Coming to LA and 2 questions...

[Yamede]

Hi all,

I'm not a beginner (been vaping for 4 years) but quite new here on ECF, as I'm usually on the French forum (forum-ecigarette.com).

I'll be in the US in May and have a few questions for which I'd like your advice:
1) Is there a huge difference in price (for accus - 18650 x2) between online and B&M shops?
If so, what would be your recommended online shop with cheap shipping cost to LA. ?
I'm already placing an order for concentrates / flavors on ecigexpress.com but they don't sell batteries...

2) What are - in your opinion - the best vape shops in : Venice Beach / Santa Monica area
or even in LA in general? Any place I should not miss to visit?

Thanks all for your advice - Have a nice vape!

 

[ImThatGuy]

1) Yes. www imrbatteries com and some people will recommend other stuff...just wait...
2) None in that area.
VapeRev - Cerritos (suburb of LA, about....20 minutes?) (recommend)
Vapour Lounge - Rancho Cucamonga (recommend)
The Vape Shop - LA
The Vapor Spot - LA (Westwood Ave.)
Vapor Delight -Santa Monica (great to look at, but prices aren't friendly)
Venice Vapor Lab - Marina Del Rey.

Any questions, message me directly.

 

[bombastinator]

depends on the battery and the shop. The shop has sales tax, the online shop has shipping cost. its a question of comparison shopping. B&M shops tend to have more rewraps.

 

[ImThatGuy]

depends on the battery and the shop. The shop has sales tax, the online shop has shipping cost. its a question of comparison shopping. B&M shops tend to have more rewraps.

Online will always be cheaper. Please don't spread that stigma of shops selling rewraps. The shops here, in the area he will be at, and the shops I've listed, sell batteries as is. If it's rewrap, then it's directly from the company like ezfan, efest, vapcell, etc. These shops carry quality products, and if they're clones/fakes/etc. then it will be noted.

Your area may be like that, but not here. We only find that fake/rewrap occurence in smoke shops or petty shops.

And if anything, as a consumer, you should always be aware of what you're purchasing.

 

[Yamede]

Thanks already for the replies, especially ImThatGuy - very helpful!

I'll be moving around LA (on sales trip) but not going anywhere near VapeRev or The Vaoupr Lounge, unfortunately. I'll have a look at the ones in SM and VB, though (even if I don't buy anything or just a bottle, it's good to see what's hot & how people vape in your country).

As for batteries, I will anyway buy good ones (Samsung 30Q or Sony VTC5) although I don't vape over 20-30 watt.

So thanks for the IMR link and if anyone else has good recommendations for online shops, feel free!

 

[ImThatGuy]

Oh, also www rtdvapor com
www vapedeal com
www vaperoyalty com

 

[bombastinator]

Online will always be cheaper. Please don't spread that stigma of shops selling rewraps. The shops here, in the area he will be at, and the shops I've listed, sell batteries as is. If it's rewrap, then it's directly from the company like ezfan, efest, vapcell, etc. These shops carry quality products, and if they're clones/fakes/etc. then it will be noted.

Your area may be like that, but not here. We only find that fake/rewrap occurence in smoke shops or petty shops.

And if anything, as a consumer, you should always be aware of what you're purchasing.

so youre saying dont say shops sell rewraps and then you go on to say say that shops sell rewraps. I think we have different definitions of rewraps. I am defining rewraps as a battery bought wholesale as a factory second from one of the big three who actually make them, and then rewrapped with a different company name and resold at retail. ie. ezfan, efest, vapcell, etc.

 

[ImThatGuy]

so youre saying dont say shops sell rewraps and then you go on to say say that shops sell rewraps. I think we have different definitions of rewraps. I am defining rewraps as a battery bought wholesale as a factory second from one of the big three who actually make them, and then rewrapped with a different company name and resold at retail. ie. ezfan, efest, vapcell, etc.

Help the OP. Don't help yourself.

 

[Yamede]

Thanks bombastinator, for your concerns, but as mentioned, I know exactly what kind of batteries I will buy and these won't be rewraps, so no worries on this side.

