The 3000mAh eGo - The Mega

[Switched]

Disclaimer: I received this unit as part of a trade and hence have no idea of its true value. Hey an Ego sporting an 18650, yeah baby, I'll take one any day of the week and 3 on Sundays. Wrong! - It is a piece of crap Manufactured by Bauway even at $29 it would be a serious rip off.

First Impressions
The only thing I know about this unit it is manufactured by Bauway. It came well packaged in a nice presentation box. The box contained:

• 2 x 18650 unprotected batteries;
• 1 charger Model YL-103A capable of charging @ 3.7V and 300mA;
• 1 801 atomiser;
• 5 spare 801 cartridges;
• the device: battery tube, switch section; and cone.

View attachment 24650View attachment 24651

Why is this device a piece of crap?

• it feels terribly cheap when held in the hand;
• the batteries are unprotected, not really a fault. However the tube will not accept AW 18650s, therefore I doubt the device can accept any protected batteries;
• no mAh rating on the batteries, therefore 3000mAh could be overated, and probably is;
• I doubt the quality of the charger, and refuse to use it, especially with unprotected batteries;
• the atomiser although an 801, seems proprietary as no other 801s will fit on it;
• the switch connection is unsealed, therefore cannot be used as a dripper;
• the switch assembly acts as an air intake;
• the threads are extremely fine. I doubt they would last a month even if one was being careful;
• the switch has a nice click, but doesn't appear to be user serviceable;
• the male atty connector is offset, precluding the use of the cone. The cone will not screw on with the atomiser in place; and
• the batteries did not come charged with this unit (no biggie).

I have yet to vape on this unit as the batteries are charging. I will not be able to do a comprehensive review because I cannot fit the cone with the atomiser. I will do a follow up once vaped.

View attachment 24652
The unit assembled.

View attachment 24653
The unit dis-assembled

View attachment 24654
The atomiser connection. The hole runs to approximately the mid section of the switch assembly.

View attachment 24655
A view of the air intake just left of the button

View attachment 24657
A view of the threads.

I will follow up once I get a chance to vape it. But this unit is a big dis-appointment and I cannot endorse this product at this time. I seriously doubt that vaping the unit will change my endorsement. Save your money folks! ... and buy at your own risk

 

[Jackal3]

Good luck vaping on it. I received my Mega Ego last month and have yet to post a review because of my unhappy experiences with it and Bauway.

My batts came charged, but only one of two attys work. The 801 carts are way too snug a fit and hurt my hand pushing them in to the atty. Then the vapor... what there is of it. Too hot most of the time, as if the polyfill isn't quite touching the atty enough, and it's not wicking enough. Then sometimes it's too wet, but rarely is the vapor just right. I tried the entire set of carts they gave me, and others from other makers with no better luck (though the Boge 302 carts fit nicer, they still don't quite reach the bridge of the atty to wick right).

I'll wait for your follow up. I have sent my bad notes to Bauway hoping to get some resolution or a fix.... several times... to no avail. Not even a response.

Oh,... DO NOT DRIP with it! You'll kill the switch. There is no place for the liquid to go but down the center hole right to the switch.

Also, not the nice blue light INSIDE the switch (not really visible outside).

 

[Jackal3]

Oh, and don't order Green Tea flavor carts or cartos.

 

[Switched]

I was able to give it a whirl, sans cone.

Vapour production was good but the flavour department was lacking. Little to no throat hit. I tried using an 801 to 510 drip carto (long) and the atty would not fire. I was able to fit the cone. On this device since the air intake is via the switch assy, the cone is purely aesthetic. The carts the unit comes with will not fit the atty. The spare 801s I had do.

Far too many negatives with this unit, to even remotely recommend to folks. Bauway, you folks flopped big time with this one.

 

[StormFinch]

Thanks for this review Switched, and to Jackal3 for the additional comments. I ran across this model not too long ago and was curious about it. Glad I wasn't curious enough to spend the money now.

