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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
12
content@vapemz.com 800-958-6427 x2
@VAPENEWSGO
Editor in Chief Corey Noles Managing Editor Chris Mellides Art Director Van Avazando Graphic Designer Anil Verma Director of Marketing Dennis Robinson
Letter from the Editor Dear readers, We’re back with a second issue of VAPE News Wholesaler — and we have no shortage of important information just for your business. This particular issue is written with the traditional smoke shop in mind. While many of you have dabbled in the vape sector, this issue will share advice on how to best maximize your space, choose e-liquid vendors and what trends you should be watching out for in the near future. Of particular interest to the smoke shop market will be the rise of pod-based systems. These systems use a different type of nicotine and produce a feeling quite similar to that of an actual cigarette — without the harmful effects. Over the last year, the popularity of such devices has risen dramatically. Some estimates say it makes up as much as 30 percent of the vapor industry today. The value to a smoke shop for pod systems and salt nicotine based e-liquid, is that when a customer has an interest in putting down the cigarettes, you would have something to offer that could genuinely help along their journey. With the right tools in your store, quitting smoking won’t necessarily mean losing a customer. We appreciate you taking the time to read our magazine, and hope you will find some of this information and the partners we work with to be a value to your business. Make sure to check out vapenews.com every day for regulatory information, study results, product reviews and everything else you need to know. Thanks for reading. Corey Noles Editor in Chief VAPE News Wholesaler VAPE News Magazine
Social Media Manager Eric Vonheim Director of Photography Ezra Zuniga Webmaster Axel Gillespie Contributors Corey Noles, Norm Bour Tony Ottomanelli, Ray Norcross Chris Mellides, John Castle 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 Employment jobs@vapemz.com VAPE News Magazine is wholly owned by Starpixel Marketing LLC 6209 Mid Rivers Mall Dr,Suite 194 Saint Peters, MO 63304 info@vapemz.com 800-958-6427
M A Y
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2 0 1 8 BUSINESS
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Could Sample Sticks change how we test new e-liquid?
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WeThinkHealth embodies their brand name
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COLUMNS
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38
19 46
Choosing the Right E-liquid Vendor for YOUR Store
FEATURES
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From Mods to Pods: Will the pod system become the new norm?
REVIEWS
22
38 42 46
Joyetech Espion + Procore X Kanger Vola Going Mad for Mad Modder
BUYER’S GUIDE
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A
new product called Sample Sticks is making some waves and could bring a new look to the way e-liquid is tested in stores.
For years, it’s been a pretty straightforward process. A customer walks in, looks through a menu, asks to try a flavor, pays a small fee and is given a mod with a sample tank. Sometimes it’s a decent tank with a good coil, but sometimes no one has tried that flavor in two weeks and it’s a bit skunky. Sample Sticks is looking to change that. A sample stick, designed and produced by Dan Baker of Mt. Baker Vapor, is a single-use plastic stick topped with about the same amount of flavor a person would get from sampling the traditional way. The flavor is a dab of a hardened gel-type substance made entirely of food-grade materials.
VAPENEWS.com
BY COREY NOLES COREY@VAPEMZ.COM
BUSINESS
change how we test new e-liquid?
19
SamplE STICKS
COULD
Baker said the real value for these is to stores that are not allowed to vape indoors.
20
“This just simplifies the process,” he said. “And at a very affordable rate for businesses.”
BUSINESS
For smoke shops and convenience stores this could be a real benefit. In these
@VAPENEWSGO
situations, there often isn’t time or space to deal with costly tanks and watching customers to avoid theft. With the sample stick, a clerk can simply hand one over and go back to work. E-liquid companies, however, may see a two-fold value. In addition to having
trying to find a cost efficient
a simple sampling
method, then after a long time
method to share with
and a lot of trial and error, the
their customers,
Sample Stick was born.”
it could also save
Between TPD in Europe and the release of the FDA Deeming Regulations in the US, the project kept sliding to the back burner. Sourcing materials, lining out the manufacturing process and even learning to match flavors were all substantial hurdles.
substantial dollars in samples sent to businesses.
So when it came together as a product that fell under FDA Food Control instead of tobacco regulations, it was quite the relief.
