Want to switch from m401 w/ USB to ??? / Opinions on the best way to go?

[lhntx]

I've been using the m401 with USB passthrough for years now, and I'm tired of the unreliable atomizers (some never work, some work for an hour, some work for weeks), replacing the cartridges, dripping in more juice, etc. I gave up batteries and went to the USB very quickly because the batteries only lasted me a hour or so (I puff a LOT).
I'm attracted to the new "510-ce2 clearomizers" because they look like they have eliminated the issues with the "cotton" in the m401 cartridges, frequent dripping, clogged up atomizers, etc. BUT... there are so many products, with so many different numbers, and electrical numbers (I am not an engineer and know very little about ohms and watts), and different thread sizes and manufacturers, and different sites have different names for the same thing or completely different products, that it is extremely confusing. So, has anyone found one of these new higher capacity cartridges that they really like, and if so, what are the names and names of the USB passthrough and other accessories that fit it? One note (I know that this sounds weird), but the shape and feel of whatever I use to vape is very important. If it doesn't feel like a cigarette, it doesn't seem to satisfy my smoking addiction.

 

[wv2win]

Rule of Thumb: generally, the more it looks like the real thing, the worse the peformance. And the M401 is one of the worse.

That being said, the best of the mini-battery models is the Volt which is 808 threading. But you can use a pass-through with any threading, you just have to attach an adaper that costs all of 3.00 if you want to keep using 401 attys.

I would also try some cartomizers, especially if you get the Volt as there are a large selection of cartos in the 808 size.

 

[MickeyRat]

Man you are a glutton for punishment. I hated those little batteries. The Volt, Bloog Max Fusion, and the Halo G6 seem to be the best from my reading on here. I'll warn you that they are going to be a little bigger than the 401s but, they won't be much bigger.

 

[lhntx]

So, I want to make sure that I've got this right. A cartomizer is a cartridge and atomizer in one? My experience with using separate atomizer and blank cartridges is that an atomizer can sometimes last for weeks, but the cartridges only last for about 10 refills or so (I use 5 drops at a time). I guess that these will last as long as the atomizer is working? Another question is about the comment from wv2win about "the more it looks like the real thing, the worse the peformance. And the M401 is one of the worse.". I'm assuming that you mean that the m401 is a knockoff, but what is the "real thing"??? I haven't used batteries with the m401 for over 2 years.

 

[MickeyRat]

When I was using cartomizers, the standard sizes took 18 to 20 drops and yes, it is something like an atomizer and cartridge in one. Doesn't leak, you don't have to fill it as often and it's a lot more consistent. You can get some megas now that take around 80 and cartos and tanks that will take 6ml. The cartomizers will either burn out or get to where they taste like old sweat socks. Some people save them and clean them in a variety of ways but, most toss them. You'll get the occasional dud but, they should last about a week.

When wv2win talked about the real thing, he was talking about a cigarette.

 

[lhntx]

I've had my Volt X2 and cartomizers for about a week now, and I LOVE IT!!! It is SO much better than the M401/DSE901 that I've been using for years. Now I have a few questions. I'm assuming at some point that I will want to clean the cartomizer because I've noticed that the eJuice seems to be caramelizing (It get's darker and darker as the level goes down). I've done a search on "cleaning cartomizers" and found hundreds of hits, but no obvious "here's how to clean a cartomizer" post. Also, does anyone know of a source for US made eliquid? I can't find any except from China, which I've been using, but I will admit that I have some qualms about using it since China seems to be a little lax on quality control (lead based paint and cadmium in children's toys anyone??). THANKS SO MUCH FOR EVERYONE"S HELPFUL POSTS!!! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT A LOT!!!

 

[Reidus]

As far as cleaning a carto, do a search on youtube. There's a whole bunch of vids on this topic. As far as juice,check out the juice vendors on this site. For example, I know Highbrow Vapors uses only American products, as does Mountain Oaks Vapors.

 

[MickeyRat]

I've had my Volt X2 and cartomizers for about a week now, and I LOVE IT!!! It is SO much better than the M401/DSE901 that I've been using for years. Now I have a few questions. I'm assuming at some point that I will want to clean the cartomizer because I've noticed that the eJuice seems to be caramelizing (It get's darker and darker as the level goes down). I've done a search on "cleaning cartomizers" and found hundreds of hits, but no obvious "here's how to clean a cartomizer" post. Also, does anyone know of a source for US made eliquid? I can't find any except from China, which I've been using, but I will admit that I have some qualms about using it since China seems to be a little lax on quality control (lead based paint and cadmium in children's toys anyone??). THANKS SO MUCH FOR EVERYONE"S HELPFUL POSTS!!! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT A LOT!!!

You're welcome. I think you can do better but, if you like it, that's all that counts. I guess the Volt wasn't too big for you then.

I have to confess that my crazy fluxuating nic levels drove me to DIY pretty early on. So, I don't have a lot of experience ordering juice. Here are a few that seem to come up over and over though.

Back Woods Brew
Johnson's Creek
Pink Spot Vapers