808D Question, Specifically the Smokeless Image Volt Scam(?)

[Cano]

Hi everyone, I'm a half pack a day cigarette smoker and want to quit smoking. Still, as a student with a lot to study, I still love my nicotine when I need to focus or relax and I'm not ready to give up the chemical itself yet, so vaping is a perfect compromise. I bought one of those $3 sample njoy POS's just to try it out and although it's no ProVari, I liked it enough that I'm ready for a real e-cig. I've done hours upon hours of research here and all around the internet and decided that I want to get an 808d to start out due to its low cost (I'm on the standard broke college student budget), then upgrade to a real setup like an ego-c with a passthrough when I have more cash and truly need the convenience of a big battery and passthrough. I've been to tons of websites and found a few favorites, my current favorite being myvaporstore because their $65 808d kit has a passthrough and PCC, but one website has created a major dilemma due to its obvious dishonesty and insincerity, but great sounding products. I'm talking of course about the either horrible or awesome Smokeless Image. I'm ALWAYS skeptical of "too good to be true" products because in my experience they usually are, but if this is actually a legit company, their products are exactly what I'm looking for and I'll start using them.

In case you think this is just another one of their many annoying advertisements I'm going to start by talking about their blatant dishonesty. First of all, they have a bunch of fake reviews/posts on sites and forums. Second, and most insincere, is their fake Youtube account, outlaw vapor that takes the false testimonial to a new level. The guy in the video promotes SI in every video he uploads which can range a from a tutorial video about the difference between clearomizers, cartomizers, drip tips, etc. or just flat-out reviewing/worshipping SI products. Maybe the guy just loves SI products and there's a disclaimer saying "Smokeless Image did not compensate me for this video or supply any of the products that are used," but the outlaw has an identical voice to the guy speaking in all the official SI videos. Maybe I have a tin ear, but this is hardly a coincidence to me.


Now onto the part that dictates whether I accept their marketing techniques and order from them, the quality of their products. For around the same price as other websites, it seems as if I can get things I haven't found anywhere else:

1: They have 808d batteries in pretty much any color I want with lights in quite a few different colors. Getting, for example, a black battery with green lights or white battery with purple lights. Form is nowhere near as important to me as function so I wouldn't mind just straight black on black, but having options like that sounds pretty cool to me.

2: I can get one manual and one auto battery. For me, this is pretty clutch because when I'm outside the library taking a vape break, I can use the manual to truly harness its power, but when I'm typing furiously inside the library, I can hit the vape hands-free. Also, somehow their autos are sealed so that removes one of the problems a noob like me would most likely face.

3: They have 901 ego style batteries in a bunch of colors with passthroughs for pretty cheap so when I'm ready to upgrade it'll be super easy. I don't want to have to carry parts for both an 808d and ego in my backpack all the time so having everything be 901 (or 510 for that matter) would be preferable. The idea of an ego at home and 808d for going out would work for a lot of people, but I spend most of my day and night out of the house and on the go, but almost always near a computer, so charging my e-cig will be super easy and the big battery won't be necessary in most cases.

4: They basically have only one type of everything they sell, so the limited options make things super easy. I normally love having unlimited options to get truly the best out of whatever I use and I'd love nothing more than to take up another hobby, but even though this one sounds really fun and fulfilling, I just don't have enough free time or cash to really get into the complexity of pro e-cigs.

My goal is to get something that's easy to use, upgrade, and replace and just works without spending a ton of cash. Still, it has to work well so if SI products are just cool looking junk quality 808's, I'd rather get something else. Obviously SI uses dishonest marketing techniques and exaggerates how great their products are, but so does Marlboro and I still smoke 27's because they make a good product...so my long winded question is this. Are SI e-cigs like the Volt (and accompanying products like the X2) actually a good product or would my purchase be foolish? If SI is junk, should I just go through with the 808 and ego-c later or am I going about this wrong?

Also, if I have any information wrong please let me know, I'm new to this and there's a lot of info to take in.

