One solid mod for $250? You could get a 2-3 of the aforementioned mods for $250. I was going to suggest the SX Mini M class ($209), but after seeing
@TKS post, the boxer mod looks like a great choice. You could wait for DNA 200 mods to start trickling out, I know the Opus 200 - which uses the Evolv DNA 200 chip - is going to sell for $229. The SX350J chip inside the Boxer Mod is the same chip as the SX Mini M class, and has been proven to be s great chip. I was looking into the snow wolf, ipv3 Li, SX mini...etc, but after seeing the Boxer it looks like I'm going to have to stretch my vape budget a little bit further to get one.
On a side note, I have 3 regulated mods, a Sigelei 100w, an IPV Mini 30w & a Provari 2.5, and I suggest against a Provari. While they are extremely well built, it has a one button menu, is limited in wattage so running sub ohm set ups won't work on it, and my fire/menu button chipped. I'm not suggesting against it blindly or because it doesn't have high wattage, but because I were going to buy a mod with a budget of $250, I would want something that isn't limited and can do everything present on the market today & has upgradable firmware.
And
@TKS, thanks for showing me where to get a Boxer as well!
Edit: I completely forgot about these two.
Products Archive - Cloudmaker Technologies
The CloudMaker Whiteout SX or DNA mods are looking sleek, freshly releasing on the open market, and are completely aesthetically customizable. The mods cost $199-$204 & you can purchase a colored panel kit to customize the looks of your mod either with a DNA 200 chip or sx350j chip.