tried 5 pawns yesterday

[supermarket]

On topic, I did buy some Gambit this evening. Mainly to support my great little B&M, because not many of their juice offerings interest me and I wanted to spend a little more than a few bucks on another drip tip that I really didn't need.

Got it home and plugged some into a freshly rebuilt cotton-wicked KF Lite on a mech with a hot 18650 and I realized that I hate the stuff. Absolutely hate it.

(For being too expensive to order 500ml of it immediately)

I've been critical of 5P's pricing scheme in the past, but happy to have spent that money on what turned out to be a really nice vape on proper equipment. BCC's and ego's sadly just don't do it justice.

Also, I want to say that even though I wouldn't order e-liquid at the price five pawns sells it for, I HAVE observed that the vast majority of those that HAVE taken the plunge, have been SATISFIED, felt they got their monies worth, and thoroughly loved the e-liquid. I've seen the same types of replies over and over....a bunch of satisfied customers. That is really what it is all about.

 

[bones1274]

I agree with those who say it is far too expensive. Honestly, price is supposed to be determined by supply and demand, and as long as people are WILLING to pay such a high price for five pawns e-liquid, then I see no problem with them charging what they charge. All I, and most others are saying, is that for us PERSONALLY, the price isn't justified.

Is $50 justified for Ruth's Chris Steakhouse when you can get the same quality at other steakhouses for half the price or make a better steak at home for less than $10? Is a $6 Corona at a bar justified when you can get one at the gas station for about a buck? Is a $30 bottle of wine justified when there are literally dozens of vendors that sell their brand for less than $10 a bottle? Yes it's justified. For the folks that have tried it, it is worth the price. Just as someone who buys a Lincoln feels that it is justified over a pretty much identical Ford.

Especially those who DIY, they know how cheap e-liquid is to make. Of COURSE a company has to make money. They have to make a profit to stay afloat. However, even charging 50cents/mg, that should be PLENTY to take care of all costs, including supplies, inventory, employees, website fees, marketting, experimentation , production, etc.


They are not in business to just cover all of the costs. They are in business to make as much money as they possibly can, just like every other business in the country. That is the American dream.

Again, I want to say I'm not knocking them for charging what they charge. People are buying it, and from what I hear it is a spectacular product, so by all means, good for them! I'm just saying I wouldn't buy it. Especially when there are so many FANTASTIC vendors out there, I mean truly exceptional e-liquid vendors that have great customer service, and wonderful gourmet e-liquid, and sell their juice for less than HALF the price of five pawns. Maybe that's just me though!

Why on earth would we ever buy a BMW or Audi when there are many other "vendors" with great customer service and great cars for 1/3 to 1/2 the price? We would have to be out of our minds to pay $40k for a 3 series when you can get more luxury options AND a better warranty on a Hyundai for half the price!

Sorry for the rant but it bugs the crap out of me when people will complain until their blue in the face about some vendors charging more for their juice but they have no problem paying more for a brand name product when they shop or go out, even though more times than not, they could get the same quality or better for much less from a non name brand company.

 

[supermarket]

Why on earth would we ever buy a BMW or Audi when there are many other "vendors" with great customer service and great cars for 1/3 to 1/2 the price? We would have to be out of our minds to pay $40k for a 3 series when you can get more luxury options AND a better warranty on a Hyundai for half the price!

Sorry for the rant but it bugs the crap out of me when people will complain until their blue in the face about some vendors charging more for their juice but they have no problem paying more for a brand name product when they shop or go out, even though more times than not, they could get the same quality or better for much less from a non name brand company.

I'm sorry that it bugs you that other people choose to shop where THEY prefer to shop. Perhaps you should de-stress? hehe.

Anyway, among the compliments I gave five pawns, I also mentioned carefully that I don't see anything wrong with how THEY choose to price their products. I merely said I would never shell out that dollar amount for e-liquid, considering I can get top of the line, best of the best e-liquid for half that price. Why that bothers you, is beyond me.

Also, I specifically mentioned it has to do with the type of consumer I am. Personally, I would RATHER pay a premium , for a premium service, instead of having to return a product, or end up being disappointed with a product or service. I'm a conscious consumer, and I never buy ANY service or product without thoroughly researching it, and comparing other products in the same category.

Your argument really doesn't go anywhere. If that is the case, I could start an e-liquid company, and charge $500 for 10ml of e-liquid. Where should the ceiling be? As I already mentioned, supply and demand are what determines the price of goods. The fact that people are willing to pay near $30 for 30ml of e-liquid, means there will always be vendors willing to charge that. It doesn't mean it is worth that to ME.

I am not knocking five pawns, as I said, 99percent of the reviews are positive, and most people feel they got their monies worth. I am simply among those stating it isn't something I would do.

 

[bones1274]

I'm sorry that it bugs you that other people choose to shop where THEY prefer to shop. Perhaps you should de-stress? hehe.

Anyway, among the compliments I gave five pawns, I also mentioned carefully that I don't see anything wrong with how THEY choose to price their products. I merely said I would never shell out that dollar amount for e-liquid, considering I can get top of the line, best of the best e-liquid for half that price. Why that bothers you, is beyond me.

Also, I specifically mentioned it has to do with the type of consumer I am. Personally, I would RATHER pay a premium , for a premium service, instead of having to return a product, or end up being disappointed with a product or service. I'm a conscious consumer, and I never buy ANY service or product without thoroughly researching it, and comparing other products in the same category.

Your argument really doesn't go anywhere. If that is the case, I could start an e-liquid company, and charge $500 for 10ml of e-liquid. Where should the ceiling be? As I already mentioned, supply and demand are what determines the price of goods. The fact that people are willing to pay near $30 for 30ml of e-liquid, means there will always be vendors willing to charge that. It doesn't mean it is worth that to ME.

I am not knocking five pawns, as I said, 99percent of the reviews are positive, and most people feel they got their monies worth. I am simply among those stating it isn't something I would do.

I am not stressed at all. I just am a little confused. In one sentence you state that you would never pay that kind of money for Five Pawns because you can get premium for much less. In the next sentence you state that you would rather pay a premium for premium service. That is exactly what Five Pawns is. Premium customer service, premium product, better packaging than 99% of vendors and FREE priority shipping on every order which saves you 5-6 bucks on a bottle. I have tried over 20 vendors in the last 3 years and only 3 of them (Five Pawns included) were good enough for me to stick with. Taste is very subjective, but I am of the mindset that if you find a juice you really like, regardless of the price, then enjoy it. I am glad you have found good juices for half the price. I have not. My palate is selective and very few vendors have pleased it. My thoughts would be, try the sampler sometime or go to a B&M to sample them. You may end up liking them. At least then you can say that you did try them and the price wasn't the only reason you didn't like them.

As for charging $500 for 10ml, if you can get it, more power to you. I posted a link earler about a vendor charging $80 for 10ml and $300 for an EGO-T kit. He is still in business so the market is supporting what he asks.

 

[~Sue~Feb2012]

After reading this thread and clicking links I'm wanting to try this stuff
... but, can't

From what I've learned today they don't have 100%VG, which I prefer....

and someone on here said ego's don't do it justice? hmpf

 

[retrox]

and someone on here said ego's don't do it justice? hmpf

I did. Please don't misunderstand!

I tried the whole range at my B&M with their testing gear and was thoroughly underwhelmed. They use Aspire BCC's and ego 650's on their tasting bar. The Gambit in particular was just a mishmash of indiscernible sweet flavors, I got the apple and a bit of what I thought might be cinnamon, but nothing really jumped out at me. Once I got it home where I could put it through some serious wattage, it was a completely different experience. Not knocking ego's as they're fantastic devices for keeping us off the cigs (I still use mine in fact), but they simply don't provide enough power to make some of the more complex flavors I've come across pop like they should.

I've been vaping the Gambit on and off all day, and still quite happy with it. Not sure if I'll buy it again anytime soon once I run out, as the cost is a bit prohibitive for me. Enjoying it while it lasts though!

 

[JJOOHHNN]

I have not read all of this thread but someone suggested that Five Pawns was better at lower Nic levels.

Any thoughts on this from you guys?

 

[magicman22]

I got the sampler pack and thought the flavors were indeed interesting and complex. Didn't like all of them.
Found that I don't really go back to these as something in these makes me a bit sick to my stomach -- not the nic, something else.
Can only take a few drags here and there; definitely not ADVs for me.
Definitely worth trying though.

By the way, I found that I like Mr. Good Vapes Dabble Dooyah (Apple Pie) juice more than Five Pawns Gambit. Tasty and reasonably priced with ADV potential.

 

[digitals]

I abstain!

However, Gambit has put my adv on the shelf for now. So much that I grabbed another 30mL today along with some Grandmaster.

I tried to go back to my custard, but just couldn't enjoy it. Had an odd flavor after vaping Gambit for a day or so.

Five Pawns is very smooth and flavorful. I will pay for quality.

 

[Skullman]

Hey All: I’m up visiting in Washington State. I came across a Local Vape Shop in Puyallup ‘DC Vapors’. Dave the owner introduced me to the 5 Pawns line. I tried all their flavors with Gambit, Queenside, and Bowden’s Mate tantalizing my palate! Absolute Pin did not do it for me the Anise left a weird after taste that was unsettling!?? But Then I tried their Reserve Castle Long! Wow! I have not had such a Great Complex eLiquid as this!

Boba’s Bounty, Gorilla Juice, Jameson’s Irish Cream and Uncle Junks Belgianberry or Bettie White can not compare! There is an Unreal Smoothness to Castle Long just like a Real Smooth Top Shelf Whisky! Sure it is on the expensive side but then look at the care they have given it and the results! I have not made it my ADV but I treat myself to it many times through out the day! I have tried a lot of new e-liquids in my recent travels and 5 Pawns Reserve Castle Long is Definitely at the Top of My List!

Just to share, I’ve found that the Mini Vivi Nova along with a standard or Variable Voltage EVOD Batts works pretty damn well with Castle Long I can keep it in my shirt pocket and hit it easily! Also, the Kanger Pro Tank 2 Mini works well but I get best flavor and throat hit from the Mini Nova’s!

Skullman {:{}

My ADV’s in New Recent Order:
Jameson’s - Irish Cream
Uncle Junks – Belgianberry, Bettie White & Jon Wayne
GQ - Rolls Royce
Alien Vision - Boba’s Bounty & Gorilla Juice

 

[oxygen thief]

I was looking at the pricing of the reserve on a website today. $37.50 I clicked the dropped down and it only has 6ml.....plus $10. Plus shipping. I'll try it at a fair price but I'm not getting ripped off.

 

[firephly]

I was reading this on reddit
"Five Pawns was among the very first vendors I tried when I quit analogs and took up vaping. At the time, and with few points of comparison, I was pretty impressed by their boutique packaging, their florid product descriptions, and selection of what, although not ADVs, seemed to be stand-out liquids. After that initial experience, I continued to order from competitors, found some truly special recipes and had forgotten about Five Pawns, but continued to cite them among my favorites. Anyhow, I thought I'd order a 30ml bottle of Gambit - my favorite of the bunch - and emailed them to ask if I could also buy a sample of their new Castle Long liquid as well. $27.50 for the 30ml isn't exactly a competitive price, but I was willing to pay it as well as another $8 or so for the sample.

They responded to tell me that if I purchased two 30ml bottles at $27.50 a piece, they'd sell me a small sample of Long Castle. "If you would like I can send you an invoice through Paypal for a bottle of Castle Long with a purchase of two bottles or more of our signature line. Let me know how you would like to proceed." Silly me, I sort of considered it. But first I knew I needed to vape what remained of my initial sample set to confirm that they were as nice as my memory suggested. So I vaped what was left...and then I laughed. Since that initial order I had tried over 100 liquids from other vendors. When I returned to Five Pawns I realized that despite their descriptions, the liquid was neither as one-of-a-kind nor as tasty as I figured at first. In fact, I could find a direct comparison to every one of the lot from competing vendors that were not only cheaper but also superior. And that's when I woke up. Seriously, make me buy two overpriced big bottles in order to earn the privilege to buy a small sample? These guys are clowns. No offense to those who still love them, but I've sworn them off forever."
http://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_...ive_pawns_fiasco_well_sell_you_a_sample_of_a/

The comments are kinda interesting (i thought anyway)

Reading all the rave reviews makes me wonder if five pawns is some kind of rare super remarkable juice, but the other part wonders if it's just so much hype to a degree. I don't know but anytime something's marketed in a way to make it more like some status symbol or something almost that kind of turns me away from the start, be it tennis shoes or whatever. I admit I am a sucker for marketing though, I'm more likely to buy from a vendor who has a nice elegant website and packaging and also I think it does tend to be an indicator of quality to some degree. And I know that when it comes to some things price really is an indicator of quality, I've noticed this in olive oil definitely for example. I see they do say "Flavors are extracted from actual base ingredients" so that's a plus I think-natural extractions really are better IMO. I can see where long castle reserve would be more work to make, aging it in oak barrels and so on, the time and effort to come up with a complex combination.

The packaging is great, nothing wrong with adding a little elegance to one's life. But then again Alice in vapeland sent me their stuff in a box with a hand painted design on the lid which was pretty darn cool and not as expensive either, and many of their offerings are very complex and sophisticated. But even though long castle is the only juice of theirs that sounds like a flavor I'd like, it's hard to blow $37.50 on juice I might not like given how challenging it can be to find likable juice. On the other hand adding up the $$$ saved since I've switched to vaping I could spend a whole more than I have and still come out better than the analog days, so that's not necessarily a big deal. I guess the thing that kinda irks me is that here they are offering the most expensive e liquid around as far as I know, but being too stingy to offer even a sample with an order, and reusing to offer a sample of long castle for purchase seems a little arrogant when it's become such a common thing for vendors to do. *shrug* I think I'll live without this one. I think it's going to be interesting to see all the new lines of juice coming out now, and I really hope that there will be, hopefully, some daring and unusual flavor combinations coming out, that's a thing I haven't seen much of.

I think it's interesting that in a relatively short time e liquid has become "gourmet", although I am not sure if it has reached the levels of complexity as a fine wine yet, lol, but then I haven't had long castle reserve!

 

[ambientech]

About how many packs would you estimate you get from a 30ml bottle of juice?
Not sure there is an answer to this.

I vape 4-5mls a day through a KFL at 10 watts. So for me it would equal about 14 packs of smokes. Others I know were light smokers and go through 10mls a day. More or less it depends on the person.

 

[JmanEspresso]

So Ive just tried the Castle Long, managed to track down on a bottle and it arrived today.

Ive made my opinions about juice plenty clear in a couple threads in the past week, so Ill just say, even as someone who vapes 99% juice that costs $22 a bottle or more, even I am sitting here, hoping that when I try this juice, its worth the $40 bucks.

What was I vaping on today?
Suicide Bunny
The Standard
Jamesons
Adam Bomb

Thats all quality juice, and its the type of juice Five Pawns competes with. SO lets see what its got.

Nemesis
Omega w/ .6ohm Dual Coil (by the by, NOT a cotton/micro coil setup. Regular old 4 wrap of 28g on silica, x2)
Fresh Battery
drip drip drip...

