...and I'm screwed

[Animation-Imp]

Background story:

I live in Belgium, it's illegal to sell e-cigs here and there's a campaign going on trying to prevent products from entering through customs.
So I went and searched for a uk/EU shipping based company, as shipping within the EU is free of customs. (EU is borderless)

I went with apollo as it seems a low hassle beginner model, I knew the disadvantages, the compatibility issues etc... But the kit looked less intimidating than the 510's and Ego's from LF, the reviews from forum members both here and on Neogaf were sterling, so I went for it.

Kit arrived with no problems,
and it's great, solid build, nice form factor, ideal for my vaping needs. Cartomisers aren't compatible with anything else, but their tabaco flavor is tasty and the cartomisers are aesily refilled.

Today I wanted to place a new order of cartomizers,
the uk site is down, saying it'll return in a month's time...
I chat with a representative "Kim" to get some more info.
And it seems they are considering not restarting the uk based distributor.
If this happens I'm royally screwed,
as there's a big possibility that if I order in the US, my carto's won't arrive...

I thought the compatability issues would be a minor annoyance in the long run (but I would've switched to another model by then), but now it's going to bite me in the ... just 2 weeks after purchass.

Worst of all, I really really like it...So i'm not inclined to return it for a refund...
But maybe I should, as the future of this product seems rather grimm...

Any ideas, tips, experience with us shipping to Belgium?

 

[YKruss]

There is a post in this thread about how to use not Apollo cartos with 901 to 901 adapter - http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/standard-e-cigarette-reviews/182695-apollo-extreme-kit-great-new-solid-kit.html#post3145313

 

[Animation-Imp]

Unfortunately I have the standard kit... that's a 108 model.

 

[dormouse]

I hope you can get an adapter. And you should be able to find 901 supplies at Liberty-Flights.co.uk

And yes - that is just one of the problem with buying proprietary stuff - you cannot buy supplies anywhere but one vendor. Something similar happened to someone in the US - they bought a proprietary ecig and then the site was totally out of cartridges for over a month.

 

[markfm]

Refill the original cartos with a similar flavor, and pick up a new non-proprietary kit.

 

[YKruss]

Unfortunately I have the standard kit... that's a 108 model.

By looking at photos and descriptions on Apollo site the only difference between standard and extreme cartos is their capacity.

The thread appeared to be the same.
So you can try 901 to 901 adapter and KR808 cartos.

Or better yet ditch this whole thing and start from scratch with a decent unit.

 

[Animation-Imp]

By looking at photos and descriptions on Apollo site the only difference between standard and extreme cartos is their capacity.

The thread appeared to be the same.
So you can try 901 to 901 adapter and KR808 cartos.

Or better yet ditch this whole thing and start from scratch with a decent unit.

I think this'll be my only sollution.
Refilling as we speak... and looking at the Liberty Flights website.

 

[Animation-Imp]

What would you guys recommend, a 510 from Liberty Flights,
or the 510 dura from Janty?

 

[madjack]

...never dealt with Jany so i would recommend the Riva510s from Liberty Flights, whom I have found to be an excellent vendor(at least over here).........
madjack

 

[YKruss]

+ 1 to Riva 510 from LF - have two sets (4 complete units) still going strong which were bought in November of last year.

And Boje 2.0 Ohms cartos http://www.liberty-flights.co.uk/product.asp?id=108

 

[Chrissie]

Agrees with the others - go for a Riva. If buying from liberty flight UK, use discount ode ECR69 for 15% off.

There are many good UK suppliers that will be more than happy to send supplies to you. For example, Paradise Vapes does free worldwide shipping -

Paradise Vape UK

 

[AttyPops]

So I suppose that "Move to a vape friendly country and mail-order the waffles instead...." is out of the question

Seriously,

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is DIY e-cigs. You can make your own Passthrough and/or e-cig if you need to. If I was in a country that didn't allow mail-order e-cigs, I'd make em. It isn't that hard to learn to solder and make an e-cig. There's tons of info in the modder's section: Modding Forum

Don't let that sub-forum scare you. They talk about a lot of advanced stuff. However, making a basic 3.7 volt e-cig is only a few solder connections, drilling a few holes, and using some epoxy. Look for nico-stick.

Most, if not all countries, allow mail-order for electronics parts. Batteries. Chargers.

Good Luck.

 

[Animation-Imp]

Hmm looking at their website they call the standard battery AK 108,
I wonder if standerd KRD808-1 carto's would work...

You see I really like the form factor and ease of use,
also the bats are vacuum controlled (instead of sound), so they don't go of randomly.

If I could I would really stick with this kit, it's been amazing the last few weeks.

I do think a Riva is a bit too much for me. I only smoked about three sigs a day, and sometimes didn't smoke for months at an end, so I just want something small and easy.

I've been checking some other uk sites, a standard 510 might be a sollution, but I would prefer a vacuum activated automatic bat instead of a button.
Ah the stress and worries... I'm beginning to regret getting in to this.

 

[Stef64]

What would you guys recommend, a 510 from Liberty Flights,
or the 510 dura from Janty?

The Dura 510 is just a rebranded Joye 510. I would go with the one that is less expensive.

 

[Animation-Imp]

Another question: anyone know how the 510 handles LR cartomisers?
Some sites state they could be detrimental to the bats?

 

[Stef64]

Another question: anyone know how the 510 handles LR cartomisers?
Some sites state they could be detrimental to the bats?

Not very well. They will work, but they will end up damaging the batteries. If you're going to use LR attys get at least and eGo or Riva.

 

[Cyberpixie]

ENjuice.com will ship as well, mainly juice. Their flavours are amazing! I'd recommended the Riva special edition at liberty flights as it's a true 3.7v battery.

 

[Animation-Imp]

And in case I go for a smaller type e cig, do I go for a 510 with boge cartomizers, or do I look for a KR808-1d?
Carto's and bats for an 808 seem more difficult to find...

 

[salemgold]

Hmmm I am not sure about the UK but here in the US 808 cartos and batts are easier to find. If you really like the LR cartos take the advice of the others and go with a Riva. Good luck to you

 

[Animation-Imp]

By the way why is the Riva so highly praised?
I thought it was just a eGo rip off and the that the eGo was the superior device...

Anyone know if KR808-1D's (and cartomisers) are easy to find in europe