What is the best VV mod out there?

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Baldr

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I see we're being told that a Darwin battery will last forever, that they never go bad and therefore never need to be replaced. Think about that. Have you ever had any battery, for anything, that would never go bad? It doesn't matter if your battery is for a car, a cell phone, a flashlight, or a radio. Every battery dies, eventually. With rechargables, you may be able to recharge them 300 times, or 500, or maybe even 1,000 - but eventually, they go bad.

That doesn't mean that the darwin isn't a good mod. But don't fall into the "You never need to get a battery replacement" hype, because it's simply not true.
 

Butters78

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I see we're being told that a Darwin battery will last forever, that they never go bad and therefore never need to be replaced. Think about that. Have you ever had any battery, for anything, that would never go bad? It doesn't matter if your battery is for a car, a cell phone, a flashlight, or a radio. Every battery dies, eventually. With rechargables, you may be able to recharge them 300 times, or 500, or maybe even 1,000 - but eventually, they go bad.

That doesn't mean that the darwin isn't a good mod. But don't fall into the "You never need to get a battery replacement" hype, because it's simply not true.

That's the only thing that worries me. I wonder why it's sealed? Are the batts a trade secret? Is the Darwin case easy to open with a screwdriver? There has to be some way to get to the batteries without harming the integrity of the unit.
 

Frick

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I see we're being told that a Darwin battery will last forever, that they never go bad and therefore never need to be replaced. Think about that. Have you ever had any battery, for anything, that would never go bad? It doesn't matter if your battery is for a car, a cell phone, a flashlight, or a radio. Every battery dies, eventually. With rechargables, you may be able to recharge them 300 times, or 500, or maybe even 1,000 - but eventually, they go bad.

That doesn't mean that the darwin isn't a good mod. But don't fall into the "You never need to get a battery replacement" hype, because it's simply not true.

I still have an iPhone 3G from almost four years ago. It has a proprietary battery that is not user-serviceable -- but I've never needed it. It still performs well and I get a full-day charge out of it every day. Just for comparison.

Agreed, though: I much prefer a battery that's commonly available and I can replace myself.


That's the only thing that worries me. I wonder why it's sealed? Are the batts a trade secret? Is the Darwin case easy to open with a screwdriver? There has to be some way to get to the batteries without harming the integrity of the unit.

It wouldn't matter, because it's a proprietary battery. You'd have to get the battery from Evolv, and I don't believe they sell them as a separate unit. Replacement cost from them is cheap (I think $25? I know it's free during the warranty period. Their site is down or I would check), but you still have to rely on them being in business for the life of the device, and send in the whole device for replacement.
 

Katdarling

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... and I assumed with Drew's connections in China that it was a Chinese device. So remove from the equation the "foreign company" aspect, but still, it's a proprietary battery design that relies on the continued existence of the Evolv company itself for eventual replacement, a concern not shared with common-battery design mods.

Frick, I understand some people's concerns. In the reality we have today, those that are acquainted with Evolv do not share that concern. It sure doesn't look like the company is going anywhere... but UP! But as I said, I can see why some might hesitate. I'm just glad I did not.

You know what. I retract my statement. I just watched some reviews now I want a Darwin for out and about with the family. It's perfect for my pocket. Just slap a good boge with the swing arm in it will be perfect fit. It'll be slim and non intrusive.

Good choice, but it sounds like you are still bothered by the battery issue. Evolv will change out the batt once a year for a nominal fee. The case, altho easy to open, if opened, will void the warranty. There are some pictures somewhere on the Internet of the internals including the battery. Sorry I don't have them handy.
 

dragonbone

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Thats why I ditched the iPhone.. got an android now with easy access to the batt.
Wow, all my old iPhones and iPods are still working. My 8 year old iPod classic gets used all the time connected to the living room stereo (not even by dock) and my Nanos gets used for hours every day (audiobook junkie here) and going on for years. These things NEVER die.
 

wv2win

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Ah, I stand corrected. I had checked their website for country of origin, but apparently their site is non-functional at the moment. I had watched Drew's video when it was first prototyped, and I assumed with Drew's connections in China that it was a Chinese device. So remove from the equation the "foreign company" aspect, but still, it's a proprietary battery design that relies on the continued existence of the Evolv company itself for eventual replacement, a concern not shared with common-battery design mods.

