Buildup of Equipment...

[JohnnyFog]

Greetings to the forum...

As I'm rather new to vaping, I can see that I'm probably going to end up with a lot of batteries, tanks, and accessories sitting around before too long as I continue to discover what's good and what isn't. So far, I'm really happy with my two Eleaf iSticks and the two Aspire Nautlius Mini tanks that I have. The battery life on these iSticks is really nice. I wish the tank capacity on the Nautilus Mini was slightly larger. That being the case, I ordered this new battery and tank to play with:

(two images not to scale with each other)

Since I like the Nautlius Mini, I decided to give the full blown Nautilus tank a try. I also thought this E-Fire v2 battery looked pretty cool. This battery won't ast as long as the iStick but it just has a cool factor that I had to try out.

Newbie question:

I'd like for someone to point me to a couple HIGH END batteries and tanks and give me a little feedback on why they are HIGH END so I can start thinking about those bits of gear as time goes by....

[Earthling789]

"High-End" is kinda hard to define... as most people will define it as "high-price" or "high performance"... but when it comes to batteries, at least to me, high-end is defined by capacity as well as being able to vary voltage and/or wattage to suit my tastes. The DNA-chip mods fit the high-end of voltage/wattage variable, and the batteries are user-replaceable (use 18650 batteries). Also on those lines (but limited on their power output) are the Vamo-series and Innokin VTR. The iStick you're using is a similar device to the MVP 20W, whereas both are VV/VW devices, and both have sealed batteries (yet still good capacity). There are pros and cons to all of them, so it ultimately boils down to what YOU prefer I use my MVP 2.0 just as much as my mech-mods, and I have an iStick on order, and will likely buy a VTR within the next 30-days.... and I still use my basic 1100mAh eGo-T batteries as backups or for cruising on my bike (because they take up so little space).

Tanks are also so subjective, you really have to find what you like. But, for me, the "step-up" was moving from (or adding to) my BCC/BDC/BVC coil tanks into RTA's (rebuildable tank atomizers) such as the Russian 91% or Kayfun. The flavor is superior to any "commercial" tank I've tried, but they are rebuildable, so there is the learning curve (and safety factor) for building your own coils. However, IMO, the RTA's work VERY well in the 1.2 to 1.8 Ohm range, which means they will work just fine with your iStick, MVP, Vamo, or even an eGo-style battery (like the Spinner or Twist).... no need to mech-mod unless you so desire.

Price rarely defines high-end... many people say the Nautilus is the pinnacle of tanks... some say the Joyetech Delta... some will take a Kanger Protank 2 over any tank you suggest... Personally, I use my Russian 91% daily, but I also regularly rotate through my KPT2's, Kanger AeroTanks, KPT3-minis, and my Nautilus... Each has their benefits, each has their draw-backs, and some juices just taste BETTER in a specific tank

BTW, that is a cool looking battery, and you'll love the extra capacity of the Nautilus over the mini... and they'll both use the BVC coils! Just be cautious of the larger glass-area of the full-size Nautilus... everyone's #1 complaint is that they are so easy to break, but you can get replacement Pyrex, OR you can get full-stainless tanks for them as well

Edited December 26, 2014 by Earthling789

[jasonculp]

Earthling is spot on.

Everything in vaping is so personal and subject to differing opinions. I have now tried 3 different RTAs and it isn't for me. It just intensifies the flavor of my juices to a point that I don't like, for now. I also have a couple mechanical mods that haven't seen use in a while. I got an IPV3 as an impulse buy. I love it, but it is too big for me to carry daily. I am like you and have been running istick/nautilus mini. I switched to the Delta 19 a few days ago, and I am loving it. I really haven't had it long enough to recommend anyone buying it yet. The vape is great, and it holds around 3ml which are pluses, but I don't know how long the coils last and they are kinda pricy.

The ultimate rig for me? I have been dreaming up an electronic mod in the 20-50 watt range, a little larger than the istick, but with a recessed tank. With at least 2000mah. I have been drawing it in skethup, but I really want it made of high end wood and polished brass. I am thinking of building it out of an iStick that I have ruined (intentionally) and using either my Nautilus (Full Size) or the delta as the tank.

[Tam]

Everything Earthling said.

I'd also like to add the Provari into the mix. It's a little pricey but is very dependable. I'd use my mini much more but I get tired of changing out batteries all the time (the mini uses 18350s -- around 700 mAh), and I keep forgetting to order the damned extension so I can put an 18650 3400 mAh in it.