Thks hxj. I was harsh - I have gotten much better performance from driping into the cart, wetting the atty on the blu. Not my go-to since I added a 901/njoy and 510 to my quiver bu tI have made it workable. Out of the box performance though I think turns a lot of first times into non-users.
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I know what you mean. The problem, I think, is that blu decided to try to make e-cigs as easy as possible for smokers to switch to. I think they're the only big brand selling e-cigs that use the foil-sealed carts. In theory it's a great idea: vape 'til the cart runs dry, pull it off, pop on a new one, and keep on vaping. No caps to lose, no carts to refill, no paper clips or syringes or weird little bottles to carry around; all you need is in the PCC. In practice, however, the foil that gets broken by the atty typically partially blocks the atty wick and reduces vapor production drastically.
I haven't used a cartomizer-based e-cig, but I'm guessing those are probably at least as easy to use and way better, but of course they cost more. I bet blu went with the foil-sealed carts as the simplest method that also let them keep prices way down. (Plus, it wouldn't surprise me if the starter packs are almost loss leaders, and blu was hoping to make most of their profits on replacement carts-- like disposable razors and inkjet refills.)
Not sure about the 901, but I know the 510 has a more recessed atty wick, so you have to drip instead of dip... I've found that the blu is really, really good for dipping, with its huge wick. I really should do that more often, but I'm just more of a cart kinda guy, I guess.
I thought I would add my two cents...
I researched for my own vape, and decided to wait for the Blu, just because of the PCC to be honest. I got so tired of smoking analogs that I canceled my order and got an M401, which is exactly what I thought it would be...medium vapor, decent battery, great size. The Blu customer service was fine, I used the online helper and she canceled the order immediately and that was that.
Sucks that Blu has the proprietary carts, as I refill mine, but as soon as someone makes a PCC for the 401 then Blu has nothing for me...
Can't wait for the Blu? Get an M401 and be happy!
I researched for my own vape, and decided to wait for the Blu, just because of the PCC to be honest. I got so tired of smoking analogs that I canceled my order and got an M401, which is exactly what I thought it would be...medium vapor, decent battery, great size. The Blu customer service was fine, I used the online helper and she canceled the order immediately and that was that.
Sucks that Blu has the proprietary carts, as I refill mine, but as soon as someone makes a PCC for the 401 then Blu has nothing for me...
Can't wait for the Blu? Get an M401 and be happy!
M401s really are terrific aren't they? Not quite as convenient (ALL e-cigs should have that Blu PCC), but pretty darned close.
Well, except that we're STILL waiting for a 401 PCC, while several people have posted here saying that they've gotten their blu orders in three days' time.
As for the proprietary carts, they refill very well, and 306A carts and atomizers work with the blu system, too, though I've yet to notice any improvement over blu's equipment that justifies paying the extra money for them.
Seems to me that the amount of work that goes into making the blu a nice system (refilling carts, etc.) is comparable to the amount of work you'd have to do to work with pretty much any other model, plus you get a decent PCC. (Literally none of the other PCCs I've seen meets my personal criteria for "decent," e.g. holding a full e-cig while charging a second battery.)
I guess that the 401 might be a better performer, though, but I haven't tried one myself.
Hello, I just wanted to give my perspective on the Blu e-cigarette. Keep in mind: I'm new to e-smoking and have just got my Blu, so these are just first impressions from a noob and I'm only going to talk about things I have a solid opinion on.
Shipping: ordered it 8/26, got it today 9/4. I personally can't complain about the wait time, I felt the website made it very clear prior to making the purchase that it could take several weeks before my order was shipped. Ultimately though I prefer it when a website states how much of an item they have in stock, and it gives you the option to receive an email when it's back in stock.
PCC: Mine looks cool, unlike some others I've seen on the web mine is like an unfinished plastic look with a slight rubber feel/look (which I like better than shiny plastic). And how hard is it to make a case fit a full e-cig? I'm not saying I can do it, but Blu has one.
Atomizer: Not the biggest fan, compared to my Luci (the two atomizers are interchangeable) it has larger vent holes that I think contribute to pull that feels like you're just pulling air through a straw. I prefer the pull from my Luci's atomizer. I've found that if I cover some of the vent slots it gives me a pull I'm accustomed to and a better throat hit (still not great though).
IMO: If you are an Ultra-Light smoker (if throat hit is not a concern), who is willing to wait at least a week if not more, this kit might work for you. After all it's pretty affordable.
Other thoughts: Even though I haven't enjoyed the Blu as much as my Luci, I think I'll continue to explore this family of e-cigs and some day try out a Litecig VX2, and the J-118 from esmokeronline or whoever (by the way it looks like these guys have similar PCC's as the Blu).
Shipping: ordered it 8/26, got it today 9/4. I personally can't complain about the wait time, I felt the website made it very clear prior to making the purchase that it could take several weeks before my order was shipped. Ultimately though I prefer it when a website states how much of an item they have in stock, and it gives you the option to receive an email when it's back in stock.
