$7.00/pack

[kranecu]

Illinois has raised taxes on cigarettes so I have decided to give ecigs another go. My previous attempt was over a year ago. I started with Blu which I remember tasted good but the vapor was weak, the batteries didn't last long, and the separate atomizer would go bad. (Now I see that Blu uses cartomizers)

After some research on this site, I bought some KR808-D1 batteries, blank cartos, and e-juice from DIY flavorshack. I would get a good hit from this setup but:

1. Refilling and cleaning was a pain.
2. I never found a flavor I really liked.
3. Too much juice and I would end up drinking it (nasty).

A few months ago I bought some filled cartomizers from a Royal Electronic Cigarettes booth in the mall which was called "marlboro" flavor. (It is now called tobacco 1 and they sell the cartos and liquid separately) This tasted great but I didn't get the same hit I got from the DIY flavorshack/blank carto combination I had used previously. If I puff on it, I get a great amount of vapor... but if I inhale that vapor, nothing exhales. I don't like that. I took my wife's cheesecake flavored eliquid from DIY and blank cartomizer and did the exact same thing and got a great exhale.

What I want based on my experiences:

1. A battery/batteries and charger that will last all day with practically chain-smoking it.
2. Ease of us: pre-filled, inexpensive cartomizers that I can chuck when they go dead.
- "inexpensive" being relative considering I am currently paying $70/carton/week for anologs
3. Throat hit like I got from the KR808D-1 , fresh blank cartomizer, and DIY flavorshack liquids.
4. Vapor when I exhale
5. Flavor of the Royal "tobacco 1" which I can only describe as an extremely faint tobacco flavor (much like marlboro ultra-lights) with a bit of sweetness. The guy at the mall says it's 50/50 VG and PG base... I don't know if that makes any difference.
6. I prefer automatic to the push button primer if it can be as effective.

I know that was a lot of text, but I wanted to be thorough. I want this to work. I hope someone has the ability and time to help me. Thank you.

 

[Mroutlaw]

Illinois has raised taxes on cigarettes so I have decided to give ecigs another go. My previous attempt was over a year ago. I started with Blu which I remember tasted good but the vapor was weak, the batteries didn't last long, and the separate atomizer would go bad. (Now I see that Blu uses cartomizers)

After some research on this site, I bought some KR808-D1 batteries, blank cartos, and e-juice from DIY flavorshack. I would get a good hit from this setup but:

1. Refilling and cleaning was a pain.
2. I never found a flavor I really liked.
3. Too much juice and I would end up drinking it (nasty).

A few months ago I bought some filled cartomizers from a Royal Electronic Cigarettes booth in the mall which was called "marlboro" flavor. (It is now called tobacco 1 and they sell the cartos and liquid separately) This tasted great but I didn't get the same hit I got from the DIY flavorshack/blank carto combination I had used previously. If I puff on it, I get a great amount of vapor... but if I inhale that vapor, nothing exhales. I don't like that. I took my wife's cheesecake flavored eliquid from DIY and blank cartomizer and did the exact same thing and got a great exhale.

What I want based on my experiences:

1. A battery/batteries and charger that will last all day with practically chain-smoking it.
2. Ease of us: pre-filled, inexpensive cartomizers that I can chuck when they go dead.
- "inexpensive" being relative considering I am currently paying $70/carton/week for anologs
3. Throat hit like I got from the KR808D-1 , fresh blank cartomizer, and DIY flavorshack liquids.
4. Vapor when I exhale
5. Flavor of the Royal "tobacco 1" which I can only describe as an extremely faint tobacco flavor (much like marlboro ultra-lights) with a bit of sweetness. The guy at the mall says it's 50/50 VG and PG base... I don't know if that makes any difference.
6. I prefer automatic to the push button primer if it can be as effective.

I know that was a lot of text, but I wanted to be thorough. I want this to work. I hope someone has the ability and time to help me. Thank you.

Check out the smokeless image X2. It will use 808 cartos. The X2 comes in 3 sizes giving you between 7 hours to 14 hours of vaping. If you really want prefilled cartos, stick with 808 threads. There are not many companies that sell good prefilled cartos. The cartos from smokeless image are really good too. They are bottom coil so they last a lot longer.

Is there a reason why you dont want to refill them? Refilling takes about 1 minute. You will pay between $1.50 to $2.50 per prefilled carto, but can refill them for about 30 cents. Remember, a prefilled carto isnt even filled all the way. They are also only about 6-8 cigarettes worth of puffs, so you will be spending almost as much as you are paying for analogs.

