During my research of e-cigarettes and related products it has become very obvious that there are a number of products which are simply copied and sold as a different brand/product (think Ruyan as one example). I’ve also found the EXACT same product branded in many different ways. So how the heck are you supposed to know what is what? Who is the actual manufacturer? Is this a copy or the real thing?

The answer is - I have no idea!

Currently, my favourite (based on quality and performance) is what I will term from now on as a “multi-brand” mini e-cigarette. This particular product has been branded as - Rutoo, Janty Yentl, Liberty Cig and at least a couple of others whose name eludes me right at the moment.

I will inevitably find myself in a tricky situation here unless I clearly state that I know about this product and its various brandings. I have been approached by both a NZ supplier and an overseas supplier to review the product, and I have confirmed with them that I will be happy to do this. However, in order to retain my credibility and to offer the best information to my site visitors, I will need to clearly state that “this is a multi-brand mini e-cigarette” when I write my reviews. Obviously the accompanying photos will be of the respective brands. I feel this is the only fair way forward in this respect.

Where possible, I would urge anyone considering purchasing an e-cigarette to support your local supplier. It makes sense to buy locally because of the speed of delivery, and the support which a local supplier can provide you - AND YOU WILL NEED IT, I CAN ASSURE YOU!

I will open up reviews to any supplier, either in NZ or internationally. This way there is no favouritism, and everyone gets a fair deal.

I’m also considering opening up advertising opportunities to suppliers in an effort to recoup some of my costs in running this website. This may land me in trouble with the local authorities, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it!

If you come across an e-cigarette and you’re not sure of what it is, or who the supplier is, let us know via the forum, and between the members and guests I’m sure we can shed some light on it for you . . . hopefully!

If you think I’m mad for considering reviews and advertising, let me know and I’ll train my thoughts down a different path!

Hi Belinda, I have answered your questions via email - hope that’s OK

Hi CJ,

As far as I’m aware the NZ supplier who you purchased through is the only one in NZ selling that particular brand. Thus far, I haven’t been in touch with any other local suppliers. This is probably due to the difficulty in becoming legally eligible to sell in NZ. Just to put your mind at ease, the product that you purchased is the best (that I have tried) in terms of e-cigarettes.

With regard to the closest simulation of smoking and flavour, in my personal opinion, none of the flavours currently available for e-cigarettes come very close to replicating traditional cigarettes. What you’re probably missing is all the nasty stuff You will become used to the flavour in a very short period of time, and will probably also come to enjoy it more than traditional cigarettes. That’s flavour out of the way . . . now on to “sensation” . . .

From my personal experience, the single best e-smoking experience is the e-pipe from http://www.e-cig.com, although the quality of these units varies considerably. I have had one for quite a number of months, which is still functioning perfectly, and another couple which I’ve purchased since which have basically died. I think it’s about 50/50 with this product, however they are very cheap (you can buy replacement atomizers for about US$15) - I guess you get what you pay for, but I can certainly vouch for the smoking sensation from this product when you get a good one. It gives far more smoke than any of the e-cigarettes I have tried - and the batteries last ages as well. Of course, an e-pipe is not exactly the look for everyone I smoke mine at home, and probably wouldn’t be seen in public with the thing!!!

If you are considering purchasing an e-pipe, you’ll probably want to wait until after the Olympics, as they are currently not shipping e-liquid, for security reasons . . . which brings me to one last subject . . . e-liquid:

http://www.e-cig.com also supply e-liquid, for filling (or refilling) your own cartridges. I use this liquid INSTEAD of cartridges in my e-pipe (not recommended for e-cigarettes, as it can damage the atomizer). E-liquid comes in about 27 different flavours, although again, I can confirm that none of these taste like real cigarettes. Having said that, they have recently brought out some “brand” flavours, such as Marlboro etc. but I haven’t yet been able to sample some. As soon as the Olympics are over, I’ll be placing an order for a few e-pipe atomizers and some of their new liquid, so I should be able to report back on the new flavours then.

In the meantime, don’t give up - yes, it is confusing, but make sure you ask, if you have any questions

Regards, Mark.