Smoketch Zmax Mini vs. Provari Mini - Help needed

[Kh888]

Hi,

I am looking for comparisons on the Provari Mini to the Smoketech Zmax Mini. I understand the price differential and likely, the better machining of the Provari. However, when I look at some of the online reviews, performance seems to be very similar.

I would love opinions from those who have both, or who have tried both. Also, the dreaded rattlesnake hum on the draw....is it noticeable on the Smoketech?

I am not opposed to paying extra for a high quality product, but the differences need to be substantial. I am going to have to buy two of these, so when looking at the Provari, its around $400....not inexpensive.

Here are a few additional questions:

1. Average use time with the 18350 battery? (I know it depends on many factors)
2. Build quality on the Smoketech compared to the Provari - Is there a substantial difference?
3. Does Smoketech have extender caps for the Mini?
4. Recommended stores to buy the Smoketech? Assuming the Provari would come from Provape
5. Anything else to be noted...

I appreciate the help in advance. I currently have an MVP which is great, but am looking for a little more vape consistency - I run RBAs and Kanger ProTank Minis with an Aspire en route.

Thanks!!

 

[PLANofMAN]

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...on/353415-another-zmax-vs-provari-thread.html
Rocketpunk ended up getting the ProVari.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...op-vs-provari-mini-go-zmax-wait-get-mini.html
The OP bailed.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...v3-versus-provari-expert-opinions-needed.html
Vwls ended up getting the ProVari. (but I think she uses bottom feed devices these days)

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...cussion/336957-clash-titans-zmax-provari.html
MadMartyr72 ended up with a Zmax. Interestingly, the first responder, tnt56, who recommended a Zmax, now owns 5 or 6 ProVari's.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...n/462498-difference-between-zmax-provari.html
Rob4092 never posted after starting the thread, but still got 509 responses.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/337795-provari-vs-zmax.html
Predwing got the ProVari.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...discussion/411345-provari-mini-zmax-mini.html
bigjuan562 was saving up for a ProVari.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/apv-discussion/470073-sigelei-mini-zmax.html
Kyle&Ann couldn't make make up his/her mind.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/apv-discussion/408256-provari-zmax-tesla.html
withravenoushunger got a ProVari.

Edit: I wasn't looking for positive ProVari threads, these are just the first ones that popped up in an ECF google search for Zmax vs ProVari.

 

[yzer]

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...on/353415-another-zmax-vs-provari-thread.html
Rocketpunk ended up getting the ProVari.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...op-vs-provari-mini-go-zmax-wait-get-mini.html
The OP bailed.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...v3-versus-provari-expert-opinions-needed.html
Vwls ended up getting the ProVari. (but I think she uses bottom feed devices these days)

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...cussion/336957-clash-titans-zmax-provari.html
MadMartyr72 ended up with a Zmax. Interestingly, the first responder, tnt56, who recommended a Zmax, now owns 5 or 6 ProVari's.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...n/462498-difference-between-zmax-provari.html
Rob4092 never posted after starting the thread, but still got 509 responses.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/337795-provari-vs-zmax.html
Predwing got the ProVari.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...discussion/411345-provari-mini-zmax-mini.html
bigjuan562 was saving up for a ProVari.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/apv-discussion/470073-sigelei-mini-zmax.html
Kyle&Ann couldn't make make up his/her mind.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/apv-discussion/408256-provari-zmax-tesla.html
withravenoushunger got a ProVari.

Edit: I wasn't looking for positive ProVari threads, these are just the first ones that popped up in an ECF google search for Zmax vs ProVari.

Poor comparison. The Sigelei Zmax mini and the Smok Zmax mini are two different APVs made by two different companies.

The Sigelei Zmax is a better product than the Smok Zmax. I have used a Sigelei Zmax (Telescopic V3) for the last 11 months. It's a fine product for $39.95. With an 18350 installed it's exactly the same size as a Sigelei Zmax Mini or a Smok Zmax Mini.

Sigelei Zmax Telescopic V3: $39.95

The ratllesnake sound has absolutely no effect on the quality of vapor. I hear it from the carto ojn my Sigelei V3 when I use a LR carto of about 2.0 ohms. I don't hear it on a 3.0 ohm carto. The rattlesnake effect is FUD invented by the Provari fanbois.

Fear, uncertainty and doubt - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Are either the Smok Zmax Mini or the Sigelei Zmax Mini as "good" as the Provari mini? No.

But they don't cost $160-$200 apiece, either. Never in the history of vaping have fans of a $200 APV felt so threatened by a $39 APV as in the strange case of the Provarinisti hate for Sigelei products.

 

[PLANofMAN]

...
The ratllesnake sound has absolutely no effect on the quality of vapor. I hear it from the carto ojn my Sigelei V3 when I use a LR carto of about 2.0 ohms. I don't hear it on a 3.0 ohm carto. The rattlesnake effect is FUD invented by the Provari fanbois.
...
Never in the history of vaping have fans of a $200 APV felt so threatened by a $39 APV as in the strange case of the Provarinisti hate for Sigelei products.

