Couple of questions for all you experienced vapers

[DevilWoman]

I originally decided to try a PV thanks to a friend who was using one. I bought my first one around the time I registered here after reading reviews and comments both here and at other internet sites. I chose an RN4072 from Mypvshop. So far, it has done the job adequately once I got strong enough juice. My friend's unit was a black cigarette style, no idea model or brand, that he began having trouble with shortly after I got mine. At this point his no longer works at all, he even says the charger now fails to charge the batteries. Needless to say he months ago went back to strictly analogs. He'd very much like to try again. What would you guys (and gals) recommend to someone who already knows he'd like to switch to vaping? Obviously, one of his primary considerations would be that the unit be reliable and dependable. I think he'd also prefer reasonably good battery life. I don't think cofiguration, i.e. cigarette-style or other, is particularly important. I doubt he'd want to pay for something as pricey as a Provari at this point, although later down the road that might be something he'd consider. For now, a good kit in the $50 or so range I'm pretty sure he'd be willing to try.


My second question is for myself. I went to Mypvshop thinking perhaps I should order some more parts for the one I have knowing nothing lasts forever only to discover that Mypvshop is discontinuing carrying the 4072 due to, according to their site, quality issues that have arisen in the past year which remain unresolved. So I decided I needed to consider something different. I found a DES801 kit at azsmokefree.com for only $15.99. At that price, even if it turns out to not be great I haven't lost much. The unit arrived today, and I have a battery charging now. The cartridges that came with it came prefilled with tobacco-flavored liquid, which I don't want. Without using grain alcohol, which I have none of in the house, what would be the best way to clean the existing liquid out so I can add something else?

I have also ordered a couple of other models to check out. I have an Innokin Lea Kross coming from Whitestagvapor.com and an Kgo from Virginvapor.com. I figure between what I have already not spent on analogs and what I won't spend next month, I'll still be pretty even by the end of next month. Next on my list will be the new Innokin iTaste Intelligent VV, once those of you who've pre-ordered have a chance to test it and post a review. It really does look cool and is a pretty low price for a VV, providing no one here says really bad things about it. Guess I'm really not saving much money so far over buying analogs, but this is sure a lot more fun!

 

[MickeyRat]

You're kind of off the grid with both the 4072 and the 801. That's probably why they were cheap. They might be okay but, no one's buying. The 510 threading is a the most prevalent at the moment.

Really you're going to have to spend more than you have so far to get anything decent. IMO the best thing for you and your buddy to get will be something in the ego class (ego, Kgo, Riva, epower, etc.). One thing to keep in mind is that these batteries can't be recharged forever. If you are charging them every day, they have to be replaced every few months. That's probably what happened with your friend's. You can cut down on long term costs by going with a generic battery device. However, you need to know how to get the correct batteries and that's not necessarily obvious. This Kgo starter kit would be a good choice. You'll need to get some additional blank cartomizers and some juice as well. I'd also advise you to get a drip tip and a 510 atomizer to sample the juice before you fill a carto with it.

 

[DevilWoman]

Thanks, MickeyRat. I do have a Kgo kit coming from Virgin Vapor and an Innokin Lea Kross coming from White Stag Vapors. Hopefully, they will both arrive early next week. As soon as my budget allows I'm thinking I'd like to try an Innokin iTaste Intelligent VV. For a VV it seems fairly inexpensive, but I am going to wait to hear from folks here who say they've already pre-ordered and see what their experiences are with it. I have made the definite decision to quit smoking in favor of vaping so if I end up with units I decide not to use eventually I figure I can always introduce other smokers I know to vaping by giving them away. My friend, however, needs to get back into vaping and decide he wants to forego smoking in favor of vaping before he'll likely want to invest too much in equipment. The RN4072 may not be great, but it's done its job of convincing me that I both can and want to do this instead.

I've already found plenty of liquids I absolutely love, and I think my friend also has already found juices he likes, he just needs a better device.

 

[sailorman]

I would recommend the kGo to your friend. You'll see why when you get yours, so I'll spare you the pitch. Suffice it to say that it's probably the single most trouble-free, versatile and economical e-cig available for new vapers, according to all the feedback here. I don't know what Virgin Vapors is getting, but the kits are going for $40 or so, which is right in your friends budget.

KGO Black Atomizer Kit 1100mah

If he gets the atomizer kit, it'll come with a couple atomizers for testing juice. Then you guys can split an order of bulk cartomizers. You can get 5 boxes for $23, with free shipping from surevapes.com. That's the absolute lowest price on cartomizers you'll find anywhere without having to order them from China.

 

[sailorman]

... The cartridges that came with it came prefilled with tobacco-flavored liquid, which I don't want. Without using grain alcohol, which I have none of in the house, what would be the best way to clean the existing liquid out so I can add something else?...

