Joye eGo-C Review – the eGo reinvented
The Joyetech eGo-C is a staple in the e-cigarette world. The larger capacity and higher performance makes it the first step-up from standard mini e-cigarettes many people take. The eGo-C is a tank like the eGo-T but with a twist: replaceable, modular atomizers. In this eGo-C review we’ll see if the eGo-T has been bested the new technology.
Check pricing and availability for the eGo-C at Vapor Alley
What’s in the box
Included with each standard starter kit is the following:
- 2 650mAh eGo batteries
- 2 cone and atomizer holders (pre-assembled)
- 5 atomizer heads
- 5 tank cartridges
- 3 replacement cartridge caps
- 3 silicone tip covers
- 1 AC adapter
- 1 USB adapter
- Printed manual
- Carry pouch
eGo-C Design
I opted for the stainless steel Ovale branded version of the kit. The Ovale brand is owned by Joytech and is identical to the Joye branded devices. The battery and atomizer base portion feature the Ovale logo etched on the finish. These are the same kits as the Joye version and are produced by the same company, but with different logos.
For the most part, the Ovale eG0-C battery is a standard eGo battery. The models in this kit are of the 650mAh variety, and charge via a screw-in charger, not USB pass-through. These are newer Joye batteries so they have the 5 click on/off feature (click the button 5 times to toggle the unit on or off).
The battery’s button is the familiar hard plastic clear button. The LED light behind the button is white and is relatively bright.
Like the T, the C features a plastic tank that holds about 1ml of e-liquid. The tank is clear and features a flat whistle tip.
The difference in the eGo-C is the 3-piece modular atomizer assembly. Unlike a standard eGo, the C uses a three-piece modular design. Also, unlike a typical eGo, the cone is an integral part of that modular design. The other two parts are the atomizer base and the atomizer head.
The premise of the design is fairly simple. The base unscrews from the cone, and the atomizer head is inserted into the base. From there, just fill the tank,plug it into the cone and screw the assembly on the battery.
Like many tank systems in this class, the atomizer head features a hollow post with a wick running through it. The bar supporting the post appears wider than comparable e-cigarettes. In practical use, I found this meant I didn’t have to worry so much about aligning the contours of the tank with the bridge in the atomizer.
In theory, the ability to swap out the atomizer head and not the entire atomizer reduces the cost of upkeep. Another plus is the ability to swap out heads of different resistances to suit your mood.
The fact the heads are replaceable begs the question if they are less durable than traditional atomizers. I have not had my eGo-C kit that long, however some vapers I spoke to said that their atomizer heads seemed to be as durable as traditional atomizers.
It’s probably worth noting if you already have an eGo, the system will work on your existing eGo batteries. You can buy an eg0-C upgrade kit separately.
Using the eGo-C
For the most part, using the C is as simple as it sounds. The biggest snag I ran into there was the base and atomizer were screwed together very tight, making it difficult to separate the two.
Once the cone and base are unscrewed, take one atomizer head out of the strip packaging. From there, just drop the head in and re-connect everything.
Another trick to this unit has to do with filling the tank cartridges. While the tops do pop off, they’re hard plastic unlike the Innokin Leo, for example. It can be done but it tends to be hard on fingernails.
An easier method for me was to insert the empty tank into the cone to pierce the seal. Once done, remove the tank and fill via the opening with a syringe or pipette. The tank holds around 1ml of e-liquid.
Performance
Rounding out the technical details, I measured the battery and atomizer. The battery outputs a regulated 3.5v, not a powerhouse, but better than the 3.2v many eGo class batteries put out. The atomizer’s resistance measured at 1.9Ω on my ProVari.
While this isn’t exactly a powerhouse combination, the setup works pleasantly well. The eGo-C put out a respectable amount of vapor. Throat hit was also translated fairly well. Surprisingly, flavor was present in greater quantity than many of the tank systems I’ve sampled before.
As a side note, I found the shape of the whistle tip to be very comfortable. I could also easily check on my e-liquid levels by turning the e-cigarette upright and looking at how much was left in the base.
Battery life is typical for an eGo style device as well. At 650mAh the device would last several hours for me. Users stepping up from a traditional e-cigarette which typically has a battery in the 200mAh range should experience an impressive increase in run time over their old sticks.
The eGo-C did not have the issues I’ve heard reported with the older Joye eGo-T models. Specifically, other than some condensation build-up on the outside of the tank, I did not experience any leaking with this system. I also did not experience any problems with dry hits.
Despite bodacious back-to-back vaping the atomizer and e-liquid was able to keep up.
On a side note, when I put the atomizer on my Lavatube (with the help of a 510-eGo adapter), I did start getting dry hits at around 4v. This is more of a sign that the tank system was designed for lower voltage eGo batteries than anything else.
Too Long; Didn’t Read
The eGo-C is an interesting technology update to the classic Joyetech eGo-T. The modular atomizer heads are an interesting technology. The real story here, however, is the device performs well and doesn’t seem to suffer from some of the issues the original experienced. This kit is an excellent choice for users looking to upgrade from their first e-cigarette starter kit.
Click here to shop for the eGo-C starter kit
Pros:
- Good performance
- No leaking or burning issues
- Easily replace the atomizer components
- Solid construction
Cons:
- Not quite as easy to fill as other tank systems
- By now, shouldn’t all eGo batteries have USB pass-through charging?
