a V3 with a few extra features. I suggest buying one of these in a body-only deal (not a kit) and purchase a Nitecore Intellicharger i-2 or i-4 and AW or Efest IMR batteries separately. Varitube and Desert Vapes are good vendors for Sigelei V3 and V5.

That's exactly what I was thinking about doing, body-only v5 from desert vapes with an aspire nautilus, i4 and two 18350s from somewhere else. It seems like everyone that owns one recommends them but it's gonna cost $120 compared to $30-40 for the vv3 or evod kits so I just wanted to make sure I'm making the right choice for my first mod. I'd rather spend more upfront than buying a kit and replacing everything in a few weeks

 

[vinylsplinters]

I only own an itatse vv/vw v3, thought i would give my perspective. For the price it's not bad however I am finding myself outgrowing it quickly. It has a lot of good features: vv, vw, ohms reading, safe charging/discharging, ..etc. The best way i can describe it is its like a pre-made salad in a bag, it's great but you can make a better salad with enough trial and error. I'm looking into mods soon myself. Good luck!

 

[havinfun1]

If you can afford it go for both. I started with an EGO then picked up another ego & a an Ego Twist because I realized I needed a backup. Then I wanted something nice for when at home so I picked up a Sigelei Zmax V5. I use the Egos everyday at work, the Sigelei is just too big so I mainly use it at home along with my Nemisis mech mod.

 

[Completely Average]

If you know you're going to step into rebuilding then save the money and go for the proper setup right from the start.


Forget about VV mods. That's not where you're headed. Start with a mech mod and a Kick.

Something like a Nemesis or Chi You clone is a great mech mod to start with. The Kick will give you Variable Wattage ability and act as a safety device while you learn. You can use a mech mod with a Kick module just like the VV/VW mods. You can use the same tanks and other toppers as you would the VV/VW mods. With the Kick you can dial in your wattage just like you can on the VV/VW mods.

The advantage of this route is that not only do you get Variable Wattage ability and a rock solid mech mod that simply works great, but when you do want to start building coils that exceed the limitations of the VV/VW mods you can simply remove the Kick and you're ready to go.

If you buy a VV/VW mod now and later want to subohm you'll have to buy a mech mod then to do it, so why not skip the middle step and go right to what you'll end up needing now?

You can get a Nemesis for around $40. A Smoktech Kick module costs about $15-$20. Get some Sony VCT5 or Orbtronic SX30 batteries for about $30 for a pair and a good charger, and you're all set. It will cost about the same as the Vamo or Zmax, but you can run coil builds on it that the Vamo and Zmax cannot run.

 

[Txaggiesaunt]

Go with the Zmax. Good luck & VAPE ON

 

[Terrapin88]

The Sigelei Zmax Telescopic V3 and V5 are very good choices. The V5 is a V3 with a few extra features. I suggest buying one of these in a body-only deal (not a kit) and purchase a Nitecore Intellicharger i-2 or i-4 and AW or Efest IMR batteries separately. Varitube and Desert Vapes are good vendors for Sigelei V3 and V5.

Sigelei Zmax V3 Telescopic (flat top or other) reports: one week later

Great advice and I'm not just saying that because I followed it.

Monkeyman I was in a position similar to yours though I skipped the cigalikes and went right to an ego. After a week of that I realized I wanted to upgrade to a VV/VW device. I looked at the Itaste VV 3 and thought yeah, that's exactly what I want. While doing further research on the VV 3 I came across the Itaste MVP 2 with it's burly 2600mAh internal battery as well as all the features I liked about the VV 3. The VV 3 is an 800mAh battery which I now know would not have been enough for the way I vape. The MVP lasts me a full 2 days and half way through a 3rd before it needs charging. I'm not saying you should get the MVP 2, just putting a bug in your ear if you haven't already considered it.

