DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018
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KILOELIQUIDS
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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
EDITORIAL Publisher Matt Schramel
Scenic Vapers’ Tyler Price in High Water Muddy Creek Falls in Swallow Falls State Park, Maryland (Original Photo by Rachel Ellyson, Photo Illustration by Matt Schramel)
content@vapemz.com 800-958-6427 x2 Editor in Chief Corey Noles Managing Editor Chris Mellides
Letter from the Editor
Social Media Manager Eric Vonheim
Dear readers, First and foremost, happy holidays to all of you. Hopefully by now you’ve been stuffed full of turkey and the shopping is done. Mine isn’t — and if past performance is any indicator, it won’t be by the time you’re reading this either. As we wrap up another year here at VAPE Magazine, we have a couple of important stories for you. These stories transcend beyond the day to day grind of sales or store management. Lavender Lee put together a nice piece on several vape companies that volunteered in Houston to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Sometimes it takes an event like that to remind us how small our industry is in the grand scheme of life. Even in an industry where the goal is to save lives, sometimes the short term takes precedent — as in Houston. I’m proud to be part of an industry where people put aside their personal differences to help their counterparts in other cities push through following a catastrophe. Another interesting story this month comes from Tony Ottomanelli. Tony spoke with Fig Ramsey, a familiar face to anyone in the advocacy sector. His new means of giving while also growing his business is a model many of us should consider. Fig is a genuinely good person with his eyes not just on the future of our industry, but on the future of the people we all hope to help through tobacco harm reduction. In speaking of the future, I see 2018 as the year the vape becomes mainstream. Since its inception, the vape has been the centerpiece of a counterculture movement seen by outsiders as something make fun of or laugh at. The new devices on the market are trending in a direction that I expect to change that view. Devices are going from big and outlandish to sleek and something an executive wouldn’t be embarrassed to carry. Whether that will come in the form of pod-style closed systems or some type of retro-look resurgence in the industry, this is definitely the direction things seem to be shifting. Perhaps soon we’ll lose the nerdy persona — perhaps not. Either way, we have some more neat stuff in store for the first quarter of 2018, so get ready!
Director of Marketing Dennis Robinson Art Director Van Avazando Graphic Designer Anil Verma Director of Photography Ezra Zuniga Webmaster Axel Gillespie Contributors Corey Noles, Susan Oser, Norm Bour, Tony Ottomanelli, Chris Mellides, John Castle, Ray Norcross, Todd Richards, Allan Kwasnik, Angela Garrity ADMINISTRATIVE Chief Executive Officer Matt Schramel Co-Owner/Vice President Jon Laverde Executive Assistant Erin Aly ADVERTISING 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 CONTACT Advertising sales@vapemz.com News news@vapemz.com New Products newproducts@vapemz.com
Thanks for reading,
Employment jobs@vapemz.com
Corey Noles Editor in Chief
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DECEMBER 2017
Contents
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columns
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Mastering the Vape Space: The CBD Conversion Conversation
FEATURES
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Vaping from the outside: US vs UK Vaping
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Gonzo Gives: A system Vapers should learn
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In the Wake of Disiaster, Vapers lend a hand
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Vaping with Vic The first event in 2018: TPE and NATO
MODS & TECH
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Kangertech AKD-Series K-Pin: One small step forward, one giant leap back
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Mad Modder Studios: Custom DNA250 Box Mod
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The Vaporesso Swag: The devil is in the details
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Vaping American Made Products: The Descendant
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Viva La Cloud: El Thunder Mechanical Mod
DEPARTMENTS
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Letter from The Editor Last Minute Buyer’s Gift Guide Ask Grimm Green Just in Juices Vape Visionary: Amy & Elhoussin Baddi
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10 Unique Flavours
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DEPARTMENTS
Quickwick The coolest little invention in the vapor industry — hands down. The quickwick is a handy little device designed to take all of the work out of wicking a coil. You just push the quickwick through your coil, remove the plastic sleeve, give it a flick and bam, you’re wicked! wetwicksupply.com
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Shinyitus Is your favorite vaper still into mechanical mods? Or do they maybe just have a box full of them sitting around? If so, pick up the Shinyitus 3000 for them. This kit is designed to turn mod polishing from a chore into a simple task. shinyitus3000.co.uk
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Vaprwear The gear from Vaprwear has been around for a while, but it’s too cool too pass up. This line of stylish hoodies, backpacks and other accessories, integrates with its own vape to make a quick, stealth toke easier than ever. This is an awesome gift for that finicky vaper in your family. Vaprwear.com
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Ask
By Nick Green
I’ve followed you for years and thought it was time a shoot you a question. Of all the closed/pod systems on the market now, is there one that you feel stands out from all the rest? - Jeff Wiley, Baltimore, MD Hey Jeff! now keep in mind that I haven’t tried every single pod system on the market, but I have tried a lot of them. Two pod systems that I enjoy, that I also use on a regular basis is the PHIX and the MI-POD. Those are the only two i’ve tried that have never given me issues. No leaking, no flooding, no gurgles, no burnt hits. Quality items in my opinion. Hope that helps out!
I keep hearing all of these crazy stories about the various advocacy organizations that represent our industry and it seems like new ones keep popping up every day. Who can we trust?
I was just wondering how often you have to adjust your show routine and stuff to reflect changes within the industry? Whether it’s due to regulations, local laws, changes in technology, etc.
- Craig Voss, Gillette, WY
- Raj Rasoi, Orlando, FL
I very much agree with you. From a consumer point of view, The advocacy groups I trust and follow include CASAA, Greg Conley and the AVA, as well as NotBlowingSmoke. I personally think that Greg Conley from the AVA is one of the single hardest working people in the advocacy world. There are multiple other trade organizations like the VTA that are doing good “behind the scenes” work for the industry that I trust as well. Steer clear of any “drama” and you will be good. If you see an advocacy organizations publicly slamming or “calling out” another, run in the other direction. Preferably toward CASAA or the AVA. Hope that helps out!
Hey Craig! Yes, adapting to the industry is something that is always happening. The news/advocacy segment of the VLOG is always getting longer and longer. That is a direct result of the changing legislative climate in the vape industry. Technology changes constantly as well, we seem to be in a FLOOD of mediocre Chinese vape gear recently. These days I am very very picky about what I show and use on YouTube. If “China company B” releases seven mods in two months, chances are one of them — or none of them — will make it on YouTube. Adapting and adjusting is the only way to survive here in the vape world.
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WHOLESALE@PCKTVAPOR.COM P C KT V A P O R . C O M
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Vaping From The Outside
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By SUSAN OSER
One of my favorite aspects of writing for Vape Magazine is the plethora of ideas I can analyze, write about and discuss with you, the reader. I have been lucky enough to come across vapers from other countries who have not only been a joy to chat with, but who have some great insights and perspectives that sometimes we lack here in the US. So recently, after talking with a couple of vaping friends and connections in both the US and the UK, I decided to compile a bit of a list of differences and similarities that both sides of the pond have when it comes to the culture and the industry: VAPEMZ.COM
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Creating Videos On YouTube I found this one interesting after talking to Vaping with Vic for a recent interview. He states that in the UK, a natural more conversational approach to videos is taken. There is no over-editing and constant cutting to keep your attention as happens with US YouTube vids. In addition, videos in the US are short unless you happen to be someone like a Phil Busardo
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However, there’s more to the story than this:
YouTube searches. For some reason, if you were to search for UK vapers in the US on YouTube, you would have to type the name of the exact channel that you are looking for. There’s a kind of search block for UK and perhaps other international vapers in the US because of how the algorithms cater to the US market. If you did a general search in the UK on YouTube, not only could you find all the UK vapers but the US ones, too. VAPEMZ.COM
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or Grimm Green and like to be detailed with your work. Let’s face it, US viewers have shorter attention spans. That’s why numbers in the US for YouTube vaping videos are higher than the UK.
