Introducing the all new Apex Alpha U.S.A. made premium electronic cigarette from InnoVapor!

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mergryphon

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
My Ultra w/RES arrived on Wednesday. I've been using it for about 30 hours. I have a huge PV collection, including a GGTS with UFS, at least 6 different kinds of bottom feeders, MAP tanks, etc.

If I had to categorize it, I'd say it was a drip shield on steroids, not a feed system or tank. It does hold more drops than they recommend in the manual, but does need to be re-dripped relatively frequently. Its only a mil or so after all. However, you can drip like 10 drops or so at a time. You do have to break vaping a bit while it oozes out into the RES.

It does not leak on its side, unlike the MAP tank, or out the top. I have only had leakage out the top airholes of the RES when I over-filled. Recommend just 10 drops at a time when you think it needs some.

I have the Ultra because I have a ton of 14500 batteries, no 17670s. I wish it had an 18650 and larger RES offering.

It really is MUCH smaller than I expected. With RES, this one is shorter than an ego, and only a bit thicker.

It will definitely have a place in my PV collection for daily usage. But I will bring a juice bottle with me. It is not, however a replacement for my GGTS w/UFS or bottom feeders. THose I don't need to bring bottles along. I know there is enough in there to last for some time.

It is, on the other hand, a huge improvement over normal atomizer/cartomizer usage. Or even over the drip shield, it holds way more drops than that. And since the all around the atomizer ceramic wick has absorbed the juice, you have to really really overfill it to get any leakage.

There is no off flavor from the RES. The button works fine, but I'm still getting used to it. Its pocket safe, but sometimes I don't push it far enough to activate. Not sure it thrills me.

All in all, a nice solid unit that works as advertised and goes for some time, mess free, with great taste.

I'm hoping to get a video review shot over the weekend.
 

SleepHater

Super Member
ECF Veteran
May 3, 2009
763
28
47
PA, CA
I'm really interested in the Ultra with the RES but have a few questions.

1. Are there any issues with leaking? For instance, if you leave it laying on its side, will it eventually leak out of the atomizer or the air holes? Nope, not unless it is overfilled. If you blow hard into the drip tip you can force liquid out of the air holes.

2. Assuming that the RES has not been overfilled, are there any issues with flooding the atomizer? Nope, if it is filled correctly the liquid stays in the ceramic until you draw on it.

3. Does the RES affect the draw at all?

Yes, you are drawing through the ceramic, that is what forces the liquid into the atomizer. But the draw is nice and consistent and not overly stiff, or hard to pull through. Assuming that it is not overfilled.

4. Does the RES act a little like the cone on an eGo type model, producing a slightly warmer vapor?

It might. The ceramic is an excellent insulator. I am not sure.

5. Do you need to use any kind of lube on the threads to prevent locking?

1. Are there any issues with leaking? For instance, if you leave it laying on its side, will it eventually leak out of the atomizer or the air holes?

Nope, not unless it is overfilled. If you blow hard into the drip tip you can force liquid out of the air holes.

2. Assuming that the RES has not been overfilled, are there any issues with flooding the atomizer?

Nope, if it is filled correctly the liquid stays in the ceramic until you draw on it.

3. Does the RES affect the draw at all?

Yes, you are drawing through the ceramic. But the draw is nice and consistent and not overly stiff, or hard to pull through.

4. Does the RES act a little like the cone on an eGo type model, producing a slightly warmer vapor?

It might. The ceramic is an excellent insulator. I am not sure.

5. Do you need to use any kind of lube on the threads to prevent locking?

Like any machined fine metal thread, a little petroleum jelly does make for a smoother thread feel. This may be used on the finer threads on the RES. The main interface to Main body threads (that you unscrew to replace the battery) are very smooth and do not need an lubrication.

Hope that helps. Cheers,

SH
 
My Ultra w/RES arrived on Wednesday. I've been using it for about 30 hours. I have a huge PV collection, including a GGTS with UFS, at least 6 different kinds of bottom feeders, MAP tanks, etc.

If I had to categorize it, I'd say it was a drip shield on steroids, not a feed system or tank. It does hold more drops than they recommend in the manual, but does need to be re-dripped relatively frequently. Its only a mil or so after all. However, you can drip like 10 drops or so at a time. You do have to break vaping a bit while it oozes out into the RES.

It does not leak on its side, unlike the MAP tank, or out the top. I have only had leakage out the top airholes of the RES when I over-filled. Recommend just 10 drops at a time when you think it needs some.

I have the Ultra because I have a ton of 14500 batteries, no 17670s. I wish it had an 18650 and larger RES offering.

It really is MUCH smaller than I expected. With RES, this one is shorter than an ego, and only a bit thicker.

It will definitely have a place in my PV collection for daily usage. But I will bring a juice bottle with me. It is not, however a replacement for my GGTS w/UFS or bottom feeders. THose I don't need to bring bottles along. I know there is enough in there to last for some time.

