VAPE Magazine December 2016

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NEWS, BUSINESS & CULTURE VAPE Magazine is the only international vaping industry focused magazine with more than 35,000 readership in the United States, Europe and Asia, where vaping professionals find the latest news, products and trends.

EDITORIAL Publisher Matt Schramel content@vapemz.com 800-958-6427 x2 Editor in Chief Corey Noles Managing Editor Chris Mellides Social Media Manager Eric Vonheim Art Director Van Avanzado Graphic Designers Joe Buehner, Lauren Ellsworth, Matt Ritzenthaler, Anil Verma Director of Photography Ezra Zuniga Webmaster Axel Gillespie

letter from the editor:

Contributors Steffanie Atkins, Norm Bour, John Castle, Sarah Willis, Nick Green, Patricia Kovacevic, Allan Kwasnik, Sam McClelland, Chris Mellides, Corey Noles, Susan Oser, Tony Ottomanelli

Dear readers, Happy holidays!

ADMINISTRATIVE

‘Tis the season for bureaucracy! Look for a ton of information from Right 2 Be Smoke Free on pending litigation as well as some guidance from Azim Chowdhury on how to navigate the FDA registration process that ends this month.

Time is short, so this is vital information.

We have a candid interview this month with former Winston Man, David Goerlitz. He is a featured guest in A Billion Lives and knows the tobacco game like few others do.

He’s worked both sides of the fence from R.J. Reynolds to all of the key players in the anti-tobacco and anti-vaping movements. He has no qualms with sharing the things he’s seen and heard from both sides over the years.

We at VAPE Magazine want to wish every one of you a very happy holiday season!

Chief Executive Officer Matt Schramel Co-Owner/Vice President Jon Laverde Executive Assistant Erin Aly ADVERTISING Mike Schramel, mike@vapemz.com 800-958-6427 x1 Jon Laverde, jon@vapemz.com 800-958-6427 x4 Jacob Barger, jacob@vapemz.com 949-910-2138 China-based advertisers contact Wingle Group Electronics LTD +852 51759256 dev@winglegroup.com

Thanks for reading! VAPE on!

Corey Noles Editor in Chief

CONTACT Advertising sales@vapemz.com News news@vapemz.com New Products newproducts@vapemz.com Employment jobs@vapemz.com VAPE Magazine is wholly owned

by Starpixel Marketing LLC 2230 Highland Hill Dr., St. Peters, MO 63376 info@vapemz.com 800-958-6427

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table of contents COLUMNS

106 NJoy Files for Bankruptcy

Mods & Tech

19 Wins and Losses for Vapers

92 The Phantom’s

on Election Night

19 44 Right 2 Be Smoke Free

106 49 David Goerlitz: The Gloves Are Off 102 Last Minute Buyer’s Guide

Litigation Update

59 Are You Prepared for

Revenge Spectre DNA75 review

the December Deadline?

92 89 Apocalypse RDA review

85 Mastering the Vape Space

Departments 12 Letter from the Editor 23 Scenic Vapers

34 102 EVENTs

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95 SFATA Conference Seeks to

Educate, Activate Business Owners

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Features 80 Vaper’s Hobby Shop:

30 Ask Grimm Green 40 VAPE Talks Shop:

A Discussion on High-End Vaping

Empire Vape Shop

63 Just in Juices 68 Mods on Mods 75 Vape Visionary

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COLUMNS

t h g i n n o i t c e l E

s n i w g n i s i r p r u s s g n i Br s e s s o l l & painfu ers for vap es

By Corey Nol

ting most disgus iest, foulest, th ou er. m ov , st ly The uglie on is final erican electi Am an r fo excuse Finally.

r politics e disgust fo rrent intens cu y s a few m us te sc pi Des e need to di w , s) ur nd yo veral wins (a (and likely t gave us se gh ni on ti ec ity. things. El ng commun ) for the vapi a major loss

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DONALD TRUMP

about easing regulatory burdens on business. The question remains whether ours is an industry that would see any benefit from that.

Neither candidate expressed an opinion on the struggles currently facing the vaping community at the federal and state levels. Despite hundreds of thousands of emails, calls, tweets, letters and carrier pigeons, neither deemed it worthy to weigh in.

We can say with reasonable certainty, that Hillary Clinton would not have been a champion of our industry, given the low-level of Democrat politicians involved in any of the legislative efforts to change the predicate date.

I have doubts that being in office will lead to any action in favor or against our community.

But there is a glimmer of hope. Trump has expressed a deep disdain for the FDA, well and all other regulatory agencies. He has talked at length

With that said, I am cautiously optimistic. Easing the FDA’s burdensome registration progress is not out of the realm of possibility.

PROPOSITION 56 (CALIFORNIA)

RON JOHNSON

Proposition 56 passed, which was no surprise to most in California. With that, comes an estimated 70 percent tax on vapor products, according to Nix56.org. The not-for-profit group also suggests the law will result in the closure of thousands of stores, leaving many more thousands unemployed.

Johnson, chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, has single-handedly taken the FDA to task on its 2016 deeming regulations against vaping products. The senator has sent multiple letters requesting information and demanding a response. While little has been done yet, his re-election allows him to continue this fight, which is an avenue that could gain some attention moving forward.

What happened in California was a literal dropkick to the vapor industry in a state that has already been kicked this year.

It is also a loss for smokers still searching for a healthier alternative. Since by comparison, the tax on vapor products will be substantially higher, Prop56 creates a virtual wall between existing smokers and a less harmful alternative.

In addition, only 13 percent of the money is slated to go to smoking cessation and prevention programs. 13 percent.

That’s a loss. A serious loss.

The reelection of Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) was likely the biggest surprise win for the vapor industry of the night.

Johnson was largely expected to lose his re-election bid to democratic challenger Rep. Russ Feingold.

It goes without saying, that the strong turnout for Trump that resulted in a surprising Wisconsin win, helped him along considerably. As did the Wisconsin vaping community.

Watching what happened with Johnson should be a sign to elected officials. While our numbers aren’t huge, you want us in your corner.

Corey Noles is the Editor in Chief of VAPE Magazine.

He is also the founder/owner of Busted Knuckle Vapor Fluids and Inked Up E-Liquid Co.

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DEPARTMENTS

Scenic Vapers Contributor Corner: Breanna Hulett @greyvape

By Chris Mellides

Photographer: Leo (@4kvisuals) In Frame: Brandon (@higherhand) Shirt: @electicskycrew Location: California

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In the last four years, Scenic Vapers photo contributor Breanna Hulett has found herself on a journey filled with self-discovery and artistic growth the likes of which she never thought could be possible.

The 19-year-old Washington state resident has traveled the country honing on and perfecting her photography while in the company of her closest friends who often stand in as models for her work.

“I have been shooting for a little over four years now,” Hulett said. “It started with landscape photos, then I dragged my friends into it so I could begin learning about portrait photography.”

Now, the young photog has found herself shooting various product photos for leading vapor product companies, while taking portraitures that capture the look and feel of the vaping lifestyle.

Hulett began vaping roughly three years ago, and her use of the reduced harm alternative became much more consistent in the past year when her art became a vehicle for creating vaperelated photo content.

“What appeals to me about vaping is that you can truly put your signature on whatever setup you are using, that being the build, the cap, or the mod itself,” Hulett said. “The industry has really grown in that being able to customize a number of aspects and as a photographer, I can utilize that.”

A self-taught professional, Hulett says that she has received much support and inspiration from her peers who’ve been cheering her on during her evolution as an artist.

“I have mainly noticed myself evolve as a photographer in the past five months,” Hulett said. “Of course, we are always progressing, but there comes a time when possibilities truly arise and you are able to selflessly feed off of that moment.”

For Hulett, that particular moment came in early March, when she says she was “lucky enough to take a road trip all along the West Coast.” There she visited San Francisco where she took photos at the Golden Gate Bridge and its surrounding areas, before visiting family in her home state of Georgia.

Scenic_December_1 Photographer: Ricky Covel (@quickyadig) In frame - Ricky Covel Shirt & Hat: @pourhousevape Location: Gifford Pinchot State Park, PA

Hulett first heard of Scenic Vapers in February of this year and became enamored with the project’s concept. Since virtually all of her photos are aimed towards capturing the beauty of the outdoors, she was instantly drawn to the project and felt confident that her work would find a home with Scenic Vapers.

“I have been submitting my work to this project for about six months and I continue to do so,” Hulett said. “I love having my work published alongside so many other talented artists who share a love for vaping and the outdoors as much as I do.”