Do you carry a USB-mains adapter and USB-mini cord with you at all times? Granted, they're common, but not everyone is going to have that handy.

Again, I have nothing against the Darwin. I think it's a fine device. I'm just parroting the concerns I've read regarding the internal battery design.

I have a mini-USB car charger that I keep in the car. I've had it for about 5 months now and have never used it because I have never needed to due to the Darwin's incrediable battery life.

I also don't have a concern about Evolv going out of business. It could happen, but if that ever happens, by that time I would have more than gotten my money's worth from the Darwin. Anyone who vapes and has any sense, has more than one PV. Plus, as I understand it, the battery in the Darwin is actually replacable by the user if they know how to solder or know someone who knows how to solder. It's an 1800 mAh cell phone battery from what I understand. I think some people just really "over think" buying a PV. A Darwin's cost is equivalent to a slightly over a month of buying cigarettes for me. If it went away and I had to vape on my backup or a new PV, I'm so far in the black it really doesn't matter.
 

Hottody

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At this level of device, go with what excites you! I don't love the look of the Darwin and love the look and feel of the Provari! Based on my needs and wants, the Provari was my choice. I like the fact that their are choices, good choices available to us! Heck, I love my cheap Joy tech 18650 mod! It seems like many of us buy multiple mods, and I'm sure like a cell phone, iPad, or any other gadget there will be something new to lust for in the future!
 

Frick

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Frick, I understand some people's concerns. In the reality we have today, those that are acquainted with Evolv do not share that concern. It sure doesn't look like the company is going anywhere... but UP! But as I said, I can see why some might hesitate. I'm just glad I did not.

I'm honestly really glad Evolv is an American company. The more we keep manufacturing for e-cig products here, the better off we are, even if we have to pay a little more. And for something that gets used every day, I don't consider the price of these "expensive" mods to be that high, especially when compared to smoking.


A Darwin's cost is equivalent to a slightly over a month of buying cigarettes for me. If it went away and I had to vape on my backup or a new PV, I'm so far in the black it really doesn't matter.

Agreed. I really didn't hesitate to invest in a Provari once I decided I wanted a VV device. I spent ~$360/month on cigarettes.
 

AZCraig

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I think you are going to be wasting your money on the Ego 900mah VV.

Watch:
A PBusardo Review GotVapes Variabe Voltage eGo Battery - YouTube

Under load (i.e. firing an atty), it's highest setting will only put out 3.7 to 3.8 volts about the same as a SmokTech eGo non variable EGo battery.



@ Katdarling

I am leaning towards Provari, but I am not 100% sure yet. Like I said in an earlier post, this is for the future. I am still waiting for an ego 900mAh lcd vv, which is the next step I am taking in my vaping evolution.

I had a 510 150mAh for about half a year, but I still could not quit Analogs altogether with that device. I am hoping to fair better with the next battery, but I realize if I want to quit for good ,that I need a top of the line pv.

Eventually I want to have both Provari and Darwin, that is the goal in the long-long-term lol I want a provari for around the house, and a darwin for going out(since it is portrayed as such a pocket friendly mod). I am basically deciding what top mod to purchase first, then later ons when I can afford to get another one I will purchase the one I didn't buy first.

It is clear to me that Darwin/Provari are the top vv mods(and I do want VV), and I will probably be getting one of them, but I still have to look up some of the other pv that some people have listed on here, from what I am told they could be cheaper backups for the time being.

I will definitley let you guys know which one I decide to choose, but It wont be for another couple months. So I am hoping this thread will be very long by the time I do decide, that way I will have a ton of information/opinions on which one to choose.
 

Mr. SandMan

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While that may be so, it was cheap, and I am positive it will be much better than the 150mah battery I have right now. I wasn't looking for a top vv mod while purchasing that, just something that would be better than my current battery.

Not sure if it matters but that review was also made for the 650mAh version. He also compared that vv 650mAh battery to a regular 900mAh battery.
 

wv2win

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When will the Darwin be back for sale anyway? The demand is high obviously.

