Looking for alternative PV's

[Stevowns]

So I've been vaping for a solid 6-7 months now with Puresmoker's Prodigy V3.1. I've tried everything from LR/SR Atties and Cartos on my 3.7v set up. I realized I could never find a sweet spot for myself as it's either too harsh or not enough vapor. I'm aware that with the 3.7v set up, it's hard to get that rich thick vapor unless I use a LR atty or carto but found out it's sometimes too harsh and peppery? (I can't explain it but it's super harsh and almost feels like I inhaled ground pepper) for my tastes. I've experimented with the types of juices mainly from sweet-vapes since I can choose the amount of PG and VG, and found that using higher VG juices keeps the harshness down, and vapor production up. Inevitably, I've spent a quite a lot of money just experimenting which I am sure many of us on the boards have done so themselves.

Recently, Puresmoker stopped selling their 6v set ups which is the voltage I wanted to try out. I'm tried of spending more and more money trying to figure out what gets the most vapor and keeps the harshness (I'm not much of a throat hit guy, I like some, but not so much that my throat is burning). I prefer having a lot of vapor, and good flavor over throat hit. I also was looking for a way to minimize constantly filling/cleaning cartos and atties. I've looked into bottom feeders like the Reo and liked the idea but want some input before I spend any more money. Can you guys lead me in the right direction for the things I'm looking for?

1. Ease of use and throat hit adjustability. I find myself always fidgeting around with cartos and atties to find my balance in throat hit and vapor production. If anything, I'd want a lot of vapor and flavor over throat hit.
2. Something that doesn't need to be constantly filled or cleaned or fiddled around with (I'm always filling cartos, or dripping atties, blowing in them and it just creates a big mess of napkins and juice all over)
3. I don't mind what shape it is, I just want a PV that works well at home. I'll have my Prodigy v3.1 for trips outside my house.
4. Price, pretty flexible, again, I'm mainly looking for the best possible PV that fits my needs.

Thanks!

 

[MickeyRat]

Unfortunately, vaping isn't smoking. So, you may always have to do a little fiddling. On thing I'll suggest before you jump off into spending money on mods is to get an adapter and give 901/808s a try. I can't speak to the 808 style cartos. I'd pretty much switched to attys only before I tried 901s and 901s do provide a cooler vape. Avid Vapor has a good stealth adapter. The only problem with 901s is they leak. A drip shield helps a lot. I've tried the ones from Avid Vapor (works well), Empire Mods (works well), and Liberty Flights (covers the vent hole and makes for a really tight vape).

You have to really not care about how it looks to go this route but, a DOD provides a convenient way to drip without looking and the distance it puts between you an the atomizer makes for a cooler vape. On a 901 don't expect it to autofeed properly.

Those are 2 relatively inexpensive options to try. If you have tried varying resistance, you get a similar experience from VV it's just more tunable. So, if that sounds like it's what you need. The Madvapes VV box is the cheapest. The smoketek varicool is a little more expensive but, the switching regulator will give you better battery life.

As for what I use, out and about I use a Reo mini (3.7V) with a 1.8 ohm 901. At home it's a buzz pro with a standard resistance 901 and a DOD.

 

[Levitas]

Well, I'd like to give you the name to the perfect PV to fit your requests, only I cannot, it's subjective.

First off, what nic-strength are you using in your juices? You mentioned something of a 'peppery' taste in your juices, this could very well be the nicotine itself (as it has a distinctive peppery taste, especially noticeable at higher nic-strengths).

It sounds like you wish for convenience and flexibility? If I were to make a recommendation based off of what I've personally tried, I would suggest a variable voltage device with perhaps a carto-tank. Unfortunately, you're always going to have some sort of mess, even a little, when it comes to vaping. A quid pro quo sacrifice for a healthier way to enjoy nicotine (I love oxymorons).

Many can come into the thread and suggest their favorite setups and juices, but only with good research and a solid resolve will you find what works for you.