I had the Vamo vs Zmax debate taking up space in my head for a few days. Loved the look of the stainless Vamo V3 but I just couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger until I did one more look around to make sure there wasn't something I might want more (as if I'll never buy another mod again lol) I had first discounted the Sig Zmax for some reason or another but when looking at them again and reading through many of the posts in the link yzer put up I decided I wanted the Zmax. It took a couple more days to nail down if I wanted the V3 or V5, but after I was done over analyzing everything I ordered the V5. (I just gotta have that puff counter )

If I were you, in which case I'd be spending your money and not my own, I'd just get the VV 3 for something small as you said you wanted something stealthy (though I can hide the MVP in my hand while I take a drag) and then grab the Vamor or Zmax for home use, though neither of them are as big as they look online.

Good luck and let us all know what you decide.

 

[moneymike]

I had crossed off the mvp's the first time I saw them but they've been growing on me the last few days and now that you mention it, they do everything I liked about the vv3 too. I prefer those over the ego and kanger because of the passthrough feature, but for a vv or mech that wouldn't be necessary with a few spare batteries.

The main point of getting one would be to use as a "stealth" device after getting a better mod, but the vv3 is actually 70mm longer than the zmax in 350 mode! It would be a lot heavier but I work from home so that isn't a big factor.

Those nemesis and chi you clones are some of my favorite looking mods so far, and I'm definitely interested in building sub ohm coils. I guess the question now is can I live without the puff counter and battery meter... if yes then the copper nemesis clone is sounding pretty nice, if not then the SS zmax v5. Hmm

 

[Taowulf]

I have an VV Ver 3 now and love it. My Uturn (eGo twist type) is a good backup, but the VV leaves me with no complaints.

 

[moneymike]

I've heard nothing but good things about them, I'm just surprised they're longer than the zmax. 70mm isn't a huge difference though, there was a vv v3 clone in a local shop (for $110!) and it was smaller than I expected

 

[Taowulf]

VV3's can be had for less than $30 with reputable vendors on ebay, and the wait after ordering will not be long. I bought mine with a Protank 3 and it came to $43.99 with free shipping.

 

[moneymike]

It's pretty tempting for that price, I'm just trying to decide if I want to spend the money on it or go straight to a mech/zmax. Maybe I should just stop thinking about it and get all 3 lol

 

[moneymike]

Alright guys I just ordered the nemesis. Might still get the zmax too but how does this sound for now:

SS Nemesis clone by Hcigar
Ultimate nemesis upgrade from FatDaddyVapes (magnets and contacts)
KFL+ Black edition V 2
Smoktech kick
2x vct5 18650s
2x efest purple 10.5A 18350s
Nitecore i4
Digital multimeter

 

[skphoto]

If you know you're going to step into rebuilding then save the money and go for the proper setup right from the start.


Forget about VV mods. That's not where you're headed. Start with a mech mod and a Kick.

Something like a Nemesis or Chi You clone is a great mech mod to start with. The Kick will give you Variable Wattage ability and act as a safety device while you learn. You can use a mech mod with a Kick module just like the VV/VW mods. You can use the same tanks and other toppers as you would the VV/VW mods. With the Kick you can dial in your wattage just like you can on the VV/VW mods.

The advantage of this route is that not only do you get Variable Wattage ability and a rock solid mech mod that simply works great, but when you do want to start building coils that exceed the limitations of the VV/VW mods you can simply remove the Kick and you're ready to go.

If you buy a VV/VW mod now and later want to subohm you'll have to buy a mech mod then to do it, so why not skip the middle step and go right to what you'll end up needing now?

You can get a Nemesis for around $40. A Smoktech Kick module costs about $15-$20. Get some Sony VCT5 or Orbtronic SX30 batteries for about $30 for a pair and a good charger, and you're all set. It will cost about the same as the Vamo or Zmax, but you can run coil builds on it that the Vamo and Zmax cannot run.

This is all good advice and is giving me lots to think about. I have the itaste vv v3 now, but I've been wondering what else is out there. Isee mechanical mods in the store, but it seems so overwhelming. I like that maybe I could transition slowly.

 

[caup]

I have a 2 (3?) year old Sigelei ZMax (I think it was the 1st ZMax model from Sigelei), which still is running strong. It is a good device, well build, with quality threadings and well functioning VW mode. I mainly use the ZMax as a dripping device with 306 and 510 atomizers.

 

[IonMan]

I'd go for both... it's good to have a backup, that way if one dies, there's no need or temptation to go pickup a pack of analogs