Back on the Grind- ProVari V2 Review

Sorry I haven't been posting lately, I'm in the process of moving out as well as working on various projects so I've been very busy. That being said, let's get on with the review!

I had always dreamed of owning a ProVari from the moment I first saw them. After getting my first variable voltage mod, I was a little disappointed in the craftsmanship that was put into it so I sought after any means to get a better PV. It wasn't long after that I saw one of my instagram followers (@lito714) had got the chrome version that they sold as a "blemished" model. I asked him about it and he said other than the fact that there was no ProVari logo on it, it was fine and for 20% off! So nevertheless I purchased one a few days later. When it came in there were no distinguishable marks, scratches or defects although it was sold as a blemished model; it even had the logo on it. I was very excited and couldn't wait to use it.

After putting it through its paces I've noticed some things I absolutely love and some things I don't particularly like. First being the single button set up; after using a lava tube knock off for some time, the single button is tough to get used to especially since they don't give you a written instruction manual. Some of the commands are pretty obvious like Pu and Pd (power up and power down) but I had to search the internet to understand the rest. The only bad thing about the single button is that sometimes I skip the menu item by accident having to cycle all the way through the other commands but it's definitely not a "deal breaker" for me. One really cool thing about the ProVari is that is has in a built in battery voltage and atomizer ohm checking function which comes in handy when you have multiple atty/carto setups. This device is tough as nails, I've dropped it, spilled e-liquid on it, left it in a cold car overnight, etc and it keeps on kicking. In fact, it's so heavy and solid, if I was ever mugged, I could fend off an attacker with it. The batteries last a long time, I go days without charging a single battery. The lighted button blinks when your battery is lower than 3.5v which can get a little annoying since it will last until you get down to 3.2v but very helpful since I hate being without a fresh battery.

Only a few drawbacks to mention, first being the fact that it isn't eGo threaded and doesn't accept Vision clearomizers without an adapter. I was a little bummed because I thought it was based on the pictures I've seen. It's a bit heavy, and this is coming from someone who owns an AltSmoke Silver Bullet! The chrome version is a scratch magnet, I would strongly recommend a case or at least some sort of sleeve if you're planning on carrying it in your pocket. The simplistic menu system is a bit hard to understand/read but after a while you get used to it. My only other note about the ProVari is that the button isn't recessed like on the Silver Bullet so it could potentially go off in your pocket but the likelihood of that is slim to none since the resistance of the button is fairly high.

On the next ProVari model, I hope it will have eGo threads as well as a 3 digit screen. The button issue I had mentioned could also be something to consider for the V3. Other than that, everything else is great!

If you haven't noticed, I'm more of a subjective reviewer. If you prefer numbers and techy stuff, there are plenty of reviews on YouTube that will go into much more detail. If you have any questions about vaping, mods or anything else, feel free to comment below!

Value: ★★★★★
Aesthetics: ★★★★★

Functionality: ★★★★☆

DISCLAIMER: I bought this device for my own use and for testing purposes. All opinions are my own and are for educational purposes.

Follow me on twitter and instagram: @photoagogo

Double Review- Apollo V-Tube & SmokTek 4XL Cartomizer

Hello all, today I'm bringing you a quick review of the Apollo V-Tube variable voltage mod as well as a first look at the SmokTek 4XL cartomizer. We have a lot of stuff to cover so let's begin!

copyright Apollo E-Cigs

I saw this knock off lavatube for 1/2 the cost of the original and decided to give it a try. I ordered this mod from www.apolloecigs.com for $46 (device only [or so I thought]) When I received it, instead of being just the tube, they sent me the whole kit including a battery, charger, drip tip, 3ohm atomizer and a case which was a happy accident in my favor.

copyright Apollo E-Cigs

The atty was ok at best. It leaked like crazy and didn't last very long but hey, who can argue with free? As for the drip tip, just a cheap clear one you get with a dual coil tank, no big deal. The case is nice as it's simply a rebranded Joytech case, only problem being it doesn't fit the device with anything attached atop it. The battery/charger are decent, the charger is a single charger with a spring to secure it in place and a protected 18650.

Functionality of the device has been superb. It can handle all sorts of atty/carto resistances which is convenient. I've taken it to work with me and it can definitely handle some abuse. It has a drip catcher which helped greatly with the flooding atomizer and seats a J, MAP or Phiniac tank easily. You can ramp the voltage from 3.0-6.0v in .1v increments and check the battery level with 7 clicks of the power button. The 18650 battery last a while, I'm an average vaper and I can get about a day and a half with a full charge. When the battery drops below 3.5v, it starts to lose some power and when it gets to 3.2 the LED blinks and it shuts itself off. It also has an auto shut off feature in case it goes off in your pocket.

