From Newb to Beyond...

[VaporHead512]

I just want to say real quick... before I found this site, I was in over my head and lost. I had researched for several days and still felt like I had learned nothing. Constant headaches and frustration alllmost made me decide against going the e-cigarette route. And man that would have been one of the worst decisions I've made in my life, not far behind picking up a cigarette in the first place. My ProVari has replaced cigarettes from the moment I filled it with juice. I had been trying and trying for about 5 years now to quit smoking only to lose more and more confidence in myself due to the failures. I've always considered myself a strong-willed individual, but cancer sticks secretly took over my life.

In one day, I went from a pack or more a day cigarette smoker, to a non cigarette smoker. I plan to write a letter to Provape in the not so distant future letting them know just how thankful I am. I get deep. I would also like to track down the very first person that thought of the e-cigarette idea, wherever he or she may be in the world, and write them a letter also.



With that out of the way, I'd like to state my intents and purposes of this thread. Unless absolutely necessary (perhaps I'll sell something here), I'd like this to be the last thread I start. I don't want to litter the forum with newb threads that I (and others possibly) have to keep track of. Big picture thinking, I'd like this to be a thread that a new user like myself, or anyone for that matter, can stumble upon possibly through some sort of search and learn as much as possible. Sort of be walked through my, and the herein posters' experiences because I imagine most peoples' questions are pretty similar, especially when just starting out.

I hope that this is an acceptable place (APV Model Specific Discussion-ProVari) for this thread. I'm sure that not all 100% of the posts written within will have the word Provari in it, but a Provari is what I own, so somehow everything I want to know will somehow be tied to it. If I have a question about a lavatube next month, I'm probably going to be wanting to know about how good of a backup it will make to my ProVari. If that offends anyone I apologize but right now I am in a ProVari world.

I hope that this thread can help many, many people.






First things last, can someone explain oHms, amps, voltage and the other phrases I need to know about the more confusing side of my Provari, and why they are important and what they mean to future purchases and maintenance?

 

[VaporHead512]

Also, are the atomized cartridges supposed to be used with drip tip only? They don't seem big enough to fit in a tank, plus the fact that there's no holes in them. I tried to stick one in a tank lol it did not work so well

 

[spraintz]

Provari (there, for search purposes )

An "Atomized Cartridge" or cartomizer is designed to be used on it's own. It has a coil and the filler matial in it and you fill it up and vape till it's close to empty and fill again.

For many this would not last very long and were tired of re-filling. Enter the tank and tank cartomizer.

A "Tank Cartomizer" is the exact same thing but has hols in it's side and is specifically designed to be put into a tank and the carto get automatically saturate by the juice in the tank.

ohms, amps and volts eh........there is no super simple answer but once you understand it's pretty straight forward. There is no universal setting/combination that works the same for everybody and that's why there are such cool devices like the Provari, you can set it to what works best for you personally. Ohms is the resistance of the coil, amps is the current flow generated depending on how much voltage you supply to a given resistance. Example, I like a 3ohm coil. I then like to run at 5v. If I were to run my 3ohm coil at say 4v then the coil would not heat up quickly enough to get good vapor. Now if I run the same 3ohm coil and 6v then it heats up very quick and I run the risk of burning wicks and maybe burning out my coil. It is something you need to work with to get the performance that you like. The cool part about the Provari (or any VV device) is that coils tend to change a bit over time, resistance can typically start to go up as the coil "breaks in" and gets used, with a Variable Voltage device you can make the small changes needed to continue having the same performance for the life of yer coil/atomizer/cartomizer.

A nice lil read about our buddy Ohm:

How voltage, current, and resistance relate : OHM's LAW

 

[VegasVaporz]

If you ordered your tank from Provape when you got your provari, then regular sized cartos would not work in that tank. i believe provape only sells the dual coil tanks which are a bit longer and require a dual coil carto or a single coil XL carto. Now then, you need to go to youtube and check this video out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At2g8QaYp0s&feature=youtube_gdata_player


That shows you how to punch a hole in your cartos for your tank. Good luck

 

[rondasherrill]

Ohms, amps, voltage... Most people tend to hang around 8 watts... Easy way to get that is the "rule of 2". Go to Ao on the Provari to check the ohm rating of the atomizer/cartomizer you are using. Take that number and add 2. Set that as the voltage will give you 8 watts. That gives you a baseline to start with. If it feels cool, up the voltage little at a time till its where you like. If it feels too hot/tastes burnt, turn down the voltage little at a time till it's where you like.