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One example of the NNA’s efforts was meeting with the European Parliament, sitting down with them, and educating them on what vaping, mods, and other devices were all about in the industry. They sought to educate and show these leaders Vaping 101. Because of their approach and education, some of the most controversial laws and TPAs were rescinded or spared and reduced for the time being. In the US, it’s a bit different. While we might have some luck with current FDA head Scott Gottlieb, there are just too many voices who want to be that ONE person to lead the charge. In fact, there is so much trolling and competition that it isn’t any wonder that vaping probably will not Unlike the US with various vape activist groups wanting survive in the next few years. to do the same thing, but not working with each other, the UK and other parts of Europe have the NNA (New However, having said that, I recently heard from a few Nicotine Alliance), where every vaper and almost every people that the UK is now starting to deal with the same European country comes under this umbrella. It is a issues in advocacy as we are in the US: a lack of energy in non-profit organization and it has succeeded on levels advocacy; not putting vapers first; and lack of consumer where vaping groups here in the US haven’t made a dent. advocacy groups. Guess the laziness has become universal.
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Activism And Advocacy Differences
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In the US, vape meets have become big ECC Conventions. Because of regulations, one is lucky enough to find a vape meet locally if at all. In addition, it is felt that in the US, there were just one too many vape shows, especially at the beginning. In the UK, there are no big conventions, but just three big ones over a year. Most bars locally are vaping friendly, and thus that’s where a lot of vape gatherings are
VAPE MEETS held. However, once the money comes pouring in, like in the US, the same issues of labels and free stuff being pelted at someone’s head becomes a problem, too. While there might be a few differences between the US and UK vaping scenes, it seems like the same old negatives are truly universal. Those who don’t know vaping are against it. Some of those within vaping are greedy and are in it #VAPEMAGAZINE
for the money. Is it any wonder why vaping is not understood and criticized around the world? Is there a country you’d like me to write about when it comes to the industry and the scene? Do you have experience with vaping in other countries yourself? Drop me a line: angelwritercreations@gmail.com Find me on VapeTVLive Friday nights at 10:00pm ET. Twitter: WWW.twitter.com/angelwriter78 Instagram: www.instagram.com/angelwriter78
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CONVERSATION
T
he topic of CBD, or cannabidiol, is a common one in the vape world and in the public’s mind as well.
CBD is a cannabinoid (alkaloid) extracted from the male cannabis plant, also known as hemp. Hemp has been used for centuries in many ways: fabrics, rope, writing material, to name a few, and it has been very controversial. It is the material that does not make users high, despite the contrary. This conversation here is not about the plant itself, nor about the legalities, or pros and cons.
By NORM BOUR
Wood Creek Vapory Gary and Shirley Wood started Wood Creek in 2013 and have two locations in the San Antonio, Texas area. They are at the cutting edge of the vape space, but it did not happen overnight. Gary Wood spent 16 years in the Air Force and later went into the education field. Along with his wife, the duo moved to Texas in 2012 to be closer to family, along with pursuing a new opportunity for Gary to open a satellite location for his college employer. Shirley’s mother lived in the area,
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but died shortly after Gary and Shirley arrived. She was a lifelong smoker and died from tobacco-related diseases. However, she was not the only member of the family addicted to tobacco. “We were all committed to the tobacco industry; some giving life, some giving limb,” Gary lamented. But his motherin-law’s death brought an epiphany that even he was reluctant to admit. Standing in the graveyard, Gary and Shirley realized that they were the only survivors in the family left. Gary was a smoker for 45 years.
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Mastering The Vape Space
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New Product Options: CBD
Starting at age nine, his wife and his sister-in-law smoked for over 30 years. They had little success in quitting. “We tried everything,” Wood confessed, “from the scary Chantix™ to gums, patches, and hypnosis. Nothing worked and we all started way too young.”
After the move, Wood knew that more changes were needed, and he knew that vaping products alone would not cut it. He would need something else. That something else was CBD, a product I support and recommend vape shops carry.
One day, Shirley and her sister came across a vape shop. It was in a crappy location, with rickety stairs, and just a few shelves of product; but, it was busy with customers streaming in and out.
Vaping products alone are not enough. So how do you pick new product lines and predict future trends?
Shirley bought Gary his first egostyle vape pen for $80.00 and herself a pen for $120.00 with no directions or education. So, they figured it out themselves. Mrs. Wood was not entrepreneurial, so when she said, “My sister and I want to open a vape shop,” it floored Gary! Fortunately, he was a lifelong entrepreneur with decades of retail experience. They opened shop number one, then number two, and created their mission and motto: “To help people evolve from smoking to vaping and beyond!” Education continues to be the key of Wood Creek, which was easy since Gary came from academia.
The Future Uncertainty of Vape Shops From the beginning, Gary compared vaping to the PC industry: it takes a while before consumers fully embrace it... He thought they had about “five to eight good years before the industry would change,” but to what, he had no idea. “I believed that vaping was the ‘first rail’ in the track, but I didn’t know what the ‘second rail’ would be. Regulations were changing things and that made it unpredictable.”
“What would help people live better, healthier, more productive lives?” Wood said.
Changes did take place and Wood had to change his plans and directions. “The key to entrepreneurship is to be flexible.” Wood stated. “You must be willing to change what is not working, including a new location.” In 2016, the Woods were faced with a decision to open shop number three or move their original shop to a new location with better parking and neighbors. They moved, but not too far away. It was just one quarter of a mile down the road. Their customers loved the new shop. It was bigger, brighter, and safer, so it all worked out.
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He decided that CBD would be the second rail, supported by the third rail, that of supplements. Wood Creek is now positioned towards moving from a “just vape” shop to a wellness shop. Wood had his own personal experience with CBD due to severe pain from back surgery in 2010 and usually relied on a cane to walk. “The pain actually altered my personality,” he said, “and the over the counter pain relievers and prescription drugs just weren’t doing it.” “I started researching cannabis, hemp, and CBD several years ago, and today we carry seven CBD products,” Wood said. “There is a lot of garbage out there and I spent 18 months testing a lot of it.” Wood was his own guinea pig and saw results quickly. He is no longer in pain and regained his mobility. “A few months ago, I was hobbling with my cane. Now I can help my son remodel his house, I can swim for the first time in years and will soon be swinging a golf club again. Plus, I sleep better than I have in years!” Wood said. Wood then put together a training program for his employees and wanted
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to make sure they were “all aboard” with the new direction. They were. Today, Wood Creek carries the Hemplucid line of products and offers body butter, gel caps, oils and vape liquids. They also carry a product called Liquid Gold 18K, plus a custom isolate, Maxwell Elixir, created by Schell Hammel, Texas Vapreneur, SFATA Texas president, and a friend of VAPE Magazine. “Some people think of CBD as a magic potion, in that you take it once, and it works. But I realized that our natural system needs balance and CBD, taken regularly, is a great resource. Hence we call it a supplement.” “Let’s look at the CBD market from a business standpoint, not a medical one,” Wood goes on. “CBD this past year was about a $500 million industry. By 2020 it is projected to be a $2 million to $3 million industry.” That’s only 24 months away. When we first spoke with Wood about CBD, he estimated that it was initially about five percent of his sales volume. Sixty days later, it is his fourth
Wood cut his teeth on vape and learned how to get around a lack of knowledge and public misconceptions, along with pushback from cities and FDA issues. The goal here is not to convince you about CBD as a miracle cure, but to share personal stories about expanding your business and your mind.
