IPV Mini & upgrading questions

[bittermelon]

Hi,

another newb delurking here to make my first post! I have questions regarding the IPV Mini APV, particularly which battery to choose (all sorts of different chem formulas, *confused*) and whether or not the battery charges in the unit or if a separate charger is necessary, and is it too hard to use for a newb. Right now, I'm using my starter of the EVOD2 but am considering upgrading since I don't really care for the form factor of the EVOD (awkward, inconvenient to carry, cigar/dildo fugly), plus I prefer to vape high VG. The ones I'm considering are the: iStick 30w, the iTaste MVP 20w, and lastly the IPV Mini. I want something kewl-looking, well-made (not flimsy) and compact. A happy medium where power, size and price meet (budget is $60 max). I'm a non-smoker wanting a non-combustible alternative to hookah/shisha. I'll be rockin' the high VG (80+) and low PG (20<) at 0/NO nicotine. I tried the 100% VG but find it too thick and gunky, doesn't flow so well, even with water. I'm sure my starter EVOD tanks aren't really optimal for it anyway. 50/50 leaves me with a bitter aftertaste and dry mouth. Yes, I've cranked up my water consumption along with vaping .

Clearomizer-wise, I'm waiting for my Silo Lite which sounded like a very affordable alternative to the Nautilus Mini (which I almost bought). I'm also considering getting the Aspire K1 for a backup tank. So, do the above choices make a good team? I like the ease, size and price of the iStick and the MVP, but the IPV Mini intrigues me because it uses a replaceable battery. All (constructive) advice gratefully appreciated.

 

[Niten13]

I have the iPV150+ and it is great. If you are going to get a mod with replaceable batteries please read up on all Battery safety here.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/baditude/4848-9-battery-basics-mods-imr-protected.html
Currently recommended are Samsung 25R (currently runnning in my IPV)
or Lg HE2
Authentic AW Batteries - RTD Vapor is a good source for authentic batteries, and a charger.
You can charge these in certain mods but a charger like the Nitecore Intellicharger are much safer and recommended above charging inside the unit.

 

[Raguvian]

I'm loving my IPV Mini. The passthrough charging is super convenient since I never seem to have a charged battery. It is also super simple to use. There have been some issues with the device reading the ohms a bit too low but all in all it's been a very reliable device for me. The new IPV V2 is coming out in the next few weeks. It might be slightly over your budget but it is also a 70W device, which will leave you plenty of room to sparer if you ever find you like higher wattages. It may also drive down the price of the V1.

 

[lamarrk]

Moving to New Members for more exposure.

 

[caferacer]

I'm loving my IPV Mini. The passthrough charging is super convenient since I never seem to have a charged battery. It is also super simple to use. There have been some issues with the device reading the ohms a bit too low but all in all it's been a very reliable device for me. The new IPV V2 is coming out in the next few weeks. It might be slightly over your budget but it is also a 70W device, which will leave you plenty of room to sparer if you ever find you like higher wattages. It may also drive down the price of the V1.

Loving mine as well. While not as "mini" as an iStick, its smaller form factor works perfectly for me as an in the car/in the office mod. In addition to everything Raguvian mentioned, I love the 5 memory settings it has. Uber convenient!

 

[bittermelon]

Whoa. Thanks, everyone for your informative replies! Well, I'm feeling rather overwhelmed by all the battery stuff, and I notice that most of the vendors selling the IPV recommend it for advanced users. The whole battery safety & ohms law stuff is rather too techy and intimidating for me, I dunno........ Perhaps for now anyway, I'll just pick up either the iStick 30w or the MVP 20w. Maybe later when I have more vaping experience I'd consider getting something more technical. This is a great board, support and resource for Vapers of all stages! Happy to be here. You are fine peeps.

 

[msmith4512]

I run a Efest 20A 3100mah battery in my IPV Mini 30W. The battery can handle 4Amps continuous output which is plenty for a 30 watt device. It's also 3100mah which gives about 20% longer run time than 2500mah batteries. The IPV Mini is larger and heavier than the Istick 30W, but it feels more solid in the hand and more balanced with RTAs. I like to use it at home. The Istick is lighter and more pocketable, better for on the go use.

