Review: Innokin MVP v2
Introduction
The Innokin MVP, when it was released, was quite an innovative little package. However, for many people — including me — it didn’t feel as though the MVP was quite there yet. So when the iTaste VV 3 launched, I could practically feel the charge in the air.
And when the Innokin MVP v2 was announced with a comparable feature set, I was fairly elated. This was the device I had been waiting for — the ultimate in compact size, massive battery life, and potent power output. I’ve been enjoying this little beauty — with some adjustments to my vaping style — for quite some time. So much so, for so long, that I think it deserves a reintroduction for those who have joined the scene after the buzz about it has faded.
Today, I’m going to walk you through the great — and the not so great — qualities of one of 2013’s best compact APVs.
Presentation
The presentation of the Innokin MVP 2 was, for me, very reminiscent of the packaging of the Apple iPod Touch. The device itself is visible through the clear plastic front shell of the box, framed in metal foil (not plastic). This trend in Innokin’s packaging was carried forward for the iClear 30 line of clearomizers.
Peeling off one of two adhesive labels that secure the front shell of the box allows the user to lift the front shell away, giving access first to the MVP 2 itself. Lifting the device out of the box and removing the metal foil “frame” gives access to the USB charging cable, an iClear 30 clearomizer, and the ubiquitous Innokin eGo beauty ring.
The quality of this presentation was, for me, extremely impressive — managing to be both highly stylish and, considering the sheer amount of good stuff packed into it, quite compact. In my opinion, these are themes that carry over into the device itself.
Features & Specs
The MVP 2 brings a formidable set of features to a device of its size. Working from top to bottom, we begin with the connection threads, which were revised from the first version to add eGo compatibility to the 510 threads.
This revision allows the user to employ a wider range of clearomizers and cartomizers on the device, greatly expanding its usability for those who may prefer clearomizers like the Aspire and X.Jet lines, as well as some of the very-much-larger-than-usual cartomizers like the SMOKTech Dual Coil Mega XXL cartomizer.
Moving down to the firing button, we find that it presents the by-now-expected three-LED battery life indicator as well as three-click activation and deactivation, as seen through a translucent border around the firing button as was usual on Innokin’s iTaste lineup prior to the introduction of the iTaste SVD with its battery life indicator located behind the smoke-finished firing button face.
Turning to the device’s left side, we find the two adjustment buttons and a mirror-faced three character display in blue LED. This is where we get into how the MVP 2 is different from… pretty much any other offering in the iTaste lineup, all the way from the iTaste VV original to the big dogs like the iTaste SVD and 134.
The MVP 2 does not have plus and minus adjustment buttons. What it has are dedicated voltage and wattage adjustment buttons. If you were to take the MVP 2 in hand and orient it so that the display faces up — with the connection threads pointing to your left — you would see that the upper adjustment button is labeled “P” and the lower adjustment button is labeled “U” (which should probably be a “V”, actually, since it adjusts voltage.)
Pressing either of these adjustment buttons first shows the “Puff counter” function, then shows the current output of the device in either voltage or wattage, depending on which adjustment button was pressed. From there, the user can begin to adjust the desired output type upward only. Once the maximum output has been reached, another press will “round robin” the output back down to the lowest setting and begin adjusting upward again.
The output ranges of the respective modes are from 3.0 to 5.0 volts, and from 6.0 to 11.0 watts. Pressing both adjustment buttons simultaneously will display the resistance of the attached atomizing device, as would be expected behavior in any iTaste device.
Deep within the compact and solid shell of the MVP 2 resides one of its standout features — its integrated 2600mAh battery. That’s no typo. 2600 milliAmpere hours of battery capacity. (I wonder if Emmanuel Goldstein is reading this?) That’s more capacity than a good number of 18650 batteries provide, integrated into a package that’s tighter and more compact than the mechanical on my desk currently packed with an 18650.
Next, at the bottom of the MVP 2, we discover a feature that, to my knowledge, is absolutely unique to the MVP and MVP 2 — the ability to use the device to charge another device via a standard full-sized USB port located next to the mini-USB charging port. No other APV that I’m aware of offers this capability.
