Super-T ELA

[Magic Dragon Puff]

New to vaping and have been doing a ton of research on the various mods out there. Finally decided the Super-T ELA was the one and have my order in! Does anyone know when they might be coming out with their Integrated Feeder/Rebuildable Atomizer? I can't post on the ELA thread yet but was thinking if that atomizer is way off in the future I might just bite the bullet on a Foggatti. Opinions on that choice certainly welcome, but I do want a rebuildable unit. Hopefully Super-T will be coming out with theirs soon.

 

[Leithan]

Lots of choices, id do some more research, lots of RBAs out there. I like gennys, but love silica rbas way more, especially when it's going to leave the house. Also what are you vaping now? kind of long wait on the ELAs. Lots of fantastic mechs in the classys. Just because their mech dosnt mean there isn't a learning curve, especially with RBAs.

 

[Baditude]

Before purchasing an RBA, may I suggest you read over my Advice and Tips for Vapors Looking to Try Their First RBA:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/baditude/4454-7-advice-tips-vapors-looking-try-their-first-rba.html

 

[Aoi~]

Getting a Foggatti without paying the extortionist prices, however, may not be the easier way. I'm just saying. In the meantime, I've been on a silica "kick" lately with the Kayfuns.

 

[genghishahn]

I've been playing around with different delivery devices for a bit and I've decided that I like silica-based RBAs the best so far. I also have an ELA on pre-order and in anticipation of its arrival (whenever that may be), I picked up a Terminator-C. It's got a few quirks but I really like it. Great flavor--and if its quirks are kept in mind, leakproof.

I'd been eyeing a Kayfun for a little while, but wasn't really too keen on the price. That is, until I found out about the Lite. I ordered one last night, and I'm looking forward to pairing these up with my ELA when it arrives. Also thinking about getting a "Russian" when they become available here in the States.

I'm really curious about Super-T's RBA. I picked up a Simplicity 14500 to replace my eGo Twist as my pocket-vape, and I was really impressed by the quality. If the quality of the Simplicity is any indication as to the quality of their other products, I'm sure the Super-T RBA is gonna be rockin' .

 

[Leithan]

The ELA is so damn sexy, I just lack the patience and attention span to commit to ordering one. I couldn't be happier with my Kayfun.

 

[genghishahn]

The ELA is so damn sexy, I just lack the patience and attention span to commit to ordering one. I couldn't be happier with my Kayfun.

It is a heck of a wait. I'm hoping that I get mine by the end of July, but I've kinda just decided to try and forget about it for now and be surprised when it shows up at my doorstep . From what people on ECF have to say about their ELAs, it will be worth the wait

 

[Leithan]

I really want a Mecha by Leo too, I know as soon as I drop the cash for a ELA the Mecha will be released..........it's a race, either I snag a ELA from the classys or the Mecha.......

 

[Magic Dragon Puff]

Appreciate all the input and advice! Quick background on me, smoker for years who decided to try vaping as an alternative with no great expectations. Bought a V2cigs starter kit and found if I got that ecig primed right it did the trick. The big drawback on that setup was of course battery and cartridge life, both wouldn't cover a normal day of vaping. The throat hit was also inconsistent and lacking most of the time. That's ok, it was an experiment so see if vaping would get me off the tobacco and it did. Obviously the next step was to find a more permanent setup with much improved battery life & vaping longevity. So the research began, quickly I found out that this business does not follow the normal model, that being that products offered are actually in stock lol. As you all know, frequently when you go to an eCig/VP supplier who makes a quality product - they are either out of stock or sold out. Typical of Mom & Pop shops which many seem to be, or distributors for them. I guess they didn't get the Memo "Always tool up for supply and demand". Anyway, it's been interesting to zero in on what I think will work for me - and granted, somewhat of a shot in the dark but I need to start somewhere. I've watched many of Scott's RBA vids on E-CIG-REVIEWS plus others, have been to all of the referenced websites and digested what they have to offer regarding their products. I've pretty much run the gambit with reading and vid watching, it's time to jump in and get some hands-on experience to continue the education. The idea of using an RBA is not intimidating to me, I'm an electrical engineer by trade and have assembled small electro-mechanical devices for the aerospace industry for years. Assembling an RBA in any variant, and understanding "how it works", is just not an issue (I get it totally). The Foggatti caught my eye as one RBA that although more difficult to assemble and get working properly, the additional degree of complexity does offer flexibility in wick & coil configurations which I like. It is also one of the more attractive RBAs out there in terms of my taste and how well it would integrate with the Precise ELA. I intend to run the ELA in 18650 mode as I already have those batteries at the house (I have many gadgets and gizmos that use them). Sorry for the long winded post, you now have my story. Thanks again for sharing your views, all feedback always welcome.

 

[Fury83]

If you have one of those local shops that has a foggatti available, just buy it. You will never ever lose money on it, even if you change your mind, you can basically trade it for whatever you want.

