Author: pbusardo
SOME OF MY THOUGHTS FOR 2016…
I’m not so sure I want to call this My “Thoughts” for 2016, but rather my “Hopes” for 2016.
My biggest hope is that the electronic cigarette industry and vapers alike are able to work with the FDA and other governing bodies to come up with regulations that are fair across the board to both manufacturers, shop owners, and themselves. These regulations shouldn’t be so impossible to deal with both financially and administratively that we put people out of work and make it more difficult to get the kinds of products we use and enjoy.
I think it important that our industry unites to fight these regulations… and I’m talking everyone! Vendors, shop owners, hardware manufacturers, liquid manufacturers, vapers… ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE! Regardless of where you are in the world. Imagine the power we would have if we were unified under a single organization in both in our voices and our money.
Collectively we have a lot to lose if this goes the wrong way… jobs will be lost, businesses will close, money earned and invested will be lost, but most importantly, LIVES WILL BE LOST.
Let’s just hope we’re not too late here. My fear is that we are.
I am optimistic for the future of vaping, but I certainly don’t think things will remain the same. I don’t think everyone will be able to play in the sandbox anymore. If you’re involved, I encourage you to be prepared for whatever may come (if that’s even possible) if long term sustainability is your goal.
There is a very selfish and narrow-minded view out there. “I have all the mods I’ll ever need and I can just make my own juice.” Sure that may work for you, but what about the smokers? They need access to devices and liquids to make the transition to vaping… the transition to a healthier lifestyle.
From a product review perspective, I believe this will be the year of the “gimmicky” as we hit a wall with the current tech. I can see the release of more and more gimmicky and “me too” products doing anything they can to push themselves to market and getting you to spend your money.
I will do my best to avoid these and look at innovative products with fresh new ideas.
I continue to believe temperature control, even with all of its hassles and headaches to be one of the most important advancements in vaping, but I still don’t think we’re there yet. I’d like to see this get easier to deal with, work with all wire types, not require manual setups, become more accurate, and put in an interface that the smoker can understand and not just the tech savvy vaper.
When my mother can use the tech without issue… we’ve arrived. 🙂
I’d like to see more research into the materials we use and the ways we use them. I’m tired of “I don’t know”. I want to know. I want to know if kanthal is better than nickel is better than titanium is better than stainless. I want to know if cotton is better than silica. I want to know if vaping less liquid at higher nic levels is better than vaping more liquid at lower nic levels. I want to know just how bad DI and AP are and how much is too much? I want to know if vaping at 400 degrees is safer than 500 degrees. I want to know if vaping mouth to lung is safer than direct lung. I want to know how the different ways we vape affects harm reduction. Finally, I want it presented to us in an easy to understand format always comparing it to the traditional tobacco cigarette.
There are two words I’m very tired of in this industry… “sub” and “clouds”. I’m not saying there isn’t a place for it, nor am I condemning it, but I am saying this is not what I want to focus on, nor do I think it’s going to win us any popularity contests.
I’m going to continue to move away from these words and focus more on words like “harm reduction” and “smoker”, which have ALWAYS been my drive to do what I do. I feel we’ve lost sight of the most important vaper out there… the smoker who does not know they’re a vaper yet.
This was once a game of saving or extending lives, creating healthier alternatives to tobacco cigarettes, and tobacco harm reduction. I now feel there is too much emphasis on the cloud and not enough on the previous items mentioned. I would like to focus on the former.
The mouth to lung experience is being overlooked and I think this very sad. Not only for the vapers who still vape the way they used to smoke and enjoys that experience, but more for the smokers. I believe in my heart of hearts that a quality, trouble free mouth to lung experience is imperative for the success of the smoker transitioning to vaping. Where you go from there is all up to you. I personally find no joy or satisfaction in the direct lung vaping experience and even when I do, I’m concerned by the increased consumption of e-liquid required to give me the satisfaction I’m looking for. I’m unwilling to drop my nicotine level at the expense of increasing my exposure to and usage of e-liquid.
