Ideal (dream??) VV/VW APV

[thompsondd]

Like most here, I started my vaping adventure with a small eGo starter kit. I quickly graduated to the VV/VW world when I purchased a Vamo about 2 months in. Actually, it was a couple of Vamo V2s. One shorted out while screwing the battery cap on when changing to a new fully charged battery. Negative post was in contact with the spring and something 'sparked' due to friction on the cap threads and the unit was DOA. The second V2 lasted a little longer (I still have it but the threads are well worn). It sits in the stand as a last ditch 18650 go to.

I picked up a couple of new V3s when they came out. I dropped one and killed it. The other is still with me, but after a couple of drops with it too, the 510/eGo connector is a little 'wobbly' and not real good. It sits in the stand as a last ditch 18350 go to using the small tube.

I next graduated to a Innokin VTR in Nov. I got one of the originals with the spinning wheels. I loved it. Battery life seemed MUCH better than the Vamos. Unfortunately, about a month ago, the 510 threads started to go on it. It still works but only by using the included adapter with the tank sitting on top of it.

I picked up an SVD just to get me by. I am not a big fan. I don't like the different sized tubes that telescope inside one another. I don't like the different in diameter of the tubes or the gap that it creates. Firing button is a little strange and it seems to consume batteries at a much higher rate than the VTR. I am not a fan of the button on one side and the display on the other and the adjustment buttons 180 degrees out. Just feels weird, but it is working.

With that said, I know the SVD isn't the end of the road for me.

I don't mind size. Again, I have been from Vamos to VTR to SVD. I still use the smaller eGos to get me through meetings, etc where whipping some whopper like the SVD or larger would be frowned upon or when a large unit is just too big. However, for desk work and tooling around the house or riding in the car, my preferred device is something larger, with bigger tanks and longer battery life. I don't like a lot of maint work (re-filling tanks, swapping batteries much less anything else). Call me crazy, but I just don't have the time to building my own coils etc. I'm glad that works for others, but I'm too busy (or lazy........or both) to invest any more time in this. So, mechs are probably out (although, cosmetically, I think they are far better looking than VV/VW devices because of their simplicity). So, for me at least, it's VV/VW all the way. I just don't have the time nor want to spend the time learning to rebuild atomizers. I'm just not that into it. I have enough hobbies.

I mainly use 510 threaded Kanger Protank 2s and AeroTanks on the larger mods (looking into picking up a couple of Aspire Nautilus if I can find someone with them in stock for less than $35) and eGo threaded Protank 2 Mini's on the eGos.

I have started putting together a list of my preferences.

I am still looking for my ideal VV/VW device.

• Reliability - tired of VV/VW devices being in the trash after 6 months or less. Most of this is due to crappy 510/eGo threading that strips out after a few months. Some of it is due to shabby electronics and/or construction.
• VW - I prefer to use wattage instead of voltage. I don't know why. Just what I am used to.
• Construction - I prefer a tube that is of consistent girth. I don't like telescoping mods where one piece is larger than another. I prefer either a solid piece or pieces that screw into one another of the same diameter.
• Finish - I prefer stainless steel to match most of my tanks. Other than SS, I don't mind annodized aluminimum. I like black, grey, gun metal, blue, etc
• Versatility - I prefer a unit that can go from 18350 to 18650. I don't mind units that only do one and only one battery size but if you accept more than one battery size, I prefer a single diameter tube (see construction above) regardless of whether it is a single tube or threaded tube pieces.
• Simplicity - I don't really need much other than to set power and vape. A battery level remaining would be preferred over a puff counter.

I don't mind having separate devices for different batteries: 18350 (Sigelei Mini), 18500, 18650 (Sigelei 20W), 26650 (Seven 22).

What device(s) come close to meeting the requirements above?

What requirements are on your list?

 

[DejayRezme]

Like you, I've been looking too and it's pretty frustrating imho.

My Seven-22 arrived today and I love it. It's really heavy and the 3 cm diameter isn't too thick for me. It has a perfect finish and ultra solid build quality. It seems a tad heavier than the VTR but with a 4000mah akku in it. The size and weight is totally ok for home for me. The display is nice and shows what you need. The only thing you can adjust is variable wattage by tilting. Don't know about the button but it feels very nice so far and looks sturdy. It's thicker than a tank of course but I still like the design. Easy to put down and it won't topple. The Sigelei 20W has plastic around the display, 2 watts less and a "jumpier" display, else I might have gotten that one.

My only problem is that the top cap (a solid chunk of stainless steel) has sharp ridges for air flow that will chip your fingernails when you screw on a tank. I've tried to sand them a bit round but I'll have to try again. Since I prefer tanks with air flow control I would prefer a flat top. Maybe there is an ego cone out there to taper the 3cm to 2.2cm.

