Moving up from my starter Evod kit

[DoubleEmMartin]

Hi folks!

So despite spending most of my hours on here or watching vaping YouTube videos for the last month, I freely admit I'm not much of a tech-head, and all the hardware stuff tends to make my head swim. I can't seem to keep it all straight.

I've been over a month now on my starter Evod kit (batteries, attys and clearos), and it's awesome. That said, I feel like I could be getting more flavour and a better vaping experience -- I feel like I'm really not getting the full flavour of my juices with this set-up. So I've been thinking about upgrading, and I could use some guidance. I'm not interested in dripping, and before anyone says it I'm not really interested in a ProVari at this point.

For batteries, I'm thinking about a Vamo V2, though I'd be open to others. Any suggestions on what best to pair with a Vamo would be welcome, as well as what I should start experimenting with in terms of volts and watts and resistance attys (that's where I start getting really confused).

I do like the Evod clearos, but I'm definitely open to other options.

I vape on the go a lot, so convenience is important to me, and I'd like to avoid any set-up that's too technical. So I suppose my priorities are flavour, then ability to vape on the run. Battery life isn't as important since I'll probably get several batteries.

 

[7sixtwo]

A simple, versatile clearo that recently came on the market is the Protank 2. It's similar to the Evod that you're familiar with, but a step up in capacity, airflow, and customizability, (you can use whatever drip tip you want). It also has a replaceable pyrex tank, so it's good to go with whatever acidic or oil-based juices you might like and if it ever breaks, you can replace it, (or put a poly tank in instead if you'd prefer).

They're only ~$20 with a couple extra heads and worth every penny, imo.

 

[DoubleEmMartin]

Hey thanks! I actually do have a Protank (forgot to mention that) for my tank-crackers. Right now I'm vaping Boba's in it (not vaping any cracking juices at the moment), but I have a sense my set-up with the ProTank and just the basic Evod battery isn't getting the most flavour out of that juice that it could, but I'm uncertain about how to proceed. I'll probably get a couple more tanks soon.

 

[ghola1was]

The Vamo is supposed to be a very nice mod. I like a smaller form factor while vaping out and about, so decided on the itaste vv/vw. Only 800 mah but, as you pointed out, two of them as alternates are workable. Surprising how long the charge actually lasts.

 

[Bill's Magic Vapor]

Hi folks!

So despite spending most of my hours on here or watching vaping YouTube videos for the last month, I freely admit I'm not much of a tech-head, and all the hardware stuff tends to make my head swim. I can't seem to keep it all straight.

I've been over a month now on my starter Evod kit (batteries, attys and clearos), and it's awesome. That said, I feel like I could be getting more flavour and a better vaping experience -- I feel like I'm really not getting the full flavour of my juices with this set-up. So I've been thinking about upgrading, and I could use some guidance. I'm not interested in dripping, and before anyone says it I'm not really interested in a ProVari at this point.

For batteries, I'm thinking about a Vamo V2, though I'd be open to others. Any suggestions on what best to pair with a Vamo would be welcome, as well as what I should start experimenting with in terms of volts and watts and resistance attys (that's where I start getting really confused).

I do like the Evod clearos, but I'm definitely open to other options.

I vape on the go a lot, so convenience is important to me, and I'd like to avoid any set-up that's too technical. So I suppose my priorities are flavour, then ability to vape on the run. Battery life isn't as important since I'll probably get several batteries.

Regulated Batteries

Fixed voltage stick battery => Variable Voltage Stick battery (Spinner/Twist) => Variable Wattage Stick Battery (iTaste 3.0) => Variable Voltage APV (iTaste MVP) => Variable Wattage APV (Vamo V3 stainless, best imho) => Telescoping Variable Wattage (Sigelei V3/V5 or iTaste SVD) => Advanced Variable Wattage (eVic, Best display?) => Very accurate, durable, high quality variable voltage (Provari) or Bottom Feeder (REO) => Most advanced, accurate Nivel chip, etc. (SvoeMesto Semovar)

YMMV. Preferences along the way, quality differences, warranty....all factors to be considered. Just my two cents and personal observations, very subjective.

