Initial Oddysey review

[joeyramone]

Hi folks. First time poster here. Have been vaping for approx 4 months now and have developed a taste for quality items. My mods of choice have now been reduced to a silver satin Provari and a matching Provape 2.1. I was immediately attracted to two things about the Odyssey...it;s high quality appearance and the fact that this is the beginning of something very interesting - UK built quality e-cigs. So, I pre-ordered several weeks ago and my Odyssey arrived yesterday. I thought I would share my initial thoughts.

This is my first ever purchase from Totally Wicked and is an honest and objective impression of the Odyssey. It is also the first review I have attempted - so please be forgiving. I paid for the product with my own cash and, having pre-ordered on a day when Totally Wicked were offering a 19% discount on their Facebook page, the item cost £67.78 including postage.

Pre-delivery

I found TW's communications to be professional and timely. Each stage from pre-order to delivery was promptly acknowledged by email.

Unpacking

The item was well packaged and arrived the day after it was shipped. The Odyssey comes well presented in a visually attractive cardboard box, with all the components and accessories in seperate compartments on two trays. The top tray contains the Odyssey main body, DCT, plinth, drip tip and DCT filler. The lower tray contains 2 x 1.5ohm DC cartomisers, 2 x 14500 protected batteries, battery charger, wall adapter and all the documents (guarantee, user manual, guarante of authenticity card. It actually looks better in the flesh than in the pics/vids and is also smaller and neater than I thought. And the small things such as the authenticity card with serial no. etc, the well laid out presentation box and the smart accessories (drip tip, plinth, tank filler) make it feel that little bit special. Personally, I also like the thought of being in at the start of something, and that is what the Odyssey is intended to be...the first in a range of quality UK e-cigs.

First impressions

On removing the Odyssey and its accessories from the box, first impressions are positive. The quality of the stainless steel used in all parts is high - with the annoying exception of one small (2-3mm) scratch in the finish on the main body. The components fit together effortlessy and the threads all appear smooth.The main body is almost the same size as my Provape 1 (my regular 3.7 standard mod) but the Odyssey's shape has a better "feel" in the hand. It somehow feels slimmer than it is in reality. The plinth and drip tip match the body perfectly. I'm not experienced with tanks, but this also has a quality look and feel about it and, considering my lack of experience, I found it simple to fit with the cartomiser and attach to the body. A flange on the base of the cartomiser fits into recesses on both the tank and the plinth to give a neat fit and finish. The bottom button is smaller than I was expecting - good thing from my perspective, but I didn't feel it to be as smooth as it could have been and the two rivets that assist in the locking mechansim do the look of the product no favours - especially as the shape of the body narrows dramatically towards the button, fooling the eyes into seeing the rivets as being bulkier than they really are.

Use

The special tank filler tool won me over immediately. Following the instruction manual for my first attempt, it proves a simple and straighforward task and the tank is full of El Toro Cigarrillos Naturales in seconds, with absolutely no mess or drips. I prime the cartomiser with an initial fill, pop a TW 14500 protected battery into the body and off we go. As a tank novice and most-time dripper, the throat hit, flavour and vapour are satisfying if not "knock your hat off". As a comparison, I pop the tank onto my the Provape (also 14500) and am surprised to find that the Odyssey is a clear winner in the kick stakes...a result I was not expecting. Fifteen minutes of very satifying vaping later, I find that nothing is happening and all goes dead. My first thought is the carto, so I pop on my DCA but it is also silent. As a double check I fit the Odyssey's tank to the Provape again, and it is firing perfectly. I then go through all the obvious checks - using alternative batteries, checking that all is tightened correctly, adjusting the contact screw in the button, checking the 510 centre pin, checking the spring. All is well with everything and no amount of faffing and fiddling will bring things back to life.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, this review ends rather prematurely, as I have had to email TW to report the fault in the main body of the Odyssey and also to report the scratch. Strangely, although annoyed at the sudden failure of the Odyssey, I am keen to get it resolved and begin using it again, because it definitely has shown potential in its performance and this will also give me an opportunity to judge TW's after sales and guarantee service on its merits. I appreciate that many folk cant be bothered with the numerous battery changes required with a 14500 mod, but personally I dont mind carrying a couple of spares around in compensation for giving me a handy, pocket friendly pv. When the issues are resolved and I get it up and running again, I definitely intend to make the Odyssey my carry-about, work-day choice.  

