The SEARCH for the PERFECT E-CIG

[uzzaperez]

I'll tell you, a cafe mocha frappuccino from V4L on a Bartleby with the 510 to carto adapter is a great long vape! ;-) The cartomizer runs out before the battery which is not true for the KR808-D1/280mAh that I have. Plus I'm not running into that 5 second cutoff on the KR8. (supposed to be 8 second - it's not).

LOL - Yeah, I remember the 5 second cut off on my first manual KR. That really sucked. Wasn't so bad on the auto, it was kind of natural to pause and resume your draw to get a 10 sec result anyway. Luckily the newer batteries are 10 or 13 seconds to the cut off, which is big for me because I prefer the KR due to flavor being an important factor for me. And on my pass-thru or high voltage I get the vapor boost you would expect from such. Anyway, even though I am a KR fan, I can't really knock the 510.

On the other hand, I can bag on the 901 all day. What a mediocre POS.

 

[Kent C]

yano_jl:The "Best" of both worlds? I dunno.




I use this set up as well, and my findings differ somewhat:

• Although portable and convenient, the 510 battery's life is shorter that the 808 batts (among others). I think we all agree on this one, otherwise 3.7 mods might not be so popular.

For the most part comparing the KR8 that people use vs. the 510 regular batt is an apples and oranges comparison. If you compare the 280mAh 510 mega with the KR8 280mAh batt, the 510 wins that one. But of course not against the 150mAh batt.

• The draw on the 510 powered cartomizer can be a bit light and "airy". This can be addressed, to some degree, by a minor mod to cover up some of the air holes in the adapter.

I haven't had that problem with the adapter from heaven gifts. But I've had some cartomizers - greencig - where thet notches in the adapter simply don't work - the connection cuts off all air.

• The vapor production using this set-up is, IMHO, the weakest part. I spew a hugh cloud using 510 batts and attys together. Using the cartomizer on the adapted 510 produces a feeble little cloud.

Here, it really depends on the cartomizers and the flavors -V4L's cafe mocha frap does fine as does cognac, french pipe and a few others. The newport and cuban cigar are just puffs and I've had a few of each - I like the flavor on the cuban. The difference is striking. And if you happen to get those flavors then I'd agree but there are some flavors that get at least 901 vapor but not quite 510 vapor, imo.

• I find myself puffing on the cart several times in sequence just to "beef-up" the vapor. For some, vapor production ranks pretty low on the list of priorities, especially for stealth vaporers (is that a word?). I just prefer a bigger hit that this configuration can offer.

Vaping them on a mod helps - when I was using the KR8 batt, it seemed like every other drag was good vapor, as if the carto wasn't wicking fast enough. On a mod though - again, with certain flavors, that doesn't happen and the vapor is consistent.

Actually the vapor on the vapor kings, puresmoker, greencig was more consistent - ie. better and longevity was good but each of those had an underflavor that ruined the whole experience. 555 was the only one that was really vapable, imo. And this underflavor is rather well known - I only found that out when I reported it myself and then people were directing me to whole threads about it.

That said, you can avoid those downfalls (and high expense) by getting some blank cartomizers and a blunt syringe (heaven gifts) and a 510 adapter and filling them with your own juice - they last for 3 hours that way and the vapor is good if not great with the right juice.

 

[keyzygirl]

Ive tried different stuff and for me the xlong with the 13 sec cutoff and the new 1ml cartos from V4L are the perfect combo.The flavor and battery time work out perfectly.I know its only my opinion,but it really works for me.

 

[Kent C]

uzzaperez:LOL - Yeah, I remember the 5 second cut off on my first manual KR. That really sucked.

I know. It was my first manual with a cutoff! I thought huh?? Who's idea was this?!?

Wasn't so bad on the auto, it was kind of natural to pause and resume your draw to get a 10 sec result anyway. Luckily the newer batteries are 10 or 13 seconds to the cut off,

They were just hitting the market when I got the other one - wish I would have waited but with the 510 adapter it really does do the trick for me.

which is big for me because I prefer the KR due to flavor being an important factor for me. And on my pass-thru or high voltage I get the vapor boost you would expect from such. Anyway, even though I am a KR fan, I can't really knock the 510.

