I haven’t used a cig-alike (vaping devices that look like tobacco cigarettes) in a long time. As some of you know, I started out with V2 e-cigs (still RPadholic N8R’s favorites) but have moved onto bigger and more complicated devices. One of the reasons that I found the upcoming Vapor4Life Vapor Zeus so intriguing is that it blends elements of both device styles. The Vapor Zeus is shaped like a long and thin cigar, so the form factor is pocketable and familiar. Plus, it won’t look like you’re vaping with something that commonly gets confused for a Sonicare toothbrush. Unlike most easy-to-use e-cigs, this one has a lot of powerful features. After vaping a few days with the Vapor Zeus, I’m pleased to say that my expectations have been exceeded. So far, it has produced very satisfying vapes.
Here are a few reasons why I’m digging the Vapor Zeus:
Power: The device has an output of 5.0 volts for single-coil cartomizers and 4.4 volts for dual-coil cartos. Most “standard” e-cigs have an output of 3.7 volts. This is the main reason why the Vapor Zeus produces a lot of flavor and vapor.
Cartomizer Capacity: The Zeus Cartomizers are pretty unique. They have a rubber tip that feels very comfortable. More importantly, they hold 3.5ml of e-liquid. We’re talking tank-like capacity and two to three times more than what most standalone cartos hold.
Battery Life: I still need more time to be sure, but the 900 mAh battery seems to get me through a little more than half a day. If the performance I’ve had so far keeps up, then two of these bad boys should be enough for my daily vaping — totally acceptable for a device this size. It also has passthrough charging, allowing for simultaneous vaping and charging via Mini USB.
The Vapor Zeus comes in automatic and dual-mode models. The automatic model is like smoking a tobacco cigarette — you just puff and vape. The dual-mode model works that way too, but also has the option to work manually, meaning you press a button to activate the device. I have one of each model and right now I prefer the dual-mode device. My initial feeling is that manual mode has a looser and airier draw that I prefer. Again, I’m still forming my opinion on that and will say for certain in the full review.
For vapers that want something more powerful and with more battery life than cig-alikes, but don’t want something too big or complicated, the Vapor Zeus could be a great choice. I was very surprised by the satisfying vapes it served up and I really liked having a large-capacity cartomizer. I still need to spend more time with it before the full review, which should post in the near future. For now, it’s time for a tangent.
Did you see the episode of The Simpsons when the family went to a Planet of the Apes musical that featured a song called “Help Me Dr. Zaius” set to Falco’s “Rock Me Amadeus“? I’ve been thinking about it ever since I’ve started using the Vapor Zeus…because I’ve been calling it the Vapor Zaius. So instead of “Amadeus, Amadeus” or “Dr. Zaius, Dr. Zaius,” the song in my head goes, “Vapor Zaius, Vapor Zaius.”
That’s funny, right? *sigh* No one gets me.
Anyway, stay tuned for a full review of the Vapor Zeus!
Cinful Apple: A lovely, natural apple flavor dominates the taste of this juice, complemented by a bit of cinnamon. A few vendors make apple-cinnamon e-liquids, but many of them taste the way an apple air freshener smells. This isn’t one of those juices. This is a delicious mix that reminded me of baked apples and spiced apple cider. I liked this one a lot.
Heavenly Waffles: This e-liquid is available with a variety of options, including whipped cream, extra syrup, extra butter, and various fruit/nut toppings. I chose extra maple syrup and whipped cream. While it was a very sweet vape, it also had a surprising amount of complexity. You can taste the individual flavors in this mix — waffle, maple syrup, butter, etc. It comes together brilliantly. I would order this juice again in a heartbeat, but probably get the standard maple syrup level and extra butter. While it was excellent the way I ordered it, it’s too sweet for an all-day vape and more suitable for dessert.
