Got my VK yesterday.

[Jodans]

Yesterday my VK manual ultimate ultimatum kit came in.
I am not impressed at all, though I am trying to be, and I want to be.
When the package arrived I was kind of excited as most of us are, hoping this would be the answer to the refilling issue with my 510.

-Cut out since apparently people only see ammunition rather than an actual concern-

So I still had my coconut cartos to work with. Plugged in the usb charger and the wall charger and started my manual batteries charging. Then hooked a cart up to the pass-through. The vapor production with this was alright. It produced less than my 510, but was a trade I was willing to make for ease of use with the cartomizers.

The USB pass-through worked for about 8 hours then stopped heating the cartos. Not an issue, stuff malfunctions once in a while, having read multiple threads on here, I know all I need to do is give Steve a call and it'll be taken care of. So I switch to the manual batteries (which have been charging for more than 8 hours now).

This is where I was majorly disappointed. The vapor production with the batteries is hardly worth speaking of. It is easily only 1/3, or less, of what my 510 produces. About half of what the pass-through was producing.
I tried every coconut carto included, with both batteries on each, using the same slowish draw I do with my 510. These draws usually consist of having to quickly re-press the button right before cutoff about 2 times.
Now I can understand that the USB pass-through malfunctioned/died, this is a fact, it has happened.
However both batteries not functioning as well seems a little off to me. So on this I have to ask: Am I doing something wrong?
I'm going to be calling V4L about the pass-through but I don't want to say my batteries aren't working also if I could be at fault for the poor vapor production with them.

I want this to work. The cartomizers are great, easy to deal with, much nicer than having to top off a 510 cart every 5-10 minutes. (So thats where the 510 number comes from eh?) However, without even reasonable vapor production, the VK can't compete. Yet I see all these posts talking about how the VK has awesome vapor production and I want to make this work. I pretty much spent money I don't have on this in hopes it would be the solution.

So hit me with your thoughts/suggestions. Right now my issue is the manual batteries what could I be doing wrong to affect such low vapor production? Please, no mods, they need to remain returnable in case it actually is somehow a complete kit gone bad.
Thanks.

 

[bornagainst]

Hi!

I thought after reading this post I wouldn't comment. As someone who used to work in the counselling/social work field, it's not my role, nor the role of ECF to play the part of Mother Therapist.....but, given that I am sick in bed and cranky, I will.

Steve and Mark read the forums, but we are merely a small portion of the VK business. To think for even a minute that they should be responsible for your allergy issues is kinda absurd. To think they should be is also arrogant and narcissitic. Sorry, but from the way you worded your post, I'll say what some others are thinking.

There is this wonderful "notes" feature when placing an order. This is a wonderful place to put information regarding allergies or specifics.

Now, back to the VK issues. If there's any issue WHATSOEVER, you'll be taken care of. On a personal level, I love all of my VK products, but basically just stick with the auto battery for it's ease of use.

 

[JenJen]

I am sorry about your disappointment. I found that after using the 510 and auto batteries I was in the habit of giving a primer puff on my VK manuals which probably would effect my draw if I was one for long draws. Once I got in the habit of just pressing the button and taking a long slow draw on it - no primer puff - the 5 second cut off is more then enough time for me. But I do know that some people do not like the cut off and are axiously awaiting Steve getting in the no cut off batteries. I would say experiment with your draws and see if that helps. Try a lighter draw, I know it doesn't make sense, but it really does make a huge difference. I get plenty of vapor, and consistant taste and throat hit from mine.

And if you still aren't happy, I still have a complete unopened 510 set that I would be happy to swap with you =)

 

[Osculum]

I was also initially dissappointed when comparing the vapor to a 510. Anyone that says the VK produces more or the same vapor is either crazy or doesn't know how to work a 510 right. That being said I played with my VK for a few days before setting it aside for like 2 weeks. This had mostly to do with the fact that there aren't any VG cartomizers and PG tastes the same to me no matter what flavor it is. It also irritates my sinuses pretty bad. I heard they were coming out with VG carts soon maybe but got tired of waiting.