“I can remember
“There is no nicotine and it isn’t vaped, so it’s not a tobacco product,” Baker said. “It’s strictly a food item.”
shipping out 10-20 sample packs a day at $20-25 a pack,” Baker
Baker said they tested the sample sticks in their own stores for six months before rolling them out. “The consumers love them,” he said. “We thought experienced vapers might have an issue with it, but they love them.”
said. “It gets crazy
A patent on the product is currently pending.
expensive. We were
For more information on Sample Sticks, visit samplesticks.com.
22 BUSINESS @VAPENEWSGO
“Our customers are not your typical CBD users.” According to WeThinkHealth, lots of things are different about the demographics of their CBD business.
This particular CBD business is the truth, for the reason that their brand’s name is not just letters strategically arranged on their product labels, it is a way of life they fully embrace and they do it together as one collective mindset. Being a pure embodiment of their brand name and an extension of the wellness movement, keeping your health at the forefront of your mind, to always be thinking of it and nourishing it to its full potential is what WeThinkHealth wants for people to focus on.
Ownership Speaks
Interviewing Harper was a special learning experience about approaching the industry with a business model fueled by the requests and expectations of the consumer. He is not merely a proponent for CBD, he is a very knowledgeable owner who conducts up-to-date research to stay on top of the fast-moving industry.
“This is the Revolution of Medicine happening right before our eyes,” he said. “CBD is the future of health and medication. Twenty years from now, my son is going to look at his friend and say Can you believe our parents used to take Tylenol?”
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“Analytics reveals they all share a few similar features,” said James Harper, one of the founding owners. “For example, our customers are typically from an older generation. They have been impacted by some debilitating disease, likely to have tried every possible treatment to experience some sort of relief. These WeThinkHealth customers are not necessarily cannabis advocates.”
BUSINESS
BY TONY OTTOMANELLI II TOTTS608@GMAIL.COM
23
WeThinkHealth
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Many consumers are entirely against the concept of ever administering hemp or cannabis-based products for consumption. Yet, this assumption is overcome through educating the consumer-base.
BUSINESS
Two of the co-founders, Harper and Jimbo Davis — along with Jeff Brito, are also founders of a digital marketing company, GoEdison, which is moving the needle for WeThinkHealth’s growth.
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The Products Speak for Themselves
Harper has reservations about how quickly the public takes such medication — with no questions as to its origins or manufacturing process. “Then, suddenly, why are we so averse to put something that is organic in our bodies,” he asked. What he is saying, in so many words, is that people consume of the most unhealthy products yet when it comes to something new that is so carefully cultivated and then transformed into all natural, healthy products, people suddenly become very indifferent and particular.
Basically CBD brands are purchased online based on the quality of testimonials by real people expressing their honest experiences from consuming the CBD-based products. Initially most consumers discuss how skeptical the might have been before hand yet after trying out several different options, many believe it is the best decision they’ve ever made. Furthermore, these testimonials are literally the CBD products speaking on behalf of how effective they can truly be for so many different people.
Leading the Charge 26
WeThinkHealth aims to be viewed as the CBD brand leading the charge in educational driven content. Those who represent WeThinkHealth are indeed passionate advocates for CBD and the hemp industry, though they are even more so strong supporters of allowing everyone the opportunity to choose a healthy lifestyle.
BUSINESS @VAPENEWSGO
Some new products found online could be accompanied by an endless display of detailed testimonials, yet they could also be the result of a paid service invested in by that product’s ownership. Therefore, it is often difficult for consumers to determine who to trust. Harper said they steer clear of such practices. According to the company mission statement, “our mission is to directly supply a healthy alternative solution to those who are seeking therapeutic treatment to a host of ailments through a singular, organic, and natural resource. Further, we’ll supply this solution through the most consistent, quality, and effective Cannabidiol on the market.”
Altogether, WeThinkHealth has recently revamped and upgraded the most recent launched version of their their eCommerce division, placing an emphasis on customer testimonials as the voice guiding their decisionmaking for inventory. In reference to their product line, WeThinkHealth’s 500mg CBD tinctures are popular for similar reasons as the 250mg CBD tinctures because of the pure CBD in liquid form. The 500mg CBD tinctures, of course, have double the CBD as the 250mg CBD tinctures. Therefore, for those seeking higher CBD content, the 500mg CBD tinctures are the wise choice because of the value as the result of the $20 discount compared to the price of two 250mg CBD tinctures. “I take one drop of a tincture every night and I’ve not felt this healthy for years,” Harper said. “My digestive track has improved. Overall, I just feel more youthful.” For more information, or to check out their products, visit wethinkhealth.com.