As for the ELA, the wait is long which is fine for some people. I ended up cancelling mine because I bought a bunch of other mechs in the interim. As for a super t RBA, I wouldn't hold my breath. I think something for the simplicity line is more likely to come out first. Something off machine without a lot of finishing. There are lots of nice mechs out there besides the ELA if you aren't very patient.

I still believe the best beginner rba is the Igo-L, also pretty cheap. It's just two posts you attach a coil too, which in some form is the base for any rba. I still think the best device to use when starting on rbas is a provari, but that is a bit more money.

 

[jSquared]

Hi Magic! Welcome to the forum. You've certainly jumped right in - the ELA is a top quality device.

Whist I appreciate the fact that you have experience in electronics, do you actually have any experience of unregulated vaping? It's a love or it hate it kind of thing. I love it, but there are lots of people who can't stand it - mainly because of the drop-off in performance over the life of the battery's charge. You can use a Kick in a mech to turn it into a regulated device, but, personally speaking, I don't like Variable Wattage - I prefer to use Variable Voltage.

You also say you have plenty of 18650s lying around, but what kind of 18650s do you have? Are they "safe chemistry" IMRs?

Another thing to consider when using 18650s in the ELA is that that particular configuration leaves some of the center tube exposed - there is a gap between the main battery housing and the accent ring. A few people have commented that the edges on the accent ring are actually quite sharp and they don't really like using the ELA in 18650 mode for that reason.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but $190 is a hell of a "shot in the dark". Also, Super Ts shipping estimates are notoriously optimistic. Have you still got your V2s to use in the meantime?

JJ

 

[Riverboat]

It is a heck of a wait. I'm hoping that I get mine by the end of July, but I've kinda just decided to try and forget about it for now and be surprised when it shows up at my doorstep . From what people on ECF have to say about their ELAs, it will be worth the wait

You have no Idea until yo hold an ELA in your hand...........Worth the wait time... Best mod that SuperT has ever produced-fron the features to the build... More heavy duty than a P+........Thicker tube walls...

 

[Magic Dragon Puff]

Good stuff gang, timely feedback and great info!

Fury83, I don't know of any local shops that carry the Foggatti, and it seems their distributor is also out of stock. Like I said earlier, just finding availability in itself is a challenge. The limited addition Doodlebug became available on the 28th and was sold out on the 29th when I showed up (another nice one I was looking at). The AC9 might be available, but not what I want appearance wise, same with the Ithaka. The GP Spheroid looks good (maybe a little longer than I want) but the wicking method leaves me cold. So you see my dilemma, I'm sure I can find an RBA that is available - but appearance and design play into it. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times "it ain't easy being me" lol.

Leithan, yes the ELA is very sexy - so the RBA needs to be sexy too! I'm sure David has one planned, it's just a matter of when. Mecha by Leo? ... what's this?? ... looks like one fell through the crack, I'll have to check that one out. I also dug into the Chi You, that one is done from what I can tell, the "sole distributor" has dropped them. Then the Caravela, would be my 1st choice out of 'em all, but limited continuation run in late July/Aug. I figure the buyer waiting list (huge) will call in sick on the day you can pre-order. I figure that date will be known by some in advance (underground network), so my chances of getting in on the list essentially nil. I'm sure the Caravela will sell out in hours.

jSquared, no experience in unregulated vaping, but it's a crap shoot that I'm willing to take. Worst case scenario, I hate it and sell what I have, then move on to regulated options. As far as batteries go, protected Panasonic NCR 18650As, I don't see a problem, if there is please chime in. Funny you would bring up the ELA in 18650 mode and the gap between the main battery housing and the accent ring. I emailed David about that very thing and he said no additional trim rings required. I don't think I conveyed the concern accurately, my logic says yes there will be a gap just like what you have stated. Do you know if this can be resolved with an additional trim ring from Super-T, or would I have to order one and machine it to fit? Agreed, $190 is a "shot in the dark", I make a good salary so if it doesn't pan out I'll just chalk it up to another "nice going jackass!" and move on. Yes Super T's shipping estimates are quite optimistic, I still have the V2s and will use them as long as it takes or until my patience runs out and I bail from the ELA order.

 

[Magic Dragon Puff]

You have no Idea until yo hold an ELA in your hand...........Worth the wait time... Best mod that SuperT has ever produced-fron the features to the build... More heavy duty than a P+........Thicker tube walls...

Those are the attributes that sold me on the ELA, no question David incorporated almost all of the lessons learned with these devices into one slick design, lifetime warrantee says it all.

 

[jSquared]

jSquared, no experience in unregulated vaping, but it's a crap shoot that I'm willing to take. Worst case scenario, I hate it and sell what I have, then move on to regulated options. As far as batteries go, protected Panasonic NCR 18650As, I don't see a problem, if there is please chime in. Funny you would bring up the ELA in 18650 mode and the gap between the main battery housing and the accent ring. I emailed David about that very thing and he said no additional trim rings required. I don't think I conveyed the concern accurately, my logic says yes there will be a gap just like what you have stated. Do you know if this can be resolved with an additional trim ring from Super-T, or would I have to order one and machine it to fit? Agreed, $190 is a "shot in the dark", I make a good salary so if it doesn't pan out I'll just chalk it up to another "nice going jackass!" and move on. Yes Super T's shipping estimates are quite optimistic, I still have the V2s and will use them as long as it takes or until my patience runs out and I bail from the ELA order.