This review was written last night so;

Quick review update.

I very much treat people as I find them so, although I have read both good and bad reports about Totally Wicked's customer service elsewhere, I have approached my Odyssey issues with total objectivity. And, speaking from my experiences today, I have found the TW team (Nathan in particular) both professional and helpful. Following a couple of extremely prompt email replies, my Odyssey main body is in the post en route to TW headquarters, where, quote; "We will make sure we get this working to your satisfaction." Top marks so far.

In the meantime, I have been using the Odyssey's DCT and carto on my Provape all day...and in terms of both performance and appearance I am highly impressed. Flavour, vapour and throat hit have been reliable and satisfying throughout the day, with no wicking issues. As a confirmed dripper, I am finding the laziness and convenience of having to do nothing but vape is a pleasant change...and one which is definitely suited to a day at work and the associated commuting. As mentioned previously, the Odyssey mod provided a superior experience to that of the Provape, so I am looking forward to its return so that it can be reunited with it's DCT. Dont let the issues that I have encountered put you off in the slightest as I expect teething troubles at the launch of any new product. What is important is the fundamental quality of the Odyssey (which is impressive) and how issues are dealt with and resolved (which again, to this point has been equally impressive).

[cyborg]

Hi onyerbike
Welcome to the forum.
Nice review.
Shame your first post had to include a negative point but you took it in your stride.
I know how it feels because my Odyssey was DOA but Paul from TW was ace & a replacement part is on its way.
I am in the same predicament as you and am using the Odyssey Tank on other mods until I get sorted.
I put it down to teething troubles with a completely new product.

[chops]

Definately teething problems.

Definately exceptional CS.

[cyborg]

The Tank is on an SD at the moment & I am trying to pretend 
No worry’s I know it will be sorted.   

[Osmo]

New product bound to be a few small glitches sadly

Read onyerbike's review on a.n  other forum 

Os

[joeyramone]

New product bound to be a few small glitches sadly

Read onyerbike's review on a.n  other forum 

Os

Lol...just automatically signed in here with onyerbike cos that's the email I used to order from TW. Didn't think about the confusion that it may cause with crossover to other forums. Sorted now 

[mstclair87]

I'm on my 2nd day now with my Odyssey, and using the replacement charger that TW promptly sent after the "spectacular" performance of the original charger. I've not previously used any of the other vaping devices, except the Microlites (and another brand which I bought at a local shop). The experience with the Odyssey is quite different. First off, mine works perfectly, and does exactly what it says on the box. No blemishes, no leakages, no disappointment. The look and feel are snappy - the thing has been designed for exactly what it does - and does well.

The only comments I'd make are:

- the battery life, whilst longer than that of the shop-bought rechargeables, still doesn't seem commensurate with the size of the battery. I expected a battery twice the size to last at least twice as long. It doesn't. That's no doubt due to the fact that the dual-coil cartomiser draws considerably more current

- I can't seem to generate as much vapour as those in the TW videos. That guy Scott who blows a smoke ring at the beginning of each scene always seems to generate vast amounts of vapour, which blot him out of the picture. Does he actually breathe in through the e-cig, or just take a mouthful - it's hard to tell? When I try, I get a nice vape, but not nearly the quantity that he gets. I've been mixing my own e-liquid, using TW's 72mg Titanium Ice and aqueous glycerine, and following the directions on proportions. I wonder if other people are doing something different.

And couple of suggestions for the next model: because it's round it tends to roll off things, though hitting the wooden floor a few times hasn't done mine any harm, and there's no facility to tie it to a lanyard, which would be useful.

To sum up: I wouldn't swap my Odyssey now for anything I've tried so far, especially yucky analogues.

Matthew

[Kenneth131]

Hey Mathew basicly most pre mix liquids are 80% pg 20% VG but if you up the % of VG you also get more vapour 

[cyborg]

Update
New part arrived today & things are working perfectly.
I intend to use it for a while before I make any comments other than so far I like it. 

[joeyramone]

Do you mind me asking which part made the difference Cyborg?

[melons]

The only comments I'd make are:

- the battery life, whilst longer than that of the shop-bought rechargeables, still doesn't seem commensurate with the size of the battery. I expected a battery twice the size to last at least twice as long. It doesn't. That's no doubt due to the fact that the dual-coil cartomiser draws considerably more current

- I can't seem to generate as much vapour as those in the TW videos.

