E-cig News

With all the choices out there right now, I thought I'd do a run-down of all the big battery model e-cigarettes on the market.

Before I begin, I should mention here too in case you don't know, that the higher the milliampere-hour (MAH) of a battery, the longer it will last without requiring a charge. The voltage controls how hot the heating element within the atomizer burns thus the quantity of vapor produced.

Standard e-cig batteries run at ~3.7 volts. Some users and manufacturers have experimented with higher voltage batteries and found that they prefer the increased vapor production and throat hit, but some caution should be advised as there have been some reports of blown atomizers. In other words, try and not press the button too long and give the it a rest now and again. Some atomizers have a higher tolerance than others. Some users have complained that there is a decrease in flavor at higher temperatures.

The Screwdriver from Trog

This was a revelation in vaping when they first hit the forum almost a year ago now. Many people including me who had grown tired of constantly charging batteries only to see them fail in a short time were agog at Trog's creation creation and quickly snapped up one of the first few in production.

Trog holds the acclaim of being the first manufacturer to create an e-cig with a reusable battery case which also fitted ordinary cheap atomizers - a real money saver considering the style of battery that was used (CR123a 3.7V) could be picked up on dealextreme for as little as $1.50 each shipped.

You can buy one of two models, one that fits a 901 (mini) atomizer or one that fits a pen-style though there are adapters available that will let you use a pen-style or 510 on one that is fitted for a 901. There are two color choices available: Silver or Black. The kits run for about £99 or $159 and include 2 batteries, two atomizers a charger and an lanyard

You can pick one up at Trog's own site or if you are in the US, you can try Totally Wicked

The adapters for different atomizer styles that fit a variety of big battery models are available from e-cigcity.co.uk in the UK or from Altsmoke in the US.

Update: A new mass produced version of the Screwdriver called the MKII is now available. From my understanding it seems entirely similar in scope though now fits protected batteries.

The GG from Imeothanasis

The GG Transformer (GG stands for Golden Greek) comes with various parts that lets you assemble three different sized GG models depending on your preferences: A GG Nano, GG Grant, and the GG Giant. Depending on which model you choose to assemble, the GG Transformer will accommodate different sized batteries.

Just like the screwdriver the GG Nano takes one CR123A 3.7 volt battery rated at 900 Mah.

The GG Grant take will take either one AA sized 14500 battery rated at 900 MAH with 3.7 volt out-put or two 3 volt CR2 batteries for a combined total of 6 volt output with 800 MAH.

The GG Giant is designed to take either one 18650 battery for 3.7 volt output and rated at 2600 MAH or two CR123a 3.7 volt batteries for a combined ~7.2 Volts out-put with 900 MAH.

It should be said that some amount of caution should be taken when you are attempting to run 6 or 7.2 volts through to the atomizer. There have more than a few reports of atomizers being burnt out. Imeothanasis has recently begun teasing forum members with the announcement that he has developed a new atomizer which is designed to accommodate any battery from 3.7 up to 7.2 volts. Hopefully it will put the stories of blown atomizers to rest for good.

The GG transformer is completely mechanical and the switch is lockable. You can watch a video of it being demonstrated on youtube here

The GG Transformer is designed to take DSE901 atomizers though there are adapters available that will allow you to fit either a pen-style or a 510 atomizer. The GG is available to purchase if you contact Imeothanasis directly at the GG website. Imeo tends to post his supply availability on this forum thread.

The Super T from Super T Manufacturing

Probably the one large battery model I am most interested in of the bunch. It looks like a lot of thought went into its elegant design and it prides itself on being the slimmest larger battery model out there that takes a 3.7 volt CR123A battery. Dave its inventor describes its circumference as being a hair thinner than a dime.

It has some nice features too. The one I appreciate the most is a lock mechanism built into the switch. One twist and you won't have to worry about it misfiring in your pocket (that's happened a few times for me). A small hole at the top lets you adjust the draw with small supplied replaceable inserts while you can also adjust how far you have to push the button to activate the device.

Three machined holes placed at a thirty degree angle on the side will vent any dangerous gasses away from your face in the event that a battery should fail - a nice safety feature. The super T will also accommodate protected CR123a batteries (about a centimeter longer) which is excellent for the paranoid like me.

Adapters are available to let it take 801, 901 or 510 atomizers. An extension sleeve is also available to allow it to take 2 CR2 batteries for 6 volt output. Small details really make this model stand out for me like the Knurled front cap grip and the rear machine grooves. It's completely mechanical, crafted from T6061 aluminium giving it a rugged industrial feel and it wouldn't look out of place on a soldiers belt.

