Next Step up from Volt X2

[thebluefox009]

As I posted in my first post I have a Volt X2 and am planning on in a month or so when I want to upgrade to the next step. I know there are a lot of opinions on this but I am asking anyway. I am looking to spend right around $100 total, though if someone can show me something that will just hit the spot I can go a bit higher. I've looked at the Povari, Lavatube, Egos, and even a few mods but I just dunno. I like the tube style of the X2 but my next doesn't have to be any certain shape. Thank you for the help guys. I love this site and am glad I started vaping!

Brandon

 

[AuBadge]

You'll get a million opinions from a million posters.
If you have access, spend some time in the part of the forum pertaining to equipment reviews. There are also sections devoted to specific devices. Read them all; why not? You're planning an investment in something you need that's built to last. If what you have now is working for you, slow down...take your time, and discover what may be best for you; what rings the bell for others may not do it for you.

 

[betaalex]

I'd say wait for Vario to be released by VaporBeast (should be in 1-2 months). If reviews are positive - get it, it should be somewhere around $100. Otherwise think about increasing your budget to get a Provari.

 

[ShogaNinja]

I'd say wait for Vario to be released by VaporBeast (should be in 1-2 months). If reviews are positive - get it, it should be somewhere around $100. Otherwise think about increasing your budget to get a Provari.

For right now the best and cheapest move you can make is to get a couple EGO C Twists. At $20-$27 the Twist will break you into the concept of VV. The Provari really isn't going to do much more than the EGO Twist for the average person. It's funny because I asked around a LOT and most people who have a lavatube or a provari, Vmax etc. seem to be vaping in the voltage range of the EGO Twist (most commonly being just over 4v - the twist goes to 4.8v). There is a common misconception that voltage = more vapor, and that is not the case. More voltage = more heat, which at high levels you may find very unpleasant. Having a variable voltage is nice because it allows you to dial in the right voltage to meet the sweet spot of the resistance of your atomizer and also the sweet spot of juice (since each seems to vape better at different voltages). The only cool features of having an APV is being able to go to 6v, and having the ability to check the resistance of your atomizer coils. This is particularly useful when you are rebuilding atomizers.

The Vario is coming in about 3 weeks(ish) according to the owner of VaporBeast, Tim Campbell, but it could be a while before we know everything about it. The expected price is $79 (unit) and $99 for the kit (charger+batteries). If you have $200 to burn for a Provari go for it (it's $150 for the base unit but by the time you get into batteries and a charger you're over $200). The only way you can go wrong with a provari is on the price (or if you use dual or triple coils). The Vario will probably end up destroying the Lavatube in that price range, but there is a chance it could even threaten the Provari, at least in some departments (definitely the price dept). We will have to wait and see. At 5amps the Vario will excel in pushing dual and triple coil cartos at high voltages (the Lavatube secretly lowers the voltage, and the Provari throws an error code). It also has a new airflow design that may come in handy, and it actually has the ego cone threads that vision clearomizers screw into so that you don't need an adapter like the other APVs on the market. Plus it looks like a lightsaber. On the negative side, it is rather large and heavy. It appears to be the biggest, heaviest APV yet. You may want to pick out a lightsaber belt if you want to grab one of these . The Vario does come from China but VaporBeast will be offering extended warranties for it so hopefully that will quell the China haters (despite the fact that the lion's share of all thing vape come from China, and so does the precious Apple). It couldn't come from a better company than VaporBeast. Tim is one of the awesomest and nicest guys I've ever met. I hope to be getting a review model here in the near future so I'll let you know more details when that happens but for right now that's what I got.