On the other hand, I can bag on the 901 all day. What a mediocre POS.

It can work well on a 5volt mod and while it is good for some fruit/berry/lighter flavors the 801 gets the same good flavor but with a bigger cartridge. Still I'll use it on my 5volt and it doesn't burn too hot like the 510 at that voltage. Still the 510 on a 14500 will produce more vapor than the 901 on 5volts.

 

[yano_jl]

That said, you can avoid those downfalls (and high expense) by getting some blank cartomizers and a blunt syringe (heaven gifts) and a 510 adapter and filling them with your own juice - they last for 3 hours that way and the vapor is good if not great with the right juice.

I have the syringe, and the 501-to-cartomizer adapter as provided by AltSmoke. I do NOT have the blank cartos, nor the flavors you recomended... yet. On your recomendation, I shall give these a try.

With regards to the Frech Pipe, however, yeesh. I actually tried a version of this flavor (Dekang, I believe) in my 510. I thought it kinda tasted like a cross between cheap perfume and a stool sample

Thanks for the feedback and advice.

 

[Kent C]

yano_jl:I have the syringe, and the 501-to-cartomizer adapter as provided by AltSmoke. I do NOT have the blank cartos, nor the flavors you recomended... yet. On your recomendation, I shall give these a try.

With regards to the Frech Pipe, however, yeesh. I actually tried a version of this flavor (Dekang, I believe) in my 510. I thought it kinda tasted like a cross between cheap perfume and a stool sample

Oh it sucks ;-) French pipe is all over the place on flavoring. At least with hilton and camel you know you're going to get some tobacco with some chocolate or cocoa. TW's french pipe is rather good - tobacco with peach and something else. My top pick on cartos would be the cafe mocha frapp and the cognac but you'd have to like the cognac flavoring of course. The french pipe is good. And again, so far, imo, only from V4L. I'm still 'trying some out' and in general it will just be for those times - driving and travel..... otherwise, get the nobacco juice and vape it on the 510 atty ;-) Others with good vapor and not terrible flavor - caramel (and that isn't as good flavor as some claim - same with expresso - good vapor - not expresso ;-) coffee and caramel are evidently tough to nail down flavor wise - very few get it - JC's old Kona did, Janty capp... and now cafe mocha frap - that's about it, imo. ruyan#4 has more caramel in it that most caramel flavors, esp. dekang which tastes like pina colada. V4L ry4 is quite good, as is the hilton, kant, marguerita. Still have some menthols to try. Smilin' menthol is 'ok'.

 

[uzzaperez]

yano_jl:The "Best" of both worlds? I dunno.

... vapor production ...

Here, it really depends on the cartomizers and the flavors -V4L's cafe mocha frap does fine as does cognac, french pipe and a few others. The newport and cuban cigar are just puffs and I've had a few of each - I like the flavor on the cuban. The difference is striking. And if you happen to get those flavors then I'd agree but there are some flavors that get at least 901 vapor but not quite 510 vapor, imo.

Having used a lot of cartomizers I can share that if you aren't getting vapor it is almost always either a bad carto or it is underfilled (if from the manufacturer) or overfilled (if you filled your own blanks). Usually if you throw it on a pass thru you will find you are getting good vapor. Pop the top and drip the filler wet and you are getting great vapor.

Sometimes I do get the occassional underperforming cart, but usually the above solves the problem right away, and once the carto is going it is going good so you can throw it back on your normal battery. Works for me anyway.

I guess my main point is, if you like the flavor don't give it up just because it seems to be linked to underperforming cartos - it is almost always the carto and never the juice that is giving you trouble. (At least if it is good juice like the CaSH from Puresmoker or the Nobacco from V4L).

 

[daveshoot]

Funny, I just got the V4L French Pipe in a sampler and I think it is my favorite so far (on a stock KR808D-1). Tastes like a mild cherry pipe tobacco, very warm and creamy texture. I wish I would have gotten the Cuban in the sampler, and I think I will be ordering some.

