Looking for a new high end VV mod, suggestions?
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mine will be here tomorrow 
Hmmm, if you're going to fix your Provari, what you might want to invest in is a really good RBA. I have an EHPro KFL+ I love. I heard the V2 is even better.
Now I'm still at the swearing and cursing like a sailor when putting coils on it, but ... I have 28 ga kanthal and cotton for at least a decade now. Tastes great, too. Never had an issue with leaking or other issues and I'm using 'tankbusters' in the poly tank. Don't know if I'll ever put any of my protanks on my new Provari it works so well with the Kayfun.
So if you're looking for something while BFD (Beyond Fine Dialtone) I highly recommend something that's easy to build with just kanthal and cotton.
Now I'm still at the swearing and cursing like a sailor when putting coils on it, but ... I have 28 ga kanthal and cotton for at least a decade now. Tastes great, too. Never had an issue with leaking or other issues and I'm using 'tankbusters' in the poly tank. Don't know if I'll ever put any of my protanks on my new Provari it works so well with the Kayfun.
So if you're looking for something while BFD (Beyond Fine Dialtone) I highly recommend something that's easy to build with just kanthal and cotton.
Yep was talking to guy at local Vape shop today about that. Been in this 2 months and I'm ready for a Kayfun
Baditude I couldn't even get my old genesis clone RBA to work.. lol. I really don't see myself investing any more time or money into another RBA. I just watched a how-to setup video for the kayfun, and even though it doesn't use the SS Mesh wick like the genesis clone did, I just don't know if I can get my coils right around that wick. I've got big clunky hands that are good for typing and using my WACOM drawing tablet and that's about it.
Ok, this is from a total newb here. The Kayfun is annoying to build for one reason ... trying to get the coil leads under the .... screws. Can you tell I'm still irritated after fighting with it for a few hours this afternoon? However, if you coil with 28 gauge and use cotton, it's relatively little pain for what everyone says can be a month or more of heavy vaping.
I use the Artistic Wire Gizmo (real name here. Available on Amazon. Middle mandrel, 8-9 wraps) and then install the coil while holding onto it with a screwdriver through the middle so it doesn't get all bent out of shape when I'm trying to get it to stay put while screwing down the leads. Other than that, I pretty much follow what PBusardo does in his video. Other than making the screw terminals look easy, it really does go together that quick. There's not much to it, unlike the Genesis. And if you want to change juice, pull the wick apart, rinse it out, burn the coil to make sure it's clean, rewick with new cotton, add juice and you're good to go.
So, even 2-3 hours worth of swearing and cursing for a month or more? Yeah, I'll put up with that tradeoff. I looked at how the Genesis needs to be built and said, "No way. I'm not even going to try unless someone gives me one for free. Too much hassle." Might get a Fogger at some point, but maybe not. But the Kayfun is wonderful with the Provari and from what I've seen, probably the easiest RBA out there.
I use the Artistic Wire Gizmo (real name here. Available on Amazon. Middle mandrel, 8-9 wraps) and then install the coil while holding onto it with a screwdriver through the middle so it doesn't get all bent out of shape when I'm trying to get it to stay put while screwing down the leads. Other than that, I pretty much follow what PBusardo does in his video. Other than making the screw terminals look easy, it really does go together that quick. There's not much to it, unlike the Genesis. And if you want to change juice, pull the wick apart, rinse it out, burn the coil to make sure it's clean, rewick with new cotton, add juice and you're good to go.
So, even 2-3 hours worth of swearing and cursing for a month or more? Yeah, I'll put up with that tradeoff. I looked at how the Genesis needs to be built and said, "No way. I'm not even going to try unless someone gives me one for free. Too much hassle." Might get a Fogger at some point, but maybe not. But the Kayfun is wonderful with the Provari and from what I've seen, probably the easiest RBA out there.
I'm watching PBusardo's reviewing of the Kayfun Lite and the Russian 91% RBAs now.
This is the video I just finished watching involving the two, A PBusardo Review- Kayfun Lite & The Russian 91% - YouTube
I really don't see myself going through that trouble. I don't like to sound cheap when it comes to vaping hardware, but also there is absolutely no way I'd spend that kind of money (on either) knowing more than likely I'll just get frustrated and give up trying to get my wire and cotton in order. I'm sure there are cheaper clones out there, but according to the video both of those I listed run about $100 each which is just to much for something I'll be doing nothing but experimenting with, HOPING to get working properly before I blow a fuse in my own head LOL.
This is the video I just finished watching involving the two, A PBusardo Review- Kayfun Lite & The Russian 91% - YouTube
I really don't see myself going through that trouble. I don't like to sound cheap when it comes to vaping hardware, but also there is absolutely no way I'd spend that kind of money (on either) knowing more than likely I'll just get frustrated and give up trying to get my wire and cotton in order. I'm sure there are cheaper clones out there, but according to the video both of those I listed run about $100 each which is just to much for something I'll be doing nothing but experimenting with, HOPING to get working properly before I blow a fuse in my own head LOL.