Here's the preview sale page if you want to have a look:
http://www.vaporbeast.com/The_VARIO_Advanced_Personal_Vaporizer_p/sk27.htm

 

[thebluefox009]

For right now the best and cheapest move you can make is to get a couple EGO C Twists. At $20-$27 the Twist will break you into the concept of VV. The Provari really isn't going to do much more than the EGO Twist for the average person. It's funny because I asked around a LOT and most people who have a lavatube or a provari, Vmax etc. seem to be vaping in the voltage range of the EGO Twist (most commonly being just over 4v - the twist goes to 4.8v). There is a common misconception that voltage = more vapor, and that is not the case. More voltage = more heat, which at high levels you may find very unpleasant. Having a variable voltage is nice because it allows you to dial in the right voltage to meet the sweet spot of the resistance of your atomizer and also the sweet spot of juice (since each seems to vape better at different voltages). The only cool features of having an APV is being able to go to 6v, and having the ability to check the resistance of your atomizer coils. This is particularly useful when you are rebuilding atomizers.

The Vario is coming in about 3 weeks(ish) according to the owner of VaporBeast, Tim Campbell, but it could be a while before we know everything about it. The expected price is $79 (unit) and $99 for the kit (charger+batteries). If you have $200 to burn for a Provari go for it (it's $150 for the base unit but by the time you get into batteries and a charger you're over $200). The only way you can go wrong with a provari is on the price (or if you use dual or triple coils). The Vario will probably end up destroying the Lavatube in that price range, but there is a chance it could even threaten the Provari, at least in some departments (definitely the price dept). We will have to wait and see. At 5amps the Vario will excel in pushing dual and triple coil cartos at high voltages (the Lavatube secretly lowers the voltage, and the Provari throws an error code). It also has a new airflow design that may come in handy, and it actually has the ego cone threads that vision clearomizers screw into so that you don't need an adapter like the other APVs on the market. Plus it looks like a lightsaber. On the negative side, it is rather large and heavy. It appears to be the biggest, heaviest APV yet. You may want to pick out a lightsaber belt if you want to grab one of these . The Vario does come from China but VaporBeast will be offering extended warranties for it so hopefully that will quell the China haters (despite the fact that the lion's share of all thing vape come from China, and so does the precious Apple). It couldn't come from a better company than VaporBeast. Tim is one of the awesomest and nicest guys I've ever met. I hope to be getting a review model here in the near future so I'll let you know more details when that happens but for right now that's what I got.

Here's the preview sale page if you want to have a look:
http://www.vaporbeast.com/The_VARIO_Advanced_Personal_Vaporizer_p/sk27.htm

This is exactly the information I was needing.. for now I am going to stick with the X2 and get some of the new T3s when available since I've been reading about them.. and wait to hear more about the Vario. Thanks a lot for the info! I do really appreciate it.

 

[betaalex]

For right now the best and cheapest move you can make is to get a couple EGO C Twists. At $20-$27 the Twist will break you into the concept of VV.

eh, I'm in a kind of the same boat now as OP (i.e. using SI X2 batteries), and a kind of thinking about next possible move to (just thinking because I still hope to save money with vaping (hysterical laugh here)). And I do not really see myself buying a Twist. It has that VV feature, but from what I've read I'll most likely end up using it at aroung 3.7V - same as Volt X2.

What I consider really important is consistency! That notorious "last puff is the same as first" kind of voltage regulation Provari is famous for. Or that 3.7V remains 3.7V no matter what you attach to it: 1.5Ohm or 3Ohm carto or tank. Both X2 and Twist use cheap electronics and certainly can not provide that (but both are great devices for the money).

Next obvious step up would be Lavatube or spin-offs. But after reading this forum I have an impression that there is a 50-50 chance of it dying after 6 months or so.

Vmax - stacked batteries kind of doesn't sound good.

All in all that leaves me basically with Provari (too expensive; I want to save money!) and (hopefully, if it turns out to be what it claims to be) Vario.

 

[Harplayr]

For myself the Twist does what I want. I vape mostly standard resistance devices in the 4v range give or take a couple of tenths.
At this range the Twist can comfortably provide the consistant power I desire and at a very low cost.