BY COREY NOLES COREY@VAPEMZ.COM
As a vape shop owner, one of the most difficult decisions to make is where to purchase your products. With e-liquid as the product with likely the highest margin in your store, it’s more important than ever to purchase carefully and from the right vendors. While such decisions are old hat for vape shops, to stores new to the vape industry (smoke shops, convenience stores, alternative shops), this can be a daunting — and very important — task. You need the right products for your clientele, quality customer service and you need to get them at the right price. Overall, there are three different avenues a store can choose to purchase e-liquid.
VAPENEWS.com
Direct to Manufacturer
COLUMNS
Regional Distributor
29
Choosing the Right E-liquid Vendor for YOUR Store
National/Global Distributor
National/Global Distributor The national and global distributors offer a variety of benefits.
30 COLUMNS
More often than not, they will offer a much wider array of e-liquid — typically hardware as well. So it can be a handy means of buying as you could theoretically order all of your vapor stock from one convenient location.
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They typically offer some form of tiered pricing, which can really benefit bigger spenders. You might also find incentives for hitting certain target amounts — maybe it’s a mod, free shipping or some type of gift. The only downfall to this method is that sometimes their customer volume is so large, it can be difficult if you’re looking for super personal service. But the product range and saved shipping costs are enough to offset that for many stores.
Regional Distributor Nearly every city has a regional distributor. They might do a bit of business nationally or globally, but for the most part their customers are circled within a few hundred miles around their headquarters. These businesses will usually offer 20-60 brands and a respectable variety of hardware. So you would still be able to do your “one-stop” shopping. Pricing can vary with these. Some are very reasonable, while others are a bit higher as their margin might not be as wide as their larger competition. With that said, having fewer clients means they do a much better job at ensuring customers have a reachable representative. Often something as simple as a phone call can save you a few dollars or earn you free shipping on an order. They’re good about personally reaching out to customers when they bring in something new and usually offer some type of introductory pricing. The only drawback is that prices are often a bit higher than going directly to a manufacturer, but not having to order from a dozen different places often outweighs the few extra dollars you might spend.
In the end, it’s all about choosing the method that is right for your individual business. There are countless options available for all of these avenues, but no simple list will tell you which is right. Take some time to analyze your business, your ordering process and, most of all, the interests of your customer base before deciding the best way to move forward.
Direct to Manufacturer In most cases, a store can purchase product directly from a manufacturer. This also comes with its own set of pros and cons. The real advantage is the pricing. Without a middle man between you and the manufacturer, you can often both make a little more profit. In most cases the pricing will be close to those of a distributor, but in some it can be substantially cheaper. Dealing with a manufacturer also gives you a close contact with the company, whether its a sales representative or even an owner for smaller companies. Service is typically quite personal, much like that with midsized to small distribution companies. The drawback to purchasing this way is it can get complicated. Before you know it you could be juggling a dozen website logins to get product coming. While that isn’t ideal for everyone, smaller stores that are carefully watching their pennies can benefit from this approach.
Most traditional vape stores order from all three types and shop around for the best price on a per item basis. Is that what works for you? It’s time to find the right balance of dollars vs customer service to be sure you make the right choice for your business. Corey Noles is the Editor in Chief of VAPE News Magazine and VAPENews.com. He is the owner of Busted Knuckle Vapor Fluids, Inked Up E-Liquid and Strudel’D.
32 FEATURES @VAPENEWSGO
WILL THE POD SYSTEM BECOME THE NEW NORM?
I
BY CHRIS MELLIDES CHRIS@VAPEMZ.COM
n the years since consumer vapor products began trickling in from overseas, the market has grown considerably, and with it vaping trends have come and gone. In the current market, a gravitation towards smaller, more compact
and simpler devices have made a comeback. With the renewed interest in portable vaporizers, there’s been a surge in closed-pod systems like JUUL, Bo, Phix, MYLE, and others. In an industry where big high wattage devices, unregulated mods, and highend pieces dominated sales, are pod systems a passing fad, or are they paving the way for the future of vaping? The answer might not be as clean-
Peter Ruotolo, 24, is a frequent customer at Cloud Vapor and Smoke and is enjoying his Suorin Drop, a refillable pod system designed to be used with salt nicotine.