TW asked some bloke who hosts a weekly online video E-cig review programme (http://www.vapourtrails.tv/?page_id=405) to review the Odyssey back in May. He commented that vapour production was less than he hoped for (though the PV he compared it too looked like some supercharged deathray straight from the set of Blakes7). iirc Astrecks soon after posted a video showing how to convert the Odyssey DC cart into a single coil, which instantly boosted vapour production and would presumably address the battery life issue you're having - I only mention this as the Carts are cheap so you may want to experiment 

[cyborg]

Do you mind me asking which part made the difference Cyborg?

It was the head part / the part with the atty conector

[Kenneth131]

cyborg do you notice the omission of the rubber buffer on the head part on the inside where the spring is. The SD had the spring seated and a rubber buffer. Not sure it made any difference but i noticed this was an omission on the odyssey has this changed on the replacement head?

Or is there any noticeable difference?

[cyborg]

It looks identical, some white substance surrounds the top spring on both of them.

[Kenneth131]

cheers cyborg

[Ptb]

I received one of these a few days ago,  I have got to say I am most unimpressed.  Initially I thought it was great.   Don't try using it in the horizontal position, you will end up with a mouthful of juice.     I had it in my pocket whilst going for a drive,  i turned the button before hand to lock it, half hour later i felt my leg burning, i looked down, the damn thing was on and had spilled it's contents onto my leg and car seat,  £1200 to repair the seat! as the stain is too deep to remove.  To repair my burnt leg, priceless. 
It's too fiddly and messy to fill.   The battery life is virtually non existent.   I have reverted back to my old faithful tornado tank.     
Damn expensive experience.

[Kenneth131]

If filled and primed then blown through to ensure no liquid in the centre tube of the carto no liquid should end up in your mouth unless your sucking pretty hard. Also there should be a little silicone ring to be used in the carto to further prevent this happening before you put the drip tip in the carto

It certainly shouldnt unlock in your pocket if it were me i would contact customer services and get them to test the locking mech as it should click thus would be hard to unlock especially with limited movement when driving.

depending on the liquid and material the stain may come out through evaporation as liquid will dry out over a few hours or allot a few days. iv spilt some on the carpet before and any on my hands normally gets rubbed on my jeans and both all fine once dried out

Plus the liquid should not leak from the tank with a carto in it as there really is no where the liquid can go.

The battery life on these will be about 6-9 hours depending on heavy-light usage but if your not getting this then i would suggest a faulty battery or under charged battery as a general rule you get 1h of vaping per 100mah of battery and these are 900mah but with the Low resistance cartos you can reduce that slightly if a heavy user

[Ptb]

When I first got it, I received one of the faulty chargers.   I didn't use it until the new safe charger arrived.   In total this meant I had 4 batteries.   I charged all 4 until the light on the charger went to green.   One of the batteries I found was dead/faulty, the other 3 seemed to be fine.   On first use for a probably half an hour the batteries were fine,  but come and hour and the batteries had lost so much charge that the vapour was virtually non existent.   I don't believe I can have 4 faulty batteries, can I?  Anyway I have reverted to using my Tornado tanks batteries,  where I find the life of charge to be more satisfactory.   

[Kenneth131]

Ptb I would link to another thread but I cant find it right now lol

Anyway there has been a discovery made that some odysseys are missing a spacer at the button end. If you look down the inside of the case to the button there should be a white spacer in there as well. If its missing it can cause the atty to take a draw from the battery when locked.

If this is the case get in contact with customer services on monday. They will sort you out and get the spacer sent to you asap as well.

Basicly looks like this could cause the battery to be constantly discharging in the device lowering the life obviously

Short battery life is being looked at thought to see if there are any other potential rouges like faulty batteries or mis rated ones as they should be 900mah

Anyway hope you do speak to Customer service and see what they can do to help

[cyborg]

Can you upload a picture to show what things should look like ?
It would be extremely helpful.

[Ptb]

Ptb I would link to another thread but I cant find it right now lol

Anyway there has been a discovery made that some odysseys are missing a spacer at the button end. If you look down the inside of the case to the button there should be a white spacer in there as well. If its missing it can cause the atty to take a draw from the battery when locked.

