510 vs 401

highping · 10-05-2009, 11:22 PM

I see a lot of people using/recommending 401's to new users and it concerns me a little. So maybe someone can straighten me out. I have been vaping for a couple months now. In the beginning I bought several models.
My first was a 4081 (S.E. Gold) and I really liked it. Great battery, life decent hit, etc. The only problems I had with it were 1) looked too much like a cig, making it difficult to be stealthy, and 2) kind of a pain to top off, as the reservoir was down in the cart. So you either have to have good aim with your drops or pop it out with a paperclip.
Wanting to try something different, I bought a 901. It also performed well, but I kept hearing about the 510 man batt and just had to try it. (I was spending $300 a month on analogs so that was kinda my spending budget going into e-cigs)... anyway... I got my 510 and WOW. It puts all the others to shame on the hit.
My wife then wanted an e-cig, but she wanted something smaller. I did some research and came up with the 401. When she got it I (of course) had to try it. I have to say I was quite disappointed. No throat hit whatsoever. The batt barely lasted an hour (maybe because I was chain vaping it trying to get something, IDK). It also has the same type of cart setup as the 4081, requiring good aim or removal of reservoir.
Which brings me back to my original statement. I have introduced at least a dozen ppl to vaping over the last couple months and I ALWAYS recommend the 510.
If the 401 had been my first experience to vaping, I would have thought, "it's a nice novelty but it's not gonna replace my smokes" and I would have stopped there (and still be plunking down $10 a day on the stinky-sticks).

I would just like to know from some others (that have used both the 401 and the 510) if they would agree with all this.

(BTW: sorry for the 'life-story' post)

Snarkyone · 10-06-2009, 12:27 AM

It was the exact polar opposite for me. I have them both now but I got the Dragon first which is a branded m401. The throat hit and the taste were fine for me and I was able to stop smoking the same day it arrived and have not looked back since. I got the Dragon because the m401 has the far superior battery, I think either yours wasn't charged up properly or was faulty since they are normally good for many hours of vaping.

After a week with my Dragon I got a 510 to check out after hearing all the good talk. I knew about the atomizer tasting like crap at first and was prepared and took the proper steps to avoid that taste. It still was not as good as the m401, the vapor was a little bit thicker yes, but that's about it. It was nowhere near as tasty as the m401/Dragon of mine. Only since I got a 6v Magnum mod for the 510 has it truly come into it's own. Now the taste is superior and the vapor is prodigious as it should be in a 6v E-Cig.

If I had gotten the 510 first I don't think I would have had the success I have had so far. The taste just really didn't hit for me until the 6v mod. Everyone has different taste as we all know so it really boils down to personal taste I think. The 510, m401, the cartomizers are all fine products if used right and with the idea that they don't last forever and they all have their flaws. A little modding can go a long way to increasing your enjoyment. I would not stress too much over first units either since we end up with at least 2 different E-cigs in most cases anyway.

firhill · 10-06-2009, 01:07 AM

Here's my take...

510 wins vapor, throat hit and better for dripping
M40x wins battery life, flavour retention and better for dipping

godling · 10-06-2009, 09:32 AM

My experience with the 401/510 is that you get used to your ecig and the other just doesn't cut it. I regularly switch between my 401 and 510 and am always disappointed when switching until I get used to the other ecig again. After using one for a day (or whatever), switching back is disappointing again. Why do I keep switching? My 510 has a PCC. If I had a PCC for my 401, my 510 would get mothballed.

sterlingvapor · 10-24-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highping

I see a lot of people using/recommending 401's to new users and it concerns me a little. So maybe someone can straighten me out. I have been vaping for a couple months now. In the beginning I bought several models.
My first was a 4081 (S.E. Gold) and I really liked it. Great battery, life decent hit, etc. The only problems I had with it were 1) looked too much like a cig, making it difficult to be stealthy, and 2) kind of a pain to top off, as the reservoir was down in the cart. So you either have to have good aim with your drops or pop it out with a paperclip.
Wanting to try something different, I bought a 901. It also performed well, but I kept hearing about the 510 man batt and just had to try it. (I was spending $300 a month on analogs so that was kinda my spending budget going into e-cigs)... anyway... I got my 510 and WOW. It puts all the others to shame on the hit.
My wife then wanted an e-cig, but she wanted something smaller. I did some research and came up with the 401. When she got it I (of course) had to try it. I have to say I was quite disappointed. No throat hit whatsoever. The batt barely lasted an hour (maybe because I was chain vaping it trying to get something, IDK). It also has the same type of cart setup as the 4081, requiring good aim or removal of reservoir.
Which brings me back to my original statement. I have introduced at least a dozen ppl to vaping over the last couple months and I ALWAYS recommend the 510.
If the 401 had been my first experience to vaping, I would have thought, "it's a nice novelty but it's not gonna replace my smokes" and I would have stopped there (and still be plunking down $10 a day on the stinky-sticks).

I would just like to know from some others (that have used both the 401 and the 510) if they would agree with all this.

