Can someone explain IkenVape to me?

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caged

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More specifically, what is the difference between all the cartomizers?

Fusion,
Mega 808,
The lonely 901 LR,
Mega 510,
510 Gold V2,
510 Gold V2 Drip Style,
Premium 510 Platinum,
The Clears,
etc. etc. etc.

I guess the problem is I don't know what to try and I'll go broke trying every one of them.

Perhaps it would be easier to say what I'm looking for. All my batteries are currently 3.7 volts regulated. I like a nice, lush velvety vape with smooth flavor. Throat hit can be a little weak and I prefer to control the warmth of the vape by adjusting the strength of my draw (in other words, somewhat on the airy side where I can inhale more slowly if I want a little more warmth). I like lots of vapor production. Also, with every cartomizer I've ever used, I prefer horizontal coil to vertical coil but I have not tried them all.

Thanks...
 
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Scorched

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It would not necessarily irritate your throat more. In my opinion the warmer vapor does not tend to give me more TH as long as it's not too hot. In this case using a LR carto on a 3.7 device would not cause the vapor to be too hot as these atomizers are designed to be perfect. The increased heat would give out more vapor than anything else.

You should definetly go with the Fusion. Even with an adaptor they are really awesome cartomizers.
 

pizza2me

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Awe man!!! Isaac has LR fusions now? I loved the fusion, but it wasn't quite warm enough for me. Gotta get me some of those now too!

Caged,

Seriously I'll probably try the LR fusion someday, but right now I'm hooked on the 1.6's. I like the SC's on my eGo. A little warmer than the DCs. But the DCs are great too! They both have a little longer carto and hold a lot of juice.

Plus, they come in clear (which I love! No more guessing for somebody that tends to burn out cartos!) But the solid black ones are lasting a LONG time too.

Have we confused you more with these different opinions? :)

That's because they are all great! Just slightly different to please different folks.

Also, read switched's sticky on cartos. It helps, but it is a bit out of date because it doesn't have these newer ones.
 

caged

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The more I know the more confused I get.....

How about we put it like this. My favorite carto to date is the Bloog MaxxFusion. My problem with them is I'd like something that holds more juice and is more resistant to gumming up and clogging (some people don't have this problem so it could easily be the juice I was trying).

I don't really care for the SmokTech Dual Coil cartos everyone is raving about. They are ok sometimes, but they don't taste nearly as smooth as the MaxxFusions to me and the vapor doesn't seem as full as the Bloogs either (and they also irritate my throat more).

Other people (in other sections of this site) have been recommending the Mega 808s to me, but here everybody is saying go Fusion. I'm kind of getting tired of spending money to experiment....

Also, depending on the flavor I don't always want a warm vape. This is what I like about cartos with a lose draw -- draw slowly for warmer vape and faster for a cooler vape.

Thanks again for all the help.

Oh, one more question. I know the owner of Ikenvape kind of wanted to run a small time operation almost as a hobby so many products were out of stock (and would go out of stock as soon as the next shipment came in). I understand his commitment to quality and I read his statements on why he doesn't make huge orders (and can completely understand), but if I end up loving his products like everyone else who tries them, will I run in to long periods of time where I can't get my fix?
 

btngchck

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Caged......I feel your pain. However, everybody's preferences are different. What I've done when needing help like this is make a list of what each person says about each type of carto (atty in my case). This narrowed down my experimenting as I was able to take a few off of the "to try" list. Although, I still like to experiment with the "new and improved" goodies that come up.

As to the stock on hand. I would suggest when you find something you like, stock up on it. When you start to run low, stock up again. It's the worst thing to run out. I try to keep enough on hand for myself (and put a couple away for my son). I know my stock on hand has helped my son on more than one occasion.

Good luck finding the one that rocks your world!
 

birdbrains

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The more I know the more confused I get.....

How about we put it like this. My favorite carto to date is the Bloog MaxxFusion. My problem with them is I'd like something that holds more juice and is more resistant to gumming up and clogging (some people don't have this problem so it could easily be the juice I was trying).

