Thanks to those who answered me. NOW, do you think the cartomizers work better than the separate atomizer and cartridge. Are there disadvantages to them? Thanks again.
advantages of cartomizer?
- Thread starter hgielm1
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Depends on what you mean by 'work better'. For vapor and flavor with a few exceptions, no, I don't think they do. With some ecigs, they work better for a longer time without refill (except now there's the new mega eGo atomizer and cartridges that will go 5 hours).
The disadvantage is that for the most part, flavor and vapor suffers and many taste an off-flavor in the prefilled cartomizers. The blank ones that you fill with your own juice are much better. And if you don't keep the filler soaked you can more easily burn the filler in a cartomizer than you can with a cartridge because the atomizer is impacted in the filler in a cartomizer. There are many threads on burned cartomizers but the way to avoid that is to refill on first sign of a loss of flavor - in fact, that's a good practice no matter what you're using, but cartomizers are more prone to that.
And eventually you have to throw cartomizers out - like their 'disposable' intent. Atomizers, although, ymmv, can last like many of mine - for over a year. More common for them to last months, whereas cartomizers are more like a week or less with heavy vaping.
If you have a really busy lifestyle, cartomizers can be valuable in that you don't have to top off every 1/2 hour or so.
The possibility of burning the filler is the only disadvantage I've found. The only time I use a cart and atty now is when I'm using a 6 volt mod. I find cartos much more convient at 3.7 volts and I think the flavor is actually a little more pronounced with the 510 carto than the 510 atty. I prefer the kr808 carto for flavor though.
Keep 'em wet and they're great, IMO.
Keep 'em wet and they're great, IMO.
I just started using cartos last week. So far I like them. I'm using 2 and seeing how long they last before I have to throw them out. It's been a week and I haven't seen a decline in performance yet. The advantages for me are less hassle and consistent flavor (about the same flavor as 901s but it doesn't drop off).
I have found that you have to wash cartos before use just like atties. They do have a funky taste at first. I removed the cap and o-rings and threw the cartos in boiling water. I dried 2 of them quickly with a blow dryer, and let the rest dry over night (i did 2 days actually, to be sure they were dry).
I'm using empty cartos and use the condom fill method with my own juice. I haven't tasted any burning yet, but I've been making sure to keep the filler wet. I don't wait till I taste something strange, just fill with more juice after a few hours. When I feel these cartos are completely dead, I plan to remove the filler to see if anything burned.
I have found that you have to wash cartos before use just like atties. They do have a funky taste at first. I removed the cap and o-rings and threw the cartos in boiling water. I dried 2 of them quickly with a blow dryer, and let the rest dry over night (i did 2 days actually, to be sure they were dry).
I'm using empty cartos and use the condom fill method with my own juice. I haven't tasted any burning yet, but I've been making sure to keep the filler wet. I don't wait till I taste something strange, just fill with more juice after a few hours. When I feel these cartos are completely dead, I plan to remove the filler to see if anything burned.
Is there any way to rid the burnt plastic taste of a new 510 atty, before usiing it ?
This is my experience with cartos vs atty+cartridge ( joye 510).
My starter kit contained cartridges and 2 attys. I was really surprised to notice the cartridge didn't last long at all. So I then bought some e-juice (which thankfully arrived the next day).
I was battling to get balance. The cartridge seemed to empty quickly and require filling all the time. It also didn't suck nicely.
I then discovered the "High Ping Mod". This helped somewhat. Improved the overall TH and drag sensation, but still wasn't perfect.
I started dripping directly onto the atomizer. This was good for those stressed out moments when you really need a good TH.
I figured, I'm still not getting the best satisfaction, so I tried the straw mod. This completely didn't work out for me, and I ended up with more juice in my mouth than smoke.
Someone on this forum then recommended I graduate to cartomizers (cartos).
When they arrived, I was really excited. I filled the thing right up, it took 25 drops. Well that amount of drops really keeps you going for a long time, before you need to refill it.