- Batteries only have 650mAh capacity
Details:
Product Name: Joye eGo-C Starter kit
Available from: Vapor Alley
Price: $79.99
Battery Output: 3.5V (regulated)
Battery Capacity: 650mAh
Atomizer Resistance: 2.0Ω
Threading: eGo (battery also 510 compatible)
Disclosure: I feature affilate links for Vapor Alley and MyFreedomSmokes
11 Comments
John Guerra
(02/14/12 - 10:38 am)I am a relatively new vaper and am currently using an ego-t type a. I've been curious about these. Great review.
Steve K
(02/14/12 - 10:41 am)Thanks!
I never had a regular eGo-T, but I've had several 510-Ts and most of the Innokin gear, and I think the C compares pretty favorably.
Jacob
(02/14/12 - 1:15 pm)The 510-T, I liked. But I got tired of the atomizer plugging up and being difficult to clean and reduced efficiency after only a few days to week's use. The eGo-T I heard leaked. This one, I heard no leaks and also with the pull-apart atomizer/wick assembly, very easy to clean and keep in tip-top shape. Side note – regarding font size on screen here – but it comes out very tiny, the font size on screen and requires increasing the view to maximum size fonts, just to get them to be viewable as if normal size fonts on other websites.
Steve K
(02/14/12 - 1:19 pm)I haven't had the C long enough to need to clean, but it sure seems like it would be easy to do. The C is a pretty nice setup I think.
As far as the fonts, I always thought them a little small, but they're pretty much built into the theme. I'll have a look and see if there's something I can do, but it might have to wait until the next time I decide I hate the way the site looks and change the look again :)
Jacob
(02/15/12 - 12:18 am)This C also looks like it's easy to change the wicks, something else that would make it last a lot longer with proper care. I think I might try it because I did like the richness and smoothness of the previous tanks, but didn't like the difficult to clean designs. I have currently switched over to clearomizers, which those taste a lot like the tank systems too. Anything without the poly-fill, I am finding I like best.
Steve K
(02/15/12 - 1:12 am)I've never had success changing wicks on anything :) If you get it to work, let me know.
Casey
(02/15/12 - 6:32 pm)I've had my SR ego-c attys (from Ovale) over 2 months now and only one of em' has kicked the bucket. Cleaning for me is simply a vodka soak/rinse/dry and they work just fine.
I will say though that after trying a 'starter' kit from cignot with the LR atty head, I'm not going back to the standard units. The LR is the sweet spot for me. Now we wait for the 'b' cone assembly for the 2ml tanks…which is why the ego-t LR 'b' is still my go-to unit.
ken carney
(02/16/12 - 9:26 pm)although i am relativly newto the e-cigarette scene,my favorite model has to be the njoy
510. as i am legally blind, this unit is more than adiquate for my needs–especially when
fitted with a dct-10 tank assembly. it is quite simple to fill ando maintain despite my
visual impairment. everything either screws in, pulls apart, or snaps into place. though
other reviewers may reported that this unit suffers from leakage issues, the only time
that i might have a small leak is when i just filled my tank. my dealer replaced the
original o-rings with automotive grade units. once these units seat themselves, i have
no problems. even the cartomizer is easy to replace and fill. the only beef i have is
that the havana cigar e-juice is way too thick for this unit. so thick in fact that it will
clog your atomizer. maybe someone out there could tell me how i might dilute it so
that i could use this flavor again–it’s my favorite.
my prayers are with the hollway family in niceville florida, where mr. tom holloway is
recovering from injuries he got when his e-smoke exploded. must have been something
made by vapor tech. the 801 that i had was a first-class piece of crap that did the exact
same thing. watch out for the tv ads that offer free e-smokes. any company that does
this is obviously selling defective products!
Steve K
(02/16/12 - 9:33 pm)Glad to hear your kit is working for you. That's the important part at the end of the day :)
As for your e-liquid, you could try thinning it out with either distilled water or pure grain alcohol. Another option is to see if the vendor you buy it from can make it with a higher level of PG (propylene glycol).
Good news for the man in the Florida story, a TV station in Pensacola has reported tonight that he's back home from the hospital. I would, however caution against speculating what brand specifically he was using. Even something that seems shady in a "free trial" offer. Those are likely made in the same factory as other more reputable brands. The general consensus now is that he was actually using a tube mod of some sort. There have been reports that the fire department found 3v CR123 batteries on the scene which are used stacked in mods for 6v vaping. They're also used for photography, and he was a photographer, so there you go :)
We won't know for sure unless he tells his story. I'm going to publish a special news report on the incident tomorrow. For now, I just wish him a speedy recovery.
Jacob
(06/14/12 - 2:24 pm)I switched to the eGo-C atty and find it gives me continuous dry hits that hurt my throat a lot. I never have this problem with the eGo-T (unless the tank is empty of course). If you have any solutions I would love to know. It's frustrating as I am out of T-attys and have 5 more C's left.
tlee
(03/09/13 - 9:12 am)I've had my Ego C for about a month and having leakage. Some days it leaks to the point that I feel like I'm wasting a lot of liquid. Comments or suggestions? Other than the leakage, love it. My first e-cig and haven't touched an analog since!
Comments are closed.