Which mid-size to consider?

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Geopatti

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I started vaping with a Studio 51 while still smoking analogs over a year ago. Now I have been off of analogs for about 2 months and I am using a Volt but I am frustrated by constantly having to charge the batteries. I have been reading the information forums and I believe I need something with a battery that will last. Where do I begin with the mid-size systems? I live in the US and I love the customer service from smokeless image. Thank you.
 

Iusedtoanalog

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Hi Geopatti. At least you have a start. The volt is a 3.7v device so I would suggest the x2 from them if you like their cartomizers and customer service. That would give you the option to go all the way up to 1300 mAh in size which would be your batterie x~4 in useage time.
If the jump to a 510 connection is more along the lines of something that is interesting to you i would say kGo or Riva would be a good place to start. This would allow you to weild some of that new found power into a low ohm cartomizer and get an overall warmer vapor. If you do decide to go to 510 connector I would suggest the eGo twist like this Spare eGo-C Twist Battery for Joye eGo 1000mah this is the 1000mAh size there is also a 650 size (which I recommend over looking because its only aboutx2 your current battery) this would allow you both longer use time(mAh) and the ability to adjust your voltage which is a very very nice option. A pair of these batteries, usb charger and a 510 to 808 adptor(so you can use up any left over carto you probably have around) and you are all set for a couple days of adjustable voltage vaping. I own one of the twists and I must say that joye has their finger on the pulse of their consumer. Its a great device. Just some food for thought. Good Luck. Happy Vaping.
 

zachofalltrades

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I've got a kGo which I love and personally lasts me a day+. Highly recommended by many. However, if you like who you're already dealing with, I've that many people have been greatly satisfied with the X2 equipment offered by Smokeless Image. It's a logical next step, as it's compatible with some of the stuff you already have.
 

dham340

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My 0.02: 2 ego twist batteries, box of LR cartomizers and bottle of juice. Oh, and you'll need an ego charger. Whole setup should set you back 60 - 80 bucks depending on if you get the 650mah or 1000mah batteries and how much the juice costs you.

I like the volt, and I own 2 but battery life was a problem plus I didn't like the fact that I was shut out of many 510 connection options (tanks, cartos, attys, clearmizers). Like it or not, 510 is where the action is. If your looking to make a change, I recommend you seriously consider making the jump.
 

sailorman

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I'd say a kGo would be the logical next step. The 1100man battery should last an easy 8-10 hours between charges. You can use a 510/808 adapter for any leftover cartridges you might still have from the Volt. The sooner you make the change to the more versatile 510, the better off you'll be. An adapter is cheap, about 3.

Avoid the finicky and trouble prone eGo T and C systems. You'll end up ditching that stuff and going with a clearomizer or cartomizer anyway. Most people do.

The Twist is a good unit, but you have to remember two things. On is that they are bigger than an equivalent unit. The 650mah is as long as an 1100mah kGo. 650mah on a variable voltage doesn't last very long between charges. The 1000mah Twist is ridiculously long.

The second thing is that you need 2 of them. Or, you need a solid backup to use while one is charging. You don't want to charge overnight while you sleep. If you get one 650mah and one 1000mah, you'd be o.k. But then, you'll be spending as much money as you would for a non-disposable variable voltage with a full range of voltages and separate 2000mah batteries.

If variable voltage interests you, you can get a chrome plated Lavatube for $60 for the full kit with 2 batteries and a year warranty. Or you can get red or black for $50 or Stainless for $73. With the 2000mah battery, it will last you at least 12-18 hours between charges, and when the battery dies you replace it for $10 instead of buying a whole new e-cig.

Unlike the Twist, you won't have to throw a Lavatube (Vtube) away when the battery dies. Apolloecigs.com has a 30% discount code "Vtube30". It's a great intro into variable voltage vaping. You can also get the "mini" version if you want something not as large. Either way, it's a much better option than buying Twists.

