I've decided...

[Arch]

@Baditude,

My last worry is the constant attention these battieries apparently require whilst charging. Attention I genuinely can't give them so frequently, and prices for these batteries I can't really afford to buy in bulk. I was really hoping it was a 'Charge & Sleep' type of deal but apparently that is highly not recommended. I'm not work -> bed -> work -> bed every single night, but I've read on some other threads that it takes 8~ hours to fully charge an 18650. I definitely don't have that much time inbetween to do this. My commute also isn't that long, so charging in my car wouldn't really do much either.

I don't mind carrying a big device with me. Even with an 18650 in the Provari, it still doesn't seem TOO big. I could keep it in a case while I'm driving to work, take it out and have it on my desk while I work and it's not too big to fit in my pocket if I need to go somewhere. Even when I go out, it'd be fine to take to parties or something. It didn't seem that long.

It's extremely frustrating though I must say. Every single thing about this seemed so flawless when I had the idea of having 2 batteries. One charging while I'm at work/sleep and the other one being vaped. But, that's apparently not the case. I don't want to settle for anything under the Provari, or I'll feel like I'm wasting my time and money.

 

[Baditude]

I keep hearing about this Baditude guy but I have absolutely no idea who he is. The only thing that sucks is that with 2 batteries and every thing else I wanted, it would have totaled at like $280. Now I'd have to buy more batteries which is even more expensive. Oh well I guess, maybe I'll start buying the batteries/charger now. Is the Nitecore charger better than the one they offer on Provape when you buy the Provari?

Well, now you know who Baditude is now.

Yes, the Nitecore charger is better than the Tenergy charger. I own a Nitecore i2 and a Nitecore i4. I own a lot of batteries.

 

[Baditude]

@Baditude,

My last worry is the constant attention these battieries apparently require whilst charging. Attention I genuinely can't give them so frequently, and prices for these batteries I can't really afford to buy in bulk. I was really hoping it was a 'Charge & Sleep' type of deal but apparently that is highly not recommended. I'm not work -> bed -> work -> bed every single night, but I've read on some other threads that it takes 8~ hours to fully charge an 18650. I definitely don't have that much time inbetween to do this. My commute also isn't that long, so charging in my car wouldn't really do much either.

I don't mind carrying a big device with me. Even with an 18650 in the Provari, it still doesn't seem TOO big. I could keep it in a case while I'm driving to work, take it out and have it on my desk while I work and it's not too big to fit in my pocket if I need to go somewhere. Even when I go out, it'd be fine to take to parties or something. It didn't seem that long.

It only takes about 2 - 3 hours to charge an 18650 battery on a quality charger. Hence, get the Nitecore charger instead of the Tenergy.

I'm as guilty as the next person; I admit that I've left a battery or two on the charger while I slept. Recommended = no. Does it happen = yes.

But I don't charge batteries if I leave the house. Statistically, most battery incidents occur while on the charger.

 

[Arch]

It only takes about 2 - 3 hours to charge an 18650 battery on a quality charger. Hence, get the Nitecore charger instead of the Tenergy.

I'm as guilty as the next person; I admit that I've left a battery or two on the charger while I slept. Recommended = no. Does it happen = yes.

But I don't charge batteries if I leave the house. Statistically, most battery incidents occur while on the charger.

If it's only 2-3 hours then I can definitely manage that. Can you give me a rough idea of how long an 18650 battery would last on 4 volts? That's probably what I'll keep mine at for quite a while since I'm using single coil tanks such as the Protank 2/Hypertank. So far, 4 volts on my Kgo-VV has given me perfect flavor from all of the juices I've bought off FuzionVapor, so I'm hoping it's roughly the same on the Provari, if not better.