Photos by Chris Mellides
33 FEATURES VAPENEWS.com
Samet Bal, 26, shows off a bottle of Mr. Salt-E in one hand and a yellow Suorin Drop in the other at Cloud Vapor and Smoke in Smithtown, NY.
cut as one might expect as the vapor product industry tends to move quickly, and people’s taste in products varies, but for Jeff Hirsch of Bi-County Distributors Inc., a New York based company that partly deals in the wholesaling of vapor products, closed pod systems are on the rise and demand for them is swelling. “I feel this is going to be the future of these devices, and the reason that I say this, is because you see the tobacco companies jumping on board and coming out with their devices, and they look just the same as the devices that are coming out now,” Hirsch said.
“Salt nic devices seem like the hot thing right now,” Hirsch continued. “You see the beginners are using it, and people that have been using mods also use this besides their mod, and I think this [salt nic] is for everybody.”
low output devices and offers users a vaping experience not unlike traditional cigarette smoking. Salt nic liquids also tend to be of a higher nicotine concentration that nip cravings very quickly.
Nicotine salt is a processed form of nicotine derived from the tobacco plant that many vapers find more satisfying than traditional e-liquid containing “freebase” nicotine, according to vaping. com, an online resource dedicated to the vaping lifestyle.
“All of the companies that have regular juice will be making theirs in salt nic it looks like,” says Hirsch.
Salt nicotine in e-liquids is less harsh to inhale due to its biocompatibility, which translates to a smoother hit in
Pat Dwyer, 27, seems inclined to believe the Bi-County Distributors owner, though he has doubts about just how long salt nic will be popular with consumers. Founder of The Cloud Chemist, a New York-based e-liquid company started
34 FEATURES
Peter Ruotolo, 24, vapes on his Suorin Drop while visiting Cloud Vapor and Smoke, a Long Island shop dedicated to vaping and other tobacco products.
@VAPENEWSGO
in 2016, Dwyer began mixing e-liquid in his room for hours and hours to perfect his flavors, and when his juice was a hit with local vapers, he decided to start his own business and mix his e-liquid flavors in a certified lab. “I will be releasing salt-based nic juice for a select few of my top requested flavors to cater to anyone that is strictly salt nic pod systembased,” Dwyer said. “I want people off cigarettes; that’s the main goal in the end.” Dwyer sees the appeal of closed pod systems because of their simplicity and overall convenience, but unlike Hirsch, he remains skeptical about the lasting power of these increasingly popular devices. “My thoughts on the salt nics being used is that it is most likely going to be a fad, a very long lasting one, but I believe that e-juice for dripping and tanks are going to be the ones to stay in the long run,” Dwyer said. Adding, “I also believe moving back to higher nicotine could have negative
press on the vaping industry, but as a capitalist, I don’t see anything wrong with salt nic juices in general.” For some vapers, closed pod systems are just part of an evolutionary line of products being made available that cater to a wide audience. The significance of these products is undeniable as they’ve already had an impact on vapers and vape shops that sell them. “Pod systems have a significant place in the vaping community,” says Mike Rossi, a Long Island resident who began vaping in 2012. “Something simple that can be used by the inexperienced vaper, to the advanced builders.”
compare to rebuildable atomizers in the flavor department. And yet, just like every other emerging technology, these products seem to get better and better over time. “Coming from a range of high-end mods, and mouth-to-lung RTA’s and RDA’s, the pod systems will never be as flavorful as them,” Rossi said. “But with new products coming to market seemingly every month, the flavor and coil systems have continued to get better.” Asked whether he thought closedpod systems were a passing fad, Rossi admits that “everything in vaping is a fad,” as the market is “continually flooded with new products.”
“Salt nic is the staple to pod-based systems, being able to deliver high levels of nicotine without the intense or harsh throat hit associated with similar levels of traditional e-liquid,” he added.
“Pod-based systems have been something I believe will stick around,” he said. “Almost every vaper I know owns at least one pod-based system as a backup device when blowing huge clouds may not be practical.”
Pod systems aren’t without their problems, according to Rossi, who believes that they simply cannot
Pod systems have been responsible for a boon in sales for vape shops that carry them, and yet they’ve also
36 FEATURES
Samet Bal, co-owner of Cloud Vapor and Smoke in Smithtown, NY motions to some of his salt nicotine e-liquids and various devices meant to be used with them.
