Blu Premium Starter Kit

Blu Premium Starter Kit

Blu Premium Starter Kit

Overall
Presentation
Delivery
Quality
Battery
Flavor
Throat Hit
Vapor

Premium Starter Kit – Black

This review is on the Blu Premium Starter Kit – Black.  I purchased this kit after trying the disposable Blu electronic cigarette I purchased from my local drug store.  I was very impressed with the disposable version so much; I wanted to give the starter kit a try.  The website is here, blu cigs and the Premium kit was priced at 79.95.

The kit comes with:

  • 1 New blu Premium pack with Social Features
  • 2 Mini blu batteries
  • 1 blu Premium wall charger
  • 1 blu Premium USB charger
  • 1 five-pack cartridges in the strength and flavor of your choice

*UPDATE*

I was recently informed by a reader that Blu does indeed offer the kits at Walgreens as well. I say “do indeed” because my local Walgreens here in South Florida are also listed as sellers of the kits, but they only sell the disposables. Me and a fellow vapor enthusiast searched 5 local Walgreens and came up empty. But, you may be in luck. Be sure to check the blu site to see if any local stores around you offer the kits if you are looking for one.

Presentation

My first impressions of the site were great.  They really understand the principle of “Less is more”.  The simple style really shows off the elegant design they decided on.  Of all the electronic cigarettes, this one has the greatest showmanship and catches everyone’s attention. Even from the name, Blu. Who thought of that? I thought it was a misspelling of blue. But, they defined that name. The PCC, with its simple mat finish, sturdy hinge design and drop-and-charge battery design, is the corner stone of this kit. Like I said, the best designed e-cig around, hands down. Everyone that has seen it, loves it.

Delivery

The delivery options are great also, offering free USPS shipping as well as FedEx.  I choose USPS and the package arrived in about 5-7 days. I am very happy with the option, if I need the cartomizers faster, I have the option in FedEx. I trust their commitment to customer satisfaction. That’s my go-to option for 2nd day or over-night.

Quality

First, one of the best things about this kit is the PCC (Personal Charging Case).  It is a solidly designed case, feeling sturdy and well crafted, not cheap like some others.  The blue light that lights up on the front is just the right touch, not too flashy.  The case has two battery indicators on the side, one for the case and one for the battery that the case is charging inside.  I also like the fact you don’t have to screw the battery in to charge it.  The case holds a complete e-cig and 5 cartridges along with the charging battery.  There’s also a social feature that lets the case vibrate when near another Blu PCC, which they believe will help conversation about e-cigs.  Not so sure how that will pane out, as I keep mine off. The batteries have not gone out on me at all. The charge and go like champs. I also love the fact they tell you who they choose for their e-liquids and why. And, I must admit, I’m a fan of Johnson Creek as well. And the fact this all comes at a price that matches most other sites, just a big plus.

Battery

The battery, even for such a short one, still lasts for about 1.5 hours with regular use.  The responsiveness is really good also, probably too good.  It goes off even if you put it in your mouth backwards and take a drag.  But, this probably isn’t a big deal if you keep it in the case.  If you put it in your pocket, I’m pretty sure it’ll miss-fire by itself.  I’m glad they chose to send a case with every kit.  Also, the battery and cartridge is really small, about the size of a regular cigarette, which I know some ex-smokers will really enjoy.

Flavor

The Flavor is great.  The menthol is very good.  I also enjoy the Java Jolt flavor a lot.  Not as much as V2 cigs coffee flavor, but third best for sure.  It has a smoky taste to it that’s unique.  I enjoy Johnson Creek liquids a great deal, so that’s a no brainer win, win for me.

Throat Hit

The Throat hit is where there is a serious flaw.  I’m not sure why, since the disposable had a decent throat hit.  Not amazing, but decent.  These have none.  Not even a bit.  It has great resistance, so it feels like your taking a drag on a cig, but no… back of the throat punch that normal cigs give or other e-cigs for that matter.  I’m not sure if it’s the battery of the flavor, cause I only got Java Jolt with the kit.  Or of it’s just the smaller batteries in the premium kit that have the lack of hit.  I plan on testing the 100 pack to be sure, but the premium, zero on throat hit.

