You would be correct that drip atomizers last longer than cartomizers. Eventually the filler in cartomizers become clogged from the particulate matter in
e-liquid to the point where flavor production degrades and the "pull" becomes too stiff.
How long a cartomizer lasts is a tough thing to say. Some people get as little as 3 - 4 days, others claim to get as much as 4 weeks. I would think it depends upon how heavily the person uses that particular carto. Obviously heavy use will shorten its life expectancy. Utilizing multiple cartos simultaneously, using different flavors in each, can prolong the life expectancy.
It's extremely important to fill the cartomizer adequately. Too little
juice and you run the risk of burning the filler. Too much and you will get gurgling, a stiff pull, even blockage. Using a toothpick in the center air hole is a good way to keep juice out if you use the top fill method. Flipping the carto like a thermometer is also helpful, as this duplicates the same thing that a centrifuge might do. Add more juice, flip again...until the filler material appears like a wet slushy drink.
Using a carto in a tank is said to prolong its life expectancy. This is probaby because using a tank you can easily see the juice level in the tank to know exactly when to refill it. The tank supplies additional juice to the carto each time you take a pull, through small holes in the steel tube. These are created either by the user using a carto punch tool, or tank replacement cartos are available with laser-drilled holes.
Dark flavors and thick
e-liquid (high vg %) will clog the filler sooner than clear or less thick liquids.
Spare batteries are MANDATORY!!