I don’t feel the current trend of hardware and software (e-liquids) is conducive to the smoker transitioning to vaping. This may very well be my driving force to move more into the industry with the thought and goal of helping the smoker, and endorsing and/or branding hardware and liquids with that thought and goal in mind.
This will be seen as negative by some in the community. Haters will hate. There’s nothing I can do about that. But I will gladly be labeled a “sell out” if that means helping people move away from traditional tobacco cigarettes into the world of vaping and providing them the support, products, and liquids they need to get there.
Others will understand my need and want to be part of something I am so passionate about.
The one thing that will not change is the information you get from my reviews. I will continue, as I have always done, to provide you with an honest look at the gear we use to vape… and NOT SMOKE.
Wishing you all my best for the New Year. Vape Happy everyone!
A NOTE ABOUT THE “FREE ATOMIZER” FROM VAPE FORWARD…
In the “Buh-In” award video, I mentioned that on the Vape Forward site, you get a free atomizer when you use the coupon code “1ISNOTENOUGH”, I need to clarify that the coupon code is valid if you purchase more than one device.
Ok Charlie, you can relax now. 🙂
SOME SHOW & TELL, THE “BUH-IN” AWARDS, & HOW TO WIN THE STOCKING!!
A PBusardo Video – Some Show & Tell, The Buh-In Awards & How To Win The Stocking!
In this video we do some Show & Tell, give out the end of the year “Buh-In” awards, and let you know how to win the stocking.
Some notes about the contest:
Some people are getting delivery errors. Not sure why this is as hundreds have entered successfully already. I’m working on it.
Note that the auto-responders are set to 4 hours, so you can try again after that time.
You can try to enter as many times as you like. It’s the final step that you can only do once. In the event you feel you’ve entered MORE than once. No worries. Duplicates will be removed, but one will be kept.
The Links:
Juice Ragz
VaporShark
HotFireTech
Guerrilla Straps
Efest Power
Good Karma Vapor
Innokin
Vape-Forward
Geek Vape
The Video:
From CASAA…
Thursday (12.17.15)Late Tuesday night, an agreement was reached regarding the final language of the omnibus budget bill. Sadly, the provision that would have protected consumer access to vapor products was not included. However, this is by no means the end of our efforts to prevent the harm that will result if the FDA deeming regulations are finalized in the spring of 2016.
In fact, this is a great opportunity to urge Congress to
Even if you’ve already participated, please take a moment again to send a message to your lawmakers.
As we move forward, CASAA members and vapers everywhere should keep in mind that even in the worst case scenario of FDA deeming regulations being approved, there will likely be a grace period of two years (21 months) before the agency promises to start enforcing the rule. In that time, we are anticipating many threats to consumer access to e-cigarettes and other low-risk, smoke-free products at the state and local levels.
In advance of the 2016 legislative season, please urge your friends and family to join CASAA. Please urge your favorite retailer to display CASAA materials and educate their staff on the issues we are facing. There are millions of vapor consumers in the US, all of whom must become engaged if we hope to preserve access to these life-saving products.
We are asking consumers to express strong support for HR 2058 and urge your representatives to cosponsor this bill.
- Support HR 2058 – Send an Email
Please also print out our flyer and ask if you can post it in your local/favorite vapor shop:
Please share this link on social media:
Thank you,
CASAA Legislative Team
From Andy
Thanks again for all you do. When I got my first ego, my friend picked me up and took me to a local vape shop. I sat there with him and others for 2 hours and walked out feeling as if they were speaking German. I came home and said “this isn’t for me”. I never spent time on YouTube beyond looking at a music video, but I did a Google search and one of your videos popped up. I sat there throughout the rest of the week just watching your videos until I started to understand. I think you were the first channel I ever “subscribed” to. You made it make sense for me and it made all the difference in the world. To this day, you are the only reviewer my wife (non-vaper/non-smoker) will watch because she is Italian. Thanks for making a difference and clearing up the mud in this confusing market.