Also, on a VV device, SR or higher is better on the battery... That is because low resistance parts have a higher amp draw. For instance...

1.8 ohms @ 3.8v = 8 watts @ 2.11 amps
2.5 ohms @ 4.5v = 8 watts @ 1.8 amps

Watts is the overall "heat", to keep things simple. As you can see, the 2 options above both give you the same "heat", but low resistance has a much higher amp draw.

 

[Baditude]

Just so that you know, you don't have to punch your own cartos, you can buy them pre-drilled with however many holes you need (1, 2, or 3) and whatever resistance (ohm) you need. It's a good idea to have a carto punch tool around and know how to use it, but from someone who has done it with mixed results, I've gone back to buying pre-drilled or pre-punched cartomizers.

If you punch your own, there is a higher than not chance that you will deform the cartomizer so that it is "out-of-round" enough that it will be difficult to pass it through the holes in the endcaps of the tank. This can cause unnecessary stress on the o-rings in the endcaps. These are the rubber rings in the endcaps that hug the cartomizer and keep it from leaking juice.

Pre-punched cartos totally eliminate this issue. Some people say that the pre-drilled holes are too small for adequate juice delivery to the inside of the cartomizer, but I beg to differ. Choosing the correct number of holes to the thickness of the juice going into that tank assures that enough e-liquid reaches the inside of the cartomizer 90% of the time.

You can use single coil cartomizers in your DCT (dual carto tank) tanks. Just because they come from the vendor with dual coils does not mean that is the only ones that can go in them. I actually prefer the single coil cartos because I sometimes got a burnt taste with the dual coils, and it is a well known fact that because there are two coils to feed electricity to the dual coiled variety are a higher drain on your PV's battery. I get just as much vapor production with the single coils as I did when I used the dual coils and the added benefits of longer battery time and no more burnt taste.

I get mine directly from Smoktek here:

Single Coil XL Tank Cartomizer for the SmokTank XL

I'd also highly recommend the following tank accessory tool from Big Daddy Vapors, called the Slap-Yo- Moma. Not only will it decrease the time it takes you to fill or refill your tank, it aids in assembling the tank and actually protects the o-rings from being torn by the sharp edges of the cartomizer top. Totally worth the $13 for the stainless steel version, or a cheaper delrin model. Check out the helpful videos on how to use it on the website.

Slap Yo' Mama Adapter : Big Daddy Vapor

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Slap-Yo-Moma tank accessory tool in SS and delrin

 

[VaporHead512]

I'll be looking into those products immediately.

I'm now wondering about batteries... I'm browsing for a backup device, and one for my mom. I don't think she'll want to drop the coin for a Provari until she's fully committed, so if I was to look at the Silver Bullet/BB as options, what's the difference between the batteries they use vs the Provari? It states clearly on altsmoke.com (is that the best place to buy SB's or BB's?) not to use unprotected batteries, which I think is what the Provari uses. Can anyone who has used both and possibly experienced problems with one or the other tell me a little about the difference?

 

[rondasherrill]

AW IMR batteries are not what is considered "unprotected". They are safe chemistry, and therefore don't need protection.

 

[spraintz]

Provari...

Also check out the Puresmoker Lagacy mini:

I got one for myself as a back-up/don't mind if i scratch it up mod and I have been very very successful and happy with Pursmoker's higher end devices inthe past (used a Prodigy V3.1 for over 2 years befor I got the Provari. I use AW IMR's (18350) in the mini so I can use the same charger as my Provari batteries and if you get the extension tube you can throw in a Kick later on and the IMR is best for it. Just a suggestion, trust me they are bullet-proof reliable mechanical mods!!


Provari...

 

[Baditude]

I'll be looking into those products immediately.

