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There are a few reviews out there already, most of them very positive (especially considering the price!).
Having had mine for a week now I would definitely recommend it to anyone whether they're looking for a VV device or even just a tube mod - the power regulated function is a fantastic feature which keeps your vaping consistent until it's time to recharge the battery. The voltage adjustment is a breeze, the power level indicator is very convenient, it's well built and feels solid.
For ~$100 you really can't go wrong with this one.
Having had mine for a week now I would definitely recommend it to anyone whether they're looking for a VV device or even just a tube mod - the power regulated function is a fantastic feature which keeps your vaping consistent until it's time to recharge the battery. The voltage adjustment is a breeze, the power level indicator is very convenient, it's well built and feels solid.
For ~$100 you really can't go wrong with this one.
I have mine since 2 week and like it so much I only use that now. I definitely recommend.
you definitely will not regret it had one for a couple weeks and use it exclusively as well.
Def the best vape money I've spent. Although I don't recommend keeping it in the breast pocket of your coat then throwing said coat over your shoulder fonzie style... Unless you're in a bouncy castle.
been vaping on the lavatube for two days and let me say...........awesome...........from the ego-t,this thing rocks.I got the boge 3 ohm cartos and my juices never tasted like this on a ego-t.
juices i have vaped...
backwoodsbrew..casablanca,555,virginia
halo...torque56,prime15
vaperite..organic vr4,organic tobacco
you get the year warranty,and its a lot less then the provari.The chinese got this one right.
Everything i have vaped in 2 days is between 4.2-4.8v.adjust the juice to the flavor to the throat hit and bam your there singing praises to the vaping gods..........VAPE ON.....
juices i have vaped...
backwoodsbrew..casablanca,555,virginia
halo...torque56,prime15
vaperite..organic vr4,organic tobacco
you get the year warranty,and its a lot less then the provari.The chinese got this one right.
Everything i have vaped in 2 days is between 4.2-4.8v.adjust the juice to the flavor to the throat hit and bam your there singing praises to the vaping gods..........VAPE ON.....
I have only had mine for 2 days now but i would recommend it also! Hit and vapor are great!
Let me start by saying that this thing is fantastic. I use it all the time and it really does bring out the flavor in juices. However, there are a few minor issues with it.
If you end up getting the version that has the silver and red buttons, expect the color to start coming off of them relatively quickly. In later versions they stopped coloring the buttons. There's an issue with the vent hole on the battery cap. In many of them, the cap doesn't have a hole at the bottom of it or the hole isn't drilled all the way through. It's a hit or miss. It seems like the battery caps are made on their own assembly line, so you could wind up with the black button version (the "newer version") and still get a cap with no hole. Alternatively, you could get the color button version with a good cap. Lastly, many units have a 510 connector that is misaligned. You can't see it by looking, or even using short attys or cartos. But if you use something longer, like a Boge or a Kanger, you'll see that after you screw it on, it's lopsided. It's also noticeable if you use a tank mod. At first people thought it was a rare problem, but now that many people are getting them, we know that this is actually a common problem. That being said, this is a cosmetic issue. It doesn't hinder performance whatsoever, and really, it's only off by 2 or 3 degrees at the most.
All that being said, you shouldn't hesitate to get one.
If you end up getting the version that has the silver and red buttons, expect the color to start coming off of them relatively quickly. In later versions they stopped coloring the buttons. There's an issue with the vent hole on the battery cap. In many of them, the cap doesn't have a hole at the bottom of it or the hole isn't drilled all the way through. It's a hit or miss. It seems like the battery caps are made on their own assembly line, so you could wind up with the black button version (the "newer version") and still get a cap with no hole. Alternatively, you could get the color button version with a good cap. Lastly, many units have a 510 connector that is misaligned. You can't see it by looking, or even using short attys or cartos. But if you use something longer, like a Boge or a Kanger, you'll see that after you screw it on, it's lopsided. It's also noticeable if you use a tank mod. At first people thought it was a rare problem, but now that many people are getting them, we know that this is actually a common problem. That being said, this is a cosmetic issue. It doesn't hinder performance whatsoever, and really, it's only off by 2 or 3 degrees at the most.
