"51" at the mall

[SupplierX]

I was introduced to e cigarettes by a smoke 51 kiosk. However, it was being operated by a russian imagrant. His English was terrible, and he did not know the product. He could not answer any questions. I have a feeling that this is the way most mall kiosks will be operated. If you really want a smoke 51, go to loongtotem.com. Much cheaper.

 

[TropicalBob]

There was a business-wire press release yesterday about the "moneymaking" opportunity that e-cig sales represent. The LoongTotem-clone types have a referral scheme that will assure more mall kiosks as clueless profit-chasers set up shop -- temporarily. The sad thing is that this is where initial exposure to e-smoking will likely occur for a huge majority of people. Only a few will find this forum - and truthful information.

The "abandon" rate from buyers of these will skew any success figures for e-smoking.

 

[leaford]

Actually, of any brand to be sold in malls, I think the LTv9 has the best chance of success. Like you've said, the typical consumer will be more interested in the simplicity of the use and toss design. If they just lower starter kit and batery prices the cartridges will fly off the shelves.

 

[Chris From Cali]

the have a smoke every where in my area two but i got mine for 60 bucks cause i knew more then them got all the stuff but my jantys better

So did you talk them down at the mall?

 

[oarias]

There was a business-wire press release yesterday about the "moneymaking" opportunity that e-cig sales represent. The LoongTotem-clone types have a referral scheme that will assure more mall kiosks as clueless profit-chasers set up shop -- temporarily. The sad thing is that this is where initial exposure to e-smoking will likely occur for a huge majority of people. Only a few will find this forum - and truthful information.

The "abandon" rate from buyers of these will skew any success figures for e-smoking.

I think I've gone a full circle with "Smoke 51"....almost

I saw the "Smoke 51" kiosk (at the same exact mall), and have never heard of electronic cigarettes before that. At the time, there was a guy showing a promotional video, but he offered no samples, and had no on-hand stock!

I initially thought nothing of it, thinking it was some sort of fancy "quit smoking" aid. While we were driving away, a friend that was with me at the time made the connection.... Since it was vapor, I could use this on an airplane!

So I did some research, found this forum, then I found Rat-in-da-Hat's videos. I ended up buying a pen type kit from PureSmoker.com. My review is somewhere on this site. It was nice, but too big.

I then bought a really nice black DSE901 kit from e-SmokeyTreats.com. Closer to what I wanted, but still a bit big.

I wanted something with lots of vapor, a smaller size, and a single "throw away" cartridge like I saw in the "Smoke 51" promo video!

I tried to buy a Loong Totem directly, but they canceled my order and told me that I must buy from "Smoke 51" (At nearly triple the price!)

I finally found (what appears to be) another place online that I could buy the elusive "Loong Totem". e-Cig.com's "new MiniCig type N1".

So I ordered it (in September).... and waited.... and forgot!

Until I find a box sitting on my door the other day from China

Inside was the "new MiniCig", and a pile of cartridges.

Since I have neither the Smoke 51 unit, or the Loong Totem, I have no way of knowing if it is the same as either one. It certainly LOOKS the same as those!

However, I am fairly certain this is the same as the one that Rat-in-da-Hat recently reviewed (from e-Puffer). However the prices at e-cig.com are $6 FOR A PACK of Carts(4), opposed to $15 from e-Puffer and Smoke 51 for 5 carts. Also $50 vs $150 for the starter kit.

For that kind of savings, I can wait 3 months again!

Assuming these are the same as Smoke 51, I could still recommend them for the impatient rich folks!

The vapor out of these beat the pants off the other two types I had!
The tobacco/cigar flavors they sent me in the sample pack were sort of "meh" , but the Vanilla was beyond awesome!

I ran out of battery power at work, and it seems that a DSE901 battery charger will charge the e-cig.com model ! ! Hmmmm.... I wonder.....

As demonstrated in "Rat in da Hat's" video review, the rubbery stopper at the end can be removed; and I can confirm that the cart will take liquid no problem. I threw some "Cherry" high nic and vaped away!

Sorry if this went a bit off topic!

In conclusion, if the Smoke 51 unit is the same as the e-cig.com model, you won't be dissapointed. However you may want to shop around for a better price...

 

[leaford]

I ordered a new mini-cig also, to compare it. It's on it's way. Hopefully it'll clear customs and I'll get it in a day or two.

 

[TropicalBob]

The more I think about it, Leaford, the more I think you're right. The present crop of e-devices we futz with, refill, replace, etc., are all wrong for retail. The LoongTotem, as disposable an e-cig as we have today, far better meets the needs of the average smoker wanting an alternative to tobacco. I just wish they were priced more competitively with tobacco cigarettes.

Still, I'm told the local mall kiosk is doing a brisk business this holiday. Most stores are dying! I guess, like it or not, the Smoke51, SmokeEverywhere, GreenSmoke, LoongTotem models will become the dominant e-cig device. And they are good. More vapor than any other model; various flavors of carts, reasonable bat and cart life.

It could be worse. It could be Health models being sold in kiosks!

 

[leaford]

BUt it could be better; better batteries, reasonable starter kit and battery prices, more flavors and strengths.

 

[paladinx]

The irony of life. I was on here when i first registered asking about smoke51 or if anyone has tried it. This was not that long ago, and no one really said anything. Now that i bought a 901, i see reviews of smoke51 popping up all over the place lol

 

[leaford]

I would still recommend a 901 for your first e-cig. Sepnd $30 or $40 on it first, then upgrade to a $150 S51 type kit, or whatever, after you're sure you'll use it.

 

[grooovn]

I would still recommend a 901 for your first e-cig. Sepnd $30 or $40 on it first, then upgrade to a $150 S51 type kit, or whatever, after you're sure you'll use it.

Hey Leaf, I haven't looked at the S51 yet, I have been using the M-401
Just currious about what makes it worth the money? I'm not aposed to spending that much for a real good e-cig...

 

[leaford]

Tons of vapor, and cartridges that really are equal to a pack. But I'd suggest buying from ePuffer.com, not S51, unless you happen to be in the mall at one of their kiosks and just have to have it right then. Anyway, ePuffer's Magnum is the smae model, but has better batteries. Consider that a preview of my next review.

 

[grooovn]

Leaf, I'll be waiting to hear about how good those $50 batteries are, If they last half a day I'm in sold

 

[leaford]

No, the Magnum batts are the same as the Smoke 51 ones in duration, 125 to 150 puffs or about 3 hours heavy use to 6 hours moderate use; but the switch performance is better.

 

[TropicalBob]

You're most likely still better off with your 901, Palidinx. But the fact is that Smoke51 has seized the moment and is taking command of the mass market all over America. Mall kiosk sales are far better than late night commercials or eBay sales. This allows people to see and test a device before shelling out what to most folks is a lot of money.

Rustylug was doing the same thing in Scotland, but got government jaws clamped down on him. That might happen in the States, but these people are raking it in until the crackdown comes.

My only real complaint is the price. I like the device. A LOT. They are very, very simple. And that's exactly what the mass market needs and will embrace.

 

[grooovn]

TB, I agree that is somewhat pricey, If we could get a better battery life out of the deal I would be all in...

 

[lordmage]

yep cause anit no way i was gonna buy it for 150 especially when i knew more thx to my first day of reading here at ECF. i was able to answer thier questions and they wanted to buy me lunch and i said i would rather get a discount so not to much money wasted

So did you talk them down at the mall?