 

[Switched]

Thanks for this review Switched, and to Jackal3 for the additional comments. I ran across this model not too long ago and was curious about it. Glad I wasn't curious enough to spend the money now.

You are welcome. There is nothing like taking one for the team. I am glad I didn't buy it. I will always give accurate reviews even if it means that I will be stuck with a piece of crap. This item has only one job, to produce vapor while it can and then see its way to the compost pile. I can't even see myself offering this unit on PIF, yet alone the classifieds.

 

[marc445]

Oh, and don't order Green Tea flavor carts or cartos.

Don't order anything green tea flavored or gensing flavored. it is terrible

 

[mwa102464]

I wished they would make a quality Ego with an AW IMR 18650 Batt in it and it was a sealed unit just like the current Ego Batts. I have been asking for this for some time switched. What would your feeling be towards this ?

 

[Switched]

As you know, I already have a VV and an 18650, box mods though. Yeah, I would be all over that.

 

[Jackal3]

The problem is when I got my Mega Ego 155D from Bauway (which, btw, I had got free to write a review but paid for shipping) I thought this thing was still in development stages. I sent in a few rather long emails suggesting many changes like sealed switch assembly, a working atty that fits its 801 carts (or carts that fit the atty), and so on. I never, ever got any responses. Not even a "Hey thanks for your input, we'll have our people talk to your people". I gave them tips and tricks and things we e-cig users look for in a unit. Not one peep out of them. When I did this for other companies I always got responses AND fixes.

I ordered cappuccino and green tea flavored carts and cartos for the Mega Ego and the 1300mAh ego set from them. The cappuccino is the best cappuccino I've ever tried. However the green tea flavor is bitter and barely produces vapor. It is disgusting and wretched tasting. I had to rinse out all the green tea carts and put in my own stuff. I complained about the green tea in each letter and again... no response. No "Hey I'm sorry, we'll fix you up next order"... nothing.

The 1300mAh ego by Bauway is a winner, btw. I'll be writing a review on it soon.
But this Mega Ego is a waste. I think their concept was great, but their outcome fell short and their customer service was worse.

 

[Switched]

I hear ya, and like you I right about the negatives in hope for improvements. On many occasions these negative observations/recommendations are/were acted upon and subsequently the unit became better.

I vaped it for a good portion of the evening last night. I was getting decent vapour production but only subtle taste. This is with an all VG mix. The unit could not withstand 3 hits as the 3rd hit was harsh. We are not talking 3 consecutive hits, but 3 pulls like if we were smoking a cig.

IMO the unit needs a total redesign:

• the threads require addressing. They are far too fine and shallow;
• they need to move away from proprietary attys and connection. Savy folks are moving away from proprietary equipment. It might have been the way in the beginning (you needed to go back to JoeBlow for your vaping needs) but that business model has long lived its usefulness;
• if you are making a jumbo eGo, which this is, then make 'em like an eGo;
• the cone serves no useful purpose as is, outside of aesthetics. It is far to narrow at the top;
• air intake should be from the top of the cone, and not the switch assy; and
• seal off the switch assy.

 

[Dusty_D]

I deal directly with the Sales Director at Bauway, and I have been advised that they have put the production of this unit on hold pending improvements in the design. This has been after a lot of feedback that I have provided along with that of another tester, and including the feedback at the start of this thread.

I initially ordered this device due to curiosity and the fact that it had replaceable batteries in 18650 format. I currently use just the battery and switch section with a 801-510 connector and either drip or use standard CE2 cartos. I do not use the cone. I have also sealed the top of the switch assembly so that no juice gets through.

In essence what I have, is a cone-less device, using a 510 connector that uses 18650 batteries that lasts for approximately 2 days. For $30, that to me is a deal, no matter what.

To address the unprotected battery concern, we were required to order batteries that had a diameter smaller than 18.4mm. The Trustfire (flames) PCB battery is sized at 18.3mm and seem to fit the bill. I'm still waiting on them to arrive to see if they will fit the unit.