Apollo Vtube in Chrome. $60 for full kit with code Vtube30
ATUBE-2.jpg
 
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dham340

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Sailorman,
you make some good points although I am still not sold that the lavatube is a better buy than the twist. I own and use(d) both although my LT is now put away. Let me lay out my reasons:

First, I think the kgo is a no go. I'd recommend a twist or a lavatube (LT) over it. I have a kgo and it's an awesome little vaping machine, but with the introduction of the twist and the LT, I think its a bit long in the tooth now.

second, the LT, is big. Really big. And heavy. The OP is coming from a Volt so It's gonna be quite a shock to go from that to a LT.

Third, I just think (and this is personal) that 2 650 mah twists are good enough. Yes, the LT is gonna give you longer vape time with is big battery but, it's not as though your never gonna have to charge it. I get just under 12 hrs on the LT per charge and I start to notice performance degradation before then. The twist is about 6 to 8 hrs depending on how you vape and voltage . Half the LT, I know, but it's a self contained unit, small, shirt pocketable and switching between 2 is not that much of a hassle. Also, even 6 hours is more than double what I suspect the OP is getting with the volt.

Fourth, I've never had a joyetech ego battery die on me yet. I know it will someday but it's not as though they die every 3 months. Also, LT batteries die too (and although I can't prove it, I'd assert more often than ego batteries) so I'd say it's a wash. Also, LT batteries are going to require a bulky charger. The twists chargers are equivelent to iPhone/iPod chargers. Plus, the twists can be charged via powered USB.

Fifth: basically the only difference between the LT and the twist is size and battery life. Both are Regulated VV, both are protected. Really it ends up being personal preference on size and form factor. For me, the twist is more than good enough. I know folks who put away their LTs and provari's (!) once they got the twists.

Of course, YMMV, but I stand by my recommendation.
 

sailorman

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Two twists vs Lavatube

Cost:
Twist, $50-60
Lavatube, $50(aluminum) to $73(stainless steel)

Warranty:
Twist, one month tops.
LT, One year.

Voltage Display:
Twist, None
LT, Digital LCD

Battery level Indicator:
Twist, None
LT, Digital

Voltage Range:
Twist, 3.2-4.8 (1.6V)
LT, 3.0-6.0V (3V)

Battery capacity:
Twist, max. 1000mah
LT, 2000mah or more.

Lifespan:
Twist, 4-6 months according to Joyes specs.
LT, Permanent. Unknown. Not disposable.

Battery Replacement cost
Twist, $25-$30
LT, $8

I think you're stretching things a bit. The chrome LT is heavier than a Twist. The Aluminum one is probably lighter. The mini LT is shorter than the Twist 650 and far shorter than the 1000mah model. The full size LT is 5" long and less than 1" dia. How long is the Twist 1000? about 7-8"?

"Bulky" battery charger? Is that an issue? Maybe if you lived in a shoe. You could charge 2 or 3 batteries and vape for a week. You aren't going to be carrying a half dozen 650mah Twists around.

The best Panasonic 2250 IMR high drain battery costs $8 and will outlive a Twist battery which, after all, is just a cheap ego battery, by a factor of 2 or 3 times. Batteries have a definite number of charging cycles. Even if they were the same quality of battery (which they aren't), just the fact that the LT battery is 2X as large, means it will need to be charged half as often. That alone would make it last 2X longer than a 1000mah battery.

The only advantage to a Twist is a slightly smaller diameter. The 1000mah Twist is longer than either of the Lavatubes.

The 650mah Twist lasts 1/3 the run time of the LT battery, needs charging 3X as often and has a lifespan 1/3 as long.

Charge a Twist every 6 hours. Charge a Lavatube less than once a day.
 
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spaceballsrules

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If you like SmokelessImage and the performance of the Volt, try the X2 model. They have them in 650, 900, and 1100 mah.

If you want a little more ooomph, you could try a Riva 901, VGO, or GoGo, which are all the same KR808 connection as the Volt and X2, but are not regulated, so they come off the charger at over 4V.