Anyway... After picking the VK up again the other day I have used it more and more over the last 3 days. Today I used it a lot more than my 510. I opened the carts and sopped out most of the pg crappy liquid and refilled them with my VG favorites. I finally am seeing decent vapor although it is still less than a 510. It is definitely enough however when you calculate the ease of use in to the equation.

I immediately ordered the passthrough, a manual batt and 5 more cartomizers. I am now finally glad that I bought this thing and will recommend it to those not wanting to deal with the day to day maintenance of other e-cigs. In my case... there is added maintenance as I have to open these things first to pull out the PG stuff right off the bat but the added throathit the VK supplies is worth it to me.

It won't replace my 510 but it will definitely be the e-cig I use most. The 510 will still be used to satisfy my full lung needs whenever I need that. My advice to you is to refill with VG juice if you have any or at least add a bit of VG. I've also found that I can't hit this thing like a 510 either. I draw the VK very lightly and steady and seem to get nice vapor from that. If you suck too hard you are pulling way to much air through since the holes are large which decreases your vapor. You have to give the atty time to heat up and fill the large chamber with vapor. Suck too fast and you're getting mostly air.

Anyway.. I felt your pain too but I'm happy I decided to give it another try. I really like it now.

 

[keyzygirl]

So nothing in your kit worked?OH MY!!That doesnt sound good at all..........Well im glad your happier now.You had me scared for a moment there.

 

[Scottbee]

To add to Osculum's comments: I too desperately want to love the cartomizer approach, but to-date it hasn't satisfied my needs and I still rely on my 510 for my daily vapor.

But... I have had limited success with upping the vapor production by going the VG route (which is what I use in my 510). I loaded some cartos with my normal ECOpure liquid and the output increased.

And, as Osculum noted, the VK passes a heckuva lot more air than most 510 configurations. I got a more comfortable "feel" and production out of my VK by restricting the airflow. I also made an adapter so I can use the cartos on my 510 batteries... so I'm "all manual all the time" now. It helped a bit.

I'll personally continue to tinker and will listen carefully to all other advice that the VK pros here will give.

Oh... and Jen is dead serious when she talks about her 510 kits.... ;-)

 

[Osculum]

Yeah... when I was first considering ordering one of the VKs someone told me VG wouldn't work good in the cartomizers but I have had no problems whatsoever. I've refilled these 2 cartomizers atleast 3 times a piece and all has been good.

I did overfill once which led to massive hemorrahging but that was my fault and not due to VG.

Can we get some VG carts soon please?

 

[dohsma]

Yeah... when I was first considering ordering one of the VKs someone told me VG wouldn't work good in the cartomizers but I have had no problems whatsoever. I've refilled these 2 cartomizers atleast 3 times a piece and all has been good.

I did overfill once which led to massive hemorrahging but that was my fault and not due to VG.

Can we get some VG carts soon please?

We are working on it. I have also not had issues with using VG in a carto.

 

[dohsma]

Jodans,

I sent you a PM

 

[JenJen]

I adore my VaporKing and would never consider going back to a 510 or anything else. I can't imagine someone else not liking it, but we are all different, and just as some of us love the cappuccino, there are others who don't . I think some of the problem here may be technique, but I think we just have to accept the fact that some people are not going to like the VK - as odd as that may seem to us! lol

I am sorry that your experience wasn't what you had hoped for. If we are a bit defensive you will have to pardon us, we had some trolls here baiting us recently and our backs might be up a bit!

 

[bornagainst]

I've never used VG before, so am naturally curious.

I've heard different tales about flavor loss but massive amounts of vapor.

Whats your experience been Mark?

 

[Jodans]

Steve and Mark read the forums, but we are merely a small portion of the VK business. To think for even a minute that they should be responsible for your allergy issues is kinda absurd. To think they should be is also arrogant and narcissitic. Sorry, but from the way you worded your post, I'll say what some others are thinking.

No apology needed. If it is how it came across, that is how it came across. Just like that was how those cartos being in that order came across to me.
The original wording was much worse than what I took the time to make it end up to be. I was trying to express that concern/ideal without coming across as a complete jerk. An unadulterated experience if you will. Though maybe you are right, I've removed that portion to prevent any further thoughts that I may just be trying to slam the company and the people who work there, this is not what that is about at all. Thank you.

