I have a VB and I just didn't like the angle of the whip, and how it stays turned on until I turn it off. It worked, but it just didn't feel right. It's great for changa, but not so great with crystals, in my opinion. The GVG feels right to me. I actually got the VB for spice a few years ago, before I found out about the GVG.
For the setting, between the 9 and 11 o'clock positions get it hot enough. 12 and over can possibly burn it.