Vape-Star BLACK Review

[dubnluvn]

My Vape-Star BLACK came in today. Shipped from VS on Monday, received on Wednesday, quick. Originally, I planned on giving it to a friend that has wanted to try e-cigs but, I decided to give my wife another option since the 510 w/manual battery doesn't seem to be jiving with her. First of all I can't believe the size, its incredibly slim compared to the 510 and slightly shorter, very much similar to an analog. It came with two automatic batteries, one atty, 5 sealed prefilled carts (Regular flavor, medium strength), usb charger, AND AC/USB adapter...score!!! The packaging was pretty nice, too. I kinda hoped it would have had an extra atty just in case but, I'm not complaining. Generically this is a M401 unit. One thing about the charger, its corded, which is a benefit often overlooked until you start using it. Uncorded chargers will put strain on your usb port, especially on your computer, when you have your battery attached. Corded chargers don't have this negative effect. After charging the battery I threw it right together with a prefilled cart.

This is my first experience with automatic an auto battery and I must say I was impressed with the responsiveness when you pull. The first drag was met with surprised gratification with a good throat hit and vapor. Very impressive for such a small thing. After a half hour of consistent use and consistent results was very impressive. Also, I'm not sure if this is a trait of 401 batteries or not, there didn't seem to be a shut off mechanism. The atty would stay on no matter how long my breath, which surprised me a bit, but I liked it. One thing I didn't like is how long the battery seemed to stay on after I was done drawing on it. Seemed like a good second, maybe a little less.

It really feels great in your hand. Very comfortable and well balanced and obviously lacking a manual button which was a pleasant change. Black in color, obviously, with a blue LED, just like my 510. Vape-Star.com is tastefully printed small on the end of the battery, so thanks for not sending me a dragon or sequined decorated unit. I got good feedback from my wife as well. She really liked how similar in size it was to an analog, hopefully that is what it's going to take to get her to use an e-cig full time, instead of analogs. Battery time is something that will I will be testing over the weekend.


Pros:

• Customer Service
• Fast shipping
• Small, familiar and comfortable form factor
• Fast airflow sensor
• No auto shut off (possibly an anomaly, possibly very common)
• Simple, small lettering on the battery, no dragons
• AC/USB adapter included
• Corded USB charger

Cons:

• Only one atty
• Battery stays on for up to 1 second after inhale
• Dripping not recommended due to auto battery and exposed atty (I hear there may be solutions to these problems, however)

Yet to be determined:

• Smaller batteries almost always mean less use per charge, especially with the delayed shut off. This, however, is dependent on how fast the batteries charge. As long as they charge slightly faster than they drain, this doesn't bother me, but may bother those who don't like constant battery swapping. USB passthrough suggested.
• Refilling carts (I'm sure a quick forum search will give anyone who wants to know about this more info than they can read in a night)

Overall, a comfortable, compact, clean unit that works virtually out of the box, with very good results. I'd possibly suggest a third battery and/or passthrough and an extra atty or two. I didn't mind the flavor of the juice in the pre-filled carts either. I found Tony to be quick to respond to questions and I'm very pleased with my experience in that aspect as well. As far as price, the regular $59.95 tag seems is a bit steep, especially without an extra atty and no juice samplers to refill the carts with. There is a special at the time of this posting that brings the price down considerably, read about that HERE. Looks like there is only a couple days left but I hope they leave the coupon active.

Happy Vaping!

-Dub

[rfun6]

Yep, I got mine too. I like it, lots.