So...uhm... looking for ACTUAL advice here....

[Fenris4024]

Alright... to start this is NOT a troll post, and I'm not trying to bring out the flames or whatever here, its an honest question. I'll be looking to get my first "big boy" mod in the next few weeks, and after lurking the representative forums, I'm as confused as before I started.

So, here goes.. Provari (if so, which model?) or a REO (once again, which model?) I do like the variable wattage of the Vamo, and its served me well, but I'm looking for something new and shiny, and I can afford it (within reason), and I'm coming up on my 5 months.

I have to admit that the idea of squonking intrigues me, and I do enjoy the few RBAs I have. I don't have any interest in sub ohm vaping though, and I don't want to go with some tube mod mech (there's enough of those in the classies anyhow... which to me seems to say that they aren't all that great anyhow.(Sorry if that offends anyone, just how I see it))

I already have a nitecore 4 bay charger, as well as some 18650s (Efest, not AW's, at least not yet) as well as some non button topped 18350s (I know those won't work in a provari though so, I'm ready to buy batts as needed)

So... yeah.... lil' help?

 

[BlueMoods]

I would go with a Provari, any one you like the looks of simply for the durability and, if you get the ego adapter for it, you have a huge range of delivery devices you can try with it. It is VV so, easily tuned to your likes with any juice and device you can put in or on it.

 

[Frankenmizer]

I am pleased with my ProVari Mini, if that helps at all. I like it for all the reasons you've already read elsewhere, I'm sure.

I am in the boat opposite yours, though. I want to try variable wattage, just to see how the other half lives, so to speak. So I'm scouring 'round for VW discussions, looking for the current Holy Grail.

 

[kabonk]

if I had the cash I'd be getting one of these tonight CYBORG

 

[Mike Sheda]

I like my SIDs, but the REO intrigues me as well. I just don't want to go the rebuildable route.

 

[Cookster]

I got my first ProVari (mini) in July for my 2 year vape-a-versary. Just ordered another one yesterday

The feeling of knowing that it's not going to crap out anytime soon is such a relief to me, I now understand why people love them so much.

Here's the link to the clearance section:

Clearance

 

[supertrunker]

i think a great deal depends on your lifestyle - a Reo is a tough as nails mod that will survive drops to the floor - is easy to maintain and will last longer than us both.
Bottom feeders negate the use of tanks and all the messing about that entails and most of the experienced users all use RBA's on top.

They are both good devices. A vv Grand will run you $200, a mechanical one $150. The Provari - depends on what you get - but $220 seems about right.

T

 

[glasseye]

Just going purely on the batteries you have, maybe a telescoping VV like a ZMax V3 or V5? I got one by mistake and just checked an 18350 flat top and it works.

 

[Fenris4024]

Oh, forgot to add, I'm looking for something a bit more "portable" than the long version Vamo...cause unless I wear BDU cargo pants, its too darned long!

VW is nice, but I use the VV setting almost as often, and I find it seems I can get a better "dialed" in vape depending on the juice and device. VW works good for that too, but I can't seem to dial it in as tight as I can with VV..... of course that might be all in my head too.

 

[Fenris4024]

i think a great deal depends on your lifestyle - a Reo is a tough as nails mod that will survive drops to the floor - is easy to maintain and will last longer than us both.
Bottom feeders negate the use of tanks and all the messing about that entails and most of the experienced users all use RBA's on top.

They are both good devices. A vv Grand will run you $200, a mechanical one $150. The Provari - depends on what you get - but $220 seems about right.

T

But, if I wanted to, could I still run a carto tank on the REO? Just curious as I have a few IBT's that I absolutely love....I know I can run bottom feeder RBAs and cartos and regular drip atties on them....

 

[Elantis]

JL I don't own a Reo but they have intrigued me also, however I guess I am a creature of habit and prefer the tube type to the box type. Not saying that couldn't change considerably if and when I ever use one. On my six month anniversary I opted to purchase my first ProVari and I did so through the Classies. It was a White Mini 2.0 w/blue LED and I have absolutely no regrets.

As with the Reo, both are built to withstand a lot of abuse and just keep on working for you. I don't think you could go wrong with either, and it is more up to personal preferences box or tube.

I don't know the weight on a Reo, but the ProVari is much heavier than any other VV products I own (Zmax mini, Vamo etc.) but the versatility I have with my ProVari sets it apart for me. I purchased the Tatroe extensions and can use larger batteries in my mini when it suits me. I did finally cave and bought a new regular ProVari Bronze w/Green led. As for delivery systems - I prefer gennies or carto tanks, I have some small drippers but don't really care for it (again, my personal preference.)

