Hi all. I'm pretty new to the vaping world. With the help of some some great members here, I went with an ego twist battery along with a PT2 and MT3S tanks, but I seem to see myself wanting a mod, in particular a variable wattage, simple to use, smaller form factor (not as small as an ego but not something that's an inch round either - something to comfortably in my pocket). I'm hoping to find a setup minus the tanks for around $80 or less. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I've been looking at the ZMAX V3 and SVD. Any others to consider?
help with newbie mod suggestions...
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The ZMAX and SVD are pretty solid from what I've read. Should be good to go with either of those.
A couple of iTaste V3 or an iTaste MVP2?
Both use a USB charging cord and have pass through ability (can use it while you charge it).
V3 has an 800 mAh battery, the MVP a 2600 mAh battery (mine lasts into the 3rd day on a charge). Both have VV/VW, LED display, ohm reader. V3 is Ego-size; MVP is the size of a slim pack of cigs. Both are more pocket-friendly than a ZMax or SVD.
Both use a USB charging cord and have pass through ability (can use it while you charge it).
V3 has an 800 mAh battery, the MVP a 2600 mAh battery (mine lasts into the 3rd day on a charge). Both have VV/VW, LED display, ohm reader. V3 is Ego-size; MVP is the size of a slim pack of cigs. Both are more pocket-friendly than a ZMax or SVD.
Thanks for the suggestions but the look of the box and the squared off ego style one just don't suite my style (I want a little style with the function).
I think you are on the right track with the two you suggested tima. I had a Vamo for one year it's still in working condition though it has some minor defects and it's not my main mod any more. It has kind of a weak positive pin but I made sure I didn't overtightened my attys and never had a problem with that. If the SS zmax has ss 510 connector also I would say to go for it, as the brass 510s are quite soft and their threads get worn with time and I think SVD has a chromed brass 510 connector. Sigelei Legend could also be something to have a look
The Sigelei Zmaxes are pretty good devices. And Innokin makes some pretty good stuff, SVD being one of them. I would pick the Sig Zmax simply because I have had good luck with Sigelei Zmaxes. Either one should do right by you though.
The Innokin MVP2 and iTaste V3 that you didn't like are good products also.
The Innokin MVP2 and iTaste V3 that you didn't like are good products also.
Thanks proteck3d! In looking at the Legend, it seems considerably longer and slightly thicker than the other 2, in particularly, the Zmax V3. I am thinking to go with that one and have seen the mod alone (i.e. no batteries, tanks, chargers) for $50 at FastTech. I'm curious what battery and charger to go with. I've seen some threads about only going with IMR batteries. How do I verify if a battery, whether as part of a kit or standalone is an IMR?
Also, any thoughts on the Zmax Mini? I understand it would only be able to handle a smaller battery, but it seems even shorter overall and a nightly charge could fix the need for a larger battery.
Edit: It's the Innokin SVD that's $37 for just the mod. The Zmax is $50.
Also, any thoughts on the Zmax Mini? I understand it would only be able to handle a smaller battery, but it seems even shorter overall and a nightly charge could fix the need for a larger battery.
Edit: It's the Innokin SVD that's $37 for just the mod. The Zmax is $50.
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Both the Zmax and SVD are quite good. Either would be a good choice.
The Zmax is sleek and quite small with an 18500 battery. The SVD is more steampunk-ish/lightsaber-esque and can telescope to being quite long with a larger battery (longer than the Zmax). The SVD is a little heavier as well.
The Zmax has a one-button control (lots of clicking to make VV/VW adjustments) while the SVD has 3 (one for firing, two for making VV/VW adjustments) - community is somewhat divided on which is better.
The Vamo is another good choice (it's on the lighter side, and uses 3-button control, but doesn't telescope like the other two - tube sections are used to accommodate the various battery sizes; some people prefer that aesthetic more).
IMR batteries will state "IMR" in big letters right on the label, and yes, you should use this type. Probably best to stick with well known types like AW or Efest. You'll also, maybe, see references to button-top or flat-top varieties - either will work in a telescoping mod (button-top are probably more readily available).
The Zmax is sleek and quite small with an 18500 battery. The SVD is more steampunk-ish/lightsaber-esque and can telescope to being quite long with a larger battery (longer than the Zmax). The SVD is a little heavier as well.
