I need to replace my VAMO due to threads getting messed up. Suggest a new device to me.

[TheHoochCow]

So my VAMO just suffered a fatal random problem. The threading got crossthreaded to my Kanger Pro Tank2. So now only it fits. Bogue 510 Cartos, My Phoenix, Iclear30, and Vivi Nova don't catch the threads anymore, and even my protank has a very small amount of play in it sometimes unless I tighten it down waay too much which is only gonna make the problem worse I'm sure. So I need a new APV.

Now for a while I was looking into a new VAMO maybe a V3 or V5 but I've heard from a lot of people on http://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_cigarette they suffer weak threads and are easily stripped/crossthreaded. So I guess maybe I won't get a new VAMO cause I had mine for 8 months but I saw users there reporting the issue as soon as 6 months or less.

Then I looked at the Innokin SVD, but everyone started telling me DON'T THE BUTTON BREAKS. Yep they all told me these horror stories of how their SVD's button just quit working one day sometimes as little as 2 months into ownership. So I guess that mod is out.

It really seems like the only thing I've not heard a bad thing about is the TESLA and the Sigelei ZMax but the TESLA's design makes me worry about what would become of my hand in the rare even of a battery venting situation. And the ZMax only has one button and that just really puts me off cause I can't imagine how frustrating it would be to adjust voltage/wattage up and down with just one button.

My price range is around $70 or less right now. Though I might be able to manage $100 if I save up my money all month and stick with my back up Ego for a little while longer. (Though I'd only want to wait if online vendors do black friday stuff and I could save a good chunk of money by holding off, dunno if they do or not)

So I'm looking for a good solid device with good threading, solid buttons, that does Vari Voltage & Vari Wattage (will accept one or other but would prefer both). And of course the standard features like the ability to check ohms on my atty and short circuit/low ohm's protection for when I'm doing RBA's

If any of you can sell me on a device please let me know what you suggest. I have the money to buy one now and its kinda burning a hole in my pocket since my vamo got messed up but I'm not wanting to rush it too fast and end up buying something that breaks easily or something I won't be happy with.

 

[dam718]

Are you set on a device that can use 18350's and 18650's? Or are you okay with the idea of an 18650 only mod?

Also, do you need the device to have eGo threading and 510? Or is 510 only okay?

If you can handle an 18650 with 510 only device, I'd suggest taking a look at the Volcano Lavatube 2.5

It has the same guts as a Vamo, in a much better body IMO. The body is hard anodized aluminum, the button is a nice clicky bolt style button, the 510 threads are brass with 4 air passages. Battery threading is buttery smooth. It's a bit fatter than a Vamo, coming in around 25mm... Comes in a variety of 7 different colors.

If you already have 18650 batteries you were using with the Vamo, then you can get the Lavatube 2.5 for (IMO) a very reasonable $79.99. Why is this reasonable when you can get a Vamo for $40 or less? This device comes with the backing of a company right here in the USA, and comes with a 1 year no questions asked warranty. For me, the warranty is worth the extra dollars, but having a much more robust body that can take some serious abuse doesn't hurt either.

The most advanced variable voltage electronic cigarette

Let us know what you end up deciding on. Theres really no shame in buying another Vamo if you like it. Also, how old is the Vamo? Perhaps the vendor you bought it from would be willing to swap it out for you?

 

[Busted knuckles]

I had a similar problem with my vamo. I went with a zmax and love it! Better than a vamo in every respect but one, it seems to get less vaping time out of a battery. At first it was realy annoying but after a few months I dont notice it at all. the single button configuration is a little harder to change settings when compared to the vamo. I see the zmax lasting much longer, the threads have held up to the same usage that destroyed the vamo.
Highly recommended!

 

[TheHoochCow]

Thanks for the input dam718. This is defiantly a contender. I loved my VAMO, and the lavatube looks pretty sweet.

I would prefer 18650 only since I just bought two new 18650 batts. As for Ego threading I NEVER use it. The only thing I have that uses ego threads is a ego cone skirt so that stuff looks more flush and sleek on my ego twist. The Lavatube is quite tempting due to the fact the VAMO has the same innards and there will be no need to learn how to use a new device. One question though is the 510 connection on the lavatube slightly raised above the top for airflow or is it flush with the top which may restrict airflow on tanks like the iclear 30 or vivi nova.

Oh and one more question I notice they sell it in colours do those colours fade off easily like the chrome finish on the VAMO or are they solid and will hold up to the test of time and regular use?

 

[Train2]

The sig Zmax looks good, and comes recommended, but I've gotta chime in on the SVD.
Mine's just fine, under $40 from FastTech.
Gets a bit more use than my VAMO, specifically because
a) better threads
b) better fit for ProTank (my Vamo is a V2, and ProTanks sit suspended above the collar - potentially stressing the 510 connection, which as we've already determined, suck)

 

[Coldpunk]

I'd suggest waiting and using your ego while stalking the classifieds for a smoking deal on a provari.