Of course a high quality handmade DNA30 mod would be best, like the protovapor XPV DNA-30D. But it has a waiting list. The ZNA from houseofhybrids looks really nice but also has a waiting list. The absolute most awesome mod I've see is the Triton Stick DNA, but seems impossible to get if you don't speak Russian. The handcrafted DNA30 mods can be charged via USB. I don't know if the chips allow 2A charger cables though. Downside is that you can't replace the battery quickly. There really isn't a "perfect" mod out there...

My other mod is the VTR and I think the newer version has a fixed 510 ring which helps with connectivity issues. You could put a replaceable airflow 510 to 510 adapter on it and fix the connection with some contact spray, and then glue everything fixed. I'm also thinking about modding my VTR with a DNA 30 chip because I really like the design, but it seems like a lot of work ^^

 

[DavidOck]

Just get your preference of a mechanical, with all necessary tubes, and put a kick in it. Seems like that would fit most of your list. No display, of course, but the rest.

 

[Frenchfry1942]

There are considerations that are individual. I would have several different ones.

 

[p.opus]

Like most here, I started my vaping adventure with a small eGo starter kit. I quickly graduated to the VV/VW world when I purchased a Vamo about 2 months in. Actually, it was a couple of Vamo V2s. One shorted out while screwing the battery cap on when changing to a new fully charged battery. Negative post was in contact with the spring and something 'sparked' due to friction on the cap threads and the unit was DOA. The second V2 lasted a little longer (I still have it but the threads are well worn). It sits in the stand as a last ditch 18650 go to.

I picked up a couple of new V3s when they came out. I dropped one and killed it. The other is still with me, but after a couple of drops with it too, the 510/eGo connector is a little 'wobbly' and not real good. It sits in the stand as a last ditch 18350 go to using the small tube.

I next graduated to a Innokin VTR in Nov. I got one of the originals with the spinning wheels. I loved it. Battery life seemed MUCH better than the Vamos. Unfortunately, about a month ago, the 510 threads started to go on it. It still works but only by using the included adapter with the tank sitting on top of it.

I picked up an SVD just to get me by. I am not a big fan. I don't like the different sized tubes that telescope inside one another. I don't like the different in diameter of the tubes or the gap that it creates. Firing button is a little strange and it seems to consume batteries at a much higher rate than the VTR. I am not a fan of the button on one side and the display on the other and the adjustment buttons 180 degrees out. Just feels weird, but it is working.

With that said, I know the SVD isn't the end of the road for me.

I don't mind size. Again, I have been from Vamos to VTR to SVD. I still use the smaller eGos to get me through meetings, etc where whipping some whopper like the SVD or larger would be frowned upon or when a large unit is just too big. However, for desk work and tooling around the house or riding in the car, my preferred device is something larger, with bigger tanks and longer battery life. I don't like a lot of maint work (re-filling tanks, swapping batteries much less anything else). Call me crazy, but I just don't have the time to building my own coils etc. I'm glad that works for others, but I'm too busy (or lazy........or both) to invest any more time in this. So, mechs are probably out (although, cosmetically, I think they are far better looking than VV/VW devices because of their simplicity) for me. It's VV/VW for me.

I mainly use 510 threaded Kanger Protank 2s and AeroTanks on the larger mods (looking into picking up a couple of Aspire Nautilus if I can find someone with them in stock for less than $35) and eGo threaded Protank 2 Mini's on the eGos.

I have started putting together a list of my preferences.

I am still looking for my ideal VV/VW device.

• Reliability - tired of VV/VW devices being in the trash after 6 months or less. Most of this is due to crappy 510/eGo threading that strips out after a few months. Some of it is due to shabby electronics and/or construction.
• VW - I prefer to use wattage instead of voltage. I don't know why. Just what I am used to.
• Construction - I prefer a tube that is of consistent girth. I don't like telescoping mods where one piece is larger than another. I prefer either a solid piece or pieces that screw into one another of the same diameter.
• Finish - I prefer stainless steel to match most of my tanks. Other than SS, I don't mind annodized aluminimum. I like black, grey, gun metal, blue, etc
• Versatility - I prefer a unit that can go from 18350 to 18650. I don't mind units that only do one and only one battery size but if you accept more than one battery size, I prefer a single diameter tube (see construction above) regardless of whether it is a single tube or threaded tube pieces.
• Simplicity - I don't really need much other than to set power and vape. A battery level remaining would be preferred over a puff counter.

I don't mind having separate devices for different batteries: 18350 (Sigelei Mini), 18500, 18650 (Sigelei 20W), 26650 (Seven 22).

What device(s) come close to meeting the requirements above?

What requirements are on your list?

