Cartomizers vs Cartridges and Atomizers?

[morganator]

I was wondering what some pros and cons are for both of these.

I ordered blank cartomizers (still waiting on them) instead of an atty and some carts, to vape juices that I am going to mix up (DIY). But I am wondering which is better, if one is better, and what things make it better.

For instance, can you drip with a carto, or do you need an atty by itself?
Are cartos as easy to fill?
How long does a normal atty last?
How long does a cartomizer last? (including refills)
How long does a cartridge last? (including refills)
Saying I use a different carto for each flavour, would that make a better flavour than having to wash my atty between flavours, and risking flavour cross-over?
In general, is the vapor production, or flavour quality better in one type, or are they essentially the same in this matter?

Sorry, that is a lot of questions! If you can just clarify any of these questions that would be really helpful, or if you have any other tips or knowledge about this area! I have been trying to find information, but it is a bit confusing. Thanks!

 

[TL1000RSquid]

I mostly use carto's and drip sometimes.
With some mod's you could drip with a carto.
Carto's are mostly easy to fill, some types vary though, anywhere from just putting drops into the top to using a syringe.
With proper care atty's can last for months
Carto's can last for weeks with daily use(I'm on week 4 with some CE2's lost 1 so far), again really depends on which carto's, I've had some cheapo's I didn't even know the manufacturer of die after 4 fills
I stick with 1 flavor for the life of my carto's makes life easier no contaminated flavors, have to clean less frequently.
Vapor, flavor and throat hit can vary across even the same type of platform depending on ohm's.

CE2 carto's are my main thing I find I usually get the best flavor out of them, they hold a good amount of juice and you can do a few good mod's to them if your inclined, some people don't like them. Best thing to do is look around see who's got a good sale or coupon code out and order a few different types of carto's to test out, not sure what PV your using but if its larger capacity you can try out some LR stuff too.

 

[TxMagic]

I use 510 soft cap cartomizers. Could never get the cartridges to wick fast or wet enough - smoked 2 pad. Sometimes I drip directly on the atty, but usually just when trying new flavors, so mostly cartos. Cartos can get warmer on my lips than I like (rough on the lipstick) so I leave the soft cap off and use a plastic drip tip. Drip tip is also quicker to remove than the soft cap - no toothpick or paper clip required. I vape constantly and carry a 3ml or 6 ml bottle in my pocket. System is easier than keeping track of pieces parts and flavors. Cartos last me two to three days of heavy use before flavor gets yucky and need cleaning. I drip into the carto and keep filler wet to delay scorching. Once the filler scorches, the flavor deteriorates rapidly and I can't ever really get the taste cleaned out. I've only killed a carto by poking around (curiosity) and breaking the wire or by letting it get too dry and scorching the filler. Have CE2s on order, but haven't tried them yet. Just my experience and I'm lovin' it! Hope you find a combination that keeps you happy.

 

[Bozzlite]

I don't know how one would drip with a carto, but I'm sure someone has figured it out.

Cartos take a bit more fiddling to refill
There is no definitive atty life.. some last a week, some last for months and months
There is no definitive carto life..some last for days, some last weeks and weeks

A cartridge can last for a long long time. Its the filler that needs to be replaced, probably every 10 days to 2 weeks.

It is easier to change flavors with a cartridge than a cartomizer. Uh, well.... with a cart just pull out the filler and rinse it out, let it dry. Blow out the old juice from the atty. I just usually drip the new flavor into the cart until it takes over instead of doing all that unless it is a persistent flavor that won't go away.

And in general, the flavor and vapor is.....well, just depends. I haven't had much luck with cartos.

 

[FreakyStylie]

Are there certain kinds of cartos that work with tips? My dt won't fit in my cartos??? I guess I should have asked that BEFORE I placed an order for 10 more! LOL

 

[deback]

Idon't know how one would drip with a carto, but I'm sure someone has figured it out.
Cartos take a bit more fiddling to refill

You can drip into cartomizers easily. Just remove the white rubber mouth cap and drip into the filler. About 12 to 15 drops to refill and about 22 to 26 drops to fill new cartos, give or take 2 or 3 drops, and depending on how empty the carto is.