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largest category and constitutes almost 12 percent of sales. Wood finishes with his stance on the market, “I believe CBD will disrupt the pharmaceutical market just like vaping disrupted the tobacco industry.” Will his prediction come true? Time will tell, but one thing that may be true even today, is that vape shops alone may be unsustainable in the future. It’s time to look beyond. You may contact Gary at: www.woodcreekvapory.com Comments, questions? Please contact the author below. 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. As a founding partner in the Vape Industry Business Exchange (VIBE), Norm is committed to supporting the vape space into this Brave New World. Contact him at norm@VapeMentors.com.
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Gonzo Gives
A System Vapers Should Learn By TONY OTTOMANELLI If you have seen “#FundTheFuture” on the back of a shirt, then you have been witness to the influential and fast-acting effect produced by the “Gonzo Gives” Vaping Advocacy Program. Gonzo Gives is a program created by Fig Ramsey of Gonzo Vapors in Oceanside, California. The entire concept fueling Ramsey’s program will likely soon become a much larger movement and perhaps a permanent fixture that should make a lot of sense to all those who rely on the industry for their livelihoods.
Breaking the Norms “All of us have allowed these social barriers to invade our mindsets,” Ramsey said. By that, he is explaining how the powerful social forces we are exposed to and influenced by, have basically taken advantage by securing mental barricades within our minds. Subsequently, when taking the Gonzo Gives program into
consideration these social barriers are hindering our ability to innovate within small business to implement advocating practices. Altogether, the Gonzo Gives Program is based on a systematic operating network of microdonations for local advocacy supporters of the vaping industry. “Micro-donating to local and state advocacy organizations is perhaps one of the only solutions that will assist in the preservation of local vape shops,” Ramsey said. Most vapers should be well aware that “the vape shop is the heart and soul of the industry that must be protected no matter what the cost.” “Being progressive and innovative is a combination of revisiting older ideas and business approaches that have been in existence,” Ramsey continued. Seems to me, this micro-donating concept is both business-wise and dynamic — it also encourages collective participation throughout the entire vapor product Industry.
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“I created Gonzo Gives because I want the industry to realize the FDA doesn’t even matter anymore,” he said. “It’s all about the state and local fight. State Law supersedes Federal.” “Just look at all the current state and local level legislative measures focusing on attacking vaping. In California, the proposed flavor bans alone are popping up everywhere far too often and this is very much unacceptable,” he added.
The State of AntiVape Policy is Now Both Local & State How did this whole “local vape battle” debacle even happen? Did the creatures making up the anti-vapor establishment all decide to crawl out of their “seclusion caves” for an annual “greed gathering” that led them to conclude this concentrated attack strategy as their highest priority to defeat those “trouble makin’ vapers?” Actually, this joke attempt is quite outlandish, yet also
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“Just look at all the current state and local level legislative measures focusing on attacking vaping. In California, the proposed flavor bans alone are popping up everywhere far too often and this is very much unacceptable.” - Fig Ramsey, Gonzo Vapors #VAPEMAGAZINE VAPEMZ.COM
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far too realistic. So, to answer the question, the response is, “Well, kinda, yeah...sadly that seems to be the case.” The reality is that there are currently 12 states with no state or local support organizations with respect to vape-related trade organizations or vaping advocacy associations. The very notion of “No Local Support” needs to be something all vapers and advocates should aim to end if in their state.
How is Gonzo Gives Different from Other Programs?
All things considered, Ramsey has developed a program where he is referring to the micro-donating process by labeling the operation a word which is equally unique as it is rarely heard. Furthermore, this word is “tithing” which is derivative of the British word “tythe.” Ramsey has crafted an expression and coined a term now being introduced as “vape tithing.” Honestly, how often do you hear the word tithing? Can you define it? Defining the word tithing, in general, may prove to construct a specific set of confusing outcomes, due to the origin of tithing being a religious practice of giving a percentage of one’s income to the church. However, on the other hand, perhaps numerous vape enthusiasts are extremely knowledgeable in reference to tithing. Regardless, while countless outsiders might assume vapers couldn’t possibly be too familiar with the concept of tithing, suddenly we will witness the embrace of a revolutionary advocacy movement encompassing the entire industry and linking the consumer community through the power of tithing. Thus, tithing is basically giving 10 percent. It’s that straightforward.
Once someone has the ability to fully comprehend what the Gonzo Gives program offers by putting the concept of tithing into action, it is so obvious there is no reason or excuse to not research and learn more about this followed by immediate involvement. The potential this program has is quite vast and some very impressive progress has already been made. In less than two months, Gonzo Gives has managed to organize 19 total state advocacy groups and vape industry businesses. A handful of these businesses are big-name brands we’re all familiar with. #VAPEMAGAZINE
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The potential of the Gonzo Gives Program is a crucial factor, because it will essentially be funding state advocacy groups while simultaneously assuring every vape shop in America is given the chance to remain in business. “Every person and every business operating within the industry will be taken care of,” Ramsey said.
The Tithing Process Allows Gonzo to Give The President of the Ohio Vapor Trade Association, James Jarvis, explains, “What Gozo Vapors does is they give back 10 percent to state associations for orders by stores in that state’s association. Gonzo Gives is an awesome program.” Ramsey said that is exactly the goal. “At the end of the day, I’m asking these businesses to please take my money — take it for advocating,” he said. “This will take care of our state advocacy associations and also the heart and soul of the industry, which is the shops. We all need to
understand that the majority of shops could easily cease to exist, much sooner than any of us think. Especially when there are states that are behind on paying their lobbyist or don’t even have one to pay.” “As a part of this program, legitimate state and local groups can sign up for a referral code. When their members use their code, 10 percent of their purchase goes right back to their group,” Ramsey said. All in all, many may see this as nothing more or less than an ordinary online affiliate program, yet it is much more than that, it serves a broader and more meaningful purpose. Ramsey wants to remind everyone that the Gonzo Gives Program is happy to help any other businesses set up programs of their own. Altruism in Advocacy Altruism is a strong appeal to Gonzo Gives and vape tithing. Ramsey not only has his own e-liquid line and vape shop, he also owns AdvoCotton, yet Ramsey is not doing this to get rich. His motivation VAPEMZ.COM
is the same as most advocates — to preserve vaping as a tobacco harm reduction method. “The war is not going to be won without action,” he said. “We have to unite. We have to participate. It’s ours to win. It’s ours to lose. And one of the ways that our company is moving forward is to work even closer with our accounts to not only help them get more involved with their state groups, we are going to help fund their state’s efforts through our advocacy affiliate program.” Everyone from vape advocates to industry professionals should certainly look further into partnering with the #GonzoGives Program. Visit https://www.gonzovapors.com/ gonzogives for more information on how to get started. Find @ FigRamsey, “Friend” him, then follow @GonzoVapor to learn more about the potentially industry-saving #VapeTithing opportunities available for those who wish to preserve the art of vaping. Coming Soon: www.vapetithing.com
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Furthermore, vape shop owners who want to save money for once and not worry about having to feel as if the responsibility of donating to advocacy always falls on them, then it is highly recommended to learn and embrace vape tithing.