I'm now wondering about batteries... I'm browsing for a backup device, and one for my mom. I don't think she'll want to drop the coin for a Provari until she's fully committed, so if I was to look at the Silver Bullet/BB as options, what's the difference between the batteries they use vs the Provari? It states clearly on altsmoke.com (is that the best place to buy SB's or BB's?) not to use unprotected batteries, which I think is what the Provari uses. Can anyone who has used both and possibly experienced problems with one or the other tell me a little about the difference?

Rondasherrill is correct in what she said. The high drain, or IMR, batteries are "safer chemistry" batteries designed for high output like for low resistance coils or variable voltage devices like the Provari. They don't need the protective circuit that the IC protected batteries have built in. Never use no brand unmarked batteries, or even Trustfire or Ultrafire brands. Stay with the known high quality AW brand always.

The Silver Bullet uses 18650 batteries. The Provari 2 with the extension cap uses these, too. These two mods share my 6 AW IMR batteries between them; so yes, its perfectly fine to put these AW brand IMR batteries in the Bullet, or BB.

The AltSmoke owner put the disclaimer about protected batteries on the website for legal reasons. People were stacking unprotected batteries to get high voltage from their SB's, which most people know carries a higher risk of battery disaster. In fact, the owner Rob personally stacked my own SB in his store in Columbus as a demo to give me my first experience with high voltage (with the disclaimer to never do this at home...lol).

The BB uses a 14500 battery, about the size of a AA flashlight battery. They usually come in 900 mah, which means easily 9-10 hours use between charges. I really like this "baby bullet" because its compact size is great for out and about or stealth vape situations. It is just as well made as the Silver Bullet and hits just as hard. USA made, so AltSmoke will repair it, even if out of warranty.

My Pila charger can charge both size batteries. The 14500 uses an included spacer in the charger.

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AltSmoke BB with leather lanyard from Serenity Gear and a Smoktek Titan clearo tank (vivi nova clone)

 

[WNCmotard]

^^That BB mod is sweet Baditude!

 

[WNCmotard]

double post

 

[VaporHead512]

If I name ProVari "1A"

what would you call:

1B :
1C :
1D :

I'm gonna go ahead and get my mom to buy one, then buy us both a backup. So I'm thinking I want to make them all different in order to further expand my experience. Nothing like gaining opinions on multiple devices...

 

[VaporHead512]

I get mine directly from Smoktek here:

Single Coil XL Tank Cartomizer for the SmokTank XL

Aside from the 3.5ml tanks I own, what are some other good tanks that I should use with these? I'm liking the 3ohm, 2 hole single coils

 

[Baditude]

If I name ProVari "1A"

what would you call:

1B :
1C :
1D :

I'm gonna go ahead and get my mom to buy one, then buy us both a backup. So I'm thinking I want to make them all different in order to further expand my experience. Nothing like gaining opinions on multiple devices...

View attachment 132702

Here's my current family. Provari, Silver Bullet, and BB. Great together or individually, each with their relatively unique qualities.

Click on my name above my avatar and bring up my profile. Down the page on the left, click on my album "Pictures of my setup" for pictures of my mods and tanks.

 

[VaporHead512]

What are the differences between the Provari and the SB/BB? I looked at them on the website but it doesn't tell me much, unless maybe I'm looking in the wrong place.

Also a local B&M (All About Vapor) sells the V-Max, and I've heard of Lavatube. I don't know the origins of any of these but I'd like it to be USA.

What kind of tank is that you've got there on your Provari?

 

[Baditude]

The Provari has a Cartomator Pro V tank from Vaporflexion. It's a limited edition tank specifically made to visually matchup well with the Provari, including having the milled Provari trademark dimples. I love the way it looks on a Provari, and it's actually a nice performing tank, but I'm not sure any tank that comes with a polycarbonate tube is worth $65. I'm currently looking for a pyrex replacement for the current tube.

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It's easier to talk about the similarities of the three mods I own. They all have the same USA-made attention to detail and high quality manufacturing. Great customer service. Thick sturdy tubes with incredibly smooth threading, strong center posts, great durable power switches, durable and beautiful finishes.

