The LavaTube v The ProVari: A video review

[Fazed]

After playing around with my new LavaTube VV 18650 tube mod, and after reading tons of posts extolling the virtues of one over the other from fervent fanboi acolytes from both camps. I have decided to review the new LavaTube in comparison to the Provari (which I have owned for several months). I'm sure I've left some things out, but I think I hit the highlights. Let me know what you think.

LavaTube v ProVari Review - YouTube

 

[iAn0ma1y]

Nice video! Really shined some light on some questions I had. Did you say you have a Darwin as well? Can you tell me your thoughts on that mod vs ProVari?

 

[Fazed]

My very 1st video review (shot in one take on my cell phone, so it's not the greatest production), I reviewed the Provari and Darwin side by side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH1_WaMBRpw

Hope that helps.


Sent via cellular communication device...

 

[iAn0ma1y]

Just found your video review of the ProVari vs Darwin. Nice review, Thanks!

 

[SonnyCrack]

The Snap On comparison is unproven at best and at worst misleading.. Especially since the Lavatube has a 1 year warranty thats about as long as the provari has been out.. Most high end mods are crapping out pretty quick as we can see.. Provari's...darwins.. Heard numerous problems that you will have with liquid and electronics.. I'd say the Silver Bullet would be the most tried and true.. But in the VV world, we don't have one.. Do another video in a year.

 

[Goldenkobold]

Do another video in a year.

Or do a 10 foot drop test till one breaks.

 

[Fazed]

Or do a 10 foot drop test till one breaks.

As I answered on the YouTube Comments...

"while I have no intention of willfully damaging any PV, I have dropped the Provari more than once. Not even a scratch on the finish as a result. It still functions perfectly!

If, however, I should inadvertently damage either the Provari or the LT, I will post an update video detailing the event, extent of the damage, and the CS experience in getting it repaired."

 

[Goldenkobold]

I only ask for the drop test because you bring up durability as a key feature. I am reminded of a tech review I saw two days ago between the nook tablet and kindle fire, in which the reviewers said the fire felt more solid but when they actually put it to the test it broke while the cheap plastic bezel on the nook tablet protected it from damage.
Drop Test: Nook Tablet Vs Kindle Fire (Giveaway) - YouTube

The one review I have seen, by ecigwizarddotcom of the lavatube being thrown about like a bean bag showed it being able to take a fair bit of abuse and keep on ticking. So I have seen the lavatube being thrown around on a warehouse floor just wondering at what point the provari becomes more durable.

 

[Fazed]

I wish I had bookmarked it, but there was a thread on here just today where a guy dropped his new Lavatube and broke the screen. It still vapes, but no longer reads proper voltage. Again, I wish I had bookmarked it. Also anecdotal, but reported in the forum elsewhere, of at least 2 users who had the plastic endcap break off from the aluminum part that holds the spring. In light of that, I have dropped my Provari more than once and it still looks and functions as new. Maybe both are flukes, maybe not. But when I have my Provari, I'm not afraid of it breaking it if I drop it. However, it doesn't mean I want to drop it though.

I also posted in an earlier comment on the video, that should either one break or otherwise malfunction, I will fully document the events that lead to failure, the resultant damage or malfunction, and the CS response to my repair inquiry.

I'm not trying to mislead anyone. I gave my opinion on data and experience available to me at the time. Should that change, I will revise my assertion.


Sent via cellular communication device...

 

[Fazed]

Okay... Here's the link.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/mods-discussion/250797-lavatube-display.html


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[Mufftrix]

Nice review and I have to say the lavatube is in this case a you get what you pay for device IMO?

One point that a major omission or fault I think is that it does not tell you when you have reached it's safety voltage setting!

Instead it just lets you keep dialing the voltage up but not doing anything! For example 1.5 ohm dual coil carto's it throttles at around 3.6V and for me the sweet spot is around 3.8/3.9v!

A simple error message or similar like the provari would have been nice?

It not as bad on 2.0 ohm and above but for anyone that enjoys a good kick from low res stuff this is a big fail for me?

The provari lets you go to 4.2v before it's safety cuts in and gives you an error at 4.3v!

Maybe they will alter a future release? But until then It more a guess what voltage you are at? (Until you get used to the cutoffs it deploys at?)

Given choice of either I know which one I would have ha-ha!

Yes it more expensive but as u point out sometimes quality does cost extra?

 

[wv2win]

Good review, balanced, well done. You will always have the lavatube fan boy take issue with your review unless you stated the lavatube was better than any model on the market.

 

[Fazed]

I am working on a follow up to this video as I have some issues with my LT. Hopefully get it posted soon.


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[Mufftrix]

I am working on a follow up to this video as I have some issues with my LT. Hopefully get it posted soon.


Sent via cellular communication device...

I sorted my issues ha-ha! I sold it and got another Provari

Looking forward to your findings though?

 

[Big Hitter]

I only ask for the drop test because you bring up durability as a key feature.

I see no problem giving Opinions about build quality.
You can tell by the feel of things how durable they might be but there are always variables in any accident. Its impossible to do the exact same "drop" in a drop test.

And theres always a chance that the better product will break first.

I have no interest in a lava tube anyway and my pro-vari was bought and sold in the same month.
I keep a buzz pro for VV use around but I'm waiting for the VV REO thats coming in 2012 with the not-cigs VV internals.
I don't need a screen, just dial it up till it vapes the way I want. No display = 1 less thing to break.

Heck I'd take my cars with no speedo if it was legal

Thanks for your opinions .... good review

And I'm with you, I'm not intentionally going to damage anything I own.
Maybe if it was sent to me for free and I was asked to try and break it from the mfg or seller ..... maybe.

 

[Fazed]

My follow up video review of the LavaTube can be found Here