You can check out Dave's videos on his Youtube channel here

Prices run for about $145 for a full kit including atomizers, batteries and a charger or around $115 for the body and adapter on their own. Dave is based in the US but will ship internationally for a charge of $13.95.

The super T is available from his website at SuperTmanufacturing.com

Update: David is now offering a unit that is built to take 2 batteries with no need for a sleeve.

The Prodigy from Puresmoker

Built in the USA This was the first larger battery model e-cig I knew of that ran 5 volts through to the atomizer. It uses two CR123a 3 volt batteries

This was because its creator Steve decided this was 'sweet spot' for vapor production. I haven't tested the prodigy myself but you can see a fair video review from Scott on the device on Youtube. It looks like a robust unit but could be a little too large for some people.

One nice feature is that a drip tray surrounds the base of the atomizer which collects the liquid if someone over-drips. The prodigy is available with either an adapter for a 901 atomizer, pen-style or 510. Kits sell for around $140 though base kits comprising of just the battery casing and adapter can be picked up for around $95 or £64 in the UK. A smaller device using one CR123A 3.7 volt battery called "The Protégé" is in the pipeline.

The prodigy is available from Puresmoker in the US or from E-cigs.co.uk in the UK.
Use coupon code 'gimme5' for 5% off on the UK site.

Update: I have been told the Prodigy will also take a 2500 MAH 18650 3.7 V battery if an unregulated switch is purchased. Also the Protégé is now for sale.

The VP1 & VP2 from Vaprlife

Two more big battery models made in America. The VP1 takes a 10440 AAA size battery rated at a relatively low 360 Mah. Not much point for me as the batteries will have to be charged nearly as often as you would a regular e-cig. The VP2 on the other hand takes a 3.7V 900mAh 14500 AA size battery which would suit me better.

One stand out feature on these models is the ring of LED's which surround the top and light up when the user inhales. Not many of the big battery model e-cigs have LEDs so if you're into Christmas lights, you'll probably appreciate this model. The LEDs can be switched off permanently by reversing the position of the battery in the unit which is useful if you are trying to avoid detection in a cinema perhaps.

The VP1 and VP2 are built to take 901 atomizers and adapers will need to be bought elsewhere if you prefer something else. Chris and Sean do the first review I've seen on their youtube channel where they dub it 'The light Sabre'.

The VP1 costs $99 for a full kit which includes atomizers, batteries, carts and liquid or $69 for a smaller kit. The VP2 costs $139 for the full kit or $99 for the smaller.

The VP1 and VP2 are ony available at Vaprlife.com in the USA

The Silver Bullet from Altsmoke
The Silver Bullet is designed to take either one 18650 battery for 3.7 volt output and rated at 2600 MAH or two CR123a 3 volt batteries for a combined 6 Volt out-put with 1000 MAH. Persumably it will also take the CR123a 3.7 volt batteries but Rob at Altsmoke does not suggest you should try.

Constructed from 6061 aircraft aluminum, It appears to be quite thick and again Its size won't be everyone's cup of tea but it will suit some in particular maybe those at desk jobs or are not often mobile for long hours during the day as it has a nice base to stand upright on so It won't fall or roll off a table easily. That said I have been told that it does fit quite comfortably in your hands too. The design and finish is simple and sleek.

By default, the Silver Bullet is designed to take 510 atomizers but adapters are available to fit other types too. You can see a video review on Youtube by Terraphon here

Full kits go for around $140 and include atomizers, a battery and charger. The battery case on its own goes for $99. The Silver Bullet is available only from Altsmoke.com in the US and iVapour in the UK.

Update: Altsmoke is now taking orders on a smaller device that uses a 14500 3.7 battery rated at 900 MAH.

XXL battery for 801 from E-cig Tools
Looking very similar to the Screwdriver and probably fashioned from the same Romisen flash-light body Trog uses, This unit built in Germany has a couple of extra features which include a unit lock at the bottom to prevent it from turning on in your pocket and an LED to tell you when the device is powered on (green) and when the user inhales (yellow). The switch is placed on the top on this model which will suit some users.

The unit is built to take pen style atomizers and the kit sells for €129 and includes 4 CR123A batteries, 1 atomizer, a charger and pen strap.

