If you are non-techinical orientated, and have no interest in getting deep into the zillion gadgets out there, just cough up the money and buy a Provari. I think it is best for that kind of user, it will last a long time and has excellent support. If you want to tinker around with many things, try different more niche items and sell the ones you don't like back in the classifieds. Most people eventually decide they prefer variable voltage/wattage, but some swear by mechanicals such as the various Reo models. But if you go the experimental route you will end up spending many times more than one premium PV like the Provari.
I will add, I went the experimental route and tried more PVs ($1000's of dollars) than I can count, eventually (after 2 years) I ended up buying a Provari and it is one of only 2 PV's I use now, the other is a expensive mechanical (Precise+).