There is
no one "best" e-cig
for all vapers ... and there never will be. There are some great ones ... in various categories.
Also, some of the best PVs (certainly the ones in the price bracket you're talking about) are not really "e-cigarettes" (as in one integrated device). Rather they are
combinations of
battery (whether traditional skinny batt, fat batt, or mod),
atomizer and
liquid delivery system (often integrated as in cartomizers),
mouthpiece (either integrated or separate drip tip), and (sometimes)
adapter. [And I've left out PT connectors and doodads like cones, pen-clip covers, jeweled endcaps, and goosenecks.]
Other than e-liquid (which is
most significant), the single most important component of a great PV is the atomizer/juice delivery system. Temporarily removing juice feeders from the equation, IMO we're talking about
cartomizers. [Like you, I don't think much of tanks, although some vapers do like them.] One of the very best today is the Smok Tech Dual Coil, e.g., $2 each from
Hoosier E-Cig Supply and
Vapor Junction (sold as a five-pack for $10). Read/view reviews here an ECF to learn more about these wonders. [In addition, I happen to be enamored by the
EastMall LR 801 cartomizer from Vapor Junction ... and the
MaxX Fusion and
VOLT cartos are great Kr8 cartomizers.]
Battery packages can be evaluated by how effectively they provide the appropriate voltage (e.g., 3.2V, 3.7V, 5V, 6V, or VV) to that atomizer/juice deliverer and for how long (i.e., mAh) ... as well as by such things as shape, size, appearance, switch, and durability/reliability.
If you like an LR atomizer/cartomizer like the Dual Coil, then 3.7V (or even 3.2V perhaps) is the way to go. Otherwise, VV (variable voltage) will give you that perfect voltage for whatever atomizer/cartomizer you're using.
There are many excellent 3.7V mods in your price range. The highest mAh is the
Helix. Probably the best made is the
Precise, but those are just two examples. The most beautiful ... is in the eye of the beholder and includes the wood box mods.
The
ProVari is the leading example of a VV battery package in your price range. [The
Darwin may have the edge, but it is $230).
I discuss some of these (including the juice feeders that I "temporarily removed...from the equation" here) and further examine the parameters for evaluating battery packages in my
Mods Buyers Guide. [It was written last fall so some of the newer mods (e.g., ProVari and Darwin) are not included.]