I am loving the KR808D-1 and am glad I started with it.

 

[Guineahill]

I think the Kr8 is the best out there for people who want something simple to use. Refilling really isn't a chore since you don't have to do it often. I used to smoke 2 and a half packs a day and I go through two or three cartomizers a day.

I also like the Joye 510 for people starting out. It is relatively easy to use and works quite well. I go through a lot of batteries though since they don't last that long. And I do need to fill cartridges often.

I always tell people that it will take them a while to find which model works best for them. The important thing is just to get one and get started!

 

[Kent C]

Funny, I just got the V4L French Pipe in a sampler and I think it is my favorite so far (on a stock KR808D-1).

Just to be clear. It isnt the V4L french pipe that sucks - it the dekang. I like the French Pipe carto from V4L - vaping it right now in fact ;-)

 

[Kent C]

Having used a lot of cartomizers I can share that if you aren't getting vapor it is almost always either a bad carto or it is underfilled (if from the manufacturer) or overfilled (if you filled your own blanks). Usually if you throw it on a pass thru you will find you are getting good vapor. Pop the top and drip the filler wet and you are getting great vapor.

Sometimes I do get the occassional underperforming cart, but usually the above solves the problem right away, and once the carto is going it is going good so you can throw it back on your normal battery. Works for me anyway.

I guess my main point is, if you like the flavor don't give it up just because it seems to be linked to underperforming cartos - it is almost always the carto and never the juice that is giving you trouble. (At least if it is good juice like the CaSH from Puresmoker or the Nobacco from V4L).

I've tried all the tricks on newport and cuban cigar and a few others - dropping in from the batt end sometimes will work but for the most part you vape that off and then no vapor again. Old CaSH I'd agree - not the newer stuff so much. With the nobacco - tried that because I liked the cuban cigar and the juice didn't produce much vapor either. I added some Ecopure to it - and I like the flavoring but the vapor is still weak unless you juice it up with VG. I think eventually they'll get it down but then I'm not going to buy cartomizers at that price.

I'm pretty much done with my 'cartomizer experiement' and with the exception that I found a few juices that are really good, my conclusion is - vaping with the 510 in most cases is more satisfying - in the situations where a cartomizer is handy - driving and travel - it's best to use blanks and load them ahead of time. Have a few packs of cmfrap and cognac cartos on hand for when you don't have the time. If you can plan well enough to load up some regular cartridges when you drive, there's really no need to even 'try out' cartomizers other than for 'educational' purposes.

 

[Meltmanbob]

Wow thanks guys!! I think I'm going to go with the KR808, vapor is more of a "cool" thing for me and not so much a need but good flavor would probably help keep me off analogs.

Don't know if I can post links etc but I found a starter kit from ecigexpress that's about $33 for a KR808 battery, 2 cartos and a PCC. I was going to add in 3 5 packs of 24mg cartos and a 10ml 24mg bottle... they don't have much to choose from for juice or cartos but my selection would be all 24mg, 7 menthol, 5 ry4, 5 cappuccino, 10ml strawberry.

I'm interested in the PCC because I won't have the ability to vape longer than the equivalent of 1-2 analogs at a time ie smoke breaks at work and when I'm at home I still have to go outside (house rules). Maybe down the road when I have some long drives to go on I'll get a passthrough since I have an 800watt power inverter in my car with a 5v usb power outlet.

Basically I saw that PCC's for the 510 are about $25+ and either the KR808 or the 510 starter kits with 2 batteries, 2 atomizers + 5 carts or 6 cartos and something to charge with will run about $30-$50 which leaves me possibly without a case and dependent on the 2 batteries lasting until I can get home and charge them again. I was just thinking that the PCC kit would be nice since it can recharge 4 batteries and even with just one I can plug it into the PCC after each use and have it fresh each time.

I'll do some research on ecigexpress and their cartos, does anyone have an opinion on that company, their products or their cartos specifically? The cartos are Kanger and the 10ml juice is Dekang.

