TrueSmoker.Com's "The Dragon" - A n00bs review (reposted)

[KarateLobster]

This was originially posted (by me) in the TrueSmoker forum. I figure it would be a good idea to repost it here.

Ok, I’m going to break this review of TrueSmoker.Com's "The Dragon" PV into a few parts to make it easy … for me to write I’ll start with looks, go to “smoking” (can’t get myself to say vaping, for some reason I have a problem with that term) and all it involves, then end with overall impression. Beyond that I’ll give my impressions as a n00b e-cig smoker as I go along, what I think of the whole process, and my experience with TrueSmoker.Com in particular.
So let us begin.


1. Looks:

• What can I say? This e-Cig is absolutely gorgeous. Sure I may be a little biased because of my preference of dragons and all things dragon. Regardless, this cig is fantastic looking. It has a matte (flat even) black finish, which we all know is sexy as hell. BUT, add to it the very nicely done silk screen of a golden Dragon – which, according to D&D lore is a good dragon - and the sexy factor goes to 11. Add to that the nicely done carrying case, and you’ve got a winner all around. JUST LOOK AT THE DAMN THING!!! Oooooohhhh aaaahhhhhhh oohhhh.

2.“Smoking”

• Let’s start with vapor production. Ok, so I’m a n00b. I have no idea how to drag on (HA! Drag on, dragon. I’m so clever) one of these things. So, naturally, I smoked it like a cigarette. Well, it worked. Nicely. Granted I smoke by taking slow, long drags. That seems to work very well with this unit. I “primed” it the first few puffs by taking a short drag, blowing it out, and taking another longer drag immediately afterwards. Nice and smooth. Plenty of smoke, but really now, let’s be honest here – isn’t that really for show more than anything else? Would smoking an e-cig be THAT much worse if there was no “smoke” production? Regardless, I would put the vapor production almost on par with a regular cig. Almost. I mean it’s still vapor, right?

• I’m not sure what “throat hit” is, although I have an idea. That’s not necessarily something I’m after, but I think the way one drags on their e-cig determines if/how much of a throat hit one gets. I’ve read a whole bunch on these forums about people getting/not getting throat hits with the SAME EXACT units (not this one specifically, but X number of people with X unit). From what I gather, it depends on how you smoke, not what you smoke (and to a certain degree the quality of the product). So, I believe I have gotten a throat hit from this unit, don’t really care either way. I also think it depends on the type of smoker you were/are and how you smoked your cigarettes. It wasn’t something I ever really noticed (I am, or was?) a Parliament Lights smoker. Hell, I can blow smoke rings with the vapor, make your own judgment based on that.

3.Overall Impression

• Ok, so smoking an e-cig is not the same as smoking a regular cigarette. Duh. However, it is damn close. And much more enjoyable. Seriously, I can smoke in the house. I don’t smell anymore (well, not like cigarettes at least). If it’s raining outside I don’t have to worry about getting wet. In the long run, if done correctly (using e-juice to fill your own carts) it ends up being more economical. As far as safety, or health, is concerned – let’s not kidd anyone here. These things are marginally better than analogs. The main thing going for them is that they have fewer carcinogens, byproducts, and overall badness than analogues. They are, however, still bad for you because they have nicotine and are not perfect. So what. If they are 70% better than analogues it’s a win in my book. If I can lower my nicotine dosage over the course of my smoking, and eventually get off nicotine while still enjoying a smoke I’m ahead of the game. So, in that regard, The Dragon (in all its awesomeness) is helping me help myself. I can’t think of a better way to help myself that with something sexy, like this .....in’ product!

4.TrueSmoker – WTF?!

• 100% awesome. Seriously. Fast shipping. Great service. Someone who cares about their product, the quality, and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure you are happy with the product. How can you fault someone with such impeccable taste and sense of style anyway? Would I recommend TrueSmoker to a friend? Family member? Stranger? Every day of the week and twice on Sundays. Heck, thrice on Sundays.

Ok, so I hope this helped someone. Maybe not. Who knows. Whatever. Look, here’s the deal – I LOVE THIS THING. Subjective? Absolutely. Honest? 100%. Two beers short of a six pack? You better believe it. Take it for what it’s worth. If you have, or want, an e-cig that works and looks great – buy The Dragon. If you’re new to this whole thing and want something that looks like a cigarette because you’re worried about the “stigma” – .... and buy The Dragon. If you are an alien from Saturn who has no idea what being an Earthling is about – I can’t help you there. BUT, buy The Dragon and .....

P.S. – I have absolutely NO affiliation with TrueSmoker, aliens from Saturn, or D&D. I do, however, approve this message.

 

[wv2win]

2.“Smoking”

• I’m not sure what “throat hit” is, although I have an idea. That’s not necessarily something I’m after, but I think the way one drags on their e-cig determines if/how much of a throat hit one gets. I’ve read a whole bunch on these forums about people getting/not getting throat hits with the SAME EXACT units (not this one specifically, but X number of people with X unit). From what I gather, it depends on how you smoke, not what you smoke (and to a certain degree the quality of the product).