What I have found is cartomizers give a much more consistent TH and Drag all the way through. I still tend to fill mine up every hour or 2, but thats because I am a heavy vaper.
My cartos have rubber stoppers, so its easy to take off the end piece and no need to mess around with the filler. Just open it up, squirt in the drops, close it up and you're done.
5 cartomizers cost the same amount as a replacement atty. The life expectancy is 1 week, but I've heard guys telling me their cartos last much longer. I guess it depends on the exact carto. My first cartomizer started producing less of a satisfying drag after 1 week, so I replaced it.
Unlike an atty a cartomizer doesn't seem to need any time to burn in, it tastes and behaves best when its new.
Since using cartomizers, I would never go back to plain old atty+cartridge model.
I think its the ultimate in vaping, all of this is my own personal experience, and may not reflect the general view of the vaping population.
My starter kit contained cartridges and 2 attys. I was really surprised to notice the cartridge didn't last long at all. So I then bought some e-juice (which thankfully arrived the next day).
I was battling to get balance. The cartridge seemed to empty quickly and require filling all the time. It also didn't suck nicely.
I then discovered the "High Ping Mod". This helped somewhat. Improved the overall TH and drag sensation, but still wasn't perfect.
I started dripping directly onto the atomizer. This was good for those stressed out moments when you really need a good TH.
I figured, I'm still not getting the best satisfaction, so I tried the straw mod. This completely didn't work out for me, and I ended up with more juice in my mouth than smoke.
Someone on this forum then recommended I graduate to cartomizers (cartos).
When they arrived, I was really excited. I filled the thing right up, it took 25 drops. Well that amount of drops really keeps you going for a long time, before you need to refill it.
What I have found is cartomizers give a much more consistent TH and Drag all the way through. I still tend to fill mine up every hour or 2, but thats because I am a heavy vaper.
My cartos have rubber stoppers, so its easy to take off the end piece and no need to mess around with the filler. Just open it up, squirt in the drops, close it up and you're done.
5 cartomizers cost the same amount as a replacement atty. The life expectancy is 1 week, but I've heard guys telling me their cartos last much longer. I guess it depends on the exact carto. My first cartomizer started producing less of a satisfying drag after 1 week, so I replaced it.
Unlike an atty a cartomizer doesn't seem to need any time to burn in, it tastes and behaves best when its new.
Since using cartomizers, I would never go back to plain old atty+cartridge model.
I think its the ultimate in vaping, all of this is my own personal experience, and may not reflect the general view of the vaping population.
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T/Y very much, for that detailed information. It definitly helped me a lot.
Cheers !!
Cheers !!
law enforcement:
On a new atty it helps to clean it first. I blow mine out then soak them in PGA for 30 minutes or so. Let them dry for a few minutes, prime them with a few drops of liquid and they are usually good to go.
to OP:
As far as advantages / disadvantages I think its more personal preferences. For some juices I like the atty / cart combo better then the carto. A clean atty with a well modded cart and a good juice, you can get great flavor and vapor. I top off my carts as they get low, so for me it's pretty convenient to carry a nicostick and a 3ml bottle of juice and go all day.
For driving any distance I strongly prefer a carto on an auto battery. I can chain vape hands free and don't have to worry about refilling or dripping.
On a new atty it helps to clean it first. I blow mine out then soak them in PGA for 30 minutes or so. Let them dry for a few minutes, prime them with a few drops of liquid and they are usually good to go.
to OP:
As far as advantages / disadvantages I think its more personal preferences. For some juices I like the atty / cart combo better then the carto. A clean atty with a well modded cart and a good juice, you can get great flavor and vapor. I top off my carts as they get low, so for me it's pretty convenient to carry a nicostick and a 3ml bottle of juice and go all day.
For driving any distance I strongly prefer a carto on an auto battery. I can chain vape hands free and don't have to worry about refilling or dripping.
It is going to depend on so many factors...
Do you want flavor, vapor, ease of use, longevity between fills?
Do you like to mess with things?
Are you into cartridge mods?
Are you willing to drip?