Anyway thanks again. I think the KR808 will be my first choice and partially because of the $33 kit with the PCC and also because in the beginning it should be a bit less complicated using a carto yet eventually I can start learning how to refill and drip etc after I get through the 17 cartos. Sound like a good plan? At least for the next month?

 

[uzzaperez]

I've tried all the tricks on newport and cuban cigar and a few others - dropping in from the batt end sometimes will work but for the most part you vape that off and then no vapor again. Old CaSH I'd agree - not the newer stuff so much.

This first comment is not what I want to ask you but: IMO if you are dripping from the battery end you are trying a often mis-recommended gimmick: I 100% agree with people that don't really believe cartomizers are consistent performers **when dripping from the battery end**. You've obviously been around the block many times and know what's up, sounds like you've been refilling blanks from the top too, but once you've popped the top on a KR (use a drywall screw or any old screw like I described in the OP, then it isn't any more of a pain in the ...$ than popping a tip of a normal atomizer) and direct dripped the filler just to keep it moist...it really seems strange to go back to the hit-or-miss-try-your-luck results of the battery end approach - might as well toss the cart and whip out a 510.

Anyway, off topic a little I know but here is what I wanted to ask you. I ordered some CaSHTab a long time ago. It was so awesome that I stocked up, haven't had to order again yet. Recently I ordered some CaSH 555 and Riskee Yuice (their RY4) and they are, you know, pretty good, but not awesome like my CaSHTab. Has their juice really changed? I wonder if I ordered some new CaSHTab would it just be good? Do you have any inside scoop on if their supply has changed or if the quality has changed regardless of flavor choice?

I know with Litecig for example, their Deuce flavor is a different product than their other stuff which seems to be just Ruyan stuff. Maybe CaSHTab might be a different product than their other flavors? What's the word on the street?

 

[Kent C]

Meltmanbob:Wow thanks guys!! I think I'm going to go with the KR808, vapor is more of a "cool" thing for me and not so much a need but good flavor would probably help keep me off analogs.

Don't know if I can post links etc but I found a starter kit from ecigexpress that's about $33 for a KR808 battery, 2 cartos and a PCC. I was going to add in 3 5 packs of 24mg cartos and a 10ml 24mg bottle... they don't have much to choose from for juice or cartos but my selection would be all 24mg, 7 menthol, 5 ry4, 5 cappuccino, 10ml strawberry.

I'm interested in the PCC because I won't have the ability to vape longer than the equivalent of 1-2 analogs at a time ie smoke breaks at work and when I'm at home I still have to go outside (house rules). Maybe down the road when I have some long drives to go on I'll get a passthrough since I have an 800watt power inverter in my car with a 5v usb power outlet.

Basically I saw that PCC's for the 510 are about $25+ and either the KR808 or the 510 starter kits with 2 batteries, 2 atomizers + 5 carts or 6 cartos and something to charge with will run about $30-$50 which leaves me possibly without a case and dependent on the 2 batteries lasting until I can get home and charge them again. I was just thinking that the PCC kit would be nice since it can recharge 4 batteries and even with just one I can plug it into the PCC after each use and have it fresh each time.

Or you could get a usb charger. KR8 and 510 both fit the universal charger.

Best deal on the 510 with the PCC: free ship and 2 5ml of juice:
Joye 510 with PCC

I'll do some research on ecigexpress and their cartos, does anyone have an opinion on that company, their products or their cartos specifically? The cartos are Kanger and the 10ml juice is Dekang.

Pretty sure those are not the same as the V4K cartos and may have that underflavor that isn't that pleasant.

Anyway thanks again. I think the KR808 will be my first choice and partially because of the $33 kit with the PCC and also because in the beginning it should be a bit less complicated using a carto yet eventually I can start learning how to refill and drip etc after I get through the 17 cartos. Sound like a good plan? At least for the next month?

I think you'll need another battery sooner. ;-)

 

[uzzaperez]

I'll do some research on ecigexpress and their cartos, does anyone have an opinion on that company, their products or their cartos specifically? The cartos are Kanger and the 10ml juice is Dekang.

