Tried a ProVari and a Zmax - Worth it for my Needs? Long Post - Sorry

[DSFA]

I really need some help here folks. I'm at a complete loss.

History - 1 to 1 1/2 PAD for 30 years, Marlboro Lights

Started vaping 2 1/2 weeks ago, quit analogs on day 1

Current equipment - eGo twist 1000 mah with Vivi Nova's and an eRoll

I went into one of the local B&M's the other day to just look around a bit and see if I could gain a little knowledge. I'd been thinking about, and researching, big battery mods but had never held one, played with it, tried it out. I'm fairly new to all of this, been successful in completely getting off analogs since day 1, but feel that there's got to be something better out there than my twist. Don't get me wrong, it's a great unit, but for whatever reason, I don't get the clouds and clouds of vapor that I'm so envious of in watching all of the reviews and even watching the employees in the B&M. There seems to be one common denominator... A big battery mod.

I know there are a lot of different things at play with the addiction to cigarettes and for some (myself included) one of those is watching the smoke as I exhale. I don't know why, but there is something calming and soothing about it. I guess it lets me know that I'm inhaling something instead of just air (wow, that's a weird thought). That's why I couldn't smoke ultra lights and am finding the eRoll less than what I had hoped for. The twist just doesn't give me the amount of exhale as an analog used to. The twist doesn't do a lot of things like the analog used to, but that's another story... I think I've finally come to the realization that no matter how much I want it to, a device doesn't exist that will completely and totally replicate the feeling and satisfaction of smoking an analog. Ya'll have said that over and over in threads that I've read, I guess I just didn't want to believe it. That will take some getting used to. It was a hard thing to realize, but now that I've come to that conclusion, can I get close? Regardless, I will NOT go back to analogs. I will get through this.

While I was in the shop, the guy behind the counter was nice enough to throw a battery into a Zmax as well as a ProVari and let me try it out. While they both felt very good in the hand, I really didn't see much, if any, difference, in vapor production than my twist, set on the same voltage. And having thought about it, why would it? Assuming the delivery system and the juice are the same, 3.8v on a twist isn't going to produce more vapor than 3.8v on a ProVari. Or is it? Maybe this is where the variable wattage comes in???? Don't know.

I really don't mind spending some decent money to get what's going to make me as happy as I can possibly be, but I'd rather not shell out that kind of cash if it doesn't buy me anything but equipment longevity. An ego twist can be had for 25 bucks or less. I could buy 6 or 7 of those for the price of what it would take to set up a ProVari when you include batteries, charger etc. The price of a twist is half of what I paid for a carton and since I bought three a month, I could easily treat the twists and Vivi's as if they're disposable (extreme I know) and buy two a month for less than I was spending on smokes. And if a twist won't last more than a month, something is horribly wrong.

In a nutshell, here's my goal. I'm not looking to collect a bunch of different equipment. I don't want (or need) 10 or more different devices sitting on my shelf to choose from on a daily basis (no offense to those of you who do). I'd like to find what works, is fairly simple to maintain and use (nothing is as easy as an analog and a lighter) and will produce like I want it to. Grab it and go. Maintenance on the delivery system maybe once every few days to a week. Does this device exist or is this a pipe dream? (pardon the pun). I've been trying very hard to cut down on the "clutter" both in my head and in my house and I feel that buying a bunch of stuff to try in order to find "what works for me" is taking me away from my goal in both aspects. Maybe I'm just dreaming. And if my option is "try a VAMO or the Zmax first and see how you like it before buying the ProVari, I'd rather just go ahead and put down the money on the Cadillac since it's American made and comes with a great warranty.

On a side note, I wonder how many folks who are interested in e-cigs come to this forum, see all the terminology, abbreviations, options of batteries, delivery systems, voltage, ohms, clearos, cartos, juice etc. etc. etc. and say "too much to absorb" and buy another carton of analogs, never to return because it seems so damned complicated. I know I almost did. I just wanted to quit smoking so bad, I stuck it out. Let's face it, this stuff isn't for the casual quitter, although I suspect it could be.

 

[el lobo furtivo]

I started out the same as you, with a variable eGo battery (Spinners) and was quickly in the same position. The route I took was a Vamo and a Provari shortly thereafter. All of them work just fine, although there was a noticeable difference in each step up. I'm very satisfied with the Provari and only keep the Spinners and Vamo just in case.


