Some Pipe thoughts for a change of pace

[photogf4]

I have been vaping for over a year now, making the switch from e-cigs to pipes about a year ago. My first e-pipe was a Madvapes Diablo, followed by a Smok Chrome which became my go-to pipe, along with a C-tratech wood mod that would be great if it wasn't cheaply made. Just took a step up to an epipemod, egg-style, in Leadwood which is one of the top ten hardwoods. It is great! Clever, simple design. I also have a dead Kamry K1000, a Smok Pioneer, and duplicate but worn out Smok Chrome and two dead diablos. So far the Smok chrome has been my most reliable - actually my newer one lost its threads, so I put the better parts of the new one on the old one which has all the chrome wearing off, and it still works great. I have been using either vape stems or old Vivi Nova drip tips. I want a pocketable, tough pipe that I can always have with me no matter where I am, and the Chrome has been my constant companion, but now the epipemod egg is what I hope to replace it with, and I have some thoughts about it:

First is the fact that I am not thrilled with metal mods - thus far they look like paraphernalia, are cold to the touch (been through a long, sucky winter), and when the coating(s) wear off, the brass makes your hand smell. Aluminum is also cold, and just feels weird. I find I like acrylic, wood, and the coating on the Smok Pioneer, which is a plastic rubber, and thick enough that it will probably never wear out. Wood is the favorite for sure.

Second thing I have noticed is that the epipemod wears out the battery faster than any other pipe I have ever had. Is it the magnetic field that surrounds the battery? I also noticed the Pioneer with its magnetic switch wearing out batteries slightly faster than the Smok Chrome, which is nearly all-mechanical. The Chrome wins hands down in battery life and ruggedness, but that brass...

Third is that I have never had a pipe stem (not going to name manufacturers) that allowed me to totally empty my favorite tank setup - a Protank 2 with an Aerotank base. However, if I use the old Vivi Nova tip, I can empty a tank with no issues. It seems like the drip tips apply less vacuum to the atomizer, thus preventing coil-clog-up or gurgling. Pipe stems work on the venturi principle, and tend to amplify the draw. the Vivi tips do have a smaller diameter piece of tubing which creates somewhat of a venturi effect, but as I do not have a vacuum measuring device, I cannot accurately compare the two.

So, got that all out. Any thoughts/advice/abuse? Here is a photo of my new pipe:

 

[Doughboy67]

I have to agree that wood pipes are so much more comfortable. They seem more natural in the hand. Although I also like the variety of look with the metal mods.

Sounds like we went through a similar progression. I currently am using a king epipe, a sherlock from VaporGirl ( I think they named it that ), a Kamry K1000, 1 Diablo Mini, 1 Smok Gold epipe, 1 pioneer epipe and 1 chrome epipe with silencer VV. I had another Diablo but I put the battery in backwards and fried it. Totally my fault!!!

Love you new pipe. Is it worth the extra cost in your opinion?

As for battery length- It may be based upon the resistance of the circuitry used in each mod. The mod itself will have some resistance. If the resistance is lower you could be getting more current through the mod itself. Things as simple as a bad solder joint could affect this or the size and length of the wiring used. Connectors and switches/contacts as well.

Not sure about the draw. The seal from drip tip to device could be leaking by a bit on some tips and thus loosing vacuum. I've noticed that not all drip tips fit the same.

 

[photogf4]

Yes, the pipe is worth the extra cost, even though mine arrived with a crack in it - Customer service is nice, and they offered to let me pick one of the current models for sale to replace it - even admitted the crack was there just as it left the shop! They even went as far as to tell me the coming batch didn't have any "egg" style pipes, so considering the strength of this particular wood, I opted to wait for the next egg-style pipe they make, whenever that is... and take my chances again. I like the design - it is very clever with all the magnets and the keyring as the negative contact. I am waiting to see how it fares in warm weather, because most vendors use CA or "super" glue instead of epoxy, which IMO is a huge mistake. CA just doesn't cut it in sunlight or heat. I will have this little guy on all my camping and boating trips, and hope it holds up. Of course the old Chrome (or maybe a new one) will be handy.

I am hoping some will know for sure (there have to be some "Einsteins" out there) if a battery loses power faster when introduced to a magnetic field. Electrons LOVE magnets, and I guess I could try wrapping my pipe in foil so the Aliens don't steal my electron vapor. I thought of a test - take three batteries, measure the time they go from whatever their top charge is to useless in the pipes, and post it here for all to see. Might be interesting! As to resistance - you may be right, and I don't know how to test that. I do measure the battery power going in, and then with the switch on, and that is always the same in all three.