The device ships from Germany and is only available from E-cigtools.com

The Janty Stick
The Janty stick is another unit that takes a 10440 AAA size battery rated at a relatively low 360 MAH which is only double the MAH of most electronic cigarettes. It also the most unmistakable of these bigger battery models looking quite similar to a small cell phone. The Janty Stick takes pen-stye atomizers though an adapter is available that will allow it to accommodate 901 atomizers. One handy feature is that the battery does not have to be taken out to be charged as the unit can be plugged in directly with a USB cable to either a wall socket or computer.

The Janty Stick kit includes 2 batteries, 1 atomizer, a charging cable, some carts and a pouch. It retails for around €60, £52 or $70 - one of the cheapest of the bigger battery models. Made from plastic, it is the only one completely manufactured in China. There have been some reports of trouble with the manual switch. It is available at Jantyshop.com in Europe JantyUSA.com in the US and both in Ivapour.com and smokejuice.co.uk in the UK.

The Bulli Slim, Big, Elite and Extreme from Bulli-Smoker.de

Bulli-Smoker is a Germany manufacturer that makes a line of four bigger battery model e-cigarettes that accommodate different sized batteries.

The Bulli Slim takes one AAA sized 10440 battery rated at 360 MAH similar to the Janty stick and Vaprlife's VP1. This is the smallest of the models. The design is tubular and crafted from aluminium. The manual switch is small and is placed on the top. A clicking mechanism in the switch is supposed to help prevent it from turning on in your pocket.

Moving up in scale, the Bulli Big houses one CR123A battery rated at around 900MAH. The CR123A batteries are short and wide and so is the design of this model. Similar in scope the screwdriver. It should last you about a day of light to medium vaping before requiring a charge.

Staying on the same level, the Bulli Elite uses a 900 MAH rated 3.7 volt 14500 battery similar to the GG Grant. The only difference between the Elite and the Big are the sizes. One is short and thick, the other is longer but slimmer. They are both rated 900 Mah and use 3.7 volt batteries.

At the end of the scale, the Bulli Extreme is the largest big battery e-cig model Bulli-smoker offers. This one uses a whopping 18650 3.7 volt battery rated at around 2400 MAH. That means it will last 6 and a half times longer than the Bulli elite, VP1 or Janty Stick. For those who prefer the 6 volt output, the Bulli elite will accommodate 2 CR123a 3 Volt batteries with no extra modification.

All of Bulli-smoker's models cost around €85 - €95 and come with a battery and atomizer. Each model is built to order and you have a choice between either taking 901 or pen-style atomizers. You can see a video in German of the Bulli slim on Youtube here

The Bulli units are available to purchase from their German store www.bulli-smoker.de. Tim from smokejuice.co.uk also sells the Bulli slim.

Various torch mods from E-cigcity.co.uk
Fairly little is known about these devices other than what is on their website about them. The units are made to order and are surprisingly inexpensive. Fashioned from various flash-light bodies, these devices either run on either the AAA sized 10440 3.7 volt battery or the larger AA sized 14500 3.7 volt battery depending on model.

E-cigcity also offer a variety of adapters and USB pass-throughs. I bought the 901 to 510 adapter and am very happy with it. One thing I have to say about E-cig City is their international shipping charge is dirt cheap. £1.10 on European orders or £1.90 to the USA. You can't beat that especially considering you could be charged anywhere from £10 to £20 elsewhere for an item from a UK e-cig store shipped internationally.

His torch mods ship with nothing but the battery case itself. You will have to buy the batteries, charger and atomizers independently though he does sell a charger and batteries for some models on the site itself. But like I said, they do go for a song - ranging from £21.99 for the cheapest up to £31.99 for the most expensive.

Garry also has a big battery model in the pipeline called 'The Nexus'. A video on Youtube is available here

The torch mods and everything else are available at E-cigcity.co.uk

The Zimoshi from Zimoshi.com
The Zimoshi is another home-made big battery unit from America. It looks the most unusual of all the units I have talked about so far, probably because of the arm that sticks out from the battery body which the atomizer is attached too. This allows the button which activates the unit to be situated where most atomizers on other big battery models are located. Depending on your preference, you might find this a more comfortable position. A faily bright LED illuminates on the atomizer arm when the button is pressed. A choice of colours for both the unit and LED is given on the site.

The Zimoshi Light Vapor is designed to take pen-style atomizers and uses 2 CR2 3 volt batteries for 5 volt out-put rated at 800 MAH as a resistor is built into the unit. I'm unsure whether one AA sized 14500 battery will work in its place and if the resistor can be removed.

