Supprised a mod Hasent shut this down for all the flameing and trolling yet. Many of these arguments are subjective and claims cant be proven.
Lava Tube: Better and cheaper than the Provari (video opinion)
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Thank you! I was reading this thinking, either this guy works for whoever make the LT, or got screwed over by Provari in some way and is holding a grudge. Anyone who is considering purchasing a Provari or an LT, please strike this thread from your record lol
Fav post :"I just KILLED the Provari durability argument."
Tool guys will understand this.
The Provari is like the Snap-On tool. Expensive, stout as hell, buy it once and unless you lose it, don't have to buy it again. It will outlive you.
The LT is like the Harbor-Freight tool. Made in China. Does the same job, quality is suspect, durability suspect, and you will have to replace it when it breaks. It will break.
Personally, I only buy HF tools if I need it for one job, or I know I won't use it enough to justify the cost of a comparable tool from a quality manufacturer.
For tools that get used regularly, I buy the good stuff.
In relation to my PV's, I own 2 Provari's and an LT. Having played with both, I feel that Snap-On/Harbor-Freight argument holds water. The LT does what it's supposed to do, with some novel features, but I'm suspect of durability over time. When I work, I will continue to carry the Provari on my belt as I have before, because I know it will take the abuse.
Sent via cellular communication device...
The Provari is like the Snap-On tool. Expensive, stout as hell, buy it once and unless you lose it, don't have to buy it again. It will outlive you.
The LT is like the Harbor-Freight tool. Made in China. Does the same job, quality is suspect, durability suspect, and you will have to replace it when it breaks. It will break.
Personally, I only buy HF tools if I need it for one job, or I know I won't use it enough to justify the cost of a comparable tool from a quality manufacturer.
For tools that get used regularly, I buy the good stuff.
In relation to my PV's, I own 2 Provari's and an LT. Having played with both, I feel that Snap-On/Harbor-Freight argument holds water. The LT does what it's supposed to do, with some novel features, but I'm suspect of durability over time. When I work, I will continue to carry the Provari on my belt as I have before, because I know it will take the abuse.
Sent via cellular communication device...
+1 Fazed
I am an HVAC tech and my pv goes every where with me so I need something that is durable. The provari is built like a tank so just for that reason alone I feel it was worth the extra dough. I had been looking at getting my wife a provari but she didn't want to spend that much and decided she wanted a LT. Perfect for her since the most abuse hers will see is her purse. Both have their place but anyone who try's to claim the LT is better hasn't used a provari or has an agenda
I am an HVAC tech and my pv goes every where with me so I need something that is durable. The provari is built like a tank so just for that reason alone I feel it was worth the extra dough. I had been looking at getting my wife a provari but she didn't want to spend that much and decided she wanted a LT. Perfect for her since the most abuse hers will see is her purse. Both have their place but anyone who try's to claim the LT is better hasn't used a provari or has an agenda
I’m glad the mods take a hands off approach here on the ECF. There is some good info in this thread if you throw out some of the Childish Banter and Trollish Arguments.
I think what is lost on some members is what They think works Best for Them isn’t what works Best for Everyone.
That’s OK. This in and of itself is a flaw that All of us have to Some Degree. Nothing wrong with saying how well something works or how well something doesn’t work for them.
It’s when someone starts posting 1,500 word rants to try to Prove that an item is Best for everyone that I start questioning things. I roll my eyes and skip those posts.
But what Really Chaps my hide is when someone starts Slamming a Product that they Don’t Even Own.
If you buy something and don’t like it, fine. If you think an item is too Expensive and won’t buy it because of the price, that’s fine too.
But if you haven’t actually held something in your hand and used it for a week or so, how much can you really say about a Product either Good Or Bad?
I think what is lost on some members is what They think works Best for Them isn’t what works Best for Everyone.
That’s OK. This in and of itself is a flaw that All of us have to Some Degree. Nothing wrong with saying how well something works or how well something doesn’t work for them.
It’s when someone starts posting 1,500 word rants to try to Prove that an item is Best for everyone that I start questioning things. I roll my eyes and skip those posts.