Last, but not least, I’d be remiss if I failed to mention the similarly noteworthy USB charger that ships with the MVP 2. It is unique in one very interesting respect — it’s made to be used not only to charge the MVP 2, but also to act as a charging cable from the MVP 2 to another device.
To this end, it bears three connectors — mini-USB, micro-USB and a 30-pin connector for pre-Lightning Apple devices such as iPod, iPad, and iPhone. It should be noted, however, that without an adapter for 30 pin-to-Lightning compatibility, this feature won’t be useful for owners of current-generation mobile Apple devices.
Build Quality & Ergonomics
The build quality of the MVP 2 is rather good — for an APV of its price, and provided certain caveats are noted. The body is solid, with no rattle. The finish is wonderful, presenting a comfortable but lightly brushed texture that is both easy on the hand and easy to keep a good grip on.
However. This must be noted: the connection housing on the early iTaste devices, including the VV series and the MVP series, is not intended for heavy stresses. I have personally, on one occasion, attempted to use the connection of an iTaste VV to remove the top cap from a rebuildable atomizer, only to have the connection housing pull entirely out of the body of the device. A personal acquaintance experienced the same result, from the same action, with an MVP 2.
So take note: This device does have a structural weak point, and although you should never encounter that weak point under normal use, it can fail in a big way, big enough to render your device unusable, if you aren’t careful with transporting the device. In short: Don’t put it in a jeans pocket with anything screwed onto it. The connection probably won’t be forgiving of any strong or unusual structural stresses placed upon it.
The ergonomics of the MVP 2 can also be somewhat unforgiving, on two counts:
First, the firing button is flush with the body of the device. While it’s thankfully not difficult to find, due in large part to the raised border around it which houses the battery life indicator array, pressing it means pressing it into the body. That’s not really as comfortable as it could be.
Second, the shape of the MVP 2, like the original MVP, is that of a rectangle composed of 90 degree angles. And although the edges are slightly rounded off, they’re not quite sufficiently rounded off to prevent some minor discomfort if the device is not held in precisely the right way. For users with larger hands, the device is only really comfortable when held between thumb and the ends of the fingers, not held deep in the hand.
Performance & Real World Experience
And here’s where the MVP 2 is a real standout. Paired with the right atomizing device, such as the iClear 30B, the MVP 2 provides consistent, reliable power literally for days on a full charge, really showing off the extreme stamina of that 2600mAh battery.
And while the voltage and wattage ranges are noticeably narrower than its bigger, younger brothers like the iTaste SVD and iTaste 134, here’s the thing I’ve found to be most often true: Even if I’m using it with an atomizing device that can handle output ranges beyond those offered by the MVP 2, my eliquids generally don’t.
Sure, I could ask for an MVP device with a 15 watt or 6 volt upper limit — but then I find myself asking, “Why?” Nothing I vape tastes good all the way up there. There just isn’t any need for it — not for me, anyway.
In real world use, I find myself most comfortable using the MVP 2 primarily at home — when I do take it out and about, it goes strictly into a jacket pocket, never a pants pocket, and even in the jacket pocket I rock it with the SMOKTech Dual Coil Mega XXL cartomizer. Down to that negative experience with iTaste VV and MVP connection collars.
But what the MVP 2 doesn’t give me a lot of in security and confidence in transporting it in a pocket, it more than makes up for in performance and battery life. I’m comfortable taking on a little paranoia in exchange for knowing that — as long as I’m careful with it — the MVP 2 will keep on running for just a dementedly long time between visits to the charger.
Recommendation & Conclusion
First, let’s get availability and pricing out of the way. You can, if you are so inclined, get your hands on the Innokin iTaste MVP 2 from our good friends at MyVaporStore for the very friendly asking price of $69.99 plus shipping, as of the time of this writing. What that includes is the device itself, an iClear 30 clearomizer, one USB charger with multiple connectors, and one Innokin eGo beauty ring.
So — to whom would I recommend the Innokin iTaste MVP 2? To the vaper who is looking for a robust and consistent APV at an entry-level price but who is careful with his or her electronic devices. It’s perfect, in my opinion, for the student or creative individual such as the writer, the photographer, or the artist who needs something that won’t be wrestled about roughly and that packs enough battery life to keep up with that all-nighter or hours-long cloister with one’s muse — and can do it for a price that won’t break the bank.
John Castle
