I do own a SS Hendu and I love it. And yes, you can absolutely refill the cartomizers. I have refilled some of mine up to a dozen times before I noticed any variance in performance. Their cartomizers are expensive, but IMO one of the better made cartos out there. I can almost guarantee the problems you are having are from vaping them too dry. Something all beginners usually do. Its takes awhile to figure out when it needs more juice (aka e-liquid). But it is also possible that you got a defective one. If you are having problems shortly after vaping a new one, then its defective. Email Lorraine at customer service (or send her a PM aka personal message at the SS supplier forum here at ECF)and let her know. She may be able to help you. Be sure she knows that you are an ECF member.
I don't use my SS exclusively because it does not have a long battery life between charges. As you get more into this, you will be using something like a Joye eGo 510 model (get the "manual" or push button type, not an automatic). The battery life is 8-10 hours as opposed to SS 2-3 hours.
That said, I love to use my SS when I go out to dinner or a special occasion. Partly because its less obvious, but mostly because its just beautiful. IMO, the best looking ecig out there. Its sort of like choosing between your most comfy pair of dependable running shoes...and those cute little strappy sandals with the bling on them. (forgive me for that analogy if you are not female).
My only problem with SS is that I hate the taste of the liquid they use in their cartomizers. I've tried other brands of cartomizers that fit it, but they just aren't as good. The draw is not as easy. Since they don't sell unfilled cartos, I just suffer thru the original flavor until its empty. Then I refill them with my favorite juices. To get the orig flavor out, I rinse them under hot running water or let them soak in a bowl of water for a few hours. Then blow out the excess water and let them dry overnight. You may have to do this a couple of times to get the taste out, but usually your favorite flavor will mask the original flavor enough to make it better. By the 2nd time you refill, you won't taste it at all.
If you don't refill, it will just become too expensive to use them. And there are a lot of wonderful flavors out there to try...and its half the fun of vaping to try them. You will likely start with trying to find a tobacco flavor close to your old familiar analog flavor...usually a futile quest. Most of us end up experimenting with non-tobacco flavors and get hooked. I do have a few tobacco flavors that I like, but they really aren't the same as my old analogs. Haven't missed them a bit.
There is a recent poll on this forum (look under polls on the home page) that lists several vendors that sell good juices. Pick one or two and get yourself some bottles of juice (e-liquid). You have to have juice to keep your carto from getting too dry and burning. Its a must. You will know it is drying out by a couple of clues...you won't be getting as much vapor and it will start to taste a bit "off" and unlike the taste you started out with. Usually once it starts getting a burning smell or smoking, it too late. But not always. Refill it and give it a go. You will get better at figuring it out the longer you vape. Just something you have to go thru.
I think you got some good advice in the previous posts about refilling, etc. Also go to the SmokeStik supplier forum here on ECF. Read lots of posts. Lots of good suggestions and advice there. Once you reach 5 posts, you will be able to post questions there as well.
Hope this helps...just keep posting and asking questions. Lots of folks here that want to help. We all remember what it is like to be "new"...there is no such thing as a "dumb" question. Welcome to the forum and welcome to vaping. You're gona' love it.