(Post Script - got ninja'd by the Zappa lovin' rat )

 

[tj99959]

All a mod does is supply the voltage. You can get a VV or VW mod so that you can adjust the voltage, but it is still just suppling voltage. There are two more elements to the equation, atty/carto and the juice you are using. Changing any one of the three components changes the vaping experence.
So the bottom line is that you can try different mods until the cows come home and the chickens go to roost, but if you don't understand how to set them up with the right atty/carto, and the right juice you will still not get the best vape.

 

[Stevowns]

Thanks for the reply guys, I'm gonna look into some mods that some of you've suggested like the VariCool, which sounds nifty to me. The VV style mods do sound intriguing, what are some more mods that have that? I've seen the Provari V2 but is way over my budget. The VariCool Mickey suggested sounds like a suitable mod as well.

What are you guy's take on bottom feeder mods? From what I've researched so far, it seems like the way to go for hassle free vaping, for a perfect vape session every time since you're vaping directly from the bottle itself.

 

[tj99959]

for a perfect vape session every time since you're vaping directly from the bottle itself.

Only if you have the proper resistance atty/carto for the voltage being used.

 

[StotheK]

Could go with a lavatube and a carto tank. There is of course some fiddling with a tank, but depending on your use, it might not be more than once a day. You might also want to think about an e-liquid with a higher VG content since that will produce more vapor but less throat hit.

 

[MickeyRat]

Thanks for the reply guys, I'm gonna look into some mods that some of you've suggested like the VariCool, which sounds nifty to me. The VV style mods do sound intriguing, what are some more mods that have that? I've seen the Provari V2 but is way over my budget. The VariCool Mickey suggested sounds like a suitable mod as well.

What are you guy's take on bottom feeder mods? From what I've researched so far, it seems like the way to go for hassle free vaping, for a perfect vape session every time since you're vaping directly from the bottle itself.

The Buzz Pro or the Infinity from notcigs are very popular. More expensive than the Smoketek but, less expensive than the Provari. If you don't plan on using DC cartos, a lavatube might work for you. They are comparatively inexpensive.

The really good bottom feeders may be a little pricey for you. Search in the suppliers forum for Old Goat Mods. Those are about the cheapest. People seem to like them. I'm not sure how durable they are. The Vapage and Revolution V2 are next up. I have a Revolution V2. It works but, I'm not crazy about it. The Vapage seems to have a larger following. I can't claim to know a lot about it.

After that, you get into the Reos, GLVs and numerous wooden box mods. Those get pricey in a hurry. I have a Reo mini and whenever they come out, I'm planning to try to acquire one of the VVs. I fear I have a better chance of getting big foot's autograph than getting in on that first run but, I'm gonna try.

A couple things to consider when getting a bottom feeder. Some have siphon tubes in the bottle and you have to feed upright. Some have no siphon tube and you have to tilt it down to feed. If that makes a difference to you, make sure you get what you want. Somebody like Old Goat can probably do it either way. If you intend to use adapters, a lot of bottom feeders have a tube that goes into the atomizer a bit. You probably won't be able to use an adapter on one of those. So, if that's important to you ask.

You can find out about more VVs in the Variable Voltage Mods Discussion on this site. For bottom feeders and other feeder type mods, check out Liquid Feed Mods Discussion on this site.

 

[Stevowns]

The Buzz Pro or the Infinity from notcigs are very popular. More expensive than the Smoketek but, less expensive than the Provari. If you don't plan on using DC cartos, a lavatube might work for you. They are comparatively inexpensive.

The really good bottom feeders may be a little pricey for you. Search in the suppliers forum for Old Goat Mods. Those are about the cheapest. People seem to like them. I'm not sure how durable they are. The Vapage and Revolution V2 are next up. I have a Revolution V2. It works but, I'm not crazy about it. The Vapage seems to have a larger following. I can't claim to know a lot about it.

After that, you get into the Reos, GLVs and numerous wooden box mods. Those get pricey in a hurry. I have a Reo mini and whenever they come out, I'm planning to try to acquire one of the VVs. I fear I have a better chance of getting big foot's autograph than getting in on that first run but, I'm gonna try.

