Think of them like vanilla, and vanilla bean. One is just slightly more refined in flavor while both being winners. Ive not tried a v2, but if i were to buy another one I would prolly stick with v1 cause i know how good it is. My setup after a bit of experimenting was a heavy purple heart stripe and matching weight hickory ken, silk string and dama mods’ bearing spinner. s-l-a-y-s. Doubt ill need a new one in the next decade or so haha