Last week, Don at BreezEsmokes sent me the new VGO-801 to put through its paces and review. [You know the caveats: I didn’t pay for it, but my vaping review integrity remains intact.]
Boy! Do I have mixed feelings about this one!
There was a big PV, who had a rhinestone light,
Right in the middle of her body.
Where she was good, she was very, very good,
But where she was bad … mediocre.
[Apologies to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow]
Right in the middle of her body.
Where she was good, she was very, very good,
But where she was bad … mediocre.
[Apologies to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow]
“VGO” is a name applied to PVs by more than one manufacturer, e.g., RoyalSmokers. This VGO (as well as the other VGO models Don carries) is made by JSB (Jieshibao). It is the second fat batt to come out along the lines of the penstyle, e.g., 801. The first (just a few weeks ago) was the Leo, which has received several glowing reviews including my own. Because of that, many of my comparisons will be to the Leo.
Just the Facts, Ma’am
Like the Leo, the VGO-801 uses a proprietary atomizer and battery, which are incompatible with anything else. [Despite the digits in the name, this is not a DSE801.]
It is the same diameter as the eGO (a millimeter or two less than the Leo) and about 160 mm in length. [The 132 mm specified on the JSB site is way off. In fact, the VGO-801 is a quarter inch longer than the 153 mm Leo.] The weight is approximately the same as the Leo (maybe even slightly less) and only a bit more than my Elegant (which is the same size as an eGO).
The 900 mAh battery looks very much like the mega eGO battery (although I don’t have one to place up against it). The atomizer is the same length as any penstyle atty, but is much wider at the base, giving it that cone shape. [There is no separate cone cover.] It takes a standard 801 cartridge … kind of (see further below).
Both the battery and atty have subtle flame-shaped markings (influenced by the Inferno perhaps?): barely visible, at least on the black model.
1. A “Simulated Diamond [aka rhinestone] Button design, reflecting the Noble Qualities”
– if bling is your thing, this is where it is to be found on the VGO-801. As you would expect, the button lights up when pressed.
– if bling is your thing, this is where it is to be found on the VGO-801. As you would expect, the button lights up when pressed.
2. A ring of six small lights at the base. When the button is pressed, the number of lights indicates the power remaining. [I would describe three lights lit as 450 mAh left, rather than “shortage” … and six lights as “fully charged.”]
Although offered in four different colors (body and rhinestone button), only the black unit with blue button is carried by BreezEsmokes (who is the only U.S. supplier currently selling the VGO-801). [Clarification: The rhinestone button is clear; it is the color of the light which varies.]
The complete kit, sold by BreezEsmokes for $48, includes all the items shown here, i.e., two batteries and one atomizer, USB charger, wall adapter, five cartridges … and a partridge in a pear tree (I mean instruction manual).
The battery is charged in the conventional manner by screwing the atomizer end into the charger, rather than the base (ala the Leo’s passthrough style). Despite how it is listed on the JSB and BreezEsmokes websites, the charger is not what I would call “quick.” [It fully charges overnight, which is all I need.] Also there is no “atomizer cover” … it doesn’t need one.
BreezEsmokes does not yet stock replacement VGO-801 atomizers or batteries.* If this model takes off, I’m sure that Don will.
Where she was good…
The throat hit on this thing is excellent … and the vapor is massive! Very, very impressive! Both exceed the Leo or any other penstyle atty I’ve ever used (including LR) … and rival that of LR 510 and 306 attys.
Unfortunately, I don’t own a multimeter (and, like GrimmGreen, wouldn’t know how to use one if I did), so I can’t tell you the battery voltage or atomizer resistance. Assuming for the moment that the battery is the same ~3.4V as all the other fat batts, this atty must be very low resistance … and designed in such a way to maximize vapor production. [Sound familiar, 510 users?]
Other positives:
- It is a nicely sculpted device. I like the fact that it doesn’t need a separate cone (or a protective endcap like the Leo) to look nice.
- It feels good in my hand, just like the Leo.
- It has high mAh: 900 mAh (100 more than Leo) is enough for most of us to get through the entire day.
- That band of lights at the bottom is not a bad idea. I look at it occasionally.
- Unlike the Leo, it does stand on end.
- It is carried by an excellent supplier with good prices, whom I enjoy dealing with!
Where she was bad…
I’m not crazy about the taste. After several hits, it starts tasting somewhat bitter to me. If I drip frequently, it’s not too bad, but I just don’t get the rich flavor from my juices that I’m used to. It is not as smooth tasting as the Leo (or many penstyle attys).
Other negatives:
- The atomizer leaks. Since the battery is sealed, this is not a serious problem, just a messy one.
- Most penstyle cartridges, mouthpieces, or drip tips don’t fit into the atty. I hope I don’t lose the one that came with the tester kit.
- It is a juice hog: I have to drip frequently. And, yes, I think one would have to drip with this; a cartridge just doesn’t deliver the e-liquid effectively enough.
- The draw is a bit stiff, although I only notice it when switching from another PV.
- Calling that rhinestone button a “diamond” (even a simulated one) is a joke. It functions just fine (although I do prefer the Leo button).
- If the VGO-801 doesn’t capture the attention of the vaping community (necessitating Don’s stocking of atomizers and/or creating a bandwagon for other suppliers to jump on)*, when my one atty gives up the ghost (as they all do), my VGO-801 vaping days will be ended.
On Balance
Is it for me? Well, yes … sometimes. If I haven’t vaped for awhile (or during my evening cocktail), those hard hits are very satisfying. And I sure do like that voluminous vapor. The VGO-801 will retain an appreciated place in my vaping arsenal.
But for my long, lingering vaping sessions (i.e., much of my vaping), give me my Leo (or EM 801 atty on my ProVape-1).
Is it for you? That depends on what is most important to you. If it is vapor and/or TH: what are you waiting for? Go buy one! [Please do, so that suppliers will carry replacement attys for me to order.
]*
If it is a smooth, rich vape which brings out the flavor of the juice: you already bought a Leo, right? Save your money for Leo replacement parts and e-liquid (from BreezEsmokes or other fine suppliers).
Of course, regardless of TH/vapor/flavor preference, if you like stubby little PVs, why did you bother reading this review? Stick with a 650 mAh eGO.
* EDIT: After I prepared this review, Don has added VGO-801 replacement parts (in stock) to his site: atomizers for $10 and batteries for $15.
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I Think I can .... 510's are just pooof to me... I don't like 'em ! 
