My first choice would be a
Young-June chrome v2.0 Vtube from VaporBeast for $75 (prices listed in this post include shipping, if any). Full-range VV, 3-amp limit, well-made and substantial, ergonomic access to all functions, and the early-production-run bugs have all been addressed and fixed. A very nice device, assuming you can live without the longer warranties of US-made APVs.
Young-June chrome v2.0 Vtube, full kit
Second choice would be a
Penguin/Altoids mint tin mod by Caged from SmartVapes---VV, 6-amp OKR switching regulator, voltage display inside the case, dual 18650s for insanely long battery life. $60 (mod only), when they're in stock (they show up in dribs and drabs, a couple at a time, and sell very quickly---get on the email list to be notified when they're in stock).
Penguin/Altoids tin VV mods
An alternate to the Penguin would be a
SmokTek VariCool VV SmokBox . Similar to the Penguin (6-amp switching regulator) in a smaller form factor (dual 14500s, 3aa box---better ergonomics in the hand), but no voltage display. $67.
SmokTek VariCool VV Smokbox
Note: Neither box mod has atty/carto resistance checking, which is why I'd get the Young-June Vtube first.
Or, if you can wait 2-3 weeks, you could opt for the closest possible knock-off to a ProVari, the new
VARIO from VaporBeast. Same layout and functions as a ProVari, similar appearance, but with a 5-amp limit (ProVari v2 is 3.5 amps). $96 in full kit form or $79 for tube-only.
VARIO
In my personal opinion (and it is only that---
my personal opinion),
The Kick is a great
idea (set-it-and-forget-it-power-regulation), but the implementation is less than perfect. For instance, the low-battery-cutoff has been reported as 3.6 volts, which is good to protect the battery, but makes for much shorter vape times with an 18500 and especially an 18350 before having to swap out batteries. The 10-watt limit is a bit low for some vapers, and---anecdotally, at least---a higher-than-expected percentage of Kicks seem to fail (judging from posts on ECF), which necessitates the hassle of return shipping for warranty replacement. It's good that Evolv stands behind their product, but I'm leery of getting a lemon.
Call me crazy, but I
like manually adjusting the voltage to get the best possible vape for a given atty/carto or specific juice. The Kick is not designed for that kind of tinkering, since it must be removed from the tube mod to change the wattage setting. For my money, the Young-June Vtubes win in terms of quickest, easiest voltage changes.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
