M401 vs. 510 -- Can't decide. :(

[Annastasia]

Hokay, let's just get it out of the way here and say yeah, I'm a junkie for e-cigs. I have a 901, some random 84mm thing I got off e-bay, and now a BE103 from bestecigs...and now that I feel I have a bit of experience, I want to buy my "final" kit and start putting away supplies for it.

So far, the 901 has been the most reliable, middle of the road device of the ones I own. Okay throat hit, okay battery, okay vapor. It's dependable but meh. The 84mm died after about 3 hits, so I can't really speak to that. The BE103 is nice because the atomizers get hotter than the sun -- great throat hit, and for some reason juice tastes better in it. The batteries last longer, but are more finicky, and the cartridges are tiny.

I have it narrowed down to two models, the 401 or the 510, and I'm hoping someone can tell me what I'd probably end up liking better-- I can't afford to keep trying new starter kits every week!

I like the manual switch idea on the 510, as it seems like the battery would last longer and the vapor would be better -- but a lot of people seem happy with 401s in that regard, and honestly I think I'd be weirded out by pushing a button on my cigarette. I like dragging on my pacifiers.

I think what I'm looking for most, in order of importance, is:

1. Cartridge life. I really do not enjoy getting up every 10 minutes to top off.

2. Vapor production -- even over throat hit, as I like playing with the "smoke" more than I care about a throat hit -- although that's nice too.

3. Appearance. Here's where the 401 has it all over the Dura-C, etc, for me. I love, love, love the brown/wood grain style available for the 401s. I don't like black vaporizers at all; I was goth in high school and I'm done with that now. I hate that the 510s only seem to come in black and gold colors. I want something pretty!

Based on these criteria, can anyone help me out?

Thanks! <3

[Zaxx]

I have had the M401 (Intellicig EVO), and I own the 510. The 510 is great, the EVO is very durable. But, This weekend I received the VX2 from LiteCig. This is a great model. Great throat hit, great vapor, great flavor. Just thought I'd throw that at ya.

[Annastasia]

Hmm, interesting! Thanks for the tip, I'll check that one out, too.

In regards to your Evo's durability...that could be a big mark in its favor, I'm clumsy as hell and drop these things constantly.

[Zaxx]

I never did any type of maintenance with mine. I only ever burned 1 atomizer, and that was after 8 weeks. The EVO was the only M401 I've ever owned so I can't say how durable other models are.

The one thing I like about the VX2 model over the 510 is that the atomizer doesn't get as hot. The 510 can get too hot to hold. The VX2 produces the same vapor, and hit without the heat.

Either way, you're looking at the best models out there, so I'm sure you'll be happy with what ever you get.

Good Luck.

[RsL]

I love, love, love the brown/wood grain style available for the 401s. I don't like black vaporizers at all; I was goth in high school and I'm done with that now. I hate that the 510s only seem to come in black and gold colors. I want something pretty!

I think you answered your own question with that comment....didn't you?

Plus I'll add that since you said that you don't care about throat hit and obviously the style and looks is very important to you, then I guess the 401 is the only way for you to go!

[ruuku]

I too have both, but honestly can't decide which i like better.

Positives for the M401:
Robust design, I have 2 atomizers that are going strong after 2 months.
Battery life: Incomparable to the 510. I have to carry 2 M401 batteries to last me a day, but i would have to carry 5-6 with the 510.
Design: I like the fact that I can buy the 401 in many colors/battery sizes (though not as many as the 901).
Juice consumption: The 401 uses juice like a Prius use gas. It is simply my most efficient PV.


Positives for the 510:
Manual Switch: This is the single reason I bought the 510. The ability to control the atomizer is the single greatest feature of the 510. If you're not going to get the manual battery I cannot suggest getting the 510. That being said it totally changes the vaping experience.
Vapor Production/Throat Hit: The 510 has vapor production in spades. The only downside to this is that the 510 heats juice up so high that i cannot use my standard 50% VG with it.
Accessories: Although the battery life on the 510 is substandard, with the PCC, I can keep vaping all day on a FRESH battery at all times. This is great when your not at home. Well its an added expense, but only necessary if your only using the 510 at home/near an outlet.

[wegster]

I have it narrowed down to two models, the 401 or the 510, and I'm hoping someone can tell me what I'd probably end up liking better-- I can't afford to keep trying new starter kits every week!

I like the manual switch idea on the 510, as it seems like the battery would last longer and the vapor would be better -- but a lot of people seem happy with 401s in that regard, and honestly I think I'd be weirded out by pushing a button on my cigarette. I like dragging on my pacifiers.

The button takes a little getting used to, but isn't a big deal. I *still* prefer an auto, but...the manual does have some advantages as well.

I think what I'm looking for most, in order of importance, is:
1. Cartridge life. I really do not enjoy getting up every 10 minutes to top off.
2. Vapor production -- even over throat hit, as I like playing with the "smoke" more than I care about a throat hit -- although that's nice too.
3. Appearance. Here's where the 401 has it all over the Dura-C, etc, for me. I love, love, love the brown/wood grain style available for the 401s. I don't like black vaporizers at all; I was goth in high school and I'm done with that now. I hate that the 510s only seem to come in black and gold colors. I want something pretty!
Based on these criteria, can anyone help me out?
Thanks! <3

The 401 cart holds at best .25ml of fluid. The 510 holds .5ml.
The nice thing *not* mentioned on the 401 is the exposed atomizer. I don't like dripping, but dipping on the 401 is awesome. Fill small cup/shot glass (err, I use a soda cap) with a few drops, just put the exposed wick in and let it absorb, and you've got vapor. Do it without an inner cart on the 401 if you'd like and are somewhere convenient (eg, at a desk).

Vapor production - the 401 can do..ok to pretty good. The 510 beats it consistently. Throat hit is better on the 510. And the PCC is very nice.

Here's a 510 review I did, which also has the 401 in it:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/for...r808d-1-a.html

Buy both :-) I find it's a lot easier to mix up some 'test mixtures' and dip the 401, versus dripping or loading a full cart on the 510, until I 'get it right.'

[Judge Mental]

Either I'm in the vast minority or I'm doing something wrong because I can't get decent vapor from my 401 no matter what I've tried - dripping, dipping, pre-filled carts or using empty carts filled with my own liquid. And all the flavors taste pretty much the same, which is - ehh. <shrug>

Suzi

[Chuffer]

IMO, the only positive with a 401 is its incredible battery life (for a mini). Other than that, the 510 manual, hands down.

[rsngfrce]

M401 = Economy car, great gas mileage, automatic transmission, weak performance. Has a problem with an engine that starts on it's own in certain situations.

510 = Performance car, terrible gas mileage, manual transmission, performance leaves the competition in the dust.

What do you want to drive?