Seeking battery + general mod opinions

[das_boost]

Hey everyone,


It's been a while since I last posted, but alas, I'm still a "new member", so this post must go here. I'll try to keep it categorized to make it easier on those providing their two cents. Feel free to address individual points or the whole lot!


The bulk of the MVP I picked up a few weeks ago has proved to be a strong point for me, but I don't like the idea of internal batteries anymore. I'm looking at picking up an iTaste VTR (101vapes), a Vamo V5 (updated 2014 version, eBay) and some sort of mechanical mod, which thus far has been narrowed down to either a Natural or Magneto. Not sure of what order I'll be purchasing everything (if not all at once), opinions welcome.


On top of the mods, I'll be needing some attys, batteries, and charger. I've done substantial research over the past few days, and am now seeking the opinion/recommendations of the seasoned vets...


Batteries/Charger
- Looking for an 18650 that will be optimal for both the VTR and Vamo, as well as 18350 for the Vamo.
- From what I've gathered, I should get separate batteries for the mech mod (higher amp), in which case I'll probably look for 18350, 18500 and 18650, as I'm interested in the possibility of running a kick when desired.
- Brands I'm considering so far are AW and Panasonic.
- I was originally looking at the Efest LUC v4, but have since read some reviews complaining of bad build quality and/or malfunction after less than 2 weeks of use. A friend recommended the Xtar VP1, but he doesn't own one so I take that recommendation with a grain of salt. Intellicharger is out since I now like the idea of having the extra info on the LCD.


Mechanicals
- Obviously not in the market for a genuine high-end mod just yet.
- Looking for an adjustable pin for versatility among attys, and kickable.
- So far it's come down to either the Smok Magneto or Natural, since I like the idea that they aren't blatant clones and are actually genuine mods to some degree.
- Magneto has the lesser drop-off, obviously a plus.


Atomizers
- Vamo can take almost anything, so not an issue in my mind (aside from the crap 510 threads)
- I have several Protank 2's and an Aerotank, which I intend to use on the VTR since not much else fits on it, looking for other options.
- RDA (clone)'s are cheap enough that I'll probably pick a few up to find what I like.
- So far, I'm liking the look of the RSST or Kayfun on both of the above-mentioned mods. Totally undecided, however.


I know, long winded. For that I apologize. But I'm extremely analytical and tend to overthink everything lol. It's the same way with my other, more expensive hobby, cars. Any and all opinions/recommendations are welcomed and appreciated! I'll probably start making purchases tonight so I'll at least get some vapemail this week!

 

[tj99959]

So many choices, and so little time

I can only say what I did:
(after that first starter kit) I looked for a long term .. won't fail even if Hell freezes over .. type of PV. My Silver Bullet is now over three years old and going strong. That allowed me to try all sorts of different things knowing the the SB would still work fine when everything went to hell in a handbasket. So My suggestion is get that good old solid foundation covered first.

Choosing batteries can be a little confusing at first. (until you learn what to look for) The good old standby is the AW IMR 1600mAh 18650.
DO NOT get AW IMR 2000mAh 18650s! They're only a 10 amp battery. The 1600mAh is a 30 amp battery. (and that is only one of the little traps we can fall into)
However a batteries chemestry should be our first consideration. LiMn chemestry (IMR) does not explode should there ever be a problem. Any battery can be made to vent, so look to what happens should they vent.

Toppers become subjective, and there is no way you will know which YOU like BEST until you have tried the rest.

 

[MrPlink]

Stick with the kings of 18650s, Sony VTC and purple Efests.

I only have a generic 350 for laughs so I cant comment much there but AW seems to be the top option for the little guys.

Kayfun and RSST are both fine devices.
Fairly different from each other, each with their own benefits and drawbacks so it would not be unreasonable to own both. You would be well served to pick up a simple dripper as well. The Youde IGO line are well made and very affordable.

 

[yzer]

If you are looking for a tube mod in your price range you can do much better than the Vamo. The Sigelei Zmax telescopic V3 or V5 or the solid tube V2. These offer solid stainless steel one-piece 510/eGo threading and removable top caps. Soft threads on the Vamo are famous for wearing out. The Sigeleis are shorter in overall length than the Vamo and have durable brushed stainless steel tubes that aren't fingerprint magnets. The Vamo is better than the Innokin iTaste SVD, though. That one has been plagued by bad buttons for the last several months.

The V3 and V5 telescopics offer the best battery versatility. Overall length varies from 100mm for 18350 to 127mm for 18650.

It's hard to beat the AW 2000mAh 18650 to start with for any of these rigs.

great deal on a Sigelei V5:

Desert Vapes V5

This dealer offers 90-day vendor warranties on V2 and V3:

Varitube

 

[das_boost]

So My suggestion is get that good old solid foundation covered first.

Very good point. I think a mech will definitely be in my shopping cart tonight. A friends fiancée ran over my backpack 2 weeks ago which contained my case with both of my VV v3's in it and several protanks. Amazingly, nothing broke. Small dent on one of the v3's from being pressed up against the edge of a beauty ring, but that was definitely one of those moments where I thought everything just went to hell in a hand basket!