Cartos take NO fiddling to refill. Just remove the white rubber mouth cap and drip into the filler. Replace the white rubber mouth cap. I don't even use the white rubber mouth caps anymore, because I recently started using drip tips at the mouth end of the cartos as mouthpieces (I don't drip using the drip tips). However, I just refill each carto when it's time to grab a filled carto, and place the refilled carto in rotation order, so it has several hours (24 hours or more) to allow the juice to soak into the filler, which results in a better air flow, better vapor, and better flavor.

Cartos are easier to use than atomizers and cartridges. Just screw one onto the battery and vape. Each filled cartomizer lasts me about an hour, but they last a lot longer for some people (who don't vape as often as I do).

Cartos last longer when vaping than atomizers and cartridges, because they hold more liquid.

Cartos take less fiddling around, because you don't have to constantly wet the atomizer or fill the inner cart inside the cartridge or mess around with little pieces of polyfill.

I'm still using cartos that were new five weeks ago. Just got done flushing out a bunch using the method in my blog, let them all dry by a fan for 3 1/2 days, and they now taste like new. This time, when I cleaned them, I let them soak in hot tap water for a couple of hours, then I flushed them out using the Walmart syringe, plunger, and rubber cone (there's a picture in my blog), then I let them soak in hot tap water overnight, and the next morning, I flushed them all out again, then used the plunger and rubber cone to remove all the excess water, and then set them by a fan for 3 1/2 days. They're as good a new now and are completely dry. (I won't vape any cartomizer that is still soggy or wet with water inside the filler.)

Cartomizers are five for $7.95 at litecigusa.net - either the Boge 510, SLB 510, or the KR808D-1 cartos. The KR808D-1 cartos would need an adapter (510-battery to 808/901-atomizer) to work on 510 and eGo batteries. Those adapters are available at goodprophets.com for 99 cents each or at litecigusa.net for 2.95 each (I think).

Atomizers can last for several months, if you take care of them, clean them regularly, and keep them wet with juice.

I don't use cartridges. They're too much hassle, and I like the easiness and convenience of cartomizers. I could use each cartomizer for a different flavor, but since I vape the same liquid mixture all the time, I don't have that problem.

Cartridges will last forever. You can replace the filler inside the inner carts with Fluval or Marineland Blue Foam Size U, both from pet store in the fish section, or with Lipton Tea Bags (see the YouTube videos for this and the other cartridge mods, if you're interested). The fillers can be rinsed and dried anytime you wish.

You can drip into an atomizer and use a drip tip without the cartridge. This is the preferred method by the more experienced vapers who would rather drip than use cartomizers. For new atomizers, blow out the primer liquid several times, then drop 6 drops into the atomizer, then blow out a couple more times, then add a couple more drops into the atomizer, then put on a drip tip, and vape. Every few minutes, depending on how often you take drags, you'll have to drip 3 more drops into the atomizer to keep it wet. If you get a burnt taste, it means the atomizer needs 3 more drops, but probably 4 or 5 more drops.

 

[deback]

Are there certain kinds of cartos that work with tips? My dt won't fit in my cartos??? I guess I should have asked that BEFORE I placed an order for 10 more! LOL

All the drip tips I've bought fit into all of my cartos (Boge 510 and KR808D-1). I've bought two of the stainless steel drip tips from litecigusa.net and five of the metal drip tips from goodprophets.com. Also have two of the black plastic drip tips that came with my eGo 1300mAh kit. They all fit the cartos I have. Sometimes, I have to push or turn the drip tip slightly to push it in tight.

 

[Technonut]

Are there certain kinds of cartos that work with tips? My dt won't fit in my cartos??? I guess I should have asked that BEFORE I placed an order for 10 more! LOL

I have some 510 XL CE2 R4 cartos that all of my DTs fit...

 

[Automaton]

I was wondering what some pros and cons are for both of these.

I ordered blank cartomizers (still waiting on them) instead of an atty and some carts, to vape juices that I am going to mix up (DIY). But I am wondering which is better, if one is better, and what things make it better.