I usually come home at about 8PM, go to sleep at about 11 before waking up at 5. Give or take a couple hours here and there for different nights. So, if one batter can be charged in 2-3 hours, then in turn last the night (not being used) -> put into my Provari -> Last me all day -> Recharged at night, then I can be fine with 2-3 batteries. I'd keep the other 1-2 batteries fully charged in case there's a night where I come home just before I'm needed to sleep, which is occasional.

Sorry if that was confusing to read, I'm beyond tired right now.

 

[Arch]

I'm assuming this is the charger I'd be buying?

http://www.amazon.com/NiteCore-Inte...d=1390448631&sr=8-2&keywords=nitecore+charger

 

[Baditude]

Ballpark figure - 100 mAh is equal to 1 hour battery use. The AW 18650 IMR is 2000 mAH, so figure 20 hours use. It should last you as long as you are awake.

Yes, that is the Nitecore Intellicharger i2.

 

[Gato del Jugo]

The only thing that sucks is that with 2 batteries and every thing else I wanted, it would have totaled at like $280.

I hear you, man.. I wrestled with the ProVari price-tag for quite a while, as well.. One of the reasons why I skipped over it for my 1st mod

That said, you often get what you pay for... Not saying my less-expensive Sigelei Zmax is junk, but if I continue to use it as my main PV every day, I don't think it would last past a year, if that. In fact, I'm already experiencing a couple build issues which could potentially lead to further & more serious problems down the road, which is fairly common with this model due to its design & materials

When people say that the Chinese business model is to build them cheap & sell them cheap, and when (not if, when) it breaks, people will just buy another since they're so cheap.. well, they're telling the truth. They've been there, done that


Honestly, I wish I had skipped over my 2 cig-alikes (and their expensive pre-filled carts), as well as my eGo type -- and went from butts to ProVari... My Chinese-made Sig will make for an okay back-up.. but honestly, I don't think I'll be needing it anytime soon starting tomorrow

And trust me, all this stuff cost me well over $280 (spread out over time).. what do I have to show for it? Stuff I no longer use or have used up, and will soon be giving away the cig-alikes & eGo type to a couple friends of a friend as a pay-it-forward kind of thing, to introduce vaping to those smokers.. give 'em a financial head-start


Here's another thing: You don't have to get everything at once.. yeah, the Provari, a couple 2 batteries, and a charger (assuming you already have a juice tank or some kind of "topper").. That's all you need, really... Perhaps the extra batteries can wait, the extension cap can wait, etc... That might mean you won't be able to use the ProVari all day & every day, just maybe on your days off -- or perhaps just use it at home for now, and continue to bring your Spinner (or whatever it is) to work for a while


Question for yourself: Do you really need the colored coating? There are tons of satin silvers out there.. I almost got one, myself... Ain't too shabby-looking!

Another question for yourself: Do you really need a non-red LED? Again, tons of reds out there... But personally, getting a blue was important to me -- as I really really really can't stand red LEDs.. Sets off a bad psychological reaction or something..

But if you're fine with a base silver & red LED, would save you a few bucks that could go towards extra batteries, or keep in your wallet


Yeah, it's a big purchase, and took me a while to get there.. But personally, been vaping for over a year now & have gone down the vaping equipment road, I think it's worth it

You'll know when the time is right.. think it over for a while, check your finances, think what you truly need in terms of accessories & add-ons.. and don't feel like you have to go overboard & get everything at once.. The basics can hold you over for quite a while

 

[Baditude]

I agree with Gato. You don't have to get it all at once. Get the Provari, the better charger, and a couple of batteries. That will hold you over for at least a month or whenever you can afford the other extras.

 

[Gato del Jugo]

Just checked ProVape...


The charger that comes with the ProVari kit is rated at a 500mAh output

Would take 4 hours to charge your typical depleted 18650 with it


So if time is limited, skip the ProVari kit & definitely get the 1 amp (1000 mAh) charger elsewhere -- with it, an 18650 would only take a couple hours to charge, instead

 

[Arch]

I agree with Gato. You don't have to get it all at once. Get the Provari, the better charger, and a couple of batteries. That will hold you over for at least a month or whenever you can afford the other extras.

