Fixed volt or VV for first mod?

[betterBquietnow]

He ya'll,

I asked a Q in the Veterans forum similar to this one, and I don't want to double post, but this is a slightly different question:

Looking to invest in my first mod -- VV or fixed volt?

I like the idea of a no-fuss mod like the silver bullet but the vv of a lavatube or something like it is appealing as well.

I currently vape mostly on an eGo twist and go back and forth between dripping and a vivi nova, with cartos on some smaller sized KGO's when I'm out and about.

I like the versatility of the twist, but I find I tinker with it constantly when I'd probably be just as satisfied running it at around 3.7 with a cisco spec LR306 or a low resistance carto/tank/vivi nova setup.

If I am looking to spend under $100 bucks -- advice?

FWIW I am resisting the urge to buy a Provari or a high class mod like a GG or something because I want to be able to have a level to 'step up' into when I feel I deserve it/want to buy a new toy!

 

[Rickajho]

Well there's a real "it depends" question, based on what you stated. lol. Yeah, I've seen posts from peeps who started with fixed, moved to vv, but then found what they wanted in a carto and quit v'ing their v - so they decided to move back to fixed.

Me? After moving to vv I can't see going back to fixed. It's not that I fiddle with it all the time - heck my vv doesn't even have a display. But when I need to or want to tweak the voltage I'm glad the option is there.

I do a SmokTek Varicool box and have no regrets. If you need to 'accessorize' it with 2 sets of batteries and a charger I think you come in around 88 bucks. SmokBox Custom Mods - 3.7v, 5v, Linear and Switching Variable Voltage Real solid performer. I get about 12 hours run time to a charge.

If it's a question of style - and for some people it is - after a year of 'round tooby things' falling over and rolling away (exasperating) when I moved to vv the last thing I wanted was another 'round tooby thing'. I like the size of a box and don't feel like I'm missing anything without a display. And it might fall over, but it won't fall over , roll off the kitchen counter, and roll under the stove. lol - sorta.

 

[betterBquietnow]

Well there's a real "it depends" question, based on what you stated. lol. Yeah, I've seen posts from peeps who started with fixed, moved to vv, but then found what they wanted in a carto and quit v'ing their v - so they decided to move back to fixed.

Me? After moving to vv I can't see going back to fixed. It's not that I fiddle with it all the time - heck my vv doesn't even have a display. But when I need to or want to tweak the voltage I'm glad the option is there.

I do a SmokTek Varicool box and have no regrets. If you need to 'accessorize' it with 2 sets of batteries and a charger I think you come in around 88 bucks. SmokBox Custom Mods - 3.7v, 5v, Linear and Switching Variable Voltage Real solid performer. I get about 12 hours run time to a charge.

If it's a question of style - and for some people it is - after a year of 'round tooby things' falling over and rolling away (exasperating) when I moved to vv the last thing I wanted was another 'round tooby thing'. I like the size of a box and don't feel like I'm missing anything without a display. And it might fall over, but it won't fall over , roll off the kitchen counter, and roll under the stove. lol - sorta.

Awesome advice, and from a neighbor! I live in Belmont, on the border with Lexington

 

[fourthrok]

Well there's a real "it depends" question, based on what you stated. lol. Yeah, I've seen posts from peeps who started with fixed, moved to vv, but then found what they wanted in a carto and quit v'ing their v - so they decided to move back to fixed..

That sums up my experience, pretty much. After trying a few VV devices, I ended up shelving them and going with a couple of 3.7 mods. I personally like the Smok telescope and eGo T Mod...but have recently ordered a 3.7 volt box mod from Madvapes (they have a coupon for 25% off right now...couldn't resist. I think they have the 5 volt there too..and also variable voltage ones that are a bit cheaper than Smoktek's. Jus' sayin'. ). Anyway, I get the point about the round tooby thing. I do like the box type form. Love my 3.7 Gripper. Probably a lot has to do with if you shop juices a lot...some need more heat and some less. Since I vape only one flavor...and one I DIY and is designed for 3.4 to 3.7 vaping...I'm good with not have variable voltage. It's so much a personal thing, really!

 

[RPadTV]

The Silver Bullet is a quality product that's built to last. You can add an Evolv Kick later if you want to experiment with variable wattage.

 

[fourthrok]

If you are considering the Telescope ...it can be kicked too, when using a 18500 or 18350 battery.

Telescope plus kick will come in around $85. Maybe less. And of course you'll need batteries.

VV box mods at MV with coupon will run around $27...something like that. Have to buy batteries.

 

[Titanium]

The Silver Bullet is a quality product that's built to last. You can add an Evolv Kick later if you want to experiment with variable wattage.

That'd run $120 atleast

 

[betterBquietnow]

Probably a lot has to do with if you shop juices a lot...some need more heat and some less. Since I vape only one flavor...

Right now I shop juices alooooot...hmmm

 

[Berylanna]

I've just signed up for a square mini lambo coop, but I realized...as long as the tubey thing is as slim as a twist or kgo vv, the fact that I use the "blaster" drip tips that can bend to a 45-degree angle has helped a LOT with the whole rolling-away thing. I need to vape reclined and so I really need/want the blasters (aka knuckleheads):BLASTER Adjustable Drip Tips

If the ming style bothers your lips, you can get a bottom-only part that takes your own drip tip on top.

These are also great for finding your kgo button, just point it so that your finger or thumb hits the button when the tip is pointed at you.

The blaster only sticks out from my new lavatube with by about 1/4 inch, so I'm about to find out if that is a roller-stopper or not. It is for the smaller fat batts.