ProVari meets everything on your list except VW. I thought working with VV would be harder too coming from my MVP...But setting your voltage to resistance plus 2 gets you close to 8 watts. Reisistance plus 2.5 gets you around 10 watts and resistance plus 3.0 gets you around 12 watts. (NOT exact, but pretty much in the ball park) This falls apart the lower ohms you go, but I use close to 2.0 ohm coils on my Kayfuns, so thats fine. Point is, you learn your own rules....

So using those guide lines you can quickly get within your ball park with out a bunch of annoying tables. And I know of no mass produced mod that holds it's value better or is more accurate.

Name one other regulated mod that can go up on the classies after 2 years of use and still fetch over 60% of it's selling price.

I rest my case....

 

[Little White Cloud]

It's amazing how things have not improved much since I bought my Zmax V2 like 2 yrs ago!

 

[p.opus]

It's amazing how things have not improved much since I bought my Zmax V2 like 2 yrs ago!

Not really. Chinese mods are designed for a year to 1.5 years of use on the outside. They are priced accordingly too.

ProVari has actually gone from being "high end" to being down right mid range. A new Sigelei 20W fetches around 100 to 120 state side (80 if you want to go with Fasttech).

DNA 20 mods and above are all fetching above $200.00

What I find stunning is people who didn't blink twice at blowing $40.00 or $50.00 a carton for smokes suddenly scoff at a mod that cost 3 to 4 cartons of smokes, and will last for years and years...

Oh well.

 

[thompsondd]

ProVari meets everything on your list except VW. I thought working with VV would be harder too coming from my MVP...But setting your voltage to resistance plus 2 gets you close to 8 watts. Reisistance plus 2.5 gets you around 10 watts and resistance plus 3.0 gets you around 12 watts. (NOT exact, but pretty much in the ball park) This falls apart the lower ohms you go, but I use close to 2.0 ohm coils on my Kayfuns, so thats fine. Point is, you learn your own rules....

So using those guide lines you can quickly get within your ball park with out a bunch of annoying tables. And I know of no mass produced mod that holds it's value better or is more accurate.

Name one other regulated mod that can go up on the classies after 2 years of use and still fetch over 60% of it's selling price.

I rest my case....

Thanks. I have considered a Provari. If they ever build a VW one, I will definitely pick one up. Until then, I am just a little unsure of VV only.

For now, I am looking at (most of) the options listed at the bottom of my list (Siegelei Mini, Sigelei 20W and Seven 22). For me, two is one and one is none. I don't mind having many. I get a little freaked out only having one. I have never heard a bad thing about Provari. Maybe I will try one. But I would prefer if they offered VW. Until then, I will continue to sit on the fence and maintain my indecisive nature over analyzing anything and everything but doing very little about any of it. It's just who I am.

ETA - I have a feeling 'my' APV is about 6 months out from being on the market. Somewhere, someone has something on the drawing board that will make me happy. I can feel it.

 

[sando7]

It's amazing how things have not improved much since I bought my Zmax V2 like 2 yrs ago!

is your ZMax V2 still in service, just curious.

 

[thompsondd]

Just get your preference of a mechanical, with all necessary tubes, and put a kick in it. Seems like that would fit most of your list. No display, of course, but the rest.

"Call me crazy, but I just don't have the time to building my own coils etc. I'm glad that works for others, but I'm too busy (or lazy........or both) to invest any more time in this. So, mechs are probably out (although, cosmetically, I think they are far better looking than VV/VW devices because of their simplicity). So, for me at least, it's VV/VW all the way. I just don't have the time nor want to spend the time learning to rebuild atomizers. I'm just not that into it. I have enough hobbies."

No mechs for me. I'm too lazy and enjoy the creature comforts the VV/VW offers.

 

[sando7]

the more reading i do the more i'm liking the SX200.

 

[thompsondd]

Like you, I've been looking too and it's pretty frustrating imho.

My Seven-22 arrived today and I love it. It's really heavy and the 3 cm diameter isn't too thick for me. It has a perfect finish and ultra solid build quality. It seems a tad heavier than the VTR but with a 4000mah akku in it. The size and weight is totally ok for home for me. The display is nice and shows what you need. The only thing you can adjust is variable wattage by tilting. Don't know about the button but it feels very nice so far and looks sturdy. It's thicker than a tank of course but I still like the design. Easy to put down and it won't topple. The Sigelei 20W has plastic around the display, 2 watts less and a "jumpier" display, else I might have gotten that one.

My only problem is that the top cap (a solid chunk of stainless steel) has sharp ridges for air flow that will chip your fingernails when you screw on a tank. I've tried to sand them a bit round but I'll have to try again. Since I prefer tanks with air flow control I would prefer a flat top. Maybe there is an ego cone out there to taper the 3cm to 2.2cm.