I think I irked one stem manufacturer, who now claims on his new website that the stems are made with the proper draw for e-pipe atomizers. My question would be "how do you know that?" I use a Kanger Protank 2 with an Aerotank adjustable airflow base and a 1.8 coil, probably one of the most common atomizers out there. Heck, my pipe was originally pictured with a Protank 3. I have not been able to empty a tank with any stem I have tried. With the Vivi drip tip, I can clean out a tank on 2 batteries. With a stem, the tank gurgles after about 10 hours, and is still 1/3 full. The 1.8 coil gives me the most vapor with a battery that goes from about 4.2 volts down to 3.6. I sure know when to replace it, and keep two spares on me.

I am not complaining, for sure. I am thrilled to have quit smoking, to have tried all the cool stuff, and it is now a hobby more than an addiction, but I could be fooling myself. BTW the C-tratech IS a Sherlock. I like it - it feels and looks great, is real wood, I have got by the "Liberace" Stone on top with a 7/8" metal hole plug so it looks WAY better(just bend one tab over to clear the swing arm for the battery), but infuriatingly it is regulated to 3.7 volts, which would force me to take my chances with a 1.5 coil. I ALWAYS torch those things, and they're hard to get.

 

[photogf4]

Here's a size comparison: the Sherlock, the epipemod, and the Smok Chrome:

 

[Doughboy67]

Thanks for the info. I'm still new to pipes. The Sherlock was my first. Thanks for letting me know what it is. They are hard to find online. It was my first pipe and I still love it!!! When I googled it online I saw a lot of 601's labeled as Sherlock by vendors and that's what confused me. I began to think that Sherlock was a type of pipe and not the brand name. Thanks for clearing that up. I may get that 7/8" hole plug. I don't know what they were thinking putting that awful red thing on it!!! Would have been better to have something that looked like burning tobacco.

You got me worried about pipe stems. I have an 8" church warden in the mail and I am hoping it works well with the King pipe and a Hypertank. We'll see.

I've started low end but I may rethink on whether to pay the extra for a higher end mod. I was eyeing the Hammer and also an R80 as my next possible purchase. Whatcha think?

 

[Doughboy67]

Here's a size comparison: the Sherlock, the epipemod, and the Smok Chrome:

View attachment 312612

Link didn't work.

 

[photogf4]

Thanks - I updated the post. The photo should be there now. Had to learn to post photos fast to keep from getting bashed...

Not sure about the Hammer and stuff like that. The R80 looks too small to be practical. I am an older guy, and one of my closest friends is a member of those who "protect and serve". I shudder when he says "Yeah, I might stop you for that" so I try to stick with something that looks real. I always show him my new pipes and get his opinion!

I did order a fully mechanical M16 Mod from Fasttech for $10. I want to have something that takes a 18650, even though I have a Madvapes "Trigger" mod. It is just too beautiful to drag out in salt water, or on the beach, and I wouldn't want anyone to yell "GUN!". I like the 18500 in my red Diablo, but again, I already trashed one while fishing - the auto switches in those things are difficult to maintain unless you have a drip shield, or the Aerotank base, and it's just too pretty. Maybe I will just save my Drachmas and get a Kir Fanis...

 

[Doughboy67]

That pipe looks about the same size as the K1000. Good size. I like the weight of the Sherlock but it is just slightly too large.

I like the trigger mod but not sure if I find it odd vaping from what looks like a gum handle. That M16 looks great. Won't the salt water corrode the metal though?

Agreed about the Diablos. The one that is still working I have to draw on pretty hard to get the switch to go. Not the best mod. I'll use it until it fails but I won't replace it. I'm using Aspire BDC Maxi tanks on mine. I've yet to have one leak.

 

[photogf4]

Ya have to have two things to own a diablo... I am a three-time owner of them: a bottle of 98% isopropyl alcohol (about $5) and an air compressor with a regulated air valve. Got a DeWalt for $80 from Lowe's - same place I got the Metal Hole plug from. Here is how to fix a sick Diablo:

1. Take the battery out of your Diablo.

2. Flood the switch from the outside with the alcohol, using a syringe, or a dripper bottle. Wait until it gets inside the pipe.

3. Blow it all out with the air pressure of your compressor - protect your eyes - set to about 20-25 pounds. Do it a couple of times, and continue the air until the switch is completely dry. DON'T just blow it out with your own air - too much moisture, and you're too close to the alcohol.

4. put your battery back in and test it. It should be back to normal, if it isn't, repeat.

I have saved mine 4 times so far this way.

 

[Doughboy67]

Thanks! I'll give that a try. I have all those things at work so no need to buy something new!!

 

[photogf4]

So... Anyone reading this with a degree in electro-whatever going to take a crack at my theory that placing a battery in a strong magnetic field will cause it to drain faster, even at idle?