@VAPENEWSGO
cannibalized sales of traditional e-liquid products according to Hirsch, who says that his vape shop, The Long Island Vaporium, has seen about a 15 to 20 percent drop in juice sales since pod systems have become more popular. The same can be said of Cloud Vapor and Smoke, a vape and tobacco shop whose co-owner Samet Bal, 26, has watched as the vapor industry grew from its infancy with scores of products aimed at beginners and hardened hobbyists who have made their way into his store. Pod systems and salt nicotine products are just the latest the industry has to offer. “I particularly welcome it [salt-based devices] in my store because many of my customers are not recreational vapers and are unable to produce large plumes of vapor in commercial settings,” Bal said. “These salt-based devices are usually much easier to maintain, much smaller to carry and are widely accessible everywhere.” Bal does not believe that closed-pod systems and salt nic are part of a fad
and that for a lot of consumers these new products serve as an endgame for users who “truly want to replace the cigarette with a strikingly similar alternative.”
could possibly influence,” Bal said.
“I definitely believe that the success of the salt nicotine market will affect the release of future products and demand on both the open and closed system markets, but I feel at this time because we are still so new in the closed system market, that it is hard to tell what it
Whether vapers choose high-wattage box mods, mechanical tube mods or salt-nicotine devices, the underlying benefit unaffected by device type is that these users aren’t smoking cigarettes. And, that truly is the most important benefit anyone can ask for; from the cloud comp guy to the JUUL user, they’ve broken the cycle of cigarette use and that’s a big win.
“My guess is possibly introducing dual function devices in the market capable of handling salt and non-salt-based products,” he added.
“I have tried cloud chasing, hemo (high end mods only), and found that a mouth to lung pod system just works best for me and my lifestyle,” Rossi said. “At the end of the day, it’s whatever helps you stop smoking. I like the simplicity of the systems; no rebuilding or adjustments to the battery. Simply click a pod in and go. JUUL works for me. I say, find whatever works best for you and stick with it.”
Jeff Hirsch, 58, owner of Bi-County Distributors and co-owner of the Long Island Vaporium located in Ronkonkoma, NY.
Joyetech
Espion + ProCore X BY JOHN CASTLE LEGION.LIVE@ME.COM
38
J
oyetech is one of the oldest names in vaping hardware, and for good reason: their products, from the Joye eGo in 2010 all the way up to the ATOPACK Penguin and ATOPACK Dolphin, have consistently delivered when it comes to design, ergonomics, quality and reliability.
REVIEWS @VAPENEWSGO
But they’ve been hesitant, it seems, to step into the space occupied by devices from manufacturers like SMOK and Vaporesso, with the Cuboid series having been their most powerful device to feature a display. Well, that has changed with the introduction of the Joyetech Espion, and what a change it is.
In The Box The Joyetech Espion kit arrives with the mod itself, along with a ProCore X sub-ohm tank, a ProC1 0.4 ohm atomizer head, a ProC1-S 0.25 ohm atomizer head, an extended tank chimney, an extended tank glass, a micro-USB cable for charging, a manual, and a baggie of spare parts for the tank.
Specs & Features The Espion is a dual-18650 powered box mod featuring variable power from 1 to 200 watts and temperature control for Nickel, Titanium and Stainless Steel coils from 200 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The
Espion measures a compact, but solid 3-1/4” x 1-3/4” x 1”. Starting at the top of the Espion, you’ll find a standard 510 connection and base plate which comfortably accommodates sub-ohm tanks up to 25mm in diameter. On the leading edge of the device is a large rectangular silver firing button engraved with the Joyetech logo. Rotating the mod clockwise from there reveals the 1.45” full-color display. Beneath that reside the mode button and the combined power/temperature adjustment buttons. Beneath the controls you’ll find a micro-USB port for charging and firmware updates. On the bottom of the device is a latched battery door with ports for venting.
Unboxing and setting up the Espion and ProCore X was as easy as one would expect. One minor annoyance I didn’t expect was related to the drip tip — I thought I’d remove it just to see how one from my collection would look on the device. This proved to be an exercise in frustration and, finally, an exercise in futility when I discovered the rather unusual nature of this component — what I thought was the drip tip was merely a sleeve; the drip tip itself is not
Intuitive menu system for experienced vapers Spacious, vivid display Solid performance Solid value for its price point
CONS Proprietary drip tip Mild, brief “break in” required for newly installed atomizer heads
VAPENEWS.com
Real World Experience
Comfortable to hold and use
REVIEWS
The top fill system on the ProCore X is new to me and quite interesting; opening it is accomplished by sliding the mouthpiece back, then flipping it up to expose a rubber gasket with fill slots, much like one might find in a SMOK tank.