Georgia Peach Tobacco: On paper, this e-liquid should have kicked all kinds of ass. HHV makes great tobacco e-liquids and those cats are from Georgia, so they’re certified peach experts (I believe the documentation is posted on its web site). While you can definitely taste a great peach flavor and a nice tobacco, the flavors clashed and left me with an unenjoyable vape. Individually, the flavors would have been great, but together it didn’t work for me. It’s like they were fighting in my mouth. Considering everything else I’ve had from HHV has been very good to outstanding, I was really disappointed in this juice. That said, it was somewhat comforting to know that HHV is mortal and not everything it makes is wonderful for me.
Steeping Notes
On the advice of Wlad from Ahlusion, I’ve been trying a new steeping method starting December 27, 2012. When the e-liquids arrive, I leave them uncapped for five minutes. Previously, I left them uncapped for about two days. After the liquids are given a few minutes to oxidize, the caps are put back on. The bottles are shaken every day for at least two weeks before vaping.
Cinful Apple
50/50 PG/VG ratio, 6mg nicotine
Uncapped: January 1, 2013 2:12PM
Vaped February 23-27, 2013
Heavenly Waffles
50/50 PG/VG ratio, 6mg nicotine
Uncapped: January 1, 2013 2:12PM
Extra Maple Syrup
Whipped Cream
Vaped February 23-27, 2013
Georgia Peach Tobacco
60/40 PG/VG ratio, 6mg nicotine
Uncapped: October 20, 2012 5:20PM
Recapped: October 22, 2012 5:34PM
Vaped February 23-27, 2013
Review Process (Updated February 17, 2013): RPad.TV e-liquid reviews focus on the flavor of the e-liquids, since throat hit and vapor production can be altered by the PG/VG ratio and nicotine level selected. Each juice is vaped over a period of days in an atomizer, a cartomizer/tank setup, and a clearomizer. The exception is naturally-extracted tobacco (NET) juices; since those are known to clog up cartomizers quickly, those are vaped in atomizers and clearomizers.
The Janty MiD One is a really powerful and versatile vaping device that’s easily the most advanced I’ve ever used. As far as power goes, it offers variable-voltage performance up to eight volts and variable-wattage performance up to 25 watts. In terms of versatility, the mod holds four profiles that can house different settings. What makes it different from other top-of-the-line VV/VW mods is that it uses a joystick controller and eschews an alphanumeric screen in favor of an LED display that shows colors. It also pairs with a PC app that gives it capabilities that no other vaping device has, as well as a community aspect.
Like I mentioned in Vaping Diaries #30, the MiD One is similar to buying a videogame. When you purchase a game, you get a complete experience that can be enhanced by buying additional downloadable content. The MiD One offers a number of features out of the box, but can be enhanced by purchasing “modules” that give it additional capabilities.
While it’s clearly a unique, powerful, and versatile device, I have no doubt that it will be one of the most polarizing mods of 2013. It’s just so different from anything else and will elicit strong reactions. The atypical controls and the need to use a PC to get the most out of the device will definitely split people. I’m still forming my opinion on the MiD One. For now, here are some impressions of my ten days with the mod. Please keep in mind that this is a prototype, so the aesthetics will definitely improve, while the functionality has a chance to get better.
Build Quality: The MiD One looks like an eGo-style vaping device, but bigger. The body is made from metal that’s coated with a rubberized plastic that has a nice feel. It’s thinner than most 18650 tube mods, which isn’t surprising since it uses 16340 batteries. The device comes with a 4ml cartomizers with a plastic tip, but it can use any standard 510 atomizers, cartomizers, or clearomizers.
For the most part, the unit’s construction is quality. It feels good in the hand and I really liked the plastic-coated metal body. The one thing I didn’t like was the battery cap. It has a stylish Janty logo on it, but the branding makes the mod slightly unstable while it’s standing vertically. It can stand upright just fine, but a slight shake will cause it to fall. Of course the final model will look prettier, but I hope Janty is able to make logo flatter or make the balance more bottom heavy to add stability.
