VV Robust A: good option for a backup???

[wv2win]

I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive backup VV PV that preferrably uses AW 14500 batteries since I have 4 of them (but will consider other models). For those familar with this model, will it handle 1.5 ohm dual coil cartos (big enough switch regulator?) and approximately how much time do you get on a charge?

If there are other alternatives in that price range ($45 - $55), I would welcome the suggestions. Hopefully I would rarely have to use it but still want it to work for the week or so I might need if my main PV was in the shop.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Baditude]

I considered getting the Robust as my out-and-about PV so I could keep my Provari with 18650 ext cap at home. If you plan on utilizing this device as only a backup, it might fit your expectations. However, watch the PBusardo review below and see how poorly it performs with low resistance delivery devices over a period of time. Battery life will be far less than the said mAh rating of your 14500 battery. I came to the conclusion that the 14500 battery is just too underpowered for extended higher voltage use. My decision on not choosing the Robust was more against the small 14500 battery than the PV itself.

I ended up getting both a Smoktech VV Gripper and Segelei/Ovale V8. I got the Gripper first; after 7 weeks the three buttons on the front collapsed into the body. It was still under warranty by a week, so it got exchanged for a new one.

In the meantime, I got the Ovale V8 and couldn't be happier. It's not without its own issues (flimsy springs in the battery compartment), but overall it was a good choice. Both are available for $30. Both last me all day with their different battery configuration (Gripper 18650 x1/ Ovale 18350 x2), and both can hit like the proverbial freight train. I've come to really like the gripper box mod form factor as they are extremely comfortable.

Ovale V8
Smoktech Gripper

 

[wv2win]

Baditude, thank you for the excellent reply to my inquiry. Much food for thought. On the one hand, I would rather not invest in batteries and charger for an 18650 sized device for a backup PV. But the numbers from the excellent review are fairly dismal. I could deal with needing to change batteries every two hours but not being able to hold the voltage would be a problem.

I do have a Trustfire T1 charger. Do you know if it handles 18650 batteries? If so, I would only have to buy new batteries if I went with the Ovale or Gripper.

 

[Baditude]

According to this, "Charges battery sizes from 10440 to 18650."
Battery Chargers : TrustFire TR-001

If you decide to go with one or the other Gripper vs V8, I would go with the Segelei/Ovale V8. It's a better manufactured piece; I would have preferred that it used a single battery instead of the paired 18350 IMR button tops used together (used side by side, not stacked). I got the accessory leather pouch/lanyard that Discount Vapors offers for $9 and used it at a recent rock concert hanging from my neck. http://www.discountvapers.com/segelei-v8-leather-pouch/

The V8 is currently sold out at DV, not sure when or if more will be in. The thread below probably has info where else they can be purchased.
http://www.discountvapers.com/segelei-v8-incremental-vv-body-black-rubberized/

I like the top fire button (location) and the single 19850 battery of the Gripper better, but the body is very "cheap", the battery door is vulnerable to breaking, the top connector in some units is wobbly from the start (my first one was), and the fire button can misfire if you don't press it exactly in the middle (both units). I will admit my second unit appears to be better constructed than the first, so quality control/consistancy seems to be an issue with these.

The Smoktech VV Gripper is being sold at both Mad Vapes and Got Vapes.

There are currently active threads devoted to these two devices:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/variable-voltage-apv-discussion/302456-ovale-v8-vv-discussion.html

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/variable-voltage-apv-discussion/321386-gripper-discussion.html

 

[wv2win]

Thanks again for some great info, Baditude. When I checked out the Discount Vapors site, I became interested in the VAMO:

VAMO Variable Voltage/Wattage Transformer Mod - Gun Metal

Unfortunately, it is also out of stock. I liked the fact that it can operate as a variable wattage PV, which is what I use now, has a max output of 15 watts, appears to have a 5 amp switch and can handles 1.5 ohm dual coil cartos. Do you have any thoughts on this PV?

 

[Baditude]

Thanks again for some great info, Baditude. When I checked out the Discount Vapors site, I became interested in the VAMO:

Unfortunately, it is also out of stock. I liked the fact that it can operate as a variable wattage PV, which is what I use now, has a max output of 15 watts, appears to have a 5 amp switch and can handles 1.5 ohm dual coil cartos. Do you have any thoughts on this PV?

I don't own a Vamo or anyone who owns one.

If you are still interested in the V8, the Ovale thread above said the following two vendors are selling them here:

V8 Gripper Starter kit - VaporBreak

http://www.smokerevolt.com/The-MorningStar-6V-Kit_p_434.html
___

Segelei is about to market another box mod that is VV/VW. There is some confusion about what battery it will use, but it may fit your needs too.

http://www.exhalevapors.com/Tmax_by_Sigelei_E_Cig_Mod_APV_Box_OLED_p/6058.htm?1=1&CartID=1

 

[wv2win]

Bad, I just read on Discount Vapors that the V8 only has a 2.5 amp switch regulator, which means my 1.5 ohm dual coil cartos would not work with it. I was just about to order the one from Vapor Break when I went back and re-read the specs on the Discount Vapors site.

I remember reading I believe on Madvapes that the Gripper they sell has a 4 amp switch regulator so I might get one of those, although I would like to find out more about the VAMO.