Vamo V2 or Lava Tube 2.5?

[Shadynasty]

So I'm looking at getting my very first mod and I'm extremely excited. I've been vaping with my innokin itaste vv 3.0 with a protank for about 6-7 months now but really want to up my vaping experience so I'm going to purchase a mod.

Now I've always wanted a Lava Tube, They look amazing and seem to be the style/performance I want in a mod. Then I found out about the VAMO and heard all these amazing things about it. I feel the Lava Tube is more aesthetically pleasing but the kicker is that I found a deal on a VAMO, a whole kit for just about $50, Here's a link to it:

http://www.fasttech.com/products/1411/10004394/1353200

The Lava Tube kit is $140, so my question is is the Lava Tube worth the extra money? Or should I go with the VAMO?
Let me know what you guys think!

 

[RogerWilco357]

I have the Lava tube and love the feel and build and this is the 2.0 version i picked it up for 39.99 clearance before the 2.5 which has the varied wattage along with the varied voltage the 2.o had. I think I will give the 2.5 a try. But that Vamo deal looks solid might have to give it a whirl..good luck you will love the Lavatube if you get it ..

 

[HawaiiVPR]

I've seen quite a few Lavatube users and notice on most, if not all of them, the topper doesn't, or cant sit flush to the device. Can any Lavatube users confirm or dispute this?

 

[InTheShade]

Just a word of warning about fasttech. Just lately they have been having hellish shipping issues for any package that contains batteries or e-liquid. If you want to buy from fasttech (I have in the past) I recommend just getting the APV and sourcing the batteries here in the US.

As for the choice between the two - I would suggest that apart from battery life, neither is really going to give you anything that your VV3.0 gives you now.

If you are dead-set on getting one, I have two vamos - they work very well, the stainless steel one would be the one I recommend as the finish reportedly wears off the others. They are a good APV, decent build qualty, reasonable accuracy and pretty durable. Only complaint I have is the threads, they are awfully rough. You can put a lubricate on them called noaalox which helps, but they are just poorly machined on both of mine. Not saying they all are like that, but reading through the Vamo forum, it seems to be an issue.

 

[brianeharmonjr]

I've had the good fortune to own both a Vamo V.3 and a LavaTube V.2, so hopefully I can help out.

In general the Lavatube is the overall winner for quality and consistency, and either would be a fantastic step into the VV/VW arena, but here are the advantages each has over the other:

Vamo V.3:
- Lower profile with a smaller width
- Flexibility of using 18350 or 18650 batteries to cater to your size and battery life preferences
- Ability to use 510 or EGO threaded devices without an adapter
- OLED screen that is easy to read and understand

Lavatube
- Perfect (IMHO) button feel and response
- Very high quality craftsmanship
- Color choices and durability of finish
- Rock-solid 510 connection

So, if you're looking for something smaller and more flexible with ego threading capability the Vamo may be the way to go. If a higher quality and more durable device with more cosmetic options and better quality 510 connection is more essential, the Lavatube has the edge. These, of course, are my opinions and based solely on my personal experience.

 

[HawaiiVPR]

I've had the good fortune to own both a Vamo V.3 and a LavaTube V.2, so hopefully I can help out.

In general the Lavatube is the overall winner for quality and consistency, and either would be a fantastic step into the VV/VW arena, but here are the advantages each has over the other:

Vamo V.3:
- Lower profile with a smaller width
- Flexibility of using 18350 or 18650 batteries to cater to your size and battery life preferences
- Ability to use 510 or EGO threaded devices without an adapter
- OLED screen that is easy to read and understand

Lavatube
- Perfect (IMHO) button feel and response
- Very high quality craftsmanship
- Color choices and durability of finish
- Rock-solid 510 connection

So, if you're looking for something smaller and more flexible with ego threading capability the Vamo may be the way to go. If a higher quality and more durable device with more cosmetic options and better quality 510 connection is more essential, the Lavatube has the edge. These, of course, are my opinions and based solely on my personal experience.

Are you able to mount your tank/topper flush to the device? I noticed my friends V2 Lavatube is way too airy, he uses a ViviNova but I can hardly draw a good pull. Thanks!