(BTW: sorry for the 'life-story' post)

The 510 blows the 401 away. The 401 should be discontinued, too hard to draw, no vapor,
can't add e-liquid to that silly little cartridge, and one of my batteries was DOA, but no refund from dealer.
Stay away from the 401 not worth it.

firhill · 10-24-2009, 03:25 PM

Granted many prefer the 510, but a great many also like the 401.

Vaping is subjective and with all due respect, everyone is looking for their own specific needs from an e-cig, not yours.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sterlingvapor

The 510 blows the 401 away. The 401 should be discontinued, too hard to draw, no vapor, Some users like a slightly harder pull and there are some users who prefer less vapour for a number of reasons

can't add e-liquid to that silly little cartridge, Many users don't need or use the silly little 401 cart as they only use the 401 model for dripping or dipping.

and one of my batteries was DOA, but no refund from dealer. This should not in any way have a bearing on what makes a good or bad model. Your issue here should be with the supplier and not the 401 itself.

Stay away from the 401 not worth it. A great many e-cig users would strongly disagree as the 401 is their model of choice

Hachiroku · 10-24-2009, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firhill

Here's my take...

510 wins vapor, throat hit and better for dripping
M40x wins battery life, flavour retention and better for dipping

I am trying to come up with an easy and inexpensive solution for battery life for the 510.
I don't know if there is a battery adapter, but I am a cheapskate and trying to do this for under $10.

I am also working on a 12V-5V battery eliminator for the 510.
But, as with everything I do, it can't look like a kludge! (Er, just don't look at my computer...what's a cover?

)

Snarkyone · 10-25-2009, 12:50 AM

Do you really really want the best in vaping? Forget the 3 piece units altogether unless your going with a mod at the same time. Even then I would think twice, KR808D-1 or GreenCig is the way to go. Or.....go check out the thread where I talk about my latest toy you will all be begging for one of these. Which model....

firhill · 10-25-2009, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hachiroku

I am trying to come up with an easy and inexpensive solution for battery life for the 510.

I hear the 5-pack of 510 mega-batteries from totally Wicked will be on sale again, on Dec 6th.

If I still used my 510 batteries daily, I would get one as they seem to have been getting good reviews...performance wise.

firhill · 10-25-2009, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hachiroku

I am trying to come up with an easy and inexpensive solution for battery life for the 510.
I don't know if there is a battery adapter, but I am a cheapskate and trying to do this for under $10.

I am also working on a 12V-5V battery eliminator for the 510.
But, as with everything I do, it can't look like a kludge! (Er, just don't look at my computer...what's a cover?

)

Make one of Nuck's fistpacks and run a 510 atty on it at 4V-4.5V.

Kaye · 10-25-2009, 02:32 PM

Firhill, you're right. TW's 510 manual mega-batteries are awesome. They last for 9 to 12 hours between charges for me and charge up as quickly as the stock batts. I highly recommend them to 510 users. I probably vape less than a lot of people but I really think 8 hours is about right for a heavy vaper. Sweett4art and Rocket use them and anyone interested can probably check with them for more feedback. And thanks for the reminder about the sale.

Snarkyone · 10-25-2009, 04:42 PM

You can make a nico stick your self for about the $10 you want to spend. It requires no special skills you can make one without even knowing how to solder which isn't that hard really. Get a battery box from Radio Shack, a 18650 battery, drill the hole for the atomizer and insert and attach wires, and battery, close and vape.

Kaye · 10-26-2009, 02:35 PM

Or... for about the same amount of money, you could just open the cute little package when it's delivered to your door.....

Hachiroku · 10-26-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snarkyone

You can make a nico stick your self for about the $10 you want to spend. It requires no special skills you can make one without even knowing how to solder which isn't that hard really. Get a battery box from Radio Shack, a 18650 battery, drill the hole for the atomizer and insert and attach wires, and battery, close and vape.

Yeah, I'm getting quite a handle on this. Making an atty isn't something I want to tackle, but the batteries, charger, pass-thru etc are not very hard to understand.

Of course, after 12 years in aerospace, and 3 years building spacesuits, not much is...

One thing, though. I have seen some mods using 2 18000 series Li-Ion batteries, but they are in series for 7.2v total, and no explanation of how to charge it. If you go to the dollar store and buy a regular charger, better sit in another room while it's charging. Li-Ion batteries are pretty touchy about how they're charged, and if you try to charge them in a way they don't like....BOOM! Li-Poly batteries are a bit more forgiving, but still need a special circuit to charge them correctly.

As far as a box from RadShack, remember, it has to look COOL

I have an image to maintain...

highping · 10-26-2009, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaye

Or... for about the same amount of money, you could just open the cute little package when it's delivered to your door.....

same amount of money as what??

What's in the "cute little package"?

