Anyone Willing to Help a Out a Newbie? Moving from SmokeStik to RoughStack...

[pmaene]

So yeah... howdy folks. First off, this forum has been an incredibly helpful resource, though I must say, the world of e-cigs is more than a bit confusing! All these model numbers, brand names, etc... it's pretty intimidating stuff.

So I started out awhile back, before finding the forums, & ordered myself a "SmokeStik" - Now this was about a year back. 1 of the batteries shipped DOA & I couldn't get more than a few puffs from the cartridges, (this was pre-cartomizer). Still, the good people at SmokeStikUSA gladly shipped me a new battery, and an additional bottle of cartridges, (as I'd figured mine arrived dry). I gave it another shot, and after many failed attempts at producing any decent amount of vapor, I just shelved the thing.

Well, I quit smoking about 3mos ago, and at about the 1month point, I started feeling some intense urges to pick up a pack again. Si I figured, "what the hell" and revisited the SmokeStik website to see if any innovations had come along since my last venture into the world of vaping.

I was thrilled to find "cartomizers" and promptly ordered a pack of 5. They worked just fine with my existing batteries, and I soon learned how to refill them & get WAY more "bang" for my buck.

After several months now, I've run into the automatic battery dilemma. 1) They tend to get sticky, and 2) They eventually lose there capacity to hold a charge.

Now I love the fact that they offer an RMA deal to replace your batteries for life, so long as you order something from them every 6 weeks or so... but after less than a week with my fancy new batteries, I am already seeing the same problems with sticky switches, decreased battery life, etc.

Now I plan on sticking with SmokeStik, as there certainly are situations where having a smaller device like the one they offer could be very helpful...

HOWEVER...

I'm a heavy user in the first place & I'll soon be attending a large, multi-day camping event, where I doubt I'll pull more than one or two charges from my portable USB charger. What I'm looking to do is procure an additional PV device that can hold up to my regular heavy usage, and takes batteries that will last me through the event. The catch, is that I'd really prefer to use the SmokeStik brand cartomizers, as they seem to be burn resistant, and last me quite a while, only rarely burning out.

So how does an order like this sound?

The RoughStack (seems heavy duty... affordable) in combo with a 510 battery to 4081 atomizer adapter (of course, I'll be using CARTomizers) - with a "Protected 18350 Lithium Ion Battery" (well, a few of 'em, actually) ... and this TrustFire TR-001 charger.

So... that's what I've come up with, and I would REALLY like to get this order rolling, as I'm shipping out for this camping event Thursday night. I would sure hate to place this order, only to find that the pieces I've ordered don't fit or work together, and I'd have to eek by w/o a proper vape fix. I'd be a sad, sad boy.

Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks for reading my lil' saga, and thanks for all the info the various members of this board have provided me with in the past. You folks are the best!


-Pete

 

[cskent]

If you're looking for lengevity you'll get it with 1200mah batteries. If you vape as much as I do, which is off and on all day, you'll go through 1 a day. I've eyed the Rough Stack but the $75 for the kit: RoughStack leaves me to simply be content with my eGo. What you've got there looks like a good setup, just add a couple bottles of juice and you're good to go.

 

[LowThudd]

As for the sticky switches, how are you refilling your cartos? Do you take them off the batt first? Do you blow out any excess from the threads side? I haven't had trouble w/ my SS batts except one that was defective from the factory(and replaced). Sorry to hear you are having trouble, mine work great. Don't have any experience w/ the rough stack, sorry.

 

[Dubs]

Pete,
First, glad to see another new member. Second, for the money your better off getting a 510 type device like an eGo/Riva/Fatty. The batteries seem to last 10-18 hrs of moderate to heavy use. Sometimes 24hrs(no joke). I have a Fatty Vapor Tokers. Same manufacturer as Jantey and Totally Wicked. Slightly better quality IMHO. 2 batteries= 2 days in most cases. Plus you can charge USB or wall outlet. Manual batteries are where it's at anyway. Safer and less to go wrong. Or check 3.7 Volt Box or Box Mods

 

[Rudforce]

When a roughstack (or any "big battery mod") battery dies (loses its ability to hold a charge) it only costs about $5 to replace, instead of $15-20 for an eGo batt. For this reason alone I'd say go for a mod.

I don't know from smokestick to know if a 4081 adapter is the ticket or not. If you're sure that's it, then yes, that order would be groovy (make sure you carry at least 2x the juice you think you need for a multi day camping trip). I'd also suggest getting a package of 510 cartos or a 510 atty as well, just for backup in case something goes awry with the adapter.

edit = What LowThudd said about refilling cartos and sticky switches.
And, it appears the roughstack kit comes with two 510 atties anyway, so no real reason to add them on if you were planning on the kit setup.

 

[LowThudd]

Yes SS is 4081...but improved upon over previous models.

 

[pmaene]

Thanks to you all. After much deliberation, (and partially based on ship time) I ended up going with the order assortment I posted above. I'll report back and let those who are interested know how it worked out.

As for re-filling my SS cartos, yes... I made sure to unscrew them from the batt to begin with... let 'em, "marinate" a bit... & blow out the excess juice before reattaching to the unit. Still... these SmokeStik batteries drive me CRAZY. Just before placing the large order w/ MadVapes, (after going back and forth with some of the 510 models at nhaler... something tells me I'll eventually own one anyway) I'd bought a couple new batteries for the smoke stik. Depending on how this new PV works out, I may damn well end up returning the order. Still, SS makes some nice cartos, IME... so they certainly haven't lost me as a customer.

Thanks to all who chimed in!

 

[Erwin]

I myself am new to vaping and have been looking high and low for the setup that suits me best. Am leaning hard towards the roughstack and would love to hear the OP's comments after receiving it.