Provari or VVPV...?

[Njt07]

Long post sorry

So I'm in the market for a step up from my madvapes vv box and Reo mini. My Reo mini will continue to be my field and deployed APV simply because I have no worries of breaking it and it's small.

I initially didn't want a tube style mod mainly because I wanted to continue to use dual 14500 and not have to buy new batteries. My initial choices were Merlin(no longer being made or sold by anyone...) the sgt vv army tank (not being sold) and the VVPV.

I found out the Provari now comes in a mini size that is barely taller than a 30ml bottle, but I'd have to buy new batteries.

So now it's between the VVPV and the Provari mini.

The VVPV is nice for me because;

14500 batteries
topfeeder
dial voltage from 3.3-5.5v

but:

no voltage reader...
I don't know how durable this thing is, tube especcially
seems to have some issues with the battery connector
May have issues with liquid leaking through/around the connector into the body and circuitry
looks kinda big...

The mini is nice for me because:

voltage reader and stays at the same voltage under load apparently.
has all sorts of other safety features
looks fairly durable, not as much as my Reo but more so than the VVPV
looks pretty small only slightly taller than my Reo mini

But:

Its a tube mod I like boxes
i have to buy new batteries
the voltage adjustment seems to require many button clicks, but I don't adjust my voltage a lot unless I'm changing attys or cartos, which I do when changing flavors. Does this thing have a save function like select save 1 for 3.6 volts (user adjustable) save 2 for 4.3v etcetera. If not it would be awesome.

So I'm stuck, I almost pulled the trigger on the mini but shipping (need priority mail dunno if provape uses it) stopped me. Any advice or suggestions?

 

[Zenataos]

In my opinion you cannot go wrong with a Provari, it's a great device! I've had mine for just over a week now and couldn't be happier, its built like a tank. The menu system is extremely easy and takes only minuets to be a master at.

I have no experience with the VVPV from notcigs so I cannot comment on its durability.

Provape ships by USPS Priority Mail International or Express Mail International both of which are pretty darn quick.

 

[tearose50]

I think you may be surprised at how happy you would be with the Provari.

It is very easy to change voltages. It's not just pushing a button and counting -- you can look at the screen and see the "menu" items. It does not have a memory type feature like you mentioned -- but since you already know what juice/atty you like at what setting you have 9/10 of the battle won.

It's just plain nice to be able to check battery level, atty ohms, turn it off and such, too. I rarely turn it off -- as when I carry I detach the atty/carto/tank as I find that easier and more convenient for pocket, etc.

I have not been a tube mod fan either, but the Provari is so sweet, it doesn't matter. It has a great record and is very well built.

I have no personal experience with the VVPV or Notcigs products.

 

[MickeyRat]

That's sort of an apples and oranges comparison in a sense. The feeder really skews things and if that's important to you, the Provari shouldn't be in the running. A more reasonable comparison would be between the Provari and the Buzz Pro. I actually own a Buzz Pro and a Reo mini. Unlike you, I'm not really a fan of the 14500s. They are small but, I'd like something with a little more life. The Provaris have some nifty looking bells and whistles and given the way it's controls work some of them are necessary.

I've been using VVs for several months now and they've always been set with a knob or a wheel. I actually have an inline voltmeter, if I want to know the voltage but, I don't use it much. In fact, I don't even want to spend the miniscule battery life for the built in display nor do I want to pay for it. As far as the experience goes, there's really only up from here or down from here. Where here is stays the same whether you have a display or not. I do need to have some idea of where to start and I need to know if I'm way high which might indicate a problem with whatever I have screwed in. The knob position tells me that. On mods like the Provari or Lavatube you have to have a display because you have up and down buttons and a display is the only way to get an idea of where you are. So, if you have a knob, a display isn't going to add much to the experience.

To the Provari fans that are about to chime in. Be honest, do you really use the display for anything else on regular basis?

I'm actually in the market for a VV bottom feeder. The VVPV is nice but, I'm not really crazy about top feeders. Right now I'm waiting for a VV Reo. The Woodvils should be out any day now and the Grands should be available in a few weeks. The guy that builds them made a deal with notcigs for the same electronics as the Buzz Pro. For me, that would be a perfect combination.

 

[RippleInStillWater]

My bff had a REO and liked it but after trying the my VVPV, he swindled it out of me using the old 'don't-you-want-me-to-live' card, he has almost cut out cigarettes all the way using it. I have had provaris and found them good, not great, and heavy with a short-ish battery life. The VVPV is sure more front pocket friendly and lighter and a feeder and I like the USB recharging but there is no long-rterm durability studies yet as it hasn't been out long enough. I would say if for some odd reason you have to know the voltage you're vaping (or like lots of clicking) go with the provari but otherwise a VVPV is a better bang for your buck but that's just my opinion.......

 

[Hoosier]

Huh, I have both and like both, but each has its place.

