The new Lavatube, the display kinda looks just like...

[HOPS]

The Vamo... Seems the button layout, menu and functions are exactly the same. Some of the more technical review videos I've seen make it appear as if the LT, Vamo, and Tesla have the same chipset too. Anyone out there heard any "chatter" that the Lavatube Version 2 may have any updated versions in the works to include the variable wattage feature? I had my cart full and was about to check out when I decided to "just look" at the Tesla 1 more time to be sure before I ordered and discovered the Vamo and was like "hey, that is the same exact set up". Also, looking at the Tesla, the set up is pretty similar except for button placement. The lavatube is hands down the best looking of the 3 devices and the most appealing to me, but I'd hate to drop some cash on the Lavatube as it stands now if if there's a VV/VW possibility...

 

[classwife]

Moved to Variable Voltage APV Discussion

 

[HOPS]

Oops... Sorry, still not all that adept at forums (this is the only one I've ever been on). I only ever look at he General page, and Smokeless Image page... Pardon the faux pas

 

[dam718]

I have both the LT v2 and a stainless steel Vamo, and they do have the exact same displays... exact same button layout...

So it would appear that at least the control board is very similar. The LT v2 is not VW, but it will take stacked 18350 batteries just like a Vamo and become a monster PV with low resistance atomizers, but I wouldn't recommend that. Even though, between the 2 mods the LT v2 is built more sturdy and could probably handle the rapid venting of stacked 18350's better than a Vamo (Much thicker side walls, two vent holes, tighter thread tolerance), it is not advertised as being able to perform in this capacity, so I just wouldn't do it. (I'm crazy, I had to try it to see if it worked)

If you don't care about VW, the LT v2 is a better choice IMO because it has a 1 year warranty and better construction. It is fatter, the Vamo is taller (in 18650 mode).

The Vamo has a drip well and eGo threading, although it's only big enough for Stardust clearos, Kanger T3's will not fit without an adapter.

LT v2 is flat accross the top, the 510 connector is slightly raised to allow air flow. No drip well at all. So any eGo style device will require an adapter.

There really is no performance winner between the two... They both have nearly identical performance if both are operating in VV mode. Obviously the Vamo in VW mode will behave differently.

So for build quality and warranty, and arguably better finish, the LT V2 is the winner

For versatility the Vamo is the winner.

Now, all that said... I also have a ProVari in my stable of mods...

Which one do you think I go to most?

Spend your money wisely... Sometimes spending a little more now will save you more money in the future...

 

[dam718]

According to the owners of Volcano E-Cigs, there is no VW Lavatube in development.

Although, I'm pretty sure with a bit of ingenuity one could transplant the guts of a Vamo into a Lavatube V2 pretty easilly...

Won't be me though... LoL Both my mods work great, no need to break them to prove some silly theory I have

 

[HOPS]

Well, for me the decision is solely between the LT and the Tesla. I don't like the finish of the Vamo at all. I kinda dig the looks of the Tesla. To be indulgently-redundant lol, the LT is the hands down winner of the aesthetics discussion! I had just noticed how similar (if not exactly the same) the displays are... I kinda think Volcano did themselves a dis-service be not adding VW on this, it's obviously pretty close chip-wise to the others and would, IMO, own the market!
Call me crazy, but I have zero interest in the ProVari. Watched some review vids of people singing their praises, for ongoing minutes, and minutes, while they click their way through the menu with just 1 button. To me ProVari is just like Harley-Davidson. There are other things out there that work just as well and look just as good, but PV or HD charge you twice, once for the product and once for the name... Just my opinion, ant we know what the say about those lol...

 

[dam718]

Yeah, the one button is a pain in the booty, no doubt... It's PWM fires at a seemingly higher frequency than "other" VV/VW devices, so rather than making a rattlesnake sound, it's more of a continuous sizzle, similar to a mechanical mod. Menu system aside, they are pretty nice

Not trying to convince you to go that way though... If the Vamo/LT were my only devices, I would still be awfully happy. And my thumb wouldn't have a callice... Haha...

I do believe the Lavatube has been in production for quite some time, as Volcano did design it and outsourced the manufacturing. VW was still in its infancy, or perhaps not even thought of when they started testing and prototyping the device. So, when VW got big, they decided to stay the course with the tested device and go to market rather than delay that process. Because they slap a 1 year warranty on it, I'm sure their testing process is pretty lengthy. Warrantlies aren't a valuable sales tool if they actually break all the time. Never meant to be a safety net, but a sales gimmick... Meanwhile, the manufacturer that Volcano used to build the Lavatube stole the guts, turned it into VW, and threw a cheapie tube around it, called it a Vamo, and went to market right away cause the circuit was fully tested and proven by Volcano...

Vamo is, in essence, a VW Lavatube V2 "clone" without it looking anything like a Lavatube V2...

And FYI... The Stainless Steel Vamo is much better than either of the "finished" models... The chrome and gunmetal are copper tubes with plating... And the plating wears off pretty quick exposing the copper. The stainless steel is a solid piece of metal. It's got a pretty cool semi-polished look, kinda half way between a mirrored polished stainless steel look and a brushed stainless look. I've had the black chrome, and this is much better... Doesn't leech fingerprints as bad either.