Your FRIEND,
Andy
THE VAPORESSO TARGET 75VTC KIT & CCELL COILS & THE LAST CONTEST WINNER(S)
A PBusardo Review & Last Contest Winner(s) – The Vaporesso Target & cCell Coil
In this video we put a very special edition into the stocking, we take a full look at the Vaporesso Target and more importantly the cCell coil, the first ceramic coil heard that I’ve actually been satisfied by and happy with. Finally we find out who won the last contest for the Innokin Endura.
The Links:
JJ Vapes
Vaporesso
Heaven Gifts
Innokin
Vanguard Smoke (another vendor recommended by the manufacturer for purchase)
The Video:
The Photos:
NEW IN THE QUEUE – THE J WELL ONYX
I’ve been a bit of a closet J Well fan for some time now. Here’s their new ONYX.
It has a unique user interface and doesn’t look or operate like anything else out there.
The dial is easy to work with and make adjusting a pleasure.
I do, however, feel they need to protect the finish in shipping a little better. Mine came complete with some scratches.
From the site:
Onyx™ represents the future of vaping! This smart box delivers up to 50W and offers two modes for temperature control. The first one is called ‘temperature limit’ and allows not to go above a certain value set by yourself even if the desired power has to go above. We have added an exclusive mode called ‘Temperature Control’. With this mode, you will only need to take into consideration the temperature at which you need to vape. Onyx™ will take care of the rest.
Furthermore, in case you forget to fill in the tank, no more risk to burn your coil. Onyx™ is here to protect you! Used with NI200 resistance, Titane for temperature control mode or even with Kanthal with variable power, the vaping possibilities are limitless.
NEW IN THE QUEUE – THE REULEAUX RX200
You know what I hate most about the Reuleaux? It’s typing the word “Reuleaux”. Takes me forever. Such an odd word with odd letters for this odd American to type. 🙂
Anywho, I’ve heard your requests for me to take a look and I will. Just have a couple more to get to before this one.
So Wismec has taken the Reuleaux design, took out the DNA-200, put in another board (which I believe to be a modified eVic VTC board) and has given you a much more cost effective version.
I’ve also noticed that the battery door isn’t as slidy as the DNA-200 version.
Product Features:
- Triple 18650 Platform
- New 200W Chip Set
- Reverse Polarity Insert
- Allows for Easy Exchange and Replacement
- Batteries Sold Separately
- Please Note: Batteries must be matched in brand and model at all times. Discharge and recharge batteries within the same grouping of three.
- RX200 Chipset
- 1 to 200W
- 0.1 to 3.5 ohms
- Full Temperature Control
- Titanium
- Ni200 Nickel
- Stainless Steel
- 200 to 600 Degrees Fahrenheit
- 0.05 to 1.0 ohm
- 0.69 Inch OLED Screen
- Upgradeable Firmware
- Designed By Jay Bo
- Engraved with Jay Bo on Firing Button
- Modern and Sleek Look
- Magnetized Battery Bay
- Ergonomic Shape and Feel
- Recessed Control and Display Face
- Gold Plated Contact
NEW CONFUSION IN THE QUEUE – THE KANGER TOPBOX NANO STARTER KIT
THE KANGER TOPBOX NANO STARTER KIT
There are times when I think it’s Kanger’s goal to confuse the hell out of their customers. I believe this is one of those times.
So I receive the Kanger Topbox Nano Starter Kit. In looking quickly at it, I think it’s a Subox Nano in new packaging with a new topfill tank.
- I look all over the box and I still think the same.
- I take is out of the box and still think the same.
- I compare it to a Subox Nano and still think the same.
(the one of the left is the “Topbox Nano” with TC, the one of the right is the “Subox Nano” without.
Imagine my surprise when I click the fire button three times and it switches over into temp control.
So apparently they’ve taken the Subox Nano body, didn’t change a thing about it, and put a new temp control brain in it.
