Please explain the advantages of VV/Watts in regards to flavor, throw, throat hit, etc.

[NaturesEncore]

I've been in the market for a VV mod for a few weeks, now, and have done quite a bit of research. I've narrowed it down to the ProVari and the Buzzpro, but I'm still open to a VV box mod (just haven't found one that compares to the former two, according to reviews).

I'm still kind of confused. I've only been vaping a little over a month, now, and have been using an ego passthrough with Boge LR cartos. The flavors, even DIY at 30% (70/30 or 60/40 blends), start out strong, but become muted quickly while vaping. Is this due to the decrease in voltage? Or maybe there wasn't enough voltage to begin with?

From what I understand, a higher voltage equates to more flavor, an increase in throat hit, and more vapor. My priority is flavor, although the latter two play a close second. Functionality is far superior to aesthetic appeal, too.

Some say a 5 volt mod is the way to go, because it's a happy medium that brings flavor to the forefront. Others say 6, 4.2, 5.4, etc. are their sweet spots. I know it's a personal preference, but is that sweet spot the same for all juices, or have you found that each flavor has a sweet spot of its own?

I am not technically savvy, by any means, if you can't tell by now, but I figured I should educate myself before making a substantial purchase. This is where you guys (the experts) come in.

So, how do watts factor in to the mix? And how do you know how many watts you're getting? Is this a feature of the ProVari . . . at so many watts, you're getting so many volts, or am I totally off the mark here? Or would I need a meter to tell?

The bottom line is: I just want to be able to taste these juices consistently throughout my vaping sessions, but still want the smoking "feeling" that throat hit and vapor production brings.

Sorry so long-winded. That's just the detail-oriented writer in me. Thank you, in advance, everyone! You guys are so awesome!

 

[knivesout]

The reason you notice the flavor and vapor drop off with your setup is probably due to the batteries voltage waning and maybe the carto drying out if you're not topping it off enough. Mods like the Provari keep the voltage at exactly what it's set at as the battery discharges, so you're getting the same power all the time no matter what. Vaping at high voltages does provide all the benefits you mentioned, and also the ability to fine tune the flavor of your juice. Tastes are pretty subjective though, so the voltage one person likes for a particular juice could be too little or too much for another. But that's what's great about VV, you can dial in exactly what tastes best to you.

Watts can be calculated if you have a given voltage and resistance. I'm usually around 5 volts on a 3 ohm carto which equates to about 8.3 watts. With the Provari, you can check the exact resistance of your atty/carto which is nice because there's a good deal of variation. As far as I know, the only mod that allows you to dial in a given wattage is the Darwin. With the others, you figure out your voltage and resistance and can use an ohm's law calculator (I forget the equation). Watts are just a more accurate descriptor of power, but having a VV mod is about being able to figure out what works best for you so I wouldn't get too caught up in the numbers.

For the consistency that you say you want, I'd recommend a carto with a tank. If you're not familiar with them, what they do is keep the cartomizer "fed" at all times, only requiring filling the tank and changing out the carto. I haven't tried any of the alternatives that don't use filler like the CE2s, etc, but some people like those as well. There will be a bit of a learning curve with tanks, at least I personally found that, but when you get it working well it's fantastic for consistency and ease of use. Hope this helps, if you have any more questions I can try to help with my admittedly limited knowledge, I just started vaping again late february.

 

[NaturesEncore]

Thank you so much! Your response is perfect, and I do have a better understanding, now. I had no idea about ohm's law calculator for figuring wattage, and will definitely look that up.

I'm very committed when it comes to topping of the cartos. I am always pulling off the drip tip, and topping off at the slightest bit of dryness to maintain that slushy look (it's the new black, you know ). The flavor begins diminishing, though, after only a few pulls. So, I'm always putting in that one more drop as soon as it does, and the flavor returns to normal for a few more toots.

The ProVari is looking better and better, the more I read and watch reviews, just for its pinpoint accuracy alone. The "fine-tuning" you mentioned was just what I was looking for.

Thanks again.

 

[hificat101]

I think the reason you notice flavors becoming muted is that what tends to happen when you vape something for awhile. It is an effect that is more pronounced with some juices than others. Not sure why.

I recently bought a second variable voltage mod, and what I do now is carry both with me loaded with two different juices. I vape one for a bit then switch to the other. I find doing this, preserves both flavors for me for A LOT longer.

When you hear people talking about different flavors at different voltages, what they are really talking about is juice tasting differently at different coil temperatures. So I think you may be talking about 2 different effects. VV will allow you to dial in just the right spot for each juice you're vaping.

If you want to do a relatively cheap experiment, go to maximumvapors.com, and buy a cheap (but high quality) VV device and experiment. You can get a dual 14500 VV mod there for like 50 bucks. Though the fit and finish might not be what you would get with a $150 device, the circuitry and construction are solid.

So, how do watts factor in to the mix? And how do you know how many watts you're getting? Is this a feature of the ProVari . . . at so many watts, you're getting so many volts, or am I totally off the mark here? Or would I need a meter to tell?

Why does it matter to know? Set your dial where it tastes, and feels good, and vape your face off. A Provari doesn't display watts. It will measure the exact resistance of your carto or atty, and then you can calculate watts with that info. A Darwin will display watts. But again, who cares what the number is unless you are using a device that requires button presses to set it. That's why I like VV devices with a dial. Nothing wrong with a Provari or a Darwin, they are both VERY high quality, US made devices. I'm just saying there is no need to spend that much bank up front to explore VV vaping.

 

[hificat101]

Here, try this on for size:

Center Button VV Box Mod (EverCool)

get a pair of these (and a charger):

Genuine TrustFire 3.6V 900mAh 14500 Protected Rechargeable Li-ion Battery

...and you're on your way. Heads up, 2.5 to 3 ohm cartos will work best with VV.

P.S. I just saw you're from Chicagoland. Did you make it to the fest this past weekend?

 

[MrWarspite]

I really like the highly adjustable variable voltage mods like the lavatube/provari/darwin etc. Ive noticed that every juice tastes different at different heat levels(wattage) and .2v can make a big difference. The VV mods that only have 3 settings are fine but only get you half way there.

If you get into variable voltage, stay away from dual coils.

 

[Slurp812]

With most VV mods, you get a more consistent hit. I know with the provai, the last hit is the same as the first. It has awesome regulation....

 

[bssage]

I am on the same page as hificat101. My juices lose there taste after I vape them for an extended amount of time. So I will switch to another for a while then the original flavor is back.

I have exclusively used vv mods for a little over a year. And while I agree 100% that some juices just taste better at different temps. I think bringing out the part of the flavor you enjoy the most is overlooked and where it also pays dividends. What I mean is that some/many juices have more than one flaver within them. You can fine tune a particular juice to your taste.

Another benefit that may have been over looked is that your not roped in to one type of atty or carto. You can take advantage of sales that you otherwise would not if say you were locked into using high or low resistance carto/atty.

Also unless you are into the high end stuff (I kinda am) Its really not necessary to get an expensive VV mod. Some of my best performing mods were made by a buddy from a kit at madvapes. 40 bucks I think.

Just my 2 cents