I will agree with one thing you said: "I am a n00b". This is obvious from your above statement. Some other n00b is going to read this and maybe think you know what you are talking about.

How you inhale has NOTHING to do with throat hit. And throat hit is very important to something like 98% of those who vape. When you have enough experience and have tried better PV's such as the GG or Prodigy, you will know what real throat hit is and what provides it.

 

[KarateLobster]

I will agree with one thing you said: "I am a n00b". This is obvious from your above statement.

So the statement you reference, and not my use of the term n00b, made it obvious that I'm a n00b? Ok.

Some other n00b is going to read this and maybe think you know what you are talking about.

Only if they are somewhat illiterate and their reading comprehension is below that of a 4th grade student. See that would be the reason I used terms such as "n00b", "what I gather", "not sure what throat hit is", and "not necessarily something I’m after". But yeah, thanks for the input.

better PV's such as the GG or Prodigy, you will know what real throat hit is and what provides it.

That's a little subjective, don't you think? Would you say it's your opinion, based on what you are looking to get out of a PV, that the GG and Prodigy are better? If I'm not looking for "throat hit" or tons of vapor what makes the GG or the Prodigy better?

Regardless, this was a review of a product I used. Reviews as based on personal experience, and this was mine.

 

[Jonesin]

To elaborate on what WV said...

"EXACT' units don't perform the same for everybody. Things like atty break in, atty cleaning, dripping, battery life, etc will affect the same models differently. For example:

My 510 came with two manual batteries and two atty's. I broke both my atty's in with about the same amount of time and alternate them pretty regularly and both hit differently even on the same battery.

As for throat hit, it's the feeling in the back of your throat that is similiar to the hit a analog gives you. WV is correct, most crave this to have the similiar feeling to smoking. I know throat hit and taste are VERY important to myself.

 

[wv2win]

That's a little subjective, don't you think? Would you say it's your opinion, based on what you are looking to get out of a PV, that the GG and Prodigy are better? If I'm not looking for "throat hit" or tons of vapor what makes the GG or the Prodigy better?

No it is not JUST subjective. Since I have used about 10 different PV's, combined with my friends, who together have used 30 different PV's, combined with the hundreds of reviews I have read on various forums, I know for a fact that the PV's I recommend do provide the best throat hit of any on the market.

And if you are not looking for throat hit, you are about 1 person who vapes out of something like 100,000 who doesn't care about throat hit.

 

[Angela]

How you inhale has NOTHING to do with throat hit.

Well, I am going to disagree with you about that..... and I'm not a total newbie and I have tried several different styles of PV. Certainly with some PVs (and the M401 is one) how you inhale does have an effect on throat hit.

I will agree with one thing you said: "I am a n00b". This is obvious from your above statement. Some other n00b is going to read this and maybe think you know what you are talking about.

I think you were rather harsh with this. Newbie or not, this member was sharing their experiences and they made it quite clear that they were inexperienced.

I have read many of your posts wv2win where you have advised new members that they should be getting one of the larger PVs out there. You should also bear in mind that they aren't for everyone. However, any newbie should have the common sense to read the advice of many members, not just the views of one.

 

[KarateLobster]

*sigh*

Thanks for again making my argument regarding the subjectiveness of your assertion that the PVs you recommend are the best based on your experience and what you are looking for. Regardless, I may in fact be the one out of 100,000 not looking for throat hit specifically. You seem to be missing the point that is a review of a product I used where I am simply reporting my experience with the product. It seems I have somehow angered the PV gods.

 

[Jonesin]

Not changing the subject, Karate, but I see we live in the same area. Have you had any problems in any public areas yet? I vape (very discreet) on the Metro, Fairfax Connector bus and local bars and have not had any problems and you're the first person I've actually had a chance to ask that question to!

 

[KarateLobster]

Not changing the subject, Karate, but I see we live in the same area. Have you had any problems in any public areas yet? I vape (very discreet) on the Metro, Fairfax Connector bus and local bars and have not had any problems and you're the first person I've actually had a chance to ask that question to!

Only at work and at one bar so far. I haven't the testicular fortitude yet to try the metro or other public areas. It's also been, roughly, 4 days since I started.

 

[wv2win]

*sigh*

Thanks for again making my argument regarding the subjectiveness of your assertion that the PVs you recommend are the best based on your experience and what you are looking for. Regardless, I may in fact be the one out of 100,000 not looking for throat hit specifically. You seem to be missing the point that is a review of a product I used where I am simply reporting my experience with the product. It seems I have somehow angered the PV gods.

First, I had no problem with you doing a review or your thoughts on the PV you used. ONLY your statements about throat hit which you clearly do not understand and thus I limited my comments to that one point, only.

Since the vast majority of new members want good throat hit and are posting constantly how they can't get it with the same models over and over I would hope we all would try not to provide information that does not fit with what the vast majority have stated consistently about throat hit.

 

[KarateLobster]

Since the vast majority of new members want good throat hit and are posting constantly how they can't get it with the same models over and over I would hope we all would try not to provide information that does not fit with what the vast majority have stated consistently about throat hit.

