Looks like the ProVari may have a rival.

[AnsonJames]

Only $99. At almost half the price as a Provari I would buy it. The best backup for a Provari might be another Provari as someone stated, but some people can't afford a back-up Provari, let alone any Provari, so this is a great option for those who would like all the features of a Provari at a fraction of the cost. I have been very happy with my SS Vmax which looks a lot like this but thinner.

Not really a fraction of the cost, you can get a bemished ProVari for $40 more - I'd assume anyone buying this mod as a base unit would already have a Trustfire charger - still only $40 for the ProVari.

I would have saved a fortune (and a ton of hassle) if I had bought my ProVari sooner.
buy cheap tires for your car and you'll have to replace them three times as often as the expensive tires.

 

[C Heise]

The biggest things for me when considering a new device are - Functionality, build quality, size, reliability, looks, versatility and value. Do I think this would be as good as a ProVari? No, it doesn't have to be, it's half the money. A majority of people are looking for value for their dollar otherwise Walmart wouldn't be the largest retailer in America. Most people don't care where it's made as long as it's made well. As long as it functions well and holds up, it will be enough to sway more than a few people towards it. Would I buy it? No, the size alone is enough to kill the deal for me.

 

[Harplayr]

The biggest things for me when considering a new device are - Functionality, build quality, size, reliability, looks, versatility and value. Do I think this would be as good as a ProVari? No, it doesn't have to be, it's half the money. A majority of people are looking for value for their dollar otherwise Walmart wouldn't be the largest retailer in America. Most people don't care where it's made as long as it's made well. As long as it functions well and holds up, it will be enough to sway more than a few people towards it. Would I buy it? No, the size alone is enough to kill the deal for me.

Good point.

The size alone prevents me from buying any of these. If it doesn't feel comfortable in my pocket, I'm not going to carry it around so it's useless to me.

For those that don't mind the bulk, this could be a great bargain, or it could be a dud. It's hard to know if it's worth it going by just a feature sheet. It will be interesting to see some in depth honest reviews of this.

 

[Craktskull]

Here I go again......can't believe I'm even talking about this after the last time. I got my ... tore up after mentioning this.
I bought 5 of these 3 weeks ago, I think. Got them in the mail about 7 days later. (They're beautiful) Played with one for about 48 hours and loved it, but had already sold them to my friends to cover costs and had to give it up.

Besides, I'm just not that technically into it yet. I have about 8 or 10 eGo's of various models: 650's, 900's, 1100's and various passthroughs and vv's. I also have a Lavatube which I like for now. I typically use 510 atty's, clearomizers (CE4/5/6) and numerous tanks: Vivi Nova's, DCT's, and some other models no one would recognize.

I had 3 choices from the Philippines: Buy from the U.S. (which I surely would have done), buy locally, or buy from the source in China. The ONLY U.S. mfg I know of is Provari. Great product, U.S. made, but c'mon?....$279? Any other reseller in the U.S. buys their stuff from China anyway. Filipino resellers ALSO buy their stuff from China. SO.....realistically, my choices were pay for Provari OR buy directly from China......which is what I did.

I paid $38 apiece for these units (minimum order was 5) and then had to pay another $58 for shipping and got hit by customs for another Php 3400, so the individual cost of each was about $65. Not much less than what they're asking in the U.S. and a LOT less hassle.

As for function, I can't really tell you. My buds here swear by them but none have a Provari and we're all novices anyway. We like what we like and really don't give a rat's ... if .3v extra or .2ohms less is gonna change our vape. We've all dialed in what we like, what juices we like and, as retirees, we can sit around a table with a bunch of beers, vape till our heart's content and NEVER have to worry about waking up in the morning and going to work.......Just 6 guys that will never smoke again.

Paul

 

[Craktskull]

Oh....and they're 5 amp limited, not 3 or 3.5....so they say

 

[tj99959]

Don't worry there will be a V2 of the VARIO released shortly.

 

[Kremppie]

Finally, thank you!

I will further this statement and say that 100% of all switching VV mods use PWM. Even the precious Provari. People get wrapped around the axle with some mods because the number on the display does feel like what they are actually vaping. Does that take away from the quatily of the vape? Is it less capable of satisfying you need for nicotine? Get over it already. I don't vape a number. I vape a taste. I thought that was the whole point of VV???? ADJUST TO TASTE!

Do some research on the advantages of PWM. Here's one for starters: battery drain.

One more thing...PWM is not to blame for poor performance of past mods. Poor design and poor execution is to blame. Proper design and proper execution (ieroVari) make for great performance. If you can get the same performance for a fraction of the price then the rest is just a question of durability.


Flamesuit On....

I don't understand a lot of the science behind how all of this works, and I feel the same way about the flavor. If it is good...then I like it. I enjoy having several devices so I have have the perfect flavor at whatever setting. This way does cost more in the begining, but so much easier. I don't have to take the time to switch tanks etc...I kinda do the number on the mod like I do ring tones for my phone. I don't look at the number or the name. I taste and listen first, and sometimes I surprise myself.

 

[Pappy]

Don't worry there will be a V2 of the VARIO released shortly.

Yes. And one vendor will call it v1.5, another will call it v2 and yet another will call it v3.

And we still won't be able to get a straight answer on the amp limit from one version to another.

 

[Kremppie]

I love the size of the Provari, and such for their size to keep at home. I think they look very nice, and I have them standing proudly on my desk. I prefer to take the egos out and about because of the size. I think they are also great, but no big deal if I lose one. I personally think they work great! When I get home to my "special babies", it makes my evening soooo much better. I also bought a Sharpie paint pen. I write the flavor on the tank so I don't have to remember what I put in there. I do the same on the Stardust.