If I were to go "high end" I'd most likely go with Super T Manufacturing's Percise Plus with a kick installed. My reasoning is that if I'm going high end, I'll want a real showpeice that few have. If you haven't checked out their site, they are truly beautiful PV's that are well crafted and not a commonplace mass produced item. It's more of a collector's item that has excellent performance and build quality. Super T Manufacturing, Innovative manufacturer of electronic cigarette products.

Here's GrimmGreen's take on the small version...

And Yes, made in the good ol USA

 

[Baditude]

I've been vaping for a few months now. Started with Smokeless Image (excellent products and company), moved on to AltSmoke BB and Silver Bullet mods (another excellent company with great products). Still, I wanted a variable voltage device.

I could go backwards, in a sense, and get a Twist. However, it only comes with its proprietary battery. It has a limited lifetime, and when it dies, you will need to replace the entire unit. I wanted a durable tube mod more akin to my Silver Bullet and BB that takes replacable batteries. I also wanted a mod that was American made, so that should it break, I could have confidence that it could be repaired and not need to buy over again.

The other VV mods out there that are readily available are all Chinese made. Yes, they may be fine for several months, but if they fail, what are you gonna do?

I settled on the Provari. Yes, it's expensive. But, it does A LOT.

First of all, it is American made, and Provape stands by its product and will continue to service it long after the warranty period.

It is finely machined and durable, much like my Silver Bullet. You can drop it or run it over with a truck, and it will keep on vaping.

It has two single battery options if you order the extension cap. Actually four battery options, if you also factor in the Mini Provari. Several choices of colors. Distinctive good looks.

Numerous safety measures built into the device's electronics. A great durably built button switch. Sturdy and secure connector post. Incredibly smooth, finely machined threading on the tube and end cap. This is an well-designed, nicely engineered, and high end machined device. It IS the standard of APV's that the others try to emulate.

Surprisingly simple LED digital processor interface with a single button. Took me less than a day to master it. With 5 quick clicks, I can access power up, power down, battery voltage indicator, LED button switch on or off, and atty oHm measurement, under power. An error code alert when something is not right. It also alerts me when my battery level is getting low. I know that what I dial in voltage wise, that is precisely what I will get ... unless that formula would be unsafe for me, the atty, or the Provari, then it lets me know. This is an "intelligent" APV.

I figured, I could buy a lavatube or other Chinese mod every year or so after they break down or stop working, or I could buy a Provari which will last me the rest of my life. After considering this, $175 really didn't seem like that much money. Its an INVESTMENT that pays back over time.

In the overall picture of what I want and need in an advanced vaping device, Provape "gets it".

View attachment 131374

 

[betaalex]

well, if Provari is a Mercedes type of high end, then Super T Manufacturing's Percise Plus with Kick is closer to Bentley type of high end. Not for mortals in other words

Personally I do not want a mechanical mod (that's what Precise Plus originally is). Kick certainly takes care of that, but Kick is also quite expensive.

On a more down to earth side I kind of like eCab because it uses narrow width 10440 batteries. Unfortunately it uses some proprietory threading which is not compatible with anything else. I wish it had some standard 510, 808 or eGo threads - that would be a great inexpensive mod with replaceable batteries.

 

[Harplayr]

well, if Provari is a Mercedes type of high end, then Super T Manufacturing's Percise Plus with Kick is closer to Bentley type of high end. Not for mortals in other words

Personally I do not want a mechanical mod (that's what Precise Plus originally is). Kick certainly takes care of that, but Kick is also quite expensive.

On a more down to earth side I kind of like eCab because it uses narrow width 10440 batteries. Unfortunately it uses some proprietory threading which is not compatible with anything else. I wish it had some standard 510, 808 or eGo threads - that would be a great inexpensive mod with replaceable batteries.

That summs it up nicely!

