V2 Cigs Is One Name You Are Sure To Come Across In Your Hunt For The Best Electronic Cigarette
The meteoric rise in popularity of the relative new-comer V2 Cigs is hard not to notice for anyone researching e-cigarette options. When I first heard of the brand I studied their website and other reviews carefully to get a sense of what the fuss was about. I know enough about the different types and models that are out there that I could tell for certain V2 Cigs were offering a KR808D-1 compatible e cig, but it appeared they had made some significant improvements to the battery in particular.
Browsing the V2 Cigs Starter kits I could see that they certainly offer a wide range of options to suit any budget and the prices at every level offer very good value – that is if the product performed well, as I would have to test for myself. I set up an order that would let me put the full range of V2 Cigs products through their paces to put together as complete and thorough a V2 Cigs Review as possible.
Being a 2-Piece electronic cigarette, the 2 most major components that matter are the batteries and the cartomizers; however the USB Passthrough V2 Cigs sells under the name the “V2 Power Cig” is promoted as being optimized for increased voltage output so I wanted to test it as well.
V2 Cigs Starter Kits Offer A Huge Range Of Well Priced Options And The LifeTime Warranty Adds The The Overall Value On Offer From V2
As it was important to me to have the chance to try a full range of V2 Cartridge Refill flavors, as many battery types and sizes as possible as well as the USB Passthrough (aka the V2 Power Cig), their chargers and the V2 PCC (Portable CHarging Case) the best thing seemed to be taking the plunge and getting the V2 Ultimate Kit. Priced at $146.59 normally, or once the available 10% discount is applied for $131.93, the ‘V2 Ultimate Kit’ is just that, V2 Cig’s Ultimate, top-tier E Cig Starter Kit. With 3 included batteries of your choice of both size, type (auto or manual) and color (black, white or chrome) plus the ‘V2 Power Cig’ their high-end USB Passthrough this kit certainly is the best appointed on the market in terms of sheer batteries and power! The PCC (for charging on the go) and a full range of chargers (wall, usb and car) are all included. Plus with a whopping 25 refill cartomizers included (something even Vapor4Life’s exceptionally priced starter kits doesn’t offer) I could pick and choose 5 flavors to fully test what V2 Cigs had to offer. 
One thing I noticed that could be overlooked by some people is that although the V2 Cigs website is really quite good, extremely information rich and easy to browse; when it comes to customizing your starter kit options I could see how some people might not realize the full extent of customization permitted. There is an obvious pulldown to select your cartomizer flavor and strength but if you read the full descriptions you will note that you can (in cases where more than 5 cartridges are included) opt for different choices by writing what you would like in the comment area. Importantly the same is true for batteries; as the Ultimate Kit offers 3 I made sure to indicate in the comment field that I wanted one short automatic V2 Battery (white) one regular V2 Manual battery (black) and one Long V2 Cigs Battery (chrome) also with the manual button option.
Before I Placed My Order I Wanted To Fully Test V2 Cigs Support To See If The Positive Reviews Were True… V2 Cigs Live Support Passed With Flying Colors
Although I admittedly knew the answers the many of the questions I wanted to ask already, I decided in the interest of preparing a fair and honest review to put V2 Cigs Live online support through the paces. I got through to someone very quickly and proceeded to ask a whole range of questions I knew that someone new to vaping would likely be curious to know. I must have had her answering questions on every topic from customization of starter kits to Cartomizers strengths, USB Passthroughs and everything in between. She was patient and polite (I must have questioned her for over an hour!) and most important perhaps she was very knowledgeable and accurate in her answers. I have saved the whole V2 Cigs Support transcript from our conversation and posted it for you to read here. As you can see she answered every question I put to her and confirmed a whole lot of things about V2 Cigs in the process for me. I was left confident with the feeling that I was dealing with a competent company that certainly is there for their customers, and happy to help answer any questions you might have.
