Provari or vmax?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Optimo

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jul 16, 2011
1,894
787
39
Virginia
My only problem with the vmax is that the math is wrong. Not just wrong but, wrong Wrong WRONG. I have verified the output of my provari with a multimeter, what you set is what you get. I know, from experience, what wattage I like to vape at, the one time I tried a vmax, I set the voltage by doing the math on my phones calculator, plugged the exact same tank as I had on my provari set to the exact same wattage and got burnt, nasty, horrible hits. I will freely admit that I did not run tests on the vmax, but from personal experience it just doesn't do what it says it is doing when it comes to voltage. In my opinion, the current ranking kings of the vaping world are the provari, the darwin(if you can actually buy one and live with its IMHO ugly as sin design), the variable voltage reo, and any solid mechanical mod(like the silver bullet) with a kick and a kick extension sleeve. The only problem with a kicked mechanical is the difficulty of adjusting the wattage on the fly. As the owner of a Provari, the only one I'd consider buying in addition to it is the VV reo. That said, if the difference in cost is a real world concern for you, the vmax usually performs fine. Just don't think that any experience with it will translate to another device, as the voltage it is telling you is WRONG.

I love the "wrongness" of my VMax...some people just don't know how to handle such a powerful device imo. The VMax actually isn't "wrong" the reason it hits so much harder when set at the same voltage as another PV is because the PWM spikes spike a little higher than the set voltage. But if you were to read the VMax with a multimeter it will read what you have it set to. For me the high PWM spike is a win as I love the way my VMax hits. You just have to figure out the right resistance/voltage to use on it.

If you want a rock solid device that handles single coils very well and have the cash then get a Provari all the way. If you want a sturdy built power house device that will push everything you put on it to the max without limiting anything or giving you errors and don't want to break the bank then get a VMax.
 
Last edited:

urahara

Full Member
Verified Member
Jan 26, 2012
46
19
45
Patra,Greece
I love the "wrongness" of my VMax...some people just don't know how to handle such a powerful device imo. The VMax actually isn't "wrong" the reason it hits so much harder when set at the same voltage as another PV is because the PWM spikes spike a little higher than the set voltage. But if you were to read the VMax with a multimeter it will read what you have it set to. For me the high PWM spike is a win as I love the way my VMax hits. You just have to figure out the right resistance/voltage to use on it.

Well, you can't use a multimeter to measure pulse output...
Provari also uses PWM to step up the volts, however it regulates the output afterwards to the expected voltage the user has set. I think this step of the process doesn't exist in Vmax, thus the user has to rely on his "vaping experience" to adjust the volts. If the user is a new vaper... then I guess that won't be so easy task.

One more thing, Vmax uses 2 batteries and maybe the spikes go up to 7,4-8,4. The rms value (that I believe is what the multimeter will measure) maybe for e.g. 3v due to the PWM. however the heat will try to follow the spikes like the diagram below (3rd one):

pulse1.jpg
 

Suthrnbuckhunter

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jun 19, 2012
2,084
2,976
SW Georgia,USA
I bought the Provari and Ive not had any issues with any equipment that Ive used on it.I check the oms of my equipment,set the volts around 2 higher than the omhs and vape.As far as quality,well ya really need to get it in yer hand to appreciate the build quality.It is deff not a cheap lightweight rattle trap of a PV.I cant speak about the vmax,as I dont own one.
Bucky
 

Big Screen D

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Aug 5, 2011
2,292
2,830
Georgia
Even if the VMax holds up long enough, it will still end up costing more than a Provari over time because of the dual battery configuration. What gets forgotten is stacked batteries should be married in pairs, so when one becomes weak or dies, both batteries are no longer usable in a staked configuration.

Another huge advantage the Provari has is flexibility in size. I use the mini 18350, but could extend it with an optional end cap. I'm pleased as punch with the size of the mini, and much prefer it to my wand like dual battery IPro.
 

Optimo

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jul 16, 2011
1,894
787
39
Virginia
I withdrawl my vote for the VMax and vote for the ZMax. It's able to use either one 18650 or 2 18350's and it's variable voltage or variable wattage (up to 15 watts). Looks like a chrome/SS VMax but it has 2 different styles of end caps (for 18650 or 18350's) and a new better button. It's also what you set is what you get. What more could one want besides for everyone of these to come off the production line flawless?
 

NewbyNinja

Full Member
Verified Member
Sep 24, 2012
31
19
40
United States
Hi all..I am using ego-c for some time now..it's good but I want to take my vaping experience higher..Have read about provari and smoktech vmax devices..I am confused as to which one to buy..both seem similar but provari is way expensive at around 225$ and vmax retails for around 100$..has anyone tried both and tell me which device is better and why?also,take into consideration the price factor..thanks

I have both the provari mini v2 and the Vmax. I pretty much only use my provari. The build quality is top notch and the voltage is actually correct. The Vmax will get the job done if the provari isnt in your budget, but i would recommend if you get a Vmax to start at the lowest voltage and slowly work your way up because volts on the Vmax do not equal any other device. I found that 3.0 volts on the Vmax was tasting like 3.8ish on the provari.
 

cerver7

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jun 18, 2010
1,811
1,216
Shamong NJ
I have both the provari mini v2 and the Vmax. I pretty much only use my provari. The build quality is top notch and the voltage is actually correct. The Vmax will get the job done if the provari isnt in your budget, but i would recommend if you get a Vmax to start at the lowest voltage and slowly work your way up because volts on the Vmax do not equal any other device. I found that 3.0 volts on the Vmax was tasting like 3.8ish on the provari.

i concur. the provari is just all around better in all areas other than price.
 

NewbyNinja

Full Member
Verified Member
Sep 24, 2012
31
19
40
United States
Also the Vmax is not a stand up unit. It is very thin and very easily knocked over. My understand is it has a weak solder on the ground wire and it is easily knocked off if it is dropped or knocked over. If you go with the Vmax, plan on laying it down. My provari is very sturdy and has a great weight to it, I have never knocked it over.
 

AnsonJames

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jun 23, 2011
1,855
2,239
IRELAND
No doubt the Provari is the greater device and the failure rate is lower.

But in terms of value for money...I'd go for the VMax, especially if you're lucky enough to get a flawless unit.

Yes, they DO exist.

You said it yourself!

"if you're lucky enough to get a flawless unit".

The true value in the Provari is in it's reliability, maybe it costs more money but it's a lot less hassle - it's the whole point in buying more expensive items.

The Zmax would be a good choice if you don't want to spend a lot of money, it's a lot more reliable and it's more restrained/finessed too
 

LongHaul

Howdy Y'All
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Aug 10, 2012
3,396
2,388
Bradenton, Florida
Provari for the win. Not because I own one but do some research on this forum and others when there is a problem the guys that fix them when you send them in are top notch. There is one guy that sent his Monday they got it Tuesday repaired it that night and he had it Thursday. It is the best on the market at what it does and retains its value if you decide to move on latter. There are even guys that will trade higher end stuff for a provari. Don't get that one myself but whatever. With a lava tube, zmax, and all of that copy cat stuff it is just that.
It's like deciding between a Harley and a Honda rebel....no brainer


..........:)..........
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread