To Carto or not to Carto that is the question...

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xan13x

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Whoa, whoa, whoa there Johny Boy......... :ohmy:

You're stepping on a LOT of people's toes with those statements. Cartotanks are the preferred juice attachment of MANY, MANY vapors. There are WAY more people using clearos or cartos (tanks) than Rebuildables.

ECF is a e-cigarette forum and attracts more of the hobbyists and extreme vapors in the community so they tend to post more on forums than the average Jane or John Vapor does. Therefore, vapor forums makes it appear like more vapors are using rebuildables than there really are across the entire community of vapors. The percentage of vapors across the entire community using Rebuildables is only in the single digits. As the product description states, these are advanced devices and not meant for the vast majority of vapors.

Clearos and cartotanks are WAY more common than RBAs/RDAs. The vast majority of vapors want juice attachments that will work right out of the box; not something that they have to oxidize with a flame minitorch, wrap a wire around wick, measure resistance with a digital multimeter, pulse fire and test for hot spots and shorts, and finally prime the wick/coil before vaping it.

Some vapors get into that DIY hobbyist mindset and love tinkering with their RBAs. I'm saying that the majority of vapors are not into that. Are they missing out? Maybe, maybe not. I've tried nearly everything currently available on the market. Clearos, cartotanks, and RBAs. They all have their pros and cons. My preferance are the cartotanks. They provide me with excellent flavor and consistancy. Clearos are great for easy filling and on the go use. RBAs have given me the best vape I've had, but for me they have been inconsistant, fussy, and require a lot of time and tinkering. Have I mentioned yet I don't like tinkering?

My two AGA's have been sitting unused for a month because they need a new coil, maybe new wicks. I've been lasy, but I know from experience that I will need to devote 30 - 45 minutes to get them up and running again. I can fill a clearomizer in 15 seconds. It takes me 5 minutes to completely setup a cartotank. Which one do you think I'll gravitate to more?

Clearos have their place, namely in the most hassle friend travel friendly parts of the vape world.

My point is that, from what I've seen, the vast majority of people who are starting vaping now start on evods or protanks or some such. Of the 4 vape shops in my area, not a single one carries cartomizers.

Of course I realize people still use them, but it's hard to argue that they aren't becoming more difficult to find. Give it a year, and we can come back to see how much carto use there is.

As far as RBAs go, I suggested the pre-made versions available at quite a few places now. Using those can have an RBA up and running faster than trying to condom a carto. Coupled with the fact that they last longer, and are MUCH more easily cleaned than a carto, and I think your time comment is a little off. Honestly, after a couple of weeks, it's easy to wrap coils faster than priming a carto...

Sent with Tapytaptap or some such...
 

Baditude

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We agree to disagree then. Whatever keeps us off the smokes. :)

It's too bad the local shops in your particular location don't carry cartomizers but only carry clearomizers. Do they also carry Rebuildables? That's quite a leap between clearos to Rebuildables if they do.

Vast majority of vapors don't have the luxury of having a local shop. They purchase online, where prices are less expensive anyway. Cartos are easily available and plentiful, that was my counterpoint to your statement of them becoming difficult to find.

As far as the condom method of priming a cartotank...yeah, it sucks time-wise. My drip-&-flip method takes 5 minutes or less to completely set up a cartotank. I'll say I can do that as quickly as you can do a new Rebuildable setup. (And no cheating with pre-made wicks and coils, either.) :p
 
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Daryl Glen

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Only my :2c:, but I am a HUGE fan of the UDCT (Artemas) carto tank. I have no problem finding cartos for it and the flavor is hands down the best I have.
That said, I also have the Protank, Nova, Evod, Aro, and other clearo's. I find that having a diversified portfolio is good for keeping things interesting.
But as far as taste is concerned? I really enjoy the UDCT.
 

xan13x

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We agree to disagree then. Whatever keeps us off the smokes. :)

It's too bad the local shops in your particular location don't carry cartomizers but only carry clearomizers. Do they also carry Rebuildables? That's quite a leap between clearos to Rebuildables if they do.

Vast majority of vapors don't have the luxury of having a local shop. They purchase online, where prices are less expensive anyway. Cartos are easily available and plentiful, that was my counterpoint to your statement of them becoming difficult to find.

As far as the condom method of priming a cartotank...yeah, it sucks time-wise. My drip-&-flip method takes 5 minutes or less to completely set up a cartotank. I'll say I can do that as quickly as you can do a new Rebuildable setup. (And no cheating with pre-made wicks and coils, either.) :p

They may be getting a bit into RBAs, but most do all forms of clearos, all sorts of ego stuff, some Innokin mods etc. The biggest one just started stocking some kts mechanicals.

I've spoken with the owners at length, and they are really just vapers trying to make a living. None of them are as well versed in vaping as most people on here. Honestly their hardware is slightly above online pricing. They all say they make all the money on juice and nothing on hardware.

Sent with Tapytaptap or some such...
 

Bassnorma

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I think eventually, I will try everything.

I come from smoking some of the first cig-a-likes (Red Dragon and Bloog). I felt (as one of my friends said here) like I was sucking a rock through a straw and the tobacco flavors were blllllleeeeeeccccchhhhhh!!!! I had given up vaping as a real alternative to smoking, that is until 2 weeks ago.

Two weeks ago, my son was married and I ran into his friend Sam. Sam had an Ego with a Kanger T2 tank. He let me vape it. I was SHOCKED at the improvements in vaping. So, as I am wont to do; I started googling and you tubing and stumbled onto Pbusardo and also lurked this forum.

I ended up buying an Ego V V-2 because I could a) adjust my voltage to the ohm rating of my clearo choice (having been primed on how the whole electronic aspect basically works b) SEE my battery life and c) have a lot more battery life. I bought two and an ego twist kit.

I also decided to give up tobacco flavors because in all reality, I do not like the taste of tobacco. I am just an addict. As long as I get hassle free nic delivery, my demons stay away from me and I don't bite faces. :D

From there it became...Provari ? hmmm...expensive but worth it? It turns out that has been my best decision so far and many of you helped me make that one. So thanks to you!

Now I am re-thinking my tank choices and I have ordered some carto tanks (thanks again to what I know to be great advice), a) because I got to customize them (I am all about the orginality bit) b) I heard very good things about the vape quality c)It is about as much fussing as I want to do with my rig to get a quality experience.

Knowing how my mind works, the fussless RBA will be my next adventure. I am going to settle into the Provari and the new Protank2 that came with and the carto tanks when they arrive.

Probably a month from now I will look into RBAs. Except I am SO in love with my Provari that I will be setting aside some dough to buy a second one, maybe full size for home.

I appreciate all of the information you guys have shared. You all really make my vape experience so much fun!
 
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RBBR

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I'm all for the consistency and quality of the vape that goes with carto tanks over clearos as well. I gave up on fighting for IKV. I buy Smok and Boge in bulk and notch with a Dremel in bulk. The notches depend on the carto and the juice that I plan on putting in them. I keep trying different clearos from time to time and rebuilding them as well. They always have a greater chance of being finicky though. I'm pretty tired of rolling mesh also. I just tried the Aspire dual coil clearo tank from NHaler recently and they are as close to the carto tank experience in a clearo I have found yet. Keep an eye on them....Cheers!
Thanks for the heads up on the Aspire. After I read this, I looked into them. I too have been curious about cartos but I like the convenience of a clearomizer. The Nhaler website calls the Aspire a cartomizer, but they appear to be a clearo-carto hybrid. After watching the PBusardo review of the Aspire, I decided to get one and see how they function. Thanks again!:)
 

xan13x

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Thanks for the heads up on the Aspire. After I read this, I looked into them. I too have been curious about cartos but I like the convenience of a clearomizer. The Nhaler website calls the Aspire a cartomizer, but they appear to be a clearo-carto hybrid. After watching the PBusardo review of the Aspire, I decided to get one and see how they function. Thanks again!:)

I am pretty interested in the aspire as well. I'm giving them time to see how well the heads last and if(from pb's most recent videos maybe already in the works) someone makes a glass/stainless version. Clearos, for me, just mute flavor too much to be a long term convenience. They do what they're supposed to with no fuss, but, aside from delivering nicotine, they are vastly outclassed by RBAs in every aspect.