All that being said, you shouldn't hesitate to get one.
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I just got mine yesterday, i was going to ask for help with the funds for a Provari as a christmas present, but then i heard about the Lavatube, and for $100??? so that i could handle, i googled the hell out of it and decided to just buy it for myself for Christmas 
I am loving it! I have been vaping with my 3.5ml clearomizer at 4.6v and all is good. Compared to the Provari the navigation is a breeze, dedicated buttons and all. It is not a shiny metal tube, but it is $160 cheaper I would absolutely recommend it. you should take a look at Vaporchase/Mindfield on EFC's youtube review of it I found it useful.
I am loving it! I have been vaping with my 3.5ml clearomizer at 4.6v and all is good. Compared to the Provari the navigation is a breeze, dedicated buttons and all. It is not a shiny metal tube, but it is $160 cheaper I would absolutely recommend it. you should take a look at Vaporchase/Mindfield on EFC's youtube review of it I found it useful.
Yeah, it definitely has some QC issues (as I talk about in my above-linked video), and my unit certainly had pretty well all of them. (Not the paint issue because mine is a later all-black model) However, the only real functionality issue I had with it was the un-drilled endcap. That's kind of a serious safety issue, even though the chances of actually needing it due to a catastrophic battery failure are quite slim. It's a problem that can be solved manually, provided you have a drill and a 1/32" or 1/16" drill bit (might need HSS bits, since you're drilling through metal), but it's one we shouldn't be solving for them.
QC and build issues aside though, it is functionally very similar to the ProVari at well under than half the cost, and what you lose in comparative functionality (no activation LED, no atomizer ohm check), build quality (thin aluminum and plastic vs. sturdy stainless steel throughout), and warranty (vendor-provided on the Knight Rider vs. 1 year from ProVape with a 2 year option available), you gain in ease of use (dedicated buttons for voltage +/-, dedicated power that also doubles as a battery check, dedicated activation button) and and extra functionality (will not error out if voltage is too high for resistance of atty/carto, but instead will automatically reduce voltage, though it's not reflected on the voltage display when it does). And even taking the build quality into account, at ~$100 it's kind of hard to say no, because even if at some point it does break, it's not nearly as painful to replace as a ProVari. Besides, when you factor in the price of a fixed-voltage mod like the Silver Bullet, Alpha, Omega, Saber Touch, etc. along with batteries, charger and the rest, it comes out to around the same as the KR/KT and you get the bonus of variable voltage.
So, bottom line: If you're a function-over-form sort of person, grab it.
QC and build issues aside though, it is functionally very similar to the ProVari at well under than half the cost, and what you lose in comparative functionality (no activation LED, no atomizer ohm check), build quality (thin aluminum and plastic vs. sturdy stainless steel throughout), and warranty (vendor-provided on the Knight Rider vs. 1 year from ProVape with a 2 year option available), you gain in ease of use (dedicated buttons for voltage +/-, dedicated power that also doubles as a battery check, dedicated activation button) and and extra functionality (will not error out if voltage is too high for resistance of atty/carto, but instead will automatically reduce voltage, though it's not reflected on the voltage display when it does). And even taking the build quality into account, at ~$100 it's kind of hard to say no, because even if at some point it does break, it's not nearly as painful to replace as a ProVari. Besides, when you factor in the price of a fixed-voltage mod like the Silver Bullet, Alpha, Omega, Saber Touch, etc. along with batteries, charger and the rest, it comes out to around the same as the KR/KT and you get the bonus of variable voltage.
So, bottom line: If you're a function-over-form sort of person, grab it.
I'm loving mine. It's solidly built, and with the new tank from canvape.com, I can go 2 days before I need to worry about refilling or needing a battery.
Definitely a solid PV, and worth the money. I have the colored button version, and all is well with it.
Definitely a solid PV, and worth the money. I have the colored button version, and all is well with it.
Well Said Mindfield.
I love my Lava Tube / Nomad, I've had it for about 6 weeks.