 

[minigoat]

I would get the Provari mini, some 18350 batteries, the extension cap, and some 18490 batteries.

Then in 2 months turn around and get the Reo because that sqounking does sound pretty neat. I think the Reo might be more pocket friendly as well (just a guess). It also has the advantage of a drip atomizer which I love, along with a builtin tank.

 

[Myrany]

Yes REO's have 510 connectors so you could indeed run your carto tank.

 

[Baditude]

I own a v2.0 full size Provari and a v2.5 mini Provari. Amongst several other mods, including both mechanical and regulated, the Provari's are my favorite. Dependable, consistant, and durable. The built-in atty and voltage meters are extremely convenient. Being a regulated mod, you get the exact same voltage output from the time you put a fresh battery in until it needs replaced. The Provari's Accuset processor does this better than any other regulated mod. With a mechanical mod (Reo), voltage output will gradually decline as the battery is used, and vaping experience may suffer.

Which Provari to get? Consider how you plan to use it. Mostly for home (Regular Provari with battery extension for a longer vape) or for out-and-about use (Mini Provari - more pocketable and mobile)? If you choose the Mini, there are aftermarket adaptors which will allow the longer batteries for longer battery time, including the 18650 battery. These adaptors can turn the Mini into a telescoping mod.



___

I don't own a Reo, but it has just as good a reputation in its class as the Provari does in its. Both manufacturers make a top notch device and will support it for its lifetime. Both are excellent investments.

I did recently purchase my first bottom feeder box mod. Less expensive than the Reo, the Vapage VMod is a great introduction to bottom feeders. Mine is getting equal time to my two Provari's.

 

[Fenris4024]

I would get the Provari mini, some 18350 batteries, the extension cap, and some 18490 batteries.

Then in 2 months turn around and get the Reo because that sqounking does sound pretty neat. I think the Reo might be more pocket friendly as well (just a guess). It also has the advantage of a drip atomizer which I love, along with a builtin tank.

If only... I'm pretty sure my SO might kill me if I spent that $450 on two mods in 2 months

The part I don't understand, is why are the provari mini's and the regular ones the same exact price new? I realize the "guts" are what you're really buying, but I'd thought there might be a little price discrepancy. If I went with a Mini, I think I'd grab two of the tatroe rings to make it full range from 18350->18650.

What's the average battery life of a 18350 in a mini, out of curiosity? I really only chain vape at home, but when I'm out and about, I'm a bit more reserved on how much I vape, if that helps.

With regards to the REOs, can I use the protected batteries in either the VV grand or the regular Grand? (I know some VV mods don't like protected batts, and some are fine with them...Vamo's aren't fans of them)

Excellent help so far guys, I really appreciate it!

 

[Nermal]

sqounking? Tell me. . . no, wait. Potentially TMI.

 

[Fenris4024]

I own a v2.0 full size Provari and a v2.5 mini Provari. Amongst several other mods, including both mechanical and regulated, the Provari's are my favorite. Dependable, consistant, and durable. The built-in atty and voltage meters are extremely convenient. Being a regulated mod, you get the exact same voltage output from the time you put a fresh battery in until it needs replaced. The Provari's Accuset processor does this better than any other regulated mod. With a mechanical mod (Reo), voltage output will gradually decline as the battery is used, and vaping experience may suffer.

Which Provari to get? Consider how you plan to use it. Mostly for home (Regular Provari with battery extension for a longer vape) or for out-and-about use (Mini Provari - more pocketable and mobile)? If you choose the Mini, there are aftermarket adaptors which will allow the longer batteries for longer battery time, including the 18650 battery. These adaptors can turn the Mini into a telescoping mod.

If I go for the provari, this is likely the route I'll take

___

I don't own a Reo, but it has just as good a reputation in its class as the Provari does in its. Both manufacturers make a top notch device and will support it for its lifetime. Both are excellent investments.

I did recently purchase my first bottom feeder box mod. Less expensive than the Reo, the Vapage VMod is a great introduction to bottom feeders. Mine is getting equal time to my two Provari's.

Hrm, interesting... I'd assume these aren't as pricey as a REO, so maybe a decent way to get my foot wet with a squonker... how are the VMODs on delivery systems? I'd like to avoid having to run through hoops again with all sorts of adapters and thingamawhatsits just to use something on them. I already got that Tshirt with companies thinking that 808D threads kept folks using their products.

How are the battery life on the VMODs as well?

Do they operate like an unregulated mech as well?

Soooo many questions.....