I looked up that artistic wire gizmo on amazon. Would definitely help in this process.
The only remaining problem after that is I have no way to torch the wire. From the vid I posted it seems definitely necessary to keep the coils together, but I don't even know where to get a torch like that, not to mention both the torch and wire gizmo are additional costs for something I still doubt my abilities to build in the first place.
I found this video for building the kayfun which, to me, seems extremely different, and possibly a bit easier, it doesn't require the use of cotton or torching your wire, it uses the silica wick that's included. The problem I have with that is PBusardo's method, just on camera, seems a lot better in vapor production...lol
http://youtu.be/6gILTYlN098
The only remaining problem after that is I have no way to torch the wire. From the vid I posted it seems definitely necessary to keep the coils together, but I don't even know where to get a torch like that, not to mention both the torch and wire gizmo are additional costs for something I still doubt my abilities to build in the first place.
I found this video for building the kayfun which, to me, seems extremely different, and possibly a bit easier, it doesn't require the use of cotton or torching your wire, it uses the silica wick that's included. The problem I have with that is PBusardo's method, just on camera, seems a lot better in vapor production...lol
http://youtu.be/6gILTYlN098
Wrapping atomizer coils is about the easiest thing to do.
Torch? You can buy one at any home depot, Lowe's, hardware store or most any general store in the country. Including Texas.
It does not have to be the small Butane style. It can be one that plumber use to solder water pipes together with.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-TS3000KC-Self-Igniting-Torch-Kit-336626/203368720
Cotton? CVS or other drug store.
No need to buy an authentic Kayfun. You can get a good, "EHPro", Clone at a ton of on line vape shops for between $30 - $40 (just skip the Dual Air inlet models) (I have 6 of them).
Kanthal? Temco
Kanthal Wire 28 Gauge RW0118 - 100 Ft 0.61oz Series A-1 Resistance AWG
100' will last you a lifetime+++
Then you can make something like this to do the wrapping.
Then you end up with something like this.
Torch? You can buy one at any home depot, Lowe's, hardware store or most any general store in the country. Including Texas.
It does not have to be the small Butane style. It can be one that plumber use to solder water pipes together with.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-TS3000KC-Self-Igniting-Torch-Kit-336626/203368720
Cotton? CVS or other drug store.
No need to buy an authentic Kayfun. You can get a good, "EHPro", Clone at a ton of on line vape shops for between $30 - $40 (just skip the Dual Air inlet models) (I have 6 of them).
Kanthal? Temco
Kanthal Wire 28 Gauge RW0118 - 100 Ft 0.61oz Series A-1 Resistance AWG
100' will last you a lifetime+++
Then you can make something like this to do the wrapping.
Then you end up with something like this.
No need for a torch. Especially if you use that little gizmo. It's really, really easy to make nice tight coils with it. Then I use a 2.5 mm to hold on to the coil so I don't pull or squash tit out of shape, works great. If you need to push it together a little bit, just get it hot with your mod after you mount the coil and squash it with a pair of needlenose. I don't think I did at all on the one I have on in my Kayfun right now, come to think of it. Between the gizmo and the screwdriver it never got mangled. Some of the ones I did looked more like a rats nest than a coil by the time I got done.
Although I had used a torch on a few I'd done earlier. A cheapie cigar/torch lighter that I picked up at Wallyworld that also has a little blade and a corkscrew on it.
But if you get a full spool, I think it's like $7, trust me, you'll be able to practice lots. That's what got me through this one. When it got too cranky, I just tossed that coil and built another one.
And yeah, you can make some serious clouds with a Kayfun and a Provari. Maybe not competition big, but sure better than with the little coils on the protanks. Never tried a carto other than my 510 atty though, so I can't say a lot there. I just use it for dripping.
I mean it's certainly up to you. One of the biggest things that's held me back from getting a carto though is having to replace those things. The rebuildable ones are quite expensive and very small. My eyesight sucks at this point and is getting worse as I age.
Although I had used a torch on a few I'd done earlier. A cheapie cigar/torch lighter that I picked up at Wallyworld that also has a little blade and a corkscrew on it.
But if you get a full spool, I think it's like $7, trust me, you'll be able to practice lots. That's what got me through this one. When it got too cranky, I just tossed that coil and built another one. And yeah, you can make some serious clouds with a Kayfun and a Provari. Maybe not competition big, but sure better than with the little coils on the protanks. Never tried a carto other than my 510 atty though, so I can't say a lot there. I just use it for dripping.
I mean it's certainly up to you. One of the biggest things that's held me back from getting a carto though is having to replace those things. The rebuildable ones are quite expensive and very small. My eyesight sucks at this point and is getting worse as I age.