Now, Im a Chef by trade(Chef is a misnomer, I havent earned said Title yet. Line cook is the correct term), have been for 7 years now. Having a refined palate is not only a job requirement, its a point of pride. I am by no means a sommelier, but I can pull flavors and aromas from Wines and Food, and my other passion, Coffees, with some degree of success. So with that said,,

Yeah, THIS is what I expect a $40 dollar liquid to taste, feel, look and smell like. On the one hand, Im blown away at the layering and simultaneous integration and seperation they have achieved, but on the other hand, I feel content, for getting what I expected.

Everything that is supposed to be there, is there. There is no hint of any off tastes or contaminants. The coconut comes on first, strong. a mix of toasted and dried coconut, you can almost feel those pesky little flakes getting stuck in your teeth. Then the oak and bourbon take over the palate, just to the brink of overpowering you, and then they mellow softly, leading into the roasted almond and lucious, velvety vanilla finish. Hints of brown sugar begin to emerge on subsequent draws. As the rich, velvety whisps of vapor dance off your toungue, they form lush curls and airy wisps, reminding you of the warm, inviting flavors you just experienced. This is TRULY, without question, world class liquid. I have sampled and regularly vape many of the highest end juices on the market, and while in now way does Castle Long make those ANY less wonderful, this stands a cut above. THIS is what a bottle of $40 liquid should taste like. Bravo Five Pawns, Bravo indeed.


TL;DR- Tried Castle Long on a mech/dripper setup. VTF- Vapor is heavy, even for a 50-50. Throat is surprising for 6mg. Feels more like a mellow 12. Flavor is exactly, EXACTLY what they describe it as. Nothing more, nothing less.

Now If you'll excuse me, Im not going to vape the remainder of this bottle, rather I plan to mainline it straight to the jugular.

 

[BigDaddio]

I really do not understand the anger. Serious anger over 5P price. I can DIY better liquid than MBV, Niquid, and most the other under $20 a bottle liquids. They are uninspired and flat. Some recipes I make are even up there with Space Jam or such. 5P is the only liquid that really impresses me. It's my money, is that the issue? That I have or am willing to spend $27.50 on 30ml?

Nobody is making you buy 5P and there will always be others like MBV or such, just like there will always be McDonalds. There will always be Hyundai's and always be Mercedes. What should piss you off are the "moonshiners" who are mixing up some Loran's with PG behind the counter and selling it for $10. These are the guys who are ripping you off.

BTW absolute pin is my favorite, trident on a mech, it's the best. Grandmaster easily second. I am a 6mg vaper, especially when dripping.

Firephly, every order I make from 5P has come with a small sampler. Those boobs on reddit make up or steal 80% of what they say. Also ordering from the website includes shipping, I always get my order (OH) in like 3 days.

 

[bones1274]

I was looking at the pricing of the reserve on a website today. $37.50 I clicked the dropped down and it only has 6ml.....plus $10. Plus shipping. I'll try it at a fair price but I'm not getting ripped off.

Good news. They are now selling it on their website so you can get it with the free priority shipping which will save you about $5 bucks.

https://fivepawns.com/shop/castle-long-reserve/

 

[JmanEspresso]

that IS good news lol. Im ordering more right now then, thanks for the heads up

 

[digitals]

Threw the Grandmaster on a micro/cotton, and it is exactly as described. I will try and grab some Reserve today as well.

 

[oxygen thief]

Good news. They are now selling it on their website so you can get it with the free priority shipping which will save you about $5 bucks.

https://fivepawns.com/shop/castle-long-reserve/

says sold out

 

[kenbu]

I really do not understand the anger. Serious anger over 5P price.

I could not agree more. While not my daily juice, I always have a bottle or two of 5 pawns around to enjoy. I don't drink cheap beer, I don't drink cheap scotch, I don't drink cheap coffee.

Bowden's Blend and Grandmaster are, in my opinion, the best juices I have tried so far and if want to splurge, so what?