At least when Innokin released the MVP Pro it did say “Pro” on it. 🙂
Now I have 3 coils that come with it and I think they have not supplied a TC coil to work with their new TC board…
But I dig a little deeper and come to find out the SSOCC .15 Ohm is a NI200 coil. But doesn’t the SS stand for Stainless Steel? Very confusing IMHO.
NEW BUT MAYBE NOT IN THE QUEUE – THE APOLLO RELIANT
A couple of things bothered me right out of the box on this one. The first thing I noticed that it was pretty uncomfortable to hold with a rather sharp bottom edge that digs into your hand.
The second thing, once I put a battery in and fired it up, I noticed that the DNA-200 interface has been duplicated pixel for pixel. Is that necessary?
Sure I’ve looked at a bunch of gear with extremely similar interfaces, but is a pixel for pixel copy necessary?
Suggestion… set yourself apart, have your own look and feel, be creative and innovative.
From the site:
Reliant + Phazer: Complete Control of Your Vaping Experience
Introducing the all new Reliant 60W Pro Kit by Apollo. This kit features the Reliant 60W Mod + Phazer Tank. The Reliant is Apollo’s newest mod featuring Temperature Control + TCR, the most advanced technology in the vaping industry. The Phazer is the ONLY Sub-Ohm Tank that allows you to control your liquid and air flow for the perfect vape every time. The Reliant Kit – Total Control in the palm of your hand!
3 Firing Modes for Vaping Precision – Temperature Control, Wattage, and Mechanical
In Temperature Control Mode, you choose from 200°F up to 600°F (100°C to 300°C) with up to 60W of maximum power. The Reliant is compatible with all nickel, titanium, stainless steel and future temperature readable wires by using the built-in TCR (Temperature Coefficient of Resistance) Settings. With the Reliant’s exclusive Temperature Control functions, the ultra-portable mod will sense how fast the atomizer heats up and prevent firing when your coil is dry, making sure you don’t experience any burnt or dry hits.
In Wattage Mode, the Reliant is compatible with traditional kanthal coils or any wire that is not temperature control compatible. A range of 5W – 60W provides you with great vaping power and the flexibility you need to work with any atomizer or clearomizer.
In Mechanical Mode, the Reliant will provide direct power from your battery to the coil while maintaining the built in safety features the ultra-portable device has to offer.
Dual Charging Options – USB Pass-Through or Swap Out
The Reliant offers flexibility in charging as well. Remove the rechargeable 18650 battery (not included) or use the USB Pass-Through Charging to charge your battery and use the device at the same time.
Integrated LED Display
With its bright and easy to ready display, the screen shows you all your vaping specs in real time so you know exactly what your Reliant is doing. Tired of the Lights? Try Stealth Mode for vaping in the dark.
Ultra-Portable Ergonomic Mod
The Reliant’s ultra-portable size and ergonomic shape give it a great hand feel, making it one of the most compact mods on the market!
Phazer Sub-Ohm Tank – Control Your Flow
Our Phazer tank is the ONLY Sub-Ohm Tank that allows you to control your liquid and air flow with a simple twist. The innovative design optimizes vapor production and provides an intense amount of flavor for the best vaping experience possible. The 3.5ml Tank features all glass and stainless steel construction that easily comes apart for convenient and quick cleaning. The wide bore glass drip tip provides a great feel along with an elegant look. The clearomizer comes with our exclusive coil heads in 0.2 ohm (Ni200) and 0.5 ohm (Kanthal). The replacement coil heads feature our proprietary e-liquid flow control ring, while the air flow control is built into the bottom of the Sub-Ohm Tank housing.
Pro Kit includes:
- (1) Black Reliant Mod
- (1) Phazer Sub-Ohm Tank
- (1) 0.5 Kanthal Coil (pre-installed)
- (1) 0.2 Ni200 Coil
- (1) USB Charging Cable
- (1) Kit Manual
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