Today, I will be reviewing a side filling pyrex cartotank (dubbed the PO3) I received from thevaporbar, courtesy of Schell. I will also review an assortment of juices, however that will be separate. Schell was an absolute pleasure to deal with, a personable woman who has a deep understanding and appreciation for the industry. I must say, it is great dealing with somebody who resonates with passion for her craft. Take a look at their storefront for a wide selection of tanks, juice and accessories.
This tank is nothing short of a dream. The owner assured me that they are made by hand, which is a tremendous
testament to its quality and workmanship. It is a unique design, lending it’s
likeliness to Texas Tuff Tanks, as well as IBTanked offerings. The cartotank is
a simple concept. You take a typical cartomizer (xl, or L, slotted or punched)
and fill it with liquid of your choosing. You then thread the cartomizer
through the aluminum caps that hold the glass in place, fill up through a thumb
screw located on the side of the pyrex, and enjoy!I will attach an
instructional video that thevaporbar provides, as it is of considerable detail and a foolproof
walkthrough.
They’re offered in a variety of styles and color. You can
purchase the economy tank, made of citrus and cinnamon resistant material at 10.99, complete
with the sidescrew . They also offer premium PO3 tanks, up to the Pyrex Side
filling PO3 tank, which is sold at 44.00. They also offer the pyrex
tank without a screw.
With all that in mind, here is what I like!
- Build Quality
This thing is an absolute monster! Right off the bat, I was
taken aback by the quality of the pyrex. If I have ever seen such a solid, well
rounded hefty chunk of glass, it would be today. By nature, it isn't
overbearing, however it is thicker than your standard glass tank. I respect the
bulk as it offers a certain piece of mind. I treat my pyrex tanks
like…well, glass, but with the PO3 tank, it sports a rugged and tough by design
construction. Not to mention it holds a generous 5ml of juice! I sincerely
believe it could withstand a drop or two, which can’t be said for a few other
tanks on the market.
The aluminum caps that seal the pyrex in place are of equal
craftsmanship; boasting strong, reliable seals. I was skeptical how it would
come together without o-rings, but the seals fit like a glove, with no giveaway
or wobble. I can confirm with absolute certainty that it is leak proof, which
is a dream in it of itself. Now, what I did notice is that the aluminum cap
that houses the end of the carto, or your
510 connection, is not 22mm in diameter. I believe it’s a hair under
23mm, which can be a potential setback to those who prefer a flush look when
paired with a mechanical mod. I don’t mind, but this can be a deal breaker for
some.
The side screw feature is also done exceptionally well. The
hole in the pyrex was machined very well, displaying no visible cracking,
chipping, or uneven ridges. The screw itself is also a pleasure to use; it fits
securely and screws in with little force required. A warm welcome, considering
the force required in other tanks featuring the same fill up method. To fill is
a breeze, simply tilt the tank on it’s side, (preferably) insert your needle
cap and fill!
When you’re offered a hand crafted tank, the expectations
are high. Not a lot of companies manufacture their own product, as it is an
endeavor that could prove less than fruitful. I can honestly say my
expectations were surpassed in every way imaginable. The tank retains its soul,
its function, and it is definitely built to last.
- Ease of use
As the sum of it’s part become the whole, it is a relatively
painless venture. Simply insert your cartomizer into the bottom aluminum cap,
prime with juice, and attach the top aluminum cap. Add a drip tip of your
choice, and you’re good to go. For those who have no experience filling a
carto, much less working with one, this won’t be a crash course. I will however
attach a link, in which Schell provides a very in depth walkthrough.
Personally, I am not a fan of cartomizers, however this particular setup gave
me little to no trouble.
- Appearance
Assembled, I have to say, it is a very attractive tank. It
is slightly larger than an aerotank, shorter than an aspire nautilus, yet
nearly just as wide. As previously stated, it doesn’t fit the 22mm diameter a
plethora of mechanical devices command, so it will not sit flush. However, it
only sticks out a hair, and I find it quite unique atop a mod. When paired with
a beauty ring, you can achieve a sleek, personable look. I really, really like
the width to this tank, it is a chunky offering, yet it doesn't look obtrusive.
Another plus is how well it fits in my pocket!
It's an eye catcher, and that is no understatement. When paired with your drip tip of choice, you'd be hard pressed finding a tank that can compete with the PO3 and it's stylistic offerings. The last thing I'd like to note is that it has no logo, no branding, of ANY KIND. I absolutely love this. It lets me feel like what I am using is truly one of a kind, without letting the entire world know
"Hey man, check me out. One of a kind over here..."
- The Vape
This tank vapes very, very well! Provided you have taken the
proper steps in priming your carto, it absolutely chucks the vapor and provides
a very satisfying flavor. I have it atop an MVP currently set to 4.1 watts and I
have to say, it is almost a mini fog machine! Those expecting to truly taste
their juice will be very well welcomed by the PO3. As a person so used to the flavor and production of their own coils and tank setup, it's a nice change to not have to adjust anything, or to yearn for just a bit more.
Now here is what I do not like
- Packaging
The PO3 tank arrived in a tiny cardboard box. To be perfectly honest, I was expecting something a bit more in line with the quality of the product itself. This doesn't mean I was expecting a grand box with a lock and key, however I felt that the tiny box left a little to be desired. For a hand built tank of such quality, it commands a certain level of pride. I know that the team is proud of this item; I just wish that it was packaged in a box that reflected this. A minor gripe, yet worth noting.
- Functionality
I can’t directly link this to the tank itself, but I believe I should share my insight. Despite the fact I got it working with little trouble, this is rarely, if ever, the case. Cartomizers are a pain, something the majority of the community can attest to. When they work, they work. When they don’t…they can be a bit of a nightmare. If it isn't properly primed and saturated, a fire can lead to a permanently burnt wick. Not to mention cartomizers simply do not offer the lifespan that a standard coil does, as dry burning isn't exactly an option. They can leak, and when they do, it’s a terrible mess. When they flood, it’s similar to a ship taking water. Obviously your mileage eill vary depending on what type of cartomizer you use, however I can only imagine what they could accomplish if they retained the build quality but offered it in a bottom/top coil configuration.
Overall, it is a genuinely well made tank that lived up to
every expectation I had. If you’re a fan of cartomizers, I wouldn’t
hesitate snatching this up in a heartbeat. If you are a first time user, I
would recommend acclimating yourself to a simpler offering before moving onto
this tank. With a wide variety of options and color, as well as an overall solid
performance, it is with a great pride I give this tank the vapocalyptic STAMP of approval.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to fill out
the box to your right and get in touch. Stay tuned for my review on thevaporbar's own line of juice! Vape strong, live long everybody.
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