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, r e t s a s i D f o e k a In the W
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urricane Harvey made landfall near the Texas Gulf Coast as a Category 4 on August 25. The storm hung around southern Texas for days dropping between 40-61 inches of rainfall in its path. Hurricane Harvey has long past the impacted areas now, but the effects felt by the people will continue for months to come.
An unknown Houston area local shakes hands with Adam Amado of CKS, ever grateful for their group effort. — Photo by Nick Lightford
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By LAVENDER LEE
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FEATURES Manny Hilkey, Nick Lightford, Ronald Schreiber Jr. and Chris Finch wade water alongside the boat carrying Houston area residents. — Photo by Nick Lightford
Numerous flash floods were issued due to extreme slow movement of the storm. Water rescues were abound in the Houston metro area as many homes and businesses were overtaken by the storm’s floodwaters. It was in this moment, that vapers stepped up to help people in need. Jen Carpenter, owner of T.S. Vapin, suffered a complete loss of her Dickenson, Texas location. Lost Art Liquids heard about her specific shop loss and immediately stepped up. Ryan Thomas, CEO and co-founder of Lost Art Liquids, based in Los Angeles, California knew his company had to do something for Texas. Lost Art has a good amount of customers there. Houston has been visited by Lost Art for conventions in the past. “Lost Art has always gotten a lot of love from Texas, so we knew we had to give back,” Thomas said. T.S. Vapin does not carry Lost Art liquid. Ryan Thomas contacted Jen Carpenter to find out what his company could do to assist the people of Houston. Thomas was looking specifically for what Carpenter felt would help the most. Carpenter advised Thomas that the victims desperately needed clean socks and underwear. #VAPEMAGAZINE
Lost Art is right next to the wholesale garment district in downtown Los Angeles, so Thomas had suppliers readily available. He called one, explained what Lost Art was buying the items for and the supplier sent a 900lb palette, full of socks, boxers and briefs, valued in the thousands.
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The Vapetasia van sits parked with the Bass Tracker boat in tow. — Photo by Nick Lightford
Carpenter was posting T.S. Vapin updates on the business Facebook page and saw a message from Thomas that simply said, “What can I do?” Carpenter gave Thomas a firsthand explanation of what Harvey had done. The pallet of clothing that was desperately needed arrived in no time.
that truly looks out for each other and is so quick to help.
Kristi Reinke and John Reinke manage the Webster and Galveston T.S. Vapin vape shop locations. They witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact that Harvey left in their area.
“There is so much more that can be done in times of tragedy than by simply donating money,” Thomas said. “The money definitely helps…we all have access to resources that we can utilize to make our donations more personal.”
Luckily, the married shop couple’s home skirted Harvey’s wrath, but they felt the impact of the loss of the Dickenson location. They spoke openly about how heartwarming it is to be part of a community
Sometimes the best ideas aren’t planned; they are simply acted upon. It’s in these moments that we can truly make a difference.
Carpenter thinks Lost Art is an amazing company that really stepped up to help the people of Houston, including herself and the Dickenson store. “There are not enough words to express how wonderful Ryan Thomas and his Lost Art team are!” said Carpenter with emotional cracking in her voice. Carpenter and her customers were so moved by Lost Art’s kindness, that she will be carrying the company’s line in her shops soon.
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FEATURES The donated box from Lost Art is filled to the brim with much needed undergarments for the people in the Houston, TX area. — Photo by Ryan Thomas
Chris Finch, CEO and owner of Vapetasia, and Manny Hilkey, marketing director for the gourmet e-liquid manufacturer based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, were watching the Harvey devastation from ECC. Finch and Hilkey knew immediately that someone had to do something now for Texans in need.
“I just figured the difference between being out there physically helping and sitting at home wishing I could help, is just pulling the trigger, Finch said. “We didn’t think about it and left.” “We realized that there are a lot of good people, especially in our community. We knew a group effort would be the best way to make a difference,” Finch added. For Vapetasia, it was all hands on deck. Everyone got their task and ran with it. The office manager contacted charities in the Houston area and found out exactly what the victims’ needs were. A huge list was created that consisted of feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, diapers, dog food, bottled water and basic everyday needs that had disappeared overnight from the victims’ lives. #VAPEMAGAZINE
Finch found a boat for sale to pull behind the van, while Hilkey made calls for extra hands on deck to CKS and Duvo.
Two employees went to Sam’s Club to load up on supplies. Everything was gathered from the list and filled up the Vapetasia van quickly. Within three hours, everyone was back at the Vapetasia warehouse with the van full of supplies and a boat. Plane tickets were purchased and everyone met in Dallas to make the drive to Houston. “Texas was an amazing trip! I’m so glad we were able to go out there and help. We met a lot of amazing people!” Finch said. There were a lot of companies who donated money to Harvey victims, but a few went “boots on the ground” so to speak. Donating money or product is an amazing gesture of kindness and definitely needed after a tragedy like Harvey, but going above and beyond in lifting morale for the good of humanity is priceless.
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FEATURES
VIC By SUSAN OSER
March 2018 will be Victor Mullin’s (a.k.a., Vaping With Vic) four-year vaping anniversary. When he first started vaping, he saw it as a way to quit smoking, and like every other vaper’s story, he tried “everything.” It was not until after a recent surgery that his doctor told him to make the switch to vaping. #VAPEMAGAZINE
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At first, Mullin got into YouTube to talk about the process of vaping and what it was like for him as a beginning user. Then suddenly, the channel just built up to the channel that is today; a reviewing channel. Some of those first videos he made are still up on his YouTube.
At one time, in addition to the YouTube channel, Mullin was doing vape shows for VuLive and even for the VapeTV, UK Network. At first, the shows were a lot of fun, but then they became kind of a chore. He also had a co-host named Gwen who helped keep the energy and the banter going. However, because of real life creeping in, medical issues, and a death in the family, live shows ceased and now just a live Q&A show can be seen on 10 p.m. ET on his YouTube. For a while, when Mullin started his reviews, he was reviewing juice. It then became reviews of juice, mods, and tanks. Now, it’s just all the technical analysis of mods and tanks because these days he just doesn’t have the time to review it all. He’s had to really narrow the scope of what he does on his channel. #VAPEMAGAZINE
When it comes to his reviews, one of Mullin’s favorites, ironically, was a review that he didn’t like doing. It was when the Aspire Atlantis first appeared. He got a hold of it just before it went out in the market and from his experience alone he knew something was going to change with vaping; in fact, it did. The process and method of creating and posting YouTube videos for Mullin works something like this: -
There is hardly any over editing.
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One video is posted up every day.
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A week is spent checking out a tank, so he can give a detailed and accurate assessment of the product
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At least a couple of weeks are spent working with mods.
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Saturdays are spent mostly recording close-up shots, and a wrap-up.