Polished aesthetics
39
The included ProCore X sub-ohm tank, as assembled on arrival, features a TPD-compliant 2ml e-liquid capacity, adjustable airflow, and a proprietary drip tip. However, the included chimney extension and larger replacement glass enable the user to swap in those parts to increase the ProCore X’s e-liquid capacity to 4.5ml.
PROS
DOOLEE THIS TANK USES
BOTH & TFV8
CLEITO 120
REVIEWS
COILS
40 @VAPENEWSGO
TwoCoilsOneTank.com
DOOLEE THIS TANK USES
BOTH & TFV8
CLEITO 120 COILS
TwoCoilsOneTank.com
K A N G E R
BY JOHN CASTLE LEGION.LIVE@ME.COM
W
ith devices like the Innokin Coolfire Ultra bringing back the “integrated battery plus advanced functions” form pioneered by the Innokin MVP back in 2013, it was only a matter of time before Kanger got in on the action. With the Vola they’ve done just that. The Vola is a 100 watt mod featuring variable power and temperature control functionality. Has Kanger got a winner on its hands here? We dug in to find out.
42 REVIEWS @VAPENEWSGO
In The Box The Kanger Vola kit arrives with the mod itself, along with the Vola sub-ohm tank, two atomizer heads (one is preinstalled), a full-color user manual, and a micro-USB charging cable. The packaging is frustration-free, and the contents are intelligently and securely arranged inside.
At the top of the mod itself is a springloaded 510 connection with an indentation to accommodate a 25mm tank — with a larger diameter device than that, you’ll get overhang. Beneath that on the front edge is a generously sized power/firing button. Nearer the bottom of that edge, you’ll find power and temperature adjustment buttons arranged vertically. Beneath those resides the micro-USB charging port. Rotating the mod clockwise will show you the 1.3” color OLED display.
Looks great, Good display Satisfyingly large firing button, excellent tactile feedback, Good performance
Cons: Battery equivalent to a single 18650, Design effectively limits tank size to 25mm diameter or less, Airflow control ring feels unsettlingly use (possibly just the review unit), No battery ventilation
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The Vola sub-ohm tank is available in TPD2-compliant 2ml e-liquid capacity in countries subject to TPD2 regulation, and in 4ml capacity in the United States. Either tank is 25mm in diameter and utilizes Kanger R2 or R8 atomizer heads. The R2 head is a single-coil unit rated for 0.4 ohm of resistance, while the R8 head
Starting at the top of an assembled kit, we have a short 510 delrin drip tip. Beneath that, the tank’s top cap unscrews entirely for the purpose of refilling, which is accomplished via four (rather than the usual one or even two) fill slots. Under that is a standard glass tank. Airflow control comes in the usual form, a twistable ring at the base of the tank.
Pros:
REVIEWS
The Vola mod itself is a 100 watt device capable of operating in variable power from 1 to 100 watts, or temperature control mode from 200-600 degrees Fahrenheit. It features an integrated 2,000 mAh battery.
is a quad-coil united rated for 0.2 ohm of resistance. Both coils are NiChrome with organic cotton wick.
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Specs & Features
design and quality control track records as Kangertech would even release a mod in 2018 which lacks this essential safety feature.
Price & Availability
Interestingly, although the display is full color, Kanger has opted to design the display elements in a very muted color scheme; whether or not this is pleasing is up to the individual.
44 REVIEWS
On the bottom of the device, I’m sorry to report, we do not find the usual battery ventilation which is absolutely obligatory on vaping devices at this point. Whether this was a simple design oversight or, rather, a gamble Kanger felt confident making due to the battery’s lower capacity is a matter of conjecture. It’s not a gamble I felt comfortable carrying in my pocket on a daily basis.