First thing to get out of the way is that I do not like cartos. I've tried a bunch, but cannot get the vapor I want out of them so I drip.

My pro's for the ProVari:
Solid build
Solid operation
Solid voltage regulation
Extension cap for an 18650 means I can vape for a workday on one charge. (I'm a rather heavy vaper.)
I can change voltage to maximize the flavor of whatever I happen to be dripping easily

Con's for ProVari:
Dripping while active/driving
Tall in pocket

Pro's for the VVproV:
Great while active/driving
Fits a shirt pocket perfectly
5ml capacity will last longer than I can drive without a pit stop.
Solid build
Built in charger

Con's for VVproV:
Current feeder drip tip does not work well with the draw required for an HH.357 atty.
Need to build my own feeder adaptor for I06 attys.
Feel locked in to a single flavor for 5ml
My tendancy to hit the feed button when I mean to hit the fire button and causing a leak.

After making a feed adaptor (thanks to Wharf Rat's tube), adding a sealed 510-510 threaded connector and installing a drip shield most of my con's are solved and it makes the VVproV a perfect APV for driving, working in the yard, and working in my shop.

In social situations and at my desk I always have my ProVari on hand.

Note that the preceeding is my opinion and applies to my situation and is for reference only.

 

[wv2win]

The new VV wood Gepetto is definitely one I would look at.

 

[Njt07]

I dont really want a wood vv or I'd be in the waiting list for the vv Reo that is coming out. My main concern with the VVPV is durability, I've seen a few issues with the battery connector that keeps me from buying the mod. Provari seems to have most of their issues worked out.

I use an atty tank, so the top feeder and the provari would both likely be using that tank. If I could still get a Merlin, that I would buy immediately cause that would be my perfect APV.

 

[vinnyvango]

I'm in exactly the same boat. I love the idea of the VVPV and prefer box mods. And based on the features it should be the bees knees (VV, top feed, pocket friendly, etc...there's just nothing else out there like it). I've been using a LT for 5 months or so and know that my next mod will be VV. I've read the battery life is good but it's so new I'm apprehensive. I am also considering a Vmod XL with a kick. IF the VVPV had more easily replaceable batteries I'd be pulling out the credit card right now.

BTW Mike told me via PM that he has a new drip tip/tubing adapter that will be available for something like $15.

Keep us posted on your decision.

 

[markfm]

With the wharf sleeve punched, letting me use whatever dt I like, io6/vvpv is just a sweet combo.

Since I really do vape the same eliquid all the time, the 5 ml bottle is a plus for me.

A buzz pro with tank is my alternate, for when I want tube format.

 

[six]

I initially didn't want a tube style mod mainly because I wanted to continue to use dual 14500 and not have to buy new batteries.
but:

no voltage reader...
I don't know how durable this thing is, tube especcially
seems to have some issues with the battery connector
May have issues with liquid leaking through/around the connector into the body and circuitry
looks kinda big...

I can comment: First - The VVPV comes with a set of batteries. Notcigs is currently shipping 900 mah trustfire flames with it. There are 4 #5 torx screws that hold the bottom on the unit and when you install the batteries, it isn't designed to swap them out every day. The charger plugs directly in to the VVPV. They can be swapped out sometime in the future when they start dying, but it isn't made to swap in fresh batteries and charge them externally. -- Mentionable: I'm able to get through right around 6.5 to 7ml vaped in a 2.0 ohm hh357 at ~4.4v on a charge. The charge lasts all day and then some. Also, the charger works pass through so even if you do drain the batts, you can still vape while it's charging.

Durability: No one has had one very long, but I've put 100 ml through mine so far and have been carrying it every day. It is a metal PV. There isn't much that's breakable. - The tubing is soft and stays put, so it's hard to comment on that concern for you. Even if it did get snagged on something (I've heard others say they think that could happen, so maybe that's what you are thinking?) the worst that can happen is that it will pull out of the drip tip and you'd have to put it back.

Size: The VVPV is about 2.5 inches wide by 3.3 inches tall and 3/4 inch thick. So, it is roughly the same height and thickness as a REO mini but an inch wider. It weighs 165 grams with a full bottle of juice and an atty on. In contrast, the REO mini weighs 104 grams with a full bottle of juice, battery installed, and atty on.

Voltage reader: Two things. 1 - the wheel is color coded. There is a green mark, a yellow mark, and a red mark - 3.4v - 4.4v - 5.4v, so it isn't too difficult to figure out where you are if the number is important to you. And 2 - I'm not sure why people care about the number. Start low and dial it up until you get the flavor and throat hit you prefer.

Battery connection: They fixed that problem. They had the wrong springs at first but have changed to a completely different one and they started using a mylar sleeve for the batteries in all units and not just the chrome ones. The batteries stay put.