There are newer tanks that give much better flavor and more vapor than the Silo or Nautilus. The Kanger Subtank Mini and Eleaf Melo have more airflow and can handle higher wattage for more vapor, and their replaceable coils use cotton wicks which give better flavor than the Aspire BVC coils and their synthetic wicks. The Kanger comes with a rebuildable base option that allows you to dip your toe into rebuilding when you feel comfortable.

 

[Oberon75]

Whoa. Thanks, everyone for your informative replies! Well, I'm feeling rather overwhelmed by all the battery stuff, and I notice that most of the vendors selling the IPV recommend it for advanced users. The whole battery safety & ohms law stuff is rather too techy and intimidating for me, I dunno........ Perhaps for now anyway, I'll just pick up either the iStick 30w or the MVP 20w. Maybe later when I have more vaping experience I'd consider getting something more technical. This is a great board, support and resource for Vapers of all stages! Happy to be here. You are fine peeps.

As long as you get a recommended battery on a regulated mod, I wouldn't be too concerned about battery safety since they have safety features. That's more of an issue with mechanical mods. Not your iPV's and Sigelei's.

Sent from my HTC One M8 Harman/Kardon edition

 

[salemgold]

Whoa. Thanks, everyone for your informative replies! Well, I'm feeling rather overwhelmed by all the battery stuff, and I notice that most of the vendors selling the IPV recommend it for advanced users. The whole battery safety & ohms law stuff is rather too techy and intimidating for me, I dunno........ Perhaps for now anyway, I'll just pick up either the iStick 30w or the MVP 20w. Maybe later when I have more vaping experience I'd consider getting something more technical. This is a great board, support and resource for Vapers of all stages! Happy to be here. You are fine peeps.

You are being very smart in wanting to learn more first. The iStick and the MVP20 are both great choices to start with IMO As stated in a previous post, the LG HE2 and the samsung 25R are some of the best batteries that you can buy. They are what i use in my IPV mini. Not to add more to think about but, you have to be careful with Efest as they are known to be rewraps and overstate their mah/amps.

Keep reading the forum and you will know more than you probably ever wanted to before you know it

 

[shaz12342]

just got my ipv mini and it is fantastic.

 

[beez0527]

The ipv mini is a great choice I've had mine for a few weeks and i dont put it down its a great device. You should learn all you can on battery safety but as others have said its for rda and unregulated mods. Another good battery is the sony vtc4. Heres a link for both.

Vapor Range | Pioneer4You IPV Mini 30W Variable Voltage Wattage Box Mod - Variable Voltage Your Online Vape Store for Mechanical Mods , Rebuildable Dripper RBA's RDA's , and Juice
Great price at 49.99 and very fast shipping.

VTC4 2100mAh 30A 18650 battery
Hoosier has great house juice as well and their customer service is top notch any questions you have they will answer quickly. Good luck and keep on vapin

 

[bittermelon]

I run a Efest 20A 3100mah battery in my IPV Mini 30W. The battery can handle 4Amps continuous output which is plenty for a 30 watt device. It's also 3100mah which gives about 20% longer run time than 2500mah batteries. The IPV Mini is larger and heavier than the Istick 30W, but it feels more solid in the hand and more balanced with RTAs. I like to use it at home. The Istick is lighter and more pocketable, better for on the go use.

There are newer tanks that give much better flavor and more vapor than the Silo or Nautilus. The Kanger Subtank Mini and Eleaf Melo have more airflow and can handle higher wattage for more vapor, and their replaceable coils use cotton wicks which give better flavor than the Aspire BVC coils and their synthetic wicks. The Kanger comes with a rebuildable base option that allows you to dip your toe into rebuilding when you feel comfortable.

All in good time. I'm interested in the Melo.........

 

[bittermelon]

Some more questions:

is it ok to charge different battery makes like the Samsung and the LG in the same charger? Also, what's the difference between the flat top & button top batteries?

Hmmm..... maybe I might get the IPV over the iStick or the MVP after all. Seems that it has more long term use since the battery is replaceable. Plus sounds like it has plenty of power (and then some) for my modest needs.

 

[jersey girl]

flat top or button top depends on what the device calls for. I have both and either type fits in the ivp mini.

I feel you have picked 3 good choices.