It is, on the other hand, a huge improvement over normal atomizer/cartomizer usage. Or even over the drip shield, it holds way more drops than that. And since the all around the atomizer ceramic wick has absorbed the juice, you have to really really overfill it to get any leakage.

There is no off flavor from the RES. The button works fine, but I'm still getting used to it. Its pocket safe, but sometimes I don't push it far enough to activate. Not sure it thrills me.

All in all, a nice solid unit that works as advertised and goes for some time, mess free, with great taste.

I'm hoping to get a video review shot over the weekend.

Thank you for the objective review. I value your opinion especially because you have experienced most of the existing devices. I personally have not even seen the larger GG UFS or similar devices so the first hand comparison is appreciated!
 

SleepHater

Super Member
ECF Veteran
May 3, 2009
763
28
47
PA, CA
My Ultra w/RES arrived on Wednesday. I've been using it for about 30 hours. I have a huge PV collection, including a GGTS with UFS, at least 6 different kinds of bottom feeders, MAP tanks, etc.

If I had to categorize it, I'd say it was a drip shield on steroids, not a feed system or tank. It does hold more drops than they recommend in the manual, but does need to be re-dripped relatively frequently. Its only a mil or so after all. However, you can drip like 10 drops or so at a time. You do have to break vaping a bit while it oozes out into the RES.

It does not leak on its side, unlike the MAP tank, or out the top. I have only had leakage out the top airholes of the RES when I over-filled. Recommend just 10 drops at a time when you think it needs some.

I have the Ultra because I have a ton of 14500 batteries, no 17670s. I wish it had an 18650 and larger RES offering.

It really is MUCH smaller than I expected. With RES, this one is shorter than an ego, and only a bit thicker.

It will definitely have a place in my PV collection for daily usage. But I will bring a juice bottle with me. It is not, however a replacement for my GGTS w/UFS or bottom feeders. THose I don't need to bring bottles along. I know there is enough in there to last for some time.

It is, on the other hand, a huge improvement over normal atomizer/cartomizer usage. Or even over the drip shield, it holds way more drops than that. And since the all around the atomizer ceramic wick has absorbed the juice, you have to really really overfill it to get any leakage.

There is no off flavor from the RES. The button works fine, but I'm still getting used to it. Its pocket safe, but sometimes I don't push it far enough to activate. Not sure it thrills me.

All in all, a nice solid unit that works as advertised and goes for some time, mess free, with great taste.

I'm hoping to get a video review shot over the weekend.

mergryphon, thank you for the review of your new Alpha Ultra, I really appreciate you taking the time and being so thorough. It is also nice to have the insight of someone who owns and has tested many of the higher end mods.

I agree with you about the RES, I posted in another thread that this is a distinct and different system then a tank or true liquid reservoir. Our goal was really focused towards simplicity and keeping the price point low (an alpha ultra with a RES is comparable in cost to just a UFS). Also we wanted a system that did not leak and did not require any tuning or adjustment.

We are also looking at sometime possibly producing another larger model, I appreciate your desire for a larger system. It would be the next logical step as we would gain additional capacity on the RES as well as opening up the possibility of more battery option.

I am currently using an Ultra as well and I think you are spot on with the filling. A trick I use (largely because I am inpatient) is after I put in my 10 drops or so, I blow gently through the drip tip, this speeds up the liquid getting into the RES. If you are to aggressive some liquid can come out the air intake, however it is pretty easy to find the sweet spot. That way there is no waiting between vape sessions.

I really appreciate you feedback, and trust me that we utilize all customer input, insight, and suggestions when we look at developing or improving products. Please let us now your impressions as you continue to use your Ultra.

Very glad the Ultra found a place in your daily line up!

Thanks again, cheers.

SH
 

alldayvape

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Feb 11, 2011
1,376
226
Maryland
My Ultra w/RES arrived on Wednesday. I've been using it for about 30 hours. I have a huge PV collection, including a GGTS with UFS, at least 6 different kinds of bottom feeders, MAP tanks, etc.

If I had to categorize it, I'd say it was a drip shield on steroids, not a feed system or tank. It does hold more drops than they recommend in the manual, but does need to be re-dripped relatively frequently. Its only a mil or so after all. However, you can drip like 10 drops or so at a time. You do have to break vaping a bit while it oozes out into the RES.

It does not leak on its side, unlike the MAP tank, or out the top. I have only had leakage out the top airholes of the RES when I over-filled. Recommend just 10 drops at a time when you think it needs some.

I have the Ultra because I have a ton of 14500 batteries, no 17670s. I wish it had an 18650 and larger RES offering.

It really is MUCH smaller than I expected. With RES, this one is shorter than an ego, and only a bit thicker.

It will definitely have a place in my PV collection for daily usage. But I will bring a juice bottle with me. It is not, however a replacement for my GGTS w/UFS or bottom feeders. THose I don't need to bring bottles along. I know there is enough in there to last for some time.

