Smoktech ZMax Owners - Pics., Tips, Tricks and Quirks

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cozzicon

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Glauserjg (sir correct?) yes I do. Owned a version one (until a tragic truck incident), now have a version 2 of it. It's why I won't say the zmax is better than the provari. There are 3 factors to view when comparing the two-

Power output- This is the only area the zmax out performs the provari
Accuracy- Provari is still more accurate than the zmax v2 with rms function. It's a much closer competition though than the v1 vs. provari.
Durability- This is where the provari dominates the zmax in every aspect. My original provari (v1) survived a car running over it, pallet of water falling on it, multiple drops, falls, one accidental throw, and finally was killed by a truck (24' box truck) running over it. Considering how many zmax/vmax's that have died from a single hard drop, you can't compare the two.

Agreed. Good points.

For myself, can't help wondering with the new RMS calibration whether it's a defacto Provari killer. At least at the current price points. The zmax price will quickly drop, even if smok tries to support it through price fixing.

So... does a $90.00 variable wattage device eat into the Provari market share? Does the Provari drop in price?

I sure hope so. I think a lot of people would be willing to buy a Provari at $130.00.

That being said my zmax should have arrived today in Chicago. Sadly I'm in Michigan. I'm really hopeful that with the RMS fixes the zmax rocks.... because if they got it right it's good for *everyone*- even Provari lovers like myself..

There are no losers this time.
 

glauserjg

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Glauserjg (sir correct?) yes I do. Owned a version one (until a tragic truck incident), now have a version 2 of it. It's why I won't say the zmax is better than the provari. There are 3 factors to view when comparing the two-

Power output- This is the only area the zmax out performs the provari
Accuracy- Provari is still more accurate than the zmax v2 with rms function. It's a much closer competition though than the v1 vs. provari.
Durability- This is where the provari dominates the zmax in every aspect. My original provari (v1) survived a car running over it, pallet of water falling on it, multiple drops, falls, one accidental throw, and finally was killed by a truck (24' box truck) running over it. Considering how many zmax/vmax's that have died from a single hard drop, you can't compare the two.

Thank you for your response sir,


I was just curious tbh. I think both mods have there place not arguing one is better than the other. I think the provari needs to come down in price with all the new and accurate stuff coming out. The main defense of it's price point is no longer valid. My provari is definitely durable but the board is exposed to the battery in the tube just like my zmax and the top cap is press fitted just like my zmax :(
 

me1969

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Glauserjg (sir correct?) yes I do. Owned a version one (until a tragic truck incident), now have a version 2 of it. It's why I won't say the zmax is better than the provari. There are 3 factors to view when comparing the two-

Power output- This is the only area the zmax out performs the provari
Accuracy- Provari is still more accurate than the zmax v2 with rms function. It's a much closer competition though than the v1 vs. provari.
Durability- This is where the provari dominates the zmax in every aspect. My original provari (v1) survived a car running over it, pallet of water falling on it, multiple drops, falls, one accidental throw, and finally was killed by a truck (24' box truck) running over it. Considering how many zmax/vmax's that have died from a single hard drop, you can't compare the two.

Lol the more important thing is how trucks keep running them over? Good thing your not with them at the time .
 

muzichead

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Thank you for your response sir,


I was just curious tbh. I think both mods have there place not arguing one is better than the other. I think the provari needs to come down in price with all the new and accurate stuff coming out. The main defense of it's price point is no longer valid. My provari is definitely durable but the board is exposed to the battery in the tube just like my zmax and the top cap is press fitted just like my zmax :(

I sure hope you are using that term loosely.... I think it is still a little early to put the Z in the winners ring as yet. Let's see what happens in the next 6 months before we get to that point. Let's go back in time and look at the track record of the V.... 2 versions and 3 or 4 revisions!!!! Not to mention the Z has only been out for I think 2 months and already a new version!!!! All this and you still think the Provari needs to come down in price???? The main defense of it's price point is it is a proven accurate USA made device, and ST still hasn't found the proven answer as to how to copy it successfully..... How many posts have you seen on the forum about the top cap of the Provari coming off the device. I would bet you would find the instances are like 20/1 compared V/Z vs Provari.... I still find it funny that some people think Provari's are over priced, but yet have no problem buying 2+ V/Zmax's and the only justification is that they got 2 devices for the price of the Provari!!!!! And lets not forget neither device works the same or is the same quality of said Provari.... I will admit they are getting close with the new Vrms feature, but to some that still means nothing as most people vape to their own tastes and the numbers are meaningless.....
 