I think that's pretty much all I'm getting for now anyways honestly. The Nitecore Intellicharger i2 from Amazon or somewhere else, not sure where the best place to buy that is. Then the Provari in white with the blue LED screen along with the 2 18650 batteries to come with it. I'm not buying the extra year warranty or any of the other stuff including the cartos/charger. The total is $240. In the future I'll probably buy 1-2 more 18650's and maybe 2 18350's (not sure if that's exclusive to the mini?).

So, about $240 + the Nitecore Intellicharger i2 being $16 + shipping. Roughly $260 for all of it isn't too bad. I had the cart sitting at $290 with the warranty and their charger, so that's nice. It's a bit less now.

 

[Baditude]

The 18350 battery will only work in the Mini Provari. The 18490 and 18650 (with ext. cap) can fit in the standard Provari.

 

[Gato del Jugo]

In the future I'll probably buy 1-2 more 18650's and maybe 2 18350's (not sure if that's exclusive to the mini?).

350's are exclusive to the mini..


You might want to try a 490 somewhere down the road.. shorten your vaping time, but also shave off more than 1/2" in length

 

[WillyZee]

Hi Villiska ...have you looked on the classies yet? ... I am waiting for the following gear to arrive any day now.

Provari Mini V2.5 with Blue LED
Black Loki Labs Delrin Ring
Black Provari Extension Cap
Regular Cap
Tenergy Dual Battery Charger
4 18490 Batteries
2 18350 Batteries
RSST RBA
Black IBTanked Halfling
Unused Unopened Cartomizer

This Provari package is only 2 months old ... sold by an ECF member who has gone strictly sub ohm.

I paid $190 delivered to Toronto Canada ... regular $400

 

[Gato del Jugo]

The 18350 battery will only work in the Mini Provari. The 18490 and 18650 (with ext. cap) can fit in the standard Provari.

I find that pbusardo is much more animated in his demonstration of the Legal Vape 4000...

 

[Baditude]

I find that pbusardo is much more animated in his demonstration of the Legal Vape 4000...

Must have been all of that nicotine.

 

[Arch]

The 18350 battery will only work in the Mini Provari. The 18490 and 18650 (with ext. cap) can fit in the standard Provari.

I learned a lot in that video and it actually, for whatever reason, made the battery thing a bit less intimidating. I see videos of 16 year olds with Provari's on Youtube/Vine, so I'm pretty confident in getting one now. I think I'll purchase it in a few weeks and I'll make another topic once I do. I'm really excited!

Thanks to every one in this thread who helped out, especially Gato Del Jugo and Baditude

 

[Jazzman]

Villiska,
Don't sweat the battery charging. With an i4 charger you can charge 4 batteries at the same time, and you can buy more batteries as you go. If that's not enough you can get 2 i4 chargers and charge 8 batteries at a time. You can buy the Nitecore Intellicharger i4 for 17.11 at Amazon, that's not a 3rd party that's direct through Amazon. Batteries are 12.00 to 13.00 each for AW IMR 18650s and even less for 18490s. Pick up a couple every few weeks and before you know it you'll have batteries coming out of your... err... charger. Batteries and charging just isn't an issue. I'd be surprised if 2 or 3 wasn't enough, but knock yourself out, they are very inexpensive. If you had 2 i4 chargers and 8 batteries you would charge once a week at most. Probably not that much.

 

[glassgal]

@Baditude,

My last worry is the constant attention these battieries apparently require whilst charging. Attention I genuinely can't give them so frequently, and prices for these batteries I can't really afford to buy in bulk. I was really hoping it was a 'Charge & Sleep' type of deal but apparently that is highly not recommended. I'm not work -> bed -> work -> bed every single night, but I've read on some other threads that it takes 8~ hours to fully charge an 18650. I definitely don't have that much time inbetween to do this. My commute also isn't that long, so charging in my car wouldn't really do much either.