 

[brianeharmonjr]

Are you able to mount your tank/topper flush to the device? I noticed my friends V2 Lavatube is way too airy, he uses a ViviNova but I can hardly draw a good pull. Thanks!

No, flush mounting isn't really possible on the Lavatube 2 or 2.5, but it never bothered me. The 510 connection protrudes a bit, preventing this, but I have seen some people stick a washer or o-ring between the two to give it a sleeker look, but this could effect airflow in the opposite way if your atty/carto gets it's airflow from the 510 connection.

 

[TheReign]

haven't tried the lava. but my brother has a vamo v2 and a svd so i switched between the both of them to see which one i liked better. imo i like the SVD way better. so i got one! the vamo is cool an all. but i like the telescoping ability of the svd. never tried a lavatube although curious to see one in person

 

[sky4it]

i have both the lavatube and the vamo v5, like em both, but 140 bucks for a lavatube is really really on the high side.

Differences: lavatube is harder to clean, for the person from Hawaii, cartos and all work fine on them, but with the lavatube you need an adapter for large wide clearos like the smok pyrex., by the way, the pin pushes down on the Vamo also, if you screw it on to tight, but i think what happens if you have leaking clearos, (especially on the lavatube since they are hard to clean) the liquid creates sort of a short and you have to let them dry out if liquid is leaking to get them to function better.

The lavatube tube has a battery life indicator the Vamo doesnt, the vamo is way heavier than than the lavatube. Their also is a cheap plastic window, at least on my lavatube that fell out, I just put clear tape over it and its fine. if your going to buy the Vamo, i would suggest not getting the kit also, get the vamo only, those wall chargers are crap.

Which one is better, I think its a toss i like em both

 

[klynnn]

I would buy the vamo v5 from Fasttech for 32.00. I wouldn't pay 140. for anything less than a provari.

 

[Anthal69]

I have a lavatube 1.5t and just upgraded to a ProVari. The LT was a bit finicky for me. I couldn't get it up above 3.5v without burning everything. I think it has a lot to do with the 33hz chipset. Anyways, a buddy of mine just got a Vamo after using the same LT as mine and he LOVES it. And I agree with Sky. Don't buy the kit. Just the mod.


Share the cloud!!

 

[Butters80]

I've had the Vamo V5 for about 3 weeks. It's been solid for me. I saw the issues with the top threads and got an air flow controller adaptor to screw the tanks in/out on. For the price, not bad. You might check out PBusardo's reviews on youtube....he knows his gear!!!

 

[HawaiiVPR]

I would buy the vamo v5 from Fasttech for 32.00. I wouldn't pay 140. for anything less than a provari.

$140 is for the starter kit which IMHO isn't worth it. The device itself is $80 which is a better deal than the starter kit, but compared to other devices you can get, the Lavatube definitely ranks very high on the price curve. Nothing wrong with the product, but Volcano ecig has a very high markup point to cover their high overhead for marketing and store presence. I do like to support local products, but Volcano is one of the very few, if not the only Hawaii based business I don't get behind.

But to get back on topic with the OPs question, I would recommend the VAMO, better value in my opinion and more versatile in regards to being able to vape a variety of different toppers without having to use an adaptor or airflow controller.

 

[jakhazen]

the lava tube 2.5 is a vamo v2 in a different tube and you can get the vamo for $25.14 on fasttech.
$25.14 Vamo V2 Variable Volt/Watt APV - red / VV / VW / aluminium alloy at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

 

[sourmash1973]

I've never tried a Vamo but I own a Lavatube 2.5 and absolutely love it. My only warning is to keep the threads of the battery compartment lubed. It's made of aluminum and the threads get rather nasty and can strip. My buddy stripped his out and a buddy of his did the same. I've kept mine lubed and have had no problems.

 

[Julie W]

the lava tube 2.5 is a vamo v2 in a different tube and you can get the vamo for $25.14 on fasttech.
$25.14 Vamo V2 Variable Volt/Watt APV - red / VV / VW / aluminium alloy at FastTech - Worldwide Free ShippingView attachment 314863

Thank you..... done! was looking at Lava tubes till I saw this,you just saved me a heap of cash.