You can clean them with hot, nearly boiling water. Flush them with a syringe or turkey baster and blow out the water. Rinse and repeat until it runs clear. Then, let them air dry a few days or put them in a bag with dry rice for a day or two.
It's a lot easier with grain alcohol, but if you can't get that, just use the cheapest rotgut vodka you can find. The higher the proof, the better. Some people boil them, but I'm not sure how yours are built, so I hesitate to recommend it. You might experiment with one. Boil for 15 minutes, rinse and repeat until there is no odor coming from the boiling water.

 

[DevilWoman]

Thanks, sailorman! Virgin is selling the Kgo kits with the 1100mAh batteries for $1 more than Hoosier, but Virgin had more available colors and includes a 10ml sample of liquid in a wide choice of flavors. No choice in strength or composition (VG/PG %), but for only $1 more and the color I wanted, it was worth the difference.

I decided to get one after reading lots of good things about them here, especially the batteries. I had already decided to try the Lea Kross and ordered it. I was starting to feel a little silly ordering so many different styles of equipment until I read posts here from folks who have lots of various ones and find a use for and reason to like each one. So maybe I'm not really crazy... or maybe I am.

As to my second question, what is the best way to clean out the stuffing in a new cartridge so I can replace the liquid that came in it with something I like?

Edit: Oops, sorry, the sample is 4 ml, not 10.

 

[DevilWoman]

Oops, we posted at the same time! Thanks so much for the information!

 

[Forkeh]

Well it really depends on what he wants and how much he's willing to pay. At the very least, I'd suggest some sort of Ego or ego clone (someone said Kgo, that would be perfectly fine). For the best battery life, the highest mAh model you can find would be best, but that said, even the lower mAh rated devices are pretty dang good. If he wants something really simple, that all you have to do is push a button, this is a really great option. Works well, good battery life, simple to use. Now, you can get a basic kit with these puppies for, oh I don't know, something like $60, maybe a bit less. If you really want to knock his socks off, set him up with something duel coil or low resistance (or both!) as a juice delivery device.

If he wants a VV mod, and keep in mind that not everyone does, The Lava Tube had been great to me. Fraction of the cost of the Provari or Darwin. Grated, it's certainly not, what's the word I'm looking for? I'm not sure "good" is the right word. It's not as high end as either of those options. But for the price it is a good solid mod that handles VV quite well. But I only suggest this if he really wants one and will spend the time learning how to use it properly. These kits can be had, depending on the model for around $70-$100.

As for your question, I don't really know, because I don't use cartos really Maybe if you vape all the juice out, and then keep flooding it? I don't know, listen to everyone else lol.

 

[sailorman]

.... If you really want to knock his socks off, set him up with something duel coil or low resistance (or both!) as a juice delivery device.
...

I have to disagree with this point. Do not use a dual coil cartomizer on a kGo, eGo or other 3.7V device. A low resistance, 1.7-2.0 ohm cartomizer is fine, but in a SINGLE coil. Not a dual coil. A dual coil cartomizer needs over 4 volts to perform well. A low resistance dual coil carto is NOT low resistance. Only the total of the coils, as perceived by your battery, is low resistance. It is two standard resistance coils in one cartomizer.

If you, or Forkeh, would like a more detailed explanation of why a dual coil is not good on a kGo, I'll be glad to provide it. But hear me now, believe me later. You want a single coil on a 3.4-3.7 Volt e-cig.

 

[Vchick]

For cartridges you can pull out the filling with a pair of tweezers (801's are a little stubborn) rinse and pat dry, rinse the cartridge out and re-insert the filling. Top off with liquid until there's a little slush on top (no pooling) and insert into your atomizer.

hth!

 

[DevilWoman]

Okay, so I'm guessing the cartomizers you suggested from sure vapes are the single coil, right? Next questions, what is the advantage to cartomizers and how are they different from the cartridges I currently have? If they are truly better might it be wise for me to go ahead and order the bulk ones you mentioned now as that appears to be a sale price that might change if I wait too long?

 

[Vchick]

Is the system you have 2 or 3 pieces?

 

[DevilWoman]

Hmm, that's a good question, Vchick. Sailorman posted the suggestion about getting bulk cartomizers in relation to a Kgo kit I have ordered but haven't received yet so I really don't know. I'm still pretty new to this but determined to make the switch totally from analogs to PVs. I see a lot of discussion here about cartomizers but know really nothing about them. So far my device is an RN4072 that has cartridges and a new and very inexpensive DSE801 also with cartridges. If cartomizers are a good idea and one that many experienced people use then perhaps it might be a good idea for me to acquire some while they're on sale. I'm planning to suggest a Kgo kit to a friend next week who is responsible for getting me interested in PVs but whose own unit has long since failed him. Last week he mentioned he'd like to try again with a better unit so I asked for some recommendations to give him. Thanks for all your help!

 

[bodrell]

Hey DevilWoman...sailorman's advice is spot-on.

I'm not "very" experienced but I do use cartos; in fact that's all I've used since starting vaping (on a KGO.) My favourite now is 1.7 Smoketech "Resurrectors" (they go by different names depending on the vendor) because I can fill them with juice and get a ton of flavor, vapor and throat hit for hours without topping off. The BOGE 2.0 cartros also work great for me.