Regarding the results of the "rattlesnake effect."
Originally posted by Rader2146:

I've been following along for a little while and since things have calmed down a bit (and I was reminded of this thread in another thread), I'll weigh in from an un-bias (I dont own a mainstream VV/WW mod) and scientific view.

There is good relevance to the frequency argument. The word that you all are missing is Joule. It is a measurement of heat defined as:

1 watt x 1 second = 1 joule(J)

First the VAMO (or any other 33Hz mod)
Assumptions:
Set at 4.2VRMS (50% duty cycle)
2.0Ω Coil

Calculations:
1 second / 33Hz = .030 = 30 milliseconds(ms) cycle time

30ms * 50% duty cycle = 15ms pulse duration

We know the the VAMO fires at 6V during the on time.
(Ohms Law: W=V2 / R)

6*6 / 2 = 18w

Now that we have the duration and the power, we can calculate the joules.

18w * 15ms = 270 millijoules(mJ) per pulse.

Provari (or any other DC output)
The Provari's frequency is irrelevant. It's a flat DC voltage with a little bit of ripple to it. We don't have to figure out the pulse time because realistically, there is no pulse. So all we have to do is figure out the output in joules for the same duration and compare it to the VAMO.

Same assumptions:
4.2v and 2.0Ω coil.

(Ohms Law: W=V2 / R)
4.2*4.2 / 2 = 8.82

8.82W * 15ms = 132mJ

So we end up with 270mJ per pulse compared to 132mJ over the same duration. If we look at the heat output over the period of a full second they are relatively equal, 9.0J compared to 8.82J (the error is due to 4.2VRMS not being exactly 50% duty cycle). However, burnt juice, even if only 15ms at a time, is still burnt juice.

By increasing the frequency of a pulsed output device, you are shortening the pulse duration and thus lowering the joules per pulse. You will never get equalization compared to a DC output, but eventually the frequency will be high enough, and the joules per pulse low enough, that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Another interesting note is that as the duty cycle increases (higher voltage/longer pulse duration) the difference in joules between the two devices will decrease. Meaning, by setting both devices at 5.0v the difference in the heat output will be less than if set on 4.2V.

It's not FUD. Some people notice a difference in taste between a 33.3 Hz chip and an 800 Hz. chip. I didn't realize the Smoktech Zmax and Sigelei Zmax were different (or that there were even two different ones). For that, I apologize.

As for ProVari owners hating Sigelei products...I don't know where you get that from. Most ProVari owners will recommend an Innokin MVP over a Sigelei Zmax, but they will recommend a Sigelei Zmax over a Vamo. It all depends on what a person is looking for in a product. Besides, the OP wasn't even asking about Sigelei products.

Edit: To get back to the OP's original question, I don't know how efficient the Zmax is when it comes to battery usage. The ProVari is guaranteed to be at least 90-95% efficient.

I haven't owed a Sigelei Telescopic Zmax, but I had an opportunity to try one. I took the end cap off and compared the threading and thickness of the metal to the ProVari. The ProVari has about 4 times the thickness of metal. The Zmax appeared to be solidly built, but didn't give the impression of indestructibility that the ProVari does.

 

[Smoot]

Poor comparison. The Sigelei Zmax mini and the Smok Zmax mini are two different APVs made by two different companies.

The Sigelei Zmax is a better product than the Smok Zmax. I have used a Sigelei Zmax (Telescopic V3) for the last 11 months. It's a fine product for $39.95. With an 18350 installed it's exactly the same size as a Sigelei Zmax Mini or a Smok Zmax Mini.

Sigelei Zmax Telescopic V3: $39.95

The ratllesnake sound has absolutely no effect on the quality of vapor. I hear it from the carto ojn my Sigelei V3 when I use a LR carto of about 2.0 ohms. I don't hear it on a 3.0 ohm carto. The rattlesnake effect is FUD invented by the Provari fanbois.

Fear, uncertainty and doubt - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Are either the Smok Zmax Mini or the Sigelei Zmax Mini as "good" as the Provari mini? No.

But they don't cost $160-$200 apiece, either. Never in the history of vaping have fans of a $200 APV felt so threatened by a $39 APV as in the strange case of the Provarinisti hate for Sigelei products.

Being that I own both devices in question, I can say that your assumptions are not facts.
Why are so many people with no long term experience with certain devices, experts in them??
Stick with what you know, please.

 

[Elantis]

I personally own and use both ProVari's (I have 5 of them - 2 topped w/carto tanks, 1 w/Kayfun clone, 1 w/Kraken clone and 1 w/AGT-2) and Sieglei Zmax's (2 of them, 1 topped w/Fogger and the other w/Taifun clone), but I also own and use all of the following:

3 Silver Bullet's with Carto Tanks
1 MVP w/AGT
1 Dingo w/R91
Numerous Mech Mods with Various Toppers.
I also have a Vamo which is not used any longer, along with several Winders and various other eGo type batteries.

