I can't recommend a 5 volt or variable volt because I've never used one. I think it's helpful when you and a few other people post and recommend one and actually go through the trouble to explain them like you do.
Many people that recommend mods don't do that. They just post 'try a BGED' it's the best one out there. No link, no explanation- nothing. I've been vaping awhile and I still don't understand what they're talking about much less who sells them and what they do.
Much appreciated, swedishfish! A few people who post insistently to new ECF members have only used 3.7 volt or smaller battery models and seem to believe smaller battery models are the only option that should be considered. When you see a post that is 2 or 3 paragraphs long extolling the virtures of small battery models and then there is a perfunctory line that suggests you could also consider a "fat" battery model (fat not being a positive term for most people), that alone leaves the new person with the impression that small battery models are all they should consider.
You will rarely, if ever, see me responding to someone who states they must have their PV look like an analog or that they are a light smoker. I figure the people who like the small battery models are the best resource for helping that person even though I have used both of those models. When someone says they want good throat hit and less hassle and I see responses explaining the ends and outs of the small battery 510 or 808, I don't get that or see how it is helping.
Many times I explain that I am a heavy vaper who wants good battery life, consistency and good throat hit so the person can relate better to my suggestions in concert with their stated needs. Many times when I suggest the E-Power/Riva/eGo, I really believe the person would be better served with a good 5 volt or VV model because they are just much better in providing warm vapor and consistency. And I know this because I have used 15 different models over the last two and a half years of vaping. But if you do that, you will be criticized for suggesting a better battery model to a new person like it is some kind of vaping sin. I always find it amusing that some will say you shouldn't suggest a model like the 5 volt GLV2 because it is more complicated than say an 808. Let's see, with both models you charge the batteries, screw or drop them in, screw on a filled atomizer/cartomizer, push the button and vape.
I like to use the term "inhaled feel" of smoking because in my mind, for most people trying to transition to vaping, it better describes what they truely are looking for. After vaping on 15 models from 3.2 volt models to variable volt models, I have a good awareness of which models better simulate smoking. For some, an occassional inhale on a small battery model is all they need and there are plenty of models that provide that. I would like to see more of the frequent responders experience a wider range of models so they can provide a nice range of options to new people. If I have read it once, I have read it a thousand times that many wish they had gotten a better battery model initially and they would have saved money and reduced frustration.
The E-Power/eGo/Riva models are good beginner models and with the ability to use dual coil cartos are much closer to a 5 volt model. But they still can't come close to the battery life, throat hit, consistency and flexibility of the better variable volt models that have regulated boost circuit technology, plain and simple.