But what Really Chaps my hide is when someone starts Slamming a Product that they Don’t Even Own.
If you buy something and don’t like it, fine. If you think an item is too Expensive and won’t buy it because of the price, that’s fine too.
But if you haven’t actually held something in your hand and used it for a week or so, how much can you really say about a Product either Good Or Bad?
Playing devil's advocate here a bit for the DC fans, but if with 1.5Ω DCs the voltage is limited to 3.7-4v... ummm... why have a VV PV? Doesn't a $25 18650 tube mod already do that?
But if you can output more than 4.7 volts, why do you need to use LR attys/cartos?
Well, I personally use 3Ω @ 6.4v or 2Ω at 5.2v... The former was 'normal' to me after CR123s (3.2v) in an SB with 3Ω cartos, and 5.2 @ 2Ω is equivalent wattage
P = V2/R
Just curious why people use dual coils with VV if it's limited to the same voltage as a battery with a switch.
P = V2/R
Just curious why people use dual coils with VV if it's limited to the same voltage as a battery with a switch.
I don't understand the big deal with dual coils. Why not buy the 2.0 ohm dual coils or the 2.5 ohm? They would be able to reach a much higher voltage?
Don't get me wrong, I understand wanting to use a vv unit with LR stuff. I mean there's more then just being able to change the voltage that appeals to VV users I think. Its that its regulated. I love LR stuff and HV stuff, but if I have a 1.7 ohm ressurector, I want to run it at the optimal voltage (4.3 for me) all day.
But as far as dual coils, why not get the higher ones? 2.0 ohms should work with a much greater voltage range and get a similar effect right?
Don't get me wrong, I understand wanting to use a vv unit with LR stuff. I mean there's more then just being able to change the voltage that appeals to VV users I think. Its that its regulated. I love LR stuff and HV stuff, but if I have a 1.7 ohm ressurector, I want to run it at the optimal voltage (4.3 for me) all day.
But as far as dual coils, why not get the higher ones? 2.0 ohms should work with a much greater voltage range and get a similar effect right?
Physics suggests that that is the case. The current draw will be higher with the lower resistance. The 1.7 ressurectors are close to the same problem.
I get the conceptual draw to the DCs. The idea is that more surface area with higher res will get more vapor without as intense of heat, and thus won't burn juices. Maybe I like what other people consider burnt, though, because I run higher wattage than most describe as the ideal. It's never resembled burnt to me. I also really like the 1.5Ω DCs on my ego, but ultimately led me to the path of trying higher voltage.
Having tried the 2.5Ω DCs, though (pair of 5Ω coils), I preferred the 3Ω single Boge.
I get the conceptual draw to the DCs. The idea is that more surface area with higher res will get more vapor without as intense of heat, and thus won't burn juices. Maybe I like what other people consider burnt, though, because I run higher wattage than most describe as the ideal. It's never resembled burnt to me. I also really like the 1.5Ω DCs on my ego, but ultimately led me to the path of trying higher voltage.
Having tried the 2.5Ω DCs, though (pair of 5Ω coils), I preferred the 3Ω single Boge.
Has anyone actually talked about the draw comparison? I have a provari and the buzz I like the provari for taste but the buzz has a less airy draw. Has anyone said the difference in draw? I have read a lot of threads talking about price but really isn't the draw and taste of hit important? Also if there is a thread can someone point me to in. Also compare the two
Now I've been looking for a good VV tube mod for quite some time and it seemed like the lavatube may be a good idea. I was looking at the provari, the Vaprlife stuff, the el-cheapo VV's at madvapes, and even stupid stuff like the VV ego (which I bought, and it sucks).
I don't want a 5v mod because I like the 4.2-4.6 range the best, and I use ce2's and they burn at higher voltage.
Now that my life story is over with I thought the lavatube would be a good idea. I had priced out a black provari with all the trimmings and it came out to $260. Seriously?!??? I'm not exactly broke, but I'm not loaded either and $260 is a CAR PAYMENT!!! I will try to save up for the provari but in the event that I can't afford it I'll have no beef at all getting a lavatube, especially considering Volcano has a 1 year warranty on the thing.