I use all of these devices at some point during the day since I don't nor ever will have an ADV...I love and use all of these devices for what they provide for me - the ability to stay off tobacco cigarettes.

I have never owned a SMOK mini as the size is odd, and through research I have found too many owners complaining about them so I cannot comment on the quality of that device, I only know that through reading this forum I personally chose not to purchase one.

 

[EddardinWinter]

The rattlesnake effect is FUD invented by the Provari fanbois.

Never in the history of vaping have fans of a $200 APV felt so threatened by a $39 APV as in the strange case of the Provarinisti hate for Sigelei products.

(Quote was edited for brevity)

Yes, and those windmills surely are ferocious giants!




Roaring thunderously via Tapatalk...

 

[Baditude]

double post: see below.

 

[Baditude]

This is my

I own three Provari's. Two standard size and a Mini. The Mini is my all-time favorite APV. (I also own an MVP-1.)

I've also owned a Smoktech Mini ZMax. I can't compare the difference between the Smoktech Mini vs the Segelei, not having owned the Segelei nor seen one.

There's absolutely no comparison between a Provari or any ZMax. Build quality or vape quality. The ZMax is obviously made with a thinner steel tube making it a lighter mod to carry; the Provari feels heftier - in a good way that exudes quality and durability. No comparison in the threading, the Provari's is buttery smooth and quiet, the result of superior machining. The fire button feels more durable.

I don't hear the rattlesnake sound with the 33.3 Hz ZMax, but I can tell the difference in the vape quality. Like most 33.3 Hz chips, I have to turn the voltage down at least a full volt to get anywhere close to the same vape quality at the voltage of a Provari or MVP. The ZMax has a hotter/harsher vape compared to a Provari or MVP. Subtle difference, but IT IS THERE. Once you've experienced the smoother vape of a Provari, its difficult to accept anything less.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/variable-voltage-apv-discussion/488840-rattlesnake-effect-why-cheapo-vv-exception-itaste-mvp-dont-vape-same-provari-dna20d.html

I tried really hard to like the Mini ZMax, I really did. It was a gift from a dear friend. After a week or two of almost exclusive use, I gave up and went back to using my Provari's. I gifted it to my daughter, who had been using a couple of 14500 mechanical mods. To her, the Mini ZMax is a major upgrade and she loves it.

View attachment 316290

Google Images photo of a Segelei Mini ZMax with a Mini Provari

Why Provari?

 

[Racehorse]

I would not consider the smoketek mini but I would consider the SIGELEI zmax mini.

if you have the bucks then go for the Provari.

I found the provari too heavy but everyone has their likes and dislikes, the vape was real nice though

 

[PLANofMAN]

(Quote was edited for brevity)

Yes, and those windmills surely are ferocious giants!




Roaring thunderously via Tapatalk...

What a bizarre mental image.

 

[EvilZoe]

But they don't cost $160-$200 apiece, either. Never in the history of vaping have fans of a $200 APV felt so threatened by a $39 APV as in the strange case of the Provarinisti hate for Sigelei products.

Oh, yeah. We just tremble with fury...lol

 

[EddardinWinter]

What a bizarre mental image.

The arms of the windmill should be zmaxes. Segelei zmaxes, that is...



Roaring thunderously via Tapatalk...

 

[r77r7r]

..............

 

[PLANofMAN]

The arms of the windmill should be zmaxes. Segelei zmaxes, that is...

That makes no sense. This does, though.

 

[EddardinWinter]

That makes no sense. This does, though.

You're right, of course, I meant that the arms should be ProVarii. Your way works, too.



Roaring thunderously via Tapatalk...

 

[PLANofMAN]

I have a sigelei zmax mini, got it for Christmas and it has out performed great. Recently the button has been acting up. Sometimes it fires, other times it doesn't. most of the time i have to press real hard and or wiggle it around to get it to work. most annoying part is that when i go to fire it, it starts fine then next thing you know im in the menus changing things i don't mean to change. Does ANYONE know how to take it apart and or fix this problem? feel like I just threw money in the trash.

This was posted about 15 minutes ago. *sigh*
Yzer, you want to help her out?

 

[Baditude]

This was posted about 15 minutes ago. *sigh*
Yzer, you want to help her out?

A link would have been helpful: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...32-button-sigelei-zmax-mini-acting-funny.html

Interesting that this seems to be a common issue. Oh well, that OP poster can buy three more Segelei Mini Zmax's before spending $160 on a Provari.

 

[PLANofMAN]

I thought about posting a link, but clicking on the "

" next to ingerri's name would take anyone to that thread.

 

[Susan W.]

Don't you have more Aroma banners to make?

I thought about posting a link, but clicking on the "

" next to ingerri's name would take anyone to that thread.