I chose to buy American made mods because of the these factors. There's no way I could consider any of the Chinese mods like the Lava Tube, V-Max, Vario, or other Chinese mods as equals to American made, which because of their very design and build quality can be considered disposable. The Chinese mod manufacturers will not repair their devices when they eventually break down, and they will. They are designed and manufactured with cheaper materials in order to sell them more cheaply. Their business plan apparently is to just sell as many units as possible; their customer service is nonexistant past the warranty period.

Just the opposite is true with AltSmoke and Provari. Hold any Chinese made in one hand and American made in the other, it's easy to tell the difference, IMHO. You will pay more for higher quality USA made mods, if those things are what are important to you. Yeah, you can get a Smoktek Bolt, which is similar to the SB, for half the price, but it also will be more likely to break down and if it does, you basically need to buy another one. Just depends upon where you put your priorities: from an economical perspective or durability/repairability perspective.

The above thoughts are entirely my own opinion. Others will obviously have their own perspective, where decisions are made more from an economical perspective than quality.

 

[rondasherrill]

Next mod needs to be a Reo Grand. In fact here soon there will be a release of VV Reo Grands.

 

[Baditude]

Aside from the 3.5ml tanks I own, what are some other good tanks that I should use with these? I'm liking the 3ohm, 2 hole single coils

The 2 holed may flood with thinner juices, such as high PG ratio juices. Best to get some of both the 1 and 2 hole cartos, in my opinion. It all depends upon what juices you have or may get in the future.
-----------

First off, let state that I prefer that the tube material be either polypropylene plastic (as opposed to polycarbonate), or better yet, pyrex glass. Glass provides the cleanest vape, and in my experience is just as durable as plastic. Just remember it is glass, and to take reasonable precautions against falls or drops if possible.

My favorite tanks include the Triple V pyrex tanks from Valley View Vapes. Inexpensive, thick glass tubes, available clear or frosted, also available with a drilled juice fill hole. Available in 4 or 7 ml capacity, these are large capacity for a glass tank. Pretty wide, they look best on a larger diameter mod like the Silver Bullet. They come without the traditionally used endcaps but with inexpensive silicone grommets, which used this way require filling with a needle and syringe punched between the grommet and tube.

If anyone gets these, I highly recommend also purchasing the accessory delrin end caps which allow you to fill these tanks the more common way (check website, presently caps are out of stock). Prices start at $13 for tube and grommet or $33 for tube and delrin endcaps. The shorter 4ml uses standard sized cartos, the taller 7ml uses XL sized cartos like the Smoktec DCT. I love the look and the capacity of these tanks, they get my most used juices.

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Triple V 7ml pyrex tanks on SB, with silicone grommet and optional delrin endcaps

I just started trying the new Smoktek Titan clearo tanks. These are Vivi Nova clones with the stringed wicks. I avoided trying the Vivi Nova's because they still use the polycarbonate tubes, the Titans use a polypropylene tube. These are easy to fill, screw off top tanks, and hold approximately 5ml of juice. Use replaceable heads instead of cartomizers, so no polyfill factors. Same diameter as a Provari or BB. About $12 each. My only complaint is I wish they looked a little nicer, perhaps with a polished metal finish.

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Smoktek Titan tank on BB

 

[Baditude]

Aside from the 3.5ml tanks I own, what are some other good tanks that I should use with these? I'm liking the 3ohm, 2 hole single coils

I also have a Bella Elegance tank from Hoosier Vapes. Cartomizer tanks whose end caps are of an acrylic material and what is likely a polycarbonate tube. The mouthpiece and top cap are one-piece, and twist off for easy filling. Diameter same as a Provari or BB. I discovered that a clear pyrex tube from Phiniac would fit these tanks so I ordered a custom tube color-sandblasted with one of their designs. The Bella's and Elegance tanks are $50, Phiniac tubes start around $45. If you ever want a designer-type tank, this is a good way to go. (Green juice is Juicy Vapor's Ecto Plasma)

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There's always the traditional Smoktek DCT tanks. Of course, they will take an XL single coil as well as the dual coils they come with. If the type of plastic is as important to you as it is with me, be sure the tube is polypropylene (frosted appearance) and not clear (polycarbonate). 3.5ml and 6ml capacity. Probably can get these as cheap as $12, these were my first tanks. 6ml same diameter as a Provari or BB, the 3.5ml are slimmer or ego size.

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