Asked what interests her most about the project, Hulett offered a definitive response. “It [Scenic Vapers] is able to bring people from all over the world onto one page.”

“Being surrounded by so many incredible new things and so much love results in a lot of inspiration, at least for me,” Hulett said. “That happiness I was feeling showed through my work and it had a ton to do with my development.”

She added, “Emotions control quite a bit when I photograph.”

“It showcases a lot of the curiosities I have towards landscapes in other countries and even states within my own country,” she continued.

While Hulett admits to not personally knowing Scenic Vapers’ founders Tyler Price and Ian Silver before she began contributing, she was very familiar with their robust body of respective works.

When she began exploring the backlog of Scenic Vapers photography she claims that Price and Silver seemed like, “talents of a different world” and attests to her belief that the two still are.

“They have always set the bar so high and I strive to be on their level of expertise,” Hulett said. “They push me to be a better photographer and all I can do is continue to improve.”

She added, “Every time I am featured on Scenic Vapers I feel so honored. I look up to these guys and the fact that they like my work enough to share it brings me so much happiness.”

The overall message that Scenic Vapers projects, mainly enjoying and taking in the outdoors, is one that resonates deeply with Hulett who says that exploring nature and what the outside world has to offer is paramount, and should be of significant importance to everyone.

“It’s nice to just have a relaxing day at home, but I suggest using your sight and legs while you can,” Hulett said. “You won’t remember the day you sat on the couch watching TV, but you’ll remember the beautiful road you drove on to get to that lake, or the obscure trees you trekked passed while climbing to that waterfall.”

“A day you don’t enjoy is a day wasted.”

Photographer: Brett Hill (@brettfhill) In Frame: Sway Medina (@just.vape) Location: Glamis Dunes, California

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#VAPEMAGAZINE

Photographer: Althea Salamin (@althea_ph_photo) David Salamin, owner of Pour House Vape is in the shot, and he’s wearing his @vapingscissorhands T (Matt Macaranas) & pH hat.

Location: Costa Mesa, CA

To submit your photo to Scenic Vapers #CloudCheck for VAPE submission consideration, follow @VapeMagazine @ScenicVapers @Drippin_Balls and @Jedi.Visions and #VapeMagazine #CloudCheck & #ScenicVapers on Instagram.

For the VAPE pictorial column, photos must be in high resolution, but for the IG page everyone has the chance for a feature.

Photographer: Luis (@lvl.g) Model: Tyler Cruz (@mxiiness) Location: Fullerton, California

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DEPARTMENTS

By Nick Green

Photo by Metal Jeff

Grimm, I keep seeing people get bent out of shape about these closed systems like the Juul and the Cync, but I don’t understand the debate. What’s all the fuss about?

Stef Youngblood Augusta, Maine

In my opinion a good all around cloud / flavor tank is the Mage From Coilart. I still also love the Kayfun V5 for pure flavor, as well as the Serpent Mini 24mm from Wotofo. Any of the above would be a very solid purchase.

-Grimm

Hey Stef! I truly and honestly don’t know what all the fuss is about. I think vapers have the association that small “cig-alike” devices are associated somehow with big tobacco. While that might be true for lots of models like the Mark10, The newer closed system devices like the Cync or the VonErl are made by vapers and for vapers.

I love my new Recoil!! How does a project like that come together?

Terry Acheson Palm Beach, Florida

We need to remember that while fun and satisfying to a lot of people. Sub-Ohm cloud chasing hardware will generally not be appealing to current smokers. Something like the Cync or the JUUL could quite literally save someone’s life. Vapers just need to relax.

-Grimm

Hi Nick! What do you think is the best tank on the market today for clouds and flavor?

Petros Ryers Ann Arbor, Michigan Hey Petros! Lots of really great tanks on the market these days. “Tanks” is such a vague term though.

Are you after a rebuildable? RTA, RDTA? Sub-Ohm coil heads? Genesis style?

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Hey Terry! Only two things are needed for a project like that. Creativity and money. Lots and lots of money. The Recoil RDA was a bit unique in that it was all self funded.

We created the design, the logos, the airflow. Did all the marketing ourselves, and contracted a manufacturer for the production process. This way we could have the final say in everything that went into the RDA. Often times people will contact a large manufacturer like Wismec or Wotofo for help in production and creation.

Going down that road is a lot less costly, but also a lot less “hands on” in my opinion. We wanted everything on the RDA to be exactly the way we wanted, and the only way to truly accomplish that, without compromises, is to fund it yourself. Glad you’re enjoying the RDA! -Grimm

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Features

One Man’s Fight For Advocacy

By Tony Ottomanelli II

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Features Vaping has been beneficial for so many people worldwide that it’s difficult comprehending how others don’t see it that way.

My realization is that vaping, which has long been considered a harm reduction method for tobacco users, could also assist those going through recovery from addiction to illicit narcotics, specifically opiate-based substances.

Taking this into consideration, I randomly became familiar with an e-liquid manufacturer who has been making t-shirts in support of Walking For Wellness, a campaign created in May 2013, that seeks to raise heroin awareness in Missouri’s St. Charles County area.

This e-juice manufacturer was none other than eXtreme Vapes of Louisville, KY, led by business owner and vaping advocate, Jay Tower.

An excerpt from the eXtreme Vapes website reads: “eXtreme Vapes is a company created out of love and passion. We love good products and our passion is to create them for the customer.” When asked, Tower made it absolutely clear that he is in this business to save lives and help people switch from tobacco cigarettes, while simultaneously promoting heroin awareness through staunch advocacy efforts.

Heroin is an opioid and is in the same category as many prescription painkillers, including Percocet, OxyContin, and Vicodin. These illicit substances act as catalysts for some of the highest causes of preventable death; therefore more needs to be done to better combat this nation-wide epidemic.

“Our mission is to help provide individuals [with] a safer alternative to smoking while still providing amazing flavors, and to raise money to fight back against big tobacco companies,” reads a highlight from the eXtreme Vapes website. “eXtreme Vapes e-liquid currently offers three amazing flavors,” Tower said. “We are a proud member of KSFA (Kentucky Smoke Free Association). A dollar from every bottle sold wholesale is donated to this fund.” Donating a portion of sales from his minimal selection of products is a noble act, and shows Tower’s commitment to the vapor product industry. eXtreme Vapes now has five flavors of e-liquid that they offer: Flavor God, Poppin’ Cherries, Daily Vape, Nightly Vape and Xtreme Cream.

Flavor God is described as “a heavenly blend of strawnana and creams.” Poppin’ Cherries” is a “frosted doughnut cram-packed with mixed cherry-berry filling.” Daily Vape has a flavor profile that’s left to mystery and simply states, “You’re welcome. Thank me later.”

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Features

The two newest additions Nightly Vape and Xtreme Cream are a New York style cheesecake, with hints of crushed pistachios with caramel drizzle, and a mix of berries and cream, respectively.

Supporting KSFA is a great example for other businesses to follow. Tower says that his main motivation for doing this was not simply to throw money at an advocacy group, but to try to help serve as a leader for other vaping businesses who are encouraged to follow suit.

In fighting the spread of opiate abuse and educating others, Tower speaks out as a recovering addict, an advocate, a survivor and a leader.

worried about the future status of vaping in the country, but he is also extremely excited for what his business could bring to the industry.

Tower and I discussed everything from vaping advocacy, to the potential harm caused by the FDA regulatory process on vapor products, to his primary motivation behind donating to KSFA, and his participation in Walking For Wellness.

Another interesting fact unearthed in our conversation was how Kentucky is the second largest producer of tobacco, and not surprisingly, many local legislators are attempting to pass regulations aimed at taxing vapor products and reducing their accessibility.

In this period of uncertainty for what lies ahead for the vape industry, we need to take the time to recognize and thank, not only the businesses at the top tier of the revenue-earning pool, but also the leaders and symbols of advocacy and professionalism who own small businesses within the industry.

In 2013, on Thanksgiving Day, his son’s mother overdosed on heroin and died at 23; she is survived by her 5-yearold son with Tower now being the sole guardian.

“I’ve learned in recovery to give back and help others, so I use that in my company and try to give back to the vaping industry and show everyone it’s not all about money for me,” Tower said.

Tower is one of those leaders, paving the way for others to follow down a path of a multifaceted movement in favor of harm reduction by utilizing more than one approach; reducing harm from tobacco and reducing harm from illicit drugs.

He added, “It’s about sticking to my word and staying strong in this industry while helping others find a new way to live.”

At the time this article was written, four shops were carrying the eXtreme e-liquid product line since Tower started his business at the beginning of the year.

