I Want to Want a ZAP, Opinions?

[Ansah]

I've read all about it, watched a couple of vids, and I'm, yes, geeking out on the idea of turning my Provari into an elegant, seamless hybrid with an atty that will last for the duration, but

It's $150 for an rba that leaks when turned on its side!

Huh?

This is a minor drawback? What's the deal here? Why do they still sell out in 36.4 seconds every time Provape re-lists them on their site? Why do so many knowledgeable vapers say that it's their one "can't live without" atty? Is there a work-around, some mod that will enable me to carry it in a bookbag without worry? Will there possibly be subsequent revisions that have a threaded, screw-on cap? Or does one exist now?

I'm not trying to be critical, but truly want to know: What am I missing here? Because I do want to want one. It looks so perfect on the Provari, by all accounts the vape is stellar, and— most importantly— it's a premium build that isn't disposable. But it leaks!

Please discuss. Thanks.

 

[Trick]

Honestly, no exaggeration, my Z-Atty-Pro gives me a better vape than anything else I've used. It's really an amazing piece of work that way.

As far as leaking, I don't doubt it happens, but it's never happened to me. The double O-rings under the cap have worked just fine for preventing leaks. Not a single drop has ever made it out of mine, as far as I know.

 

[Ansah]

As far as leaking, I don't doubt it happens, but it's never happened to me. The double O-rings under the cap have worked just fine for preventing leaks. Not a single drop has ever made it out of mine, as far as I know.

Thanks for the response. If yours doesn't leak but others experience leaks, then this would imply that there is some kind of o-ring configuration that, if deployed just right, can prevent leaks. It could be an extremely subtle variation in the precise fit that varies from unit to unit?

 

[gmypc]

I think most genesis style attys 'leaks'. But like the whole e-cig universe, there are many variables.

- juice viscosity
- the wick and fit (tight against the hole, hollow/solid, 400/500, etc)
- the atty itself

a) I've seen some people mention that the latest batch of zaps had a tighter top cap. Also notes about adding o-rings to make a tighter fit
b) condition of the o-rings
c) etc
​

- how long is it on its side
- ???

I have mine for about 2 weeks now and the times when the juice leaked outside was through the air hole. This means that the device would be on its side with the air hole facing down for longer than say 5 mins or there's already leaked juice inside the top cap and I go vape it horizontally. For the latter, I know by the gurgling or whistling sound.

For my zap, the o-rings are tight and I haven't seen juice leak out from it. I can hold the zap with a mini + 18650 extension by the drip tip. So I think, a screw top would not remedy juice leaking into the top cap. BUT it would help keeping it on because it is easy to knock the cap off if you push it horizontally from the side.

Is it the best genesis style atty? For me, so far - YES. There is no denying the quality and I use it daily at home and work. I keep a conscious effort to keep it upright and to make sure I don't knock the cap off (happened a 2-3 times while inside winter coat pocket).

I have my sights on an iHybrid next but that is still a year away

I guess only you can decide whether the quirks fits your needs.

Edit: Maybe get the aga-t first? Still waiting for my supplier to get them in. The older models have a screw top and the newer version has o-rings so you can still decide which you want.

 

[Ansah]

Extremely lucid and thoughtful response. Thank you.

 

[justinred]

If leaking when left on it's side is a big factor for you, genesis type rbas are not for you. There are other rbas out there that doesn't leak.

 

[DizGrizz]

A screw-on cap on a genny is a double-edged sword, it makes the cap more secure but it makes it difficult or impossible to align the air hole properly with the wick. Better attys are better aligned but, sometimes, you might want it just a bit off to increase throat hit (at the cost of vapor/flavor).

All genny's will leak through the air hole. It's just the nature of the beast. If that's a deal breaker, then, as justinred said, maybe go with a CE2 type RBA that breaths through the stem.

 

[Sisq0]

I'm curious why no one is mentioning the DID (the original one, not the chinese knock offs). The cap screws and the air hole of each unit is factory aligned with the wick hole. For what I read it doesn't leak as well and due to the screw-on cap is perfect for outdoor use.

By the way I am currently using a bulgarian RBA called BG-GEN III and I am yet to see leaking of any kind out of this cutie. I hold it upside down/sideways for more than an hour just for the heck of it, no leaks at all. Maybe the reason is that the wick hole and the filling hole are drilled side by side with a connection.

 

[DizGrizz]

Sisq0, do you have a link to a pic of that atty? I'd like to see it.

 

[Ansah]

Sisq0, do you have a link to a pic of that atty? I'd like to see it.

Yeah, I was wondering about this too... the ZAPs went back on sale today, but I'm skipping this round and plan on learning with the Nova and a few of the clones... I haven't even wrapped a coil yet, so even if I had the money (which I really don't, though I could materially make it happen) it's probably jumping the gun right now anyway.

 

[chuckie]

I've got alot of high priced RBA's and have used them for almost 3 yrs. and none of them work better than my did clone.I'm thrilled that I was able to graduate out of the sucker caste and can now spend my extra money on more important things.

 

[Sisq0]

Sisq0, do you have a link to a pic of that atty? I'd like to see it.

Yep, check http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/provari/358704-my-satin-silver-mini-here-what-bummer.html#post8163739

 

[SDave1969]

I think what the OP is referring to is the fill hole, which is normally left open while in use. I see the AC-9 has a plug that should be removed while vaping, but is a "transport" plug. I just ordered my ZAP a few minutes ago and plan on making a plastic or silicon plug for that hole so no fluid leaks into the cap. Problem solved...

 

[tnt56]

Heck with my old worn out eyes I can't seeing buying another RBA. All I got is a Phoenix clone and it took me all day to get the darn little wires in the holes. I'll just stick with my carto/tanks. Tanks. LOL.

 

[Ansah]

I think what the OP is referring to is the fill hole, which is normally left open while in use. I see the AC-9 has a plug that should be removed while vaping, but is a "transport" plug. I just ordered my ZAP a few minutes ago and plan on making a plastic or silicon plug for that hole so no fluid leaks into the cap. Problem solved...

Sounds good, except it still leaves us with the issue of the top cap being more or less easily knocked off. Let us know what you think of the new ZAP after it comes, and hope you enjoy it.

 

[Thrasher]

If leaking when left on it's side is a big factor for you, genesis type rbas are not for you. There are other rbas out there that doesn't leak.

what he said, i personally dont lay mine down but keeping the fill hole plugged and making a wick that plugs the hole will help create a vacuum that makes it harder for liguid to leak.