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Real World Experience The Vola impressed me almost immediately with its bright screen and friendly menu navigation system. The large, clicky firing button was a pleasure to use. Performance was also consistent, with the tank delivering satisfying flavor and throat hit with a few different e-liquids I put through it. However, there are two decisions on Kanger’s part that absolutely bar me from recommending the Vola to any user: First, the integrated battery here is the Vola’s Achilles Heel — with a mAh rating equivalent to only a single 18650, it doesn’t really compare favorably with its nearest competitor, the Innokin Coolfire Ultra, which packs double the capacity into a very
similar form factor at a very similar price point. Second, and in my opinion even more unfortunate, is the decision to omit battery ventilation on a device with this power output capability, regardless of the charge capacity. Frankly, I find it mind-boggling that a company as well established and in possession of such otherwise excellent
The Kanger Vola kit, including the mod and the Vola sub-ohm tank, are available from a multitude of online retailers. For this review, I used VapeSourcing.com, where you can get the kit in Black, Grey, Red, Orange, Blue, or Green colors for $47.90 plus shipping. A decent if not outstanding device in most respects, the Kanger Vola’s subpar battery capacity and stunning omission of an essential and basic safety feature leaves me singularly unimpressed with what should have been a far better effort from such an established brand.
Going Mad for
46 REVIEWS @VAPENEWSGO
I
n an ever-evolving industry containing a cornucopia of devices, it can sometimes seem like innovation is lost at the cost of mass production. When you find a company that produces a device that stands above the rest it is truly a thing to be admired. I found myself brimming with exactly that admiration upon receiving my Mod Modder box mod. The first and possibly most aesthetically brilliant feature in the long list associated with this device is the ability to order custom tailored engravings. Upon purchase, simply submit your image (or images) on their website and receive a mockup via email from one of their talented artists. Once the design is set, they laser engrave the artwork on the custom
BY RAY NORCROSS VAPEMERCS@GMAIL.COM
47 REVIEWS VAPENEWS.com
enclosure and the mod usually ships between 14-21 days from the time of purchase. This is because Mad Modder devices are built to order. This feature allows you to have a truly one-of-akind device at a reasonable price.
When inspecting the enclosure, it has a very seamless design. The lines on the battery door are flush. The magnets that hold the door shut are strong. When you open it to look at the internals, everything is snug and perfectly in place. No rattle, nothing loose. The battery, DNA chip and other
components are firmly mounted to optimize the space provided. You can tell that this device was made by people that care about what they are creating. The Box I received for this review, is nicknamed “The Beast”. This is the 2800mah LiPo battery, which is the largest that they currently have listed on their website. With a battery of this size, it’s sure to last you most of the day, depending on how much you vape and how high the wattage is when using it.
Mad Modder does add their own presets on the device before it ships, but if you feel the need to change the way things look, or want to add your own flare to your device, there is a program that allows you to do so. Just one more thing that sets this mod apart from some of the other DNA devices out there. 48
One of the biggest parts of the experience for me, was Mad Modder Studios customer service. From beginning to end, they wanted to make sure that your experience was the best that it could possibly be. No matter who I spoke to, everyone was on the same page, very open to any questions I may have had, and could walk me through every step of the way. Not only was this helpful, but enjoyable.
REVIEWS @VAPENEWSGO
I have run this mod at several different variables, and still get most of a workday without having to charge it. Even if you do end up having to charge, that’s okay! They include a 2 Amp rapid charging cable in your box for just that occasion. It does use throughput charging, which was something new to me, but standard with any LiPo device on the market. The convenience of not having to worry about swapping batteries in and out, was refreshing. I could just plug the cable in and let it charge back up. This made my experience all the better.
The chip that they use is the Evolv DNA 250 chip, which is the best on the market, in my opinion. The chipset maximizes your experience and offers the most accurate reading of your ohms and wattage, as well as your battery life.
This is also a company that stands behind their product. Every box comes complete with custom programed software and a charger. One year DNA board warranty and lifetime battery warranty. In this day and age where it seems like everything is made quickly and not always with the best care, it is absolutely wonderful to find a company that is willing to put in the time, care and effort to build a quality product. Having a regulated device that I know is made to last, and is supported by professionals who strive for excellence and precision, gives me piece of mind and confidence knowing that I won’t have to look anywhere else to find it.
