I myself do not go higher than 15W.
For 8-9 months I was using Vamo 5 ($30) and was very pleased with it (not a single issue). Tube mode, 15W, same as Provari ($160), but more convenient thanks to 3 button interface. About a month ago I decided to check if I can use a box mode. I was sure Vamo is more comfortable, easy to hold and use, but $25 not a big price for trying. So I bought a clone of iStick 30W. Sure, I tried it and put aside. Did not really like it. But then tried once more, then more... Now it is my main device, I am not using Vamo any more. Cost of Vamo is just $30, so it is OK. Cost of not using Provari is $160. Sure, iStick clone will not last for a long time (a year at most), but thanks to it I know now I do like small box modes, and I will buy the next one in less than a year.
What I have learned from my experience is that a beginner (a vaper, not a collector) does not need any highly reliable mods, beginner needs to try different thing to find the best one for his needs. And surely his needs will change as new developments in vaping hardware continue at high pace.
P.S. In short: for me excellent longevity of a mod has low priority. It means only that rather sooner than later it will collect dust still being in excellent condition.