After three weeks of stalking I was able to pick up a provari v2 for under $100. It's paint is wearing thin and it shows heavy use, but I'm sure it will continue to work flawlessly for years to come. I'm upgrading from an svd that suddenly started having issues.

 

[dam718]

Thanks for the input dam718. This is defiantly a contender. I loved my VAMO, and the lavatube looks pretty sweet.

I would prefer 18650 only since I just bought two new 18650 batts. As for Ego threading I NEVER use it. The only thing I have that uses ego threads is a ego cone skirt so that stuff looks more flush and sleek on my ego twist. The Lavatube is quite tempting due to the fact the VAMO has the same innards and there will be no need to learn how to use a new device. One question though is the 510 connection on the lavatube slightly raised above the top for airflow or is it flush with the top which may restrict airflow on tanks like the iclear 30 or vivi nova.

Oh and one more question I notice they sell it in colours do those colours fade off easily like the chrome finish on the VAMO or are they solid and will hold up to the test of time and regular use?

The brass 510 connection on the Lavatube 2.5 is slightly raised (like 1mm offset, maybe less) from the top, so you get very good airflow, but there is a small gap between the atomizer and the device. Not a big deal to me...

The only color that MIGHT rub off easilly is the chrome, which is a plated color. All the other colors are hard anodized. I have a blue that is over a year old and still looks like it did when I bought it, and a new red 2.5.

I had a Vamo in black chrome, and the plating started rubbing and chipping off inside the first month or two...You won't have any issues like that with the anodized colors on a Lavatube 2.5. The colors are a bit matted as well, so no fingerprints...

 

[dam718]

I'd suggest waiting and using your ego while stalking the classifieds for a smoking deal on a provari.

After three weeks of stalking I was able to pick up a provari v2 for under $100. It's paint is wearing thin and it shows heavy use, but I'm sure it will continue to work flawlessly for years to come. I'm upgrading from an svd that suddenly started having issues.

This is a great suggestion as well. If you have 18650 batteries and can find a ProVari V2 with an extension cap for under $100, you really can't go wrong.

You'd probably be put off by the menu system at first, but you get used to it pretty quickly. And IMO the vape quality from a ProVari is better than the Lavatube / Vamo / ZMax. That's subjective, of course...

And with anything used, no warranty... Although, a ProVari could literally get run over by a Mack truck and likely work just fine, I always like getting a warranty just in case...

 

[TheHoochCow]

This is a great suggestion as well. If you have 18650 batteries and can find a ProVari V2 with an extension cap for under $100, you really can't go wrong.

You'd probably be put off by the menu system at first, but you get used to it pretty quickly. And IMO the vape quality from a ProVari is better than the Lavatube / Vamo / ZMax. That's subjective, of course...

And with anything used, no warranty... Although, a ProVari could literally get run over by a Mack truck and likely work just fine, I always like getting a warranty just in case...

I think right now the big candidates I have are the Volcano Lavatube v2.5 and the SVD just depending on my vape budget. I'd love to try a Provari or ZMax but their one button design just puts me off so much. I'm one of those people that passionately hates having to scroll through a menu twice just cause I can't go back when I miss an option. Plus I tend to click like a mad man instead of slowly scrolling. So back buttons are an absolute must for me when dealing with anything that has settings.

 

[dam718]

What I can tell you is this... The Vamo/SVD/Zmax/Lavatube 2.5 are in many respects clones of each other, as far as the electronics are concerned. Obviously the bodies are different on each of them, but the way they fire a coil is the same. So your vape experience would be similar using any of the three devices. If you want multiple buttons to navigate the settings, you are now looking at Vamo, SVD, Lavatube, and perhaps the Tesla. I didn't even bother mentioning the Tesla, because they are ugly... My opinion

The Zmax screen (and others in the family with similar interfaces) looks nice, but the one button navigation is a pain, especially if you press the button like a wild man and pass your setting often.

The SVD is a good looking mod, but I don't care much for telescoping mods, especially if I am going to be using 18650 batteries all the time.

I'd say you have narrowed it down to the right two mods, based on your preferences. At this point, I think all that's left for you to decide is which one you can live with, with regard to looks Both the SVD and Lavatube 2.5 are flashy in their own different ways...

 

[Rickajho]

I would just like to remind everyone that you can cross thread any PV out there if you treat it like a cave man and don't respect it and pay attention to what you are doing. Even ProVari's get cross threaded. The threading doesn't get to be any more substantial or larger on a more expensive PV - it's still a 510 thread even if it is made of a different material. If you do it wrong you can't blame the PV. After hearing more than one story on ECF of someone who has to resort to pliers in one hand and a rubber gripper in the other to get a PT base off their PV because they ratcheted it on that tight, I'm amazed some PV's are still functional after a week.

