Different Cartos, Different Fill Techniques?

[PaulB]

In the whole area of cartomizers, sometimes I feel like I've read too much advice...

For the time being, I've settled into two different cartomizers for my two different PVs. For my 5V box mod, I'm using the standard resistance (can't remember the ohms) 808 Premium cartos from LitecigUSA-- https://www.litecigusa.net/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PREMKRBLANKCART. For my eGo battery, I've lately discovered and gotten to like the lower resistance Volt cartos from Smokeless image. Overall, I've developed a big preference for 808 gear connected via adapter to 510 electricity (like the tighter draw).

In the last few weeks, I've noticed a big increase in "burn-itis"-- first or second day burn-ups of the above Premium cartos in my mod. For a while I was attributing it to a bad shipment. (I don't have a VOM to test resistance.) But lately I've been wondering... It seems like my problems may have begun when, after reading some pretty persuasive advice, I started condom-filling all my cartos from the battery end instead of the mouth end as I'd mostly done before. This seems to have caused no problem with the Volt cartos.

Can those of you who are acquainted with the varying architecture of vertical and horizontal coiled cartomizers verify if there are reasons why a top fill might be better for the former and a battery fill might be better for the latter?

 

[Princessdee]

Hi, Paul.
I can't tell you much, but I can say I really, personally don't like battery fill with condoms, simply because it's too messy.

I'm currently using a vv box but until recently I used a 6V box.

The 5V mod will burn the cartos if they're not kept wet. I like a slushy carto. I pop off the top (and silicone ring if there is one) and put a drip tip on them. Hit them with 4-5 drops every 30 mins of vaping or so.

Guess I'm trying to tell you to "keep it wet"
If you condom fill, do it more often than you think it needs it.

Hope that helps ~ Princess

 

[Nomoreash]

Your filling method shouldn't matter. I usually fill those type using the end cap/condom method on the first fill because it seems to saturate the dry filler quicker and easier, for topping off or refills I drip into the open end.

As long as it's wet either way should work and shouldn't be the cause of your issue. My first thought would be your using it at to high of voltage but would need to know what the ohm rating of the carto is to be sure. The fact you don't have the same issue with the Volt Cartos further leads me to think that's the case because they are fairly high ohm cartos. Since you don't have a multimeter GET ONE!. I recommend them for all people vaping as they will help with troubleshooting many many issues as well as checking voltage and ohms, plus they are cheap. If you have a Harbor Freight close they usually have good deals.

 

[JTman]

One thing I have read about and agree with in my limited experience so far is to let the carto sit at least over night. Fill it up and let it sit. Giving it some time to let the juice flow through and wick evenly to all the filler gives it a better over all vape.

 

[PaulB]

Hi, Princess--I probably run a little less slushy than you would prescribe, only because months ago I ditched drip-tips and always vape open-ended with cartomizers. But I don't think I let things get horribly dry (drip-filling 3-4 drops when vapor starts to ebb), and at any rate I don't think anything I'm doing (except the battery-end fill) has changed as to coincide with the carto burnings. One thing I think I notice is that the cartos that die early always seem to be the ones that work and taste best right after the initial fill. I'm consistently bad about not letting cartos sit overnight after filling. Maybe 15 minutes, as my routine seems to be to fill one, hop in the shower, and grab it as I walk out the door. I do know that an overnight sit helps things (mainly from the times I've let one sit in my desk drawer at work because I forgot it).

I've noticed a couple of things about the Volt cartos. First, they seem to be incredibly miserly. The other night I was riding with somebody else to a band job and remembered the eGo but forgot my e-liquid when changing cars, so I was without refill for 4-5 hours-- but managed to vape it to satisfaction (well, semi-satisfaction at the end) until my liquid and I were reunited. Through all that, it didn't burn in the way that my other cartos do. I also seem to notice is that the Volts don't die via that sort of filler burning. Instead, they peter out more like atomizers--lowered performance and slightly-off taste at the end--but usually after a respectable number of days' service. For either type with me, we're talking uninterrupted use because I almost never change flavors or otherwise rotate cartos on either PV--just stick with one on each and refill and refill till it's dead.

@Nomoreash-- Yeah, I keep meaning to get one of those cheapo Harbor Freight multimeters. Last time I was there I think they were out.

 

[Princessdee]

I do that, too. Stick with one flavor till it's gone. Volts are serving me well.
I've never had the patience to let one set that long, as I usually fill just as my last one has died and I want a vape right now. Usually less than a minute.

I want this meter but haven't pulled the trigger on it yet. If you're going VV, I suggest it. (Although I don't know what a chopper circut is and if I happen to have one)
Volt meter - notcigs.com