I actually have a youtube video that demonstates the volt products, since that is what I use. The video is geared towards new vapers

here is the link:
http://youtu.be/ELM4QhceR7o


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[elfstone]

I'm sorry, but I don't think I have a lot of help I can give you given your criteria.

I think that, as a blanket statement, if you look around some more, watch some videos, talk about the devices floating around you might, just might decide to change your criteria a bit.

See, vaping is great, but there are no ideal devices. In my view, the ideal device is no bigger than a regular cigarette, has regulated variable power, excellent flavor and vapor, the battery lasts a couple of days of chain vaping and refill is as simple as pushing a bottle into it like the butane refills. It doesn't exist yet

Check this out as well: 4 Stages of Vaping - YouTube (it's funny because it's true).

What I want based on my experiences:

1. A battery/batteries and charger that will last all day with practically chain-smoking it.

This points toward a mid size device such as a KGO (sealed battery - ultimately disposable) or E-Power (swappable generic batteries).

Even so, it is pushing such a device to the limit and might not last all day. What you want is a mod, aka APV that will take a battery of at least 2000 mAh. These are usually the size of a sharpie marker or a little bigger. You might want to look into stuff like the Silver Bullet, Legacy, Precise.

However, if you are sure you need a cigarette-like device, then KR808 is the best there is and you are already there. You can check out Smokeless Image for one of the most popular, decently priced and well performing incarnation of the KR808.

2. Ease of us: pre-filled, inexpensive cartomizers that I can chuck when they go dead.
- "inexpensive" being relative considering I am currently paying $70/carton/week for anologs

There are places where you can get relatively cheap cartomizers. See, regardless what battery / mod you use, you will most likely either have a KR808 or a 510 connection and then you can look for people selling cartomizers that are pre-filled.

I don't know of any such pre-filled cartos that are worth it though. And you sort of lose the ability to use whatever resistance or device type you might find the best for your vaping style.

Therefore, you should either reconsider refilling your own - which is what the immense majority of the people here do. Maybe you are not using the best method. Look up "condom method" and the syringe method.

The other thing is looking into different types of heads like clearomizers - most popular are the Fluxomizer, the CE4+ aka Stardust or Vision eGo, and the Pheonix bottom coil. These are easier / less messy to refill, but have their own set of advantages and disatvantages. Using a sealed, manual mid-size or APV will really allow you to experiment with EVERYTHING out there and you just might find a good fit!

3. Throat hit like I got from the KR808D-1 , fresh blank cartomizer, and DIY flavorshack liquids.

See above. Vapor and throat hit with a true 3.7 device and a low resistance head (carto, clearo) will be better than anything you might have tried so far.

4. Vapor when I exhale

Any PV should offer that, including KR808s with standard resistance cartomizers.

5. Flavor of the Royal "tobacco 1" which I can only describe as an extremely faint tobacco flavor (much like marlboro ultra-lights) with a bit of sweetness. The guy at the mall says it's 50/50 VG and PG base... I don't know if that makes any difference.

I can't really help here, as I don't like tobacco flavors. What I can tell you, though, is that everyone's taste in juice changes overtime and most tend to drift away from tobacco and towards funkier flavors...

6. I prefer automatic to the push button primer if it can be as effective.

It cannot be as effective. I'm sorry, but manual offer much more control and the open batteries that have automatic triggers are liable to be killed by spilled juice.

I'm sorry, again.

It's not that I'm trying to dismiss your wants and convince you that you need what I like. It's just the way it is. If you want a better vaping experience you need to experiment with larger, better more advanced gear - and a lot of people end up realizing that their deal breaker criteria were not, in fact, that important. It happened to me, and it happens to a lot of vapers.

When you start out you think you need to emulate smoking as much as possible. It's natural, but later on you realize vaping in itself is a different, and even more enjoyable habit.

Also, in replacing smoking with vaping, what seems to matter in the long run is reliability and consistence rather than mechanical mimicry. A reliable and consistent setup will never look like a cigarette. It's just the way it is.

How is this as payback for your wall of text?

 

[kranecu]

I found refilling to be a hassle. I never seemed to get the amount right. One time, a certain amount would be enough, the next, I'd be drinking liquid when I sucked on it. If I underfill it, of course, it doesn't last as long. Plus, the flavor/effectiveness of the carto was inconsistent as it gets older.