That's the good news...read the next paragraph before rushing to order.

Upon arrival, mine had a vertical scratch on the big button of which I was not happy with. After a few weeks of use, the paint is starting to rub off the battery cover and big button. I'm not sure why the entire device isn't entirely aluminum, probably to save money. Also, today I noticed the battery cover doesn't sit perfectly flush to the main part of the tube where you can see the threads which leads to believe this might eventually cause corrosion or other problems down the road. The smaller buttons rattle back and forth freely which is ugly and makes the device seem cheaply built. Last complaint I have is that the threads are very crunchy which can be helped by putting on some aluminum lubricant but I was still slightly disappointed at this fact.

Bottom line: this is a well functioning device that has some aesthetic and design flaws.

Value: ★★★☆☆
Aesthetics: ★★☆☆☆
Functionality: ★★★★☆

Vendor Review- Altsmoke.com

I heard about Altsmoke when I was looking to purchase my first mod. I was shopping around and came across the Silver Bullet which got great reviews which led me to buy it. In a few days I received it with everything I needed to get started and the overall experience was great.

They have a rewards system in place for every purchase or referral you earn points to use on future purchases. This has come in handy since I tell everyone about my e-cig whenever I'm out. I have recently found out they also do quantity discount for bulk cartomizers which is nice because I usually order mine 10 boxes at a time.

Their starter kits are perfect for first time e-cig purchasers or someone looking for a little more power. Prices at Altsmoke are very fair and when you add in the 5% coupon code that never expires (ALTSMOKE05) every little bit helps. Shipping is fast and cheap, I usually get my packages a day before I expect them to arrive which is always nice.

Customer service is excellent, if I have a question about information that's not listed on the site, I email them and I get a very quick response. Product selection is ample with top brands like Boge, Joytech, Trustfire and more.  If you are planning on purchasing from Altsmoke, make sure you tell them I sent you there!

So far, I have yet to have a bad shopping experience with them and I look forward to many more to come.

Customer Service: ★★★★★

Website Navigation: ★★★★★

Product Selection/Quality: ★★★★☆

DISCLAIMER: I may have received some products free of charge for review purposes however all my opinions are completely unbiased and accurate based on my own interactions with said vendors and their products.

follow me on twitter and instagram! @photoagogo

All images copyright Altsmoke.com

Mod Review- 310vapers.com REV3

Hello all, I bring you today a quick overview and first impressions of the REV3 from 310vapers. I purchased this initially because of the price point and chic look (i know thats not a very good reason to purchase something, but hey, the thing looks cool. ok?) So let's dive right in.

First things first, this item cost me $43 after batteries and shipping cost. They also throw in a drip tip and a cartomizer for good measure. So for all that, the price is excellent! There are no instructions included with the device but I figured out quickly that 5 button clicks changes from low (4v), medium (5v), and high (6v) as well as shutting the device off. Overall it feels very solid and the finish is impeccable. Size wise it's about 1/4" larger in diameter and about 1/2" taller than a 1000mah eGo battery. The light show is very impressive and eye catching with it's ring of light just below the button. This unit does not have any protection built in so make sure you buy only the recommended batteries and install them correctly!

510 Connection

I was hoping it had an eGo cone skirt, however it does not, although the air holes in the 510 connection work great while still maintaining a stylish look. Currently, I'm using a 2.5ohm DCT which works flawlessly on each of the settings. After seeing some other reviews, I've learned this device runs a bit on the hot side and the voltage can fluctuate greatly under load but doesn't necessarily take away from performance. It has an automatic shut off if the button is held down too long and if the batteries are depleated, the lights will flash and the device will shut off. I am able to get about 10-12 vaping time out of it which is impressive to say the least.

Air Hole

Something I don't particularly like about this device is that the button is extremely sensitive, sort of a "hair trigger" to quote the great P. Busardo :) I carry my PV's in my pocket or my lunch box at work and they tend to get banged around a lot so the thought of either it burning out a carto by going off by accident or having to shut the device off and turn it on when I want a quick vape isn't appealing to me. I was also a little disappointed that it doesn't have an eGo connection but you can't get everything at this price point I suppose.

So far so good for this little VV, definitely worth the money for something smaller than a ProVari or a Silver Bullet but with more power than an eGo and it looks great too!

4v (red), 5v (purple), 6v (blue)

DISCLAIMER: I bought this device for my own use and for testing purposes. All opinions are my own and are for educational purposes.

Follow me on twitter and instagram: @photoagogo