Then, there is the possible jump over to the land of the 510 connection. Options become almost limitless here. The most popular choice would probably be the KGO.
 
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yzer

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If you like SmokelessImage and the performance of the Volt, try the X2 model. They have them in 650, 900, and 1100 mah.

If you want a little more ooomph, you could try a Riva 901, VGO, or GoGo, which are all the same KR808 connection as the Volt and X2, but are not regulated, so they come off the charger at over 4V.

Then, there is the possible jump over to the land of the 510 connection. Options become almost limitless here. The most popular choice would probably be the KGO.
Love your avatar, dude. It's getting out of hand.
 

Dana A

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I would go VV no matter what you choose. I will have to say that I agree 100% with sailor. The only reason not to go with a lava tube would be size. If you don't mind charging often and paying out to keep what I would say should be 3 twists going because if you only have 2 and one fails you will be screwed than the 650 mah twists may be for you. If you don't feel that you want or need VV than get the Kgo. No matter which of the 3 you choose you will be taking a step up. Chances are if you try a VV PV you will never go back to 3.7 volts again. Good luck no matter what you choose.
 

sailorman

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....
If you want a little more ooomph, you could try a Riva 901, VGO, or GoGo, which are all the same KR808 connection as the Volt and X2, but are not regulated, so they come off the charger at over 4V.....

The GoGo is a proprietary connection. Only GoGo stuff fits a GoGo.

808 parts are o.k., but it's a lot easier to get a 510/808 adapter than it is to find 808 parts. There are a lot of things not available in an 808. The selection just isn't there. That means, on average, you're going to pay more for 808 cartos, atomizers, clearomizers, etc. if you can get them at all.
 

X P3 Flight Engineer

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Snip -
I think you're stretching things a bit. The chrome LT is heavier than a Twist. The Aluminum one is probably lighter. The mini LT is shorter than the Twist 650 and far shorter than the 1000mah model. The full size LT is 5" long and less than 1" dia. How long is the Twist 1000? about 7-8"?

Maybe we should remove some of the "stretch" and deal with the facts?

I have the actual numbers for the Twist and perhaps someone could supply the same numbers for the LT.

eGo Twist 1000mah

Length: 4.75 inches (121 mm)

Weight: 1.48 ounces (41.9 grams) / Charger: 0.62 ounces (17.6 grams)

Diameter: 0.55 inches (14 mm)

Since the Twist (which includes the battery, naturally) weighs less than an 18650 battery, I doubt that the aluminum version weighs less!

You can get more machine for more money.

You can't get more machine for the same money.

The Twist has proven to be extremely flexible ... since it has been stretched from 4 3/4 inches to "about 7-8"?"

Relax, Enjoy!
 

spaceballsrules

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Love your avatar, dude. It's getting out of hand.

You would love the original pic this was cut from. ;)

The GoGo is a proprietary connection. Only GoGo stuff fits a GoGo.

808 parts are o.k., but it's a lot easier to get a 510/808 adapter than it is to find 808 parts. There are a lot of things not available in an 808. The selection just isn't there. That means, on average, you're going to pay more for 808 cartos, atomizers, clearomizers, etc. if you can get them at all.

Redacted!

Yeah, it has been tough to find many vendors that offer much 808 stuff, or a variety of choices, but the prices are typically on par with the 510 stuff. This is a 510's world, but it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without an 808 or a 901.
 
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JENerationX

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I moved up to the Smokeless Image X2 batteries. I have a few 650s and a 900. The 650 will get me through an entire work day and then I have the fully charged one at home. The 900 would go morning to night without a charge. I love the clearomizers with my own liquid too. I still use my little volts for out and about when I want something little. The X2 650mah with a clearomizer isn't much bigger than a cigar. I know there are bigger, more powerful, variable volt etc. things out there... but I've been perfectly happy with my SI stuff.
 
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