Seeking Advice on Best Personal Vaporizer - money is no object

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Bill's Magic Vapor

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Of course, there is no one answer to your question, because personal preference plays a role, particularly with the high end gear. I play with the high end gear almost exclusively now. Surprising, I chased the vape like many do and ended with the top of the line stuff. There are a few that meet your criteria that I've tried, but there's many I haven't tried, and will probably never own. Anyway, my two cents:

1. Provari with a great carto tank. The Kir Fanis tanks are nice looking with the Provari (I like the Privadero the best). I like Phiniac tanks.
2. Semovar with Kayfun 3.1 in hybrid mode is a setup that I use and dearly love. Maybe my best "easy" setup vape. You will need to rebuild the Kayfun, but compared to most gennies, it's a piece of cake.
3. Just GG and Ithaka is very nice and perhaps the best mechanical and topper hybrid in the world. The Ithaka is one of the most difficult rebuildable atomizers. I use mine all the time, and do not plan on buying another mechanical. Of special note, Imeo, the builder has said he will not build another mech, and will be entering the world of APV's. Why? He says there's no where left to go in mechanicals. He believes that his latest devices incorporate everything in a mechanical that can be incorporated. That's saying a lot, and as one of the world's best designers, it thought provoking.
4. DNA20 devices. I'm not big on the box form factor (YMMV), and, until recently, that is how you got a DNA20. The Cyborg is out and the Futura is out or almost out. I'm getting one of these. However, rumor has it that the DNA30 will be released on December 27, 2013. Given the hefty price, I'll wait for the new board, and wait still longer for it's incorporation into a tube APV, which I will most certainly buy.

Honorable Mentions:

1. Caravela. Can't get one, not going to bid on one. Why it may be the best is not fully understood by me, but I am open to learn more about it. Since joining ECF, I've heard about this device but haven't read about anyone actually having one yet. I'm sure they're here somewhere.
2. Otto Carter. Great GG mechanicals with top of the line engraving. As much art, as function.

There are literally hundreds of very good to great mechanical devices and rebuildable atomizers on the market, many of which are just a personal preference. Gennies (RSST and AC9 my favorite) of dozens of designs, botton coil chimneys like the Taifun and Kayfun, among others, are now very popular (my favorite), resistance/non-resistance devices like the Ithaka, Odysseus, Penelope, Diver, etc. are another type. The list is almost endless, and there are hundreds of devices that I will never try or get a chance to buy that some vapers will certainly swear by. Makes it confusing, huh?

I've had a money is no object approach for a year, and I don't think I'm any closer to getting there (wherever there is) than I was when I started. I've made a respectable start though, and I do love the better gear, because it's.......BETTER. Yes, turns out that vaping is like everything else. The best quality gear, does cost the most, and often provides the best vape. That being said, you can get a great vape on a Twist/Spinner and a Protank II/iClear30S. All about what you like, and not a question that can ever be answered. Good luck to you and welcome to the Forum.
 
I started my vaping journey a couple of months ago with a similar mindset, but without the benefit of this forum and a wealth of information, so a lot of trial and error.

Egos and clearos got me off analogues but I couldn't help but feel unsatisfied, VV egos gave a more satisfying vape but I needed more battery life. The MVP ticked the battery box but I was still left fiddling with tanks which in my opinion at least involved too much tinkering for the quality of vape they provide at their peak. Carto tanks were a huge improvement for me, and I was close to settling on a provari and a quality carto tank.

Kept coming back to dripping though, feeling it was the only way to get a consistent and flavorful vape but was sick of carrying around juice bottles. A bottom feeder (Reo) and an RBA (RM2) were the answer for me, but I think even with a decent budget you still have to go through quite a lot of trial and error till you reach a happy place.
 

VaporDragon

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Baditude:11228114 said:

If you are going to recommend a Caravela, I'll top you with the Otto Carter. :laugh:

Omg, I love the otto carter's. But seriously 2000-3000$ is way too expensive. But seriously if you have unlimited funds then get what I'm using! Lol. I don't have my kick in right now but I would advise to get one to begin with. A nemesis with a kick v2 and a nice cartomizer tank. Like the one that Baditude suggested. You can find some nice mods on vaperev.com. That's where I got mine. There's others on there that look really nice but I love my nemesis. Every single thing is adjustable and it looks gorgeous.
 

D1RGE.EXE

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After two years and way too many frustrations I am dialed in to what I consider to be an absolute dynamite setup.