 

[NicoHolic]

The REOs are bottom-fed dripping machines, featuring one-handed operation (i.e. when driving) using disposable cartos or attys, or most commonly, rebuildable drip atomizers, particularly the excellent Reomizer 2 (RM2). The mechanical REO Grand is about the height and depth of a pack of standard length filter cigarettes, but not nearly as wide. Think business card sized. The REO Grand VV is a bit taller, shares the mechanical Grand's 6 ml bottle, but uses stacked 18350s instead of the mechanical's 18650, in order to achieve higher voltage. It would make no sense to put a tank on one since the 6 ml typically lasts through a 16 hour day. The battery configuration pretty much matches the bottle capacity. The REO Mini 2.1 is about the same width and depth as a Grand, but shorter, using an 18490 and 3 ml bottle for about an 8-hour work day. The Mini is smaller than all the above, using a 3 ml bottle, but only a 14500 battery.

Many non-technical newbies, both young and elderly, successfully and safely use the mechanical REO Grand as a first mod. REO specifies use of AW IMR batteries (button top--flat tops can cause problems). The REOs have a battery spring that collapses in the event of an atomizer short, disconnecting one battery end from its terminal. The Grand size (or VV) is a good first REO (typically, you'll want more than one)--they are smaller than you'd think.

Metal REOs are precision milled from a single block of aluminum and are extremely rugged without being heavy. Customer service from REO's owner (Robert Eugene O'Neil) is beyond excellent, and, besides the excellence in design and construction, one of the reasons REO owners (Reonauts) are so loyal (typically pretty laid back, without being fierce).

The Reomizer 2 (RM2) is the epitome of rebuildable drip atomizers. One "squonks" (squeezes) the bottle to wet the wick in it and the excess juice drains back into the bottle. The base is ceramic, minimizing short potential, and the posts are widely spaced (rather than one in the middle) and drilled for easy coil installation. Easily wound micro coils have become the choice of most RM2 users, along with wick made from cotton balls for best taste.

For more information, visit the Reos Mods sub-forum.

 

[Baditude]

If I went with a Mini, I think I'd grab two of the tatroe rings to make it full range from 18350->18650.

The Mini would seem to offer more versatility in that fashion. That's one of the reasons I went with a Mini for my second Provari. However, the regular size Provari just "feels right" as far as button placement and the fit of a man's hand. It is the most comfortable Provari to hold and use for use at home, for me. The Mini's shorter tube length puts it button placement in a less natural position. Minor point though, as I enjoy both equally well for different situations. It depends upon how "picky" you are going to be. If you plan on getting the Tatroe extender rings, this point is moot as you are essentially turning your Mini into a regular size Provari, but with the option to go small if you like.

What's the average battery life of a 18350 in a mini, out of curiosity? I really only chain vape at home, but when I'm out and about, I'm a bit more reserved on how much I vape, if that helps.

You sound like you vape like I do. At home on the weekends I could be considered a chain vapor, but during the week work limits how frequently I can vape.

I get the advertised time of use with my AW IMRs as the mAh ratings suggest; but only 50-75% of that using an RBA:

18350 = 7 hours
18490 = 11 hours
18650 - 20 hours

 

[Baditude]

If I go for the provari, this is likely the route I'll take


Hrm, interesting... I'd assume these aren't as pricey as a REO, so maybe a decent way to get my foot wet with a squonker... how are the VMODs on delivery systems? I'd like to avoid having to run through hoops again with all sorts of adapters and thingamawhatsits just to use something on them. I already got that Tshirt with companies thinking that 808D threads kept folks using their products.

How are the battery life on the VMODs as well?

Do they operate like an unregulated mech as well?

Normal price for the two sizes of VMods is $85 (without batteries or charger; $135 with). If you get on Vapage's emailing list, they frequently provide discount codes of up to 50% off. I only paid $60 for mine with a discount code and applied the savings to a custom faux wood shell case.

I'm still using the same atomizer that came with the VMod almost 2 months ago. A couple of cleansings in hot water is all I've done. I've been getting nearly 2 days use with my AW 18650 2000mAh battery, and 3 days between refills of the 9 ml juice bottle. This is for all pratical purposes my first "dripper" or bottom feeder. There was a learning curve to squonk for about a week. I can't say that I miss variable voltage with this device, and I haven't noticed too much of a drop off in vape as the battery gets low but I surely can tell a difference when I put in a new one.

I've only used the one atomizer on mine. The design of the device seems to restrict use to that or a cartomizer, although someone on the below VMod thread has modified his to use a rebuildable, and others have added a Kick with modifications.

Check out the opinions of the VMod in this specialty thread: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/liquid-feed-apv-discussion/403576-lets-talk-about-vmod-calling-all-vmodders-those-interested-vmod.html