I figure if I'm going "high end" then I'd go all the way and get something a bit more on the exclusive and classy side. If you've ever seen one, the build quality is nothing short of amazing. They are more like a piece of art. No, it doesn't do many tricks, nor does it have a $2.00 LCD display, but for me that's not the point of going high end because when all's said and done with the resistance and voltage I like to vape at, I'd get about the same vape from my $25 Twist as I would from a Provari or other "high end" device with all the bells and whistles.

 

[thebluefox009]

Wow.. some awesome suggestions..Thanks! I am really liking the Vario and the Precise. The Precise looks amazing and I can see using that when I am at work or out .. but the Vario looks really awesome as well.. Hmm.. research time

 

[betaalex]

or I could buy a Provari which will last me the rest of my life

eh, are u sure that you'll even want to use it in 2 years? Something tells me that in 2 years or so it will be obsolete and superseded by more modern devices.

And don't get me wrong. I actually want a Provari but still can not find a legitimate excuse to buy one

 

[thebluefox009]

And the Juice Feeder on Super T.. looks kewl.. *goes to look for reviews*

 

[dirquist]

Yup, I agree with the above. The Provari is like the Cadillac. It includes every option you could ever want and is over priced high end. Some of the others like the GG and the Percise are like a high end sports car. They barely have a radio but they are sexy as hell.

For me its ePipeMods all the way Although I do have a Provari lying around.

 

[ShogaNinja]

I've been vaping for a few months now. Started with Smokeless Image (excellent products and company), moved on to AltSmoke BB and Silver Bullet mods (another excellent company with great products). Still, I wanted a variable voltage device.

I could go backwards, in a sense, and get a Twist. However, it only comes with its proprietary battery. It has a limited lifetime, and when it dies, you need to replace the entire unit. I wanted a durable tube mod more akin to my Silver Bullet and BB that takes replacable batteries. I also wanted a mod that was American made, so that should it break, I could have confidence that it could be repaired and not need to buy over again.

The other VV mods out there that are easily aquired are all Chinese made. Yes, they may be fine for several months, but if they fail, what are you gonna do?

I settled on the Provari. Yes, it's expensive. But, it does A LOT.

First of all, it is American made, and Provape stands by its product and will continue to service it long after the warranty period.

It is finely machined and durable, much like my Silver Bullet. You can drop it or run it over with a truck, and it will keep on vaping.

It has mutiple single battery options if you order the extension cap. Several choices of colors. Distinctive good looks.

Numerous safety measures built into the devices electronics. A great button switch. Sturdy and secure connector post. Incredibly smooth, finely machined threading on the tube and end cap.

Surprisingly simple LED digital interface with a single button. Took me less than a day to master it. With 5 quick clicks, I can access power up, power down, battery voltage indicator, LED button switch on or off, atty oHm indicator, and an error code alert when something is not right. It also alerts me when my battery level is getting low. I know that what I dial in voltage wise, that is precisely what I will get ... unless that formula would be unsafe for me or the Provari.

I figured I could buy a lavatube or other Chinese mod every year or so after they break down or stop working, or I could buy a Provari which will last me the rest of my life. After considering this, $175 really didn't seem like that much money. Its an INVESTMENT that pays back over time.

Altsmoke and Smokeless Image (I am pretty sure) are the same company. They have the same address and are in the same strip mall. The Silver Bullet (at least with an evolv kick on it) can't handle a vivi nova, it melts the safety spring and ruins your battery (expensive ouch!).

The Provari's $149 for just the tube mod. It's over $200 if you get two 18650's and a charger. Free shipping though.
I highly recommend that people not try to buy for the future. In a couple years the Provari could be the worst tube mod on the planet. Things change quickly. Yeah the Lavatube does suck but it's not exactly fair to put their reputation on other brands. The Vario will come with an extended warranty. Let's let it arrive to the party before we start picking on it.