Controls: Vapers online have been blasting the MiD One’s atypical controls (even though they’ve never used them). As far as the prototype goes, it’s not as bad as some people think, but it’s also not as good as it could be. As you can see from the diagram above, the joystick-and-LED combo allows you to do a lot, but it also requires some studying. Some people will pick things up quickly and get used to the system. Others will never get used to it. Memorizing different numbers of button clicks, button presses, and colors will definitely be a deal-breaker for some people. While I understand some of the technical reasons Janty didn’t go with an alphanumeric display, the company would be having an easier time attracting potential customers with a more traditional system.
In the video above, I used the example of checking atomizer resistance. To do so, it’s three clicks to the left to bring up monitoring, followed by one click to the left for the atomizer. The Janty cartomizer is rated at 2.5 ohms, so the display showed two long flashes followed by five short flashes. While it’s certainly not as convenient as having a full alphanumeric display, it was easy enough for me to remember how to check resistance. That said, I totally understand why some people won’t like checking resistance this way.
As for me, I’m still learning the system and there are definitely times when I need to use the chart for reference. Having said that, I’m confident that it’s something I’d get used to with time. As a gamer, I disagree with the use of analog-stick style controller. Controlling the MiD One would definitely be easier with a D-pad style controller. Again, this is a prototype model. Janty still has time to improve the tactility and accuracy of the joystick.
App: As a tech nerd, I love what Janty is doing with this app. It blends powerful features and community. The interesting feature here is creating different variable-voltage or variable-wattage profiles. You can set a timeline as long as 12 seconds and have the voltage/wattage fluctuate as you wish. This makes for some really novel and never-seen-before vaping possibilities. You can do things like increase power with a drag, start at a high power and decrease with time, create a bell-curve like vape, or spike things all over the place. If you’re not the imaginative sort, you can check out profiles made by other vapers and try them out on your device. As a longtime Internet writer that’s a huge believer in online community, I love this feature.
The “monitoring” page is really cool too. This lets you see — in real time — the amps, voltage, wattage, and battery life of the MiD One, as well as the resistance of the equipment attached to it. I confess to wasting a lot of time vaping while staring at the monitoring screen, for no other reason except to see what’s going on with the equipment while I’m vaping. It’s good, nerdy fun.
The app is only available for Windows PC. If you’re a Mac user then you’ll need to use Bootcamp or Parallels. Janty has an Android app in the works too, which should be exciting. Since my primary work machine is a Mac, I’m disappointed that there isn’t a native app for OS X. To be fair, when Ovale and Joyetech first released the eVic, the app for that mod was initially Windows only.
Modules: As a gamer, I’m totally used to buying this way. I’m not sure older vapers and/or non-gaming vapers will be as receptive. I like that MiD One owners only need to pay for the features they use. This is a good thing.
My favorite module is “Realtime Vaping Enabler.” This lets you adjust the voltage/wattage on the fly by pushing up or down on the joystick. Janty equates this with taking a longer drag or a shorter puff from a tobacco cigarette. The company totally nailed this one.
Initial Impression: I really love how bold Janty is being with the MiD One. It’s a very different approach to vaping that has more in common with modern consumer electronics than other vaping devices. Electronics have become as much about software and services as they are about hardware. That’s what Janty is trying to serve up here.
The thing with being different is that it draws strong reactions. The MiD One hasn’t even been released yet and people are already drawing conclusions. I’ve used a prototype for 10 days and I still think it’s too soon to conclude anything. Janty still has time to improve the MiD One experience. Right now I think the software and services are there, but the hardware needs some smoothing out. There’s enormous potential with the MiD One, but there’s also a chance that it won’t get realized. I’m excited to see if Janty can bring it all together.
A few people have asked me why I don’t vape on camera while reviewing e-liquids and e-cigarettes. I recently had a fun conversation on the matter with ECF user MLT910. It was a good question to ask and it was fun thinking about the answers, since they’re things that I take for granted. While one of the reasons I don’t vape on camera is aesthetic, there are several more that are technical. The short, catchall answer is this: it looks dumb and doesn’t tell the viewer anything. If you want a longer answer then here are four reasons why I don’t vape in my reviews.