I would email Drew at nhaler.com and tell him you want to be notified as soon as they are available and when he thinks that may be. They use to come out about every two weeks. In the past, he use to be very good about doing that for those who emailed him.
 

arkador

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My decision to get the Buzz was that I can turn the dial while taking a hit to change my voltage. If I wanted to use a series of buttontaps to change voltage, I would have likely gotten the Provari.

at $100 the IPro uses the same circuitry, and you could have enough money leftover to get a MV VV Boxmod, and a couple tanks, for the price of the Provari.

Money was not a deciding factor for me the ease of changing voltage was, and the Buzz just happened to be friendlier on the budget also.
 

potts_d

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I really do think it's important to give both answers, the best value VV device and the best overall.
The best value represents the reasonable, most practical approach for most people-- and it's the way I went-- while the best in class is what it is. It's the best, so you gotta give it subjective props! :2cool:

VALUE-- Infinity Pro
With a $100.00 price tag, you really can't go wrong with this device. No display, but a colour-coded voltage wheel (very easy to use, just stiff enough to stay put). 3.2v - 5.6v with load, I believe. This is the device I chose, and I love it! The Buzz Pro is only a little bit more too, so either one would be a solid choice.

BEST OVERALL
In my opinion, it's not even close. It's the Darwin!
This thing gives you the exact experience that you want everytime, no matter what!
And it's not really a VV but more of a Variable Wattage device. It lets you set the wattage wherever you want, and it will stay the same. So if you set your desired "wattage" with a low resistance cartomizer, the Darwin will adjust the "voltage" to match that "wattage" if you want to use a SR or even a High Voltage carto or atty.
Say what?!! That, my friends, is simply the greatest smoking innovation since fire itself! :p

Just my opinions.

Cheers. :toast:
 

wv2win

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I really do think it's important to give both answers, the best value VV device and the best overall.
The best value represents the reasonable, most practical approach for most people-- and it's the way I went-- while the best in class is what it is. It's the best, so you gotta give it subjective props! :2cool:

VALUE-- Infinity Pro
With a $100.00 price tag, you really can't go wrong with this device. No display, but a colour-coded voltage wheel (very easy to use, just stiff enough to stay put). 3.2v - 5.6v with load, I believe. This is the device I chose, and I love it! The Buzz Pro is only a little bit more too, so either one would be a solid choice.

BEST OVERALL
In my opinion, it's not even close. It's the Darwin!
This thing gives you the exact experience that you want everytime, no matter what!
And it's not really a VV but more of a Variable Wattage device. It lets you set the wattage wherever you want, and it will stay the same. So if you set your desired "wattage" with a low resistance cartomizer, the Darwin will adjust the "voltage" to match that "wattage" if you want to use a SR or even a High Voltage carto or atty.
Say what?!! That, my friends, is simply the greatest smoking innovation since fire itself! :p

Just my opinions.

Cheers. :toast:

Well explained!!
 

Bdbodger

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My decision to get the Buzz was that I can turn the dial while taking a hit to change my voltage. If I wanted to use a series of buttontaps to change voltage, I would have likely gotten the Provari.

at $100 the IPro uses the same circuitry, and you could have enough money leftover to get a MV VV Boxmod, and a couple tanks, for the price of the Provari.

Money was not a deciding factor for me the ease of changing voltage was, and the Buzz just happened to be friendlier on the budget also.

I bought the Ipro and at first I was wondering what is wrong with this thing . It gets hot but where is the vapour ? I was just about burning my cartos trying to figure it out . The I found that it is an air issue . Put an unsealed 510 to 510 adapter on it or better yet a 510 to ego adapter on it and it works just fine . The reason is that more air can get in from the cuts at the top of the threads of both the Ipro and the adaptor . It sort of doubles the amount of air that can get in . I would still rather use my Knight rider ( lava tube ) though for a VV mod in the same price range . I like that it has a display , you can lock in the voltage , you know what voltage your using and it can be turned of to prevent missfiring . Now if they just got rid of the annoying button click it would be even better . The lava tube also uses one battery not two like the Ipro and the Ipro get hot at the bottom of the tube for some reason . The Ipro does work good though once you add the adaptor but I find that wheel could be protruding a bit more and a bit easier to use . Some of the time I have to use my fingernail to make fine adjustments to it .
 
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