My first rebuildable was a Genesis-style AGA-T2. Yeah, you're right. Those are a PITA, especially as a first RBA for a novice. I gave it a fair shot for at least a couple of months. Loved it when it worked right, hated it when it didn't. Mostly hated it. I know there are people who swear by them but this vaper is not one of them. I went back to my trusty cartotanks and never went back.
Long story short, I was gifted an authentic KFL+ a couple of months ago. I set it up using this video.
Aside from a couple of user error leaking issues, this thing has been like I said before "a cartotank on steroids". Ten times easier than the Genesis-style. It doesn't leak when not kept upright like the AGA-T, and I don't have to do the Genny tilt to get it to wick because it uses negative pressure just like a cartotank. I can use the KFL anywhere, not like the AGA-T which could only be used at home.
I've been using the same 1.3 ohm microcoil in the KFL for about 6 weeks on my Provari; I just dry burn it every time I rewick the cotton wick. A year's supply of organic cotton is only $3. Rewicking only takes a few minutes every few days. Rebuilding a coil maybe 10 minutes or less. Nearly as easy as a cartotank.
Don't let your bad experience with the Genesis-style RBA keep you from enjoying a Kayfun-style RBA. They are night & day different. You don't need to spend $100 on a genuine KFL, there are clones available for 1/3 that price.
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You can print out a Priority Mail shipping label to send in your Provari from the USPS website. Your mail carrier should be able to pick up the package from your mailbox.
Harbor Freight sells an $8 micro torch that uses Ronson or Zippo butane fuel available in my local Kroger grocery store at the checkout for about $3. Mine works great for annealing micro coils. It has a piezo auto fire button that allows you to hold the coil in a pair of pliers, pick up the torch with the other hand, and click to ignite. It's an amazingly convenient and user friendly torch. Amazon has the same or similar items.
Provape will send it back to you USPS Priority mail, and you can send it the same way. Of course, depending on your postal security situation you might want to carry it in to the post office and ask Provape to mark the return "hold for pickup". That way no one can steal your package out of the mail box.
I'm thinking that they may repair the board for $25. Those LCD display modules sell for about $5 from Digikey, considerably less when purchased in quantity.
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super_X_drifter made this very helpful video showing how to use the Artistic Wire Coiling Gizmo(R) Deluxe .
That's like saying your going to continue to ride a bicycle to work because your not good at driving a vehicle.
I had a LONG reply typed out where I'd found everything I'd need for the kayfun on amazon.
but my phone messed up and Tapatalk closed so I lost the entire thing lol
With my next check I'd already decided to give the Aerotank Mega, and the Nautilus both a try, and if I've got the $ after bills I decided before bed that I'll just spring for a new Provari.
Baditude, you have to replace your cotton every few days?! That could be a real game changer for me personally. Regardless of how quickly I may be able to rewick it after plenty of practice, I think I'd eventually grow tired of doing it that often (if that's the case).
but my phone messed up and Tapatalk closed so I lost the entire thing lol
With my next check I'd already decided to give the Aerotank Mega, and the Nautilus both a try, and if I've got the $ after bills I decided before bed that I'll just spring for a new Provari.
Baditude, you have to replace your cotton every few days?! That could be a real game changer for me personally. Regardless of how quickly I may be able to rewick it after plenty of practice, I think I'd eventually grow tired of doing it that often (if that's the case).
It's faster and easier to rewick than it is to clean a tank. Even as a complete newb I can do it in a couple of minutes.
Lets see, pull old wick apart and out of the coil. Rinse the whole thing. Dry it. Dry burn the coil. Pull the cotton ball apart (finding the end is actually the longest part of this whole process for me at this point). Twist the end so I can get it through the coil. Pull it through the coil. Cut it to a reasonable length. Put the chimney on over the wick. Cut the wick to the final length. Stuff it down into the holes. Wet with new juice. Fire and make sure it's good. All done.
Eventually it'll probably take me about the same length of time it took to open a new pack of cigarettes and far less time than starting a new bowl of pipe tobacco.
Actually, the ease of changing juice is one of the things I love about it. My protanks are a PITA. I have to soak the heads in alcohol and even then, some flavors just don't seem to want to go away.
Lets see, pull old wick apart and out of the coil. Rinse the whole thing. Dry it. Dry burn the coil. Pull the cotton ball apart (finding the end is actually the longest part of this whole process for me at this point). Twist the end so I can get it through the coil. Pull it through the coil. Cut it to a reasonable length. Put the chimney on over the wick. Cut the wick to the final length. Stuff it down into the holes. Wet with new juice. Fire and make sure it's good. All done.
Eventually it'll probably take me about the same length of time it took to open a new pack of cigarettes and far less time than starting a new bowl of pipe tobacco.
Actually, the ease of changing juice is one of the things I love about it. My protanks are a PITA. I have to soak the heads in alcohol and even then, some flavors just don't seem to want to go away.
Well you have a (half)provari, a vamo2 and a lavatube2, and you have enough experience vaping, so I'd say it's time to get a mech with enough room for your regular 18650 batteries and a kick.
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