It is, on the other hand, a huge improvement over normal atomizer/cartomizer usage. Or even over the drip shield, it holds way more drops than that. And since the all around the atomizer ceramic wick has absorbed the juice, you have to really really overfill it to get any leakage.

There is no off flavor from the RES. The button works fine, but I'm still getting used to it. Its pocket safe, but sometimes I don't push it far enough to activate. Not sure it thrills me.

All in all, a nice solid unit that works as advertised and goes for some time, mess free, with great taste.

I'm hoping to get a video review shot over the weekend.

That's why I leave the reviews to the pro's!! I couldn't have said it better! Spot on!
 

SleepHater

Super Member
ECF Veteran
May 3, 2009
763
28
47
PA, CA
I went ahead and went with the express shipping too. Any idea how long the wait will be for it to be shipped out?

It will definatley ship tomorrow, Mark & Tony take their shipping deadly serious! Mark is already all over it.

Generally if an express order is placed before noon (MST) it will ship same day, priority orders before 3pm as well.

Excited to hear your first impressions!

Cheers,

SH
 

Slo Ryd

Unregistered Supplier
ECF Veteran
Jul 8, 2009
994
116
City of Trees
www.innovapor.com
I went ahead and went with the express shipping too. Any idea how long the wait will be for it to be shipped out?

I am the one who puts all the orders together so I can guarantee it will ship out tomorrow. Express is guaranteed overnight in most areas so unless you live out in the sticks you should have it saturday. I will know exaclty when it will be delivered and I will update you tomorrow after I take it to the post office.
 

Slo Ryd

Unregistered Supplier
ECF Veteran
Jul 8, 2009
994
116
City of Trees
www.innovapor.com
You are very welcome.No doubt about the quality or the fact that quality costs us more and that is totally exceptable however changing prices once people are interested is wrong!

Quote from Sleephater, part owner of InnoVapor:

cappadoc, you are correct you will notice a price increase across the Apex product line. What we would have loved to do is be able to afford to give away some Alpha units for people to try out, unfortunately InnoVapor operates under very narrow margins. You'll notice how we offer a standing 20% discount to the forum, the largest standing, constant discount as far as I know.

The compromise was to offer the Alpha and accessories at cost for the first day. We avoided advertising that because you can imagine if we sold out of all the product at cost, we would be in trouble. We felt this would reward those who were willing to give it a try right out of the gate and get some product out there for people to test and use.

The pricing of the Apex line is now what it is, and what it will stay at.

I think if you take the following into consideration you will see what a value the Apex products are.
1) All of the Apex Alpha Kits are discounted 5% on the website (are "kit discount")
2) All Apex Kits ship for Free with USPS Priority Mail. And these are real kits, with a box, manual, accesories (including a Cape Cod Cleaning cloth etc.) So they ship in a box. Shipping costs us around $10, sometimes more. So it is a real value.
3) The forum coupon ECF20 takes another 20% off the price.

All together the forum folks get 25% off the kit with free priority shipping. Innovapor has a single goal. Deliver the best product we can at an outstanding value tot he forum community. You also get what you pay for, and the Apex Products make no sacrifice for quality. Every decision that went into making the devices was centered around building the highest quality product right here in the USA. I think you will find they are still an amazing deal for an extremely high quality product.

Cheers!

SH
 
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VictoryNotVengence

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Nov 27, 2009
1,242
232
USA
if 2 rcr123a's stacked are the same size as an 18650 then why won't an 18650 fit?

How far away is a VV version, if its a long ways I may go with one of the ones that are out.

how did you ever come to the conclusion that poures ceramic would hold ejuice in suspension? I mean who would ever think of that?

You should get Apryl to do a demonstration video, shes a hottie.
 
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if 2 rcr123a's stacked are the same size as an 18650 then why won't an 18650 fit?

How far away is a VV version, if its a long ways I may go with one of the ones that are out.

how did you ever come to the conclusion that poures ceramic would hold ejuice in suspension? I mean who would ever think of that?

You should get Apryl to do a demonstration video, shes a hottie.

-Rattle was a concern. The RC123a's and 17670's are roughly the same diameter (0.648" & 0.669"). This meant that the inner sleeve could be relatively tight on both and minimize potential rattle. Unfortunately the 18650 is ~.040" larger in diameter and thus would have forced us into a very rattle prone device if used with the RC123a or 17670. It was a compromise.

That said, I'm just getting started, and I will be following the latest battery technology and adjusting the design accordingly.

-VV versions are in development but I can't commit to a schedule for them today. All I can say is that it's in the works, and I am excited about the design.

-The porous ceramic material choice was driven by our focus on safety. I am unwilling to offer any design that does not guarantee the safety of the user. I take personal responsibility for the safety of every user, no BS. Quite frankly, it is the only material that I am comfortable with being immersed in a fluid that is both consumed and heated. The ceramic's wicking ability combined with it's inert nature and a melting point of 1500+ degF made it the only viable choice.

-Apryl, yes

Cheers!

Nate
 
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