I have used the device as intended with the 801 atty provided with and without the cone and have not faced any of the issues highlighted at the start of this thread. I just never intended to use it as an 801 device since I have ample stock of 510 attys and cartos.

In closing, I would have to say that managing your expectations has a lot to do when ordering something like this. Is it the cadillac of the e-cig world? No.. I'll leave that to the P-18 and the GG devices out there along with some of the other $200 mods. Is it a device that can be used how I am using it? Sure it can.. and that is all I want from it. For $30.. why not?!

What Bauway does with the feedback, and whether they actually implement it into the new design will remain to be seen. Until then I intend to get full use of the 2 devices that I own.

Happy vaping!

 

[Switched]

Well I guess I wasn't too far off the mark with $29. In that case at that price it is reasonable.

 

[Dusty_D]

Well I guess I wasn't too far off the mark with $29. In that case at that price it is reasonable.

The product price point in China has no relevance to the sale point set here. Landed costs here are entirely different due to high shipping costs and absolutely no different than the $15 eGo’s (China) that sell for $79 plus tax here in Canada.

 

[Switched]

In closing, I would have to say that managing your expectations has a lot to do when ordering something like this. Is it the cadillac of the e-cig world? No.. I'll leave that to the P-18 and the GG devices out there along with some of the other $200 mods. Is it a device that can be used how I am using it? Sure it can.. and that is all I want from it. For $30.. why not?!

What Bauway does with the feedback, and whether they actually implement it into the new design will remain to be seen. Until then I intend to get full use of the 2 devices that I own.

Happy vaping!

I see folks defend sub-par products all the time, and for the love of God can't wrap my head around it. I am gald you were able to find Nirvana with this device and it that it falls within your stringent demands wrt purchases. OTOH...

I do not want to modify my cartos or devices to make them work. When I did the review I did not know the value of the unit, now that I do know, someone is definitely snickering in the background.

Because the marketing/ advertisement for this device leaves allot to be desired, then folks have a right to know when something is a piece of crap, which this is. I would be really disappointed if this unit sold for more than $30, at $30 well at least the average consumer knows or should know what they are getting.

BTW you can get a decent mod for under $100, that will outlast 10 of these.

 

[Dusty_D]

Excuse me for deeming to disagree with your review (which I am not, entirely), and portraying the product for what it could potentially be used for. Neither am I taking up the fight for Bauway or it's product.

They have received a lot of feedback from me over the past few weeks, including feedback I received at the Toronto meet last month and much much before your scathing review came along (which I also shared with Bauway, as mentioned).

That being said, I'm now going to take my sub par product and continue to achieve enlightenment, if you would not mind.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts so far.

 

[Switched]

I have no problem with that as you also have a dog in the hunt. I believe you have a vested interest in this product and I am also cool with that. OTOH I will never promote I product I don't believe in. At the $29 price point, it is marketed at the correct value.

 

[Dusty_D]

I have no problem with that as you also have a dog in the hunt. I believe you have a vested interest in this product and I am also cool with that. OTOH I will never promote I product I don't believe in. At the $29 price point, it is marketed at the correct value.

You believe wrong, Sir!

I bought a couple of these units for myself because they seemed interesting. I ordered 2 units for me, as I also believe in having a back-up on hand. There were no MOQ's to be met from the vendor, and neither am I planning on ordering more or selling the two that I have. I do not recollect promoting the product either. So, would appreciate you not making more of this than it is worth.

I definitely do not intend to be bickering with a someone that I personally consider a senior member on the Canadian forum, so would appreciate if we could drop this for now.

Peace out!

 

[Jackal3]

Here is a copy of the first letter I sent to Bauway, one of several that were never replied. Note I did not disembowel their production department or the Mega Ego. Rather I was giving my true thoughts on this unit, noting the serious problems I encountered hoping to assist their development team. When I received my Mega Ego, I also received their 1300mAh Ego to review, which I do like, even though the battery length is much longer than say the Kanger 1300mAh Vgo.

