Alpha Ultra Max...MAJOR FAIL

[TruSound]

I've had my Ultra Max for a few days now, I'm finding it to be hit or miss...MOSTLY MISS.


As far as a learning curve goes that some users talk about, I don't believe there is one, it's pretty straight forward... follow the instructions as printed, 36 drops on the RES and 4 in the atty and the device should work as advertised...however, it doesn't...the RES does not feed the atty consistently, dry hits are frequent, I've found myself having to take a non-powered primer puffs to get juice to the atty or I'll get frequent dry hits.


I do agree with a previous post talking about the RES capacity, it might have a 2ml capacity but that definitely doesn't mean you'll get 2ml's worth of hits before refilling the RES, if your a heavy vapor as I am you'll be dripping frequently to keep the RES completely wet, my Ego-T with LR atomizers is way more consistent and rarely produces a dry hit and the vapor production is just as good.


After half a day there was RES ceramic grit in the atomizer threads as well in the RES threads both top and bottom, the atomizer almost seized up upon removal, that grinding is not going to be kind to this devices threads over an extended period of time.


Honestly not very happy with this device considering the price tag, .

 

[Switched]

Ahhhh, but what viscosity are you vaping at?

 

[atavanhalen]

Ahhhh, but what viscosity are you vaping at?

The RES was actually made and designed around vg since that is what innovapor sells. The RES does work and it works very well but it does take some time to get used to, its like a lot of other equipment, you have to change the way you vape to have it work consistently. Obviously its not for everyone.

 

[classwife]

Swish out your threads and RES in a bowl of water to get rid of the grit...use a toothbrush for the threads...I only had to do this once when it was still new (about 2 weeks in). I had a major grit issue. Now...no more.

The RES is NOT a tank...and yes, you have to re-drip...however, you aren't dripping as often.

There is a learning curve with it.

 

[TruSound]

I appreciate the tips and tricks guys...however, IMO these devices...and in particular one that costs $ 265 should work with any juice you throw at it, all my juice flavors are VG of varying viscosities and I tried them all.

As far as the grit from the RES is concerned, I did use a soft brush to clean up the threads and thought that after initial break-in the grit issue would clear up...not the case though, it still bleeds a bit of grit.

I've gone back to my old standby...the EGO-t with LR atomizers, yes there's the occasional leak that I've learned to deal with, but rarely if ever a dry hit and it always produces tons of vapor, for a 70 dollar device it's fantastic.

 

[atavanhalen]

Unfortunately the expectations that you have are not reasonable, I am not trying to be rude, I really am not, but there are a lot of expensive devices that dont just work, you must learn how to use it and learn how to vape the way that the device is intended otherwise it wont work for you and thats ok too, there are lots of choices so everyone can find something they like. As far as price is concerned, we all know that things made in the US are much more expensive than something made in China. I like the RES but that doesnt mean everyone will. If you use cartos I have had success with using them in the RES as well, its a little easier to use with cartos because they have more juice to hold you over while the res does its thing. No biggie though as long as you have something that is working well for you that is all that matters. I am sure you can get a nicee chunk of your money back by listing in the classifieds especially if it is fairly new. Good luck.

 

[TruSound]

I really wanted this device to meet my expectations and vaping needs, looks the search continues for the iPhone of e-cigs...thanks for the feedback gang, to be continued.

 

[Switched]

I haven't owned a RES but many major distributions have sold out there stock (some sales) and not re-ordered. We also see many on the classies. Classwife provides a good solution that I have not heard before. The problems with the unit is not isolated to the RES itself. I feel your frustration truman and, the only solution is stop chasing rainbows for the perfect vape or jumping on band wagons uninformed e.g don't be the first out of the gate, wait for sufficient feedback on a product prior to pulling the trigger.

Almost 2 years of vaping and al;though many innovations have taken place to improve our experiences, there is no magic mod, just majestic marketing trickery

 

[TruSound]

Come on Switched...you know you want one, don't buy into all the negative hype, this will be the last PV you ever buy...battery lasts a week and the ceramic wonder disc doubles whatever quantity of juice you add.

All kidding aside, I couldn't agree with you more...

 

[440BB]

That's the price of browsing endlessly here on ECF - you'll end up with some winners and losers since you can't go to a local vendor and try these mods out. Fortunately, each has it's fans and ECF classifieds will get you most of your money back. I've got a mod to sell myself for the same reason - a little too much fussing when I just want a consistent quality vape. Good luck on your next try!

 

[TruSound]

That's exactly what I'm looking for 440...more vaping less fussing, that kinda goes without saying...
The inexpensive and relitivly simple Ego-T system I've been using would be perfect if the tanks didn't leak, I've found the A type to be better in this area, and rarely any dry hits, the Apex produced them frequently.

I've got my eye on the new Rok Star system, the close up photos of the atomizer look like they've incorperated o-rings in the critical areas where leaking might occur, unfortunately it's not available in the states at this time.

 

[hificat101]

Question Truman, are you planning on listing you Ultra Max in the classifieds?