Anyway thanks again. I think the KR808 will be my first choice and partially because of the $33 kit with the PCC and also because in the beginning it should be a bit less complicated using a carto yet eventually I can start learning how to refill and drip etc after I get through the 17 cartos. Sound like a good plan? At least for the next month?

Sounds like a good plan to me. A couple tips: make sure to read the tips at the end of OP - you will have a frustration or two with the KR that is easily solved if you can benefit from those tips.

As for the PCC, if it charges four batteries I'll have to check it out. Mine only charges one at a time. I personally have found that I greatly prefer just taking four charged batteries loaded with four cartomizers rather than two batteries with a PCC. Four batteries will usually last me all day. Plus then I can shotgun two carts at a time if I'm in need of a quick session or a pass-thru size cloud of vapor.

Finally, the cartos - most people don't like the dekang or ruyan juices as much as some of the other juices out there, but that juice will get the job done - just with a little less flavor enjoyment. As far as where you get the cartos themselves, I haven't found much difference in the cartos as much as I have the juice they are filled with. I kind of figured they probably all have the same manufacturing process. But keep in mind that you will burn out cartos by trying to get the last drop of juice out of them unless you get comfortable with refilling so you don't feel like you have to use every last drop before moving to a new carto. Actually, reading your post it does sound like you are getting a bottle of juice so maybe you can avoid that little hiccup of thinking you should vape the carto dry.

 

[Meltmanbob]

Well I could get rid of one of the 5 packs of cartos and add another battery. I would consider the 510 kit you linked but I need to find a discount coupon first because I only have $60 in my bank account until I start getting a regular paycheck. That kit does look pretty nice with everything in it! Thanks.

 

[Kent C]

uzzaperez:This first comment is not what I want to ask you but: IMO if you are dripping from the battery end you are trying a often mis-recommended gimmick: I 100% agree with people that don't really believe cartomizers are consistent performers **when dripping from the battery end**.

You're missing something here. 'dripping from the batt end' was a solution (and like I said, not a good one) to inconsistent cartomizers.

You've obviously been around the block many times and know what's up, sounds like you've been refilling blanks from the top too, but once you've popped the top on a KR (use a drywall screw or any old screw like I described in the OP, then it isn't any more of a pain in the ...$ than popping a tip of a normal atomizer) and direct dripped the filler just to keep it moist...it really seems strange to go back to the hit-or-miss-try-your-luck results of the battery end approach - might as well toss the cart and whip out a 510.

Nah... again, like I said, I tried that - doesn't work. I've laid out how I refill blanks - you have to pop the mouthpiece once to see what's in there but after that I don't bother with popping it. You just have to know where to go - I take a syringe and go past the internal rubber along side of the wall of the cart, put 1ml in, spin it, put another 10drops in and let it sit a bit (not overnight) and vape for 3 hours. Only without the syringe will I pop the mouthpiece.

Anyway, off topic a little I know but here is what I wanted to ask you. I ordered some CaSHTab a long time ago. It was so awesome that I stocked up, haven't had to order again yet. Recently I ordered some CaSH 555 and Riskee Yuice (their RY4) and they are, you know, pretty good, but not awesome like my CaSHTab. Has their juice really changed?

Steve will tell you it did. Old CaSHCap was a big favorite and he even mentions it from time to time that he's trying to get the same juice - in fact, the new court decision may end up with seized shipments being delivered to where some of that old juice will show up. Same with the Riskee, imo. The new stuff while vapable has a plasticy taste that the earlier stuff didn't. The current Marlboro is as good as Janty juice though. Still sweet, but for those that liked the original stuff in the Dura carts, get some Puresmokers Marlboro.

I wonder if I ordered some new CaSHTab would it just be good? Do you have any inside scoop on if their supply has changed or if the quality has changed regardless of flavor choice?

Again, not 'inside' - Steve readily admits the cappuccino changed - he didn't have control of it. Many vendors are in the same position. The Widow and Freshsmoking can no longer get and give the same deals on Janty/Joye juice. Don't know what the deal is exactly.