Certainly worth the extra $10 or however much folks are upcharging the SS Vamo.

If your heart is set on the LT though, get it You won't be disappointed...

 

[Faylool]

That's it. That's the thing I don't like. Clicking away a one button. It's bad it enough when I have to do a 5 click thing to turn on and off.

 

[dam718]

I'm with ya about the ProVari... I had no intention of owning one... But I found one for dirt cheap (About half retail) lightly used... I couldn't pass that up cause I had to find out what the fuss was all about. There is a lot to love about it, and a little bit to hate as well. Crude display and single button UI are big gripes... Price is up there, but it's made in USA so you kinda have to factor in labor costs... It's a lot cheaper to make things in China in a sweat shop than it is to make things here, even paying everyone minimum wage you can't touch China manufacturing costs. And the fact that you can mail your broken down beaten ProVari back to ProVape, and even out of warranty they can make it work like new again for a very reasonable price... That's good stuff... A lot to love, very little to hate.

I'm not like other ProVari advocates who will try to force it down your throat and tell you you're an idiot for not getting one. But, if you can find one for $100, it's a very nice APV. One of the best... Totally worth the $100... Maybe the extra $70 is that ProVari name

 

[Thrasher]

I would wait on the tesla, busardo has a review coming and his first impressions show he's not too thrilled with it.

Maybe the extra $70 is that ProVari name

no its becuase of the military design rules used to build it and the waranty as well as the fact it can be sent in for repairs and upgrades.

i would take the SSvamo myself pretty tough unit for 40 bucks.
and provaris are all over the classifieds since the upgrade in the 100 dollar range.

 

[AnsonJames]

The reason the screen looks the same on the volcano LT is because it's the same board from the same manufacturer.
Only difference is the the firmware which lacks VW and has a lesser amp rating.

Same device, different housing and a higher price for the LT - which I find ironic, the Vamo is more versatile with the battery options/VW.

 

[SoberSnyper]

The reason the screen looks the same on the volcano LT is because it's the same board from the same manufacturer.
Only difference is the the firmware which lacks VW and has a lesser amp rating.

Same device, different housing and a higher price for the LT - which I find ironic, the Vamo is more versatile with the battery options/VW.

There is no doubt that the Lavatube V2 from Volcano and the Vamo are pretty much the same device with the exception of VW and the amp limit, however, there is a vast difference in my opinion on the fit and finish of the two. IMHO, the Lavatube V2 is worth the extra money because of the fit and finish alone.

 

[AnsonJames]

There is no doubt that the Lavatube V2 from Volcano and the Vamo are pretty much the same device with the exception of VW and the amp limit, however, there is a vast difference in my opinion on the fit and finish of the two. IMHO, the Lavatube V2 is worth the extra money because of the fit and finish alone.

Another $40 for an anodized aluminum tube?
Do you own a Vamo?

 

[SoberSnyper]

Another $40 for an anodized aluminum tube?
Do you own a Vamo?

I own both. I like both. I just think the Lavatube Version 2 is worth the extra money. It looks and feels like a superior product because of fit and finish.

 

[HOPS]

Another $40 for an anodized aluminum tube?
Do you own a Vamo?

I don't own either yet but just based on aesthetics alone, to me the Vamo looks cheap while the LT looks very high quality. Mind you, I'm only commenting on how they look. The LT looks like someone took a lot of time and put a lot of pride into designing it. The Vamo looks like someone went out to their garage and grabbed some spare parts.
BTW, according to the official volcano thread:

no there is no plans for a VW LT at the moment. I chip set in the LT v2 is different than the those other models. The chip broads are designed and manufactured only for us at Volcano. Those other models may have devices that act the same and have the same look but the chipset itself is ours and only ours.

Just in case anyone else was interested...

 

[AnsonJames]

Each to their own.

The chipset that volcano use is exactly the same, even the frequency that it operates at - the statement that the chipset is theirs and only theirs is misleading.

 

[HOPS]

Each to their own.

The chipset that volcano use is exactly the same, even the frequency that it operates at - the statement that the chipset is theirs and only theirs is misleading.

Different strokes for different folks lol...
I wasn't as concerned with weather or not the chip was proprietary, but rather tht they don't plan on releasing a VV/VW version... Doesn't make sense to me, but oh well, it's their company lol...

 

[SoberSnyper]

Each to their own.

The chipset that volcano use is exactly the same, even the frequency that it operates at - the statement that the chipset is theirs and only theirs is misleading.

I think they are pretty much the same chipset, they are too similar to be different chipsets. And you're right, to each their own. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is finding something you are happy with that keeps you off the stinkies.

 

[dam718]

I'm just saying... If you have giant gonads, you can probably strip the insides out of a vamo and transplant them into a Lavatube V2... So you get the Lavatube V2 with VW. I'm not gonna do it, but if anyone does, they should show us how to do it

 

[HOPS]

I'm just saying... If you have giant gonads, you can probably strip the insides out of a vamo and transplant them into a Lavatube V2... So you get the Lavatube V2 with VW. I'm not gonna do it, but if anyone does, they should show us how to do it

I'm not gonna lie, that exact thought did cross my mind lol...