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glauserjg

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I sure hope you are using that term loosely.... I think it is still a little early to put the Z in the winners ring as yet. Let's see what happens in the next 6 months before we get to that point. Let's go back in time and look at the track record of the V.... 2 versions and 3 or 4 revisions!!!! Not to mention the Z has only been out for I think 2 months and already a new version!!!! All this and you still think the Provari needs to come down in price???? The main defense of it's price point is it is a proven accurate USA made device, and ST still hasn't found the proven answer as to how to copy it successfully..... How many posts have you seen on the forum about the top cap of the Provari coming off the device. I would bet you would find the instances are like 20/1 compared V/Z vs Provari.... I still find it funny that some people think Provari's are over priced, but yet have no problem buying 2+ V/Zmax's and the only justification is that they got 2 devices for the price of the Provari!!!!! And lets not forget neither device works the same or is the same quality of said Provari.... I will admit they are getting close with the new Vrms feature, but to some that still means nothing as most people vape to their own tastes and the numbers are meaningless.....

I think something is worth what someone is willing to pay for it; I like competition, ultimately it is what is best for me the consumer. Competition promotes innovation and ultimately leads to a better vaping experience for me. As for where something is made TO ME that is irrelevant. What ever gives me the best vape is where my money is going. I own both the provari and the Zmax v2. IMO they offer vary similar vapes and will both stay in my vaping arsenal. I am by no means a Smoktech fan boy or a provape fan boy but would classify myself as a vaping fan boy :)
 

Shekinahsgroom

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My provari is definitely durable but the board is exposed to the battery in the tube just like my zmax and the top cap is press fitted just like my zmax :(

Really?

I don't own a Provari, so I think that's a really interesting point considering it was the only major complaint that I have with the Z.
 

Shekinahsgroom

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It sure is

Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk 2

Well now, I guess that the only hurdle left for comparison is the longevity of the Z over the the Pro.

If the Z lasts a year or more, that may very well be the Pro game ender!

No more having to pay $200+ when you can have a Z for under $100 and have VW along with it!
 

me1969

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This morning my Z2 continued to fire after the button was released. Lasted a few seconds, I'm guessing until it hit the cutoff though I didn't count it out. Looks like it may have the same quality issues as the Z1.
It's kind of funny the same poeple have the same problems mine v1or two never has done it once .Just go back to using your provari thats the only way you will be happy .
 
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Optimo

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It's kind of fishy the same poeple have the same problems mine v1or two never has done it once .Just go back to using your provari thats the only way you will be happy .

Same here with my Z. On a side note...I'm still using a first run V1 VMax that I got back in April and it's still working flawless as it did day one after being dropped countless times and ran over by a ATV....if that's not a durable PV I don't know what is.
 
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AnsonJames

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I have to say I like the look of the Vamo (tacky but cool) the exact same chip as the Zmax V2 but with a Gripper style button arrangement and screen. The other interesting aspect of this mod is that it will work with a single 18350/2x18350 OR 18650 - all for less than half the price of the Zmax.

c789593c2733cb9aaad00b75b2d804e8_5.jpg

It's not going to win any competitions for it's looks (like a Lavatube and a Zmax had an illegitimate love child) but it would be a great back up for a Zmax or Provari.
 

glauserjg

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I have to say I like the look of the Vamo (tacky but cool) the exact same chip as the Zmax V2 but with a Gripper style button arrangement and screen. The other interesting aspect of this mod is that it will work with a single 18350/2x18350 OR 18650 - all for less than half the price of the Zmax.

View attachment 148098

It's not going to win any competitions for it's looks (like a Lavatube and a Zmax had an illegitimate love child) but it would be a great back up for a Zmax or Provari.

I just love seeing all this inexpensive competition :) keeps the innovated minds at work and drives prices down. It's a win win for all of us
 
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