By the way, I've ordered on www imrbatteries com as prices were good and shipping costs reasonable.
Another site was a bit cheaper but I prefer the presentation of IMR as they clearly state the max Amp. and seem very serious (also liked that they offer a box to carry the batteries, when purchasing a pair. That should be common practice in the industry! ;-) ).

Thanks to all for your help and final questions, slightly unrelated (let me know if I should open another post, but I don't want to pollute...):
I'm planning an order of concentrates on ecigexpress com . Are they good / serious as a website? They seem to be in business for a long time, so it's a good sign, but never know.

And what do you think of these choices (never tried these brands...):

FLAVOURART
oRYental 4 Tobacco by FlavourArt
Cinnamon Ceylon by FlavourArt
Dark Bean (Coffee Espresso) by FlavourArt
Coconut by FlavourArt
Black Fire Tobacco by FlavourArt
Cuban Supreme Tobacco by FlavourArt
7 Leaves Ultimate by FlavourArt
Shade Tobacco by FlavourArt
Custard by FlavourArt
Florida Key Lime by FlavourArt
Arctic Winter (Menthol) by FlavourArt
Anise by FlavourArt
Black Touch (Licorice) by FlavourArt

SIGNATURE BY TFA (THE FLAVOR APPRENTICE)
DX Bavarian Cream Flavor By Signature (TFA)
RY4 DOUBLE Flavor By Signature (TFA)
Ripe Strawberry by Signature (TFA)
Black Honey Tobacco Flavor By Signature (TFA)
Raspberry Sweet Flavor By Signature (TFA)
Apple (Tart Granny Smith) Flavor By Signature (TFA)

CAPELLA
Caramel by Capella Flavor Drops
Graham Cracker Version Two by Capella Flavor Drops
Hazelnut Version Two by Capella Flavor Drops
Black Currant by Capella Flavor Drops
Juicy Lemon by Capella Flavor Drops
Simply Vanilla by Capella Flavor Drops

Any brand to avoid from these three?
Any flavor you've had a "disgusting experience" with?

 

[bombastinator]

Help the OP. Don't help yourself.

Where on earth are you getting that?! Let’s review: I make a statement and am attacked and told what to do in a nonsensical way. I attempt to clarify the difference and am ordered around and attacked again. Who exactly is attempting to help themselves? I don’t think it’s me.

 

[Yamede]

@bombastinator @ImThatGuy
Please, just leave it...
I don't need a battle of "who's right" and "who attacked the other one first" on this thread.
It will lead nowhere, as both of you will "stand their ground" and will just make reading more difficult.
Thanks to both of you in advance for your understanding.

 

[ImThatGuy]

Thanks bombastinator, for your concerns, but as mentioned, I know exactly what kind of batteries I will buy and these won't be rewraps, so no worries on this side.

By the way, I've ordered on www imrbatteries com as prices were good and shipping costs reasonable.
Another site was a bit cheaper but I prefer the presentation of IMR as they clearly state the max Amp. and seem very serious (also liked that they offer a box to carry the batteries, when purchasing a pair. That should be common practice in the industry! ;-) ).

Thanks to all for your help and final questions, slightly unrelated (let me know if I should open another post, but I don't want to pollute...):
I'm planning an order of concentrates on ecigexpress com . Are they good / serious as a website? They seem to be in business for a long time, so it's a good sign, but never know.

And what do you think of these choices (never tried these brands...):

FLAVOURART
oRYental 4 Tobacco by FlavourArt
Cinnamon Ceylon by FlavourArt
Dark Bean (Coffee Espresso) by FlavourArt
Coconut by FlavourArt
Black Fire Tobacco by FlavourArt
Cuban Supreme Tobacco by FlavourArt
7 Leaves Ultimate by FlavourArt
Shade Tobacco by FlavourArt
Custard by FlavourArt
Florida Key Lime by FlavourArt
Arctic Winter (Menthol) by FlavourArt
Anise by FlavourArt
Black Touch (Licorice) by FlavourArt

SIGNATURE BY TFA (THE FLAVOR APPRENTICE)
DX Bavarian Cream Flavor By Signature (TFA)
RY4 DOUBLE Flavor By Signature (TFA)
Ripe Strawberry by Signature (TFA)
Black Honey Tobacco Flavor By Signature (TFA)
Raspberry Sweet Flavor By Signature (TFA)
Apple (Tart Granny Smith) Flavor By Signature (TFA)

CAPELLA
Caramel by Capella Flavor Drops
Graham Cracker Version Two by Capella Flavor Drops
Hazelnut Version Two by Capella Flavor Drops
Black Currant by Capella Flavor Drops
Juicy Lemon by Capella Flavor Drops
Simply Vanilla by Capella Flavor Drops

Any brand to avoid from these three?
Any flavor you've had a "disgusting experience" with?