The Zmax has a one-button control (lots of clicking to make VV/VW adjustments) while the SVD has 3 (one for firing, two for making VV/VW adjustments) - community is somewhat divided on which is better.
The Vamo is another good choice (it's on the lighter side, and uses 3-button control, but doesn't telescope like the other two - tube sections are used to accommodate the various battery sizes; some people prefer that aesthetic more).
IMR batteries will state "IMR" in big letters right on the label, and yes, you should use this type. Probably best to stick with well known types like AW or Efest. You'll also, maybe, see references to button-top or flat-top varieties - either will work in a telescoping mod (button-top are probably more readily available).
Thanks Papa_Lazarou! It seems to me that multiple buttons for adjusting various components seems more logical than an "all for one" approach. Is there a particular version that you would recommend for either the Zmax or Vamo?
What's the difference between the flat top and button top batteries? Is there one instance that one of them won't work (i.e. flat top won't work in non-telescopicing mods or vice versa)?
Are there any considerations in choosing a charger or will they all work the same?
What's the difference between the flat top and button top batteries? Is there one instance that one of them won't work (i.e. flat top won't work in non-telescopicing mods or vice versa)?
Are there any considerations in choosing a charger or will they all work the same?
I found the Zmax V5 at the following site and wanted to see how the batteries are as there isn't much information, but the price seems very good...maybe too good to be true:
Sigelei Zmax V5 AVP Telescope Flat Top Kit Variable Volt/Watt
*Edit: In doing a search on this forum, it appears that the batteries that come with this kit are ICR ones that are not recommended to use with VV/VW mods. I could still probably pick up IMR batteries for a little more and still get it for a good total price. Thoughts?
Sigelei Zmax V5 AVP Telescope Flat Top Kit Variable Volt/Watt
*Edit: In doing a search on this forum, it appears that the batteries that come with this kit are ICR ones that are not recommended to use with VV/VW mods. I could still probably pick up IMR batteries for a little more and still get it for a good total price. Thoughts?
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I went from a vamo2 with a 3 button interface to a zmax with a single button just today. This transition was very painless and the menu is very responsive ( I even like to regularly fiddle with my output adjustment). As a vape I do think the zmax outperforms a vamo v2, but it is just a little pricier. I don't know if the regulation circuitry of the Vamo was updated in newer versions so I can't say anything about the performance of those vs. the latest Zmax.
For a reference I have used both flat tops and button tops in my vamo v2 and zmax, they both work fine.
For batteries that seem to be around everywhere and are affordable you could check out the Efest 18650 2250mAh. They have a hybrid panasonic cell inside that is suitable for high drain applications. The only thing these wouldn't be recommended for is sub-ohm builds on a mech (correct me if I'm wrong people). Since you live in the US you could order these and several other high-drain panasonic models from orbtronic. (they rebrand them as orbtronic)
For a charger any decent brand would do such as Xtar. A respectable brand is important as they have a lot of safety features. Remember that these high-capacity batteries can turn into chemical grenades if handled improperly. Never leave them charging unattended.
The batteries and chargers that are offered in these mod kits seem to be the cheapest things they could find, I wouldn't recommend using that.
For a reference I have used both flat tops and button tops in my vamo v2 and zmax, they both work fine.
For batteries that seem to be around everywhere and are affordable you could check out the Efest 18650 2250mAh. They have a hybrid panasonic cell inside that is suitable for high drain applications. The only thing these wouldn't be recommended for is sub-ohm builds on a mech (correct me if I'm wrong people). Since you live in the US you could order these and several other high-drain panasonic models from orbtronic. (they rebrand them as orbtronic)
For a charger any decent brand would do such as Xtar. A respectable brand is important as they have a lot of safety features. Remember that these high-capacity batteries can turn into chemical grenades if handled improperly. Never leave them charging unattended.
The batteries and chargers that are offered in these mod kits seem to be the cheapest things they could find, I wouldn't recommend using that.
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Any links to reputable/affordable sites that have the V3 or V5 with a package that I could buy from? Seems like there are a lot of shady sites that I don't want to deal with.