PCC: Mine looks cool, unlike some others I've seen on the web mine is like an unfinished plastic look with a slight rubber feel/look (which I like better than shiny plastic). And how hard is it to make a case fit a full e-cig? I'm not saying I can do it, but Blu has one.
Atomizer: Not the biggest fan, compared to my Luci (the two atomizers are interchangeable) it has larger vent holes that I think contribute to pull that feels like you're just pulling air through a straw. I prefer the pull from my Luci's atomizer. I've found that if I cover some of the vent slots it gives me a pull I'm accustomed to and a better throat hit (still not great though).
IMO: If you are an Ultra-Light smoker (if throat hit is not a concern), who is willing to wait at least a week if not more, this kit might work for you. After all it's pretty affordable.
Other thoughts: Even though I haven't enjoyed the Blu as much as my Luci, I think I'll continue to explore this family of e-cigs and some day try out a Litecig VX2, and the J-118 from esmokeronline or whoever (by the way it looks like these guys have similar PCC's as the Blu).
Frank: Do some reading of my posts in the Blu forum and you'll learn how to draw on the Blu better to get a LOT more vapor, and a good throat hit.
It just takes practice.
It just takes practice.
Thanks Bandit!
I'm still scouring the forum, for more Blu tips and tricks, and I'm going to try 306 attys and carts (from RMV) for the Blu. If I like them, like the overpriced Luci attys, then I think I'll have a winner.
I'm still scouring the forum, for more Blu tips and tricks, and I'm going to try 306 attys and carts (from RMV) for the Blu. If I like them, like the overpriced Luci attys, then I think I'll have a winner.
I just picked up my Blu again after mainly using the 510 for the last week and a half. I still like the Blu. Now that I'm a little more experienced at vaping I know how to get a better draw and more vapor out of it. I actually think I get better flavor from the Blu than the 510. I like the 510 a lot mind you, but I still get a hint of burnt taste from it even with the atomizers broken in. With Blu, I just dribble a few drops into the cart and I get the pure flavor of the liquid.
Maybe I'm the lucky one because I got mine within a week of ordering and all of the parts work just fine. Only problem I had was with the mail man cramming it into my mailbox and busting the box and PCC a little.
Maybe I'm the lucky one because I got mine within a week of ordering and all of the parts work just fine. Only problem I had was with the mail man cramming it into my mailbox and busting the box and PCC a little.
I would have to agree with your assessment. From what I've noticed, once you learn how to draw from the blu, and assuming you have gotten a good kit, it really is a great e-cig. I got my 510 today, and using PTB mods in both, I can get more vapor with less of a draw vs. the 510. I'm guessing this might change once the atty gets broken in, but given the same draw time, the blu produces more vapor. I can get more vapor from the 510 if I draw longer, but as a long time cig smoker, that really doesn't feel natural.
All the negative feedback for the Blu I think comes with maybe people giving up on it too soon, and not knowing how to draw on it. It's something that takes practice, but once you get it, it really is satisfying. Everyone I've let try it draws too hard, and gets little to no vapor. There really is an art to it. And before someone claims I work for Blu, I don't! I was ready to return mine before I learned how to use it.
I'm still waiting for my 510, but I've read all over the place that it kills flavors to a certain extent. I assume it's because of the high heat-- lots of vapor and throat hit, not as much flavor. I also suspect this is why so many people posting to ECF have had to jump through hoops to get more than a few weeks' use out of a 510 atomizer before they burn out. I never notice the blu feeling especially hot to the touch unless I'm hitting it a lot, so I have to say I'm not surprised when you say the blu has better flavor than a 510.
Read through some of the 510 threads and you'll see lots of descriptions of black crud building up on the atomizers, eventually leading to atty death. Maybe it's just me, but I've yet to see any kind of buildup in the blu atomizers, and my only maintenance has been to boil them in distilled water every two or three weeks when I redo all my carts. (I also haven't had any of my six blu atomizers die yet, two of which are two months old, but I'm a relatively light vaper.)
It does unfortunately burn the flavors. Don't get me wrong, there are advantages to the 510. The amount of vapor and consistency are very good. I just still can't get past that burnt taste. If I had purchased a 510 before a Blu, I probably would've given up on e-cigs. The 510 has a breaking in period for each atomizer. Blu was straight out of the box, snap it all together and enjoy!
I guess it's to each their own as we are all going to have different preferences. The waiting time that a lot of people experienced with Blu is not good and I can see why they were frustrated. That seems to be resolved now. Some of the people who hate the Blu I've noticed go for the "big boy" devices that I would never go near. I only smoked cigarettes so I have no desire to suck on something that looks like a copper pipe or a tool. Reminds me of the show with Tim Allen "Home Improvement" - MORE POWER!