Toppers - Juice Delivery Devices

Clearomizers - CE# (top coils) => Vivi Nova (top coil) => iClears (top coils, more wicks) => evod (bottom coils) => Advanced Bottom coils (Protank, Davide) => carto tanks basic (DCT and AGR) => Good Quality Carto tanks (IBTanked) => Very High Quality, "beautiful" carto tanks (Phinias) => Rebuildable Drippers (RDA's) (IGO-L) => Rebuildable Atomizers (RBA's) (RSST - Tank Genesys clone of - ) => AC9 (Genesys Tank - very high quality) => Bottom coil tank/chimney (Odyseus clones) => Advanced Bottom coils/chimney (Ithaka) => Kayfun's (Lite and 3.1's), etc.

Important, because these topper involve a great deal of subjective preference, it's impossible to get them in the "right" order, and many will see this list as "way off." That's fine, I'm not sure I agree with it. Also, there are many, many alternatives and variations. Some clones may be better than their very expensive originals (Russian 91% > Kayfun Lite, as an example (air flow controller, etc.). Not meant to be an exhaustive or even an inclusive list. Really more of a FOOD FOR THOUGHT list. YMMV (your mileage WILL vary). I just wanted to lay out some different directions and options. If you are new, you are confused by all the different choices, for certain.

But when someone says they want to step up from evods, for example, I just want to show that there are many options. Some people don't like cartos and carto tanks, for example. They can taste and dislike the filler material. I can't (yet), and love them. And it's all good, just different strokes for different folks, and I just wanted to layout some of my thoughts.

Good luck, happy research and shopping. Best to you!

 

[7sixtwo]

Hey thanks! I actually do have a Protank (forgot to mention that) for my tank-crackers. Right now I'm vaping Boba's in it (not vaping any cracking juices at the moment), but I have a sense my set-up with the ProTank and just the basic Evod battery isn't getting the most flavour out of that juice that it could, but I'm uncertain about how to proceed. I'll probably get a couple more tanks soon.

Well, I guess I'll be one of the few who will recommend the Tesla APV over the Z-Max, Vamo, or similar units. The Tesla has as much power as any of the others, (up to 6v or 15w), but with a better menu system, more durable yet lighter design than the others, will work with both 510 and eGo threaded devices without an adapter, (except the T2 and T3 tanks, but who cares), better built-in airflow, and a spring-loaded center pin, which none of the other devices has.

As for a way to get more out of your Evods and Protank, buying some higher resistance heads, (or rebuilding the coils for higher resistance yourself), and using them on an APV like the Tesla that can deliver much higher power, should get you more flavor from your juices, and a warmer, more satisfying vape.

Ymmv.

 

[DoubleEmMartin]

[ If you are new, you are confused by all the different choices, for certain.

But when someone says they want to step up from evods, for example, I just want to show that there are many options. Some people don't like cartos and carto tanks, for example. They can taste and dislike the filler material.

Good luck, happy research and shopping. Best to you!

Thanks for the list! I definitely realize how many options are out there, and I've spent hours reading up on these forums, watching YouTube reviews and browsing stores online. My problem is the tech aspects of hardware make more or less zero sense to me. That's not something that will necessarily be fixed by reading -- I know from extensive experience I have no head for this stuff. I basically forget it as fast as I've read it, heh. Things like volts, watts, etc. I'm no good with fiddling with things (I can't even master a dry burn, sigh) so RBAs are out.

So I guess I do sort of need someone to recommend an exact set-up that might meet my needs: I realize I won't get sort of the ultimate experience of some of the APVs and mods and things, but something that is still user-friendly while being a step-up from my Evod batteries and clearos.

I do think I don't want cartos, but I'm not 100% on that.

 

[Lombaowski]

The next step for me was finding a good carto tank, and something to drive it. Great flavor, great vapor and no leaking.

I'm still trying to figure out everything in this new world, but there are some folks in here who really have a great knowledge base on the tanks and cartos.

 

[DoubleEmMartin]

As for a way to get more out of your Evods and Protank, buying some higher resistance heads, (or rebuilding the coils for higher resistance yourself), and using them on an APV like the Tesla that can deliver much higher power, should get you more flavor from your juices, and a warmer, more satisfying vape.