I absolutely understand the comparisons being made comparing the two as Mercedes vs VW or timex vs rolex, but keep in mind that a timex takes a licking and keeps on ticking, and VW's are still good machines.
Maybe by the time I get some of the provari money saved up, someone will have a report of labatube failures. If anyone has a link to any posts or videos with blown lavatubes I'm sure there are a great deal of people that'd want to see them.
I don't have a Volcano product myself, but everyone I know that does is very happy with them, and Volcano seems very eager to please, and if they back the product after a few months of use, than maybe it's worth getting if you want to save the $160.
That's all I got. In the end, if I can afford it, I'll get the provari, but this lavatube can't be all bad and I may end up with one.
I don't want a 5v mod because I like the 4.2-4.6 range the best, and I use ce2's and they burn at higher voltage.
Now that my life story is over with I thought the lavatube would be a good idea. I had priced out a black provari with all the trimmings and it came out to $260. Seriously?!??? I'm not exactly broke, but I'm not loaded either and $260 is a CAR PAYMENT!!! I will try to save up for the provari but in the event that I can't afford it I'll have no beef at all getting a lavatube, especially considering Volcano has a 1 year warranty on the thing.
I absolutely understand the comparisons being made comparing the two as Mercedes vs VW or timex vs rolex, but keep in mind that a timex takes a licking and keeps on ticking, and VW's are still good machines.
Maybe by the time I get some of the provari money saved up, someone will have a report of labatube failures. If anyone has a link to any posts or videos with blown lavatubes I'm sure there are a great deal of people that'd want to see them.
I don't have a Volcano product myself, but everyone I know that does is very happy with them, and Volcano seems very eager to please, and if they back the product after a few months of use, than maybe it's worth getting if you want to save the $160.
That's all I got. In the end, if I can afford it, I'll get the provari, but this lavatube can't be all bad and I may end up with one.
Just uploaded a review of the two... May help some that are on the fence.
LavaTube v ProVari Review - YouTube
LavaTube v ProVari Review - YouTube
Without meaning to disparage anyone who buys or owns either of the two VVs in discussion on this thread, I have no intention or even the wish to buy either a ProVari or a Lavatube.
I happen to like VVs with simple linear step-down regulators and robust-enough switches that they don't need to limit the amps to a point where some cartos (specifically, either 1.5 ohm dual-coils or 1.7 ohm single-coil Resurrectors) either won't fire at all without lowering the voltage (ProVari and others) or, like the LavaTube, automatically lower the voltage to an unacceptable 3.1-3.3 volts (I've seen user-review videos of the LavaTube where this was demonstrated). If I wanted to vape at 3.3 volts, I'd get a Joye eGo.
So, I have a stable of VV mods---12 in all---and the only one with an amp-limited switching regulator is a Big Daddy Vari-Cool (it's my least favorite as well). The others are all linear regulators run by multiple batteries (usually two 14500s wired in series) that are stepped-down to whatever voltage I want (usually around 4.5V, but that varies). The linear regulators are much scorned by some mod-building engineering types, because they produce heat as a by-product of limiting the voltage and are not as efficient as the switching regulators in maximizing battery life. Well, I don't care. I love my Little Sister, two Big Brothers, Big Splash w/voltmeter (by Shan), and---most of all---my seven Madvapes VV boxes. (Yes, seven.) Those seven cost me in total about as much as a single ProVari kit, and I use them all every day (each one is carto or tank loaded with a different juice from my daily vapes).
Yeah, they're just plastic boxes (rather than shiny metal tubes); they're hand-made (rather than factory-built); they're not particularly high-tech (no displays or carto ohm readings or auto-adjust wattage); they're not built like tanks (although not a single one of my Madvapes VV boxes has ever failed or broken after six months). All that is true.
However, they work beautifully with any atty/carto on the market, from 1.5 ohms right on up---single/dual/triple coils, whatever you like; they hit like freight trains, produce copious vapor, and provide great flavor. Plus, they're cheap.
If you love your ProVari or LavaTube, I'm happy for you. More power to you (literally, LOL). I'm just not envious, that's all.