 

[elfstone]

Check this out:



It doesn't really get simpler... It works the same way with KR808.

 

[Punkndrublic]

I just got some Boge cartomizers today and they are epically easy to fill, with the flavor rocking. Plus they're not too expensive for a 5 pack.

 

[kranecu]

watched your first video and read your informative, if disappointing wall of text. watching refill video now...

 

[kranecu]

Filling video was helpful. I used the condom method but I went WAY too fast and filled from the wrong end. This was fast for me and seemed nice but explains the mouthfulls of liquid I got.

It's still nowhere near as simple as the Blu method of open new carto, twist on, but I will try to be more open minded to this "new lifestyle" I'm attempting to embark on.

Saving money is, after all, the main reason I want to quit analog.

 

[kranecu]

The first video is so true. When I started out, the most important thing was size and shape. Well, even the tiny Blu's I had to hold them differently than I did an analog because they are heavier. So I am way past size and shape. I'll vape on the side of something that looks and feels like a cell phone if it works right.

 

[kranecu]

Are there any other benefits to the bigger batteries than the 808 than battery life? If not, I will stick with the 808 and pcc from smokeless image as you suggested.

 

[spaceballsrules]

elfstone pretty much laid it out for you, but I will have to agree with Mroutlaw. What you want is the Volt X2. The 1300mah auto model to be exact. The auto model is as sealed as an auto battery gets. Then grab yourself some sampler packs and see which you like. Once you know that, order more prefilled cartos. Buy one bottle of juice to play with, as well.

Then learn how to correctly fill cartos. The one thing that is completely different this second go-around for you is that now you are on ECF and we can help you every step of the way.

So, for your specific problem of overfilling cartos and getting juice in your mouth....don't overfill. JK JK

If you do end up overfilling, it's an easy fix that only requires a paper towel and 20 seconds. I always check the carto after filling by taking a dry hit from it, away from the battery. If it gurgles, it's overfilled. In that case, you just stick the battery end of the carto against the paper towel and blow. The excess juice will drain onto the paper towel. Then just clean the threads on the carto to remove any lingering juice. Double check that all is well by taking another dry hit. Gurgling? Repeat the process. Not gurgling? Stick the carto on the battery and enjoy.

 

[mudhill]

Check out the smokeless image X2. It will use 808 cartos. The X2 comes in 3 sizes giving you between 7 hours to 14 hours of vaping. If you really want prefilled cartos, stick with 808 threads. There are not many companies that sell good prefilled cartos. The cartos from smokeless image are really good too. They are bottom coil so they last a lot longer.

Is there a reason why you dont want to refill them? Refilling takes about 1 minute. You will pay between $1.50 to $2.50 per prefilled carto, but can refill them for about 30 cents. Remember, a prefilled carto isnt even filled all the way. They are also only about 6-8 cigarettes worth of puffs, so you will be spending almost as much as you are paying for analogs.

I actually have a youtube video that demonstates the volt products, since that is what I use. The video is geared towards new vapers

here is the link:
Smokeless Image Volt and Phoenix from Got Vapes Review - YouTube


i tryed to watch your video,,,but i can't hear you talking very good,,i noticed that a lot of youtube videos i have trouble hearing,,i have my volume set at 100 per cent.

i get so frustrated when i can't hear the ones i really want to hear..

Larry

 

[X P3 Flight Engineer]

Snip -
The other thing is looking into different types of heads like clearomizers - most popular are the Fluxomizer, the CE4+ aka Stardust or Vision eGo, and the Pheonix bottom coil. These are easier / less messy to refill, but have their own set of advantages and disatvantages. Using a sealed, manual mid-size or APV will really allow you to experiment with EVERYTHING out there and you just might find a good fit! - Snip

You should really look these over. The clearomizers are usually easy to fill (although Fluxos and Phoenix require a syringe or needle bottle), the Star Dust or Vivi Nova 2 can be filled directly from the bottle of juice. They allow you to see how much juice is remaining. They are easier to clean than cartos and give good flavor and vapor.

Considering the price of most small kits, an eGo Twist ($30) and any of the above clearos is a small investment, even if you do not like it. Compared to the cost of smoking or buying pre-filled cartos, the cost would be recovered quickly.

As you know from experience, Blu has changed for the better over the years, as have other vaping devices. They are all still a long way from perfect. You have to pick what is best for you, so that is impossible for anyone else to do. You have already put a lot of work into this. Continue the due diligence, and Good Luck!