Magneto clone (The Wooliston) mechanical mod. $22 Fasttech
Nimbus clone RDA atomizer. $15 Ebay
18650 Samsung/LG battery. $8/pair Fasttech
Universal charger - $4 Fasttech
Total: $48, and that includes shipping.

Have experienced vape tech or friend that's built dual-coils before and have them get the RDA built and drilled out. It's small, rock solid, about the best of the clones that are out there for the mod and RDA. Minimalist and clean looking, solid enough to take a major impact. Hits easier and better than even my Itazte SVD with a Protank V2 ($80+ without chargers and batteries). Sure it's non-adjustable but once I got the sweet spot down, I don't need to adjust anything. I don't need multiple tips in case one goes buggy or starts flooding or I want a different taste, I simply hit the current flavor until its dry and drip the new one down. Sure I will upgrade to something classy for special occasions or whatever, but this little monster is cheaper and a million times better than even an Ego starter kit thats just gonna break in 2 weeks. By far its the best bang for a buck for a daily beater that I can think of.
 

Katdarling

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I really dig your style, Kaytu. :cool:

It seems to me it is all-too-easy to get swept-away, enamored and starry-eyed in admiration of PV's based on aesthetics (and my God, are they gorgeous!), where price is based not so much on superior design, but exotic/expensive metals, materials, solders, etc (I'm looking at you, mechanical :p). This may be an egregious over-generalization, but remember I'm new to this, and it's all my superficial impressions, so, please be gentle if you feel the need to disabuse me of these misconceptions! :blush:

But, Kayta, your advice seems sensible and level-headed. Prudent. My own personal preference: I'm not at all interested in the vanity aspect or 'bling' factor -couldn't care any less about that. Down the road, who knows?

So, at this point (and I'm likely speaking prematurely) I'm leaning towards:

Innokin iTaste MVP V2 (box shaped) or

iTaste VV V3 or, of course, the

ProVari™ Starter Kit with Tank V2.5.


But, I'm still reading everyone's responses and commenting as I go, so who knows?

One thing is for certain: Whatever I decide, I'm going to take a few days and let the decision percolate, rather than make an impulse 'buy it now!' move (oh-so-easy to do with on-line shopping). However, I was all over, snagging up some Halo Tribeca at 20% off! That was a no-brainer! :laugh:

Might I be so brazen as to say leave the Provi starter kit and just get the Provi? Better chargers and toppers abound.
 

Panthersoul

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I own the MVP 2 and really like it. My only MINOR complaint is the button is a little stiff but not a deal breaker.
The iTaste VV V3 is a very small VV and I like it except the battery is too small= 800 mah. Battery info: 100 mah= approx 1 hr of vaping time before batt needs charging. Realize if firing at above 3.7 volts the batt will drain slightly quicker.
Both the above PVs are manufactured by Innokin- they seem to be head and shoulders above the competition in regards to quality in the < $100.00 category.
Owned the Provari and was very impressed with the quality but felt the $$ could be spent elsewhere buying a number of diff PVs.
Another Mod that I own and has gotten rave reviews is the Sigelei Z-Max V3. With 4 quality 2250 mah batts and quality charger can be bought for about $100. When combining price point and quality it is my favorite Mod.
Might be a good idea to start out with the MVP 2 and go from there as you'll always need a backup and it's reasonably priced. It's also a Pass Through- can be charged and vaped on at the same time.


Starts at 4:14 Mins:


Here's review of the Z-Max V2- much more info. Surprising comment @ 10:10- 10:17 Mins.

A PBusardo Quick Look - Sigelei Z-Max V2 - YouTube
Best of Luck.


I have the itaste vv v3 and i have to say. your take on the battery life is off by alot. unless youre going through 6ml in that 1 hour it goes beyond that. it may be cheap now. and the battery is smaller. but personal experience as i sit here with mine ive been vaping for about 4-5 hours now. went through a pro tank 2 fill and about 1/3 of the refill. and its still green lighting.
 

Katya

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Might I be so brazen as to say leave the Provi starter kit and just get the Provi? Better chargers and toppers abound.