Central and south american vape expo
May 26-27, 2018 | Medellin, Colombia 2017 expo Attendee Count
122
7462
714
Exhibitors
Consumers
businesses
BOOTH SPACE/SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE! Event Sponsors
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+1-631-777-3455 / Exhibitors @ vapesouthamerica.com
vapesouthamerica.com
For Smokers By Vapers
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& sponsored by:
An Expo Like No Other
entertainment by:
chattanooga convention center
june 16 & 17 2018 www.vaperscarnivale.com
Compiled By Chris Mellides
MYLE Vapor
MYLE Nicotine Delivery System
52 BUYER’S GUIDE @VAPENEWSGO
Available in either a GunMetal or Midnight Black finish, the MYLE from MYLE Vapor is a stylish and sleek low output device that’s aimed towards beginners and seasoned vapers alike. An anti-leak pod system, the MYLE pairs well with a number of salt nicotine flavors sold in packs of four. These flavors include: Cubano; Mighty Mint; Summer Strawberry and Tropical Mango. Each MYLE Pod contains 0.9ml of e-liquid with 5% nicotine by volume, which translates to an approximate equivalent of 240 puffs. The MYLE measures 96 x 19 x 7.2mm and with its 240mAh built-in battery, the device goes the distance with unparalleled performance. MSRP $29.99
www.mylevapor.com
USV
Arc (240W) This dual 18650 series device is regulated by a 32-bit ARM Processor and can operate between 5-240 watts of power. The mod is of a lightweight ABS construction and is available in an assortment of color styles. The device measures 86.5 x 61.3 x 30mm and is incredibly comfortable to hold. A 0.91” color display makes navigation a breeze and displays all of your settings nicely. The Arc is also capable of temperature control from 200-600°F with support for Ni, TI and SS316 coils. Additionally, this device can run in bypass mode, which is non-adjustable and provides a maximum current output similar to unregulated devices. The Arc supports resistances from 0.1Ω2.0Ω. Included in the box is the USV Arc Mod, a USB Cable, User Manual and Warning Card. MSRP $80.00.
www.usvofficial.com
Armageddon Mfg Oden Mod Incredible ingenuity meets top-tier American manufacturing when it comes to the Oden Mod from Armageddon Manufacturing. The Oden is a 24mm mechanical tube mod that’s both stylish and ergonomic. Strong neodymium magnets provide the perfect amount of resistance for an easy throw of the device’s switch. The Oden can accommodate both 18650 and 20650 batteries with an included delrin battery sleeve adapter for use with 18650s. A copper contact pin ensures maximum conductivity for some hard-hitting performance and an adjustable insulator takes up for battery rattle. The Oden is a heavy-hitter and one hell of a contender in the vape space. MSRP $150.00.
www.armageddonmfg.com
Wake Mod Co.
SMOK
G-Priv 2 Luxe Edition
The E4 Charger is an excellent option for charging various battery types. App control allows users to check and adjust the device’s charging status at any time and a 2.1” LCD screen clearly displays charging modes and battery status. The E4 Charger can charge four batteries simultaneously, with each battery monitored and charged independently. Four buttons allow users to set the charging current and select battery types conveniently. A 5 Volt 1 Amp USB output can be used as a power bank to charge other devices. The E4 Charger also comes equipped with the following features: reversed polarity; short-circuit; over-current and over-charge protection. MSRP $36.99.
www.e-syb.com
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www.wakemod.com
E4 CHARGER
BUYER’S GUIDE
www.smoktech.com
The Wake RTA is brought to us by the original creators of the Dotmod brand. The device screams elegance and style and is intended to be used by flavor chasers and midrange wattage users. The Wake RTA measures 24mm in diameter and sports a postless deck design. There is gold plated stainless steel construction throughout and a gold plated copper 510 Pin to ensure increased conductivity. The tank also has adjustable airflow and uses a top-fill system for easy access when filling. The Wake RTA comes with an acrylic flavor-bore drip tip and can be found in the following colors: Black; Gold; Blue; Red and Green. MSRP $40.00.
E-SYB
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An update to the G-Priv 2, the Luxe Edition features a smooth, curved design and a 2.0” touch screen display that allows you to effortlessly navigate the intuitive menu system. This mod is capable of outputting 230 watts of blistering power, which should satisfy the majority of vapers out there. The G-Priv 2 Luxe Edition also comes with a TFV12 Prince tank, which has a large e-liquid capacity and a unique Cobra drip tip is included as well. This mod is available in an assortment of finishes, which include: Prism Gold; Prism Chrome; Prism Rainbow; Prism Blue, Prism Gun Metal and Matte Black. MSRP $229.99.
Wake RTA
Available in 25mg, 35mg & 45mg
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FRUIT PUNCH
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BUYER’S GUIDE @VAPENEWSGO
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