WTB my first mod. Provari vs. Ali'i

[JTman]

Hello everyone. I wasn't sure where to post this but figured general would be ok. So I am getting a nice tax return this year and I decided I will splurge on a new mod. I am finally well into the green on savings over analogs since I quit last October and I figure I deserve a nice treat!

When I first started looking at mods around Christmas time I was dead set on the Ali'i.
Ali'i Custom Order
The whole bottom feeding, dripping while not needing to drip idea sounds absolutely fantastic. And this mod really appeals to my "natural" nature loving side as its beautifully hand crafted and is akin to a piece of artwork.

In the last few days, however, another mod has really caught my eye. The Provari by Provape.
ProVari Variable Voltage Electronic Cigarette
The digital readout and incremental .1 voltage increments sound fantastic. As many reviews have said you can dial in the voltage to make any atty/carto you have become a perfect vape. This mod appeals to my tech loving side as I love gadgets and this thing really looks amazing.

Both mods have absolutely glowing reviews and its hard to find anything negative about either one so I know quality and craftsmanship from each vendor will be top notch. So naturally I am completely torn. If I was in a better position financially I would nab them both, but alas, either of these mods would run in the neighborhood of $200 and I will have to choose only one.

I realize that I can get the Ali'i with in a VV configuration, but it seems to me to be a manual dial with no indication of what the voltage is without using a meter. I suppose after some time I would just fine tune it to my own taste and not care what the actual number of volts are that I am vaping at. Another consideration is that the Ali'i isn't easy to aquire. I would have to do some serious website camping and hope to get an order in before it sells out in minutes (or less!).

One other note is that the Provari would come in at about $193 shipped with 2 batteries (1 use and 1 standby) and charger. The Ali'i (with VV and Ebony) would be $195 (not sure on shipping) and I would still need to purchase batteries and a charger on top of that making the Ali'i more expensive(perhaps $30 or so more).

My vaping habits are about 90% dripping indoors and 10% cartos while out and about. I am not nearly as annoyed with dripping as I was at first. I spend most of my time at my computer or at my desk job where I can vape freely with the boss's permission. I generally just pop on a carto if I am going out to the grocery store or whatever. I know that with VV I could make that carto become much more satisfying and with the Ali'i I wont even need cartos anymore.

Ali'i
+Bottom fed "dripless" dripping
+Work of "natural" art
+Less hardware needed (cartos go bye-bye)

-Will be difficult to acquire
-more expensive
-VV is not as "precise" (no digital readout, I assume I will need a voltmeter)

Provari
+Digital display (voltage in .1 increments, ohms readout and other neat options)
+Work of "tech" art
+Less expensive
+plethora of safety features
+Much easier to acquire

-microprocessor and other electronics mean more vectors for potential failures
--- No juice feeder
- Still need to mess with cartos

So there is my summation of pros and cons to each. Are there any other points here that I have missed? Please do chime in on your opinions and recommendations. I know that so much of this hobby is subjective and its really hard to know what you will like the most without just buying it and seeing what it is like. There is some piece of mind, at least, knowing that ECF has a wonderful classifieds forum if I decide I dont like whichever I choose.

Thanks for looking and I appreciate the feedback! Vape on friends!

 

[Elendil]

I'm going to move this to "Request for Opinions/Reviews". You will probably get a better response.

 

[emanguba]

Something to consider is having a map tank pair up with the ProVari.

Can you just get both?

 

[JTman]

I'm going to move this to "Request for Opinions/Reviews". You will probably get a better response.

Thanks Elendil, I didn't even realize there was such a secion!

Emanguba: I have been intrigued with the map tanks. I dont see why it wouldn't work as the provari has a native 510 connection.

Another option I've seen is the Vapemate by Super-T
Super T Manufacturing, Innovative manufacturer of electronic cigarette products.

It may look a little clunky but will essentially make any PV into a feeder. Its a bit pricey so that would be something I wouldn't get right away. I just want to get into higher voltage vaping and VV seems to be the best way to go.

I wish I could get both, but thats not gonna happen. Perhaps down the road I can pick up whichever one I don't get, but by then there will probably be something bigger and better that has come out (The Darwin is very cool in concept, but I just dont like how it looks and its even more expensive than the two I'm looking at. Availability seems up in the air right now as well, though I could be wrong).

 

[cuseguy]

I vote for a MAP and Provari. I use a MAP Tank with my Infinity and it's like an Ego-T that mainlines steroids. I think the MAP actually looks better on the Provari vs Infinity due to the similar diameter of both. My only gripe with the Provari is that it is a tad heavy, whereas the Infinity is quite light, but it's a small price. I recommend the 3.2 ohm MAP, no need for LR with VV devices and 3.2 just vapes perfect on VV. Other than a Darwin....Hey the Darwin?? only kidding....kinda

ADD: I'm not putting down the Ali'i at all. It is a vaping work of art with kick-... performance. I can totally see sitting in front of my fireplace drinkin some beers with a nice VV Ali'i , But I just can't picture myself taking it out on the town in my back pocket. Whereas the Provari fits in anywhere and with a Map, it's pretty tough and mighty leakproof too.

 

[emanguba]

JT, I've ordered the ProVari and am waiting for it's arrival...in the meantime, I have a map tank with my eGo and love it.

I also have the VapeMate, too...for me, both perform well as advertised. As for convenience, I would chose the map tank over the vapemate to carry around.

I also have 2 bottom feeders (Reo Mini and OldGoat's modbox) and don't use them much anymore.

Have you consider the Infinity? The kit with battery and charger is sub $100.