To me it sounds like your bottleneck in vapor production is the Vivi Novas. At least they were for me. Have you tried a carto tank? I'm currently using a dual coil carto tank and it puts out all the vapor I could ever want. RBA's are another option if you feel like tinkering and rebuilding coils. I have one but for me at least, swapping out a carto once a week or so is much less of a hassle.


And as for your observation, I think there's some truth to it but I think anyone serious about quitting will stick it out like you have. It's worth the effort and research. And once you get that perfect set....oh man, it's like magic!

 

[klynnn]

I have kgo's twists spinners vamo zmax and provari. Before you buy research. I bought the provari as top of the line but now others are catching up. Today I got a segelei zmax and am very happy. I love the VW. Personally I would go with a vamo or zmax first and then provari unless you are just made of money.

 

[StevesCVO]

Get a good mod like a Provari, Vamo, ZMax or eVic and top it off with a Zen Atty. That will get you what you're looking for.

 

[craigsdocks]

I didn't see what percentages of the liquid you are using ?

I use 50%PG/50%VG ... this formula gives me good flavor and clouds

A lot of the more common premade liquids I see are higher in PG say around 80%PG/ 20%VG ... VG is what makes the thick clouds you see, though its thicker and can mute flavors and throat hit imho

This 50/50 mix works great in my Vivi's

 

[ddaavve]

Have a evic and a PorVari been vaping for 3 months. Like the ProVari the best

 

[Topwater Elvis]

I'd experiment with different pg/vg ratios and juice delivery devices before going ape buying apv's.

I bought a bunch of different apv's and mods before I found what worked best for me, IMO the juice and juice delivery device is more important than the battery/battery holder under it.

 

[Chimney34]

I hate to sound like I'm pimping a product but I started just like you with egos. I bought a Smok Groove after getting comfortable with vv. Then I got a Provari. Long story short...after less than 2 weeks my Groove started collecting dust so I sold it. My Provari was the best purchase I could have made & I have plans to buy another. I can only speak for myself but my other pv's didn't compare to my Provari once I received it. I agree with the delivery system issue as someone else pointed out. I use carto tanks exclusively on my Provari. I highly reccomend it if you don't mind spending the cash. Do the research for yourself but that's just my

 

[Dana A]

I am betting on the vivi nova being the culprit here. I felt like I was vaping air when I used one. I made myself try it for about 2 weeks and I just hated it. I would recommend getting a cheap carto tank. A mod at 3.7 volts works better than a twist at 3.7 volts. Don't ask me why cause I don't know. It just does. Also the 5 ml tanks perform better than the ego sized ones. I think this is because of the vacuum that happens in the tank and the smaller tank has less room. I wish you luck in what ever your next move is. Happy vaping

 

[Kensta]

I started out vaping with a friend's PV. Forgot the name but it was pretty much a starter kit. I enjoyed it so I wanted to get my own. After doing some research, I just went ahead and got a provari mini. I was like you, don't feel like collecting different ones. So I would say just get a Provari and be done with it.

 

[zero7starz]

Yea I am in the exact same spot. Money is tight, so I have to consider needs carefully. I can make things happen but it's like a one shot deal.
Plus I relate to the clutter. I've been on a roll weeding out useless things in my house, and I don't wanna start adding more so quickly.

But I want a ProVari. And two clearomizer tanks (Vivis... Or something similar), and an RBA, and a dripping atomizer. Plus three maybe four awesome and large bottles of juice.
The ProVari seems to be high quality enough that it will last you for years, and you should never need another PV. They have a full year warranty on them, extendable up to two, then I'd probably double that in reasonable expectations, and it'd end somewhere I'm the two years after that- bonus time.
Tanks like the Vivi work well enough that you don't have to worry if they die.
An RBA would be your lasts for ever device. Chop that up to being prepared.
And a dripping atty would be nice for fun with juice samples.

I've gotten it all added up, roughly $220.
Understand that price included one Vivi like tank and I consider those consumables, but...
We're talking about years on the ProVari. How many ego things can you buy for $220? Divide that by reasonable lifetime, and how much unexpected stress if of having to go get a new one?