The problem with the Provari is the lower amperage than the newer releases, and the connector being a 510 instead of an EGO connector. It sucks at dual coils and triple coils, and though I get that those are a fringe market, how can you call the Provari and APV when it can't do advanced things? What if next month the new thing is multi-coil atomizers? It happened with computers, they're all multi-core now. What if tomorrow the next best thing used ego cone threads? The Provari would be in the dust. You'd have to buy a chinese adapter to use them (which looks pretty silly - not to mention the All-American speech and using chinese made atomizers is pretty silly too). This is why I highly suggest not buying into the future for anybody. The Provari isn't a lifetime investment. Not only will it not last that long, it won't be relevant then either. If I bought a Vario for $80-100 (mod only or kit price) in 3 weeks when they come out I'd STILL have another $70-100 if it breaks down in a couple years to replace it with OR I could buy the next big thing if the market changes. I'm not saying the Vario is better than the Provari, that remains to be seen yet, but what I am saying it's more efficient in the features that the Provari has weakness, connection, amperage, and cost (especially in THIS economy). Besides I think it's a bit unfair to believe that the Vario will last any less amount of time than a Provari just because it's made in China. Time will tell in that department, but let it come out first. What good is the ability to service an APV if it's so reliable you never need it? Remember, Apple is made in China and it's the most reliable computer around. China isn't a dirty word.

 

[Baditude]

primari;y

eh, are u sure that you'll even want to use it in 2 years? Something tells me that in 2 years or so it will be obsolete and superseded by more modern devices.

And don't get me wrong. I actually want a Provari but still can not find a legitimate excuse to buy one

I can see where you are coming from. And your points are well taken. However, with everything that the Provari already does, I see no APV's on the horizon that will be able to do more than it currently does.

Take for example one of the oldest mods. The Silver Bullet is a traditional, older-design, bare bones 3.7v tube battery carrier, yet AltSmoke continues to sell hundreds of them to this day because of the same American values dedication to manufacturing, materials, reputation and customer service that Provape has with the Provari. Quality is simply quality. The Chinese will never be able to surpass an American made product simply because they will never provide anywhere near the customer service or component quality/quality control that an American company does.

To me, the advancements and improvements in vaping devices will be primarily in the area of juice delivery devices. Cartos are arcane and primitive by design, clearo's and ce2/3's are an improvement but still have quality control and material issues. The rebuildable juice-feeding atty's probably are taking it in the right direction, but so far they require a lot of do-it-yourself tinkering, and I want something that works more out-of-the-box.

 

[ShogaNinja]

Yup, I agree with the above. The Provari is like the Cadillac. It includes every option you could ever want and is over priced high end. Some of the others like the GG and the Percise are like a high end sports car. They barely have a radio but they are sexy as hell.

For me its ePipeMods all the way Although I do have a Provari lying around.

Except that the Provari doesn't have all the options as I explained many times above. It's overpriced like a DeLorean DMC-12. Looks cool, pretty rare, but maybe not the best car any more (PRV), the way things are looking. And both are made of stainless steel.

 

[ShogaNinja]

I can see where you are coming from. And your points are well taken. However, with everything that the Provari already does, I see no APV's on the horizon that will be able to do more than it currently does. The Silver Bullet is a traditional, older-design, 3.7v tube battery carrier, yet AltSmoke continues to sell hundreds of them to this day because of the same American values to manufacturing, materials, and customer service that Provape has with the Provari. Quality is simply quality. The Chinese will never be able to surpass an American made product simply because they will never provide anywhere near the customer service that an American company can.

To me, the advancements and improvements in vaping devices will be in the area of juice delivery devices. Cartos are arcane and primitive by design, clearo's and ce2/3's are an improvement but still have issues. The rebuildable juice-feeding atty's probably are taking it in the right direction, but so far they require a lot of do-it-yourself tinkering, and I want something that works more out-of-the-box.

