Purchase decision: MapVapes vs. SmokTek vv box mod

[Rickajho]

Hi all

I'm looking at the $35.00 madvapes vv box and the $54.95 VariCool from smoktek. This will be my entry in to vv - yay!

The only obvious thing to be seen between the two is I like the heavier duty horn button on the VariCool better.

Ultimately it seems to come down to: Is the VariCool using that much of a better voltage regulator to justify the price difference? madvapes says they use an NCP 630 regulator. SmokTek says the VariCool uses a switching regulator which is supposed to provide longer battery run times, but don't give any specifics about which regulator.

Sure, we'd all like to save 20 bucks when we can. But if the VariCool provides longer run times between charges that would be worth the extra 20 bucks to me. And there have been bad reviews up on the MadVapes web site about recently purchased vv box mods pretty much falling apart in short order. SmokTek offers a 60 day warranty versus 30 days on the MadVapes box.

Any input appreciated. The links for the two items are:

Variable Voltage Box Mod

SmokTek "SmokBox VariCool" - Custom variable volt Box Mod - Efficient switching regulator! adjustable 3,4,5,6.5 volt's & everything between.

 

[Creniker]

If you have the money I would go with the vari cool. It should be around 90% effeciant where as te madvapes box is around 65% to 70% effeciant. That means for your twenty bucks you should get about 20% more battery life and a extra 30 day warranty. I say go for it.

 

[idontknow]

Todd over at maximum vapors also has the vv box for $45 you might look at his mods too b4 you buy one.

VV Box Mods

I don't have one of his models as of yet but prob going to buy one this week..

 

[been there]

I have both of mad vapes 5 v and vv ,had them about 6 or 7 months and are still working great and batts last all day long, its all in how you treat them .by the way I use trustfire batts

 

[CraigHB]

It's totally worth the $20 for the better regulator. It's not just battery life that will be better, you can also get higher output if you want to run dual coils or lower resistance. Where the standard regulator will overheat and shut down, the switching regulator will keep on putting out.

 

[Rickajho]

It's totally worth the $20 for the better regulator. It's not just battery life that will be better, you can also get higher output if you want to run dual coils or lower resistance. Where the standard regulator will overheat and shut down, the switching regulator will keep on putting out.

Thanks for that info - that sold it because I do run both dual coils and at LR. I ordered the VariCool Saturday morning and it's already in tracking.

I'm not one of those peeps trying for "what's the lowest possible, dirt cheap price I can find on a..." - I do know you get what you pay for. Just wanted to understand the difference between these units. And the double - 60 day - warranty on the SmokTek unit sealed the purchase decision. I'm not hard on my hardware, but the length of warranty does speak to what the seller thinks about what they are selling.

Will definitely post a review - only after I have played with my new toy for several weeks.

Yay!

 

[Jim Bob]

SO

HOW do you like your new mod?

 

[djej]

Glad you went with the varicool. I recently got one as well. It feels like it will last, and his customer service is very honest and personable.

 

[antihero]

Todd over at maximum vapors also has the vv box for $45 you might look at his mods too b4 you buy one.

VV Box Mods

I don't have one of his models as of yet but prob going to buy one this week..

Might just have to get this one since the VariCool by SmokTek is sold out. Plus I'll be saving ~$10

 

[Jim Bob]

His mods are quite excellent IMO