Provari Question(s)

[Kellin]

I love my iTaste VV v3 and currently have a cheap eGo backup so I'm all good now. This post is pretty much research (and yes, I've done a lot of reading). I will probably go with a Provari as the next purchase, so I'm down to the which and why questions. My requirements are that a.) it works, b.) it works consistently and c.) it requires minimal fiddling. It needs to be sturdy, not because I'm particularly hard on things, but I have 3 large dogs, 2 of whom can clear a table with their tails (the other is a Boxer, he uses his head). I've not really used the puff counter and such on the iTaste, so a lot of whizbang (while it does appeal to the geek in me) isn't necessary. So, the questions:

1. The Mini seems like the better choice since you can add extensions to it for different batteries but you can't "shrink" the standard Provari. Is my logic correct here?

2. I do not (for a variety of reasons) want to rebuild coils. I currently have a Mini PT on my iTaste and am very happy with it, so I was looking at the starter kit with the PT included. That said, I've also been reading the threads about the air issues and the new "scored" caps. Unless I'm misreading, it seems that getting the scored cap is hit or miss... ?

3. Extended warranty. Yes? No? Why?

4. Starter kit - seems like the best idea. Any thoughts otherwise?

TIA!

 

[Glenn_K]

Questions #3 and #4 has not come into it for me, but in terms of #1, yes, you can use all three battery sizes with the Mini, while the regular ProVari can only use 18490s and 18650s (with the extension cap). I think there are a couple different 18650 extensions for the Mini, including the GR-modders one.

In terms of #2, i'm not an expert on this topic, but I know that people do use PTs with the ProVari. It sounds like there may be error message issues with some of the dual coil clearomizers, but I hope some one will correct me on this if I am wrong.

-- Glenn

 

[p.opus]

1. The Mini seems like the better choice since you can add extensions to it for different batteries but you can't "shrink" the standard Provari. Is my logic correct here? You are correct. However ProVape does not sell extension rings, just the cap. So you need to get a third party vendor. Tatroe is the most likely candidate. I bought my ring from Cigtechs. They even now have rings that are color matched to the ProVari. However these do tend to sell quickly. If you don't get a ring, than the 18490 is the highest battery you can put into the Mini.

2. I do not (for a variety of reasons) want to rebuild coils. I currently have a Mini PT on my iTaste and am very happy with it, so I was looking at the starter kit with the PT included. That said, I've also been reading the threads about the air issues and the new "scored" caps. Unless I'm misreading, it seems that getting the scored cap is hit or miss... ? I have a ProTank 2 and it has no issues on my ProVari. YMMV. You can either buy a ProVari top cap ring from ProVape which will provide you the additional airflow you need, or you can buy an aerotank base for the ProTank from Kanger which gives you side mounted adjustable airflow. You can probably ask to make sure you get the new top cap when you place your order in the comments section.

3. Extended warranty. Yes? No? Why? For me NO....Most failures of a ProVari will show up in a year. After which you can get it repaired for relatively cheap. There are only two repairs that cost more than the extended warranty. A total board replacement at $65.00 and Circuit board repair at $25.00. Every other repair is actually cheaper than the extended warranty so you would need two of such repairs for the warranty to pay for itself. Also it's not transferable so it does not extend resell value in anyway.

4. Starter kit - seems like the best idea. Any thoughts otherwise?If you don't already have the batteries and charger and an appropriate 510 tank, then it is a fine way to go. You get a good charger and good batteries and tank for a reasonable cost. If you have any of these things already, then you can shave of some costs by eliminating items. and buying what you need alacarte

See my answers in BOLD above ^^^

 

[distortoblotto]

Tia, First I would like to say that I also own a VV v3 and still use it for short errands topped with mini PT's. Great little device and the one I went to when first stepping up from VV Evods.

With that being said, I have since stepped up to more advanced devices including both sized Provari units with the extensions. My recommendation would be that if you are looking for portable, go with the mini first and add the extension option. The Provari has a fit, finish and feel like few others and the bonus is that if there is any problem ( quite rare) it can be retuned for service. That can not be said for the majority of imported mods.

As far as the air flow issues with the pro tank, Provari has addressed this by machining air flow grooves into the top ring of the unit. the PT11 works well on the unit. With that being said, I would suggest purchasing a Kanger Aero tank base (less than $5 from Sun Vapors) and installing it on the PT11. This makes the PT really come ALIVE!