A couple things to consider when getting a bottom feeder. Some have siphon tubes in the bottle and you have to feed upright. Some have no siphon tube and you have to tilt it down to feed. If that makes a difference to you, make sure you get what you want. Somebody like Old Goat can probably do it either way. If you intend to use adapters, a lot of bottom feeders have a tube that goes into the atomizer a bit. You probably won't be able to use an adapter on one of those. So, if that's important to you ask.

You can find out about more VVs in the Variable Voltage Mods Discussion on this site. For bottom feeders and other feeder type mods, check out Liquid Feed Mods Discussion on this site.

Thanks for your informative replies, I'm learning a lot and pretty much narrowed it down to getting a VV mod with a tank. I realized the bottom feeders are still static volts and I like the idea of being able to change the voltage to my taste (based on the e-liquid and the resistance on the cartos and atties). I've always steered away from tank mods since I've researched that you need to puncture holes yourself and all that. Is there a website that offers a "ready to run" version of a tank carto where I can just buy pre-punctured/pre-made cartos to just use with the tank? I want to be able to just order it, slap it on, and vape away per se.

 

[MickeyRat]

Thanks for your informative replies, I'm learning a lot and pretty much narrowed it down to getting a VV mod with a tank. I realized the bottom feeders are still static volts and I like the idea of being able to change the voltage to my taste (based on the e-liquid and the resistance on the cartos and atties). I've always steered away from tank mods since I've researched that you need to puncture holes yourself and all that. Is there a website that offers a "ready to run" version of a tank carto where I can just buy pre-punctured/pre-made cartos to just use with the tank? I want to be able to just order it, slap it on, and vape away per se.

I use straight attys. So, not a great deal of experience with tanks though i did make one from a syringe once to try it out. I saw pre-punched cartos at madvapes a few days ago, I'm certain they are available other places.

 

[tj99959]

Almost everyone has prepunched cartos these days, you should have no problem finding them. I punch my own only because I see no need to pay someone to do it for me.

 

[wv2win]

Thanks for the reply guys, I'm gonna look into some mods that some of you've suggested like the VariCool, which sounds nifty to me. The VV style mods do sound intriguing, what are some more mods that have that? I've seen the Provari V2 but is way over my budget. The VariCool Mickey suggested sounds like a suitable mod as well.

What are you guy's take on bottom feeder mods? From what I've researched so far, it seems like the way to go for hassle free vaping, for a perfect vape session every time since you're vaping directly from the bottle itself.

All a mod does is supply the voltage. You can get a VV or VW mod so that you can adjust the voltage, but it is still just suppling voltage. There are two more elements to the equation, atty/carto and the juice you are using. Changing any one of the three components changes the vaping experence.
So the bottom line is that you can try different mods until the cows come home and the chickens go to roost, but if you don't understand how to set them up with the right atty/carto, and the right juice you will still not get the best vape.

Could go with a lavatube and a carto tank. There is of course some fiddling with a tank, but depending on your use, it might not be more than once a day. You might also want to think about an e-liquid with a higher VG content since that will produce more vapor but less throat hit.

I think a few are selling short the advantages to a variable volt or watt model. If it is a good model, it will give you much more flexiblity. First you won't have to depend on LR atts/cartos to get warm vapor and a good throat hit without the harshness. Plus, LR's just don't hold up as well before providing a harsh hit.

And saying that "all a mod does is supply voltage" is not accurate or complete. A good mod also has features such as being regulated and/or having circuitry that keeps the power level consistent and eliminates battery drain. These features can go a long way to making your vaping experience much better. It's too bad that a few fail to mention these additional features that many of us have found to be quite helpful.

I am not a fan of the Lavatube because there are a number of cartos that you can't use on it because it will drop the voltage down to 3.2 volts which defeats the purpose. I would suggest you look at the Darwin, Provari, EVO or a good regulated box mod from Ken's Box Mods. You will find a significant upgrade in performance.

Good Luck

 

[Dana A]

Stevowns, That peppery feeling is your nic being too high. The same thing almost made me quit vaping. I cut my liquids down a little vith VG and they were fine. I was also able to bring them slowly(a few drops of my previous strength each few days) back up and get it back to where I wanted it to be. Something about going up gradually seemed to do the trick. Good luck.