I don't really care for the SmokTech Dual Coil cartos everyone is raving about. They are ok sometimes, but they don't taste nearly as smooth as the MaxxFusions to me and the vapor doesn't seem as full as the Bloogs either (and they also irritate my throat more).

Other people (in other sections of this site) have been recommending the Mega 808s to me, but here everybody is saying go Fusion. I'm kind of getting tired of spending money to experiment....

Also, depending on the flavor I don't always want a warm vape. This is what I like about cartos with a lose draw -- draw slowly for warmer vape and faster for a cooler vape.

Thanks again for all the help.

Oh, one more question. I know the owner of Ikenvape kind of wanted to run a small time operation almost as a hobby so many products were out of stock (and would go out of stock as soon as the next shipment came in). I understand his commitment to quality and I read his statements on why he doesn't make huge orders (and can completely understand), but if I end up loving his products like everyone else who tries them, will I run in to long periods of time where I can't get my fix?

Hey caged,

You mentioned in your original post that your batteries were 3.7v regulated and you just mentioned you prefer Bloog carots--just in case you're using solely Bloog batteries--it's not recommended to use LR cartos on batteries less than something like 450 mAh. That usually rules out Bloog/Volt/V4L 808 batts from using LR cartos. Just in case that's what you're using--this will definitely help you narrow down your carto search!
 

caged

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Hey caged,

You mentioned in your original post that your batteries were 3.7v regulated and you just mentioned you prefer Bloog carots--just in case you're using solely Bloog batteries--it's not recommended to use LR cartos on batteries less than something like 450 mAh. That usually rules out Bloog/Volt/V4L 808 batts from using LR cartos. Just in case that's what you're using--this will definitely help you narrow down your carto search!

Thanks,

I have one of those E-Power mod type of system as well (in 510). Although I'm not really impressed with it, it does the job.
 

daniel5383

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caged, im not sure about the mega 808's but i can attest for the fusions...i had nothing but bad experiences with cartos before i tried ikenvape...started off with the gold v2's and i was in heaven...then i went on a limb and tried the fusions and let me say they are amazing...the absolute perfect hit for me. i have a darwin so i get the regular ones and havent had a chance to try the LR ones yet, but i imagine they are just as good for a riva like device...the flavor is amazing, the draw is perfect and you get unbelievable amounts of vapor!
 

uzzaperez

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The more I know the more confused I get.....

How about we put it like this. My favorite carto to date is the Bloog MaxxFusion. My problem with them is I'd like something that holds more juice and is more resistant to gumming up and clogging (some people don't have this problem so it could easily be the juice I was trying).

Gumming and clogging is almost always the juice. The clearer and thinner the juice, the longer your carto will hold up. Also, any filler burning will exacerbate the clogging problem big time, and vice versa.

The Fusion is amazing though. I took a 801 Fusion apart the other day after performance started to fail and I found that after about 25ml of hard vaping it had barely the first sign of a burn mark. It had quit performing because of dark build up in the wrapping around the coil, but the build up rinsed away under the faucet - it was leavings from the vaporized juice that had just built up in there. The Fusions are awesome and they don't burn under reasonably heavy vaping.


I don't really care for the SmokTech Dual Coil cartos everyone is raving about. They are ok sometimes, but they don't taste nearly as smooth as the MaxxFusions to me and the vapor doesn't seem as full as the Bloogs either (and they also irritate my throat more).

I don't like the dual coils either - too much power draw and heat for not enough reward for me. Kills the flavor and it's not like they are producing double the vapor. IMO the dual coils are for people who aren't satisfied with their vape. The performance is good, but no better than other good performing cartos that Dual Coilers apparently didn't know about or they probably wouldn't have turned to the dual coils in the first place.

Other people (in other sections of this site) have been recommending the Mega 808s to me, but here everybody is saying go Fusion. I'm kind of getting tired of spending money to experiment....

I never really gave the mega 808's a chance, because they are so long and I usually vape at such a rate that I'd run them into a dry spot with another venders "jumbos" and the juice had too far to travel for a quick top off to work for me.

If you don't like spending money to experiment just watch 5card lol. 5C is like a canary in the mine...inhales all maner of crazy sh** and then sings if it is safe.

