Showing posts with label thevaporbar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thevaporbar. Show all posts

Saturday, May 24, 2014

TheVaporBar Juice Review

Hey folks! Alongside the stellar tank I received from thevaporbar, I was also lucky enough to sample five of their juices. To be honest, the 16.95/30 ml price point did concern me. In this industry, you've got a lot of options, and often a higher price commands a higher quality product. However after a nice talk with Schell, she did put it into perspective for me. As a company, they want to ensure that their customers receive only medical grade PG, USDA approved VG, medical grade nicotine, and the best flavorings. They do not cut corners; they mix these juices and run them through a stringent lab, of which  is AEMSA (american eliquid manufacturing standards association) certified. Unfortunately, this doesn't always equate to a stellar vape, despite the level of dedication.



By no means does this juice turn me off. In fact, I found three of the five bottles quite lovely. What concerns me is the pricing. 16.95 is quite steep, considering the total volume is only 30ml. This isn't to say that the juice isn't WORTH the price, but it can be a severe let down if you do not like the juice. Let's say you decide to play a little "juice roulette." Normally, you're a fan of fruity flavors. One day, you feel the need to give a bakery treat a spin. You eagerly await your package, tear it open upon arrival, and fill your tank of choice.

You're let down. You aren't a fan. This is the potential disappointment customers face when paying such a price. When it comes down to it, I would suggest sticking to what you know. If you aren't sure you will absolutely like the juice, more so the thought of it, pass. If they could in the future provide customers with the option to select a smaller volume, I believe they could experience a surge in e-liquid sales. I say this because, I do not like committing to something until I have tried it. Unfortunately, I am a bit cautious trying something upper echelon in regards to price.

With that said, the juice I liked, I absolutely loved. They're well made, they came pre-steeped, and they're packed full of flavor. It is also a great comfort knowing such stringent testing went into each and every bottle.  The bottles are quality product, featuring child secure caps that give ME trouble. This is beyond commendable to me, because as a father I appreciate the extra layer of security. They're all mixed 70/30 PG/VG, a very comfortable flavor to vapor ratio. A few bottles also have the "keep away from pets and children" warning, something I feel every bottle, that every vendor sales, should brandish. With this said, lets get on to the review.

70/30 PG/VG
20MG

Website description: Customers say this is a closet to a Marlboro Medium.
Impression : First and foremost, I am not a fan of tobacco juice. In my experience, every juice touting itself as a tobacco offering has disappointed me. Unfortunately, this juice is no different. The aroma is very weak, an almost faint pipe tobacco smell. The initial vape was unpleasant all the way around. Anticipating a tobacco taste, I was let down. The flavoring is flat, and I have trouble putting my finger on just what I am tasting. I feel that this "special blend" is lacking in the special department. Setting aside a personal tobacco bias, I was left dumbfounded to what exactly I was tasting. It's a bit of a dry vape, with in my best opinion is a faint pipe tobacco taste. 1/5, unfortunately.

 Hell Frozen Over
70/30
16mg

Website description: Cinnamon and ice, very nice!
Impression : Dear LORD I was born on a mountainside! This juice packs a punch like no other. I was never a menthol smoker, so I wasn't expecting this to satisfy the palate. Boy was I taken for a wild ride. The aroma is incredibly complex, offering a cinnamon and minty scent that delights the nasal passage. After a deep whiff, I knew this juice was a force to be reckoned with. The inhale is a complex medley of cinnamon, retaining it's sweet and spicy nature without overpowering your taste buds. The exhale is a delightfully refreshing shot of menthol, a solid compliment to the sweet and spicy cinnamon. The mix is exceptionally well done; as the layer of cinnamon and menthol is nearly perfected. I must say, if you can brew a gallon of this, I will literally throw my money at you. 5/5!

Hummingbird
70/30
16mg

Website description: Fruity watermelon flavor.
Impression : I truly expected to like this flavor. The clever name and smell had me quite excited. I am a huge fan of berry/fruit juice, so I anticipated being right at home. The aroma was a bit on the cough syrupey side, yet I did not let that deter me. Unfortunately, the juice tasted just as it smelt. The inhale was reminiscent of a cherry cough drop, and the exhale consisted of a very subtle watermelon undertone. I feel that this juice has potential if they can manage to experiment with different berry/watermelon flavorings. With that said, a family member really enjoyed the juice, so your mileage may vary. 2.5/5

 Very Merry Berry
70/30
16mg

Website description: A mixture of all berries!
Impression : Yes. Yes. YES! This, alongside hell frozen over, absolutely justifies that 16.95 price point. When thevaporbar perfects a juice, it is second to none. I have looked high and low for a juice of this caliber. The smell is a lavish, delightfully fruity scent that can entice with ease. The inhale is so wondrously captivating and sweet, followed by an exhale that exudes a multitude of berry flavors. It seems as if every vape is a surprise! I get strawberry, blueberry, grape, wildberry and a very slight hint of mango. I can't believe that a juice containing so many layers manages to shine through in every regard. If you notice the picture, I have managed to vape nearly half the bottle! Whether it is out of a tank, a dripper, or a carto, this juice is absolutely wonderful. 5/5! ADV!

Murdock's Menthol Blast
Website description: A true menthol blast.
Impression : As I previously stated, I was never a menthol smoker. With that in mind, it is ironic how a menthol juice can make me wish that I was. It is part of the tobacco section on their website; yet I did not detect even the faintest tobacco. The smell is very similar to a pack of winterfresh gum, quite pleasant. The inhale is hard to explain, it is very cool, minty, but not overpowering in the slightest. It isn't until the exhale that you're rocked with an icy blast of menthol. This particular juice is everything it is made out to be, a refreshingly cool, minty menthol. It is also great to have this on hand if you're suffering vapors tongue, as it is incredibly bold, able to "reset" the tastebuds with ease. 4/5!

Overall, my experience with TheVaporBar was a pleasant endeavor. After trying Very Merry Berry and Hell Froze Over, I feel that maybe they would see more success if they eliminated some flavors to focus on the more stellar offerings. I will definitely revisit Very Merry Berry and Hell Froze Over, and truly hope to continue business with TheVaporBar.

Comments? Concerns? Need help with a product I've reviewed? Feel free to contact me by filling out the form on your right. As always folks, vape strong and live long!

Friday, May 23, 2014

PO3 Side filling Cartomizer Tank

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.