1) It Looks Stupid — This is purely a matter of opinion, but I think that people look silly when they’re vaping in videos. Many people, myself include, make funny faces while vaping. They’re almost as bad as orgasm faces. It’s awkward and unnatural, and makes videos longer than they ought to be. To be fair, I have used coverage of Raina vaping in a few of my reviews. She’s super cute and most people enjoy looking at her. Most of the reviewers I’ve seen on YouTube…not so much.
2) Equipment and Setup — The main reason people want to see people vape on camera is to get an idea of an e-liquid’s vapor production, but I don’t think vaping on camera delivers that information. There are so many factors that determine vapor production: percentage of vegetable glycerol (VG), the device being used, the voltage or wattage setting, etc. You have to be using the same exact setup as the reviewer — hardware, e-liquid PG/VG ratio, voltage/wattage — to get an idea about the vapor production. Even then, there are technical reasons why this info isn’t conveyed.
3) Compression — Many e-liquid reviews on YouTube are simple webcam recordings that use low-quality video as the source material. My videos are filmed on a pretty good consumer-level HD camera. No matter the source, the videos are compressed when they’re edited. They’re compressed yet again when YouTube processes them. There’s so much detail lost that I don’t think it’s meaningful for an e-liquid reviewer to vape on camera and say it represents a juice’s vapor production. What the reviewer sees while filming is very different from what the viewer sees.
4) Lighting — This is the biggest issue to me and one that most viewers don’t think about. Lighting makes such a huge difference with video. Unless a reviewer’s videos are filmed in a studio under the same lighting conditions, showing vapor is largely meaningless. Again, many YouTube reviews are recorded on a webcam in a person’s room. Vapor in the same room can look very different when recorded under different conditions. The number of lights on, using different types of lightbulbs, the amount of sunlight, the reviewer wearing a white shirt that throws off the camera’s white balance, and more will alter the appearance of vapor. I would bet that most YouTube e-liquid reviewers don’t even think about this.
Additionally, light can be manipulated. Generally speaking, 100 percent VG juice has the most vapor production. With the right lighting, I can make vapor from 100 percent PG juice look just as cloudy.
Conclusion: Considering all the different factors and the way many YouTube e-liquid reviews are recorded, I don’t see a point of vaping on camera. I look silly enough as it is and don’t need to look sillier by vaping in videos. Most importantly, I don’t think it adds anything to reviews. It’s just a waste of seconds that does nothing to inform the viewer.
Thanks again to MLT910 for inspiring today’s Vaping Diary!
Earlier in the month, I reviewed three e-liquids from Vape Dudes. I thought that two of them were good, but not great, while one was disappointing. This time around I checked out three e-liquids from Vape Dudes’ Naturals line, which uses 100 percent organic flavorings. The juices vaped were Spicy Chai, Bananas Foster, and RB Dude. While I definitely preferred the Naturals line over the standard e-liquids, the results were the same — two good, but not great, and one disappointing. Here are the breakdowns and steeping notes.
Spicy Chai: This is a sweet e-liquid that’s a nice choice for people that like mainstream chai drinks, like the ones served at Starbucks or Coffee Bean. The sweetness is high, but doesn’t drown out the tea flavor. While the chai taste is pretty accurate (again, in the mainstream sense), it doesn’t have the spicy edge that some chai beverages do. Calling it “Spicy Chai” is somewhat misleading because I didn’t find it the least bit spicy. That said, it was still an enjoyable juice, but it really should have a different name.
Bananas Foster: I was wary of this one going into the review, because I’ve had some gnarly banana e-liquids, but this juice ended up being my favorite of the bunch. It has an enjoyable banana flavor topped with caramelized sweetness. However, I’ve had other bananas foster e-liquids where you could taste the bananas, vanilla, caramelized sugar, cinnamon, and rum. This one isn’t that nuanced, but still a very enjoyable e-liquid.