As for miss aligned connector, it's an easy fix, get a longer atty on it, gently move it until it's square. I put a little crazy glue around the connection, rock solid. I did this about a week ago, and it's holding up great, and a cheap fix.
This is V1 of the Lava Tube, it's sure to have a couple minor flaws, but if that's the worst thing, I can live with that. PS: I have the all black version.
I love my Lava Tube / Nomad, I've had it for about 6 weeks.
As for miss aligned connector, it's an easy fix, get a longer atty on it, gently move it until it's square. I put a little crazy glue around the connection, rock solid. I did this about a week ago, and it's holding up great, and a cheap fix.
This is V1 of the Lava Tube, it's sure to have a couple minor flaws, but if that's the worst thing, I can live with that. PS: I have the all black version.
Im posting this in all the lavatube threads,so if houve read it,move on to the next post:
This is MY opinion.....
I just received my lavatube today....first I thought as i took it out of the oackaging,wow this is pretty nice.
Then as I was inserting the battery,the plastic battery cap came RIGHT OFF the aluminum bottom piece that holds the spring.
My second thought...you get what you pay for,you can tell its a mass produced chinese mod...but with some superglue,i reattached the plastic bottom to the aluminum spring housing.
Ok then I tried to see if an AW 18650 battery would fit...neither the button topped one would fit,neither would the flat top AW 2900Mah...it would fit either battery...so I just slipped a black oring over the bottom cap to act as a spacer,and both AW 18650 batts then fit...and you cant even see the oring cuz everythings black.(I opted to use the 2900mah flat top for longer life)
Theni I threw on a jtank with a boge SR 3ohm carto...and started vaping away....except for the loose jiggly voltage control buttons,it seems like a pretty solid build.
I have to say that I REALLY like it,and its WAY lighter than the Provari...but its pretty long,with either an atty,carto,or tank,becuz it houses an 18650 battery.
If they were gonna copy the provari...they should of done the same bottom cap design...that if you want to use a bigger battery,you buy an extension battery cap(it woulda been more revenue for the company too by having an accessory to sell).
I prefer using my chrome provari in it 18500 mode cuz it shortens the overall length once youve put on a tank or whatever yer gonna use.
Ok now the provari...its DEFINITELY a better made PV...once you hold it in yer hand,youll feel the difference RIGHT AWAY.
Its made from SS instead of thinner Aluminum,so its gonna last ALOT longer most likely....BUT,because it SS it alot heavier,so it may not be the most pocket friendly PV....but the Lavatube tho being much lighter,its longer,so it may not be the BEST either...so both have their drawbacks to being a all day pocket carrying device...but thats personal preferance.
So all in all,the Lavatube IS worth the money...you cant beat $63 shipped for a VV tube mod,and under $90 shipped for the whole it(battery,atty,charger,case)
BUT,if you only want to buy ONE,the old saying rings true...."buy the best that you afford right from the start" cuz when you buy cheap,itll just end up making you want more...and even tho the provari makes you cycle thru the menu(which becomes second nature within yer first few uses),it offers more functions that the Lavatube doesnt...and the Provaris fit and finish is WAY better(like they say,and I said b4,you get what you pay for).
So,if you can afford it,I say stick with the tried and true provari(the lavatube is still too new to know its durability...if its like every other china cheapy,im sure itll break eventually,like a wires solder point breaking,or something similar).
Ya cant go wrong with the provari cuz you have any problems with it,you have somewhere to call,you can just send it in for repairs,I serioiusy doubt the lavatube would be worth fixing if it broke...its kinda along the mentality of,what do you do with yer 510/901/801/ego batts when they stop working? Ya toss em....thats pretty much how i feel about the lavatube(and im sure the manufacturers think that too,thats why itso pricing is right along the line of an ego kit,maybe a LIL more,but PRETTY much in the same price range)
I saw what the lavatubes sell for in bulk,about $35,so im sure you can get the idea of what the internals look like,and how sturdy theyre put together.
I WILL be keeping my lavatube,even tho I own a provari....cuz if I left the house,and I wanted a VV tube mod,id grab the lavatube without thinking twice about it cuz it was so.cheap,i could care less if I drop it or if it gets a lil beat up(or worse,I lost it or somebody stole it)..i would be ...... if anything happend to my provari.