In my opinion, nothing can beat dripping at this point.
You can not beat the flavor or the vapor, because nothing is in the way.
Some find dripping to be tedious, and some find it easier than any other option.
After that, a good cartridge mod with no filler (ZFM) is a close second.
Or maybe the blue foam, or the buff puffs, or some of the others.
Too much fuss, hassle and frustration for me though.
But if you want convenience more than anything...
Cartomizers might be the way for you, though you may sacrifice a bit of flavor or vapor.
But then you have the burning cartomizer filler to reckon with.
You have to know how to avoid that.
EDIT: Or basically, what Kent C said.
Do you want flavor, vapor, ease of use, longevity between fills?
Do you like to mess with things?
Are you into cartridge mods?
Are you willing to drip?
In my opinion, nothing can beat dripping at this point.
You can not beat the flavor or the vapor, because nothing is in the way.
Some find dripping to be tedious, and some find it easier than any other option.
After that, a good cartridge mod with no filler (ZFM) is a close second.
Or maybe the blue foam, or the buff puffs, or some of the others.
Too much fuss, hassle and frustration for me though.
But if you want convenience more than anything...
Cartomizers might be the way for you, though you may sacrifice a bit of flavor or vapor.
But then you have the burning cartomizer filler to reckon with.
You have to know how to avoid that.
EDIT: Or basically, what Kent C said.
I've been a cartomizer user since Day 1 - the ease-of-use sold me. I tried dripping with a 901, but the leaks rendered them to the back of the equipment drawer. There is a learning curve to be able to detect just the right point to stop vaping a cartomizer before burning it. They will last quite a while if you avoid over-cooking them. Recently I have been using a Wetbox, which seems to be the perfect solution for me. I can use a carto for days, since the Wetbox provides the means to keep it moist at all times. When I'm tired of a carto or it isn't performing well anymore, I toss it in a bucket to be washed and saved for doomsday.
I would really like to know what a wet box is? I also use cartomizers, haven't quite mastered them yet though, but I way prefer them.
I always like dripping the best, but I thought that was the problem as to why I was burning out atties ?
Dripping shouldn't really have anything to do with burning out atomizers.
I have taken a pass on cartos for a number of reasons.
1. I can order 40 cartridges cheaply, replace filler if needed, and keep the cartridges going for a long time- indefinitely.
2. I have complete control over what is in the cartridge and have the ability to clean them at will. They never fail.
3. Burning cartomizers spook me.
4. I can actually clean the atomizer if needed or fouled by a strong flavor.
It's an opinion issue. everyone has preferences.
1. I can order 40 cartridges cheaply, replace filler if needed, and keep the cartridges going for a long time- indefinitely.
2. I have complete control over what is in the cartridge and have the ability to clean them at will. They never fail.
3. Burning cartomizers spook me.
4. I can actually clean the atomizer if needed or fouled by a strong flavor.
It's an opinion issue. everyone has preferences.
I've tried KR808D-1 cartomizers and 510 cartomizers (both SLB and Boge). I've tried 510, 901, and 801 atomizers. I've tried dripping with all of the above atomizers.
It's amazing to me just how different the reaction is from one person to another. Preference is "all over the place."
For me, I've found cartomizers to be terrifically convenient. Easy to refill and maintain - until I just toss one. However, I have never found the flavor/vapor/th to equal what I get with an atty/cartridge or with dripping. Close, sometimes. But not equal.
The eliquid seems to make a difference. With mint or menthol flavors, the cartomizers seem to me to be closer to the atty/cart in performance. Not quite as "clean" a taste, almost the same vapor, just a little less th. But with fruit flavors, or hot cinnamon flavors, the cartomizers really drop the taste and th a lot in my experience. So much so, that I just don't bother filling a carto with any of those anymore, using them only for mint/menthol flavors, and sometimes a tobacco flavor.
But it really does amaze me how widely variant people's experiences are in this regard.
It's amazing to me just how different the reaction is from one person to another. Preference is "all over the place."