It seems that Tower is on a steady path to gaining a broader customer base and adding another flavor to the lineup. With regard to his true feelings about the future of vaping, Tower believes some regulation should be imposed, yet the “overreach of the FDA’s regulatory process is [growing] out of control.”

The e-liquid company owner is somewhat hesitant and

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So, it seems vaping can certainly become a fulfilling journey toward recovery for addicts. Tower agrees, that as a recovering addict, vaping has helped guide him in a direction towards a better life.

“Vaping keeps me so busy. I build coils, make juice, purchase ingredients and other vapor products,” Tower said.

“I think it can most definitely be considered as another form of harm reduction for recovering addicts, like myself.

I’ve experienced it firsthand.”

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VAPE Talks Shop: EMPIRE VAPE SHOP

By COREY NOLES

Just two years ago, vape shops were a new thing to Maine.

Like all trends, vaping has taken a strange path around the nation. So when Graham Vinson and his wife, then girlfriend, Stephanie, moved to Maine in 2011, they were surprised to see that vape shops simply didn’t exist.

Owners of Empire Vape Shop, with locations in Waterville, Bangor and Augusta, Maine, the Vinson’s first discovered vapor in 2009 while living in North Carolina.

“I had just lost my grandfather to complications with COPD, and I could already feel how smoking was affecting me,” Graham said, adding that it was around that time when Stephanie brought home a vape for him to try. “It was disgusting, but it worked.”

As an electronics and gadget enthusiast, Graham said he was excited about the idea of an electronic cigarette. In a matter, of weeks, he went to work at a local vape shop.

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DEPARTMENTS

When the couple moved to Maine, they did all of their shopping online — so e-liquid orders were always a gamble.

“You’d buy seven flavors and pray three were good,” he said.

When vape shops began to sprout in Maine, Vinson went back to work at what he enjoyed. He worked for two different shops before deciding in late 2015 to open a shop of his own.

In December 2015, the couple opened their first location in Waterville, Maine. They wanted something different. A vape shop that felt high-end and would be appealing to anyone — not a glorified head shop.

Dustin Waltz, of Waltz Enterprises, helped design and give the stores their aesthetic appeal. They wanted the stores to have a legitimate “Maine-feel,” so the aesthetics include ample use of hardwood and large leather couches.

The business took off quickly. By April, they were ready to open another location, this time in Bangor. With business continuing to grow in what is still a relatively new market, a third location opened December 1 in Augusta.

“We’re not slowing down,” Graham said. “We’re always looking for new markets to expand into.”

As the landscape has changed this year, with the FDA regulations shifting from threat to reality, Vinson decided to step up his game and get involved with advocacy at the local, state and national levels.

“We’re changing lives in this industry every day around the world,” Vinson said. “We can’t just let them take that away.”

For more information on Empire Vape Shop, visit http:// www.empirevapeshop.com/.

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THE GLOVES ARE OFF Goerlitz, Former Winston Man, shares the stinky truth

By Corey Noles

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David Goerlitz pulls no punches.

The ultimate man’s man in the 1980’s, Goerlitz still comes across with that same edgy bluntness, but in a kind way. Now 66, he has traded in his trademark Winstons (he actually preferred Marlboro, shhh), for a slim vape.

He doesn’t give a damn about clouds and thinks the industry is oversaturated with products and juice manufacturers, but he believes it’s worth saving.

Goerlitz recently sat down with VAPE Magazine between whirlwind trips to premiere’s for Director Aaron Biebert’s documentary, A Billion Lives. As this article was written, he was home in Pennsylvania after trips to Miami, Los Angeles and New York City. This morning he leaves for a three-week international tour that begins in India with stops in several countries, including Estonia.

While the trips keep him busy, there’s far more to Goerlitz’s story than just being an emblazoned member of both sides of the war on (and for) tobacco over three decades.

VM: So, David, let’s start from the beginning. Where are you from? Tell us a little about you growing up.

DG: Well, I’m the youngest of 3 boys from a baptist preacher. We moved 14 times in 6 years and every state we went to was different.

My personality was always very outgoing. I was the class clown in high school. I figured I was better off making them laugh with me than at me.

I got married at 20 and were still married 46 years later.

In 1977-78 I lost a lot of weight — about 75 pounds. I was never athletic. I was never into sports. I was more into theater and places where I could play characters. I decided acting would never be a money maker for me because of my size, so I got a regular job.

But by the time I was 29, I was un-

happy. Not with my wife, but with having not taken the initiative to move forward and make something of myself.

It wasn’t until I lost the weight on my own without pills or doctors that I found a new me under that flab. I found a strong chin, blue eyes and high cheek bones, so it was suggested I try modeling.

I was able to get a modeling agency to back me in Philadelphia and that’s when it started coming together.

VM: How and when did you start smoking?

DG: I started smoking at 13. Being the son of a preacher it was kind of odd that three loyal baptist preachers would be smokers, but we did.

My friends and brothers smoked, so I decided to. As a fat kid, I thought it was something that would make me feel grown up, mature and re sponsible. That’s what the ads told us we should feel. It was the closest thing I could do to make me feel that way about myself. It was a different time. Older students had a smoking area at school even. I remember teachers taking hits off of our cigarettes in the bathroom because there wasn’t time to go to the teachers lounge.

No one put a gun to my head, I did it willingly.

Heck, You could smoke anywhere — even theaters and the back rows of an airplane.

VM: How many years did you smoke?

DG: From the time I was 13 til 1988 when I quit. I quit publicly on the Great American Smoke Out for my kids. I wasn’t successful so I hid it.

I’d come in from the bar with cologne, mouthwash and toothpaste to disguise it.

VM:Were you a Winston smoker.

DG: No. I smoked Marlboros. I only smoked Winston when I was around them. Tobacco is tobacco. It goes to

the highest bidder at the brokerage house, the difference is the additives.

VM: How did the Winston Man deal come together?

DG: I had agents in NY and Philadelphia. From 1964-1979, the Winston campaign was all construction workers because it was a male cigarette. The women had their own already. I went on an audition call in 1980. I was one of 937 who auditioned and one of 6 to get a callback. They didn’t want people who had done mouthwash or toothpaste ads, because at the time those were considered conflicting.

I won and got the lead role. I worked for them for almost 7-½ years. The money was great. It paid $100,000 a year for 26 days work. I was featured in 42-44 different ads that ran. Unfortunately, my target was kids. If they don’t get you between 13 and 19, they’re not going to get you for the most part.

VM: At what point did you decide to quit smoking?

DG: November 18, 1988 was the Great American Smoke Out. I promised my kids, particularly my son Kevin, that I would quit smoking.

He was begging me. I quit that day and did an event with the American Cancer Society making it public. I was scared to death. We didn’t have Zyban and Chantix and Nicorette gum. It was either cold turkey or keep smoking.

It lasted a month until a neighbor told me he’d found my dog dead in the road. I went straight out to buy cigarettes. So I cheated, then I quit, then I cheated, then I quit, then I cheated. That went on over and over until finally, it took.

Had I had something like vaping to go to, I think it would have been easier. The ability to cut back slowly and at my own pace would have made a huge difference.

Now somebody is trying to take that right away from millions of smokers

and that pisses me off.

VM: You were very involved with the anti-smoking movement after you quit smoking and left RJ Reynolds. Who all were you working for after the transition?

DG: I was working for the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, the World Health Organization, the CDC, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, and eventually, the The Truth Initiative.

VM: That reads like a list of the enemies of vaping.

DG: If you read the credits to A Billion Lives, all of those organizations refused to be interviewed. In 20042005, they became as corrupt as the tobacco companies. They tried to script me and wanted me to say things that just weren’t true.

Every year, tobacco companies would spend another $14 billion to replace those who quit and die every day. Those replacements are kids.

I asked Dale Zane, an executive with RJ Reynolds during a shoot at the top of Mt. Evans why they didn’t smoke and was told “We don’t smoke the stuff, we reserve that for young, poor, black, stupid.”

Dale Zane, an executive with RJ Reynolds. I testified about that to Congress.

VM: I understand the decision to quit smoking, but when did you decide to get involved in the antismoking movement?

DG: It took two days. When I quit smoking publicly, I got a lot of media attention. That was a great win for the ACS. I have to say, in 1988 and 1989, the movement was reasonable. People were dying of lung cancer. The ACS did strong funding drives and they were becoming a multi-million dollar organization.

The salaries were growing, but not enough money was going into research.