So there it is...now the choice is up to you which one to buy.GLWP,youll be happy wither EITHER device...really.
This is MY opinion.....
I just received my lavatube today....first I thought as i took it out of the oackaging,wow this is pretty nice.
Then as I was inserting the battery,the plastic battery cap came RIGHT OFF the aluminum bottom piece that holds the spring.
My second thought...you get what you pay for,you can tell its a mass produced chinese mod...but with some superglue,i reattached the plastic bottom to the aluminum spring housing.
Ok then I tried to see if an AW 18650 battery would fit...neither the button topped one would fit,neither would the flat top AW 2900Mah...it would fit either battery...so I just slipped a black oring over the bottom cap to act as a spacer,and both AW 18650 batts then fit...and you cant even see the oring cuz everythings black.(I opted to use the 2900mah flat top for longer life)
Theni I threw on a jtank with a boge SR 3ohm carto...and started vaping away....except for the loose jiggly voltage control buttons,it seems like a pretty solid build.
I have to say that I REALLY like it,and its WAY lighter than the Provari...but its pretty long,with either an atty,carto,or tank,becuz it houses an 18650 battery.
If they were gonna copy the provari...they should of done the same bottom cap design...that if you want to use a bigger battery,you buy an extension battery cap(it woulda been more revenue for the company too by having an accessory to sell).
I prefer using my chrome provari in it 18500 mode cuz it shortens the overall length once youve put on a tank or whatever yer gonna use.
Ok now the provari...its DEFINITELY a better made PV...once you hold it in yer hand,youll feel the difference RIGHT AWAY.
Its made from SS instead of thinner Aluminum,so its gonna last ALOT longer most likely....BUT,because it SS it alot heavier,so it may not be the most pocket friendly PV....but the Lavatube tho being much lighter,its longer,so it may not be the BEST either...so both have their drawbacks to being a all day pocket carrying device...but thats personal preferance.
So all in all,the Lavatube IS worth the money...you cant beat $63 shipped for a VV tube mod,and under $90 shipped for the whole it(battery,atty,charger,case)
BUT,if you only want to buy ONE,the old saying rings true...."buy the best that you afford right from the start" cuz when you buy cheap,itll just end up making you want more...and even tho the provari makes you cycle thru the menu(which becomes second nature within yer first few uses),it offers more functions that the Lavatube doesnt...and the Provaris fit and finish is WAY better(like they say,and I said b4,you get what you pay for).
So,if you can afford it,I say stick with the tried and true provari(the lavatube is still too new to know its durability...if its like every other china cheapy,im sure itll break eventually,like a wires solder point breaking,or something similar).
Ya cant go wrong with the provari cuz you have any problems with it,you have somewhere to call,you can just send it in for repairs,I serioiusy doubt the lavatube would be worth fixing if it broke...its kinda along the mentality of,what do you do with yer 510/901/801/ego batts when they stop working? Ya toss em....thats pretty much how i feel about the lavatube(and im sure the manufacturers think that too,thats why itso pricing is right along the line of an ego kit,maybe a LIL more,but PRETTY much in the same price range)
I saw what the lavatubes sell for in bulk,about $35,so im sure you can get the idea of what the internals look like,and how sturdy theyre put together.
I WILL be keeping my lavatube,even tho I own a provari....cuz if I left the house,and I wanted a VV tube mod,id grab the lavatube without thinking twice about it cuz it was so.cheap,i could care less if I drop it or if it gets a lil beat up(or worse,I lost it or somebody stole it)..i would be ...... if anything happend to my provari.
So there it is...now the choice is up to you which one to buy.GLWP,youll be happy wither EITHER device...really.
Here's a quick question for you guys. Tonight I had to recharge my battery for the first time. Thing is though, I was under the impression that with these batteries, once the Lavatube detects that the battery isn't giving off enough juice for the set voltage, it shuts off indicating that you need to recharge. That wasn't really the case. I was hardly getting any vapor so I checked the power level (7 presses) and it said 3.5. From what I read, it's supposed to shut off around 3.3 (I vape at around 4.0-4.2). Once I put the second battery in, things went back to normal.