 

[Faylool]

I belive they are fine if you learn to use them right and buy an e juice that works well and tastes good. I have the 5 volt 808d non battery passthrough. Both auto and manual. I prfer the manual because i can attach a 901 dripping attomizer which is a good flavor and throat hit all the way around. You can drip an auto if very diligent about it so huice doesnt get in the battery and kill it. Why i mention drippng is because it is more satisfying. The cartos with those batteries are fun acifiying puff puff things but the real vapingexpeience can be had usingthe the dripping attomizers. Any 901 . Might cost $9.00 but its good going at 5 volts. Get 2.4 and to 3.99 ohms though. Not low reserve. Low reserve will be good for when you choose to attach a cartomizer with the filler. The portables only put out 3.4 volts at best. Its fine but i dont bother with them just the 5 volt pass through. For portable nothing beats eRoll. It is a tank and atty not a carto and filler. Tank and atty. check that line of stuff out. ERoll hasthe best reputation and the battery doesnt peter out, it stats strong until it stips working ready for charge

 

[3mg Meniere]

I started with Cig2O 808's, so, because of lack of money, to upgrade, I am pretty well restricted to SI. SI is the authority in 808- a limited market, but still--- I really can't switch at this point. Apparently the e-cig industry is working hard to increase customer base and therefore reduce competition. SI is conservative, offering a limited line of products. Their website is simple. I have visited Virgin Vapors, and I find that their website is so cluttered with unnecessary artwork that I have trouble finding their products. There are many different vendors, and if you want to spend the money, go ahead. I prefer to stay with basic equipment, and invest in a wide variety of flavors, because I don't know how long I will be vaping.

 

[Baditude]

Although there ARE numerous companies that sell inferior products, have a poor customer service reputation, and advertise unreasonable expectations for their products -- I can tell you Smokeless Image is NOT one of those. They are one of the more popular and frequently recomended vendors on ECF and the rest of the e-cigarette community.

When I chose to quit smoking over a year ago, I did my research both here and from other sources on what starter kit to purchase. There were no B & M shops selling e-cigs in my area locally, so I was forced to order online; something that I as an individual had not done much of at that point in time. I went mostly on the recommendation of the members on this website and got a starter kit from Smokeless Image.

I got four 78mm cig-size batteries and an X2 passthrough for home, plus a variety of juice delivery devices and chargers. I can tell you that they sell quality gear, have fast customer service-delivery, and stand by their products. If something doesn't work on arrival or stops working within their warranty period, they will replace it.

Smokeless Image products got me off of cigarettes completely within a week of using them. I highly recommend their products and them as a supplier. They are extremely popular for the above mentioned reasons. They have an extremely loyal customer base, not unlike Provari owners, and because of that loyality to the company Smokeless Image's vendor sub-forum is one of the largest and busiest sub-forums on this website. ECF has extremely strict rules for vendors to have their own sub-forum and having one is coveted by vendors. Smokeless Image

People like Mr. Outlaw is one of those loyal fans who had the means and drive to promote the product which allowed him to quit smoking. He gives back to the e-cig community in his own way, as myself and many others here do. Many of us had tried many unsuccessful methods to quit smoking, and once we found something that DID WORK, we like to help others that are in the same situation that we were in to be successful, too.

Smokeless Image has often been a leader in product design by commissioning China manufacturers to make innovative products specifically for them. Smokeless Image also listens and responds to their customer base for new product offerings, ie. by offering decorative colored batteries, skins, and caps for customers to have the ability to personalize their setups. They were somewhat resistant to offer a variable voltage ego battery because of possible conflicts with the resistance (ohm rating) of their lineup of juice delivery devices. But they listened to their customers and made a deal with Vision to rebrand their ego Spinner with the Smokeless Image Volt Spinner and had them add their logo and their preferred 808 connector.

All of Smokeless Image products are compatible with one another. That is an asset which makes new vapor customers comfortable to purchase from them. You can rest assured that this is a company that you can count on for your e-cigarette needs. There is nothing FAKE about Smokeless Image testimonials that you mentioned, they are real.

I've personally moved on to more advanced products than the 808 products that they prefer selling, but I am still loyal to the company that got me off of cigarettes and still recommend them highly.

 

[Elantis]

First off I would like to point out that I personally am one of the people in the "Testimonial" section you indicated so blantanly "First of all, they have a bunch of fake reviews/posts on sites and forums." There was absolutely Nothing about mine that was fake or intended to "sell" their products. I purchased my first cigalike kit from SI in August of 2012, prior being a 40+ year smoker, and gave up the stinkies after the first vape!