Thanks, yeah that's exactly what I'm going for -- I'm checking out Busardo's review of the Tesla now, thanks! Rebuilding heads is not an option for me, but I don't mind buying a bunch regularly.

 

[Bill's Magic Vapor]

Well, I guess I'll be one of the few who will recommend the Tesla APV over the Z-Max, Vamo, or similar units. The Tesla has as much power as any of the others, (up to 6v or 15w), but with a better menu system, more durable yet lighter design than the others, will work with both 510 and eGo threaded devices without an adapter, (except the T2 and T3 tanks, but who cares), better built-in airflow, and a spring-loaded center pin, which none of the other devices has.

As for a way to get more out of your Evods and Protank, buying some higher resistance heads, (or rebuilding the coils for higher resistance yourself), and using them on an APV like the Tesla that can deliver much higher power, should get you more flavor from your juices, and a warmer, more satisfying vape.

Ymmv.

I like the Tesla too. But there are some very well known design flaws with the Tesla, in addition to some personal preference issues. The main problem, though, is that the two adjustment buttons on the Tesla are above the display, not below them. When you go to adjust the voltage or wattage, my thumb blocks half the screen, so I can't see what I'm changing it from to what I want it to be. IMHO, the buttons need to be BELOW the display, Also, if you want a nice heavy duty stainless steel APV, the Tesla is a very light, high-quality, aircraft aluminum material. The difference is noticeable to me, it doesn't telescope, the battery is exposed, the shape is a love it/hate it designe, etc. Mostly preference issues, but the button issue is a design flaw. Otherwise, I would rate it as high as a Sigelei. So, no telescoping and no proper button/display design layout issues, and the fact that it has a drip well that won't accept the popular Kanger MT3s, takes it off my consideration as an "equal." YMMV and much of the difference are just subjective. In the end, it's what works for you that counts, so I totally respect your choice. My two cents.

Also, in the range of power outputs, Watts are Watts, and while the higher resistance will use less battery power (because of lower amperage/current), the heat at the coil is the same given the same Watts/Power, so I don't understand your argument. The higher resistance coils won't let you get over 7.68 Watts (3.0 Ohms), so how can you say it gets a much better, warmer vape, when a two Ohm coil can go to 11 Watts (read more heat). It is counter-intuitive, but true. More Watts = more heat. Higher resistance runs into a lower max out on Watts/heat then does the lower resistance coil. Confusing and counter-intuitive, I know, but true.

Not trying to be harsh, either, my friend, but I am trying to be fair and accurate, and if I'm wrong about this, I will happily correct my mistake. Here's an Ohm's Law calculator that the Forum Members can check out for themselves:

Watts - volts - amps - ohms conversion calculator

Anyway, my two cents, mostly a matter of personal preference and subjective. Power up and Vape On!

 

[7sixtwo]

Thanks, yeah that's exactly what I'm going for -- I'm checking out Busardo's review of the Tesla now, thanks! Rebuilding heads is not an option for me, but I don't mind buying a bunch regularly.

Forget about Busardo's "review" of the Tesla. That wasn't a review, that was an ill-tempered 5 minute rant about the button placement, i.e. worthless.

Here's a good review from Nick:

 

[InTheShade]

If you are looking for specifics (and as you've already mentioned the Vamo) then I would say Segelei ZMAX with your current protank is my recommendation. The Zmax has a much better fit and finish than the Vamo for not a lot more money. I own the Vamo V2 and V3 in stainless and the Zmax is just a slightly more refined product. Of course, this is just my opinion.

I'm not sure you have to upgrade your clearomizer unless you wanted to. The protank is a good tank for many (even though I personally prefer some top coil devices like the vivi nova) and will work perfectly on the Zmax.

If you wanted to upgrade your clearo, then the protank 2 is getting some very good reviews although I can't recommend it as I don't own one and have never vaped with it.