Where I got mine: Sigelei Zmax V5 with Cell Phone Charger [05-4A-3-1] - $49.99 : Healthcabin Electronic Cigarettes - Wholesale and Retail
Where a few others got theirs: SIGELEI Zmax V5 at Vapor World
Where a few others got theirs: SIGELEI Zmax V5 at Vapor World
Thanks for the link xyanide! Doesn't look like the vaporworld.com site has any chargers for rechargeable batts. How is the Panasonic battery from this link?
18650 Panasonic Replacement Battery 3400 mAh - Vapor World
18650 Panasonic Replacement Battery 3400 mAh - Vapor World
Absolutely loved my evic, and it was able to take a hell of a beating. My control head broke eventually after a wicked beating and im still happy with the easy head
That doesn't look like a high-drain model, but if it is a genuine panasonic it should be OK to use in a regulated device. I would personally go for a battery that allows for a drain of 10A. The 3400mAh model: "Max. Discharge rate: 2C (6.8A)" Doesn't look like vaporworld has any sort of li-ion chargers.
I have used 2600mAh batteries from Sanyo with a discharge rate of 2C for a long while now in my regulated mods and it does work alright. I wouldn't dare stick these in a mech mod though.
Have a look at the list where the amp limits are noted: Taste Your Juice | BATTERY INFORMATION
The ones listed here will be fine to use for you.
I have used 2600mAh batteries from Sanyo with a discharge rate of 2C for a long while now in my regulated mods and it does work alright. I wouldn't dare stick these in a mech mod though.
Have a look at the list where the amp limits are noted: Taste Your Juice | BATTERY INFORMATION
The ones listed here will be fine to use for you.
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I just ordered a vamo v5, trustfire charger and 2 efest 18650 from electronicstix. Was about 70 total shipped. As far as style you can always get a jwrap for it.
Juiceinator - The evic looks nice, but seems to be a bit more expensive than I want to spend.
xyanidie - I'll keep that list handy when looking for batteries.
Keeferes - How did you manage to get it for $70 shipped? I just added all of them up and I was at almost $80 before tax and shipping. Have you tried the Zmax V5 in comparison to the Vamo V5? How do they compare?
xyanidie - I'll keep that list handy when looking for batteries.
Keeferes - How did you manage to get it for $70 shipped? I just added all of them up and I was at almost $80 before tax and shipping. Have you tried the Zmax V5 in comparison to the Vamo V5? How do they compare?
What about the Tesla and/or Lambo mods? Here's a Tesla kit, although it doesn't state the brand/type of batteries it is:
Tesla Variable Volt/Watt APV Kit, Silver | SmokTek.com - Advanced Electronic Cigarettes
Tesla Variable Volt/Watt APV Kit, Silver | SmokTek.com - Advanced Electronic Cigarettes
I personally never liked Tesla because of how it looks and how the buttons are placed above the screen making it difficult to see the numbers when you set it. Which ever design you like go for it, pretty much all of them use the the same electronics and it's just the menu that it's really different in some. Buy a mod that is telescopic or uses extension so you can use in 18350 outside and in long mode home as dry burning and fiddleling with attys takes a lot of power 
Vamo V5 Variable Voltage & Wattage LCD Screen Displayed Electronic Cigarette Battery Mod - Stainless Steel Color if you like Vamo and this one I see is from Hcigar which has good reputation
As for batteries again these mods never draw more than 3 Amps, so in terms of battery you will be fine with a good 18650 ICR like the Panasonic you found but I would suggest to get two imr 18350s ( aw or efest ) because they hold their charge better and the mod will also perform better than with a 18350 icr.
The cheapest and better chargers are Xtar WP2 II ( Amazon/Ebay) and Nitecore i2
Vamo V5 Variable Voltage & Wattage LCD Screen Displayed Electronic Cigarette Battery Mod - Stainless Steel Color if you like Vamo and this one I see is from Hcigar which has good reputation
As for batteries again these mods never draw more than 3 Amps, so in terms of battery you will be fine with a good 18650 ICR like the Panasonic you found but I would suggest to get two imr 18350s ( aw or efest ) because they hold their charge better and the mod will also perform better than with a 18350 icr.
The cheapest and better chargers are Xtar WP2 II ( Amazon/Ebay) and Nitecore i2
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