RB Dude: This is Vape Dudes’ root beer float flavor. As a mark for root beer, I was really looking forward to this one, but ended up being disappointed by it. I picked up the root beer flavor, but it was overshadowed by whatever cream or vanilla flavorings the company used. The result was a somewhat nutty taste that I didn’t like. It didn’t taste like a root beer float to me at all. I’ve had better root beer float juices and much better root beer juices from other vendors. Oh well, two out of three ain’t bad, hey?
Steeping Notes
Spicy Chai
50/50 PG/VG Ratio, 6mg nictone
Uncapped: December 3, 2012 6:08PM
Recapped: December 5, 2012 6:56PM
Vaped: February 18-23, 2013
Bananas Foster
50/50 PG/VG Ratio, 6mg nictone
Uncapped: December 3, 2012 6:08PM
Recapped: December 5, 2012 6:56PM
Vaped: February 18-23, 2013
RB Dude
50/50 PG/VG Ratio, 6mg nictone
Uncapped: December 3, 2012 6:08PM
Recapped: December 5, 2012 6:56PM
Vaped: February 18-23, 2013
Review Process (Updated February 17, 2013): RPad.TV e-liquid reviews focus on the flavor of the e-liquids, since throat hit and vapor production can be altered by the PG/VG ratio and nicotine level selected. Each juice is vaped over a period of days in an atomizer, a cartomizer/tank setup, and a clearomizer. The exception is naturally-extracted tobacco (NET) juices; since those are known to clog up cartomizers quickly, those are vaped in atomizers and clearomizers.
Clearomizers are a popular choice for vapers looking for large capacity and ease of use. Two of the best that you can buy today are the Innokin iClear 30 and the Kanger T3. Both hold 3ml of e-liquid and feature plastic tubes, but there are some major differences between these clearos. The iClear 30 is a dual-coil, top-coil product, while the Kanger T3 is a single-coil, bottom-coil device. Here’s a comparison of these great, but very different, clearos so that you can find the one that’s right for you.
Construction: The iClear 30’s metal parts are made from stainless steel. The Kanger T3 uses a cheaper metal. The iClear 30 feels like a sturdier product that’s made better and will last longer.
Throat Hit: Since the iClear 30 uses two coils that are closer to your mouth, it gives you a warmer vape with more throat hit.
Vapor: The iClear 30 takes this one too, also because of its dual-coil nature.
Flavor: This category is subjective, so your experience will vary based on your taste buds and the types of e-liquids you vape. For my comparison, I vaped 6ml of Ahlusion’s Vurley and Orb Vapor’s Orange Vanilla Cream in each clearomizer. It wasn’t a huge difference, but I was definitely getting a wider variety of flavor from the T3. The vanilla in Vurley and the orange in Orange Vanilla Cream were definitely more pronounced in the Kanger clearo. The sweetness was muted in the iClear 30, taking a backseat to the tobacco and vanilla, respectively.
Filling and Refilling: Filling the iClear 30 couldn’t be easier; you simply unscrew the tip and pour e-liquid into the clearo. The hole is big enough for most dripper bottles and dripper caps. Filling the T3 is easy too; you hold the tube upside down and pour e-liquid down the side. However, refilling the T3 can be a little bit messy. Even if you’re careful, it’s possible for juice to drip down the T3’s center pole when you refill.
Cleaning: To clean the T3, you really only have to worry about two parts. It’s a snap. Cleaning the iClear 30 is also easy, but you’re also working with more parts and smaller parts. I’ve lost a few of the rubber caps that cover the unit’s coils by clumsily dropping them down the drain while washing (thankfully I have spares from the iClear 16). You just have to be more careful when clearning the iClear 30.
For people that like to dry burn their coils, the iClear 30 is easier to work with since it’s easier to see the unit’s coils.