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Mullin has stated that he feels that he is in a lucky position as a vape reviewer these days. He can preview and look at the new stuff just as it is coming out. If it works or it’s a safe device, he will not hesitate to review the product. So far, his favorite mods have been the Mini G class and Mod Defined. His tanks of choice are the Wake RTA and the Modius 2 Mod. Granted, there have been times when he had to turn down a few product reviews. These have been due to the tank or mod being sent to him way before it’s even in the market, if it’s a pre-retail version, if the device hit the US before it hit retail in the UK, or if it is something everyone is going to buy anyway. So, what does Mullin do with all those mods he collects? He gives away about 80 percent of them. He’s even given away at least $400 worth of tanks, mods and
drippers to five lucky winners in various contests. While Mullin is a vaping Youtuber in the UK, he does have his own personal go-to channels he heartily recommends: Phil Busardo and UK Reviewers.
In case you’re wondering, Mullin does not accept any money when he does his reviews. He currently has a disability where he can get frequent and random blackouts and migraines. So, some days are busier than others and he can easily fall behind. Monetary donations of any kind are not accepted because it would be making money and cancel out the disability money he is already receiving. If you’re a techie in vaping, it’s worth checking him out. Just make sure to do an exact search of Vaping With Vic or you might never find him on YouTube. For more information: YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube. com/user/VapingVic Website: http://vapingwithvic.co.uk
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FEATURES
On the wrap-up day, everything comes together, including anything that people will want to know after working with the device.
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S T R E S S DE By Chris Mellides
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DEPARTMENTS
What started as a single convenience store for Amy McCann-Baddi and her husband, Elhoussin, later expanded to include four tobacco shops and now five vape shops. #VAPEMAGAZINE
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An Immigrant Story From
“C” to “V” By NORM BOUR
Many stories cover the trip from “A to Z,” implying that they’ve covered all the bases from beginning to end. For this story we can start at “C,” as in C-stores (ie, convenience stores), and finish at “V,” for vape shops.
In The Beginning… There Was A Convenience Store The young couple met while Amy was in college and worked at International House of Pancakes (IHOP). Elhoussin was an immigrant from Morocco who also worked there as a cook. It was love at first
sight, which eventually led to dating and marriage and trying to come up with a future for themselves. “It was tough,” Amy said. “We saved every penny and lived in a $300 per month rat hole because we wanted to open our own business. It was the American Dream for both of us.” Their first convenience store was not cheap, so the partnership expanded to include the new husband and wife plus his two
VAPEMZ.COM
cousins. Today, 13 years later, and after acquiring many businesses in between, that partnership still remains. They paid for that first store in cash and generally never borrowed money with any successive business since, unless they could pay it back in less than 90 days. “It’s the way that most immigrants buy anything. We don’t like owing money or paying interest,” Amy said.
DEPARTMENTS
Amy & Elhoussin Baddi
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DEPARTMENTS
Shop number one was Elhoussin’s life; opening at 6 a.m. and staying open until midnight. He made himself part of the hood, and it was not that good of a neighborhood, but he got to know the neighbors and their kids, and the store flourished.
“Our first c-store was in a food desert, which is an area without a major chain. Our shop was the ‘go to’ shop for many
neighbors who had little. It was our island and we made it work,” Amy said. Gaining experience with that first store, they opened their first smoke shop a year later, and parlayed the existing business’ cash flow and profits into another new venture. This proved to be a successful model and for several years they alternated between new convenience stores along with new smoke shops, but avoided taking over someone else’s ventures. By then, Amy was busy raising their VAPEMZ.COM
two kids, but she provided what she calls “the American perspective.” “Some of these stores were less than pretty,” she recalled, “so I had to share my American insight and female perspective.” They avoided babysitters, so babies spent time at the shop attached to Amy’s hip while she did the books, negotiated with vendors and landlords and other duties required behind the scene. Four smoke shops and several convenience stores later, they decided it was time to take a new direction.
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Enter…Vape DEPARTMENTS
In 2014, they saw the vape tide growing and decided to expand into this new frontier. “It wasn’t really our idea,” said Amy, “but was a suggestion of Mr. Owen, who was an amazing employee early on. We took his suggestion and he helped open shop number one and he is still here today.” As the children aged, Amy gained more free time and took the lead on expanding their vaping empire. Six months after the first store they opened their second, followed by a third one year later. They also partnered with an Alabama entrepreneur and opened four more stores under the brand of Sweet Home Vapor Company. They had little involvement in daily operations, but provided valuable knowledge, and recently sold their interest in that venture. Almost four years later they own four VA Vape Shops and have a promising road ahead of them. With five smoke shops and one last convenience store, it’s easy to see where their journey may lead.
The Baddis understood diversification and the connection between smoke and vape shops and have capitalized on it. They are setting an example of being open minded and cross selling within a narrow niche. After everything is considered, they like the profit margins of vape shops and will keep their eyes on that prize for now.
For a while, they sold smoke products at the vape shops and the husband and wife team had a good-natured battle for customers. “We decided that wasn’t a good move so now we try to put our vape and smoke shops in the same shopping centers,” Amy said. Problem solved. Entering the vape space was never anything that Amy or Elhoussin envisioned and they could not have imagined growing an empire this large after just 14 years.
we can to those that may have a hard time finding their footing,” Amy said. Their current smoke shops offer CBD, but they don’t offer that in their vape shops. “We have a strong military presence here and are in the neighborhoods of the largest military bases in the nation,” Amy said. “We have to be mindful of being black balled by any upper ranks, so we walk a very conservative line.” “Many in this vape industry follow fads and hype and that was never our style,” she continued. “We tried to stay mainstream and catered to the trends as much as what seemed reasonable.” Comments, questions? Do you know of other stories that share similar journeys? Please contact the author below.
They have passion for helping people stop smoking, which is the number one driver of vape entrepreneurs in all sectors, but their passion goes further. “Since Elhoussin and his cousins were immigrants, we believe in sharing and teaching the American success story. We provide housing and jobs whenever #VAPEMAGAZINE
Norm Bour is the founder of VapeMentors - a vape industry consulting company for vape shops, eCommerce sites and e-liquid brands. He’s also the host of Vape Radio, the largest vape business podcast in the world with more than 1.3 M downloads. As a founding partner in the Vape Industry Business Exchange (VIBE) & Bestvapejuice. com, Norm is committed to supporting the vape space into this Brave New World. Contact him at norm@VapeMentors.com.
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MODS & TECH
Kangertech AKD-Series K-Pin
ONE SMALL STEP FORWARD,
GIANT LEAP BACK By JOHN CASTLE
F
or the past few years, pen style vaporizers haven’t really seen the explosive wave of innovation that’s benefitted devices in other forms. While pen style systems like the eGo Twist pioneered features like variable voltage, the category has for the most part reached a plateau in development.
In The Box
In keeping with the spirit of simplicity, appropriate to pen style kits, the K-Pin kit arrives with everything you need. The box contains the device itself, two atomizer heads (one pre-installed), and a micro-USB charging cable.
Specs & Features
The K-Pin is Kangertech’s 2017 take on the longstoried pen style vape, and it really strikes me as a bigger, more potent evolution of the Kanger EVOD. It’s bigger because it pairs a 24mm 2000mAh battery, outputting from 3.7 to 4.2 volts, with a subohm tank that has a 4ml e-liquid capacity.
tip, the K-Pin uses a combined drip tip and top cap assembly with indentations for thumb and forefinger. By twisting the top cap, the user can retract or extend the drip tip. Filling the tank is as easy as continuing to unscrew the top cap to expose the fill slots underneath.