Then I began noticing the same

With millions of vaping, if goal, vaping sho by these or Because th

things with ALS, then AHS, then the CDC. It was about that time I was approached by Matt Myers from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

He wanted all the dirt I could give on RJ Reynolds marketing campaign. His partner was Mitch Zeller, the current head of the FDA Center for Tobacco Products.

illions quitting smoking because ping, if public health was the true ing should have been celebrated hese organizations. But it wasn’t. use the game is all about money.

Then the taxes came. It was supposed to be all for the children and antismoking education. With that in mind I became very exposed. I started getting death threats from the tobacco companies. My car caught on fire.

My tags were stolen, so I would get stopped by police. They were trying to get me to shut up.

In 1989, U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop began his push for a smoke-free class of 2000. They put a lot of money into preventing cigarette companies from marketing to children. I was being paid by all of them to go out and tell the truth about the tobacco companies.

Within a year, the tobacco companies are in cahoots with the ACS, AHS, and ALS to come up with the master settlement agreement. The money was supposed to allow the states to do their own anti-smoking campaigns, but the money never went to that.

VM: Is that when you started to distance yourself from the anti-tobacco movement?

DG: They wanted me to shut up, because I was pissing everyone off. Everybody knows smoking kills and that tobacco companies targeted kids.

That’s one of the things I never understood when vaping came around. With millions quitting smoking because of vaping, if public health was the true goal, vaping should have been celebrated by these organizations. But it wasn’t. Because the game is all about money.

VM: When did you start vaping and how were you turned on to it?

DG: In 2006, I started hearing about the electronic cigarette. By 2007, things were starting to happen with it. You could mimic smoking, inhale a vapor with propylene glycol and glycerine. You got the hit of nicotine, but without the issues created by smoking.

NJoy sued the FDA for blocking shipments of electronic cigarettes being shipped into the country. The judge said the FDA cannot regulate and control because they had not been regulated as a cessation device or a tobacco product.

From there it just started growing.

Then it wasn’t long before all the vaping groups started forming because it was working. But at the same time, tobacco was hounding the government to start regulating it.

VM: I believe you told me once that vaping wasn’t a lifestyle for you, just something to keep you from smoking.

Can you expand on that a bit?

DG: Unfortunately, the market has become very oversaturated. Smokers don’t necessarily want to quit and join a fraternity, smokers just want to quit. They need something to help them quit. They don’t want 7,000 flavors and hundreds of different mods.

They just want it to work. They might graduate into something bigger, but it’s a process.

It’s important that we don’t forget about what smokers need.

In 2013-14, that’s when it got really big. If you look at my websites, I said then the jig is up. The die has been cast. Theyre gonna ban it, take it away and give it back to the tobacco companies. The vaping community has about three years before we’re shut down if we don’t do something big and do it quick.

VM: Have you been involved with any companies or organizations in the vape industry outside of A Billion Lives?

DG: I have been trying to find a place in the vaping community for six years, but I’m too politically incorrect. You’ve got all these groups who are trying to do the right thing, but they’re not playing their game, The other side is playing nice and we’re trying to and that’s an uphill battle.

VM: Do you feel like A Billion Lives is helping to bring positive attention to the vaping industry?

DG: It’s being seen in many theaters.

Its not going to be a blockbuster like Star Wars. It’s going to be like Super Size Me. It will raise the level of awareness. The difference between obesity and smoking is that we still see smokers as lepers and a waste of society. At least with obesity, people try to get fit. At least with that there are positive attitudes people are trying to change.

Vaping is to cigarettes what Slim Fast is to cheeseburgers. It’s a healthier option. But Slim Fast doesn’t get the mess that vapor does. Supplements aren’t even regulated by the FDA. If [the government] isn’t going to believe these people who are doctors, lawyers and experts in their fields, we’re going to struggle.

The movie is only one resource. We need more. This all has to be exposed and not just to vapers. To everyone.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

JON LAVERDE @Jon_Laverde MODEL

DAVID GOERILTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

EZRA ZUNIGA & JEN ZUNIGA @135fotografiks www.thebroketographers.com www.135fotografiks.com ASSISTANT

MOISES PEDRAZA @lovesoulmedia VIDEOGRAPHY

PIERRE FRESH @thisispierrehq MALE GROOMING

STACY ROSAS @makeupstaceface

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DEPARTMENTS

1 2 3

DESSERTS

Compiled by Chris Mellides

1 YELLOW WEDDING CAKE from Bake Sale This 70 VG/30 PG e-liquid takes a swing at recreating the decadent deliciousness of a freshly baked yellow butter cake without the need for washing dishes after dessert.

Very tasty! http://www.bakesaleliquids.com/

2 OUTDOORS & S’MORES from Campfire Juice Enjoy a flame roasted savory hazelnut and creamy oats, fluffed on Aspen-hinted marshmallow with this rich 70VG/30 PG blend. 60ml pricing is available. http://www.campfirejuice.com/

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3 MR. MERINGUE from Mr. Meringue E-Liquid 4 GRAHAMBIES from Eureka Vapor Co. The best seller from the Eureka Vapor Co. line of liquids, Grahambies takes sweet, honey-glazed graham crackers, and dunks them in a generous helping of flavorful funfetti frosting. http://eurekavaporco.com

A cloud of toasted meringue atop a pool of buttery and bright lemon curd accurately describes this standout flavor.

A must-try for dessert lovers. 60ml pricing is available. http://mrmeringue.com

5 TALLAHASSEE from Cult Classic Liquids

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This 80 VG/20 PG juice is Cult Classic Liquid’s flagship flavor, and for good reason. Inspired by the movie Zombieland and its main character, Tallahassee, who is always on the hunt for a certain yellow sponge cake and cream treat, this e-liquid delivers on that flavor and then some. https://ccliquids.com

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6 TORTOISE BLOOD from Shijin Vapor A tart and creamy 85 VG/15 PG mix that takes blue raspberry and shakes it up with a green apple sherbet for a seriously delicious vape. 15ml, 30ml and 100ml pricing is available. http://shijinvapor.com VAPEMZ.COM

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7 SKIPPER from Vapor Jerry’s

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Catapulted to the top of the flavor list due to a high customer demand, Skipper is a standout peanut butter vape celebrated for its complexity. At low temps users can expect a flavor reminiscent of the inside of a peanut butter cup, and the hotter you go the more it transforms into a smooth, creamy PB that isn’t the slightest bit dry. 60ml pricing is available. http://vaporjerrys.com

8 DUNKD from Missing Link An alter ego of Alloy Blends, Missing Link serves up a vanilla cookie milk combo in Dunkd that’s sure to satisfy the pickiest of palates. The inspiration for this e-liquid comes from the masterful blending of vanillas that Alloy Blends has brought to you since 2013, with Vented and Blonde, just to name a few. See why this exceptionally clean vanilla can’t be beat.

60ml pricing is available. http://alloyblends.com

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9 120 CREAM POP from Gourmet E-Liquid

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120 Cream Pop is your favorite summer popsicle all in one bottle. This delightful blend of creamy, vanilla bean ice cream and orange sherbet tastes like it’s straight from the ice cream truck! Let your taste buds run wild with this delicious, new all day vape. 120ml pricing is available. https://120creampop.com

CEREALS 10 APPLE JAX from Epic Juice

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Apple Jax is a milky bowl of apple cinnamon cereal and a classic in the Epic Juice lineup. This flavor was inspired by Saturday morning cartoons and since 2012 remains one of the brand’s best sellers. http://epicjuice.com

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11 MAUI WAUI from Smoozie A max VG blend of sweet pineapple flavor and silky smooth banana that’s topped off with a slammin’ strawberry kick to your taste buds! http://www.apolloecigs.com

12 KEYBERRY FLUX from Firefly Orchard - Apple Elixirs A tasty green apple, kiwi and strawberry combo that’s sweet and tart and sure to be your next all day vape! This max VG e-liquid is available in 60ml and 120ml pricing. http://www.apolloecigs.com

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13 WATERMELON BERRY from ZOUR

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This max VG e-liquid is teeming with mouthwatering flavor and will leave you longing for summer fun with its explosive taste of sweet watermelon and tart berries. 60ml and 120ml pricing is available. http://www.apolloecigs.com

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CUSTARDS

14 REVENGE from Cape Fear Juice Company This creamy custard vape took years to perfect, and is anything but a slice of the ordinary. Revenge is a homemade vanilla custard pie, complete with a flaky graham cracker crust served fresh from the oven just like grandma used to make. http://capefearjuiceco.com

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15 SOUL CUSTARDY from Beantown Vapor Smooth and flavorful are words that best define this vanilla custard with very subtle bourbon, graham cracker and butterscotch notes. Soul Custardy won the #1 spot for Best Custard E-liquid for 2015 in the eCig Reviews Public Poll. So, if you like custard style vapes, this is a must try. http://beantownvapor.com

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16 SIN TAX from Prohibition Juice Co. A signature blend from Prohibition Juice Co., Sin Tax is a sinfully smooth peanut butter that comes complete with a sweet vanilla custard finish for an overall satisfying vaping experience. One that won’t dry you out and will leave you begging for more! 60ml and 120ml pricing is available. https://instagram.com/prohibitionjuiceco/

WILD CARD

17 I LOVE POPCORN from Mad Hatter Juice Get it poppin’ with the newest flavor from Mad Hatter Juice, I Love Popcorn! This amazing blend of crisp, fresh popcorn covered with sweet, melted butter is your favorite popcorn jelly bean in a bottle! Guaranteed to transport you straight to the theater, your movie experience will never be the same with this new all day vape. http://madhatterjuice.com

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Please visit us at: Booth 9041

Manufactured in the USA AmeriNic is the premier manufacturer of USP liquid nicotine in the U.S. for electronic nicotine delivery systems. Our nicotine is produced under United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards and is manufactured in our FDA compliant (cGMP) facility.