Of course a high quality handmade DNA30 mod would be best, like the protovapor XPV DNA-30D. But it has a waiting list. The ZNA from houseofhybrids looks really nice but also has a waiting list. The absolute most awesome mod I've see is the Triton Stick DNA, but seems impossible to get if you don't speak Russian. The handcrafted DNA30 mods can be charged via USB. I don't know if the chips allow 2A charger cables though. Downside is that you can't replace the battery quickly. There really isn't a "perfect" mod out there...

My other mod is the VTR and I think the newer version has a fixed 510 ring which helps with connectivity issues. You could put a replaceable airflow 510 to 510 adapter on it and fix the connection with some contact spray, and then glue everything fixed. I'm also thinking about modding my VTR with a DNA 30 chip because I really like the design, but it seems like a lot of work ^^

The Seven 22 definitely has my curiosity. Unfortunately, availability sucks right now.

I did use a 510/eGo adapter on the VTR just to get me through until I could get by the local B&M and pick up something (which turned out to be a SVD) to replace it. The 510/eGo raised the tank just high enough that it became a major distraction, like bungee cords holding the hood down on your car. I just couldn't deal with it. It made my OCD scream. The extension/adapter that comes with the VTR, which I am currently using, while still quite stupid looking IMHO, isn't 'as bad' (which is a little like being 'kinda pregnant'). Its not 'as bad' enough that it quieted my OCD down enough that I can at least hear the voices in my head again, who promptly told me to put the stupid looking (w/ the extension) VTR down and only use it as a back up when I absolutely had nothing else to use.

 

[thompsondd]

What I find stunning is people who didn't blink twice at blowing $40.00 or $50.00 a carton for smokes suddenly scoff at a mod that cost 3 to 4 cartons of smokes, and will last for years and years...

Not me. I don't mind spending the money on something that will last.

What I do find annoying IS spending $50 on something that goes in the trash 6 months later. That is getting OLD very quickly. Like yesterday quickly. No, more like last month quickly.

 

[Little White Cloud]

is your ZMax V2 still in service, just curious.



Yep, I dropped it countless times and still ticking.

 

[Little White Cloud]

Not really. Chinese mods are designed for a year to 1.5 years of use on the outside. They are priced accordingly too.

ProVari has actually gone from being "high end" to being down right mid range. A new Sigelei 20W fetches around 100 to 120 state side (80 if you want to go with Fasttech).

DNA 20 mods and above are all fetching above $200.00

What I find stunning is people who didn't blink twice at blowing $40.00 or $50.00 a carton for smokes suddenly scoff at a mod that cost 3 to 4 cartons of smokes, and will last for years and years...

Oh well.

What usually fails? I can't see what might yet.

 

[DavidOck]

Most mechs are 510, some also have ego threads. Don't have to put a rebuildable on it, just a kick to go VW. Nothing new to learn, simple and sleek designs abound. One with both 510 and ego threads, use all your current toppers no problem.

 

[p.opus]

On Vamo's it was the threads on the 510 connector. On sigelei's it's the fire button, on the MVP it's the center pin and eventually the non replaceable battery.

Don't get me wrong. I love the MVP. It's a great little travel mod. It vapes nearly as nice as my ProVari and it's super easy to take with you somewhere overnight.

But for my daily drivers I love my ProVari's. I know they will last, I like the look of the Kayfun on them.

 

[JeremyR]

I had the issues with threads stripping. Sigelie zmax v3/v5 is solid in that regard i use a heavy stainless rba dropped many many times over 6 months and threads are like new: But it's telescopic so...

 

[brickfollett]

May I humbly recommend the Gi2?

https://bevapehappy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/gi23.jpg

Just kidding lol. I second Provari, but your looking for VW. So it may not be for you. I also second MVP2.0, but you seem to be looking for long term durability, so it may not be for you. I've heard great stuff about REO mods, but truthfully know nothing about them. They seem to be held in as high of regard as Provari's though.

 

[p.opus]

May I humbly recommend the Gi2?

https://bevapehappy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/gi23.jpg

Just kidding lol. I second Provari, but your looking for VW. So it may not be for you. I also second MVP2.0, but you seem to be looking for long term durability, so it may not be for you. I've heard great stuff about REO mods, but truthfully know nothing about them. They seem to be held in as high of regard as Provari's though.

REO's are great but they typically are not regulated. There are a few but that is not their "forte". They are basically a bottom feeding dripper mech mod with everything all in one. Since there's precious little to break, they are built like brick houses.

I was a big VW fan and was convinced I'd never buy a ProVari until it had VW. Then I vaped it.....well, I guess I can make VV work for me......