Starting from the top, we have a new take on a drip tip. Rather than being a swappable 510 drip
The atomizer heads included with the K-Pin are Kanger’s own SSOCC SS heads, rated at 0.2 ohms of
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It’s bigger because it pairs a 24mm 2000mAh battery, outputting from 3.7 to 4.2 volts, with a sub-ohm tank that has a 4ml e-liquid capacity.
#VAPEMAGAZINE VAPEMZ.COM
MODS & TECH
Starting from the top, we have a new take on a drip tip. Rather than being a swappable 510 drip tip, the K-Pin uses a combined drip tip and top cap assembly with indentations for thumb and forefinger. By twisting the top cap, the user can retract or extend the drip tip.
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MODS & TECH resistance. (Note that the K-Pin is not compatible with Ni200 heads.) Beneath the tank is a single fire button with good tactile feedback. Below this, in front, is a LED battery life indicator, identical to the one found on the Kanger Togo Mini — four LEDs are at full charge with the LEDs “counting down” as the battery is depleted. On the other side of the battery is the micro-USB charger.
Design & Build Quality
Unfortunately, this is where the K-Pin runs into some serious snags. The wide-bore mouthpiece is the first. I haven’t had it happen yet, but I find that with the K-Pin, I’m borderline paranoid about stuff getting into that wide mouthpiece. I also find myself somewhat irritated by the extending and retracting nature of the drip tip. Pulling the K-Pin from my pocket and taking a hit or two involves two more steps — first extending, then retracting the drip tip
I also find myself somewhat irritated by the extending and retracting nature of the drip tip. Pulling the K-Pin from my pocket and taking a hit or two involves two more steps — first extending, then retracting the drip tip — more than necessary with any other device I’ve ever used.
#VAPEMAGAZINE
— more than necessary with any other device I’ve ever used. This causes the K-Pin, in my opinion, to fall short of its logical goal of simplicity. Simply put, it feels more like a gimmick than a necessary feature. But the biggest faux pas, when it comes to the K-Pin, is the decision not to include adjustable airflow. Airflow control has become so ubiquitous in vaporizers, since at least as far back as a couple years ago that to see a pen style device without it in 2017 strikes me as being either a very strange deliberate choice, or more plausibly, as an oversight that somehow slipped through the design review process. While the mouthpiece feels like an unnecessary gimmick, the omission of airflow control feels like an actual lack of what has become a necessary feature. As far as the build quality is concerned, the K-Pin feels like the solidly executed product of a mature production process — which only makes its quirky design decisions more baffling.
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My overall impression was that the device was more convenient at home than it is while out and about.
Additionally, the K-Pin’s sub-ohm tank and relatively open airflow make this a device that a new vaper may not be ready for in terms of performance, making the entire experience even more peculiar.
Real World Experience
My use of the K-Pin followed the two most common scenarios: Home use at my desk while working, and use while out of the house on errands. During home use, I kept the drip tip extended; while on errands, the K-Pin rode in my hip pocket with the drip tip retracted. My overall impression was that the device was more convenient at home than it is while out and about. To me, that just feels contrary to how it should be. Additionally, the K-Pin’s sub-ohm tank and relatively open airflow make this a device that a new vaper may not be ready for in terms of performance, making the entire experience even more peculiar. For a relatively
seasoned vaper, the K-Pin would be quite suitable as an on-the-go device, but will almost certainly be dissatisfied by the lack of airflow control and by the inconvenient drip tip on the K-Pin. To me, these qualities of the K-Pin are reminiscent of my overall impression of the SMOK Q-BOX: This feels like a device that suffers from a muddy idea of just who it’s supposed to appeal to.
Price & Availability
The Kangertech AKD-Series K-Pin is available in white, red, blue, yellow, and black from an assortment of online retailers, and can be had from MyVaporStore. com for $24.99 plus shipping
#VAPEMAGAZINE VAPEMZ.COM
Pros & Cons Pros l l l l
Good battery life Generous e-liquid capacity Excellent performance Affordable
Cons l l
Extending/retracting drip tip adds gimmick, subtracts convenience No Airflow Control
The K-Pin is in some ways an evolution of the pen-style vapes. But with the loss of what has become a standard feature on vaporizers, it’s also a step back. Ultimately, it’s a device looking for its place in a market that has, for the most part, moved on. It would have been the best your money could buy… but in 2013.
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MODS & TECH
Mad Modder Studios
box mod By CHRIS MELLIDES
F
ounded in 2012, Mad Modder Studios is responsible for creating beastly box mods that are built to order and come with the option for custom laser engraving.
internal lithium polymer batteries (LiPo). The bigger the battery, the better the battery life, and of course this means that the enclosure will also increase in size.
Based in Alabama, Mad Modder prides itself on using heavy duty metal enclosures that add heft to the device without making it feel too bulky. Instead, you’ve got a device that feels sturdy, well-built and very durable.
Since we’re dealing with an internal LiPo battery, the box features a micro USB port that sits flush at the bottom of the enclosure for no frills charging. A charging cable does come included and supports 2-amp zip charging as well.
There are a number of different models to choose from at the Mad Modder online store. The boxes are of varying sizes and they all contain
Every box operates with the Evolv DNA250 board. These chipsets are known for their flat signal punch, accuracy and overall reliability. It
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Photos by Chris Mellides
MODS & TECH was nice to see the company go with Evolv. Some versions of the Evolv boards, like the DNA75 models, were a bit hit or miss, but the DNA250 boards are of excellent quality.
THE MOD SHIPS WITH CUSTOM PROGRAMMING, SO ASIDE FROM THE COMPANY’S LOGO BRIEFLY FLASHING ON YOUR DISPLAY, YOU’LL FIND THAT PRESETS FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL ARE ALREADY LOADED ONTO THE DEVICE, SO FOR THE CASUAL USER THESE PRE PROGRAMMED PRESETS SHOULD DO THE JOB JUST FINE. #VAPEMAGAZINE
Performance from this box is exceptional. The DNA250 board does its job, and does it well. And the 2800mAh LiPo that’s fitted into the enclosure I have delivers plenty of power to support anything I throw at it. Battery life is excellent as well. I’ll typically run a rebuildable tank with a 0.12 ohm dual coil at 80 watts of power for a dense, warm vape and get a full day’s use out of the device. This is pretty striking. Charging times are a little on the lengthy side, even with the 2-amp charging. If I’ve worked my mod down to about 20 percent, it’ll take a good two to three hours to get me back to a full charge. Since I am getting all day battery life (which is rare nowadays) I can excuse the charge time. The engraving work on my mod is unbelievable. The level of detail is precise and is displayed exactly like it would appear on a printed page. And because the artwork is laser engraved, there’s never any worry that it will wear down or wear off over time. With the purchase of any mod you are offered one image for engraving, but for $50 more you can get a second image added on. Going with this option allows for a full design wrap across every inch of the enclosure. Everything is seamless and looks amazing.