 

[TheHoochCow]

What I can tell you is this... The Vamo/SVD/Zmax/Lavatube 2.5 are in many respects clones of each other, as far as the electronics are concerned. Obviously the bodies are different on each of them, but the way they fire a coil is the same. So your vape experience would be similar using any of the three devices. If you want multiple buttons to navigate the settings, you are now looking at Vamo, SVD, Lavatube, and perhaps the Tesla. I didn't even bother mentioning the Tesla, because they are ugly... My opinion

The Zmax screen (and others in the family with similar interfaces) looks nice, but the one button navigation is a pain, especially if you press the button like a wild man and pass your setting often.

The SVD is a good looking mod, but I don't care much for telescoping mods, especially if I am going to be using 18650 batteries all the time.

I'd say you have narrowed it down to the right two mods, based on your preferences. At this point, I think all that's left for you to decide is which one you can live with, with regard to looks Both the SVD and Lavatube 2.5 are flashy in their own different ways...

The price of the SVD is really tempting but I've heard two stories on it. One that the fire button breaks down and just quits working. and Two that they fixed this in later models. This has made me afraid to buy one, but on the other hand I'm on a budget and it does offer ego cone threading on the off chance I nab a device that uses that. Though the Lavatube has better construction, a less wonky looking button & screen layout but the price is higher. Then again one year no questions asked warranty is very appealing vs saving 10-20 bucks and being S.O.L. if my device has a problem.

Its a shame they don't make an APV version of the Ego. My Ego Twist is seriously the most reliable and durable PV I've ever owned. Its been through hell and back and still vapes like a champ. Though the battery life and lack of standard features on an APV like a screen, resistance checker, and battery life checker always wind up putting it in the backseat.

 

[WarHawk-AVG]

A bit of costly repair (more than the vamo itself)
http://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-Two-Part-Conductive-Adhesive/dp/B003BDMJSY <- electrically conductive epoxy (aka liquid solder)
A bit of this on the outer 510 threads that are stripped (applied accurately) then screw in a 510 adapter

eGo Adapter 510 - Outside Threaded for eGo Cone [gotvapes-EGO510adapter] - $4.25 : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more

Viola

or this
http://www.gotvapes.com/index.php?m...id=527&zenid=083940488ac02e0581bbc09216fea97f

Cheaper electrically conductive glue (heat treated [you have a small butane torch right ])
http://www.amazon.com/AA-DUCT-Elect...sr=1-3&keywords=electrically+conductive+epoxy

 

[Pyrate]

My Vamo and Segelei ZMax have the same problem. Its that crappy Ego connector. No matter what atty I use (Vivi Nova, AGA-T2, RSST) it always seems like its crossthreading and it never feels tightly connected.

The brass 510 connector on my LT and Bolt always has a nice tight connection. Never crossthreads or feels loose.

I hate Ego Connectors. Problem is almost everyone making devices (especially Chi-Clones) uses that cheap POS Ego.

 

[dam718]

Its a shame they don't make an APV version of the Ego.

Some of the vendors that carry these I don't think are well liked among the forums, so I will just simply mention a search string to look up...

Search for "eGo-V V2 Mega"

It's not a real APV, but it does do 3V-6V in .1V increments, has an LCD, flat DC output, standard mini-USB charge cable, can vape while charging, 1200 mAh battery, I think they have a puff counter (lame), no ohm checker though... Battery life is indicated at alltimes on the display.

I used to have one of these things and it was bulletproof, with a wider range of adjustment than a twist. I thought it performed well, but they are somewhat fragile... Do not stand up to abuse well. So if you take care of your stuff, it'll last. Mine still works great over a year old.

It's like a big fat eGo with 3-6V VV and an LCD display to show you what you're set to.

Something to consider if you're serious about an eGo style APV.

 

[grayscale]

My suggestion would be the Sigelei Zmax V3 or V5.

 

[WarHawk-AVG]

Its a shame they don't make an APV version of the Ego.

Same makers of the MVP2

iTaste VV V3

$39.54 iTaste VW V3.0 7-in-1 Variable Voltage Rechargeable 800mAh Electronic Cigarettes Set - vv-3.0 at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

The iTaste VV V3.0 is a microprocessor controlled variable-voltage/variable-wattage (VV/VW) personal vaporizer that lets you adjust the voltage or wattage in seconds with just a few button presses. It's quick and easy!

 

[dam718]

I had completely forgotten about the iTaste eGo mods... Those are real nice. ^^^^ Much better than what I suggested!