I guess it's to each their own as we are all going to have different preferences. The waiting time that a lot of people experienced with Blu is not good and I can see why they were frustrated. That seems to be resolved now. Some of the people who hate the Blu I've noticed go for the "big boy" devices that I would never go near. I only smoked cigarettes so I have no desire to suck on something that looks like a copper pipe or a tool. Reminds me of the show with Tim Allen "Home Improvement" - MORE POWER!
I just wanted to emphesis hxj's slight mention of the 306A atomizer/cart simply because the LEVEL of IMPROVEMENT is HUGE.
The carts store a little more, but I think the big difference is the atomizer has a sort of stuffing material between the bridge of the atomizer that seems to absorb fluid more effectively making it a *vapor monster.
So before you ditch your blu's, please pick try the 306A atomizers and carts. I almost gave up on them too but I just love the draw and size so I tried the 306A trick someone else mentioned on this forum.
Order from your favorite store that sells them (I ordered mine from rockymountainvapor) and don't forget to get a set of blank carts to go with them (Blu carts do not fit all the way onto the 306A attys).
*: vapor production as compared to super minis. The 510's and 901's of the world still produce better vapor at the expense of a tougher draw and larger unit.
After two weeks of using both blu atomizers and carts and 306A atomizers and carts, I'm totally not seeing this. I get identical vapor, though I'm getting really, really good vapor from both systems. When I switch to the 306A I tend to think, "wow, that is a lot of vapor, and it's really thick, too," but then I switch back to the blu for a comparison (same battery, same liquid), and I realize that, no, I get just as much thick vapor from the blu.
Results obtained using my own implementation of the PTB mod and full carts filled with Johnson Creek reduced-PG liquids.
Maybe when my crazy schedule settles down a bit I'll try to make and post a video so people can see what I mean. In the meantime, if others are getting better results with the 306A, great, but I honestly think I have the stock blu equipment performing just as well.
I agree. I haven't used my 306A atty for as long as you have, but I have not noticed any major improvement.
I'm seriously looking into buying a Blu e-cig. admittedly, the marketing is what sold me. But i'm really becoming uncertain after reading so many different reviews. Some swear by it and say that its the best e-cig available. Others say the exact opposite.
I want an e-cig experience that will be the closest to my current experience with smoking. I am NOT a heavy smoker. I smoke 1 pack a week. And not even the full pack as its usually out at social events and we all know how that goes. So it's not so much that im concerned with wasting money or that im overly concerned with my health. but it'd be nice to be able to smoke anywhere and the design seems nice.
I smoke newport 100's and my main concern is i will not find an e-cig that delivers the same throat hit as these. Also how well does an e-cig accompany a beer? Can anyone point me in the right direction? As i know absolutely nothing about e-cigs other than what i've read in the past 24 hours.
I want an e-cig experience that will be the closest to my current experience with smoking. I am NOT a heavy smoker. I smoke 1 pack a week. And not even the full pack as its usually out at social events and we all know how that goes. So it's not so much that im concerned with wasting money or that im overly concerned with my health. but it'd be nice to be able to smoke anywhere and the design seems nice.
I smoke newport 100's and my main concern is i will not find an e-cig that delivers the same throat hit as these. Also how well does an e-cig accompany a beer? Can anyone point me in the right direction? As i know absolutely nothing about e-cigs other than what i've read in the past 24 hours.
If you're not a heavy smoker, you may like the blu, but you may also just not get the throat hit you want. There's no real way to know until you try. On the plus side, blu has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get the starter kit, try it out, and if you don't like it, send it back and get, say, a 510 instead (which has great throat hit and great vapor production, but I don't like much else about it).
If you get the blu, make sure you read through a lot of these threads, because while blu is sold as an easy system to use, you probably won't get the best performance out of it if you just use the stock carts. However, maybe they'll give you exactly what you're looking for, and then you're done and happy.
Good luck! If you get blu and have specific issues or questions, feel free to PM me.
All right, i just got my blu cig yesterday, only 7 business days after ordering, (the site says 4-6 weeks, but they straightened shipments out) and i must say, the new and improved kit is by far the best i have tried. they have increased the amount of cigarettes per cartridge, i usually get a pack out of each. the vapor production is incredible, as they have revamped the atomizers, and its truly amazing, plumes and plumes of vapor. Flavor? Could be improved for Classic, but my favorite is the cherry crush, tastes the best and has the greatest experience. I hope to ween myself off all cigarettes with these, but im finding myself preferring Blu to analogs. Good job blu with the nice work!
Despite what some people say about Blu, I'm going to order a starter kit tomorrow. The pack design and general look of it is whats selling it to me. It will be the first experience with E-cigs for me, and if I'm not satisfied I'll just send it back. As far as the 510 kit goes, from the youtube vids I've seen, it looks too much like you're playing a kazoo.
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