Vapor

Vapor is a different story; this little guy has a ton of it.  And I do mean a ton.  It’s amazing the amount it produces, for any size.  A plus for this part for sure, but it’s probably because the liquid is Vegetable Glycerin based, which seems to produce more vapor.  I was very impressed with this part and so were my friends that I showed it off too. With the vapor letting you feel like a living chimney, a lot of smokers loved that one feature alone. To be honest, no one in this for-factor or even in the larger 2-piece kits matches its vapor pound-for-pound. Super job there.

Over All

Over all I recommend this kit a lot to soon-to-be ex-smokers. The kit really is a gateway into the e-cig world. Most ex-smokers I know started their journey here and never went back to regular cigarettes.


19 Responses to Blu Premium Kit

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  • Marilyn says:

    One of the main advantages for BLU that you didn’t mention is that you can purchase the starter kit (the Original E Cig Starter Kit – Black) at Walgreens, and other stores. They also sell the replacement cartridges in 4 different flavors. This convenience is huge for me, as I don’t have to wait for a delivery. In addition, Walgreen’s price for the starter kit is, at this time, $20.00 cheaper than buying it from BLU’s web site (I got it for $49.99, Walgreen’s regular price–it is $69.99 at the web site).

    Walgreen’s also sells the disposable BLU’s in both classic tobacco and menthol flavors, which is what I first purchased to try them.

    I am now considering upgrading to the Premium 100 starter kit, to get a slightly larger battery that lasts longer, and maybe a longer lasting flavor cartridge, too. Once I do, I will probably be limited to buying cartridges from the web site, though, so I have to seriously think about that limitation. (I will say that I have only been to Walgreen’s to purchase the BLU’s locally, so perhaps other stores, such as Meijer’s, carry a larger selection.)

    These e cigs have been heaven sent, and I don’t see myself going back to tobacco ever again. What a blessing. Thanks for your web site, too. Before I purchase another starter kit from BLU, I might try some of the disposables from other brands that you have reviewed. You web site makes the “shopping around” process much easier, and less complex.

    • ecigcritic says:

      Thank you for your reply Marilyn! I’m really glad you found some information on this site that you found informative for your e-cig introduction. This is why I put my time into this site, to help people, even if it’s just one, to make the switch from regular cigarettes to e-cigs easier.

      And you are correct, I did leave out the local starter kit availability. I left it out because me and a fellow ecig enthusiast looked on the ecig site, saw that the kits were available at a few Walgreen’s near by, dashed out to buy them, but none of the local stores actually had the kits. just the disposables. So, I wasn’t sure if this was an “In the making” deal. But, thanks to your feed back, I now know they are available locally in some areas and I will share that news.

      Congratulations by the way on joining the e-cig movement. My fondest wish is that all regular cigarettes smokers will find a way off of them, no matter what method they use. And you are an example of what e-cigs can do. Thank you again.

  • Pete Carlson says:

    Good review, I have the original starter kit, and as a many year, 2+ pack a day smoker, have been satisfied enough to ditch cigarettes. Here in CT you can easily find the original starter kit at Walgreens. Unfortunately, nobody retail carries the Premium, Premium 100 (which is what I really wanted), or 100 carts, and folks at the blu website concur with that. That is unfortunate as I am not a mail order type guy, I want to walk in and purchase what I want locally.

    Although too much nicotine can be harmful, typical smoking levels are not any worse for you than caffine. Without a doubt, I feel a marked health benefit from switching to vaping.

    • ecigcritic says:

      Hey Pete,

      So glad you’ve found something to help you get off those regular cigarettes. Here’s to a long vaping life for us all!