A couple key points I took away from the conversation that she shared but I wouldn’t have thought to ask include the fact that you can order a mixed flavor V2 Cartridge refill set (well to try all 9 flavors they offer it requires 2 x 5 cartridge packs) but you can simply ask for it in the order comments. If you are purchasing a starter kit with more than V2 Cartridges included, such as the V2 Standard Kit (10 Carts), the V2 Traveler Kit (15 Carts), the V2 Couples Kit (20 Carts) or the Ultimate as I had already decided to (25 Carts) it makes great sense to order the mixed sampler. I decided to get the mixed sampler for 10 of my carts so I could try them all, then one 5 pack each of their three tobacco flavors. The Cowboy (or RED) flavor is closest to Marlboro, the Congress to Parliaments and their new Sahara is similar to Camel.
She also suggested before placing my order that I phone in their hotline to check on the stock levels to avoid possible backorders (or know in advance). I was impressed that she offered up the suggestion and I did indeed make sure they had what I wanted before ordering, but I would like to see them include stock levels integrated into their website like SmokeTip does for their refills. It would help avoid possible frustrating surprises with news of backordered items for those who order online without thinking to call ahead of time.
The online checkout process is simple and streamlined, and wanting to receive my kit quickly I ordered fedex delivery. As I was told in my support chat it left the following day and I had my V2 Cigs Starter Kit within just 2 days. There is of course standard USPS shipping available and for those orders I was told they will go out in 48 hours generally and the rest is up to the post office. But based on my experience I think the longest you would have to wait (assuming what you are ordering is in stock, check first by phoning!) would be about 1 week total max.
A Limited Selection Of V2 Cartridge Flavors Include Nine Mostly Top-Notch Varieties, But A Larger Selection Would Be A Welcome Improvement
Although other reviewers I have noticed firmly stick to the notion that an electronic cigarette should only be measured on their ability to offer tobacco (and perhaps menthol) flavors to mimic a traditional cigarette. I couldn’t differ more in my approach and attitude, I feel vaping / electronic smoking offers not just a great alternative to smoking by accurately mimicking the cigarette, but also provides options in flavor and sensations that go above and beyond traditional cigarettes, and that vaping can be more engaging and exciting by exploring these diverse options that are unique to ‘electronic smoking’.
That said I consider it vital that any electronic cigarette offer several exceptional tobacco flavors, as many people will prefer these and certainly when starting out it helps ease the transition to electronic smoking starting with such a flavor. Of the three tobacco V2 Cartridge varieties I best liked the latest addition, Sahara, which I thought indeed provided a rich authentic taste similar to Camel. I was less impressed personally with the Cowboy flavor but quite like V2’s Congress Cartridges. Obviously taste is subjective, but compared with other e cig suppliers V2’s Cartridges provide a potent and rich vapor and each cart comes with the 1mL of fluid it should (equaling approx. 20 cigarettes). The three V2 Tobacco flavors also provide a good range a variety which I think will offer most smokers at least one that they are very happy with.
When it comes to the non tobacco flavors I am glad they offer some other choices though they aren’t exactly exotic. Peppermint, Coffee and Chocolate were my favorite each with a satisfying and smooth flavor. I am glad to hear that V2 Cigs intends to continue adding more flavors (the next to come is likely Cola, a particular favorite of mine when vaping other brands. I am also pleased to see V2 Cigs both acknowledging that their V2 Cartridges are refillable (up to 5 times each I was told) and don’t try to hide this to boost their profits – in fact they sell empty cartomizers already even though they have yet to sell e liquid themselves. By refilling or filling fresh V2 Cartridges from scratch you can both save lots of money and explore a whole world of flavor options. See this site ‘E Liquid Reviews’ for top recommendations and e liquid coupons for the best quality nicotine liquid suppliers including 100% USA e liquid that you can use to both refill a used V2 Cartridge or fill new empty V2 Cartridges.