I have 3 SI 78mm batteries purchased at that time that are still going strong. I also own 2 SI Auto X2 batteries, 1 650 and 1 900, 4 650 Manual X2's, 1 900mah X2 Manual and only had a problem with one and Smokeless Image replaced that battery. I also recently purchased one of the 1300 mah Spinners.

I have purchased 808 batts from other vendors long after the SI ones, and the quality of the battery and it's longevity doesn't compare.

In the months of vaping I have moved on to other types of systems which of course are all 510 - since 808 threading does limit your delivery systems - but I still use my 808's daily especially the X2 batteries with the T3's, they are my out and about devices.

Reading threads here for most of those 7 months, I know there are "yeas" and "nays" to almost all vendors or devices, and that is completely understandable - but for me and my family Smokeless Image was were I started and I will continue to recommend beginning vapors to them.

 

[Cano]

Wow, I was skeptical because how perfect SI products sounded and were marketed, but now that I have confirmation of their quality in terms of both product and customer service I'm placing my order ASAP. It's literally exactly what I wanted in an e-cig so hearing this makes me very happy. Thank you very much for the advice.

 

[Cano]

First off I would like to point out that I personally am one of the people in the "Testimonial" section you indicated so blantanly "First of all, they have a bunch of fake reviews/posts on sites and forums." There was absolutely Nothing about mine that was fake or intended to "sell" their products. I purchased my first cigalike kit from SI in August of 2012, prior being a 40+ year smoker, and gave up the stinkies after the first vape!

I have 3 SI 78mm batteries purchased at that time that are still going strong. I also own 2 SI Auto X2 batteries, 1 650 and 1 900, 4 650 Manual X2's, 1 900mah X2 Manual and only had a problem with one and Smokeless Image replaced that battery. I also recently purchased one of the 1300 mah Spinners.

I have purchased 808 batts from other vendors long after the SI ones, and the quality of the battery and it's longevity doesn't compare.

In the months of vaping I have moved on to other types of systems which of course are all 510 - since 808 threading does limit your delivery systems - but I still use my 808's daily especially the X2 batteries with the T3's, they are my out and about devices.

Reading threads here for most of those 7 months, I know there are "yeas" and "nays" to almost all vendors or devices, and that is completely understandable - but for me and my family Smokeless Image was were I started and I will continue to recommend beginning vapors to them.

My apologies, I didn't specifically point out you, I was referring to those fake review websites and some forum threads around the web where someone with 15 posts raves about SI. Usually someone has a complaint about something so initially I had trouble believing they were that good.

 

[zero7starz]

I was real excited when I found them too. They usually ship pretty quick too.

 

[JoAnnW]

First of all, Smokeless Image is a great company to do business with. Their products are high quality and the customer service can't be beat. If it's quality products that are easy to use, then this is the company for you. I started with SI products and have been extremely pleased. It is because of them that I have not had an analog for more than 7 months.

I don't understand the undertones of bashing though. There is nothing about this company that would suggest a scam. It clearly states on their website that they are geared for the new and intermediate users. All of the devices are 808 threading and can be used with all of their juice delivery systems with the exception of the T3s that can only be used with the X2s and the new Volt spinners.

Mr. Outlaw or "Outlaw Vapor" is as he says he is, an SI customer who happens to make tutorial videos to help fellow SI customers. To imply that he is less than truthful is completely false and outrageous. Steeljan and others also do reviews for SI products on youtube as well.

If you have any problems with any of the equipment, their customer service is great to work with and will resolve any issues you may have. If you decide on another company, that's your decision too.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

1/ Welcome to ECF
2/ Slandering a highly regarded member of ECF who has guided thousands of new vapers thru the process is not cool...do some proper DD.
3/ Your slandering of a highly respected and ECF verified and listed company/ SI is without merit...once again do some proper DD. SI has a HUGE and loyal following and prolly has the best CS in the industry and is a model to be followed by other Vendors. I've never bought but have used SI products and they are the overwhelming leader in the category of 808 devices....friends that use their products can testify to this.
Have you ever heard the term..."apologies are in order?"

 

[Cano]

trololololololol?

 

[Rocketpunk]

: pneumatics hiss:: ::steam::

::the ramp lowers::

::boots clanging on metal, a flash of a dark cape::

::mechanically assisted breathing:: ::koh-perrrrrr:: ::koh-perrrr::

I find your lack of faith in SI products disturbing...