I have not bought from this vendor but this seems like an awesome deal on a KGO kit - free shipping, a big bottle of juice and cheap cartos:
Elite Vaporworks KGO Starter Kit with Boge LR Cartomizers - KGO

 

[MickeyRat]

DevilWoman, I didn't stay with cartos but, they are the best place to start and it's where most people stay.

 

[Pappy]

Devilwoman (love that name by the way), as Sailorman said, you want the LR (Low Resistance) cartomizers. I'm happily using the Smok-Tech XL LR 1.7ohm cartomizers on my KGO. I also have some Boge 2.0ohm cartomizers, which are supposed to be good too, but I haven't used them yet.

If your KGO kit comes with some cartomizers in the kit, don't get discouraged if you don't get much vape, flavor or throat hit. The kit cartos in my kit were terrible. I should throw them away, but I'm saving them just for a dire emergency. The smok-tech LR's are MUCH better.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

1.7 Smoketech "Resurrectors"

I've converted many with the Kgo and their/ my preferred carto is the 1.7 single coil. Try to get the stainless steel in case one day you want to move up to a tank. No absolute guarantees but I'm willing to bet you'll love the 1.7's. Here's a review on the 1.7



Good Luck.

 

[Pappy]

I also meant to add that you should listen to Sailorman. He dispenses a LOT of good advice here, and he knows what he's talking about.

 

[sailorman]

I'm assuming that your mini-ecig is a 2 piece system with a battery and what the manufacturer calls a cartridge. This is the source of confusion. A mini-ecig like that is really a battery and a cartomizer. A cartomizer contains a heating element, or coil, along with polyester filling to absorb the juice.

A cartridge is a hollow mouthpiece with polyfill or foam in it to absorb the juice, usually about 8 or 10 drops. It contains no coil. It plugs into an atomizer, which is a tube that contains the coil. The whole e-cig is therefore a three piece system. Battery, atomizer and cartridge. Three piece cartridge systems are rare anymore in mini-ecigs. Most 3 piece systems that still exist today have modified those old cartridges to hold more juice and renamed them "tanks", which causes more confusion.

Your ego kit could have been an "atomizer kit" or a "cartomizer kit". If it is an atomizer kit, it will come with one or more atomizers and some of the old fashioned little cartridges. If it is a cartomizer kit, it will usually come with a box of 5 cartomizers. Cartomizers are disposable, but they can be refilled. You throw them out when they clog or the coil burns out. Atomizers can be used to test juice to see if you like it before you fill a cartomizer with it. You don't want to mix flavors in a cartomizer, and they are a hassle to clean.

Ideally, you should have plenty of cartomizers and a few atomizers. That's why I suggested an atomizer kit for your friend. That way, he'll get the atomizers he needs and you can get cartomizers somewhere else. Also, the cartomizers you get elsewhere are likely to be better quality than what comes in the kit, unless the vendor lets you select your own.

This is an atomizer kit. It comes with 2 atomizers and 6 cartridges that plug into the atomizer. Throw the cartridges away.
KGO Black Atomizer Kit 1100mah

This is a cartomizer kit. It comes with 5 cartomizers.
Elite Vaporworks KGO Starter Kit with Boge LR Cartomizers - KGO

With a cartomizer kit, from this vendor or others, there are no atomizers. They cost more than cartomizers. So get the atomizers with the kit and buy the cartomizers. Two atomizers will cost about $15. You can get a lot of cartomizers for $15 instead of spending it on atomizers.

 

[sailorman]

Okay, so I'm guessing the cartomizers you suggested from sure vapes are the single coil, right? Next questions, what is the advantage to cartomizers and how are they different from the cartridges I currently have? If they are truly better might it be wise for me to go ahead and order the bulk ones you mentioned now as that appears to be a sale price that might change if I wait too long?

You probably have cartomizers right now in your mini-cigarette. Do you have a link to what it is exactly that you have now? Or, can you describe it? Is it about the size of a cigarette? Is it 2 pieces? That was the impression I got.

If it is similar to a cigarette, it uses a cartomizers that is not compatible with the ones used on the kGo. They use 510 cartomizers. If you get some in your kGo kit, they may or may not be as good as they could be. You can't have too many cartomizers anyway, so it pays to buy them in bulk. If you can get the 1.7ohm Smoketech cartomizers, they are the best. The Boge 2ohm are also very good. Crystalclearvaping.com will let you mix and match. Their deal is $20 shipped for 3 boxes, and they give you a free drip tip. Not as good as the surevapes deal, but they might have the 1.7ohm if surevapes doesn't.

[EDIT] Nevermind. I know what you have. You are using cartomizers. That's what came with your e-cig. They are not really cartridges. They juist call them that because nobody knows what a cartomizer is. Those cartos will not fit the kGo or anything else.