Kayfun and RSST are both fine devices. ... The Youde IGO line are well made and very affordable.

Forgot to mention the Sonys, good call. I'm definitely looking at a few from the IGO line, as well as a Smok mini/octopus to tool around with on my vv3's/MVP.

 

[vapo jam]

i'd highly recommend the nitecore intellicharger, they're widely used and recommended for a reason. i could be wrong, but i doubt you'll even look at a digital display after a week or two when the novelty wears off.

for batteries:

18650: sony vtc, aw imr (1600 vs 2000 doesn't really matter unless you plan on going under around 0.5 ohm), panasonic cgr/ncr, or mnke if you can find them.

everyone says vtc is by far the best, i honestly don't notice too much difference between them and my aw 1600's and mnke's though. they maybe last a little longer (i typically switch out batt's around 3.5-3.6v, not sure if most of their drain curve is below that), but i tend to trust my aw's and mnke's a little more; they're full imr and i believe the sony's are hybrids.

18350: aw imr. efests are cheaper, but they're not nearly as good; i won't even try the purple 18650 efest based on my experience with their other batts.

rda: igo series is good, relatively cheap, and not direct knock-offs. whatever you get, get either a 2- or 3-post to start. the ridiculous multi-post ones are a pita to work with. also, a lot of deck space helps.

rba: rsst and kayfun are completely different beasts. kayfun is relatively easy to set up and easy to get good flavor and vapor with. rsst (well, genesis-style in general) is probably the most difficult type of atomizer to build correctly, but once you get it down, it has better flavor than anything else (imo). i'd make your decision based on that rather than looks. or just get both

mech: don't know if they've been resolved, but i remember the natural having some (relatively minor) issues. nothing a little sandpaper, polish, and some elbow grease couldn't take care of, but still... that was probably a little more than a year ago, so they may well have been resolved since then.

never heard of any major issues with the magneto, most people seem to like it quite a bit.

 

[das_boost]

You may have just saved me some money yzer (for now). Truth be told I was primarily interested in the Vamo because of its OLED screen and 3 button layout. Never even looked at the ZMax since I was unaware that it too had the OLED screen, albeit in a vertical position. However, I'm not sure if I'd like the single button layout. Which in turn leads me to believe that I really need to get some hands-on experience before I decide to pull the trigger on a tube-style APV. Looks like the I'll be grabbing the VTR first!

Now it just comes down to making a final decision on a mech. DesertVapes appears to have both the Magneto and Natural available with the ego/510 top cap, which I was not expecting. The Natural even has the magnetic side button. Decisions, decisions...

 

[mkbilbo]

I like the VTR and other than needing flat top (button tops don't always fit), it doesn't seem too picky about batteries. One of mine is a cheap 1600 mAh IMR high drain Efest and it works fine. Am planning on some of these shortly: Efest 35AMP IMR18650- 2500mah - 101 Vape.

Only thing that irritates me about the VTR is the threads are weak. Mine is acting flaky and I'm jiggering it with bits of paper in the threads. I'm going to get an airflow control and try to permanently install it to deal with the wonky threads but haven't yet. I would suggest to anybody getting a VTR to add an airflow widget immediately to avoid wearing the threads. Despite that weakness, I'm planning on another VTR to back this one up. I have eGo/EVOD back ups but don't really want to unless I'm forced to. I like my VTR even if I'm not happy with Innokin at the moment.

I read around the ECF that the Vamo is also prone to thread problems so you may want to check around.

 

[edyle]

I like the vtr, but I gotta say, I love the flexibility of my vamo;
Can't run the vtr with an 18350 but I can with my vamo if I want.
Plus I can order spare pcb boards for it so I can see it being basically repairable if necessary.

 

[ssMo]

how can we prolong life of our battery?

 

[Hijack]

I own a VTR, its so compact, and although its heavy, it will fit in your pocket without sticking out the top. Had mine for 3 months now and the only draw back is the 19mm restriction on the ring. but most tanks of 3ml do fit. Also I saw a kayfun nano fitted without have to mod the ring here is the link for you to see http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/variable-voltage-apv-discussion/480134-itaste-vtr-69.html

Another problem with the VTR does seem to be the weak threads but any mod that uses brass type 510 connection will suffer from this Its not just the VTR. Best solution for all these is get a stainless 510 airflow valve and fix it in permanent.
I use efest 2000 IMR LI-MN they may be 10amp but im only using 1.5 -2.0 Ohm attys so I don't know if that would be an issue? Im sure it would be if I was going any lower on a mech using RBA/RDA.

 

[havoc1967]

Between the Natural and Magneto I prefer the Magneto (I own one of each). I have been through quite a few Chinese mechs (clone and original) and the Magneto is by far my favorite. Not that the Natural is bad because it isn't, I just prefer the Magneto.