Performance Issues: The Kanger T3 produces an airier draw, which I prefer over the iClear 30’s tighter draw. Some people prefer tighter draws, so there’s no winner here.
Both products are compatible with 510 vaping devices. The iClear 30 uses a standard 510 connection, while the T3 uses an eGo-threaded connection. You’ll need a 510-to-eGo adapter to use the T3 with certain hardware.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the iClear 30 goes through e-liquid much faster than the T3 due to its dual coils.
The iClear 30 has a unique swivel tip that allows you to hold your vaping device in a more comfortable position and optimize wicking. Some people think the tip is a gimmick and have no use for the swiveling feature, but I like it. I don’t miss it when I use another clearo, but I appreciate it when I’m using the iClear 30.
I’ve been using T3s since October and most of units I’ve used had gurgling issues for the last 1/4 or 1/8 of the tank. I had a similar issue with one of the iClear 30s in my rotation, but it hasn’t been nearly as common. I’ve also had some leaking issues with several T3s. I had one with an iClear 30, but it turned out to be a bad coil. Aside from that particular unit, my iClear 30s haven’t leaked.
For the most part, the iClear 30 has been a more consistent performer than the T3 in my experience.
Bottom Line: Out of all the clearos I’ve tried, these two are the best I’ve used, but I don’t think one is clearly better than the other. They just offer different experiences. People that like a warm vape and throat hit will be happier with the iClear. People that like sweetness and an airier draw will prefer the T3. Personally, I love the performance and construction of the iClear, but I also like the T3’s draw and flavor production. Hopefully this comparison helped you find which clearo is best for you.
Here’s a review of three fantastic e-liquids from Ahlusion: Vurley, Wipeout Honeydew with Breeze, and Maple House Blend. Like the other Ahlusion juices I’ve reviewed, these are three high-quality e-liquids. The review also includes a shot of the stellar packaging job the company does with its products. I thought one of the flavors was very good, while two were outstanding. Here are the breakdowns and steeping notes:
Vurley: This is a relatively new release in Ahlusion’s aromatic line. I was excited to try this flavor because Blue Grass Burley is currently my favorite tobacco-flavored e-liquid. While Vurley is definitely a superior e-liquid, it was a little bit different from what I was expecting. Like BGB, the tobacco flavor is rich and extremely flavorful. I was expecting just a hint of vanilla, but Vurley delivers a really rich and sweet vanilla flavor. The flavors blend together perfectly. I was expecting BGB’s hot sister, but Vurley ended up being BGB’s hot cousin. This is a phenomenal juice, but I like BGB just a tiny bit more.
Wipeout Honeydew with Breeze: Like the other fruit flavors I’ve tried from Ahlusion, Wipeout delivers a natural taste that’s spot-on. The honeydew sweetness is fantastic — as good as the Organic Honeydew from Orb Vapor that I enjoyed, but a little bit different. Perhaps it was because of the “Breeze” menthol I added to the mix. Originally, I was going to order a stronger level of menthol, but Wlad from Ahlusion suggested Breeze (the lowest level). I’m happy that I went with his suggestion. The menthol is definitely noticeable and complements the honeydew nicely, without overpowering it. It was tough picking a favorite in this bunch, but because I like BGB slightly more than Vurley, I’m going with Wipeout Honeydew as my choice.
Maple House Blend: This is a good choice for people that find Ahlusion’s aromatic line overwhelming. The tobacco is there, but the flavor is mild compared to the aromatics. The maple flavor adds a nice, natural sweetness. This isn’t Aunt Jemima’s maple syrup, but more like a natural maple candy. I was getting a lot of sweetness on the inhale and more tobacco on the exhale. While I enjoyed vaping this juice and thought it was very good, I didn’t like it as much as the other two.