But no, seriously. The Volts are one of the best cigalikes I've ever had the pleasure of owning. Even though I have quite a few VV devices, I still use my Volts every single day. They are "chickenhawks".

There is absolutely NO scam going on at SI.

 

[Cano]

Either way I'm convinced and I might as well just do it all at once to save on shipping so I'm getting a premium kit colors both green on green, 2 X2 1300's batteries both rainbow, an extra charger, and some T3's and cartomizers. Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[Rocketpunk]

Also, if I have any information wrong please let me know, I'm new to this and there's a lot of info to take in.

You got just about every single thing wrong, here. Time to backpedal and rethink your stance (re: SI Volts and products being "junk" or a "scam".)

Go take a visit to your local flea market or mall kiosk and get blown away by their high quality products.

 

[Foosman5]

seems to be a little progression for new vapors. They tend to start off with the ecig cigarrets, and depending upon the market area, migrate to the 808D, then the 510.

I do not like the 808D threads which IMO seems to be a proprietary market and limits cartomizer products. I do not believe they serve the best interest in the vapor world. 510 seems to be the standard so why does the 808 exist. I did get an adaptor, but still this seems to be a pain.

Even for beginners, I recommend a VV variable volt. Do most vapors go variable. or am I just assuming they do or do they even know?

 

[Foosman5]

I also like the removable battery. I sort of look at these ecigs as expensive flashlights on with the bulb being replaced with a cartomizer.

 

[JoAnnW]

I think the vaping world is big enough for both 510 and 808 threaded devices. One thing that is hard to find is 510 threaded auto batteries.

I believe that auto batteries are best for someone who wants a true cigalike that closely mimics the draw of a tobacco cigarette making it easier for newbies to totally quit.

 

[Baditude]

seems to be a little progression for new vapors. They tend to start off with the ecig cigarrets, and depending upon the market area, migrate to the 808D, then the 510.

I do not like the 808D threads which IMO seems to be a proprietary market and limits cartomizer products. I do not believe they serve the best interest in the vapor world. 510 seems to be the standard so why does the 808 exist. I did get an adaptor, but still this seems to be a pain.

Even for beginners, I recommend a VV variable volt. Do most vapors go variable. or am I just assuming they do or do they even know?

There probably is some truth to the above, but also some coincidence. Just like with the beta vs VHS video tape format war from years past, both products were good products but one gained a larger foothold on the market and pushed the other out of business. The same might be true with 808 vs 510 thread e-cig products. Both are good products, but one has gained a larger foothold on the market than the other.

Learning more and more about the e-cig industry, I've learned that the vast majority of vapors world-wide are using the cigalikes by far over ego batteries and advanced PV's. The ego batteries become more popular, especially in the US, as users become more comfortable using a larger device. Mods or APV's are in the great minority of vapors, a niche in the market. It's only because of this website that attracts more enthusiasts and hobbyists that makes the APV's seem more popular than they really are.

 

[Cano]

You got just about every single thing wrong, here. Time to backpedal and rethink your stance (re: SI Volts and products being "junk" or a "scam".)

Go take a visit to your local flea market or mall kiosk and get blown away by their high quality products.

Don't be so quick to straw man me, I never said their products were junk. I only said that I suspected SI was doing what a lot of companies do, i.e., creating false testimonials/reviews such as outlaw vapor, who's voice is found in official SI videos. That's a simple form of guerrilla marketing that I find dishonest. Because of that perceived dishonesty and the fact that I couldn't find any complaints about it, whereas I can find complaints about every other e-cig I've looked at with ease, I was unsure whether the product was too good to be true. Had you read the entire post, you'd see that the majority of it was compliments about what the device could be if it works as well as it's advertised. The question asked was whether their claims (and my compliments) were true, the only assumption made was that they used a specific kind of marketing that lowers the trustworthiness of any business.

 

[Cano]

Smokeless Image Volt | E-Cigarette Reviews for Ex-Smokers in Need of Guidance

read the disclaimer at the bottom. If they are compensated and SI is on top, that most likely means SI is the one who paid the most. A ton of websites like that exist for every industry, they're just simple blog-like sites that give high ratings to the highest bidder.