Our nicotine is packaged in 35 and 12.5 liter UN1654 drums under a nitrogen blanket to maintain freshness. We’ll be introducing a 6 liter package in the fall of 2016.

AmeriNic only manufactures pure USP nicotine, clean, clear, odorless—never solutions. Since nicotine is a critical component of your products, we maintain a reserve inventory and we are always ready with an ample supply to meet the unique needs of our customers. Our focus is being the premier supplier of USP nicotine and providing stellar customer service.

Insist on AmeriNic USP nicotine for your juices and nicotine solutions; proudly manufactured in the USA in Merry Hill, North Carolina.

Phone: (804) 254-1355 E-mail: sales@ameri-nic.com

841 Avoca Farm Road Merry Hill, NC. 27957

www.ameri-nic.com

DEPARTMENTS

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Vape Visionary DEPARTMENTS

Maria G:

Sponsored Vaper & Product Model

By Chris Mellides

Widely known on Instagram as “JuicyClouds”, Maria G is an East Central Florida resident who went from casually posting selfies and photos relating to food and cosmetics, to amassing 100,000 followers on the popular photo-sharing platform when her attention shifted to vaping.

The 29-year-old celebrated her third year of being smoke-free in August, an anniversary that reminds her of the success she’s made switching to vapor products after more than a decade of smoking traditional cigarettes.

Maria says that what she finds most appealing about vaping, other than the health benefits she’s experienced, is being able to vape freely indoors without having to smell like an ashtray.

Additionally, the wide variety of products currently available and the ample room for customization they provide users are elements to this reduced harm alternative that she appreciates as she continues her journey away from combustible tobacco.

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Seeing how the devices evolved over the past few years, and being a part of the vape community on social media has connected me to other people, interacting with like-minded individuals is always fun.

“For the most part I’m enjoying trying out new flavors, I can’t be stuck on the same flavor all the time after all,” Maria said. “Seeing how the devices evolved over the past few years, and being a part of the vape community on social media has connected me to other people, interacting with like-minded individuals is always fun.”

Maria has a number of sponsors whose products she features in photos uploaded to social media, and is the cocaptain of the Royal Wires team in Florida state, which includes two other members who promote the specialty wire company along with Maria.

“Usually I pick my most favorite flavors/products from each one of my sponsors and promote it on my page by sharing my thoughts, and [taking] pictures or videos of those products when I’m out and about,” Maria said.

She added, “It’s humbling that my sponsors value and appreciate my presence on their team and allow me to be one of the faces to represent them!”

The young product model says she had no idea that she would gain as much attention as she has in the three years she’s been posting to Instagram, but has vaping to thank for the popularity of her account.

“I was just posting random daily things like food, makeup, cats and selfies until I bought my first vape kit and posted it,” Maria said. “Then I realized there was a whole community of vapers in the hashtags.”

Her follower count grew over time, but Maria says that she considers the term “followers” to be misleading, instead she views her own followers as real supporters who have helped her reach more people online who might not have otherwise experienced the vaping lifestyle or are in the dark about the companies whose products she promotes.

Maria believes that vaping has opened the door for her to become more physically active and enjoy the outdoors.

She’s also taken the time to further pursue photography, which translates to a burgeoning picture-rich social media presence.

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“I’ve always enjoyed taking photos with my digital camera, just basic stuff like landscapes and my friends,” Maria said. “When I got more serious about my vape photos I picked up a better camera, nothing fancy, just something that allows me to be creative and showcase my favorite products in good quality.”

Promoting and using products that she enjoys is something Maria does not take for granted, and this is especially true when considering the Food and Drug Administration’s regulatory authority over the vapor product industry.

Maria is well aware of the current state of the industry, and the regulations that are in effect, and while she does believe that some regulations are needed to ensure user safety, she’s in staunch opposition to oppressive regulatory overreach.

“I think at this point, the ones in our online vape community who truly care about vaping already know what’s happening,” Maria said. “The only way to reach outside of the Internet is by talking to people in the physical world.”

She added, “Talk to more older folks, talk to vape shops, talk to anyone who doesn’t smoke to see if they would rather support vapers walking around instead of smokers.”

Like many others, since taking up vaping Maria has witnessed the benefits of the smoking alternative as one that’s healthier than traditional tobacco and is amazed at how many people share her passion.

“It [vaping] has helped me be more conscious about my health in general,” Maria said. “I even started being more physically active again.”

“Besides that fact, vaping has introduced me to my sponsors and team members and everyone else. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to spread good vibes and a positive outlook on the vape lifestyle.”

All Photos by Maria G

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Features

A Discussion On High - End Vaping

By Tony Ottomanelli II Vaper’s Hobby Shop started out as the name of a Facebook group by founder and administrator Jared Olsen, who would later transform himself into the owner of a successful online vape shop that bears the same name.

This is one of the most unique, visionary, and professional online vape shops on the Web today, primarily because Olsen is adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the vaping atmosphere by tailoring his shop to cater to highend vapers like himself.

Olsen is steadily becoming more exclusive with what he is willing to offer in his shop, and has a devoted and loyal customer base to show for it. His clientele spans the globe and reside in places like Japan, Austria, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, the U.K., and of course the U.S. Regardless, it may be somewhat difficult to locate Olsen’s shop in the saturated marketplace of online vape suppliers, but Vaper’s Hobby Shop has swiftly developed into the exclusive supplier of more than one particular type of specialized atomizer, mod, and other pieces of highend kit.

Whether the average vaper may or may not find high-end vape supplies appealing, it does not necessarily matter, since Jared still offers a number of delicious premium e-juices, sub ohm tanks, coils, RDAs, cotton, mesh, and basic brand name mods, such as, the 40 watt eLeaf iSticks and the iPV D2 from Pioneer4you.

Olsen says that he owes much of his success to the positive relationships he was able to build online prior to launching his shop, and that by and large, “the vaping community is also undoubtedly an online community.”

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As stated previously, Olsen founded The Vaper’s Hobby Shop first as a Facebook group, before changing the group’s name to Vape Exclusive (VX), which is now an invitation-only high-end vapers’ common hangout—somewhat comparable to the secret, yet reputable Facebook Group HEMO, which stands for High-end Mods Only.

These are meeting places for the “one-percenters” in the vaping community. “High-end vapers are just vapers who appreciate really nice things. We prefer quality,” Olsen said.

Stating that some of the high-end mods are “really nice things” is certainly an understatement, as some high-end devices range in price from anywhere between $500 to $10,000. Yes, up to ten grand!

To the average vaper, thousands of dollars for a single vaping device, would most likely seem absurd. This is why the high-end vapers among the community make up such a small percentage.

That is not to imply that they are snobs, or stuck-up trust fund babies. They just have the right connections with the world’s best modders, they seek out the best of the best in any product, or are willing to pay big money for a finely handcrafted device manufactured abroad.

Asked about when and why he decided to open his own shop, especially an online shop as opposed to a brick and mortar, Olsen said that he had been searching for a way to quit smoking for years after becoming a father, but it wasn’t until Dec. 20, 2012 that he had his last cigarette. As soon as he began vaping, he told his entire family and all of his friends that “this vaping thing was about to be huge.” Ever since Olsen began vaping, he’s always wanted to open a shop.

