Please help me choose a new PV...

[Thespis]

Thanks for all the great information! I've been lurking for awhile.
I dropped my Ballistix VV/VW battery and it came completely apart. It's an off brand that I got cheap, but I learned that I really like to vape with variable wattage! It still works, so I'll turn the parts into a box mod at some point, but I need a new device to go along with my Itaste VV 3.0 (which I love).
My two must haves (besides VW) are durability and long battery life. I think I've narrowed it down to two devices, the E-LVT or Itaste VTR. They're both very robust devices and have similar functions although I think the E-LVT has more bells and whistles.
Any opinions on these two devices or others that may meet the criteria?

 

[eratikmind]

I'll toss a nod into the ring for a Vapor Shark rDNA.

 

[FCastle]

Any reason you're not considering the MVP 2.0? $40, VV and VW modes, and a higher capacity battery.

 

[Thespis]

Mostly the replaceable battery. Both of the devices I listed use an 18650 battery, which can be the same (or greater) capacity as the non-replaceable battery in the MVP.

 

[FCastle]

I guess it comes down to personal preference, I prefer the MVP's built in battery. I usually get 3 days on a charge, and I charge when the battery indicator is still green, or right when it turns yellow, and don't charge to full capacity. My friend recently got one after trying mine, he's a former 2 pack a day smoker who vapes pretty much constantly and he usually get 2 days on a charge.

 

[Thespis]

The VTR is pretty much an MVP on steroids. I'm leaning in that direction because I've been impressed with the build quality of my Itaste VV.

 

[bulldog63h]

I'll toss a nod into the ring for a Vapor Shark rDNA.

I'd have to agree. If you're looking for a box mod with user replacable batteries and lots of bells an whistles the rDNA would be my pick. It also really depends on you budget. You should also check out things like the IPV2 and the Sigelei 50 watt. Both are high power mox mods at a lower price point.

 

[Thespis]

Since the resident battery guru likes the MVP, I'll reconsider. I would just hate to throw out a functioning device in a year or so because the battery won't hold a charge.

 

[SunshinePete]

The MVP is very popular on ECF, but you already know its drawbacks. To me there's no way to beat a replaceable battery so I'm going with the VTR, so good I bought it twice. For me no other box mod looks as classy, it works well and has an unmistakable quality feel. Yes it's heavy, so not for the limp-wristed, but that's because of its brass frame, which makes it withstand quite a knocking.

 

[SunshinePete]

Since the resident battery guru likes the MVP, I'll reconsider. I would just hate to throw out a functioning device in a year or so because the battery won't hold a charge.

That is certain to happen.

 

[FCastle]

The battery should last at least 1-2 years if you charge it properly, mostly not running it dead and not charging to max capacity all the time. Personally if I get a year plus out of a $40 made in China device I'm happy. If the battery won't hold a charge anymore, well it's $40, buy another one. Though realistically I'd be more worried about buttons or the internal electronics crapping out before the battery. That's with most mods, not just the MVP.

 

[Ithindor]

Definetely an MVP or a vaporshark.

 

[Mic360]

I have been using a mvp for work for the last 4 months battery lasts all day and I work outdoors and it is very durable.

 

[LDS714]

I have the E-LVT, a VTR and a couple of MVPs. Pros and cons below.

E-LVT
Pros: Replaceable battery, but you can still charge it without removing the battery. Speaking of removing the battery, it comes with an extra screw for the battery door. It has a very smooth power delivery, as does the MVP. It has a spring-loaded 510 connector, and has worked with every atty I've tried on it. It's water-resistant. You can charge other devices with the USB output. It also has a flashlight. Comes with the most awesome charging cable ever (USB to mini-USB, micro-USB, iPhone, & Lightning connectors).
Cons: Logo stickers come off. It can be unstable and easy to knock over, especially with a heavier atty. With a tank on it, it can be a little awkward to carry in a pants pocket.

MVP -
Pros: Inexpensive. Good battery life and longevity. My V1 was still holding a charge for quite a long time when I paid it forward. Smooth power delivery. Ability to charge other devices with USB output. Comfortable to hold.
Cons: Can be top heavy with larger atties. Personal preference, but button placement could be better.

VTR -
Pros: Built like a friggin' tank! Mine has been dropped on sidewalks, out of vehicles, and on hard floors. It's sustained several dings, but keeps on vaping. Tank is protected (unless using the extension). Easily fits in a pocket. Comfortable to hold, excellent button placement (personal preference). Extension to use any size tank, although it will stick out the top quite a bit. Will fire below one ohm. Quick and easy battery changes.
Cons: Heavy. Really heavy. Puts a dent on the bottoms of batteries after a while. Slight 'rattlesnake effect' from pulse width modulated output. Many tanks (Kayfun, Squape, Nautilus, etc.) won't fit inside of it without modifying the device. No USB output.

I really like all three. A lot. The E-LVT and MVP are pretty much the same controllers in different form factors. The VTR is my daily carry (andhas been for going on a year) simply because it's more compact with something like an Aspire BDC or iClear30 tucked down inside of it.

IMHO, coul couldn't go wrong with any of them.

 

[krobeson]

I also have an MVP2 which is now a backup to my Tatroe Atlas SX350 which I just LOVE!! I was going to get a DNA30 mod, but decidied against it after it had a few features that were either missing or bad IMO. First, on a DNA30 chip there is no step down voltage capability on lower wattage settings. Meaning if you are vaping at 10W the voltage output will be much higher than it should at 10W. Also there is no reverse battery protection. I want to tell myself that I'm no idiot and I know how to put a battery in, but at least I have that protection on the SX350. Also, you can do on-the-fly upgrade the SX350 board. There is a 60W upgrade available, but I don't need that yet and you also have to upgrade the wiring from 20AWG to 16AWG to handle the current increase.

Just something to throw around!!! I do like my MVP though!! Very reliable!!

 

[Warpigs]

Silver Bullet!

 

[simonpink]

+1 on the rDNA! Just got an email saying mine is ready to be picked up at the post office.
I was looking for a compact vv/vw mod with swappable battery a few weeks ago and found the ZNA30 clones.
Dropped $110 on a preorder for it thinking there was nothing better around. I came across the vs dna in my search, but some how missed the rdna.
Found it last thursday and had to have it. With the 18650 battery its only 0.4mm taller than the ZNA with its 18500.

Got an email today about the ZNA clone:

We have spent the day testing each individual unit and are less than impressed with the results.

Firstly, we were supplied all stainless steel units and no black units as we had ordered.

Secondly, none of the units can perform the following functions:

a) Lock the wattage
b) Be put in stealth mode
c) Flip the screen (for left handed view)

Aside from these missing functions, the mods perform well with no other issues identified.

Well, unfortunately we wont be sending out any of these mods today, that’s for sure! We will park this until midday tomorrow (12:00pm, 09.09.14) to allow the supplier to respond with a solution. Should the solution not be satisfactory, the situation will be communicated to you and all pre-orders will be cancelled and refunded accordingly.

Here's hoping that refund comes!