V2 Cigs Batteries Offer A Full Host Of Options And Are Optimized To Deliver An Extra Jolt Of Power For Excellent Vaping
V2 Cigs as I have mentioned earlier in this review are based on the supremely popular and successful KR808D-1 specification. That specification includes not one but 3 different battery sizes and 2 types of batteries at each size (automatic and manual), and V2 Cigs offer all 6 choices. The simple reality of electronic cigarette batteries is that is is tough to fit battery cells to power such an intense device in something so small to compare in size to a cigarette; the technology just allows for it and is slowly getting better. Different electronic cigarette brands have taken this fact and taken different approaches. While the very popular Joye EGO for instance is an excellent performer with long battery life, but it is the size of a cigar! If you are looking for an electronic cigarette that looks and feels at least approximately like an actual cigarette (as I believe the majority of smokers are) then a 2-piece Cartomizer based electronic cigarette like V2 Cigs is exactly what you are looking for. The V2 Cigs batteries come in three lengths – ‘Shorty’, regular and long. All of V2 Cigs Batteries have been optimized to allow for a higher voltage when freshly charged; they can provide up to 4.2 volts while the standard electronic cigarette produces 3.7 volts. It makes a noticeable difference in the quality of vapor when batteries are freshly charged.
The V2 Shorty Battery The V2 is just a little longer than a standard length cigarette (at 100mm). It has the benefit of being small but suffers in charge capacity, with only 150mah of juice I find that it runs out of charge pretty quickly. I would recommend if you must get a shorty battery, go for automatic at this size (as manual batteries drain a little quicker usually). The next up, the V2 Standard Battery I really like and I am told it is V2 Cigs’ most popular choice. If you do not specify otherwise the V2 Standard Battery is what you will receive in your starter kit. The V2 Cigs Standard Battery offers a nice compromise between physical size and capacity; with 250mah the battery lasts a lot longer between charges and is a very manageable size (110 mm long). My preferred choice, though it is not for everyone, is the V2 Long Battery. When they say long it really is much longer than a traditional cigarette, a whopping 112mm or 4.4 inches (140mm with the cartridge attached). But packing 350mah it will last you most of, if not a whole day of use, on a single charge. With the manual battery option on the V2 Cigs Long Battery there is a noticeable improvement in vapor performance and quality as well.
It Is A Good Idea To Customize Your V2 Cigs Starter Kit By Selecting At Least One Manual And One Automatic Battery If You Are New To Vaping
You may mix and match you battery sizes, types and colors in any of V2 Cigs many starter kit options and while I think new users would want to have at least 1 automatic battery (which has an internal flow sensor, powering up the e cig and cartomizer when you inhale), manual e cig batteries are in my opinion the way to go. Manual E Cig batteries have a small button on the side which you press and hold while inhaling; though this may sound more cumbersome, it in fact gives much greater control over the vapor production which is in general slightly better with any sized manual battery. One key way that manual batteries produce fuller vapor is by pre-heating the Cartomizer for a second or two before inhaling, which primes the vapor for a thicker and richer drag. Manual batteries also tend to have a longer lifespan as they are sealed off from any e-liquid accidentally entering the battery chamber as can happen with automatic batteries). V2 Support suggested (in my undercover testing of them) that as a new ‘Vape’r it would be a good idea probably to try at least one of each type. I concur with this advice as being someone who ‘Vape’s heavily my leaning towards manual batteries may not be the same as yours.
Currently V2 Cigs offers batteries in 3 color choices; white (with a red glowing tip), black (which you can ask to have in either black or blue tip) and a slick chrome/stainless steel look which I like best (it only comes with a blue tip). The choice of tip may seem quite superficial but there is a functional aspect you might want to consider. Though vaping of course has the benefit of being able to use your e cig in most places where smoking is prohibited, if you have a white electronic cigarette with an orange glowing tip and vapor looking a lot like smoke coming from your mouth in a bar or public space it is likely someone may think you are smoking a real cigarette. As Blu Cigs famously named their brand after the blue glowing tip of the battery, choosing blue while it may smack of sci-fi (e-cigarettes are a little sci-fi to begin with though, you have to admit!) – they offer the added benefit of lessing the chance you’ll be stuck explaining yourself or getting dirty looks.