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The device utilizes a sealed spring loaded 510 connection, and can accommodate just about any size RDA or RTA you can come up with. I have a 28mm RDA and RTA and there’s still room to spare when I have them installed and sitting on the box. Regardless of your atomizer’s diameter it will screw down and sit flush every time. The box’s lid is held firmly in place by a series of magnets. There’s no rattle or wobbling to speak of and this was nice to see. Inside the internals are, clean, clean, clean. This feels like anything but a project box. It’s very good quality. The display is nice and bright and all of the major settings come in clear and are easily readable. The firing button is very responsive and clicky, so that has to be mentioned as a pro, and the wattage up and down buttons are made of stainless steel and also offer a nice tactile feel. The only downside, if it can even be called one, is the size. The 2800mAh version that’s being reviewed here is tall and rocking a large tank on it will only increase the overall size. I don’t view this as a negative in the slightest, but those that shy away from big honking mods had better look elsewhere, uncles you go with a smaller model, of course. A huge benefit that comes with purchasing one of these stunning boxes is the Mad Modder one year warrantee on the DNA board and a lifetime battery warranty. I’ve personally never had to send my review unit in for repair, but those people that have done so have communicated that speedy repair times can be expected. Of course, this is going to heavily depend on the creator’s work queue and how severe the issue plaguing your device is. The turnaround time for one of these custom boxes can range from 14 to 21 days after placing an order. This is especially the case if you were to request custom artwork since the images need to be designed before they’re engraved. Keep in mind that these boxes are built to order. With that said, if you have the means and are willing to wait, you will not be disappointed with a Mad Modder box mod.
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MODS & TECH
I went with an Evil Dead theme and left it up to Mad Modders’ graphic designer to create a mockup ahead of the final design, and what I was presented with was a true work of art. Sam Raimi would be proud. Of course, you can go with any theme or design choice for your box, and that’s the beauty of it, you’ll essentially have a one of a kind box mod personalized to suit your individual taste and interests.
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The Vaporesso Swag
THE DEVIL Is In The Details By JOHN CASTLE
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et’s get the obvious out of the way: yes, the Swag looks a lot like the SMOK AL85. But, the devil’s in the details, and this little devil is packing quite a punch.
In The Box The Swag kit comes with the mod itself, one NRG SE sub-ohm tank (3.5ml capacity for the U.S. version, 2ml capacity for the EU version), one 0.4 ohm Kanthal atomizer head, one 0.5 ohm ceramic atomizer head, a micro-USB cable for charging and firmware updates, spare glass and o-rings for the tank, and a user manual.
battery cap much like that found on the AL85. It’s important to emphasize that, due to the Swag’s compact size in combination with this raised battery cap, 22mm devices are going to be the best fit for this mod. Yes, that means that the Swag is powered by a single 18650 battery, minimizing the device’s size. That’s where the cosmetic and functional similarities between the Swag and its nearest competitor end.
Features & Specs One of the biggest advantages the Swag has over every competitor in its size and wattage class is the OMNI 2.0 board. This is the same board which powers its big brother, the Revenger, and enables all the same advanced functionality, including variable wattage from 5-80 watts, customizable curve of wattage (CCS), temperature control for nickel, titanium, and stainless steel coils from 200600 degrees Fahrenheit, and more. Starting at the top of the Swag, we find a standard 510 connection, as well as a raised #VAPEMAGAZINE
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MODS & TECH Moving down, we find a round firing button and a 0.91 inch, verticallyaligned, side-oriented display. Beneath the display, we have the Swag’s mode button. Turning the device so that the display faces toward our right, we find the wattage/temperature adjustment buttons in the form of a rocker switch. The mod’s opposite side panel features the micro-USB port for charging and updates. Additionally, the Swag’s side panels accentuate an eye-pleasing carbon fiber effect with the Vaporesso logo inset. Finally, the bottom of the Swag features the usual battery venting we’ve come to expect on modern mods. Moving on to the NRG SE sub-ohm
tank, the setup is quick and extremely intuitive, particularly for anyone who has used a TFV8 type tank. The 22mm NRG SE employs Vaporesso’s GT Core atomizer heads, but is also compatible with TFV8 “Baby Beast” atomizer heads should you find Vaporesso’s heads difficult to get your hands on. Like the TFV8 tanks and the larger NRG tank, the NRG SE is filled by swiveling open the top cap, then filling through the fill slots. Unlike the original NRG tank, the NRG SE’s included drip tip doesn’t feature an anti-spit back grille inside. For some, this may be undesirable; this feature theoretically reduces the frequency #VAPEMAGAZINE
of the coil “spitting” hot liquid, but it also has a slightly restrictive and flavor-muting effect, according to some vapers. I personally haven’t noticed a difference, but it bears mentioning. One last note about the drip tip: it’s a standard 510 drip tip, which means that the NRG SE will accept your favorite drip tip without the need for an adapter. Airflow comes in the form of dual slots adjustable by turning the airflow control on the base of the tank. As is the case with the original NRG tank, the airflow control ring has stops at fully-open and fully-closed to prevent the airflow control from interfering
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Having already familiarized myself with the Swag’s big brother the Revenger, setting up the Swag for first time use was an absolute breeze. After filling the tank and inserting a freshly charged 18650, it was time to check out the differences in the Swag’s menu system. I accepted the Swag’s “Smart Mode” selection for wattage, then switched to Temperature Control mode with three presses of the mode button, set temperature control to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and took the device for a walk downtown. In performance, the Swag is every bit the equal of its big brother the Revenger. However, it should be noted that due to the use of a single 18650 rather than a pair of them, battery life between charges won’t be nearly as long. This can be mitigated by allowing the “Smart Mode” to guide your wattage setting and adjust the temperature to reach your preferred intensity.
with removing the tank from, or screwing the tank onto the mod.
Design & Quality The design of the Swag is so very nearly like that of the SMOK AL85 that, at first glance, there seems to be little to say about it — but again, those small details add up to a big difference in the user experience. The Swag is lighter in the hand, slightly wider and uses a discreet firing button rather than a “hinged panel.” This results in a feeling that the device fills the hand more completely and comfortably without feeling flimsy or cheap.
Price & Availability
Cons:
The Vaporesso Swag kit is available in steel, orange, blue, and black for $45.99 plus shipping from MyVaporStore.com and other online retailers. (Price may vary by retailer.)
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Wattage/temp “rocker switch” button feels a bit “squishy”
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Form factor limits user to 22mm tanks
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Anti-spit back grille in drip tip removed; this may not be to everyone’s liking
Pros & Cons Pros: l l l l l
Stylish Compact Comfortable Full-Featured Affordable VAPEMZ.COM
While its looks may strike some as derivative, its full suite of advanced functions and rock star performance will leave vapers with no doubt that the Vaporesso Swag has no competition in its size and wattage class.
MODS & TECH
Real World Experience
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Vaping American Made Products
The Descendant
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By CHRIS MELLIDES
he Descendent is the latest 18650 mechanical tube mod to be released by Vaping American Made Products. It succeeds its Rig Mod predecessors, comes loaded with brand new features and is being sold at a reasonable price point.
The device is available in either brass or copper, and regardless of the finish, the classic rig oil tower graphic adorns the tube in a very deep engraving, followed by the word “Descendant” along with a unique serial number below it. This mod is manufactured in the United States and is an exceptional example of American manufacturing and ingenuity. The Descendant is constructed from high grade materials and the machining on it is what you would typically expect from Vaping American Made Products—buttery smooth threads and impeccable detail. This is a hybrid mechanical mod, so exercise caution in your atomizer selection and be absolutely sure that your 510 pin extends past the threads of your atty. A hybrid plate made of copper will seat your atomizer, which is then screwed into the top of your mod. The beauty of the Descendant is that the switch is completely self-adjusting. Just insert your 18650 battery and screw your switch into the body of the mod until it’s snug. There is never any worry of battery rattle or a loss in connection.