If this is the case get in contact with customer services on monday. They will sort you out and get the spacer sent to you asap as well.

Basicly looks like this could cause the battery to be constantly discharging in the device lowering the life obviously

Short battery life is being looked at thought to see if there are any other potential rouges like faulty batteries or mis rated ones as they should be 900mah

Anyway hope you do speak to Customer service and see what they can do to help

Thanks,  I have actually read that thread,  I do have that spacer.   Maybe I suck on the thing too much.   I do notice a better vape and longer life if I use my tank batteries on the odyssey.  I think I prefer the tornado tank, for ease of refilling etc.
  The good news is I managed to get the stain out of my car seat,  I was very worried for a while as they are ultra expensive carbon fibre seats.

[Kenneth131]

glad to hear your seats are spared ptb sounds like you have spent a bit on the car. I have spilt liquid when filling etc and it always comes out so i can add carbon fibre to that list now as well lol.

Mind you can always put your tornado tank on the odyssey or was that what you were doing.

[Ptb]

glad to hear your seats are spared ptb sounds like you have spent a bit on the car. I have spilt liquid when filling etc and it always comes out so i can add carbon fibre to that list now as well lol.

Mind you can always put your tornado tank on the odyssey or was that what you were doing.

Yeah thats what I'm doing.   The most annoying thing I find is that if I am lying in bed watching TV, and taking the occasional drag,  I get a mouthful of juice.  The odyssey or perhaps just mine doesn't like to be in a vertical position. 

The juice didn't actually go on the carbon fibre,   the CF is the main structure, they are covered in leather.  The juice went on the leather, I thought for a while that it had soaked in,  I actually went as far as contacting the dealer to get a quote for repair, I was told that there was a possibility that portions of the seat may need to be recovered at huge cost.   Thank god that wasn't necessary!

[Bish]

Well,
Got the new charger today and charged the batteries.
I am now sat vaping Red label American red tobacco with the new Peppermint oil GS 18 percent Platinum ice.
The odyssey is amazing, the vapour production is great, the flavour sublime. The unit is a joy to use and very tactile indeed.
No performance issues , very happy camper indeed.

[Balashark]

Reading these reviews and a bunch of other posts it sounds like a real fail so far. It already was a fail not making it use an 18650 battery. I found the DCT carto's awful to begin with and actually just threw a bunch of them out along with the tanks. I'll pass on this! Way too many parts on this device which always leads to more headaches. Don't let my newbie title and only 1 post fool you, I have been using Totally Wicked for over 2 years. I'm just not a forum person.

[mulishafmxxx]

very much agree, i didn't open mine as it showed up today, I will be returning it.  a 10% restocking fee and shipping fee is well worth it to get this thing out of my house.  Some people are happy with it and that's cool, but i'm going provari....  same here, i've been vaping and using totally wicked for 5 years now, just a newbie on fourms...  i'm not bashing it, it's just not for me after all these flaws, I cannot carry extra batteries around, not gunna happen....  a provari with a 6ml tank and i'll be good for several days, not 40 mins ;-)

Reading these reviews and a bunch of other posts it sounds like a real fail so far. It already was a fail not making it use an 18650 battery. I found the DCT carto's awful to begin with and actually just threw a bunch of them out along with the tanks. I'll pass on this! Way too many parts on this device which always leads to more headaches. Don't let my newbie title and only 1 post fool you, I have been using Totally Wicked for over 2 years. I'm just not a forum person.

[chops]

i've been vaping and using totally wicked for 5 years now,

That's slightly impossible....

[cyborg]

If it had an 18650 battery it wouldn’t be as pocket friendly as it would have to be considerably larger & as it is made of stainless steel considerably heavier.

I take it you don’t get through much liquid in a day mulishafmxxx if   “a provari with a 6ml tank and i'll be good for several days “

I wish I could get an 18650 to last for days I don’t get that with a Tube mod let alone a VV mod

[ceekay27]

I agree Cy, my VV mod with 18650 battery only lasts me around 8 to 10 hours of constant use!

[Astrecks]

For me personally, you can keep high voltage vaping.... it runs through batteries faster, drinks your eliquid faster and burns out your atomiser faster.

If you can nail the right flavours for TH and nic satisfaction you can do no worse than use Tornado eGo-C's atomisers fitted to either the Odyseey, SD or a Tornado eGo-C passthrough battery