 

[JTman]

I think I have seen the infinity before. That one is a lot slimmer isnt it? Might as well look it up rather than ask 20 questions.

I am not quite up on all the battery numbers but due to the slimmer size it must have less battery life (not that its that big of a deal anyway.) I also really like the digital read-out of the provari. I think have really talked myself into the provari. cuseguy brings up a good point in that I would be nervous leaving the house with the ali'i. I would be so afraid of damaging it. The provari on the other hand is metal and seems to be built like a tank. Plus I think it would fit better into my pocket.

So this MAP tank. I have only really heard it mentioned but don't really know much about it. Where can I buy one? or is it something I have to make? I appreciate all your help!

 

[emanguba]

CloudsofVapor has them in stock now...better pick them up, they go like hotcakes!

 

[JTman]

Thank you for the link. I will have to hold off on the map tank for now as I am really pushing my limits just going for my first mod. I should try looking into making one myself. I'm generally pretty good at that kind of stuff, just need to find out what/where to get the materials. Thanks again!

Edit: looks like the MAP is more professionally made and the syringe mod is the one you can do yourself. Off to do more research!

 

[emanguba]

If you go to the modder's sub-forum, there is a DIY on making a bottom feeder mod box for $8!!

I think most materials can be purchased locally or at madvapes.

Good luck!!

 

[JTman]

Ok so looks like I might be ordering my provari tonight!! Just got the OK from the wife to put it on the CC and pay it off with the tax return (Re-reading that makes me sound pathetic lol, but whatever keeps the peace). One more detail is the battery extension. 18490 vs 18650. Obviously the bigger battery will last longer. The trade off being I have to pay more for the end cap and also adding size and weight to the device. I recall reading one reviewer who preferred the shorter battery as the extension made it just a little too heavy and on the side of uncomfortable. Like I said before I am clueless about these batteries. How long should I expect an 18490 to last vs an 18650? My only experience so far is a 650mah ego battery with LR atties so if the 18490 lasts as long as my eGo then I have no worries going with the shorter batt.

I'll check out the modders section for sure, thanks!

also just found my answers: http://www.provape.com/v/faq.htm

They estimate 3ohms at 6volts to be over 8 hours, that still blows my ego out of the water using LR so i have no problem sticking with the shorter batt.

 

[JTman]

Just placed my order for the Provari!!!! I'm also getting it with their charger and two 18490 batteries!!! WOOT! Thanks again for helping me decide!

 

[Liv2Ski]

Happy clouds to you since the Vari will certainly pump them out. Have had mine for 6 weeks and it is always in hand! Awesome unit and you will be thrilled with it. Welcome to the club! If you do not DIY you might want to think about it, the vari is a hungry monster and plows through the juice. But man is it worth it! Flavor, TH, big clouds off any atty/carto/tank.

 

[cuseguy]

Good choice Emanguba. I actually talked myself into buying one now...lol

 

[Chingas]

You'll love it JT. I own a ProVari and a Reo Grand bottom feeder. I really need to sell the Reo. The ProVari is rock solid and easy to use. I use Clearomizers a lot these days and eagerly await the end of the month when the Giantomizer will be available. I have a sneaky suspiscion that it will outdo the MAP tank.

 

[JTman]

Chingas: I haven't heard of the giantomizer, but it sounds enticing! The provari being rock solid is really what sealed the deal for me. The Ali'i sure is beautiful, and for that I would be afraid to take it out of the house. Besides I love Tech stuff and the LED is beautiful on the Provari and many reviews say it looks even better in person than in the pictures!

Besides, with things like the vapemate, MAP tanks, CE2s and all that there are plenty of other options for taking a nice volume of juice on the go. They have come a long way in just a short amount of time already so I'm sure it will only get better.

Liv2Ski: Thanks! I have been thinking about DIY lately. I think I am ready to step down the nic to 18 or so and that should make DIY much more cost friendly in the long run. I think I need to pretend I never ordered it, I am already going crazy with excitement and I still have so long to go!

 

[ScottinSoCal]

Re-reading that makes me sound pathetic lol, but whatever keeps the peace.

Not pathetic at all - money issues are the #1 cause of divorce, and if you think a mod is expensive, just wait till you get the bill from your divorce lawyer!

One more detail is the battery extension. <...> so if the 18490 lasts as long as my eGo then I have no worries going with the shorter batt.

I've been using the ProVari for over a week, and I have yet to run down a battery. I've only gotten the flashing light once, and that was when I drove down to LA and got stuck in a traffic jam. My PV got a workout for several hours of non-stop vaping. That night, just before I went to bed, the light started to flash.

Look, if you get it, use it a while, then decide you absolutely must have that extension, you can order it separately. It just screws on in place of the regular end cap, no fuss. I switch between the shorty batteries and the long ones all the time. You can get it as an upgrade, when all the new has worn off, and be in love with it all over again.

 

[JTman]

Not pathetic at all - money issues are the #1 cause of divorce, and if you think a mod is expensive, just wait till you get the bill from your divorce lawyer!

So true. While I may have to get the OK for a purchase like this it sure is nice that she also handles all the bills and everything so its not all bad

Thats kinda what I was thinking. I get almost a full day from a single 650mah eGo batt and the 18490 are 1100 mah I believe? Shouldn't be a problem at all for me. And of course I am sure I'll want to pick up the extension at some point. We may be driving down south with the in-laws for vacation this spring so I might want to get that extended battery for the 15+ hour drive. But for now I'll be blown away with the stock battery option I'm sure!

 

[emanguba]

Congrats, JT!!! Now, the hard part is the wait...lol!

 

[Liv2Ski]

The wait isn't that bad right now.