As a "young" vapor, I used clearomizers along with cartomizers. The cartomizers provided me with nice flavor production, but they were difficult to judge how much juice was left because you have no way to see the juice level. Clearos allow for that, but I found that they were pretty inconsistant in quality and in their vape experience and were expensive. I stopped purchasing the clearos when I had one completely melt in my hands within 5 minutes after filling it with some strawberry-lemonade flavored e-liquid in it.
Clearomizer falling apart - Read the description for a possible explanation. - YouTube
I soon after switched to pyrex and polypropylene plastic tubed cartotanks, and couldn't be happier. With the pyrex and polypropylene I no longer have to worry about what flavors that I choose to use in my tanks. Since the tubes are clear, you can easily see your juice levels. Using a carto in a tank, it's filler stays wet from continuous feeding of juice from the tank which allows the cartomizer to last longer than when used solo.
I tried a new Vision clearomizer for the first time in months a couple of weeks ago, and realized again why I stopped purchasing them. The flavor was off and it gave me a harsh vape that was very unpleasant. And yes, I did insure that the wicks were wet and had allowed them to soak for several minutes prior to vaping it.
I've come to the conclusion that any silica string-wicked delivery device is going to disappoint me.
The Smoktech cartotanks are notorious in the e-cig trade for having slidey tanks, probably why Smoktech started adding flanges to their cartomizers. However, that only keeps them from sliding toward the PV, not away from it. Other tank manufacturer's tanks fit much more snug on the carto. Regardless of those facts, it's smart practice to always lift your PV by it's body and not by the cartotank. This is just common sense.
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I've been using Ikenvape cartomizers (Platinum or 510 Fusions, punched!) exclusively for the last 3-4 months. Prior to that I was using Smoktek 3.0 ohm single coil cartomizers, with one or two laser-drilled holes.
Single Coil XL Tank replacement 510 cartomizer for 3.5 and 6ml SmokTank XL - w/flange and 1, 2 or 3 holes.
I did not have a good experience with the one time I purchased some Boge cartos, but I'll admit that this was during the early part of Boge Gate last summer when they had horrid quality control issues.
It is true what people are saying about the difference in filler density of Smoktech vs Boge. And that can be a good thing depending upon what your previous experience with cartomizers has been. If you have had wicking issues with dry hits in the past, try some Smoktech's. If you have had flooding issues in the past, try some Boges. Having options is a good thing.
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The juices I use vary from a 50/50 pg/vg ratio to 100% vg. I use only laser-drilled cartomziers, as I believe punching your own holes by whatever method invariably distorts the carto shaft. This oval shape of the carto can cause damage to the o-rings, allowing for eventual tank leaking. Laser-drilled cartos eliminate this possibility and allow for as much juice flow from the tank as do tool-punched.
I also always use a carto tank tool such as the Slap Yo Moma tool from Big Daddy Vapor. Using this tool further protects the o-rings from the top edges of the carto and makes assembling and filling the tank a breeze.
Cartotank set up that I use, including video:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/baditude/3710-5-cartomizer-tank-setup.html