I happen to like VVs with simple linear step-down regulators and robust-enough switches that they don't need to limit the amps to a point where some cartos (specifically, either 1.5 ohm dual-coils or 1.7 ohm single-coil Resurrectors) either won't fire at all without lowering the voltage (ProVari and others) or, like the LavaTube, automatically lower the voltage to an unacceptable 3.1-3.3 volts (I've seen user-review videos of the LavaTube where this was demonstrated). If I wanted to vape at 3.3 volts, I'd get a Joye eGo.
So, I have a stable of VV mods---12 in all---and the only one with an amp-limited switching regulator is a Big Daddy Vari-Cool (it's my least favorite as well). The others are all linear regulators run by multiple batteries (usually two 14500s wired in series) that are stepped-down to whatever voltage I want (usually around 4.5V, but that varies). The linear regulators are much scorned by some mod-building engineering types, because they produce heat as a by-product of limiting the voltage and are not as efficient as the switching regulators in maximizing battery life. Well, I don't care. I love my Little Sister, two Big Brothers, Big Splash w/voltmeter (by Shan), and---most of all---my seven Madvapes VV boxes. (Yes, seven.) Those seven cost me in total about as much as a single ProVari kit, and I use them all every day (each one is carto or tank loaded with a different juice from my daily vapes).
Yeah, they're just plastic boxes (rather than shiny metal tubes); they're hand-made (rather than factory-built); they're not particularly high-tech (no displays or carto ohm readings or auto-adjust wattage); they're not built like tanks (although not a single one of my Madvapes VV boxes has ever failed or broken after six months). All that is true.
However, they work beautifully with any atty/carto on the market, from 1.5 ohms right on up---single/dual/triple coils, whatever you like; they hit like freight trains, produce copious vapor, and provide great flavor. Plus, they're cheap.
If you love your ProVari or LavaTube, I'm happy for you. More power to you (literally, LOL). I'm just not envious, that's all.
This is nice to hear.. I've got 2 vv mods coming next week and one of them is a vv madvapes box. (the other is a lavatube) I like to use the resurrectors in my tanks (smoktech is easier to punch and not packed as tight as a boge) and I was wondering if I could use them on the vv MV box at 4-4.1 volts. I'm also stalking the vapecore site in hopes of snagging one of their nifty looking voltmeters. They're out of stock right now and the madvapes voltmeters don't look quite as sturdy. Their splashmods look really cool for a vv box and the price is nice, especially the ones with a voltmeter built in.
In your video you state that using the Provari is not hard to use and that once you get use to it it's no big deal - talking about having to use the one button multiple times to go through the menu.. That is all well and good if your the sort of person who doesn't mind all the button clicking. My thing especially with a high priced unit is why force anyone to have to learn and use a menu system like that? It's like you took a Cadillac and stuck a Yugo starter on it. It seems to me if the Provari cut corners anywhere it would be in this area. I would much prefer the simpler menu of the Lava Tube because it makes more sense having a button for each separate function and to me is more logical.
You say in the video, (referring to the Provari) " You gonna buy a tool that will last you your lifetime. You'll never have to replace it. It will outlive you. You'll hand them off to your children. You buy it once and that's it"
Dude, you do Not KNOW that. Your saying that the Provari is that good and will last that long is really reaching. There are threads on Provari's dieing for all sorts of reasons. You are basing your claims on the Provari's durability solely on the fact that it has a housing made of stainless steel. All that does is keep the unit from getting crushed. It has no special shock protection. It has no special waterproof protection. It has the same protection for the electronics that the Lava Tube has so the guts of both units are equally protected. So you may not be able to crush it, but all the guts can fry, switches can go bad etc and if your past your two year extended warranty you have to put out another 150 to 300 dollars to replace it. Those comments are very unfounded and not based on fact. Oh yeah.. and I've broken Craftsman and other "lifetime" tools. I'm a tool user with 16 years in the HVAC field and 4 years in the maintenance of boiler and chiller systems for commercial applications as well as work on all my own cars. I use plenty of heavy duty tools. You won't find any tool that won't break.
Other than that I think your review was fine and you should have posted it as a video response to the video on page one.
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