 

[Levitas]

I think a few are selling short the advantages to a variable volt or watt model.

And saying that "all a mod does is supply voltage" is not accurate or complete.

It's too bad that a few fail to mention these additional features that many of us have found to be quite helpful.

Wow, what is this guy's problem?

Does your 'advice' require knocking down others' posts and responses?

Must you be so condescending with your post to get the point across?

You argue that the a mod is so much more than just a battery? Well, perhaps it is... to you. To others who care not for the additional features, (which by the way have nothing to do with how your juice will actually vape), it may just be that the mod is merely a battery... so what?

The OP appreciated the advice given, and rest assured, he is aware of variable voltage... in fact, it would appear that he is already investigating VV further. So, how about coming off the high horse for a while and join the crowd of humble peasants.

 

[harleydiva]

I have been experiencing much of the same, and am looking at a VV setup. The Provari sounds great, but I just don't have the funds for that right now. I'm looking seriously at either the Buzz Pro ECF, or Infinity Pro from notcigs.com. I have done a lot of research, read reviews, and watched the video reviews.....seems like they are a really good solution at a reasonable price.

 

[Coffee Addict]

Might I suggest going over to the REO's forum. He is coming out with a vv, bottom feeder.
It is the best of all the vaping in one mod. Take a look at their forum, I'm sure you will find your answer there

 

[MickeyRat]

Might I suggest going over to the REO's forum. He is coming out with a vv, bottom feeder.
It is the best of all the vaping in one mod. Take a look at their forum, I'm sure you will find your answer there

That's the one I'm waiting for. It's been coming for a while though. I'm also pretty sure it'll be around $200 and I suspect that's outside the OP's price range. It's also going to be hard to get for quite some time.

 

[acolyte357]

IMHO I would get a LavaTube or other branded VV tube, and a carto tank. They do sell pre-punched cartos, but you can get a "saddle valve" from your local hardware store cheaply and punch them yourself very quickly.

I would recommend, if you go down this route, cutting one of the rubber covers you get off a new carto to match the length of the hole you want punched. Makes the new tanked carto process very fast and easy.

 

[Stevowns]

Well, I might just wait a couple more weeks and save up for a Provari V2. It seems like it has everything I need to adjust to my liking. The Reo VV sounds cool but just the sheer fact that it's exclusive and hard to come by even when it comes out doesn't settle too well with me. I might just add a tank mod to the provari and call it a day. I've ruled out the Darwin for the same reason as the Reo's that it's also hard to come by.

I've read somewhere that tank mods take out a lot of the flavor out of the cartos, is this true? Flavor is one of the things I don't want to sacrifice ...

 

[ukeman]

You can't go wrong with a good high end VV ... that said, you don't have to have one to get a great and/or better tape than what you are experiencing... I feel your pain. I've been fiddling and fussing for over a year, and that's with many a high end VV at that!
Sounds like I'm contradicting but this is why; a high end VV will take you where you want to go on the power supply side of the equation. It can and will do it with precision and variability.
I spent over a year with a couple Provari's (not to mention other VV's too) and with the built-in meter functions, I learned a hell of a lot about matching resistance with voltage, and different atomizer types.
Because of that I am skilled at matching a fixed voltage device to a certain atomizer (or carto) to get just as good a vape as I would on my VV at that voltage.
Still you can't go wrong with a high end PV because as those atomizers age, I find I can up the power even just slightly to improve on a slightly tired atty.

So all I'm saying is that you may need to look in the atomizer types end of things too... have you tried an HH357 atomizer? Get a 1.5 LR for your 3.7 mod and hold on to your hat. (imo an i06 is a very good atomizer indeed... get an LR). The HH357 (not to mention some of the rebuildables +$$$+ ) brought me to a whole new level of appreciation of the sport of vaping!
btw the HH 1.5 LR does not vape like a conventional 1.5... it is not too hot, but flavor and vapor production is incredible. But beware it's a $22 atomizer and disposable... it will ruin you for anything else.