For me, I've found cartomizers to be terrifically convenient. Easy to refill and maintain - until I just toss one. However, I have never found the flavor/vapor/th to equal what I get with an atty/cartridge or with dripping. Close, sometimes. But not equal.
The eliquid seems to make a difference. With mint or menthol flavors, the cartomizers seem to me to be closer to the atty/cart in performance. Not quite as "clean" a taste, almost the same vapor, just a little less th. But with fruit flavors, or hot cinnamon flavors, the cartomizers really drop the taste and th a lot in my experience. So much so, that I just don't bother filling a carto with any of those anymore, using them only for mint/menthol flavors, and sometimes a tobacco flavor.
But it really does amaze me how widely variant people's experiences are in this regard.
I find that my preference tends to run to the liquid I use. I have been vaping 80pg/20vg most of the time. I mistakenly ordered 20pg/80vg and it was horrible in cartos and carts - felt like they were clogged and produced a headache while vaping because of the draw. HOWEVER, I discovered that these thicker liquids are perfect for a direct drip.
I was going to start a new thread but figure the answer could be found here.... I just started vaping about a week ago, and bought a pack of blank carto's... I ONLY use carto's for driving.. I have a 1 hour commute twice a day so I find the convenience great.... my question is how do you know if your carto is ready to be thrown out? when it completely dies? I have made sure that it stays moist and doesn't completely dry out/burn.
I also started vaping 0mg from the beginning but recently got some 18mg juice and LOVE the TH (what I was missing the first couple of days). I definitely don't feel as much TH with the carto, but that was expected (I never cleaned out my carto). Just wanted to know if it was time to dispose it? it hasn't been a week yet.
I also started vaping 0mg from the beginning but recently got some 18mg juice and LOVE the TH (what I was missing the first couple of days). I definitely don't feel as much TH with the carto, but that was expected (I never cleaned out my carto). Just wanted to know if it was time to dispose it? it hasn't been a week yet.
Atty and carts regulated to backup duty for me the second I got my first cartomizer out.
I too am curious how to detect failure, cause I'm rotating and keeping wet and still get tons of vape on my 5V mod after almost 2 wks.
Concerned about the filler issue as well, awaiting dissection of my first failure to see what my vaping style does to a cartomizer to see how worried I'm gonna be. Like the idea of finding a happy medium between maximizing lifespan without having to take them to a failure state that I am unhappy with the results of the dissection.
Thinking about adding a drip tip at the house as well, but might go back to using atty with drip tip. Gotta love the infinite combination's that are possible with these guys. Cartomizer stays moister this way without having to play with the little rubber tip and would address the one other wear issue you can run into with a cartomizer.
After repeated use over a few days the filler can run threads up to the tip which get caught when you replace rubber stopper and can be annoying. Also the wrapper can sometimes fray and again be annoying. I may be abusing them, but this seems like normal wear. Several easy fixes, drip tip seemed like a good way to avoid having to pop the top when I'm at the house. On the road two prefilled cartomizers will last you all day easy.
I too am curious how to detect failure, cause I'm rotating and keeping wet and still get tons of vape on my 5V mod after almost 2 wks.
Concerned about the filler issue as well, awaiting dissection of my first failure to see what my vaping style does to a cartomizer to see how worried I'm gonna be. Like the idea of finding a happy medium between maximizing lifespan without having to take them to a failure state that I am unhappy with the results of the dissection.
Thinking about adding a drip tip at the house as well, but might go back to using atty with drip tip. Gotta love the infinite combination's that are possible with these guys. Cartomizer stays moister this way without having to play with the little rubber tip and would address the one other wear issue you can run into with a cartomizer.
After repeated use over a few days the filler can run threads up to the tip which get caught when you replace rubber stopper and can be annoying. Also the wrapper can sometimes fray and again be annoying. I may be abusing them, but this seems like normal wear. Several easy fixes, drip tip seemed like a good way to avoid having to pop the top when I'm at the house. On the road two prefilled cartomizers will last you all day easy.
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