Steeping Notes
On the advice of Wlad from Ahlusion, I’ve been trying a new steeping method. When the e-liquids arrive, I leave them uncapped for five minutes. Previously, I left them uncapped for about two days. After the liquids are given a few minutes to oxidize, the caps are put back on. The bottles are shaken every day for at least two weeks before vaping.
Vurley
70/30 PG/VG ratio, 6mg nicotine
Uncapped: January 1, 2013 2:12PM
Vaped: February 10-16, 2013
Maple House Blend
50/50 PG/VG ratio, 6mg nicotine
Uncapped: January 1, 2013 2:12PM
Vaped: February 10-16, 2013
Wipeout Honeydew (w/breeze)
50/50 PG/VG ratio, 6mg nicotine
Uncapped: November 27, 2012 3:13PM
Recapped: November 29, 2012 4:13PM
Vaped: February 10-16, 2013
Review Process (Updated February 17, 2013): RPad.TV e-liquid reviews focus on the flavor of the e-liquids, since throat hit and vapor production can be altered by the PG/VG ratio and nicotine level selected. Each juice is vaped over a period of days in an atomizer, a cartomizer/tank setup, and a clearomizer. The exception is naturally-extracted tobacco (NET) juices; since those are known to clog up cartomizers quickly, those are vaped in atomizers and clearomizers.
For the last few months, I’ve been using two side-fill tanks from Valley View Vapes: the polypropylene 5ml Triple V Jumbo and the pyrex 7ml Triple V Sidewinder. Both tanks are high-quality products sold at relatively low prices ($9.99 and $34.99, respectively). They’re backed by great customer service and there’s a fun community based around these tanks. I’d definitely recommend either of them to any vaper, but there are some distinct differences that could make one a better choice for you. Cue the Degeneration-X music as I break it down.
Why Polypropylene and Pyrex?
A lot of the tanks available on the market are made from polycarbonate. Some e-liquids — cinnamon and citrus flavors, in particular — can cause polycarbonate tanks to crack. Polycarbonate tanks can also retain flavor, making them a poor choice for people that like to try different e-liquids. Both polypropylene and pyrex can stand up to cinnamon and citrus flavors. While polypropylene doesn’t retain flavor, it can retain smells. Pyrex doesn’t retain either. For most vaping situations, I prefer pyrex — it looks great and is easy to maintain. That said, I usually bring a polypropylene tank with me if there’s a chance I’ll be really drunk (I’m a clumsy drunk). Both of these tanks are durable, but like any glass, the pyrex tank can crack if it’s abused. While I don’t think it looks as nice as its pyrex cousin, the polypro tank can take a beating.
Why Use a Side-fill Hole?
The obvious answer is that it’s easier to fill. The polypropylene tank has a small fill hole. It’s a snap to use with a syringe. The pyrex tank has a bigger refill hole, which I like better. It’s big enough for most dripper caps and dripper bottles. Many longtime vapers find refilling standard tanks a snap, but side-fill holes can be advantageous for them too. When you refill a standard tank, you cause the grommets or caps to wear. The side-fill hole helps grommets and caps last longer.
Silicone Grommets vs. Aluminum caps
Each has advantages and disadvantages. The grommets hold the cartomizer snuggly, making them a good choice for people that pocket their vaping devices. They’re also cheap to replace. The one issue I have with grommets is that they can retain the smell of fragrant e-liquids. It took a long vodka soak and a lot of rinsing to remove the W&A Sasparilla smell from my grommets. Since the grommets are close to your nose when you vape, having a fragrance that’s very different from what you’re tasting can be a disconcerting experience.
Aluminum caps are more expensive, but most people think that they look better and it’s easier to slide cartomizers into them. Unlike the grommets, they don’t retain odor. However, they also don’t hold cartos as snuggly. People that place their vaping devices in their pockets or purses need to be mindful of the cartomizer sliding around. Personally, I prefer the caps, but I appreciate what the grommets offer (especially when I’m being a clumsy drunk).