Here's the letter:

The e-cigarettes came in the mail today. Your 1300mAh 510Ego is a dream. Very nice, used it all day on one charge. I love your cappuccino flavor cartomizer! I will write a very nice review on this one.

I have some questions and concerns with the 155D Mega Ego. It seems the cartridges don't fit into the atomizer very well. No matter how hard I push they don't seem to fit down nicely. They stick up a little, and that concerns me. I think the filler and juice of the cartomizer isn't quite reaching the atomizer bridge. Sometimes the hit on it is rather dry and almost no juice is used. I tried 3 different cartridges and got the same results. Some of the cartridges seem loose, not tight when I insert them into the atomizer. When the cartridge does happen to get juice to the atomizer the vapor is nice. A nice, full hit with nice throat hit too. I'm wondering if the atomizer isn't just a little bit too tall. Maybe if the atomizer was 0.5mm shorter the cartridge could fit deeper and touch the atomizer bridge? Also, I have some questions for your development team.
1. What is the voltage of the battery under full working load?
2. What Ohm rating is the atomizer? I ask because the 18650 should be a decent enough battery to support the use of a lower Ohm rated atomizer... say a 1.5-2.0 Ohm atomizer. The would create more wattage, somewhere between 6-8watts, which will create huge, thick plumes of vapor for the user. The 18650 is a good, hard working battery. BIG, but hard working.
3. Have your R&D team thought about making a slightly smaller version with an AW 14500 900mAh protected battery? It is a wonderful, hard working battery with great output.

The 155D Mega Ego is a nice unit. It is big, bigger than I thought from the pictures. This isn't something I would carry around everywhere. But I would certainly use it at home, maybe keep it at the office. The button is small but very nice and easy to use. Seems to actuate easy. It is heavy, so keeping it in my shirt pocket won't happen. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I have other e-cigarettes that are as big, or bigger. But those I don't carry around either. They stay at home and I use them around the house or at a party where I will vape more.

I think Bauway is onto something very nice here. Work on the cartridge problem, try some LR (low resistance) atomizers around 2.0 Ohms, and maybe create a cartomizer for it too. A nice long one that holds 1.5-2.0 ml of liquid. All of this is just my first impressions. I will experiment some more and give more detail as I go along.
''

NOTE: It wasn't until my 3rd email to Bauway regarding the Mega Ego that I had tested it enough to just not like it. Bauway IS onto something good, but this unit has a lot of work ahead of itself.

Some other notes since then:
The threaded section of the switch housing, where the atomizer connects, is bent at an angle. This could be from me forcing the 801 cartridges into the atomizer. I literally have to push them in so hard the flat tipped cartridges leave impressions in my palm and have created a bruise. I also believe the cart filler isn't quite hitting the bridge enough. SO while vaping it the atomizer heats the first millimeter or so of liquid and vaporizes it, but soon runs dry as it's not wicking well enough to pull the liquid from the rest of the cartomizer. This results in a really hot, dry hit with way too much TH and not enough vapor, if any. To get it to work again I have to let gravity pull the liquid higher in the cart down to the end at the bridge... about a minute or two, sometimes more.
I also noticed a blue light coming from inside the switch housing. Why? It's barely visible unless you're looking into the switch housing when you press the button. Why is it inside?
I have the gray Trusfire 18650 protected batts and they do NOT fit. Just an FYI. Only the blue unprotected unmarked 18650s that came with the unit fit.

 

[Jackal3]

I should also say this unit, though called Mega Ego, is not an ego at all. Just because it has a cone does not make it an Ego. Calling it the 155D would have sufficed. I almost wish I got the 155C as well (the smaller version). I really wish someone at Bauway would acknowledge my emails and concerns. Even a reply of "Hey we got your email and our R&D team is working hard on fixing things." would sate my attempts at helping.