 

[Pappy]

. . . I'll vape on the side of something that looks and feels like a cell phone if it works right.

LOL. Some of them are BIGGER than a cell phone, or so it seems.

On a serious note, you would do well to listen to elfstone's sage advice above.

By the way, there's nothing inherently wrong with using pre-filled cartos except that (i) it is much more expensive than filling your own, and (ii) it limits your choice in juices to whatever flavors/mixes/nic strength the vendor offers.

Maybe the Smokeless Image Volt kit would be a good starting point for you. And I hear they are having a big sale this weekend with great prices. Check out the SI forum here on ECF. There are probably not that many people who are long time vapers who continue to use the Volt or any small cig-sized PV, but the Volt apparently is the best of that breed. It's just that that breed doesn't win any "Best In Show" awards.

 

[Mroutlaw]

Filling video was helpful. I used the condom method but I went WAY too fast and filled from the wrong end. This was fast for me and seemed nice but explains the mouthfulls of liquid I got.

It's still nowhere near as simple as the Blu method of open new carto, twist on, but I will try to be more open minded to this "new lifestyle" I'm attempting to embark on.

Saving money is, after all, the main reason I want to quit analog.

Smokeless image prefilled cartos are cheaper than blu, and last longer. I started with the blu.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[spaceballsrules]

i tryed to watch your video,,,but i can't hear you talking very good,,i noticed that a lot of youtube videos i have trouble hearing,,i have my volume set at 100 per cent.

i get so frustrated when i can't hear the ones i really want to hear..

Larry

Hey Larry
The volume is fine for me. Are you only turning up the volume on the Youtube player? Or are you also turning up your computer speakers?

 

[elfstone]

LOL. Some of them are BIGGER than a cell phone, or so it seems.

You know, that's a problem, actually. For some reason, in pictures and videos the PVs look much larger than in reality. A ProVari - which is a fairly large APV - is about the length of an iPhone and somewhat smaller in width than a quarter... But look at it in pictures and videos and it looks huge!

These are my ProVari and Legacy on my 15 inch laptop:

 

[psyotik]

So far I have been just over 6 weeks with out an analog. I started with BLU disposables while waiting for my first volt starter kit to arrive. I used the small batteries for a total of 8 hours before I decided to upgrade to an X2 1300 with Ce4 Clearos(sold by Smokeless image). I have used these for the last month, also these got my Girlfriend, Mom, Dad, Sister, and a few Coworkers to stop smoking. They work great and are easy to clean and refill. However now a month in and I am upgrading again to a SS Smoktech Vmax. But i will still keep using my x2 650maH with a clearo on it for work since its smaller.

I don't believe I was ready for a VV to begin with, it just seemed to complicated, and I didn't like the idea of the size. But I do believe the best starting point are the mid sized. My starter kit and 78mm batteries have been passed around to so many people already and every single one of them upgraded to a V2 or an ego kit within 48 hours after using the small ones.

 

[mudhill]

Hey Larry
The volume is fine for me. Are you only turning up the volume on the Youtube player? Or are you also turning up your computer speakers?

well i have my computer speakers at 100 percent,,i did not know that i could turn the sound up on youtube.

this is my first computer i have ever owned (since march 12 ) i am 66 yrs. old and type with 1 finger,so i am really ignorant about this laptop.
my daughter gave me it and i am trying to teach my self how to use it,,i have always used a webtv,which is a whole lot different and obsolete for about 10 yrs. or so.

Larry

 

[kranecu]

Ok... after watching a few videos and reading responses, I feel I want to skip a step in my vape-evolution. I want to use what the big boys are using. I know where I want to get my ejuice. Now I need to know what hardware to get and where to get it.

Amazing how my criteria are about to change in just a few short hours but here it goes:

1. Big ol' battery - I saw a video with a battery where he could change the settings on it... sweet. Do I need that? Where do I get it?
2. Clearomizer - I watched a video of that and I like the idea of Star Dust or Vivi Nova 2 where I can just pour and go! Sweet. which one is better? Where should I get it?
3. Do I need anything else? Guys are using "drip tips" in videos? what is it and do I need one? Where do I get it? It appears to be battery attached to clearomizer attached to tip?
4. Any thing else I need to go pro? chargers? are there pcc's for the big batteries? should I get 2?

And, btw, i am loving this forum and how responsive you guys are. thanks so much.