I doubt you would need the extended warranty unless you are pretty rough on your equipment however, I have heard that the circuit board may become loose and rattle after a heavy drop. I have not experienced this as I have never dropped mine. Keep in mind that most of the repairs are less than the cost of the warranty.

Go with the starter kit as this supply's you with every thing you need to fire that baby up shortly after you have received your vape mail!

Hope this helps you with your decision..............Vape on!

 

[distortoblotto]

One more addition, If you wish to use your PT minis with your Provari, they make there own adapter for that which is made with the same quality as the rest of the unit.

 

[Kellin]

Wow, thanks for all the quick and helpful replies! I may actually pull the trigger before the eGos die so I have backups for the backup. But I'm trying to be good and wait until the vape savings equal a new device I don't technically need at the moment. Which luckily should be about the end of May unless I go on a liquid buying binge.

 

[distortoblotto]

Technicalities are sometimes overrated......

Good Luck!....Glad to be of service.

 

[Kellin]

Soooo close to ordering tonight. But, color selection stopped me, LOL! *ponder*

 

[StephanieJ]

Soooo close to ordering tonight. But, color selection stopped me, LOL! *ponder*

I had that same problem. JWraps make some pretty awesome looking wraps, so I ended up getting the silver and ordering a wrap. They're available in a bunch of different patterns, colors and textures.

 

[Garemlin]

I don't have a Provari but after the premature death of one of my less than 2 month old MVP's I have decided to just bite the bullet and get something top shelf that will last.

My plan is to use the Provari with my ProTank II's that I rebuild coils for as well as my new MagnaVape Pro Killer. And I also plan to try out a Kayfun clone.

I am going cheap and getting a satin silver one because I plan to wrap it anyway. I pondered over the mini or regular, but I want long battery life so I don't ever see myself using an 18350 battery. Also plan on getting the extended cap and I may spring for the blue LED.

Have no plan to buy the extended warranty because as was stated, and is continually stated failures will generally happen well before the first year is up.

And as far as a starter kit I'm passing. I want to get my own batteries and charger. I plan on getting a Nitecore Intellicharge i2 charger and 2 Panasonic NCR18650PD 2900mAh batteries. And I don't need another tank. So kind of a waste for me to spend the money on starter kit that comes with two 18490 batteries when I will end up buying 18650's anyway.

 

[distortoblotto]

I had that same problem. JWraps make some pretty awesome looking wraps, so I ended up getting the silver and ordering a wrap. They're available in a bunch of different patterns, colors and textures.

Now you did it!

 

[Garemlin]

I had that same problem. JWraps make some pretty awesome looking wraps, so I ended up getting the silver and ordering a wrap. They're available in a bunch of different patterns, colors and textures.

I agree. Wrap that rascal!!! LOL Plenty of cool choices out there. I myself am going black mamba snakeskin when I get mine.

 

[Baditude]

Long time Provari owner and advocate here. Two standards and a mini. Why Provari?

My favorite and most used Provari is my Mini. It is the most versatile of the three. It is extremely portable in 18350 mode, and with extensions can use an 18490 or 18650. (Tatroe mods) Provape now sells the Tatroe extension ring, as does Cigtech.

Mini Provari (right) and Segelei Mini ZMax with Bic lighter.



I chose not to get the optional 2nd year warranty. After much research, I found that the vast majority of owners have had no issues with their Provari's, even after major abuse.

My favorite juice attachments are a Kayfun Lite Plus rebuildable tank atomizer and IBTanked pyrex cartotanks.

 

[brickfollett]

Never much cared for the feel of the Jwraps. I like the steel finish it comes with. Jwraps just feel sort of sticky to me. My advice would be to go for a color of your preference, and definitely go for the LED. I actually contacted Provape to see if they could custom insert a green LED button and a blue display, to which they replied that this would not be possible, and a color change wouldn't be able to happen unless I had to send it in for repair. So Provape won't customize it after you purchase it. My buddy has the bronze one with green LED, and he says the screen color is a little more yellow than he expected. I would opt for the blue if you want colored.

Mine is a satin silver with red LED. Nothing special, but it's worked fantastic, and has accommodated my power demanding builds on my Genesis attys. I run a 2.4 ohm coil at up to 6 volts. Occasionally it'll throw an error code because I think the power setting is attempting to exceed the 3.5 amp limit, but all I have to do is back it off .1 volt or so and its fine.

I hope the V3 comes out before all this FDA regulation happens, because once the FDA stuff happens, I think we're going to be very limited on our choices of devices. If this FDA stuff happens. Makes me glad that I already have a Provari because I don't have to worry about it having issues or replacing it down the road