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Finally, as vaping grew and expanded across the globe, more people began to believe in the store owner’s original claims, which led him to acquire the funding that was necessary to launch his site.

Olsen launched Vaper’s Hobby Shop in July 2015. It took only a couple of seconds after the site went live for his first sale! Vaper’s Hobby Shop is the only retailer in the U.S. for The Juice Traveler, which is a Polish company that manufactures Barracuda Mods. And for any vapers who know of the infamous Nipple RDA, Olsen’s was the only shop in the entire U.S. that had these atomizers available for purchase, which were going for nearly $200 at the time of their release.

In addition to owning Vaper’s Hobby Shop, Olsen also has his own juice line called Fedora Guy, boasting flavors that are all game changers. Gremlin which is a “granola-topped key lime yogurt,” Goblin, which has a flavor consisting of “buttered corn on the cob,” Grump, a “granola-topped peach yogurt,” and Wall Banger, a flavor profile consisting of “walnuts, bananas, graham cracker, and salted caramel.” I was given a chance to try all of these flavors and they are unbelievably original and tasty.

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Olsen is someone all members of our vaping community should become more familiar with. Whether Vaper’s Hobby Shop offers high-end products only, or has a decent selection of affordable supplies we’re all familiar with, its owner will always be focused on providing the vape community with flavorful juices, authentic hardware, quality vape supplies, and unbridled professionalism.

Finally, I would definitely suggest looking deeper into high-end vaping. While it may be a pricey endeavor, it is simply just another amazing aspect that factors into our expressive, unified, and unprecedented phenomenon of cultural discovery.

Vaping will never die, because our passion for it is relentless. We are the future, I promise you this!

Tony Ottomanelli graduated with a Master of Arts in sociology from DePaul University. Ottomanelli also taught sociology at Owens Community College. He lives in Denver, Colo., where he pursues opportunities in sociology, writing and, of course, vaping, testing new vaping devices and eliquids. Because the staff focuses on educating customers, Vaporleaf off Colfax in Denver is his favorite go-to shop.

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Earl A delightful Earl Grey Tea, with honeysuckle and cream. A truly unique, and delicious vape experience.

Strawgurt

A perfect pairing of sweet and tangy

A delightful blend of Greek yogurt and fresh strawberry, these two flavors are impeccably balanced to create a vape that is neither too creamy nor too heavy.

Overboard Enjoy your catch of red candy fish that nobody would mind going “Overboard” for.

Pixels Sweet and tart, plain and simple

Purple Fury A lemon-lime soda with a bubblegum hint. This is one flavor that will have you leaning sideways.

Conjure up memories of old-time candy shop sweets with this light vape featuring a hint of tart.

Scoops Sweet, smooth, rich, and creamy A wonderfully wicked blend of mixed fruits and frozen cream.

Some compare it to tutti frutti, others simply to a sweet vaping dream.

Proud upporter

S

of

A portion of each sale donated to The Vape A Vet Project. ®

@eastcoastliquids /eastcoastliquids

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DEPARTMENTS

Mastering

The

Vape space:

The Good Old Days

Are Gone

By Norm Bour

Those of a “certain age,” ie, old, often lament about the “Good Old Days.”

Why, I remember when…fill in the blank.

Houses were affordable. We weren’t tied to a telephone. There were only three television networks. And God forbid, there was no Internet!

Those of us who have been in the vape space for just a handful of years or longer can now jump on the bitch wagon.

“I remember when you could start a juice company with just a few thousand dollars.”

“Remember when we didn’t have to worry about labels or child protective tops, etc?”

The world as we knew it is no more and if you continue to run your vape business the way you did before, you will fail. Guaranteed.

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How to Fail in your Retail Shop One of the biggest market separators in any business, and especially vape, is customer service. If you think your business competitor is the shop down the street, you may be right. But your business competitor is also the numerous online shops that can, without a doubt, sell stuff cheaper than you.

Section 905(b) of the Tobacco Control Act states: “If you own or operate a facility in the United States that manufactures, prepares, compounds, or processes an e-vapor product, which includes repackaging or otherwise changing the container, wrapper, or labeling of such product package, then you must register with FDA by the end of the year.”

This absolutely includes shops with their own lines as well.

Your biggest competitor, even bigger than those two, is yourself.

Ego will kill more businesses than any bad economy, or, in this case, any deeming regulatory changes.

If ever there was a chance to shine with your amazing customer service, it’s now.

And here’s the bright side of this scenario.

Your competition is shrinking weekly.

Maybe you were the first in your area to open and cringed every time another shop opened. Now the tide is reversing and it’s a matter of survival.

Another sure way to fail in your shop is to disregard the many laws that are in place and will be monitored and enforced.

We’re still hearing about shops not checking IDs and even mixing their own juices within their own shop.

Idiots.

How to Fail in your E-liquid Business This area will see the largest collapse the fastest. By the time you read this, all liquid companies will need to supply their ingredient list to the FDA (December 31). But you know that many will not. Either out of neglect or because they just don’t know.

The clock is ticking for companies to work on their Premarket Tobacco Authorizations (PMTA), but most will not do this either.

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The Future is NOW! There are changes in the wind and in process right now, and many of them are positive and proactive, and not reactive.

Collaboration between companies is a trend we have predicted for a long time. We are seeing it between liquid companies and we know of a new magazine partnership that is being created which will benefit both parties.

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A new trade association called Vape Industry Business Exchange (VIBE) is in formation and will help brick and mortar shops by collectively offering the buying power of hundreds of locations. They are also forming the PMTA Exchange which will allow liquid manufacturers to lower their PMTA processing costs by 50 to 75 percent by piggy-backing on each other.

As we close out 2016 we now usher in a more mature vaping industry. The wild, wild west has been tamed by the new sheriff and for the time being, he is in control.

What have you seen that is positive and productive?

Make no mistake.

As we crest into 2017 we may see the Cole-Bishop Bill pass and ideally give us a new predicate (grandfather’s) date.

Charles Darwin is watching us and if we don’t learn from the past—and from each other—the Good Old Days will be just a distant memory.

Norm Bour is the founder of VapeMentors and creator of the VAPE U online programs. They offer services & resources for anyone in the vape space, including vape shops, online stores and e-liquid brands.

He’s also the host of Vape Radio, the largest vaping radio show in the world with more than 1.3 M downloads. Norm interviews the masters of vape and thought leaders in the vape space. Contact him at norm@VapeMentors.com.

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DEPARTMENTS MOD TECH

Armageddon Manufacturing RDA

By Chris Mellides Armageddon Manufacturing is an American company built on a partnership and the fundamental desire to provide a cleaner smoking alternative. With that eventually came the need to design the ultimate rebuildable dripping atomizer (RDA).

part to the aforementioned juice well being as deep as it is, as well as the placement of the air holes on the barrel section of this RDA, which are positioned slightly higher than those I’ve seen on other drippers.

Feedback recorded by Armageddon MFG from intermediate and advanced users alike was carefully considered when designing the Apocalypse RDA—a piece of vaping hardware that borrows features from some of the best drippers on the market, but stands tall on cloven hoofs as a beast that’s uniquely its own.

The two air holes, by the way, are absolutely massive! They each measure 5mm in diameter, so if you run hot builds and love blowing ridiculous clouds, then the Apocalypse has got you covered.

Referred to in some circles as the “Goon Killer”, the Apocalypse certainly does show some similarities to the Goon RDA. However, there’s enough going on under the hood to set it apart, with added features and improvements over the Goon that make it one hell of a contender.

On the other hand, if it’s better flavor you’re after, a “teardrop” airflow control system built into the device’s ridged top cap will give you maximum customization. Finding the perfect draw that best suits your style of vaping is made simple and easy.

The possibilities really are endless.

The Apocalypse is a four-piece atomizer that when completely disassembled consists of a wide bore black delrin drip tip, a top cap, barrel section and deck.

The drip tip that comes stock with the RDA is on the stubby side, but displaces heat remarkably well. It is replaceable, which means that third-party drip tips are fair game, and those that are compatible include the Battle Cap tips from Comp Lyfe, and those wider acrylic tips released by Half Moon Mods.

The barrel comes etched with two deep and very clean engravings. On one side there’s a gasmask, which speaks to the name of the company and product name, and then on the other side the word “Apocalypse” appears in a font not unlike what you’d expect to see from a metal band logo. It’s not all that easy to read, but it looks the part and compliments the overall aesthetic nicely.

The dripper measures 24mm in diameter and boasts a 21mm build deck with a 4mm deep juice well. The depth of the juice well is spot on and can accommodate a tremendous amount of cotton, which means that you can go longer between dripping and that’s a huge plus.

