So now that I've had a few days to get accustomed to the VK, wanted to post some quick thoughts. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, mimicking back the numerous stories, praises and compliments already posted, here we go:
A couple weeks ago I ordered myself both a 401-esque model and an L88. Both kits had a PCC similar to the packs of smokes I'd been carrying around for almost 20 years. Nicely designed batteries with cool logos and fairly decent reviews in regards to customer service. I thought to myself "Each has it's advantages and disadvantages, I'll figure out which I like personally and maybe sell the other one to someone cheap so they can have a go at it." At the time, I'd read a little about 2pc cartomizer models but honestly, I was more drawn to the look-and-feel of the aforementioned 3pc models.
The first few days were pretty cool. Again, slick PCC and battery design, it was like show-and-tell at work:
"See? I just pop off this cartridge and drip some liquid on this here atomizer, and puff away!"
"Yeah, you can refill these carts to last about as long as 4-5 regular cigarettes"
"There's even these mods you can do with the carts to have it last even longer between refills!"
I'm a fairly technical guy. I love gadgets, and I love to mod stuff. Fun projects are...fun. I really liked some of the aspects of vaping, so this seemed like a perfect match. But after the initial techno-high from these cool new gadgets wore off, the phrases above turned to:
"Wow. I really have to drip on the atty every time I want to smoke..."
"Hmm, I wonder how much I'll overfill this cart and how much juice I'll get in my mouth. Gee..I hope I don't ruin this battery."
"Hmm, why can't carts be better to begin with so I don't have to modify each and every one of them?"
Messing around with carts to find the right amount of liquid, the right filler, and proper technique lead to being so wired one night on inhaled, swallowed, and skin contact nicotine, that I felt sick to my stomach and was wired-awake till about 4:30am.
I began browsing the depths of ECF again, and found myself here, at the V4L sub-forum. I saw all these posts from apparently happy, even thrilled, users. No long threads about these huge design draw-backs glossed over by promises of cool mods you can make. I found the owner/employees of the company actively interacting with their customers. Cartos that could last all day? And they have someone right there in China posting almost daily updates regarding product development, quality control, and availability?
A sinking feeling set in as I realized I may have fallen victim to one of the classic blunders: form over function
I placed an order that day for the VK UU kit (with some 24mg cartos). The next day, I figured I should cover my bases and ordered some 18mg cartos and juice. 3 very long days later, I had my 3rd e-cig kit (in less than 10 days) sitting on my desk. During that time, I'd went back to analogs. As gross as it now felt, the hassle of refilling/dripping/overdosing out-voted the rank smell and taste.
So the VK kit sat for a day while I figured out the lights on the USB charger and PCC and got everything charged up.
Fast-forward 3 days, and here I am, once again smoke-free and very excited about my prospects.
Batteries that last a good long time? Check...
Cartomizers that last almost a full day, and can be easily changed out, even while driving? Check...
Active community with helpful tips, juice/carto reviews, and interesting banter? Check...
Responsive, proactive vendor with a genuine interest in keeping people happy? Check...
I wish I had looked closer at this forum earlier. For anyone wondering, there is a reason some people in here are loud and rowdy fans - The VK works, and it works well. While it may not fit every single need for every single person, it certainly resolves the short-comings I experienced using 2 other products.
TL: DR version:
If you want to quit smoking, do yourself a favor and get something that amounts to as little hassle as possible. Sure - some of the PCCs from other vendors are a bit more cool and hip, or might have some super-techno-rific LED colors, but when it comes down to the physical process of vaping, I don't see where you could go wrong with the VK.
Thanks to all that have helped (whether you know you did or not). I'm happy to count myself as one of the loud and rowdy V4L fans ;-)
-adam
A couple weeks ago I ordered myself both a 401-esque model and an L88. Both kits had a PCC similar to the packs of smokes I'd been carrying around for almost 20 years. Nicely designed batteries with cool logos and fairly decent reviews in regards to customer service. I thought to myself "Each has it's advantages and disadvantages, I'll figure out which I like personally and maybe sell the other one to someone cheap so they can have a go at it." At the time, I'd read a little about 2pc cartomizer models but honestly, I was more drawn to the look-and-feel of the aforementioned 3pc models.
The first few days were pretty cool. Again, slick PCC and battery design, it was like show-and-tell at work:
"See? I just pop off this cartridge and drip some liquid on this here atomizer, and puff away!"
"Yeah, you can refill these carts to last about as long as 4-5 regular cigarettes"
"There's even these mods you can do with the carts to have it last even longer between refills!"
I'm a fairly technical guy. I love gadgets, and I love to mod stuff. Fun projects are...fun. I really liked some of the aspects of vaping, so this seemed like a perfect match. But after the initial techno-high from these cool new gadgets wore off, the phrases above turned to:
"Wow. I really have to drip on the atty every time I want to smoke..."
"Hmm, I wonder how much I'll overfill this cart and how much juice I'll get in my mouth. Gee..I hope I don't ruin this battery."
"Hmm, why can't carts be better to begin with so I don't have to modify each and every one of them?"
Messing around with carts to find the right amount of liquid, the right filler, and proper technique lead to being so wired one night on inhaled, swallowed, and skin contact nicotine, that I felt sick to my stomach and was wired-awake till about 4:30am.
I began browsing the depths of ECF again, and found myself here, at the V4L sub-forum. I saw all these posts from apparently happy, even thrilled, users. No long threads about these huge design draw-backs glossed over by promises of cool mods you can make. I found the owner/employees of the company actively interacting with their customers. Cartos that could last all day? And they have someone right there in China posting almost daily updates regarding product development, quality control, and availability?
A sinking feeling set in as I realized I may have fallen victim to one of the classic blunders: form over function
I placed an order that day for the VK UU kit (with some 24mg cartos). The next day, I figured I should cover my bases and ordered some 18mg cartos and juice. 3 very long days later, I had my 3rd e-cig kit (in less than 10 days) sitting on my desk. During that time, I'd went back to analogs. As gross as it now felt, the hassle of refilling/dripping/overdosing out-voted the rank smell and taste.
So the VK kit sat for a day while I figured out the lights on the USB charger and PCC and got everything charged up.
Fast-forward 3 days, and here I am, once again smoke-free and very excited about my prospects.
Batteries that last a good long time? Check...
Cartomizers that last almost a full day, and can be easily changed out, even while driving? Check...
Active community with helpful tips, juice/carto reviews, and interesting banter? Check...
Responsive, proactive vendor with a genuine interest in keeping people happy? Check...
I wish I had looked closer at this forum earlier. For anyone wondering, there is a reason some people in here are loud and rowdy fans - The VK works, and it works well. While it may not fit every single need for every single person, it certainly resolves the short-comings I experienced using 2 other products.
TL: DR version:
If you want to quit smoking, do yourself a favor and get something that amounts to as little hassle as possible. Sure - some of the PCCs from other vendors are a bit more cool and hip, or might have some super-techno-rific LED colors, but when it comes down to the physical process of vaping, I don't see where you could go wrong with the VK.
Thanks to all that have helped (whether you know you did or not). I'm happy to count myself as one of the loud and rowdy V4L fans ;-)
-adam
