If anything in the current electronic cigarette market could be considered a hot new trend, it would be dual coil cartomizers. Dual coils have only been out for a relatively short time, yet the number of vendors carrying these items is growing as is the variety of sizes and styles. I recently purchesed the latest iteration of these cartomizers, the massive 3.5ml clear dual coil.
Design
Disassembled “dry burn” |
The 3.5ml dual coil cartomizer is essentially the same design as standard dual coils. As the name implies, dual coil cartomizers contain two heating elements (coils of nichrome wire) wired in parallel. The theory is that by placing a heating element in both the top and the bottom of a cartomizer, more even distribution of vapor can be achieved.
The 3.5ml version is naturally physically larger than an “xl” version carto. The larger tubes are size-wise in between a regular xl cartomizer and a Giantomizer or other eGo style cartomizer or atomizer. As opposed to the giantomizer, there is not a sleeve around the battery connector which means no adapter will be required to fit most batteries and mods.
Giantomizer, 3.5, Storm Tank |
The unusual size of the 3.5ml dual does result in a tube that won’t allow the use of a third party drip tip as 510 models are too small and eGo drip tips are far too large. The good news is that the included tip is quite nice. The rubber tip feels solid, has a comfortable shape and fits extremely well in the tube of the dual coil.
The overall construction of these cartomizers feels very solid and competent. Unlike the original dual coils, the tube was seated very firmly on the battery connector end, making disassembly for the above picture quite difficult. I also did not notice hairline fractures on the battery end of the tube with this model.
Experience
Test liquid
I deviated from my normal test juice for this batch because I found the throat hit to be too intense with my standard juice. Instead I opted for an 11mg PG juice.
I still hate syringes but they are useful |
Filling
Due to the amount of capacity in these cartomizers, I would recommend using a syringe inserted between the tube wall and filler to ensure the 3.5 is saturated with juice. Even using this method, I often end up with juice leaking out of the battery connector before the carto is completely filled. I averaged around 3ml before I stopped trying to fill any further. Juice can then be reapplied as needed either by dripping or using a syringe.
Test Drive
I tested the 3.5s over a couple of days and several fills using my normal array of available e cig gear: a 5 volt 510 pass through, a 3.7 volt box mod and an eGo pass through. It is worth noting that the vendor does not recommend the use of eGo or 510 style batteries because the ultra low resistance can create high output beyond the switch’s capacity. I did not run into any such issues, however, these will drain batteries quickly, my 650mAh eGos last around 3 hours (down from 6-8).
The dual coils are known to perform better at higher voltages contrary to their ohm ratings. Therefore I’ll post my impressions in ascending voltage order.
eGo (~3.2v)
- Outstanding throat hit (using an 11mg juice)
- Warm vapor
- High vapor output
- Good flavor
- Similar throat hit to eGo
- Slightly warmer vapor
- Similar to slightly higher vapor output
- Similar flavor
- Very strong throat hit
- Very warm vapor (but not hot)
- Increased vapor output
- Intense Flavor
Too Long; Didn’t Read
Still with me? Great! Dual coil cartomizers are becoming a must have accessory if you are a carto fan. They get better the more abuse you throw their way. It was only a matter of time before someone made a huge version. Huge means all of the benefits with fewer stops to top off the carto before it melts. The constant paranoia of burning the filler keeps these cartos from being perfect. There are a lot of variables with the 3.5s so they are probably most at home on a variable voltage device.
Pros:
- Huge capacity
- Longer time between top offs
- Fantastic performance
- Durable
- Nice tip design (finally!)
- Will drain your battery quick
- Can burn if not topped off properly
- Not recommended for eGo or 510 (but no problems noted)
- Initial filling can be a chore
Rating: 3.5 somethings out of 5 somethings
Details:
Price: $14.99
Available From: Mad Vapes
Resistance: 2×3.2 (1.6 effective)
Threading: 510
Manufacturer: SmokTech