It sounds like an investment I wouldn't have to worry about again for a long time!
And I think I'm gonna go for it
.
.

 

[crxess]

If you don't want to go the investment in Provari, consider the Sigelei ZMax V3 revision 3 in SS is a very nice unit for under $75.

 

[Xexist]

I am betting on the vivi nova being the culprit here. I felt like I was vaping air when I used one. I made myself try it for about 2 weeks and I just hated it. I would recommend getting a cheap carto tank. A mod at 3.7 volts works better than a twist at 3.7 volts. Don't ask me why cause I don't know. It just does. Also the 5 ml tanks perform better than the ego sized ones. I think this is because of the vacuum that happens in the tank and the smaller tank has less room. I wish you luck in what ever your next move is. Happy vaping

Most people reccomended this one to me. I hope my experience when I get it is better than you are suggesting here!

 

[DSFA]

Personally I would go with a vamo or zmax first and then provari unless you are just made of money.

Wait, since I'm not made of money, why on earth would I buy a Vamo or Zmax first and THEN buy the ProVari? Spend 300 overall instead of 200 off the bat and then have a mod I don't need? Huh? The logic escapes me.

 

[Thompson]

I think you should try out some different delivery systems before buying something expensive if it doesn't fit your needs.

Seriously one of the best written "What Should I Buy Posts" I've read.

While a Provari may be dead on accurate at delivery voltage, its not whats responsible for pumping out the vapor. Thats all on the coil end as you've figured. Twist/Spinner may not have that same accuracy but in all honesty I'm not sure that is always that discernible.

I'm just thinking you could try a bottom coil clearo like the Kanger T3 (or maybe even their T2, it may work better for your needs), a carto and/or carto tank setup, or a rebuildable atomizer.

Since you mentioned you want to be able to pick it up and go, I'd say the two first options are a better fit. RBA do offer more customization options and are insanely cheap to operate, but if tinkering isn't your bag then you may not like 'em. Plus a lot of people recommend using them on mechanical or a mod with better protection than the Spinner/Twists will offer.

Best thing IMO is to try out some inexpensive versions, or just buy one or two, and give them a try. There are inexpensive carto tanks and deals to be had on everything with some smart shopping. But as with trying anything, going overboard and buying a huge stock of something you may​ like can bite ya.

I suppose you could pick up an inexpensive PV to test those waters too, something like a box mod, CVI, Vamo, etc as all told you'll spend under $65~ for the mod batteries & charger. But if its your delivery system you don't like, those won't change that too much (VW, longer battery life, larger voltage span are the main ones I can think of).

 

[cheifdiamondnipples]

i have the zmax then bought a provari... gota say man provari out performs the zmax like no other. just think of it comparing a porsche to a ferrari.

also, the provari has a 1 year warranty so your good

 

[Cyric]

I would go ahead and get the provari if you have the cash for it. I have a feeling I am going to end up with one or more as well before Im done lol. I love gadgets.

 

[itsonlysmellz]

Vamo is a good investment at around $50-$60, I keep mine around just incase (God forbid) I lose my provari. My only issue with it is that it doesn't fire under 1 ohm, so wrapping those low ohm RBA's isn't an option, which is saddening to me because now I have to invest in a mechanical mod. Beware of the black aluminum ZMAX, as the 510 thread is also made of aluminum and strips super easily. My friend stripped his within 1 week of purchase. Like others on this forum, I would recommend a Provari because of the quality and the warranty that comes with it. It really does feel more upscale, other than the rattly button on the newer models.

 

[dosu24]

I did a lot of research on getting vapor production and some shops from SoCal told me its mechanical mods + RBAs that give the most vapor production. I actually seen ego twist and spinners with an ERA give almost as much vapor as those.

 

[itsonlysmellz]

I did a lot of research on getting vapor production and some shops from SoCal told me its mechanical mods + RBAs that give the most vapor production. I actually seen ego twist and spinners with an ERA give almost as much vapor as those.

Yea, but you have to be careful with ego's and spinner's. My buddy vietstuh and I killed close to 4 ego twists when we first started out with RBA's and ERA's. There's no protection for low ohm devices so they just sort of burn out. Button light still comes on but that's about it.

edit: correction, we shorted them out only with RBA's, not RBA's and ERA's.