My preferance is always replaceable battery. I do not have the time to charge when I am out and about. Just carry an extra battery.
They are less expensive then buying a new device, and I replace mine every 6 to 8 months.

If a device has a built in battery, I concider it a disposible, once the battery goes you toss the device.

watch a you tube video on all three, that will help you decide. Pbusardo has a great video on the ivp mini.

 

[nashty]

Hi,

another newb delurking here to make my first post! I have questions regarding the IPV Mini APV, particularly which battery to choose (all sorts of different chem formulas, *confused*) and whether or not the battery charges in the unit or if a separate charger is necessary, and is it too hard to use for a newb. Right now, I'm using my starter of the EVOD2 but am considering upgrading since I don't really care for the form factor of the EVOD (awkward, inconvenient to carry, cigar/dildo fugly), plus I prefer to vape high VG. The ones I'm considering are the: iStick 30w, the iTaste MVP 20w, and lastly the IPV Mini. I want something kewl-looking, well-made (not flimsy) and compact. A happy medium where power, size and price meet (budget is $60 max). I'm a non-smoker wanting a non-combustible alternative to hookah/shisha. I'll be rockin' the high VG (80+) and low PG (20<) at 0/NO nicotine. I tried the 100% VG but find it too thick and gunky, doesn't flow so well, even with water. I'm sure my starter EVOD tanks aren't really optimal for it anyway. 50/50 leaves me with a bitter aftertaste and dry mouth. Yes, I've cranked up my water consumption along with vaping .

Clearomizer-wise, I'm waiting for my Silo Lite which sounded like a very affordable alternative to the Nautilus Mini (which I almost bought). I'm also considering getting the Aspire K1 for a backup tank. So, do the above choices make a good team? I like the ease, size and price of the iStick and the MVP, but the IPV Mini intrigues me because it uses a replaceable battery. All (constructive) advice gratefully appreciated.

Also remember that your power source isn't effected by your VG/pg ratio. If you are going to use higher VG juices you need to have a tank that will feed it. There is nothing worse than dry hits, and tanks with coils that are wicked in synthetics can get dry easier with high VG liquid. Look into the subtank mini or Atlantis mini. Both there tanks are cotton wicked and handle high VG juice well.

 

[bittermelon]

Thinking of picking up the NITECORE Intellicharger i2 if I go IPV. Sounds good?

 

[bittermelon]

Also remember that your power source isn't effected by your VG/pg ratio. If you are going to use higher VG juices you need to have a tank that will feed it. There is nothing worse than dry hits, and tanks with coils that are wicked in synthetics can get dry easier with high VG liquid. Look into the subtank mini or Atlantis mini. Both there tanks are cotton wicked and handle high VG juice well.

Correct me please, but isn't the "Atlantis mini" the Nautilus? What brand is the subtank you mention. Thanks.

 

[jersey girl]

Thinking of picking up the NITECORE Intellicharger i2 if I go IPV. Sounds good?

perfect, that or an xstar you can not go wrong with either.

 

[ZERO16LIVES]

Correct me please, but isn't the "Atlantis mini" the Nautilus? What brand is the subtank you mention. Thanks.

The atlantis mini is not the same as the nautilus, the atlantis is sub ohm while the nautilus is not. (my gf has the regular atlantis and my roommate has a nautilus mini) Also the subtank is made by kanger (I have one and love it)

 

[dhood]

The IPV is a great device. Mine shares time with my new iStick 50. The biggest benefit, as stated before, is the replaceable battery. I use mine to power everything from a Kanger Aerotank to a Nautilus mini to a Kanger Subtank mini (with a few Kayfun Lites thrown in for good measure). It can do it all. The only reason I got the iStick was battery time. I vape a lot and the Samsung 25r's just don't last a day for me. If they made a bigger capacity battery for the IPV, I wouldn't have bought the iStick. When the iStick starts losing it's charge capacity, I'll have to dump it. When the IPV starts to lose charge capacity, I'll just get a new battery and stick it in. A word of warning... if you get the IPV mini, get the stainless. I got the "black" and the finish is coming off after two months. Not just the outer shell but the buttons, too. Strange. the buttons are starting to look like they are actually copper with a black gun metal finish on them sort of like the finish you see on black copper household fixtures.