The Panasonics are very highly regarded, but I think most people use the CGRs. If I remember correctly, the CGRs are high drain and the NCRs are protected, but hopefully someone else can confirm that as I only use AW IMRs these days (I've tried various other batteries, but not the Panasonics).

David was right (of course!) - you don't need an additional accent ring for the ELA. He has also said that he's considering making a longer one specifically for the ELA's 18650 mode at some point in the future. It was just something I wanted to make sure you were aware of, and, for what it's worth, it's not a deal breaker for me. You really can't go wrong with the ELA, in my opinion - you're going to be very happy with it!

JJ

 

[jasl90]

More heavy duty than a P+........Thicker tube walls...

Now that's a bold statement... I'd say they both score a 10 out of 10 in the heavy duty department.

 

[jasl90]

I don't see how it's a crap shoot. Wrapping coils isn't too tough once you understand a few basic principals. You don't need to be an EE to get your head around it... But... if you are an EE, it's not going to be a problem at all.

A coil is nothing more than a simple wire wound resistor.

 

[Magic Dragon Puff]

I think the Panasonics will be ok, I also think any gap situation can probably be addressed with an 'O' ring if not too severe. I went ahead and ordered some extra Trim Rings just in case, I have the tools to machine one down to size if needed. If I don't use them, I'll make radio volume/tuning knobs out of them or something

Anyone know the ELA battery tube diameter? I've looked far and wide for that info and can't find it spec'd anywhere. Probably 23-24 mm (got that tube in a tube thing going on), but that's just a guess on my part.

Coil wrapping is not the issue, the point there was whether or not I'll like an unregulated vaping source. I think I will, but until I do it there will always be that "?" (I'm putting that one in the low risk category)

Wish I knew what David has in mind for this "Integrated Feeder/Rebuildable Atomizer" mod, can't argue the man does have a flare for the dramatic, if anyone knows anything please do share!

By the way, for those of you looking for a high end RBA?? No need to pound the web tonight, I just looked and all the good ones are gone lol.

 

[jasl90]

I think the Panasonics will be ok, I also think any gap situation can probably be addressed with an 'O' ring if not too severe. I went ahead and ordered some extra Trim Rings just in case, I have the tools to machine one down to size if needed. If I don't use them, I'll make radio volume/tuning knobs out of them or something

The protected Panasonics will fit but they aren't going to be the best to this particular application. There's a reason experienced vapors steer clear of LiCo based batteries. They simply don't have a high amp draw to hold up under load. LiMn based batteries fair much better in our world.
If you're making an investment in a nice PV like the ELA, do yourself a favor and get the most out of it by investing in some good high drain batteries (IMR or INR).

Anyone know the ELA battery tube diameter? I've looked far and wide for that info and can't find it spec'd anywhere. Probably 23-24 mm (got that tube in a tube thing going on), but that's just a guess on my part.

There isn't a single tube diameter. The top cap, inner telescopic tube, locking ring and outer tube are all different widths. All of the various widths are out there but they are burred somewhere in the ELA thread in the Super-T sub-forum. I'd measure mine for you but I don't have calipers... Sorry.

Coil wrapping is not the issue, the point there was whether or not I'll like an unregulated vaping source. I think I will, but until I do it there will always be that "?" (I'm putting that one in the low risk category)

That was my biggest concern as well... Ended up not being a huge issue for me. A good battery will maintain a fairly flat discharge curve and then fall off rather abruptly. Again, using the batteries you are proposing to use, is REALLY stacking stacking the deck against you.

Wish I knew what David has in mind for this "Integrated Feeder/Rebuildable Atomizer" mod, can't argue the man does have a flare for the dramatic, if anyone knows anything please do share!

By the way, for those of you looking for a high end RBA?? No need to pound the web tonight, I just looked and all the good ones are gone lol.

Lost of speculation and no facts. David is keeping RBA design ideas close to the chest.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[Magic Dragon Puff]

First input on the Panasonics that suggest a better alternative so much appreciated. My inventory still have their uses in some custom flashlights by ElektroLumens (check out the ST90, 3 of those Panasonics pump out 130,000+ lux through an LED = car headlight on high beams!)

I'll do some research here on the preferred 18650 IMR/INR bat for vaping applications.

Ok, so no single tube diameter, yep - kind of knew that but didn't explain myself very well. What I want to know is what is the diameter at the 510 end so when I lock in on an RBA, I can shoot for a seamless (as possible) interface?

Glad to hear a good battery gives that flat discharge we all want for consistent vaping, no further selling required on IMR/INR

No surprise David's RBA has the rumor mill going, I don't blame David for keeping that tech close to the vest, I knew it was a long shot. Now I'll wait like the rest of you for the highly anticipated, but no planned date, unveiling ... bummer.