For instance, can you drip with a carto, or do you need an atty by itself?
Are cartos as easy to fill?
How long does a normal atty last?
How long does a cartomizer last? (including refills)
How long does a cartridge last? (including refills)
Saying I use a different carto for each flavour, would that make a better flavour than having to wash my atty between flavours, and risking flavour cross-over?
In general, is the vapor production, or flavour quality better in one type, or are they essentially the same in this matter?

Sorry, that is a lot of questions! If you can just clarify any of these questions that would be really helpful, or if you have any other tips or knowledge about this area! I have been trying to find information, but it is a bit confusing. Thanks!

There's really no "better," they're different and I've used both as my "main vape" at different points in time.

Cartos are fairly easy to fill. You can take off the top and drip into the filler, or drip through the bottom hole, or put some liquid in a "carto condom" and push the carto into it.

You will get wildly different answers on how long an atty lasts. Some people just seem to hold on to them longer than others. For me? I've never had one die, in over 3 months.

Cartomizers have less longevity. I get 6-7 refills before they start tasting funny. They can be washed, but I've had so-so luck with it.

Cartidges can last indefinitely. Even if the filler gets a bit manky, you can just wash it, or buy polyfill and re-stuff them yourself. It's basically just a plastic tube with filler in it.

For me, atties can handle a few flavor changes before they need to be cleaned. With a carto, you really can't switch completely without washing them.

Your last question, again, will be individual. For me, I get more vapor from an atty. But I get more flavor and throat hit from a cartomizer. Unless, that is, I'm using an LR atomizer. Then I get the flavor and throat hit I want. But regular atties never quite did it for me in that regard.

But that's just me.

 

[Zurd]

There's a poll about this on what people use : http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/polls/92564-do-you-use-cartridge-cartomizer-drip.html

It's pretty much equal for everything, seems like every type is good, the only real way to know what you like is to try all of them

 

[deback]

I refill about 12 cartomizers every day. I've rotated the same 20 cartomizers for the last four weeks. Cleaning and flushing them this last week has made them like brand new. The flavor and taste is just like those that are brand new. The key is to soak them for a few hours in regular tap water and then use the syringe, plunger, and rubber cone to completely flush out all the old juice AND excess water - and then let them dry completely by a fan for at least three days. Overnight or any less than three days isn't long enough to dry them out completely.

Some people use boiling water to clean them. Boiling water will shrink the fillers by 33% and will degrade the future performance.

Some people will soak them and then just blow them out, which doesn't remove all the excess water and old juice in the filler. They will even refill them before letting the filler dry completely.

The last two methods listed above is why there is still a funky taste in the cartos when they're done cleaning them.

 

[Kate51]

I have a night light (old type, C7 bulb and a snap on shade) that I drilled a hole in the top of the shade big enough to hold a cartomizer upright on top of the bulb. Cartos dry nice and fast, but don't put one in that's wet enough to drip water onto the bulb ~ I "flick" them out (like cracking a whip) enough to get excess water out after rinsing.
I just found a new-manufacture cartomizer for the 801, (bauway carto from Mad Vapes) and absolutely love them ~ no more messing with cartridges and fillers, no more "scorched" taste. As far as usable life, some regular attys burn the first day. I've had good luck with these lasting a nice long time, and very economical ~ no more $5-10 attys for me!! Actually economical enough to not worry about cleaning, but I have done a few to re-use for a little while. They do hold more juice, so if you need to clean them, it's a question about using more juice to re-fill again from dry, if the old juice is thickened or tainted you're going to lose it anyway. (Wasteful, a little?) But a choice. If it's producing fair amount of vapor but getting sluggish, sometimes cleaning rejuvenates the vapor production. If it's just going cold, I can't see much hope in cleaning.
I use everclear (grain alcohol) to soak it in, and then rinse well in clear water.

 

[Zurd]

Some people use boiling water to clean them. Boiling water will shrink the fillers by 33% and will degrade the future performance.

So where were you all my life, I just notice this after 7 months of cartomizer's uses, something's wrong with boiling, I will now try your method with the syringe/plunger. I'm not a slow learner, not my fault the learning curve is just so steep ^.^

 

[TL1000RSquid]

So where were you all my life, I just notice this after 7 months of cartomizer's uses, something's wrong with boiling, I will now try your method with the syringe/plunger. I'm not a slow learner, not my fault the learning curve is just so steep ^.^

I find this method with PGA or Vodka gives the best results.