I'd say Apple is defeating many companies in reliability in the technology world... Every bit of their products are "Made in China". People have all but given up on the "Made in America" logo. Consider the possibility that you may have been brainwashed to believe China is bad and America is good.

 

[betaalex]

The Chinese will never be able to surpass an American made product simply because they will never provide anywhere near the customer service that an American company can.

Remember, Apple is made in China and it's the most reliable computer around. China isn't a dirty word.

quite different opinions we have here

Remember this old joke?: optimistic people learn English, pessimistic - learn Russian, and realistic people - learn Chinese!

 

[Baditude]

Altsmoke and Smokeless Image (I am pretty sure) are the same company. They have the same address and are in the same strip mall. The Silver Bullet (at least with an evolv kick on it) can't handle a vivi nova, it melts the safety spring and ruins your battery (expensive ouch!).

I know the owner, Rob, of AltSmoke. He told me that he and the owners of Smokeless Image are merely friends, but that the two companies are separate corporations. They do share the same warehouse for economic reasons to help keep their costs down and to help pass these savings on to their customers.

Sorry to hear about your misadventure with the Kicked Silver Bullet and Vivi Nova. I've not heard of this combination being reported as being a common occurance. There must have been something out of wack for this to have occured, most likely an atty resistance vs voltage issue. Say if this had been a Provari instead of the Silver Bullet, whatever the issue was that resulted in the failed battery/hot spring, the Provari's safety features would have prevented it from happening in the first place and would have told you exactly why it refused to fire. SAFETY FIRST. ALWAYS.

The problem with the Provari is the lower amperage than the newer releases, and the connector being a 510 instead of an EGO connector. It sucks at dual coils and triple coils, and though I get that those are a fringe market, how can you call the Provari and APV when it can't do advanced things? What if next month the new thing is multi-coil atomizers? It happened with computers, they're all multi-core now. What if tomorrow the next best thing used ego cone threads? The Provari would be in the dust. You'd have to buy a chinese adapter to use them (which looks pretty silly - not to mention the All-American speech and using chinese made atomizers is pretty silly too). This is why I highly suggest not buying into the future for anybody. The Provari isn't a lifetime investment. Not only will it not last that long, it won't be relevant then either. If I bought a Vario for $80-100 (mod only or kit price) in 3 weeks when they come out I'd STILL have another $70-100 if it breaks down in a couple years to replace it with OR I could buy the next big thing if the market changes. I'm not saying the Vario is better than the Provari, that remains to be seen yet, but what I am saying it's more efficient in the features that the Provari has weakness, connection, amperage, and cost (especially in THIS economy). Besides I think it's a bit unfair to believe that the Vario will last any less amount of time than a Provari just because it's made in China. Time will tell in that department, but let it come out first.

Not sure what point you are trying to make here. Dual coils were a nice idea that didn't really pan out in the real world. They really shorten battery life compared to single coil cartos, and the practical end result does not result in improved vapor or flavor. Read the forums; more and more people are switching from dual coils to single coils.

People start out using the dual coils because that is what comes with the XL size carto tanks, and they either mistakenly believe that is the only carto replacement that can be used or are unaware that you can actually use a single coil carto in a DCT type tank. Brilliant marketing strategy by Smoktek. But wiser experienced vapors have caught on to it. Triple coils? Give me a break.

Why would the majority of 510 mod users want an Ego connector as the default connector?

I didn't understand what point you were attempting to make about the "problem with the Provari is the lower amperage than the newer releases".

How can you call the Provari and APV when it can't do advanced things

Ummm, last I checked the Provari is doing things that most APV's can't even touch. I'm not so sure that a Provari could not handle a triple coil (I know it can handle a dual coil), but even if it couldn't, that wouldn't be a deal breaker for me over the other more important things it DOES do.

What good is the ability to service an APV if it's so reliable you never need it?

Did you really just say that? REALLY?

You just made my own point so much clearer. Thank you very much.