Kaye · 10-26-2009, 03:46 PM

highping, first, I suggested the 510 manual batt available from TW; then Snarky gave the info on how to build a nico-stick yourself rather than ordering something; my last post was meant to communicate my preference for just ordering the mega-batt and foregoing the trip to Radio Shack, the drilling of holes, and the connecting of wires. Of course, we all have our own idea of what constitutes a "cute little package" but in this case, I was talking about the shipment from the vendor (not the delivery man... or woman, depending on your personal preference).

highping · 10-26-2009, 04:09 PM

Oh, ok...you meant the 'cute little batteries'

It's apples and oranges though. (or more accurately an apple and a big basket of apples).
Those "mega" batteries are still only 280 mAh. An 18650 in a nicostick (or whatever mod you chose to put it in) is a 3000 mAh battery. So if the mega batts (that are $20 a piece BTW) are getting you 9-12 hours, a nico would last you about a week and a half between charges. (It lasts most vapers about 3-4 days).

Rant Warning

:
TW is such a rip-off. Some examples: 17.99 for a 510 batt (11 bucks anywhere else)... 14.99 for an atty ($7-$9 anywhere else)... 34.99 for a PCC (<$25 anywhere else)... a buck a mil for juice in 30ml bottles (15-20 anywhere else).
I think they are the only place that carries the mega-batts and 5-batt chargers, but any thing else you are buying from them you are paying too much for.
I finally broke down and ordered some of their juice because I read raving reviews everywhere. And after spending about $80 on various flavors, I gotta say, not impressed at all. I have a feeling they are gonna sit in the fridge as ban backups. Much better juice at Nhaler, JohnsonCreek, and Myfreedomsmokes for a lot less money.
Just my .02

Snarkyone · 10-26-2009, 05:09 PM

Nope you can get the mega battery and other fine 510 items, (I can barely say that with a straight face, I can't stand the 510) at The Electronic Cigarette Company (USA) Ltd. it is in Michigan so it should arrive fairly fast to that hole to the south. I am with Highping on this one, TW is a ripoff with a capital R. Their prices are way too high and I am not going to pay for their stupid little logo sticker on the bottles and crap. That's why it's so much higher I believe with all the stupid custom pics they have to charge more.

You want to see something go check out these:

YouTube - Snarky Vaping a GreenCig

YouTube - Greencig refill with hypo needle.

YouTube - Snarks GreenCig after refill

Try as I might the thing won't just post up in here like we can on another forum.

highping · 10-26-2009, 05:58 PM

Nice vids Snark... I like the hypo technique, glad to see I don't have to deconstruct and rebuild that carto every time I refill. Thanks for the info on the other supplier too.

I think we see eye-to-eye on a lot of this stuff. So even though you're a 510 bashin', ol' badger that lives in that damn mitten to the north, you're alright in my book

BTW: my 808 cartos are on the way. Will probably order the greencig carts in a couple days!!

highping · 10-26-2009, 07:25 PM

Snarky, Another question... you said the the 808s and GC's fit a 901 batt. so does that mean the kr808 batt will fit a 901 charger?
Here's what I'm thinking of getting (from Nhaler)... 2 KR808 manual batts($32) and a 10 pack of greencig cartomizers($28).
I already have a 901 charger. I also have a couple of the push in (no thread) USB chargers which I hear are almost universal.

So that's 2-batts and 10 carts for $60 !!

Do you think I Am going to be good to go with this stuff or do you have advice on a more practical way to purchase?

Edit: Too late...just ordered!!!

Edit 2: Don't ya just love how I end my 401 vs 510 thread by ordering green-cigs... Damn Snarky and his suggestive ways

Hachiroku · 10-26-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaye

highping, first, I suggested the 510 manual batt available from TW; then Snarky gave the info on how to build a nico-stick yourself rather than ordering something; my last post was meant to communicate my preference for just ordering the mega-batt and foregoing the trip to Radio Shack, the drilling of holes, and the connecting of wires. Of course, we all have our own idea of what constitutes a "cute little package" but in this case, I was talking about the shipment from the vendor (not the delivery man... or woman, depending on your personal preference).

I'm a do-it-yourselfer/techie/geeky type who likes getting my hands dirty. I built a sound-activated light controller for about $75 when I could have bought one for a few dollars more. Of course, MINE is BETTER (um, until one of the guitar players plugged his amp into it...

)

I can make one myself for ~$15, but it's more the metal excersize of working the problem out, finding the materials and assembling them and actually having them come out looking and performing well. As well as the money!

I get the same 'satisfaction' from working on my 'fleet' of mostly old Japanese cars, and if I can't find what I'm looking for, I MAKE it.

Snarkyone · 10-26-2009, 10:26 PM

Umm I have no idea about the battery chargers because then it gets really hinky I haven't the foggiest idea other than I have been told that the universal USB charger that you just push the 510 in to charge you don't have to screw it in or anything will charge the KR battery but I don't know if it will do all batteries to be honest. I wish I could give a better answer than that. One thing I talked about earlier with someone was for them to get a KR/GC passthrough for $19 and a pack of carts for the GC and or KR as well and use the 10% off code of saveinnj from Nhaler. That is the cheap way unless you already have a 901 or something. That's about it.

Oh and to the post that mentions the box mod and not wanting to take the time to make it and just rely on the mega battery, I know of a place that you can get that for something like $27 I saw it yesterday, that's nice and for the cost of a couple mega batteries you have a mod that will power it all day long no problem.