A Proper V2 Cigs Review Would Not Be Complete Without Describing The Two Unique V2 USB Passthroughs On Offer: The V2 Power Cig and V2 Notebook Cig
Indeed these two products – the V2 Notebook Cig and the V2 Power Cig – make up the least expensive end of V2 Cigs “starter kit” options as well as being offered as bundled extras in the higher end starter kits. Both of these options offer an excellent alternative or supplemental power supply for you V2 Cigs vaping. Quite simply both the V2 Power Cig and V2 Notebook Cig are what are known as USB Passthroughs. They look like a battery and work just like one (the refill cartridges screw onto the end in exactly the same manner) but both have a wire coming off the end with a USB plug on the end which can be plugged into both a USB outlet on your notebook or desktop computer, as well as a USB hub or indeed the V2 Wall Charger which plugs into the wall and supplies power through a usb port. There are many cool things about these USB Passthroughs with the most obvious being that they are continuously supplied with power so you never have to worry about running out of charge. Both the V2 Power Cig and the V2 Notebook Cig offer even better performance than a freshly charged long V2 Battery as they provide a whopping 5 volts of power! This translates into better performance from the cartomizer, with fuller, more flavorful and satisfying vapor – though each refill cartridge will deplete somewhat faster as with any high voltage vaping.
So what is different between the V2 Power Cig and the V2 Notebook Cig USB Passthroughs? The short answer is not too much. In terms of performance and basic functionality they both provide the same convenience of an uninterrupted power supply, both give you the same performance boost of 5 volts of vaping power and both are only available as a manual switch option (which is really the better choice anyway for any USB Passthrough). The real difference between the two comes down to look (the V2 Notebook Cig is only available in black while the V2 Power Cig is only available in white) and cord length. The slightly less expensive V2 Notebook Cig has a shorter cord (4.25 ft / 1.3m) so is much more suited to use close to your USB outlet (i.e.. on a notebook computer!). The V2 Power Cig on the other hand offers a much longer cord (7.2 ft / 2.2m) that is more durable and is curled for ease of stretching out (like on an old rotary telephone). The Power Cig USB Passthrough from V2 Cigs is what you want if the usb outlet is a little further away such as with a desktop setup or it is fantastic for use I found in my TV room as the cord is plenty long enough to plug in with the wall charger near my sofa for non-stop power vaping! Either choice make a great addition and ensure you will always have the ability to ‘Vape’, even if you accidentally forget to charge a spare battery.
Concluding Thoughts On V2 Cigs… Despite A Few Small Areas That Could Be Improved We Have A Winner
This relatively new supplier is doing everything truly important right so far. V2 Cigs offers excellent products, superior customer service and outstanding value on their generously appointed V2 Starter Kits. The V2 Cigs offering is very strong and I concur with other reviewers that this company already deserves top marks for going above and beyond in the key areas of service, excellent pricing / value, top-quality product with excellent manufacturing standards and good performance. When it comes to value it is critical to factor in V2 Cigs unbeatable Lifetime Warranty on electrical components (i.e.. everything other than refill carts) and their 30 day money back guarantee which together offer assurance in your purchase that can’t be beat. I would like to see a broader selection of flavored V2 Cartridges, and the goal of one new flavor every 2 months is slower than I would prefer to see. However the hint that I have been told that V2 Cigs may soon be introducing their own line V2 E Liquid which could be used to fill their empty carts would solve this problem, while in the meantime ordering quality e liquid from another supplier and filling V2 Cartridges offers a perfect solution for those wanting to explore the world of flavors available with e-cigarettes more than is currently offered. Overall the V2 Cigs website gets top marks for being much more informative and simple to use than many other suppliers sites. In addition to exceptional live online support for both pre and post sales questions (remember to check out my V2 Live Support transcript), there is also a user forum (v2forum.com) which is a great place to discuss questions or talk to other V2 Cigs users about getting the most out of your product.
One thing that especially stands out for me as a positive is the complete customization that is available on V2 Starter Kits. This should be made clearer on their website and hopefully will with time. In the meantime as a tip, realize when you order that you have the freedom to select from virtually any options you like regarding batteries and cartomizers by making a note in the comments area when ordering. Another tip is to call ahead once you’ve got your order ready just to double check that everything is in stock so you aren’t stuck with surprise backorders (inventory updates is something else that would certainly improve the V2 Cigs website functionality). As long as what you have ordered is in stock you can expect speedy shipping based on my experience with orders going out the door in the claimed 24-48 hour timeframe and plenty of options including overnight shipping if you are in a hurry to get your vaping goodies. For the average smoker looking for excellent value in a superior performing and easy to operate 2-Piece electronic cigarette, V2 Cigs deserves to rank at the top of your list of contenders.