I agree. I got the battereis (AW IMR) from ProVape when I got the mod, but I got a Nitecore Intellicharge I2 elsewhere. I also got a tube of Noalox from my local Home Depot for 2 bucks. ;)

That said, I am still a firm believer in the KISS principle. Nobody needs or wants high-end boutique APVs and fancy $200 rebuildable atomizers from Greece or Germany. I started with a GreenSmoke kit and advanced to V4L kr808 mini batteries and blank cartomizers--that was a revelation for me at the time. It took me over a year to finally get an eGo-class battery, then a variable voltage battery and that was a great improvement over set voltage batteries. It took me another year to finally get a ProVari mini 2.5. :facepalm:

I still use my eGos and I love them--I always have an ego battery with me when I drive or I'm out and about. I like my simple mods also--I love the quality of the ProVari and the consistent performance it provides, and I like the dual 510/eGo connection on my Sigelei which allows me to use all my heads (both 510 and eGo threaded) without an adapter.

I have no desire or need to wind my own coils, even though I understand that they provide superior vaping quality--I'm happy with my carto tanks and clearomizers. I want vaping to be easy--buy, fill, clean a couple of times, throw away.

And I still recommend this kit for new vapers:

http://www.myvaporstore.com/Vision_Spinner_Joye_Ego_C_Twist_Combo_p/vvs-c.htm

It's well priced, fully customizable, and a perfect, user friendly introduction to vaping. Just add a wall adapter and a few extra atomizer heads and you're all set. Where you go from there is entirely up to you. :)
 
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The Ocelot

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Might I be so brazen as to say leave the Provi starter kit and just get the Provi? Better chargers and toppers abound.

I agree, but one has to plan ahead and make sure the batteries and charger arrive before the ProVari.

I don't know what the "best" of anything is, there are too many variables. I alternate between a ProVari and a Phidias bottom-feeder most of the time. Someone else might not like either device very much.
 

Katya

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X P3 Flight Engineer

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I really dig your style, Kaytu. :cool:

It seems to me it is all-too-easy to get swept-away, enamored and starry-eyed in admiration of PV's based on aesthetics (and my God, are they gorgeous!), where price is based not so much on superior design, but exotic/expensive metals, materials, solders, etc (I'm looking at you, mechanical :p). This may be an egregious over-generalization, but remember I'm new to this, and it's all my superficial impressions, so, please be gentle if you feel the need to disabuse me of these misconceptions! :blush:

But, Kayta, your advice seems sensible and level-headed. Prudent. My own personal preference: I'm not at all interested in the vanity aspect or 'bling' factor -couldn't care any less about that. Down the road, who knows?

So, at this point (and I'm likely speaking prematurely) I'm leaning towards:

Innokin iTaste MVP V2 (box shaped) or

iTaste VV V3 or, of course, the

ProVari™ Starter Kit with Tank V2.5.

But, I'm still reading everyone's responses and commenting as I go, so who knows?

One thing is for certain: Whatever I decide, I'm going to take a few days and let the decision percolate, rather than make an impulse 'buy it now!' move (oh-so-easy to do with on-line shopping). However, I was all over, snagging up some Halo Tribeca at 20% off! That was a no-brainer! :laugh:

Since "money is no object", by all means, get all three! Seriously, these are all very fine and good value.

1) There isn't a PV that is Best for every occasion or situation.

2) Backups are always necessary and desirable.

3) Each of these have ohm checkers and can display the battery charge, very handy features when troubleshooting.

Keep in mind that things are improving daily in the rapidly expanding Vaping world and therefore paying extra for something that will "last forever" has to be balanced against the desire to upgrade as things improve.

They have not made anything that is "perfect" yet;
but hopefully you can find a few things that are "perfect" for you.

Relax, Enjoy!
 

Jazzi Mike

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TBH, the Reo grand is by far the best PV. http://www.reosmods.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=8&Itemid=3

Because it is a bottom feeding mod, you put 6mls of juice in the bottle. You then squeeze the bottle to feed juice into the atomizer. It is like you are dripping all the time. It is all the flavor and vapor of dripping without the mess. In the Reo forum, one new Reo user even said he was always trying to get a better cape with new gear. Then when he bought a Reo, it was like he found the best.
 

tj99959

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    Omg, I love the otto carter's. But seriously 2000-3000$ is way too expensive. But seriously if you have unlimited funds then get what I'm using! Lol. I don't have my kick in right now but I would advise to get one to begin with. A nemesis with a kick v2 and a nice cartomizer tank. Like the one that Baditude suggested. You can find some nice mods on vaperev.com. That's where I got mine. There's others on there that look really nice but I love my nemesis. Every single thing is adjustable and it looks gorgeous.

    Pfft-pfft, you should have Carter engrave a shotgun for you. $3,000 won't even cover the down payment.
     

    Bill's Magic Vapor

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    DrillRX

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    qy9apu2u.jpg


    Get this one if money is no object

    ;)



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