JenJen & Osculum: I will definitely keep that offer in mind. Right now I am going to do all I can to give the VK a truly fair shot before I look at getting rid of it. I will try lighter draws, and have been considering trying out VG or 50/50 fluid with my 510 so I could look at giving it a shot with the VK also.
Thank you.

So nothing in your kit worked and you think that someones trying to kill you?OH MY!!That doesnt sound good at all..........Well im glad your happier now.You had me scared for a moment there.

I do not understand how this is relevant or helpful at all.

 

[dohsma]

I've never used VG before, so am naturally curious.

I've heard different tales about flavor loss but massive amounts of vapor.

Whats your experience been Mark?

VG- tons of vapor, but it tastes way too sweet for me. Also if you are mixing your own juice with VG you have to dilute it with something else (ie distilled water) because by itself it is way too thick.

 

[Osculum]

We are working on it. I have also not had issues with using VG in a carto.

Awesome to hear... and I can't wait to be able to start taking them off your hands when available.

I'm having fun in the mean time finding what residual taste from the flavors mix with my fav VG juices. So far Coffee and RY4 make good mixers with my VG 555.

 

[bornagainst]

Can we all vape and hug now?



Stoked to hear about the VG. I am fine with the PG, but being someone who loves his toys I just want to see MASSIVE CLOUDS of vapor for once...you know, because it's just cool.

 

[Osculum]

VG- tons of vapor, but it tastes way too sweet for me. Also if you are mixing your own juice with VG you have to dilute it with something else (ie distilled water) because by itself it is way too thick.

I always hear PG users calling VG sweet but I don't taste a sweetness at all. I taste sweet when I vape PG. Something like sugary grape. It's so pronounced that all the PG flavors taste the same to me.

I wish I could vape PG as you are boxed into a lot fewer suplliers with VG and even fewer choices of flavoring unless you want to DIY.

As for the taste... I get plenty out of VG but I really can't compare it as I taste mostly grapes when vaping PG. I'm thinking a lot of that VG = no taste talk is based on certain VG flavors like ECOpures line which uses very little flavoring. I love ECOpure by the way and their simplistic tastes are just what I need from time to time. You also get loss of taste over time as VG cakes on your attys easier but once they are cleaned the flavor returns.

This is the number one reason I am using my VK more and more these last few days. The flavor isn't going away from my VG juices as fast as it does on my 510. I think this is due to how the cartomizers are built as there really isn't alot of stuff for the juice to cake on.

 

[Scottbee]

I've had much better luck with ECOPure and atomizers than some of the other VG juices. If I run Vermont Vapor flavors, or NHaler lung I can pretty much assume that I'm going to need to clean the atty pretty soon. Not complaining... I love the VV and Lung juices and it's just the price that I pay. If I run just ECOPure.. be it Menthol or Fresh or Menthol-Rich... I can go longer between atty cleanings. I'm sure you will get similar results with the cartomizers.

 

[Osculum]

I've had much better luck with ECOPure and atomizers than some of the other VG juices. If I run Vermont Vapor flavors, or NHaler lung I can pretty much assume that I'm going to need to clean the atty pretty soon. Not complaining... I love the VV and Lung juices and it's just the price that I pay. If I run just ECOPure.. be it Menthol or Fresh or Menthol-Rich... I can go longer between atty cleanings. I'm sure you will get similar results with the cartomizers.

Yeah... I agree about ECOpure doing less harm than the other VGs. VV loves to eat attys but I like a few of their flavors a lot. VV also seems to produce a bit more vapor than my other VG juices which is another side bonus.

 

[Jodans]

Can we all vape and hug now?

Working on the vaping, hugs are always welcome lol

 

[JenJen]

Working on the vaping, hugs are always welcome lol

Big {{{hugs}}} then!

I am also looking forward to trying the VG when they come in. Pretty satisfied with my faves at this point, but curious to give it a try.