 

[7sixtwo]

I like the Tesla too. But there are some very well known design flaws with the Tesla, in addition to some personal preference issues. The main problem, though, is that the two adjustment buttons on the Tesla are above the display, not below them. When you go to adjust the voltage or wattage, my thumb blocks half the screen, so I can't see what I'm changing it from to what I want it to be. IMHO, the buttons need to be BELOW the display, Also, if you want a nice heavy duty stainless steel APV, the Tesla is a very light, high-quality, aircraft aluminum material. The difference is noticeable to me, it doesn't telescope, the battery is exposed, the shape is a love it/hate it designe, etc. Mostly preference issues, but the button issue is a design flaw. Otherwise, I would rate it as high as a Sigelei. So, no telescoping and no proper button/display design layout issues, and the fact that it has a drip well that won't accept the popular Kanger MT3s, takes it off my consideration as an "equal." YMMV and much of the difference are just subjective. In the end, it's what works for you that counts, so I totally respect your choice. My two cents.

Also, in the range of power outputs, Watts are Watts, and while the higher resistance will use less battery power (because of lower amperage/current), the heat at the coil is the same given the same Watts/Power, so I don't understand your argument. The higher resistance coils won't let you get over 7.68 Watts (3.0 Ohms), so how can you say it gets a much better, warmer vape, when a two Ohm coil can go to 11 Watts (read more heat). It is counter-intuitive, but true. More Watts = more heat. Higher resistance runs into a lower max out on Watts/heat then does the lower resistance coil. Confusing and counter-intuitive, I know, but true.

Not trying to be harsh, either, my friend, but I am trying to be fair and accurate, and if I'm wrong about this, I will happily correct my mistake. Here's an Ohm's Law calculator that the Forum Members can check out for themselves:

Watts - volts - amps - ohms conversion calculator

Anyway, my two cents, mostly a matter of personal preference and subjective. Power up and Vape On!

Yes, the button placement irks many people. Personally, I think it was intentional and I like where they are. I fire my Tesla with my thumb, so if the buttons were lower, my index finger would wrap around em, which isn't that comfortable, let alone the accidental v/w adjustment that could result. Sometimes I fire it with my index finger, and in that case my thumb rests right where the buttons would be if they were below the screen. As for making adjustments, I just slightly tilt the Tesla to the side and I can see the display just fine without removing my thumb; one of the nice things about it being recessed within the unit. So, I like where they're located and think that some who disparage the button placement do so without actually using the Tesla and discovering the reason that they are where they are.

Maybe I'm wrong about my argument regarding using higher resistance coils with more wattage.. but I'm just going off my admittedly limited experience. I can't seem to go over ~9w with a ~2.6ohm coil without burny vapes. I could crank it up to ~11w with a 3ohm and it just seemed more satisfying. Maybe that's just my perception, though.. cause you're right, math don't lie.

I may not agree with all of your opinions on the Tesla, but thanks for your response, man.

 

[Bill's Magic Vapor]

Yes, the button placement irks many people. Personally, I think it was intentional and I like where they are. I fire my Tesla with my thumb, so if the buttons were lower, my index finger would wrap around em, which isn't that comfortable, let alone the accidental v/w adjustment that could result. Sometimes I fire it with my index finger, and in that case my thumb rests right where the buttons would be if they were below the screen. As for making adjustments, I just slightly tilt the Tesla to the side and I can see the display just fine without removing my thumb; one of the nice things about it being recessed within the unit. So, I like where they're located and think that some who disparage the button placement do so without actually using the Tesla and discovering the reason that they are where they are.

Maybe I'm wrong about my argument regarding using higher resistance coils with more wattage.. but I'm just going off my admittedly limited experience. I can't seem to go over ~9w with a ~2.6ohm coil without burny vapes. I could crank it up to ~11w with a 3ohm and it just seemed more satisfying. Maybe that's just my perception, though.. cause you're right, math don't lie.

I may not agree with all of your opinions on the Tesla, but thanks for your response, man.