Admittedly, I’m an over dripper. When it comes to topping off an RDA I’ll usually position my dropper over the deck and let loose a tsunami of e-liquid that can sometimes drown out my wick and coils.

Photo by Allan Kwasnik/ @socialfreak666 on Instagram Having said that, there has not been a single instance where the Apocalypse has leaked on me. Not once. This is thanks in VAPEMZ.COM

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DEPARTMENTS Much like the Goon, the Apocalypse makes use of a bridge clamp system to trap the leads of your coils during installation.

This offers a lot of flexibility for chunkier builds, but notches milled into the plates that make up the clamps do a good job at catching round wire builds as well.

Coil Specs: 

8x .3mm Ribbon WireWrapped in Parallel 38g N80 and 38g 316ss



3mm Inner Diameter Polished With 2k,3k,5k, and 7k Grit Sandpaper and Run Through an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Unlike the Goon, those plates found on the Apocalypse are thicker and much beefier, which in my opinion will outlast those seen on the Goon, which tend to curve and bend when tension is applied to trap the leads of your coils. The Apocalypse does not suffer from this issue.

Lengthened Phillips head screws are found on each clamp and appear to be quite durable. You’ve got 13mm of total wire space under those clamps to play with, so if you’re a builder who needs the extra room, you’re covered.

The deck and clamps are gold-plated to ensure maximum conductivity, and it would appear that the 510 threading and 510 pin are also gold-plated, though I’ve not confirmed this.

Since receiving the Apocalypse, my stainless steel Goon RDA has been bumped out of my daily rotation, and that says a lot.

The materials used here are of a great quality. Build quality in general, from the machining to the engraving is stunning, and installing coils of any kind with the redesigned clamp system is a snap.

As I said, adjusting your airflow couldn’t be easier and will satisfy the tastes of most users. I’ve found that while flavor with the air holes turned down to about halfway is rich and saturated, the flavor isn’t wasted when those air holes are cranked open wide. It still comes through, and that really is something.

My only slight concerns are that you’ll want to be careful when dry-fitting the barrel to the deck because you may damage your o-rings, and that the RDA can get warm depending on the build and your airflow hole configuration, but never to where I felt it to be uncomfortable.

Overall, the Apocalypse RDA comes highly recommended. Whether you’re a serious builder with a penchant for installing monstrous alien and clapton coils, or if you’re someone who prefers round wire builds, like myself, then this RDA is an absolute treat.

What’s also worth mentioning is that included with the RDA are extra screws, and o-rings, which all come tucked inside a nicely embroidered satin-like pouch.

The Apocalypse RDA is available in black, gold, stainless steel and heat treated versions with retail pricing starting at $79.99. The Apocalypse can be purchased directly from the manufacturer at: armageddonmfg. com and from authorized retailers.

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Photo by Allan Kwasnik *Polishing and Install by Allan Kwasnik / @socialfreak666 on Instagram *Wire Build by Brian Besmer/ @bezbuilds on Instagram

#VAPEMAGAZINE VAPEMZ.COM

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MOD TECH

The Phantom’s

REVENGE spectre dna75 mod

By Chris Mellides

The Phantom’s Revenge LLC. was launched in early 2015 by founder and mod maker Erik Colvin in Simi Valley, California.

A carpenter by trade, Colvin became obsessed with box mods at the height of the Hana Modz craze, and when he realized that the Hana wasn’t as accessible as he would have liked, he decided to build his own box mod from scratch.

After acquiring a parts list and following online video instructions, Colvin was able to construct an OKR T10 50-watt box mod, and since then, modding for him went from knocking about in the garage on passion projects to becoming a full time gig.

Inspired by an affection towards the iPV D2 from Chinese vapor product company Pioneer4U, The Phantom’s Revenge Spectre75 box mod was born.

The Spectre is larger in size when compared to the iPV D2, but more compact than some of the larger Phantom models Colvin offers.

As with any Phantom’s Revenge box mod, the Spectre is manufactured by Colvin himself right here in the U.S., is stamped with a unique serial number, and utilizes quality materials that are locally sourced.

A solid block commonly referred to as a “blank” made from a mixture of stabilized wood and acrylic resin is CNCmachined and fashioned into interchangeable sleeves that fit the Spectre like a glove.

Each blank is unique and no two are the same, which only adds to the appeal that comes with owning a device that truly is one-of-a-kind.

The stab wood and acrylic sleeves appear to be clear coated, feel sturdy and feature three strong magnets that attract to another set of magnets embedded on the box’s aluminum

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MOD TECH framing for a tight and secure fit when the mod is fully assembled.

In the lower corner of every Spectre sleeve is the notorious Phantom’s Revenge logo, which is nicely engraved in the wood and really adds to the cool aesthetic.

The exposed milled aluminum frame appears to have been given a high polish, is very lightweight and dense, and is also scratch resistant. Because of its shape, the Spectre’s metal body is known as a C-frame, named after its resemblance to the letter “C”, and is a style that’s common among many other high end mods.

The fire button and the additional two buttons used for adjusting wattage and cycling through the device’s menu system, appear to also be constructed out of the same aluminum as the C-frame and have a nice tactile feel.

For those concerned with button rattle, you’ll be glad to hear that the Spectre does not suffer from this issue when being handled.

Removing the interchangeable sleeve exposes a battery sled which is made to accommodate a single 18650 battery, with clean wiring connecting the battery terminals to an Evolv DNA75 chipset that regulates the device.

The benefit of this sleeve design is that it makes swapping out your battery hassle-free. There’s nothing to unscrew or unhinge to access your battery sled, nor will you need to run to a power outlet when the battery runs low like you would with other mods that instead make use of internal LiPo battery packs and are considered to be in the same class and price range as the Spectre.

Just swap out a drained cell for a fresh 18650, and away you go. It really couldn’t be any more convenient for someone who’s on the go.

In my experience, this occurred mainly in the space surrounding the fire button of the mod, since it gets the most use.

The next issue has less to do with the mod itself, but is more so a complaint that’s become common among DNA75-powered devices in general. And that is that if you run lower resistance builds at higher wattages, your user experience will likely be interrupted with a “weak battery” warning that will repeatedly appear on the device’s display.

Now, because I tend to use this device as a mouth-tolung setup almost exclusively, and operate the power setting between 12-18 watts on higher resistance builds reading 1.2 ohms and above, I never receive the “weak battery” warning.

And really, that’s how I would recommend using a regulated device fitted with a DNA75 board. Take advantage of the device’s compact and discreet size by setting aside your monstrous attys and 30mm tanks and go for a mouth-to-lung approach instead. You’ll be far happier with the lengthened battery life and the consistent performance you’ll get.

If low resistance builds at higher wattages is more your speed, why go with a 75-watt device that only houses a single 18650 battery to begin with? It’s not very practical and you could easily go for something cheaper that’s got the horsepower to get you there.

At the time of writing this review it was announced that The Phantom’s Revenge LLC. will no longer be taking pre-orders on mods, and the rate at which the Phantom brand boxes are produced yearly will go from 400 and over down to more like 18 moving forward.

This news is disheartening and means that acquiring a Phantom will be much more difficult, but certainly not outside the realm of possibility.

Additional sleeves are sold separately for optimal customization and are available in different patterns with several different colored acrylic resins and wood dyes that are just absolutely gorgeous.

The fit and finish on the Spectre is really remarkable.

There are no real imperfections, and certainly no scuffs, burrs or scratches in the mod’s enclosure. The mod is on the wider side, but is still considered compact and has a great comfortable feel to it as well. Again, because the mod is constructed from aluminum, it feels light in weight and is in no way cumbersome.

The flush spring-loaded 510 connector is also a nice feature and the threading on the 510 is silky smooth.

Having said all of that, the Spectre isn’t without its faults. I have found that with continued use and over the course of several days, the natural oils on your hands and fingers will actually darken or temporarily stain the aluminum finish, until it’s given a good cleaning and polish.

At the end of the day there’s just one man who assembles these boxes, with great attention paid to the materials used and the products’ overall construction and design.

They’re a rare find turned rarer, but certainly worth the money, time and effort it takes to acquire them.

For more information, visit: thephantomsrevenge.com and follow The Phantom’s Revenge on Instagram @ thephantomsrevenge for furture updates.

Photos by Allan Kwasnik

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Event DEPARTMENTS Coverage

SFATA Conference

seeks to educate, activate business owners

By COREY NOLES

Hundreds of business owners from around the nation gathered in Hollywood, Florida, in October to discuss and learn more about the new FDA regulations and how they will affect the industry.

The Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA) held its 2016 conference and expo at the Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, FL, October 19-21. The event, which included an expo for the first time, featured dozens of panels and speakers specifically geared toward helping shops and manufacturers prepare for the regulations ahead.

The organization brought in many names familiar to the industry including Azim Chowdhury, an attorney with Keller and Heckman; Greg Conley of the AVA; Julie Woessner of CASAA; Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform; Kat York, Boosted general counsel and SFATA board member; Dr. Brad Rodu, senior fellow of the Heartland Institute.

The focus of the weekend was about how to fight and how to survive in the post-regulatory environment. Experts and business owners from around the country travelled to Florida gain clarification on how the new law will affect their business.

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DEPARTMENTS

Breakout sessions included how to stay compliant, labs within shops, how to navigate the PMTA process, an update on state and federal legislative strategies, a legal update from the first hearing of the Right 2 Be Smoke Free lawsuit, training for the December FDA registration, and a pre-recorded question and answer session with Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA Center for Tobacco Products.

The recorded call with Zeller, while revealing little new information, did seem to show that the FDA is still struggling with how to enforce the regulations as well. He struggled to answer a variety of questions, when hit with specific concerns from vendors.

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Chowdhury’s update on the Right 2 Be Smoke Free lawsuit was also of particular interest. He said that he felt the judge asked equally difficult questions of both parties, but cautioned against making any early judgments. A

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DEPARTMENTS

SFATA hosted a charity cocktail reception on Thursday night during the event. A silent auction offered dozens of items for sale, with all proceeds going to SFATA to help with expenses.

A casino night theme kept attendees busy for the remainder of the night.

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DEPARTMENTS

The expo took place following each day’s workshops. While it was a smaller expo, the conference portion of the week did bring through several hundred business owners.

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Features

Holiday Gift Guide Compiled by Chris Mellides

Sub Ohm Society Kings Apparel

Photo courtesy of Sub Ohm Society Kings Find fresh apparel with Sub Ohm Society Kings’ collection of tanks, crew neck T-shirts, hoodies and snapbacks, and join the movement that’s taking the industry by storm! To order, visit www.sos-k.com.

Vapergate E-Liquid Pumps

Photo courtesy of Vapergate Tired of leaky e-liquid dropper bottles? Well, don’t’ fret, because Vapergate has got you covered with its assortment of reusable airless vacuum design e-liquid pumps. Carry your juice in style and drip like a pro! Available in three sizes: 15ml, 33ml and 50ml bottles. To order, visit www.vapergatejuice.com.

J&B Specialty Designs The Game Changer

Photo courtesy of J&B Specialty Designs If you want a stacked mechanical tube mod for not a lot of dough, consider The Game Changer by J&B Specialty Designs.

It will allow you or your loved one to connect/stack any two Avid Lyfe mods so long as they have a standard top hat and button design. Best of all, The Game Changer will not damage or trunk your threads! Please use responsibly. To order, visit www.jandbdesignsllc.com.

Double Helix Designs Drip Tips

Photo courtesy of Double Helix Designs Add some flair to your favorite RDAs and tanks with Double Helix Designs’ custom drip tips. They’ve got tips of all shapes, colors and materials to choose from that will fit some of the most popular toppers released to date. To order, visit www.dhdaccessories.com.

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Features

Wismec and MyVapors myJET

Photo courtesy of Vapor Range Wholesale Perfect for beginners and advanced users alike, the myJET personal vaporizer is lightweight, compact and ideal for travel. Refillable cartridges grant you the freedom to select from your favorite e-liquids, and the sleek and minimalistic design is anything but gaudy. The kit bundle comes with a myJET, two cartridges and a USB charging cable. Best of all, it won’t hurt your wallet. To order, visit www.myvapors.com.

Vape Capsule Cases

Photo courtesy of Vape Capsule Keep your vape gear safe and secure in this lockable, waterproof and crushproof case. A customizable foam interior allows a perfect fit for your mods and attys. Great for storage and travel! To order, visit www.vapecapsule.com.

Youde Double Deck Vape Pocket

Photo courtesy of VapeNW The Double Deck Vape Pocket from Youde has countless pockets to stash your vape gear with reinforced front and back sides for added protection. The Double Deck Vape Pocket is built tough, has ample space to store a small selection of equipment and allows for easy travelling and handling. To order, visit www.vapenw.com.

We Out Here Doe RDA

Photo courtesy of Flawless Vape Shop A budget RDA that packs a punch and scores points in the looks department. It’s 24mm around, features a two-post deck for easy coil installation, and delivers on the flavor with plenty of vapor to boot. Choose from red, black, white, blue, and stainless steel models. To order, visit www.flawlessvapeshop.com.

MCM Underground Box Mods

Photo courtesy of MCM Mods Combining killer craftsmanship with superior performance, the Underground is an ultracompact dual 18650 series box mod, manufactured by MCM in the Philippines. Designed with versatility in mind, the box also has the option of running in single 18650 battery mode, giving users a 4.2-volt vaping experience without sacrificing on performance.

Available in a number of different styles, colors and materials, the Underground box mod is a great buy at a reasonable price. To order, visit www.dragonsdenvapor.com.

Killer Cloud Kustoms Avid Lyfe and Limitless Mod Sleeves

Photo courtesy of Killer Cloud Kustoms Killer Cloud Kustoms is in the business of creating eye-poppingly cool and unique copper, brass and aluminum sleeves that are designed to complement your Limitless Mods, and Avid Lyfe Able and Ringer Mods. No two sleeves are exactly alike and each one is hand crafted by one of the best in the business. Express your style, your taste and your unique individuality with a KCK sleeve! To order, visit www.killercloudkustoms.com.

AdvoCotton Cotton Strips

Photo courtesy of AdvoCotton Tear into some meticulously sourced unbleached organic cotton and wick up your RBA right! 100% of every purchase goes directly to the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association (CASAA) and their advocacy efforts. So, grab a five-sheet pack of premium cotton today and help CASAA fight the good fight! To order, visit www.advocotton.com.

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Features

NJOY Files For

BANKRUPTCY Amid Regulatory Pressure, Dwindling Profits

By Sarah Willis One of the vaping industry’s first manufacturers, NJOY, mainly known for producing disposable e-cigarettes, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy through the U.S. District Court of Delaware on September 16.

Founded as Sottera Inc. in 2006, NJOY became very well-known in 2010 for its involvement in the landmark lawsuit, Sottera Inc. v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit held that the FDA had the authority to regulate e-cigarettes as tobacco products rather than medical devices.

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The Scottsdale, Arizona based company claimed that low sales, along with the expense of compliance costs stemming from the new FDA regulations, were cause to file for financial relief. After the failure of the new Kings 2.0 device, an updated version of the widely sold Kings disposable e-cig, the company seemed to have little choice than to file, especially after revenue reports from 2013 showed a loss of over $85 million.

“NJOY has incurred substantial expenses in addressing and preparing for the proposed FDA regulations, and in addressing and complying with the numerous state and local laws,” NJOY founder, Mark Weiss said, adding that his company had to spend $2.5 million last year to ward off a patent-infringement lawsuit.

This shocking announcement came five months after the FDA announced the new regulations, and just six weeks after the regulations went into effect, making NJOY the first major manufacturer of e-cigs to file for bankruptcy.

NJOY’s estimated deficit had reached more than $234 million and accounts payable had reached $16 million when the company filed for bankruptcy. Attempts to sell NJOY were made earlier this year, but the company had too much debt it simply could not pay off, according to Jude Gorman, general council at Reorg Research.

The FDA deeming regulations and the associated costs of compliance are both contributing factors to the bankruptcy filing, but the declining demand of disposable e-cigarettes and more consumers purchasing new high-tech open systems may be another reason for the company’s revenue loss.

Products manufactured by NJOY include various flavored disposable and rechargeable e-cigarettes, and vape pens. Prefilled tanks are made to go along with the devices as well.

NJOY still holds at least 4.5% of the vaping market and a representative for the company says their products will continue to be available in over 24,000 stores and in 23 of the top 25 convenience store chains across the country.

Numerous high profile investors will be losing out in the wake of the bankruptcy announcement including cofounder of PayPal, Peter Thiel, musician Bruno Mars, and Sean Parker, founder of the file sharing company Napster, who had a $10 million investment in the company.

Whether caused by low sales, the burdening cost of the FDA regulations, or the lack of desirable product variety, this first bankruptcy filing for the vaping industry could prove to be a harsh reality for many other vapor product companies.

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