 

[Zurd]

I find this method with PGA or Vodka gives the best results.

I'd rather drink the vokda Joke aside I'll try with taper water and vodka after if it doesn't produce enough results, so much things to try, and I was just starting to think I was becoming an expert after 7 months vaping

 

[srcowell]

I use everclear (grain alcohol) to soak it in, and then rinse well in clear water.

Interesting... I use the opposite sequence. I flush cartos with lukewarm water, then pump out as much as possible with an oral syringe (the kind for giving liquid medicine to infants, with a rubber cone attachment), then AFTER the water, I'll do the same with Everclear. Whatever the water didn't wash out, the Everclear will, but more importantly, the alcohol will dry out the fiber fill very quickly.

Alcohol dries up water, and there's a little experiment you can do with any type of alcohol... put two drops of water on a paper towel, far enough apart that they don't run together, then put a drop of alcohol on one of the wet spots. It will dry quickly, while the other wet spot lingers.

By flushing the carto with Everclear after the water, you flush the water out and the Everclear evaporates very quickly with just air being forced through the cartomizer for a minute or two. You can use the baby syringe to pump air through it, or adapt an air pump intended for inflating beach balls or something similar. Drying time for the alcohol is minimal if you blow it out well. If any Everclear lingers, it may give your e-liquid a little kick for TH, too!

 

[TL1000RSquid]

I'd rather drink the vokda Joke aside I'll try with taper water and vodka after if it doesn't produce enough results, so much things to try, and I was just starting to think I was becoming an expert after 7 months vaping

LOL I hear you I buy the cheap high proof stuff just for cleaning uses and for my DIY juice making, not using any of my Elit or Grey Goose for that. Browsing the various forums here I always learn some new stuff everyday.

 

[Kate51]

Interesting... I use the opposite sequence. I flush cartos with lukewarm water, then pump out as much as possible with an oral syringe (the kind for giving liquid medicine to infants, with a rubber cone attachment), then AFTER the water, I'll do the same with Everclear. Whatever the water didn't wash out, the Everclear will, but more importantly, the alcohol will dry out the fiber fill very quickly.

Alcohol dries up water, and there's a little experiment you can do with any type of alcohol... put two drops of water on a paper towel, far enough apart that they don't run together, then put a drop of alcohol on one of the wet spots. It will dry quickly, while the other wet spot lingers.

By flushing the carto with Everclear after the water, you flush the water out and the Everclear evaporates very quickly with just air being forced through the cartomizer for a minute or two. You can use the baby syringe to pump air through it, or adapt an air pump intended for inflating beach balls or something similar. Drying time for the alcohol is minimal if you blow it out well. If any Everclear lingers, it may give your e-liquid a little kick for TH, too!

I use Tobacco Absolute in my DIY juice ~ the only thing that will cut it is grain alcohol, so am trying to 'clean' the fibers and the coil wick as much as possible...but it leaves a bitter after-taste. That's why the rinse in clear water. 801 cartos are pretty large, I doubt if the alcohol would be drying enough.

 

[deback]

I use Tobacco Absolute in my DIY juice ~ the only thing that will cut it is grain alcohol, so am trying to 'clean' the fibers and the coil wick as much as possible...but it leaves a bitter after-taste. That's why the rinse in clear water. 801 cartos are pretty large, I doubt if the alcohol would be drying enough.

That's why I don't use any type of alcohol or any other products besides plain water to clean the inside of cartomizers -- I don't want to take the chance of having any bitter or nonbitter aftertaste inside my cartos (that could end up in my mouth). Soaking in water for a few hours and then flushing out the old juice and excess water works just fine, without leaving any aftertaste. I have lots of time (and plenty of cartomizers) to let them dry completely in front of a fan for a few days.

The key to cleaning out cartomizers is flushing out all the excess water with the syringe, plunger, and rubber cone and then making sure the filler inside is completely dry before refilling with e-liquid. Blowing out the excess water isn't good enough, and allowing to dry for only overnight isn't long enough.

 

[abechik]

for me... hot water and then dry burn works ... never tried other method...