That's fine. I tried to ensure in my review that I stated I had no idea what I was talking about, was only passing on my impressions, and thought I had made that clear. Apparently that was not the case. I will not edit the review as this back and forth should provide enough of a background on throat hit (I hope).

 

[wv2win]

Well, I am going to disagree with you about that..... and I'm not a total newbie and I have tried several different styles of PV. Certainly with some PVs (and the M401 is one) how you inhale does have an effect on throat hit.

I do agree that with very small PV's such as the 401, it is difficult to get any throat hit at all. It is a primary reason why a large number of experienced vapers switch to manual PV's where how you inhale has NOTHING to do with throat hit and you can get good consistent throat hit without doing anything special.

I think you were rather harsh with this. Newbie or not, this member was sharing their experiences and they made it quite clear that they were inexperienced.

I apologize if I was too harsh. I'm tired of posts giving inaccurate or incomplete information that leads other new members down a path of frustration with vaping.

I have read many of your posts wv2win where you have advised new members that they should be getting one of the larger PVs out there. You should also bear in mind that they aren't for everyone. However, any newbie should have the common sense to read the advice of many members, not just the views of one.

For new members I usually recommend the 510 which is not a big battery PV. Unless they state that throat hit is very important to them, then I will suggest the bigger battery PV's or if they are frustrated with the performance of the PV they have already bought.
All you have to do is compare the number of frustrated posts from members with small auto switch PV's to the happy posts from users of PV's such as the Prodigy or Screwdirver to understand the vast difference in overall satisfaction. I do only recommend manual switch PV's such as the 510 and for good reason. I notice many other experienced members do the same thing.

 

[wv2win]

That's fine. I tried to ensure in my review that I stated I had no idea what I was talking about, was only passing on my impressions, and thought I had made that clear. Apparently that was not the case. I will not edit the review as this back and forth should provide enough of a background on throat hit (I hope).

I apologize if I came off too harsh. I am glad that you have started vaping.

 

[6606j]

Any who the whole point of this post that i gathered was Karate ordered the dragon he liked it he got what he wanted out of it. Mister Karate liked it so much he thought he would do a service to JD who sold it to him and give it a positive review. No one needs to be an expert to give a review. every review i have read about PV's has been by experienced people who have tried several models which was a basis for comparison to the new model being reviewed.

To people like me who ordered the dragon (and just got it today and am enjoying it probably more than i should) these reviews do not help me because i have no prior experience with PV's and karate's review was a refreshing look at a first experience with a PV' even if he sounded drunk( lol just kidding Karate) I was able to read his review this morning before i went to work( and when it finally did arrive my loving wife was more than happy to charge one of the batteries for me until i got home.) and it gave me a little more confidence in my purchase,...a little peace of mind so to speak.

people this matter to i hope you get what you need from karate's review,... to all other's please pay heed to the warning at the beginning of the post this is not an experienced user giving a review this is a new user giving his first impression and nothing more.

And that as they say is that,...

P.S. i hope i didn't offend anyone by giving my opinion,...If you do, I have something to say about it. Opinions are like Buttholes, everyone has one, and most of them Stink

 

[KarateLobster]

karate's review was a refreshing look at a first experience with a PV' even if he sounded drunk( lol just kidding Karate)

Thanks 6606j. I hope you're enjoying your Dragon as much as I am mine. Matter of fact I just got my shipment of the JC sampler pack of juices and am working diligently on to empty at least one of my carts so I can try my hand at filling them myself. I'm not sure of the buzz right now is from the nic or the beer!

 

[6606j]

hey have you noticed the marlboro has got kind of a tea type flaver? i dunno maybe that is what tobacco tastes like but i never knew because of all the smokey ashtray taste

 

[beckah54]

Karate,
I enjoyed your review and you pretty much covered all the bases. Good luck vaping that Dragon.
Beckah

 

[Chris From Cali]

I also enjoyed your review and the humor Keep it up

 

[KarateLobster]

Thanks all for the positive feedback.

As an update on The Dragon - I've begun to get more throat hit (I certainly do know what that is now) off the unit. Still can't say it was something I was looking for specifically, but it's definitely there. I have also started dripping as well. I put around 4 drops on the atty and use the empty cart that came with the unit as the mouth piece. Works like a champ. Great vapor, great flavor, good times. I've been cleaning the atty by wrapping a paper napkin around the wick (is it called a wick? Whatever, you know what I mean) while leaving the battery side exposed and blowing into it. Whatever e-juice is left inside the atty blows onto the napkin and stays off my hands, the floor, the cat, etc.

I am having one, small, issue though I thought would be worth letting everyone know about - I can't seem to put this thing down!

 

[itsaj]

Hey Karate, thanks for your review...it was pretty entertaining. Got a couple questions for you though in regards to the dragon. How is the atomizer holding up? And does it produce good flavor? Seems like most people's reviews talk about how much throat hit they get, but no one really talks about the flavor they're getting out of their PV, which is what got me hooked on these things to begin with.