Hoosier mentioned some accessories. All three are "must haves" as far as I'm concerned. A sealed 510/510 (if you are going to get a 510... one of the nice things about the VVPV is that you can get it in 510, 901, 808, or 801) , a drip shield to keep the mod perfectly clean, and a different solution for a drip tip. There is a drip tip adapter in the works - mwa104264 seems to be the beta tester - but no word on when it will be available or how much it will cost. Judging by a comment I squeezed out of mwa104264, the drip tip adapter is going to have a couple of features you wouldn't have expected. It employs a method to keep any juice from coming back up (attys won't be able to spit juice in to your mouth) and I think it's probable that it might also employ a method to make airflow adjustable.

EDIT: here is a size comparison. Left to right - Madvapes VV Box - VVPV - REO Mini

 

[Njt07]

Geez six, way to make a decision harder lol.

When I mentioned the battery connection issue I actually meant the pass through charging port issue where the Cale falls out or has to be just so in order for it to work, has this been resolved? Also thanks for the info about the color coding on the voltage dial didn't know about that.

What kind of processing time does the VVPV have? The mini has a processing time of about 10 days it think.

Where is a good place to get drip shields and sealed 510-510 adapters that actually has them in stock?

 

[doots]

Geez six, way to make a decision harder lol.

When I mentioned the battery connection issue I actually meant the pass through charging port issue where the Cale falls out or has to be just so in order for it to work, has this been resolved? Also thanks for the info about the color coding on the voltage dial didn't know about that.

What kind of processing time does the VVPV have? The mini has a processing time of about 10 days it think.

Where is a good place to get drip shields and sealed 510-510 adapters that actually has them in stock?

Nj, I;ve had a Pro Vari and It was a great mod. I also have the VVPV and I prefer it big time over the PV.
The number one reason is the top feed system and battery life is totally off the wall. I get 2 days of vaping off a charge. Moderate vaper. The feed system for me is perfect.. Either mod will do you well. Its all what you prefer..

 

[kabonk]

I have both I like both

 

[six]

Geez six, way to make a decision harder lol.

When I mentioned the battery connection issue I actually meant the pass through charging port issue where the Cale falls out or has to be just so in order for it to work, has this been resolved? Also thanks for the info about the color coding on the voltage dial didn't know about that.

What kind of processing time does the VVPV have? The mini has a processing time of about 10 days it think.

Where is a good place to get drip shields and sealed 510-510 adapters that actually has them in stock?

All i can really say about the charger post inside the VVPV is that mine is fine. I think I read two people who had trouble with theirs. One of them is ongoing and I'm sure he'll have to send it in. The other was already repaired and the owner of that one has since praised the customer service. --> I think this product launch was a tough one for notcigs. They did have a few problems, no doubt. I am completely confident that they have the glitches sorted it out, though.

I don't know how long it takes to get notcigs to make a VVPV. My best suggestion is to ask Buzzkill. I'd use the contact us email on their website, but you might also have luck asking in the notcigs sub-forum. He does seem to check in there at least twice a day.

Madvapes has a sealed 510/510 in stock for two bucks (looks like over 2500 in stock, so I doubt they will sell out any time soon). My drip shields came from avid vaper, but I'd bet lots of places carry drip shields (I didn't know much or care much about drip shields until recently).

EDIT: Good news on the drip tip adapter. On the website sometime Monday. have to get your own O-ring though (take one off a drip tip, i would think)

 

[Hoosier]

Empire Mods keeps the sealed 510-510 connectors in stock and has a number of designs for drip shield.

 

[Njt07]

Empire Mods keeps the sealed 510-510 connectors in stock and has a number of designs for drip shield.

I found the stuff I'd need for the VVPV from avid, I think I'm leaning toward the VVPV now. I completely forgot that the 2 14500 would give significantly more battery life, and finding out that the VVPV is made from metal instead of plastic like most battery box mods helps a lot.

Btw I just put in an order at Hoosiers for some KGO kits for my father inlaw, your post reminded me that you KGOs in stock.

 

[donnah]

I have both the madvapes vv box and the provari. There is no difference in the vape experience for me. The mv box lasts just as long if not longer and is smaller. The provari is larger and heavier but it does everything but wash my dishes for me LOL. I didn't find the provari a "step up" so to speak. I have been eyeing the vvpv also but I prefer cartos over attys now so a carto in a tank is what I love.. that or bottom feeding a carto. attys seem to require too much fiddling and maintaining for me. I thought the provari would be a step up from my madvapes box but it really wasn't, vapewise.. it's built better and has more features. I don't regret buying it of course. I'm not really in the market for another PV now but I'm watching the vvpv closely!

 

[kabonk]

I get about 7 hours from my provari mini and about 15 hours from my vvpv I have an empire drip sheild on the vvpv and don't need the 510 to 510 connector here's a pic for you

 

[mwa102464]

Uhm, with native 510 and a 510-510 sealed adapter, Empire Drip shield, feed adapter & Donut, Blissfull vaping, and not a drop in the cup Provari's good too though, but I'll take an Auto top feeder all day long, and a great VV Bootm feeder too