I know with Litecig for example, their Deuce flavor is a different product than their other stuff which seems to be just Ruyan stuff. Maybe CaSHTab might be a different product than their other flavors? What's the word on the street?

That's one I haven't tried. Although I may now when I order something from PS just to try it. I'm a huge Decadent Vapours fan for the less sweeter juices and Janty/Joye juice for RY4 and Cappuccino as well as a few others. So I've dealt with the Widow, freshsmoking, dietsmokes, Janty for that. I get dekang stuff from heaven gifts - kent, hilton, ruyan#4 and like Nhaler's stuff -nuport is the best tobacco/menthol vape, imo and I've had a few. TW's french pipe is a current favorite as well as the diy stuff - diyshack, happy vaper, TW's DV flavors, nic juice and VG. Almost all the other vendors either have straight dekang or their base is dekang nic and they add flavors.

There's some new 'USA nic juice' making the rounds - and it isn't bad. I've had some from ELP and Madvapes.

 

[Meltmanbob]

Sorry for 2 posts right in a row, didn't see an edit button.

The 510 deal from cignot is nice but I can't afford it unless maybe I email them and ask them if they can sell it for $60.

Uzzaperez - I meant to say the PCC can charge a battery 4 times roughly... not 4 at once, sorry about that. I just like that set up because I could keep the battery topped off throughout the day and have 2 cartos which should be good so long as they are full before I leave for the day.

I have a feeling that eventually I'll get the 510 so I'll have good examples of both a 2 piece and a 3 piece set up since I do plan on making my own custom stuff down the road.

 

[Kent C]

Well I could get rid of one of the 5 packs of cartos and add another battery. I would consider the 510 kit you linked but I need to find a discount coupon first because I only have $60 in my bank account until I start getting a regular paycheck. That kit does look pretty nice with everything in it! Thanks.

The no box starter kit there is $35 - 2 batts, 2 attys, charger, cartriddges, and you could just take the charger with you for now ;-)

Either way 510/KR8 - though you'll be good here. The things to avoid are the superminis unless vapor is Really not a big issue for you. And some of those kits aren't cheap either. ecigexpress is a very good vendor too. cignot is well known and respected in these parts.

 

[uzzaperez]

Nah... again, like I said, I tried that - doesn't work. I've laid out how I refill blanks - you have to pop the mouthpiece once to see what's in there but after that I don't bother with popping it. You just have to know where to go - I take a syringe and go past the internal rubber along side of the wall of the cart, put 1ml in, spin it, put another 10drops in and let it sit a bit (not overnight) and vape for 3 hours. Only without the syringe will I pop the mouthpiece.
.....
Steve readily admits the cappuccino changed - he didn't have control of it. Many vendors are in the same position. The Widow and Freshsmoking can no longer get and give the same deals on Janty/Joye juice. Don't know what the deal is exactly.
.....
I'm a huge Decadent Vapours fan

1. Sorry, I just don't see consistently getting good results refilling blind by any method. I actually tried the syringe and found myself getting annoyed with the spinning, the occassional overfill killing cart performance, and etc. I guess I'd just rather see what I'm doing and drip the sides rather than spin. To each his own though, experience with any method can make you like it I suppose. I'm a happy cap popper because the KR on a pass-thru is by far my favorite device for direct dripping (flavor...mmm...flavor) and you can't dd with a cap on. I usually have a few flavors of carts that I don't even keep the caps for that I use for direct dripping the KR. You're a certified cap hater!

2. Thanks for the input on the CaSH juice. Bummer though, I'll look for updates on when/if it comes back around.

3. I'd love to hear your eval on different Decadent Vapor flavors. I ordered the Cognac, and it is pretty good, definitley unique. But I have a hard time ordering 30ml of something I may or may not like at those big time TW price points, so I haven't been back to the DV stuff since. Their flavors don't seem to have any comparables (the DV Cognac and the Nobacco Cognac aren't even close to being the same thing), DV seems to be way to unique to make comparisons easy. Let me know if you post something about their other flavors.