 

[r77r7r]

Where are the electronics for the Provari made?

 

[Suthrnbuckhunter]

The best thing about being in the lead lap is the rush,knowing that you are the envy of all others and that they would die to catch or even pass you.I would think Provari would be happy in thier postion....
If you want to copy a design,then for crying out loud..COPY IT...Stoping short of it and giving a minimal discount just dosent do it for me.If they were to copy the Provari in every asspect to a T and then offer it for a discount,then they might have something worth offering.Rt now I see this as comparing apples to oranges.When the reviews come out it might be a differnt story but I have a feeling it wont.
Bucky

 

[AnsonJames]

Where are the electronics for the Provari made?

From the Provape section

Several have asked if the ProVari is just “assembled” in the US or “made” in the US, so to address this questions here are some details:

The ProVape-1 and ProVari are actually MADE and ASSEMBLED in the USA.

Parts - Machined right here in Monroe, WA. We use US-made stainless steel bar stock to produce the tubes, top caps, bottom caps, contact pins, etc. Everything is done on our machines locally. No outsourcing.

Bare Circuit Boards - Manufactured in Illinois. We do not purchase the circuit boards from China due to their poor quality. While the circuit boards are more expensive to produce in the USA; this is the heart of the system and it’s important to us that they are the best quality we can get. Each PCB is electronically tested before it ever sees components.

Electronic Components on Circuit Board – these are the only parts that might come from outside of the USA. Some of these parts are simply not made in the US, so we can’t get them from a US source, even though we would prefer to.

We use components from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, China and the USA.


Component assembly - Components are soldered onto the circuit boards at a facility outside Seattle, Washington. After getting components installed, the boards are tested several more times at our Monroe facility to ensure they are ready to ship. We test each one multiple times to give you the most reliable product you can get.

We don't cut any corners when it comes to quality control, testing, and component selection.

 

[AnsonJames]

Yes. And one vendor will call it v1.5, another will call it v2 and yet another will call it v3.

And we still won't be able to get a straight answer on the amp limit from one version to another.

Some vendors are selling "V5" Vmax's already...

That's another factor worth considering when buying the bulk of Chinese mods - the first couple of iterations tend to be "beta" versions, the consumer is the one that highlights any manufacturing defects.

 

[Ezkill]

I think I'll wait on the V2 which should be available 4 days after this one goes retail.

V2 might have the long wicks

 

[Hottody]

Why would you buy a knock off? If it is exactly the same as a provari why would you give your money to the Chinese rather than support a fellow American? Has anyone but me noticed we have gobs of cheep junk out there? Try to buy American its worth the few extra dollars for quality. Provari has set a high standard world wide! Be proud buy American!!!!! Don't sell out and be a sheep and follow the herd!

First let me say...I love my Provari and the fact that it is a U.S. company. That being said, 99% of e-cigs are made in China. Also buying one of these products from a Vendor in the U.S. still supports U.S. companies. Most every vendor we buy our cartos and accessories from are Asian companies. I do wish more things were made in America though! Also, I think some of the negativity on this device has to do with comparing it to a Provari rather than simply recognizing it as another VV option from China. I think a comparison to a Lava Tube or Vmax would not elicit nearly as many negative comments. From a design perspective I think the Vario looks Amazing and will be a GREAT value option!

 

[Wooky]

Wow!! This is crazy!! It's hard to believe this PV addiction!! Should have jumped on the customizing band wagon along time ago? It seems as nothing is ever enough? I have smoked analogs for over 38yrs, I am using a Ego 650 and a dual coil clearomizer with a special mix. This combo works fantastic!! No leaks, no spitting, great hit and tremendous vapor, however it lacks a bit of flavor and am trying to work on that. I see all the banners below some folks posts and it says how much money they saved and how long they have not had an analog, it looks like they swapped from analogs to mods, tanks, juice and the like, along with another addiction!! Sorry if this comes across the wrong way, I do not intend it that way. It's just mind boggling that everyone is on board with buying soooo many types, styles, colors, amperage, voltage, led colors, outside colors, menus, etc., etc., Maybe I am the one that needs to try something else even though I am content with what I have. What could I be missing?

Wook

 

[eyebedam]

Contoured tip, for pleasure.

 

[Ezkill]

You aren't missing anything Wooky.

For some of us, myself included, it's become a hobby. You can experiment with different devices, delivery systems, start building your own coils. The customization aspect really appeals to a lot of people.

Personally the fiddle/customization aspect has been a huge driving force to keep me off cigarettes. It's not necessary by any means but I find it enjoyable and it helps.

I don't have a banner because I can't find one that would show how many 1000's im in the hole over if I kept smoking. The way I see it, I have much more expensive hobbys that don't do anything constructive from a health perspective so I'm happy to spend the money.

 

[jnorton1]

Vaporbeast is an exceptional vendor. knock off or not great to have options.

 

[Off Topic]

If you want to rival the power/tough/quality of the provari at a lower price, you may want to look at this:

PureSmoker LEGACY Standard [18650]

If you get that, with the extender and the kick, you'd have good power wrapped in machined stainless.

LEGACY Extension Tube
EVOLV KICK - Boosted Power Regulator

The kick is a wattage regulator. I'm not sure what the limit is. I'd want to check that out before buying. Total price for this combo is about $150. If you don't already have IMR 18650, add for that.