  • Justin says:

    I have found my entry into the ecig world a tumultuous one. I have given the blu standard kit a try and have found it to be a little less than satisfactory. I experimented for a couple weeks with the included carts and even bought a pack of tobacco carts with the kit and found that the cart life span was the biggest issue, not that they were bad in general but that there was no consistency, some carts like the cherry and menthol that came in the kit were great with lots of vapor and clearly lasted almost all day, and some produced almost none and lasted for a session or two. I bought a fin kit and the difference was astounding even with PG the vapor was far more consistent and the battery lasted much longer as the blu was good for ten or so drags before blinking, interestingly the blu carts fit and function on the blu battery and the weakness is found.

  • Pete Carlson says:

    Just a follow-up. Sad to say I have just gone through a second blu (regular, not 100) bettery…just up and died! This is despite carefully following all charging/maintanence information. I have yet to receive a warranty replacement on the first battery, no responses from blu support, either by email or on-line chat. I notice that the web site seems to be out of stock on 3 of their 4 starter kits…not a good sign!

    Now to be fair, I probably vape too much for these small batteries. I love the flavor of blu, the PCC, size and all that, but I probably need a more robust battery. I would have tried the Premium 100 kit…but they are out of stock.

    I am not going back to regular cigs, and am sold on e-cigs. After some due diligence reading reviews, and after talking to the folks at Green Smoke, I ordered their “trade-in” offer, and give them a try.

  • April says:

    I’ve been a Blu user for a couple years. I started with the basic kit, got a 2nd one and then last year moved up to the Premium 100. I love this thing. I even got my husband to give up his smellly cigars for Blu. One of the advantages that I didn’t see here is that if anything, and I mean anything, goes wrong with the case, batteries or chargers, Blu will replace the item free for up to one full year. I’ve replaced all of my batteries a couple times as well as my cases. I picked up a couple spare batteries to tide me over until I get my replacements back. That usually only takes about a week.

    Can anyone tell me if you buy the kit in the store (Walgreens or whereever), does Blu guarantee those for replacement as well? I didn’t know and saw above where someone saved money by buying away from the site.

  • Jill S says:

    Wish I had found this site before I spent so much money on different rechargables that weren’t worth a nickel. Boy have I spent the money. I have tried to look past that fact and focus more on the fact that I haven’t picked up a cigarette in weeks. So after smoking NJoy and Blu disposables I have now switched to Blu rechargable and have ordered the Njoy rechargable. I am thrilled with the Blu except for one thing…battery life. Ridiculously short. Today in an hour car trip I guess I switched out my two batteries at least 20 times. Literally by the time I got out of a parking lot on to the main street the blu light was flashing. After ready that the Njoy last so much longer I have to try it. After reading your blog I’m interested in trying the V2 as well. I did buy the KGO by the way and it’s not for me….but my husband likes it ok. I need that feeling of smoking a cigarette so I have to stick to the look a likes for now.

    • ecigcritic says:

      I’m glad you found something you can use for now. I hope going forward you will find items more compatible with you easier. I know how hard that first step is, but once you find something that works for you, it feels brand new all over again. :D.

      Here’s hoping to a long cigarette free life Jill! Gratz!

  • Phil says:

    I tried to order online but found out last night that the Blu site does not accept AMEX (my only card) or PayPal. So today I drove around to the stores listed as Blu vendors. Multiple QuikTrip stores were listed. One listed store said they did not carry it and another said they had other E-Cigs and were planning on carrying Blu in the future but did not have them yet… odd… I thought I had seen the logo in their window before. I finally found what looked like an old version of the starter kit at Walgreens and bought it (under $40). Unfortunately it comes with a car lighter adapter and USB adapter but no wall adapter. No new cars have lighters anymore. I will look for a wall adapter on EBay. Charging from a USB hub, I have to agree on the lack of throat hit, but was very surprised at how much nicotine punch this E-Cig carries. I just might be able to do this after all but it will take some time to make the change.

    • ecigcritic says:

      That’s great news Phil. I hope you enjoy your beginning steps into the vaping world. Anything to help you off of those regular e-cigs.

      Vape Strong!

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