There is a video of the device in operation on the creator's Youtube channel here. Forum member GrimmGreen also has a clearer demonstration of the unit here. Prices for a Zimoshi Light Vapor kit which includes batteries, atomizers, carts and liquid goes for around $135.

The Zimoshi is now available at Hardassvaporshop.com

The sidewinder
This model is not for sale (yet) and was created by a member on the e-cig forum for personal use though it could go into production and I hope it will. The unit is unique in so far that it is the only model that uses a flat rectangular battery commonly found in small portable gaming machines like the GBA or PSP or in some cameras (also available on Deal Extreme)

The atomizer connector is built on a hinge allowing it to flip in and out enabling you to store it safely in your pocket in a compact fashion. The switch is hidden beneath the atomizer when flipped in so the device will not turn on accidentally. A blue LED illuminates when the user inhales. Though it looks a little crude at the moment, I think the design is remarkable and entirely original. I hope to see them for sale soon.

More pictures can be found on this forum thread and video of the unit in action is up on Youtube here

The Nicostick from Nicowolf

For those of you on a very tight budget, Nicowolf has very kindly provided the instructions to create your very own 'Nicostick' complete with a list of all the parts you'll need which you can pick up on-line or from just about and DIY or electric store.

Though this style of box mod has been floating around the forums for a while, I think Nicowolf's version deserves a mention because of her detailed break-down of the work involved in creating one.

Very helpful detailed instructions on how to build your own can be found on this forum thread. If you contact her, she might even make you one for a fee if you're not up to the task.

I should say too, if you are after something with a more tubular design, forum member Cisco has also provided a very useful guide on how to fashion a big battery model from a common-or-garden laser pointer. You can check it out here. He also sells the odd one now and again so you could try contacting him in his profile if interested. I think he also sells some atomizer adapters too.

The Shotgun from Billyboy689

A world first - a double barrel e-cig! Designed by Australian forum member Billyboy689, this is the only e-cig I know of that accommodates dual atomizer use. A bit of a novelty item, but for those who love throat hit, this unit probably can't be beat. Looking more like a terrain vehicle from Star Wars than any kind of e-cig, users who can get over the look will be rewarded with huge plumes of vapour with the option of mixing flavours - not a bad concept for those who like to switch things up a little. You can catch a video of the shotgun in action on Youtube here

No idea on price or how many are available but if you are interested you can make inquiries for their purchase on Billyboy's forum profile here

The Shotgun can use either two CR123A 3 volt 1000 MAH batteries for a combined output of 6 volts, two CR123a 3.7 volt 900 MAH batteries or one 18650 3.7 volt 2400 MAH battery.

The AdapteveR

This solid hunk of torpedo shaped aluminium is another big battery model hand-made in the USA. The AdapteveR boasts that it contains not one ounce of solder or any wiring. As all models of the same style atomizer are slightly different, the adapter comes with a unique spring mechanism which ensures a steadfast connection is made with the battery.

The AdapteveR is designed to fit one protected 3.7 volt CR123A battery It will fit either 510 or 901 atomizers depending on which adapter you order at point of purchase.

The AdapteveR costs $99 and is only available as a stand alone unit. No atomizers, batteries, carts or juice are included. The charger for the battery which fits the unit can be bought at Deal Extreme. Extra adapters for each of the two different atomizers (510 and 901) can be purchased for $25. The device can be dismantled so any broken parts can be easily replaced. A switch removal tool comes with the kit. A video review can be watched here

The AdapteveR is available from adaptever.com

Update: A sleeve is now available to permit other battery combinations and 6 volt output.. Video here.

The Copper Series

AtmosUSA offer a series of big battery e-cigs based around their original design - The Copper. The Rounded Copper, R2 and the original Copper are all designed to either fit two 3 volt CR2s for 800 MAH and 6 Volt output or one 14500 3.7 volt battery with 900 MAH. The Mini-Copper takes one CR123A 3.7 volt battery.

Not shy about looking like something you would find under your kitchen sink perhaps, the Copper models are designed to exclude any solder or wiring . One stand-out feature of the Copper series is that the devices are activated by pushing down on the atomizer assembly with your mouth. I don't think there is any other unit where the switch works like this.