I don't mind carrying a big device with me. Even with an 18650 in the Provari, it still doesn't seem TOO big. I could keep it in a case while I'm driving to work, take it out and have it on my desk while I work and it's not too big to fit in my pocket if I need to go somewhere. Even when I go out, it'd be fine to take to parties or something. It didn't seem that long.

It's extremely frustrating though I must say. Every single thing about this seemed so flawless when I had the idea of having 2 batteries. One charging while I'm at work/sleep and the other one being vaped. But, that's apparently not the case. I don't want to settle for anything under the Provari, or I'll feel like I'm wasting my time and money.

I don't know a whole lot about batteries per se... but cell phone, laptop and camera batteries are also lithium ion batteries, typically 3.7 volts (exactly the same as these, but different shapes). If you are afraid to charge your cell phone without watching it, and afraid to use it because it might blow up at your ear (it can), then you should be concerned about these batteries, they are the same type.

People terrified of their batteries should probably not own cell phones, computers, cameras, or flashlights either.

I keep reading about the risks, but you already take far greater risks with the things in your house already... in other words, YES YOU CAN charge your battery while you sleep. Just buy a nicer charger to feel better... although, plenty of people own cheap chargers, and how many people have you read about dying from charging batteries?

 

[Gato del Jugo]

glassgal,


I believe it's better to err on the side of caution with certain things... You know, stuff happens


I'm not watching it charge the entire time -- it's simply typically in the same room with me, maybe about 8 feet away. I'd like to be around if I hear this thing popping or cracking, or see/smell some sort of smoky discharge or something

If anything were to ever happen.. I'd like to be there -- awake


Especially so, considering I'm using Sigelei kit batteries at the moment (which is why I threw in a couple AW IMRs with the ProVari order)

And these Sig batteries? ICR's -- LiCoO2 -- you know, lithium cobalt oxide

See that part about reactivity & poorer thermal stability.. and throw in some thermal runaway, just for kicks.. YAY!


I also notice some occasional hot-spots when vaping with them

Yeah, probably not exactly the best batteries to throw in a cheap starter kit


I use them anyway.. for now.. with caution... I'm aware of the risks of these lower-quality batteries


And I'll be disposing of them promptly when my AW IMR's come in


Villiska shouldn't need to worry, especially with a ProVari & some AW IMRs & a decent charger.. can't get much more protection than that combo

That said, practicing mindful habits is a good thing

 

[Jazzman]

I don't know a whole lot about batteries per se... but cell phone, laptop and camera batteries are also lithium ion batteries, typically 3.7 volts (exactly the same as these, but different shapes). If you are afraid to charge your cell phone without watching it, and afraid to use it because it might blow up at your ear (it can), then you should be concerned about these batteries, they are the same type.

People terrified of their batteries should probably not own cell phones, computers, cameras, or flashlights either.

I keep reading about the risks, but you already take far greater risks with the things in your house already... in other words, YES YOU CAN charge your battery while you sleep. Just buy a nicer charger to feel better... although, plenty of people own cheap chargers, and how many people have you read about dying from charging batteries?

The problem is very, very rarely a bad battery... if it's a quality battery from a good manufacturer. It's the chargers or too high a discharge rate. If the charger doesn't work correctly it can easily vent the battery. The battery can vent (expel it's internal juices and gasses) in a non-destructive way (most common) or it can be vent with fire due to thermal runaway. Venting with fire is rare with these size battery since they are designed to vent before thermal runaway temps are reached (if it's a quality battery from a good manufacturer), but if it does the resulting explosion of gasses and the flammable electrolyte can reach temps of 1100deg F. This is almost always the fault of a bad charger or discharging at too high a rate (hence the danger of unregulated mech mods). So caution is warranted while charging and supervision of charging is prudent.