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The switch utilizes two sturdy springs that offer just enough of a resistance for a smooth and confident throw. The firing contact is made out of copper and both it and the springs are surrounded by a red cylindrical insert that keeps your battery hovering over the contact with no chance of auto firing.
There’s some intricate knurllike engraving on the outside of the switch, which makes for a good grip and allows for easy disassembly for cleaning purposes or when it’s time to switch out your battery for a fresh one. There’s ample venting at the base of the mod, so in the rare event that your battery were to vent, this mod will quickly dispel the gases down and away from your face, which is a smart design. The Descendent is 25mm in diameter, so all of your attys that are 25mm and below will sit flush and look fine perched on top of the mod. I’ve seen the natural progression of Vaping American Made Products’ foray into the world of mechanical mods and the same level of quality and care comes to life with the Descendent. To date, this is the best 18650 mechanical tube mod that the company has ever released. Everything has been streamlined and with the new and innovative switch, there really is a lot worth celebrating over.
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Photos By Chris Mellides
MODS & TECH
I find that the power is anything but lacking with this device. I get nice even draws with every push of the button and as you might well imagine, the
Descendant hits nice and hard with hardly any voltage drop that’s noticeable during regular everyday use of the mod. If you’re a fan of this company’s line of Rig Mods and you’re looking
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to complete your collection, then purchasing the Descendent really is a no-brainer. You will not be disappointed. And for anyone that’s new to Vaping American Made Products, you will be receiving the latest and best product to come out of the Rig Mod line with your purchase of this device. The Descendant sells for $180 for the brass version and the copper version sells for just $10 more at $190. These products can be purchased at authorized retailers and direct from the manufacturer at: www.vapeamp.com
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V I VA L A C L O U D
El Thunder M e c h a n i c a l #VAPEMAGAZINE
M o d
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Photos By Chris Mellides and www.districtf5ve.com
MODS & TECH
By CHRIS MELLIDES he El Thunder mechanical tube mod is designed and manufactured in Russia and is available in an array of various finishes and materials. You don’t often hear of Russian-made vaping hardware making a splash in the Western market, but the El Thunder is certainly a device worthy of that distinction. This mod sports a hybrid 510 connection, which is ideal for minimizing voltage drop and ensures a direct connection between your atomizer and battery. The El Thunder is smaller than your average mech mod and
accepts a single 18650 battery. It’s just 84mm in height and at its widest point the mod is 26mm in diameter. A notch cutout displaying tasteful company branding can be found about midway down the mod. It measures 23mm and gives users some extra grip while enhancing the overall ergonomic feel of the device as it is very comfortable to hold. This device is designed to accommodate 24mm atomizers, so any atomizers larger in diameter will create some overhang, so keep that in mind. Otherwise, 24mm attys look great. What’s uniquely different about the El Thunder is VAPEMZ.COM
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MODS & TECH what’s cooking under the hood. Unscrewing the mod at its bottom section exposes the switch, which is springloaded. The fire button fits into a series of elongated prongs that jut out from the body of the device. The button fits inside the pronged housing and allows for multiple points of contact to be made with each and every push of the switch. And as a result, it virtually eliminates any misfires that might otherwise occur with other mods in its class.
and this device is neck and neck with them when it comes to performance and overall build quality.
The El Thunder is without a doubt a heavy hitter in my mind. I’ve tried many American made mods, as well as UK and Italian manufactured devices,
One of the things I most enjoy about this device is how pocket friendly and discreet it is. Hold it in your palm, clasp your fingers around the El Thunder and watch it disappear.
The coating and quality of machining on this device is first-rate. The threading at the 510 connection and at the base of the device are flawless. Cosmetically, there are no scratches, scuffs or flaws to be found.
A recessed fire button ensures that when you set it down it will not fire under its own weight, and while I wouldn’t necessarily recommend making it a habit of carrying it or any mechanical mod around in your pocket, I’m
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MODS & TECH confident that the odds of it auto firing are slim. When in doubt it’s better to err on the side of caution.
The El Thunder is a mod I would recommend for any rabid mech mod user. Its compact size, excellent build quality and consistent and powerful performance is well worth the price of admission. If you’re a
beginner I would recommend looking elsewhere as devices with hybrid connectors and mech mods in general require some knowhow to ensure a certain level of safety. The El Thunder is available in naked brass and in camouflage, black, grey, beige, white and green cerakote brass models. The device is also available in red and purple aluminum. Depending on the model you select, the El Thunder ranges from $125 up to $175 and can be purchased directly from: www.districtf5ve.com
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FEATURES
The First Event In 2018
TPE nato A AND
By NORM BOUR
s we roll into the new year, one of the first events on the calendar is the Tobacco Plus Expo. Also known as TPE, it is an annual production held in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is one of the most unique shows of the year and includes tobacco and ‘alternative’ products alongside vaping exhibits.
This year TPE will be joining forces with the National Association of Tobacco Outlets, also known as NATO. This may not sound like an event for a vaper to visit, but for anyone looking to expand their horizons and find additional sales channels, this show is worth your time.
How It Began… NATO began in 2002 and supports the tobacco industry. This model is one much needed by the vaping industry #VAPEMAGAZINE
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with advocacy, but more aligned with business development and legislation. NATO gets involved with regulations at every level and has become a powerful force to support their members. Until 2016, they had their own annual convention in Las Vegas, but abandoned that distraction two years ago to focus more on personalized action and lobbying efforts. TPE has been innovative since they began about 12 years ago, and were one of the first tobacco-centric events
to invite vapers and vaping products into their family. I have attended TPE for several years and it is usually a smorgasbord of different exhibitors offering vape, hookah, and tobacco in all forms. Most recently they have added glassware and alternative products, plus general merchandise that is found in convenience stores nationwide. The TPE show is owned by Kretak International, owners of Phillips and King International, a major distribution giant for many tobacco products. VAPEMZ.COM
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The Key is Knowledge! One of the best things about TPE and NATO is the quality of the educational and informative speakers they invite. This year the Industry outlook will hold several sessions presented by noteworthy experts.
This year’s lineup includes speakers covering timely topics like: local legislation, marketing, finance, and Thomas Briant, NATO Executive Director; VMR CEO Jan Verleur; Brittani Cushman, VP for External Affairs for
Turning Point, and PAX Labs CEO, Tyler Goldman. In the past, luminaries who provided insights have included former director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, Dr. Mitch Zeller and Wells Fargo Securities Managing Director of Equity Research, Bonnie Herzog. Don Burke, with Management Science Associates, will once again provide his annual overview and projections for 2018 along with RBC Capital Markets Wall Street Analyst, Nik Modi covering the Wall Street Industry Update.
In years past, the show floor was segmented into mini ‘kingdoms,’ each with its own niche. Since many vapers don’t like to be near
tobacco, tobacco and hookah were combined with shisha in one quadrant and general merchandise in another. Alternative products, including #VAPEMAGAZINE
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glassware, pipes, CBD and general paraphernalia were grouped in another, and vape had its own section. Please note that this event is B2B only—no consumers or public invited. For information visit www. tobaccoplusexpo.com and be at the
massive Las Vegas Convention center on January 31 - February 1, 2018. 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. As a founding partner in the Vape Industry Business Exchange (VIBE), Norm is committed to supporting the vape space into this Brave New World. Contact him at norm@VapeMentors.com. VAPEMZ.COM
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