Is it possible this happened because I didn't charge the batteries out of the box? I just took one out and stuck it in there. I have no idea. If anyone knows, throw your 2 cents in.
Is it possible this happened because I didn't charge the batteries out of the box? I just took one out and stuck it in there. I have no idea. If anyone knows, throw your 2 cents in.
I havent bothered to run one right down to dead, but i will do this next time to see if it shuts off at 3.3. or starts to loose vapor before that.
If you didn't run it down to (almost) nothing and you were getting a good performance, why'd you switch it out? I'm curious cause before the Lavatube, I used my ego-t and I'd run it down to nothing every time. I did that cause I didn't usually lose performance until until the last 2 or 3 vapes. I have no experience with these types of batteries.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the batteries are fine. It's just I've been reading everyone touting that you always get the same performance out of these things until it can't generate it anymore and shuts down. Since this wasn't my experience, I'm just curious.
Do the AW IMR have a protection circuit? If not +/- variance in the accuracy of the meter built into the device could be the answer. I have some unprotected 16340's that drop voltage before the protection built-in to my device kicks in. Because they are stacked one battery will test at 3.3, / 4 and the other will test 3.1, / 2the protected trustfires just shut off. I have no experience with the IMR but they are supposed to be a safer chemistry and this is my first thought. I guess its as much of a question as an answer. And yes the designer of my specific mod recommends and sells the unprotected batteries
The reason I swap it out long before it needs to is that LiIon batteries love being charged. The less you let them run down, the longer they last overall. Conversely, the more you drain them before charging, the shorter their lifespan will be. I recall seeing a graph by Andrew Wong (The AW in AW IMR 18650) that the lifespan of LiIon batteries is logarithmically related to the depth of discharge before charging, so letting it run down will reduce its life, and charging when you're only down to, say, 3.6-3.8V will extend its lifespan, and recharging at 4V will extend it even further. Of course, nobody is going to charge it after an hour or two of use, so the idea is to pick a good middle ground of where you let it run down to before you swap out and charge. For me, I usually let it drain to 3.7-3.8 before I swap out.
Also, AW IMRs do not have a protection circuit. However, that's another point with these types of batteries. All batteries have a voltage curve that shows how well they can hold the voltage output as they drain. The more level the voltage it can maintain throughout discharge, the better its performance will be until it gets low on juice. AW IMRs are designed to be able to hold a very level output throughout most of its battery life. It tends to have great performance throughout the vast majority of its discharge cycle, and then very suddenly starts dropping off near the end, around 3.3-3.5V. The TrustFire flamejackets drop off before that point, but still have a pretty good curve. UltraFires are less so, and most others are pretty poor, starting to drop off only a few tenths of a volt from full.
Also, AW IMRs do not have a protection circuit. However, that's another point with these types of batteries. All batteries have a voltage curve that shows how well they can hold the voltage output as they drain. The more level the voltage it can maintain throughout discharge, the better its performance will be until it gets low on juice. AW IMRs are designed to be able to hold a very level output throughout most of its battery life. It tends to have great performance throughout the vast majority of its discharge cycle, and then very suddenly starts dropping off near the end, around 3.3-3.5V. The TrustFire flamejackets drop off before that point, but still have a pretty good curve. UltraFires are less so, and most others are pretty poor, starting to drop off only a few tenths of a volt from full.
I've had mine for a few days now, but something I realized right away is that I don't have very many regular resistance attys and cartos! So far all I've been able to try with it is the atty it came with, a 510 mega atty that had been quite used, and the kanger horizontal coil (which is 2ohm, so technically it's LR I guess). None of them so far have been SUPER different, but I don't think I'm the right person to give it a review at this point. I guess I'll have to go pick up some 3ohm cartos and atties this week so I can properly give this thing a whirl.
Ya i just always swap out batteries in the morning, to make sure i have a fresh charge, but Mindfield definitely laid down the battery law there
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