Glad you like the Tesla. Like I said, I like it too. It works for you and that's all that is important. But I'm trying to be fair and accurate. Ok, the wattage issue is more real. The 3.0 Ohm coil cannot go over 7.68 Watts on any device, so if you want to vape at 8.5 watts, you can't. For this reason, the lower resistance coils offer more flexibility and a wider range of options for the vape, as I mentioned earlier. There is a reason that they call coils in the 2.0 to 2.5 Ohm range "standard," the higher Ohms, "High resistance," and the <2.0 Ohms, "low resistance." For the new comer to vaping, I recommend the "Standard" range, because it provides for more flexibility in the vape range. Also, the OP was talking about resistance for their Twist maxing out voltage at 4.8 volts. I think the standard resistance is the only way to go on this question. I am not down on the Tesla by the way. The thing I didn't personally like, the light weight, is one of the things you do like. That's fine, that's why it's subjective. The button placement doesn't bother you, and that' great too. I didn't personally like it, which I guess we'll just say is also a subjective difference, and that's fine too. I'm glad you are here and providing your opinions to the Forum. Many people will feel the same way about the Tesla as you do. The fact that are different opinions on the Forum is one of the reasons that makes ECF so valuable to all of us, i.e., point/counter-point. I thank you for your perspective and totally support your choices for you. You make great points. All the best to you!

Btw, I don't vape over 7.5 Watts on many juices, so the limiting factor would not affect me. But since you vape at much higher Watts, as you mentioned, yes you are going to get "burny vapes," and the higher resistance won't let you do that anyway. Maybe try lowering the Wattage a bit and see if that gives you a better vape. Might help. Thanks again.

 

[Bill's Magic Vapor]

If you are looking for specifics (and as you've already mentioned the Vamo) then I would say Segelei ZMAX with your current protank is my recommendation. The Zmax has a much better fit and finish than the Vamo for not a lot more money. I own the Vamo V2 and V3 in stainless and the Zmax is just a slightly more refined product. Of course, this is just my opinion.

I'm not sure you have to upgrade your clearomizer unless you wanted to. The protank is a good tank for many (even though I personally prefer some top coil devices like the vivi nova) and will work perfectly on the Zmax.

If you wanted to upgrade your clearo, then the protank 2 is getting some very good reviews although I can't recommend it as I don't own one and have never vaped with it.

Totally love the Sigelei V3/V5. One of my favorite APV's under $100. If you take the eVic out of consideration (just for this discussion), I would say the Sigelei is the best device under $100, and my personal favorite. This is just an opinion, and there are countless others to choose from. My two cents. Best to you!

 

[InTheShade]

Bill and 7sixtwo - you are a credit to yourselves and the forum. Awesome discussion.

 

[Dtori]

I have a Vamo and i love it.. I ordered mine from China and it was under $50 with batteries a charger and 2 clearo's. I also used Clero's when I started and moved to Carto tanks.. I bought a Cirrus tank and the vape quality was a big step up. All of the o rings fit tight so Ive never had a leaking problem. I can toss it around and no leaks.. I still use it for vaping when Im out and about but as far as taste goes I bought a AGA T2 rebuildable and the taste is top notch but there is a learning curve and you need to do research on rebuildables before attempting to do this. Also it can leak and isnt good for putting in your pocket and going somewhere. But I suggest trying a good carto tank and research rebuildables until you are confident that you can do this...

 

[release the kraken]

OP I am/was in the same boat as you. Sounds like I also went through most of the same reviews as you across this forum as well as YouTube. I personally landed on an itaste svd. Good prices on a real one at fasttech. At the end of the day this is my first vv/vw and since I don't have anything to really compare menus or button placements I will probably end up learning to accept whatever my first device is. One thing about the big time reviewer guys is they get sent pretty much every single ecig and accessory on the market so at some point their reviews get muddied a little by having all the exposure. Not saying they do anything on purpose but after watch a ton of them you start hearing them make small comments here and there comparing other devices rather than strictly reviewing the device in hand.

 

[Dtori]

Ive heard good things about the SVD. Sounds like a good mod. I do want to warn you about the Tesla though. It has open slits in the battery compartment and Im not sure if you know this or not but if you add moisture to a Lithium Ion cell it is instant fire! It bothers me to have a battery open to the elements. Ive never heard of this happening to any tesla owners but it could be a hazard. Im not knocking anybodys recommendation but that has worried me about that mod...

 

[Tony_B]

I just upgraded from ego's to a vamo v3 and I swap back and forth between a viv nova and a protank2. Seems to work pretty well for me. Easy to use and being able to make adjustments easily brings so much more flavor from the juice. With as much of a difference that this made, I can't wait to try dripping!!!