 

[robtest]

If it is within your budget, why not get the extra feature to "play" with ...



I like the WoW Goblin avatar Berylanna !!!

 

[Rickajho]

VV box mods at MV with coupon will run around $27...something like that. Have to buy batteries.

And a charger too.

My caveat about MV boxes: I considered those too when I bought the SmokTek Varicool. And I looked at all the negative reviews on MV from people whose box lasted barely a month. And a month warranty is all you get. You dont find those kind of negative reviews up about the ST Varicool. Mine is at least 9 months old now and still works. You get a 60 day warranty on the ST box too.

The other big difference in the "you get what you pay for" department is the ST box uses a high efficiency regulator. Thus it produces no heat and you get those 12 hour run times per charge. The MV box uses a cheaper regulator, gets hot in use, and run times? Less than half of what you get with the better regulator in the Varicool.

To me the price difference seemed to come down to the ST being a better value. No regrets.

 

[Rickajho]

Right now I shop juices alooooot...hmmm

Agree with fourthrok on that point. If you are shopping liquids you really need your vv option. You already probably know not all juices are created equal. Tweaking voltage on liquids - even a small amount - can make all the difference in what you get out of them. Or don't...

 

[fourthrok]

And a charger too.

My caveat about MV boxes: I considered those too when I bought the SmokTek Varicool. And I looked at all the negative reviews on MV from people whose box lasted barely a month. And a month warranty is all you get. You dont find those kind of negative reviews up about the ST Varicool. Mine is at least 9 months old now and still works. You get a 60 day warranty on the ST box too.

The other big difference in the "you get what you pay for" department is the ST box uses a high efficiency regulator. Thus it produces no heat and you get those 12 hour run times per charge. The MV box uses a cheaper regulator, gets hot in use, and run times? Less than half of what you get with the better regulator in the Varicool.

To me the price difference seemed to come down to the ST being a better value. No regrets.

I guess I was thinking that with the sale...the MV VV box would be cheap enough that the OP could figure out if he even liked the box type mod...and if VV was going to work out. If it turns out he does, he could still get a ST version, if he wanted and still not be really over the budgetary goal he set.

 

[betterBquietnow]

Agree with fourthrok on that point. If you are shopping liquids you really need your vv option. You already probably know not all juices are created equal. Tweaking voltage on liquids - even a small amount - can make all the difference in what you get out of them. Or don't...

Maybe I should just snag a ProVari Mini then? I know I said under $100 and that I wanted a 'starter mod' but I dunno if I want to do a kicked SB or a lava tube or something like that -- seems like it'd just be wasted money if I am eventually going to want the provari...

 

[betterBquietnow]

I guess I was thinking that with the sale...the MV VV box would be cheap enough that the OP could figure out if he even liked the box type mod...and if VV was going to work out. If it turns out he does, he could still get a ST version, if he wanted and still not be really over the budgetary goal he set.

I'm thinking more of a 'conventional' (stupid word here) style tube mod -- haven't been able wrap my mind around the box mods yet...

 

[GalenCopes]

I personally don't see the reasoning to not go VV/VW. If you ever want to rebuild atomizers or try different equipment, you will find it almost necessary.

You can get a lavatube pretty damned cheap now days. If you look around, you should be able to find one with batteries in the $50 range. My last one was $50 with batteries, charger and Vivi Nova included. I had bad threads at the head and need to send it back for exchange next week since the vendor was effected by Sandy.

I also have a ZMax. It is very nice, love the looks and it vapes great...but whatever intellectually-handicapped individual decided one button was a better idea than the 4 on a lavatube didn't really want to adjust voltage/wattage often. Heck, it is easier and quicker to change voltage/watage on an EgO twist than it is on either my ZMax or a Provari.

Hope this helps and happy vaping!

Galen

 

[Rickajho]

Awesome advice, and from a neighbor! I live in Belmont, on the border with Lexington

Cool. I've been to Lexington. (We all have to do that Lexington-Concord thing at least once.) Me? I'm right in Boston, right on the edge of the hospital district.

Yet to actually meet another vaper on the street around here...

 

[fourthrok]

Okay..then maybe you'd want to wait just a bit. The first batch has sold out, apparently (or so it's been said in the HC forum) but I imagine they'll be in stock again next week or so. This is a tube mod...VV, VW, 4amp and has the 510/eGo connection. Looks pretty good, and maybe be a steal if it holds up. So far people who got it seem pretty happy with it. Even has a way to switch if you want AVG or RMS.
eGo Variable Volt/Watt APV (only Body) [D-B4 APV] - $39.00 : Healthcabin Electronic Cigarettes - Wholesale and Retail

Priced about $40...tube only. You'd need to buy batteries and charger.

 

[roberted5]

Okay..then maybe you'd want to wait just a bit. The first batch has sold out, apparently (or so it's been said in the HC forum) but I imagine they'll be in stock again next week or so. This is a tube mod...VV, VW, 4amp and has the 510/eGo connection. Looks pretty good, and maybe be a steal if it holds up. So far people who got it seem pretty happy with it. Even has a way to switch if you want AVG or RMS.
eGo Variable Volt/Watt APV (only Body) [D-B4 APV] - $39.00 : Healthcabin Electronic Cigarettes - Wholesale and Retail

Priced about $40...tube only. You'd need to buy batteries and charger.

Is that Ego VV/Watt APV made by Joytech?

 

[betterBquietnow]

What I were to add a final requirement: American made?