Novice questions about vaping gear.

[naith_kk]

Hi guys, I was a pack-or-more-a-day smoker and got vaping about two month ago and I'm enjoying the experience eversince. I've been mostly lurking in the forums and learning as much as I could, and considering I'm still new to the vaping world, I have some questions for experienced vapers about the gear involved:

1. I was recommended and purchased a Vivi Nova atomizer during the time I started out (I found out its a knockoff version after looking around youtube) and after intense use, I began learning to rewick and recoil the Vivi Nova on my own to maintain it's efficiency, but despite being very careful in my attempts to disassemble and rebuild the atomizer with a new wick and coil, the silicone/rubber grommets that insulate the positive and negative connections have finally started to give in; tearing up at the seams; causing frequent shorts, leaks, and severe battery heating issues (I'm using a mechanical mod; a Sigelei #20 - I'm guessing its the first version).
   
   So, having no replacement parts as this is my first tank atomizer (there were no additional coil heads for mine as it was a "promotion" of sorts when I bought the assembled set), I'm quickly thinking of ditching the Vivi Nova in favor for something more durable and easier to maintain - or at least a tank system where I probably will never have to tinker with those fragile grommets so much when its time to re-wick and/or re-coil. Budget wise, I have a medium budget so I will have to take into consideration if the next purchase is too pricey. Any good recommendations for me to look into before my next local vendor visit?
2. I recently was aware of add-on parts for mechanical mods like The "Kick" (variable voltage add-on) and circuit breakers which brings new features to a mechanical mod in an attempt to resemble a more expensive mod like the Provari, Lava, eVic etc, my question is: what are the advantages and disadvantages to buying these over buying a complete unit that packs these features? Hoping vapers who bought and used these add-ons can give some feedback...

Looking forward to your replies on my questions. Thanks!

 

[Rzarect0r]

I'm in a similar position as you are, except that I haven't bought an e-cig yet. I'm using my friends' Ego V-Nano, and while I like the way it taste, it's battery is way too small. And for my first e-cig I'd like to get something nice, although not too expensive (preferably <100 euros for a set). I'm kind of worried about getting a mod though because of the batteries, but I guess if they come with instruction manuals on how to properly take care of them I'd be alright.

Hope I'm not hijacking your thread, but I doubt it since our questions are pretty similar.

 

[Broncbox]

I used a vivi-nova for about 6 months till I got a kangar pro-tank. Personally I really prefer the protank over the vivi and would highly suggest it as your next atomozier. One of the nice things is that the heads are very similar to those for the vivi so rebuilding is a snap. As far as the rubber grommets goes all I can suggest is to get a few spare heads. I have heard of someone cutting peices off a sling shot and using that to replace the grommets but I haven't tried it myself.

For power I use a vamo v2. Reasonably inexpensive, dependable, simple to use (battery goes dead just swap in another) and LOADS of help here on ECF if you have an issue or question about them.

Hope that helps you both out.

 

[Kellycat]

I'll second the Vamo V2 and Protank, or perhaps an Evod clearo/tank if budget is a big concern. Vamos in the classifieds go fairly cheap, and there's always Fasttech if you don't mind waiting around for a week.

 

[Leal]

1. The RSST rebuildable genesis style atomizer sounds like what you are looking for. It's fairly easy to set up for a new person starting in rebuilding genesis devices, great on a budget, and it is a tank style. Check out pbusardo's video.

2. I'm not sure I can address this fully because I have never used a kick. I do know that I enjoy using both mechanical and VV mods. However, I do slightly prefer To use the Provari as first vape to last vape before the battery needs recharging is exactly the same. There is no drop off in performance due to battery drain. I am guessing the kick helps regulate a mechanical mod so that you get similar results. Hopefully, someone experienced can chime in.

 

[StuMan]

just go through a trusted site-- lotsa scams out there

 

[AttyPops]

The replacement heads for the VN come with new silicone washers. Also double-up-twist the legs to reduce heating of the legs and thus degrading the washer (but don't get shorts!).

I don't suggest that you use gear that's causing shorts in a mech. Get the gear fixed properly. Don't push it. Vapesafe is the name of one fuse.

I like the protection circuits so I'd definitely check into a fuse or a kick. Or in the proper amp ranges use a protected battery and a well-vented mod. (Check the "C" rating for that battery and don't exceed double amps for the battery) or an IMR battery (still good to have a fuse).

I currently use a slideable back box mod with stacked protected batteries and a voltage regulator (VV). 3 amp limit on regulator though. However, I wouldn't want to push 1.5C batteries any farther than that even with intermittent current draw.

The other RBA stuff is easier to work with, but bulkier. RBA stuff is probably slightly less prone to shorts. But I don't use re-wicked stuff without protection circuits anyway.

 

[BlkWolfMidnight]

Hum....
As for the rubber insulator wearing out you can either explore zero resistance silver wire or double up the legs. But degradation is a part of equipment that is bound to happen, as long as your main component (tank and atty holder) are doing well then not much lost there.
Genesis attys are a good choice, RSST or AGA-T are good choices as they bridge the novice to experienced in what can be done with an atty. Either way it sounds like your ready and able to step up to handling a Genesis or RBA without an issue (many exist, just type in RBA and you'll find them made to rebuild).
As for the latter, if you have a mechanical mod then have a fuse....they aren't overly expensive and may just save your hand, mod or both.
Best thing to do is find an experienced person that has been down the road your going and ask them for advice or information. I'm more then sure that they would be willing to help out. I've learned that we have all been there at one point and time to spread our wings and fly.

 

[naith_kk]

Thanks for your suggestions everyone.

I'm looking into finding alternatives as well to replace the broken grommet and looking into reviews on other similar kinds of systems, but considering the experience I had the Vivi Nova knockoff so far, I feel safer avoiding designs with very flimsy rubber/silicone grommets for the time being and go with a different system instead... there's no telling whether I'm going to manage to rig up a replacement part - or get an "official" replacement part with a spare that will probably break down as fast as the previous one I have; there's too much risk to consider following through.

Getting the RSST or AGA-T2 seems the best bet though. Rebuilding them seems like a walk in the park and I planning on eyeing these two in my local stores - am going to take some time looking for knock-off telltale signs beforehand.

 

[dmanindfw]

Frankly for the cost to "kick" a mechanical you could easily and likely less expensively purchase a new VV/VW device....like a Vamo or a Innokin SVD. Both are around $40 at Fasttech. Not sure what batteries or charger you have so those may be additional expenses. I have both and love them...prefer the SVD though. Easy to use, a lot of flexibility, and can run just about anything besides the 1.3 ohm and below devices.

I like the juice devices that don't require much tinkering so I went with a Protank and most recently a Valley View Vapes cartotank. Love both and again trouble free, easy to use, and cost effective.

BTW, I have only been analog free for a little over 2 months myself. Congrats.