Also, depending on the flavor I don't always want a warm vape. This is what I like about cartos with a lose draw -- draw slowly for warmer vape and faster for a cooler vape.

Thanks again for all the help.

Oh, one more question. I know the owner of Ikenvape kind of wanted to run a small time operation almost as a hobby so many products were out of stock (and would go out of stock as soon as the next shipment came in). I understand his commitment to quality and I read his statements on why he doesn't make huge orders (and can completely understand), but if I end up loving his products like everyone else who tries them, will I run in to long periods of time where I can't get my fix?

Just keep your second tier selections on hand for back up. Maybe he can't always keep the Fusions in stock, but that's no reason not to buy them when they are in stock!

Just my two sents in blue. Probably best to preface everything with "IMO".
 

Iken

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I guess I'm going to have to order a couple of each (including the LR). Just a little concerned because everybody loved the SmokTech dual coils except for me so I don't want to stock up on them.
Same here, but then again I'm not a 5V vaper at the moment. The Single coils I Love, but wouldn't use it on a standard battery. Uzza and everyone here pretty much nailed everything to a Solid T. Leaving not much I can tell you :laugh: It's always best to sample around the shop to find exactly what makes you 100% satisfied. Everyone is different, which is an understatement to say the least!
 

wrigleyvillain

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Occasional stock issues and concerns notwithstanding, I don't think it's fair, accurate or even respectful to call IKV a "hobby" shop. His stuff, right down to the RY4, is special and as far as I can tell much if not all is custom made.

As I saw someone post elsewhere--"Issac has forgotten more about the vaping business than most vendors will ever know".

That said, I too am still a generally a noob to his stuff and all the hardware options definitely can be confusing. It would be nice to have a "list-type" breakdown as it appears you seemed to try to get going with the first post. Perhaps such really isn't possible and my hunch is you're going to have to try them for yourself to find your sweet spot. In a sense, finding IKV can be like starting all over again. :)
 

caged

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Occasional stock issues and concerns notwithstanding, I don't think it's fair, accurate or even respectful to call IKV a "hobby" shop. His stuff, right down to the RY4, is special and as far as I can tell much if not all is custom made.

As I saw someone post elsewhere--"Issac has forgotten more about the vaping business than most vendors will ever know".

That said, I too am still a generally a noob to his stuff and all the hardware options definitely can be confusing. It would be nice to have a "list-type" breakdown as it appears you seemed to try to get going with the first post. Perhaps such really isn't possible and my hunch is you're going to have to try them for yourself to find your sweet spot. In a sense, finding IKV can be like starting all over again. :)

I certainly didn't mean any disrespect, but what I did say was based on previous posts made by Iken himself. It does seem stock issues are getting much better (he doesn't sell out the same day shipments come in) and again, I completely understand his reasoning for keeping orders smaller than many would like (at the same time, I do prefer ordering from places that have stock when I need a product). I believe the FDA is still trying to get storage fees from him for illegally confiscating his goods. I also believe Iken got started because he likes to tinker with and improve things. There is nothing wrong with that and I think his products became more popular than he was expecting.
 

Switched

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Isaac's orders (from the mfr) have grown 100 fold from his humble beginnings and that figure is pretty conservative and growing exponentially. OTOH his popularity is such that the shelves go bare rather quickly. In the last 6 months or so he had 3 major sales that put him behind the eight ball big time. Good for some perhaps but not the vendor or the rest of us. I have never had a problem acquiring what I need from Isaac, mind you my needs are few as I have a good stash and can wait for the next shipment. Most of the regulars seldom order and when they do order large. For the new folks coming to IkenVape it can be frustrating at times.

There is always 3 orders in the loop for any given object:
  • one being manufactured;
  • one in transit,; and
  • one on the shelves.

... not much more a fellow can do besides performing miracles, which on occasion do happen.
 

caged

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Uzza and everyone here pretty much nailed everything to a Solid T. Leaving not much I can tell you :laugh:

Well, at least you saved me 5%.....Thanks! (At first I thought you were giving me 5% off problems in life.....).

In any case, it seems I have a case of you snooze you lose. I'm probably better off getting LR for 3.7 volts anyway, but the regular Mega 808s are out of stock.
 
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