Another unique feature is that the Coppers were originally designed to fit the RN4081 (or super mini) atomizers but they can also be ordered to fit penstyle, 901 or 510 atomizers also. The Mini-Copper only accepts 510 atomizers. Prices range from around $50 up to $99 for a full kit. The Copper series are only available form AtmosUSA. GrimmGreen has a demo up on youtube.

The GLV From Great Lakes Vapor

Great lakes Vapor produce two models of personal vaporizers. The larger model takes two 3 volt CR2 batteries for a combined total of 5 volt output with 800 MAH (a resistor is used). The smaller model takes one 3.7 volt cr123a 900mah battery.

Similar in scope to the Zimoshi, the button to activate the device sits on top which some people might find a more comfortable position. If you order a GLV, you can choose between a 510, 901 or penstyle atomizer connection. A range of colors are available, an LED is optional. It can also be personalized by way of a laser etching.

A base kit comprising of only the body itself goes for $75. For 5 volt output, add another $25. The GLV is only available from greatlakesvapor.com in the USA.

The Chuck and Little Chuck

The chuck comes in two models. The Little Chuck takes one 3.7 volt cr123a 900mah battery, while the larger model can take either one 18650 3.7 volt battery rated at 2600 MAH or two 3 volt CR123a batteries rated at 1000 MAH. A sleeve can also be purchased for $5 if the use of two 3 volt CR2 batteries rated at 800 MAH is preferred.

A vast range of colors and customizations are available and customers can have them designed to their specs. The unit is available to be ordered with either a 510, 901 or penstyle atomizer connection. The button which activates the device sits near the top end where the atomizer connects.

The Chuck and Little Chuck both sell without atomizers, batteries or chargers. The unit is sold for $75 in the USA and is only available from thagbuilt.com. You can see a review of the unit from moobyghost on youtube

The Vapre 51

Another of the smaller type of big battery mods, the vapre 51 takes one protected AAA size 10440 battery. An Unprotected version of the same battery can also be used. It is similar in scope to the VP1 and I believe it was created by the same person. A ring of LEDs alight around the top of the unit when the button is pressed which is also situated near the top of the device where the atomizer is located.

The unit is built out of Stainless Steel, aluminum, and brass. It is laser etched with its own name. A choice of colors are available for the LEDs depending on stock. It is designed to fit the penstyle models though adapters are available in order to take 510 or 901 atomizers. The vapre51 is available from either truesmoker or litecigusa.net and is priced at around $109 for a kit which includes the batts and charger and other assortments depending on who you order from.

The Xhaler

The xhaler is available in 3.7V, 5V, 6V and 7.4V versions, depending on what kind of batteries are used. (either protected 3.7 volt cr123a batteries or 3 volt cr2 batteries). Thought the unit fits two batteries, a spacer battery is provided allowing the use of only one battery if desired.

The button on this device sits near the bottom cap. A wide range of colors are available. One unique accessory for this device (AFAIK) is an adapter that fits the cartomizer known also as the kr808d. The unit also accepts 901, 510 or penstyle atomizer depending on what you order. A basic kit (the body and some adapters) sells for $75 and more extensive kits go for $90 and $160. The Xhaler is only available from Nhaler.com

There is some talk about protected CR2 batteries on this forum thread

The DSE905

Looking similar to the screwdriver, this mass produced e-cig is made by Chinese company Sailebao - the brandname behind the DSE series of e-cigs. A couple of obvious design differences in this model are the on/off button at the base of the unit and the button switch which is located around the circumference at the top near the atomizer. A sleeve which surrounds the device also illuminates when the unit is in use.

The DSE905 uses 14500 3.7 volt 900 MAH batteries and will I have heard fit either protected or non-protected ones. I'm sure a lot of places will start carrying these but right now as far as I know, they can be picked up from Health cabin who ship from China I think. I will try to add others as I find them. Kits look to be going for around $65 - $75 while the body itself with some batteries can be picked up for around $45.

The Kameleon

Partysomker.nl a Dutch outfit who I believe were behind the lady pipe e-cig which was popular for a while have brought out their bigger battery model - The Kameleon. It runs on one 3.7 volt cr123a battery with 900 MAH.

Out of the box it comes with adapters that fit penstyle, 510 or 901 atomizers along one of each type of atomizer. The switch is positioned on the side near the top in a small recess. The Kameleon is available from Partysomker.nl. A full kit which includes the batteries, charger, adapters and atomizers sells for around €94 or $140. You can see a few more pictures on this and read a review on this Dutch e-cig forum thread. A USB pass-through that fits the device is in the pipeline.