Bottom Line
Both of these tanks are superior products that are cheaper than the competition. For $9.99, it’s hard to beat the 5ml Triple V Jumbo. It’s a durable tank that can handle any juice you throw at it (though I don’t recommend throwing juice at your tanks). If you can swing it, I recommend spending a little more on the pyrex tank with aluminum caps. It’s also a durable product that can handle all kinds of juices, but has a nicer look and feel. The glass is easy to wash and maintain, while the caps make changing cartomizers a cinch.
If you have questions about either product, head on over to the Valley View Vapes web site and submit a question to Ray. He’s one of the best vendors out there and provides outstanding customer service.
Here’s a review of three organic e-liquids from Orb Vapor: Vanilla Orange Cream, Honeydew Melon, and RY4. RPadholic N8R and I reviewed three of Orb’s juices last November and were impressed. These three were even better — one was very good, one was great, and the last was a fantastic surprise. Here are the breakdowns and steeping notes:
Vanilla Orange Cream: This one was kind of like a grown-up creamsicle. The orange flavor has a natural taste and a light sweetness. It definitely takes a background to the vanilla and French vanilla flavors. Orb’s vanillas are rich and savory, rather than the candy-like flavors used by many vendors. This juice definitely has more complexity than most creamsicle flavors out there. I really enjoyed the subtle sweetness and interesting blend of flavors.
Honeydew Melon: For people that prefer natural fruit flavors over candy ones, this juice is a brilliant choice. The honeydew taste is perfect — crisp and refreshing, with just the right amount of sweetness.
RY4: The definition and expectations of RY4 have changed over the years. The original hit was a tobacco e-liquid that was complemented by caramel and vanilla. In recent years, numerous vendors have put the tobacco in the background, emphasizing the sweeter flavors. So what’s Orb’s RY4 like? For me, it wasn’t like any classic or modern RY4. It reminded of Heather’s Heavenly Vapes’ Sludge (formerly Gollum), but not as sweet. In addition to the three usual RY4 flavors, Orb added two more that give this juice a really distinct taste. Initially, I thought it was like a pipe tobacco with a raisin-like sweetness. After learning what the two “secret ingredients” were, the flavor made more sense to me. The flavors blend together marvelously for a unique, rich, and enjoyable vape. While I enjoyed all three of these juices, this one was my favorite.
Steeping Notes
On the advice of Wlad from Ahlusion, I’ve been trying a new steeping method. When the e-liquids arrive, I leave them uncapped for five minutes. Previously, I left them uncapped for about two days. After the liquids are given a few minutes to oxidize, the caps are put back on. The bottles are shaken every day for at least two weeks before vaping.
Organic Vanilla Orange Cream
50/50 PG/VG ratio, 6mg nicotine
Born On: December 8, 2012
Uncapped: December 13, 2012 6:25PM
Vaped: February 4-9, 2013
Organic Honeydew Melon
50/50 PG/VG ratio, 6mg nicotine
Born On: December 8, 2012
Uncapped: December 13, 2012 6:25PM
Vaped: February 4-9, 2013
Organic RY4
50/50 PG/VG ratio, 6mg nicotine
Born On: December 8, 2012
Uncapped: December 13, 2012 6:25PM
Vaped: February 4-9, 2013
Along with the iTaste SVD, Innokin sent me a few iClear 30 clearomizers. These are dual-coil clearos with two unique features. First, the top and bottom of the unit are made from stainless steel; the majority of clearomizers available are mostly plastic and/or use inexpensive metal. Second, the tip swivels, like the popular knucklehead drip tip. This allows vaping devices to be held in a more comfortable position.
The video preview above goes over the iClear 30’s features and includes a breakdown of its parts. While I need to spend more time with the iClear 30 — especially seeing how it handles problematic juices like naturally-extracted tobbacco e-liquids — my first tank of juice with this clearo has been great. I’ll probably produce a comparison video of the iClear 30 and the Kanger T3, my current clearomizer of choice. Stay tuned!