With that said, there are some pretty small tank style RBAs nowadays. I've pretty much switched from protank minis on an ego 650 to my nemesis with an 18350 topped with a Diver when I'm out and about. A little finicky to get right, but, once you do, you get the convenience of a carto tank with the flavor and vapor of an RBA!
 

ItTechy

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Bad,

I did not say "I" removed either ends, I said on "some" I only removed the cartos,and this was before the guides were available...

Not to mention as I stated I use juices that eat polycarbonate!

That's what makes us America, the freedom to choose....

Personally I think that carto tanks suck, while a dOOd I got into vaping thinks they are greatest thing since sliced bread!

I have been doing this since it first started in the US, and I "personally" for "my purposes" think polycarbonate carto tanks suck!

Just my :2c: worth!

BTW: I still love you Bad LOL


You practiced very poor cartotank technique. :facepalm: No wonder your tanks leaked.

There is never a reason to remove the a tank's endcaps. In fact, doing so to fill the tank likely will flood the carto when you replace the endcap due to the sudden increased pressure in the tank. This causes cartos to leak. Proper technique is to pull the carto half way out of the tank with a tank tool on top of the carto (keeps juice from getting into the air hole).

Tank tools like the Slap Yo Moma removes the risk of the sharp edge of the carto as it passes over the o-rings.

I'm not gloating, but in 1.5 years, using a variety of tanks totalling at least 25 in count, I've never had a leaking tank because I use the proper tools to protect my o-rings and I use sound cartotank setup techniques.

 

Baditude

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Bad,
I did not say "I" removed either ends, I said on "some" I only removed the cartos,and this was before the guides were available...
Not to mention as I stated I use juices that eat polycarbonate!

Personally I think that carto tanks suck...
I "personally" for "my purposes" think polycarbonate carto tanks suck!
Just my :2c: worth!

BTW: I still love you Bad LOL
I love you, too, but only in a ....oh never mind before I get in trouble. :p

I think polycarbonate tanks suck, too. I don't own any (other than some iClear 30 clearos), all of mine are pyrex.

I wasn't attacking you or anyone in this thread in any way, just pointing out (for the sake of others) that removing endcaps to fill a tank is considered poor technique. Stay kool and vape proud.
 
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NicoHolic

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I don't think it's been mentioned, but a 19 mm x standard carto length IBTanked carto tank, with a short drip tip, is about the same width and holds the same 2.5 ml as an original ProTank, but is a lot shorter. I can get the former and a 18490 AW IMR into one of RTDvapor's 18490/18500 two-battery cases, for a safe, almost matchbox size, complete backup. However, the longer ProTank needs their larger 18650/18350/CR123 case. FWIW
 

Baditude

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casewcaribiner.jpgcasewcaribiner3.jpg

Speaking of battery cases to put tanks into, I've used the above BATTERY CASES from RTD for cartotanks up to 6 ml size, such as Smoktech or IBTanked XL length tanks. They're large enough for the tank and the drip tip. Comes in handy when you are out in public like concerts or festivals.
 

EddardinWinter

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I went straight from Clearos to RBAs. I have no regrets, other than I waited so long to start.

If you have a bit of skill with your hands, and can afford a Multimeter and a cheap mechanical (I use this to pulse the coils) Mountain Vaporizer 18650 Battery Tube, this is a great way to go. My first RBA was an RSST, and its a pretty easy one to use. My third coil was the charm, and I just love it.

I can tell you nothing of Cartos.

I remain,

One blissfully ignorant lion,

-Edd
 

Bassnorma

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I don't think it's been mentioned, but a 19 mm x standard carto length IBTanked carto tank, with a short drip tip, is about the same width and holds the same 2.5 ml as an original ProTank, but is a lot shorter. I can get the former and a 18490 AW IMR into one of RTDvapor's 18490/18500 two-battery cases, for a safe, almost matchbox size, complete backup. However, the longer ProTank needs their larger 18650/18350/CR123 case. FWIW
Thanks! I don't like the idea of spare tanks rolling around in my purse unprotected :)

I like your idea too Bad, although it is a bit manly for my taste. It is a perfect guy solution. You guys can get away with having things dangle from you with carabiner's and such.
 
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