They are a good company to order from. Those three flavor companies are commonly used by the industry. What to avoid...those flavorings are for DIY to make your own flavor. Have fun mixing! Lots of trial and error.

 

[JCinFLA]

@Yamede - Are you ordering the flavorings to make a whole lot of DIY eliquids while you're in the US? Or are you ordering them to take back on the plane, to make DIY at home in Japan?

Reason I'm asking is because you have only a few flavorings that aren't primary ones. Other types (ie. secondary ones or blenders, possibly some accents, maybe a sweetener, etc.) are also needed for most recipes, and/or successful combinations to make a tasty blended eliquid. If you have some of those types already...you should be fine.

 

[Yamede]

Good to hear both the site and the brands are reputable.

Yes, I should have mentioned, that I am aware they are "mono-flavors" (as we say on the other side of the Atlantic). Going to mix them together and create my own recipes. e.g. :
- Tobacco + custard + cinnamon
- Cigar + Coconut + Caramel (in the spirit of the "Vamp Vape" from T-Juice)
- mint + anis + black current + raspberry (Red Astaire like),
- Mint + Anis + Liquorice + Lemon + Lime + Strawberry (kind of Snake Oil)
etc...

And yes, I'll bring them back to Japan and use them for the rest of the year. I actually supply DIY juice for two friends of mine over here.

 

[JCinFLA]

@Yamede - You might want to doublecheck your flavorings to see if there are restrictions on any of them going by air. Depending on the alcohol content of some flavorings, and the quantity of each of those that contain it, they can't go by air. That's even as far as shipping them to us within the US. They have to go by ground shipment.

 

[Yamede]

@JCinFLA Thanks, I will check but based on previous experience it should be fine, as long as it's in checked luggage. None of these will be more than 30 ml anyway. But it's true that US airlines are much stricter than other carriers...

 

[Winchester]

Howdee! Keep out B&M Vape Shops in California. I am 68 years old and I have been vaping since 2012. Every time I have walked into a vape shop the people that work in the shops here look and treat you as if you just parked your space ship outside and walked to "THEIR WORLD" and you are NOT WELCOME! BUY ONLINE IT'S CHEAPER AND NO ONE JUDGES YOU!

 

[Yamede]

Ahah! I know what you mean! But this can happen in any country with any vendor... ;-)

I actually went to LA 3 years ago and visited Venice Vapor Lab - nice folks who let me try several juices and happy to chat (maybe it was because I am a foreigner and they don't see many?).

Anyway, I'm always interested to see what and how people vape in other countries, so I'll have a look at a few stores and IF the vendors are nice, I'll buy a bottle of juice... If they are arrogant or else, I'll just leave and leave them to their business...

 

[Snicks]

There are many great shops here in SoCal. I do not visit any around LA so I can't comment but the ones around my area (hour out of LA) are great. I'm sure once you are in town you can just yelp local vape shops and then visit the ones with good reviews. Every vape shop Ive been to are more than happy to let you try flavors before deciding on the juice you want. There are many nice people working int he vape industry but like any store; there can be jerks. Good luck and enjoy your stay in California.

 

[Snicks]

1) Yes. www imrbatteries com and some people will recommend other stuff...just wait...
2) None in that area.
VapeRev - Cerritos (suburb of LA, about....20 minutes?) (recommend)
Vapour Lounge - Rancho Cucamonga (recommend)
The Vape Shop - LA
The Vapor Spot - LA (Westwood Ave.)
Vapor Delight -Santa Monica (great to look at, but prices aren't friendly)
Venice Vapor Lab - Marina Del Rey.

Any questions, message me directly.

I dig the Vapour Lounge too.