The Best Electronic Cigarette for a First-time Vaper
by DonDaBoomVape
What is the best model for a new vaper to start with? Most ECF members have an opinion about this. Here is mine
and the reasons for it.
The Three Contenders:
Even more than ranking the three contenders, a significant challenge for this review was choosing which three of the dozens of available models should be in contention.
The
Joye 510 was easiest: it won the
Vapy Award and is the most popular model among forum members, for good reason. The
KR808D-1 wasnt too difficult either: the KR8, as some of us have nicknamed it, placed second in the Vapies, has been growing rapidly in popularity, and has its own strengths, different from the 510.
But that third contender?
The least controversial choice (and the traditional one) would be the DSE901: it is tried and true, placed third in the Vapies, and is one of the primary fittings for mods. However, I believe that its heyday has come and gone - or is in the process of going - and has been surpassed by those two other models. The 901 has no distinguishing strengths.
So
which model to include?
I considered the super-minis. Because of their size, they certainly are appealing to current smokers: Its just like a real cigarette! But their performance doesnt compare with those first two models selected
and I wouldnt know which super-mini to pick.
I seriously contemplated the new eGO/Tornado. It has all the virtues of the 510 (except size perhaps) combined with a high capacity battery. But the price of the starter kit is twice that of the others. [All things considered (e.g., PCC and extra batteries needed for the 510), it is equally cost-effective, but the 510 enables a more tentative testing of the waters.]
I even thought about a 5 / 6V mod. It immediately delivers a sweet spot experience. But which of the dozens to choose? The mods have the same (or greater) cost disadvantage as the eGO/Tornado. And theyre all a bit weird looking to someone not of our world.
I decided on the
penstyle. It is clearly different from the other two in appearance and in the feel of the vape. The penstyle has a loyal following, albeit not as large as the 510 or KR8. And it is my favorite PV. This review provides me an opportunity to articulate why.
But penstyle is a category, not a model. The obvious model to select would be the DSE801, but in my experience with that model (which has been extensive), the 801 is not that reliable: 801 attys last me, on average, one week before dying. My experience with the RN4072 has been similar. The BE112 is well thought of, but I have not liked the few that Ive tried, finding the TH and vapor to be relatively weak. The M201 is just not compatible with anything else
and each of two attys I tried, ordered separately, died in three days. My favorite (for reasons I will articulate shortly) is the
Joye 302 the atomizer for which is used in the popular Janty/Joye Stick and my choice for the third contender.
Starter kits for all three contenders KR808D-1, Joye 510, and Joye 302 can be had for around $40 from many of the suppliers that I will suggest.
And the Winner is
A Tie! the
KR808D-1 or the
Joye 510
-- depending on the priorities of the new vaper
There is no one best e-cig model for every vaper. We all come to vaping with our own set of expectations and priorities. Each of these two models has a different set of strengths that make it appealing to a new e-cig user. As for the Joye 302: it is equally worthy of your consideration, but one of its superficial attributes has caused it to be less attractive to many (but not all) new vapers.
#1 (tie): KR808D-1
If you want a simple, virtually maintenance-free model with a high-powered automatic battery that provides good throat hit and more puffs per charge than any model its size, the Kr8 is for you. It was my first e-cig (because of the simplicity). I didnt stick with it because I didnt like the taste of the cartomizers at that time (June 2009). However, they have improved considerably (e.g., CigEasys Gold Label, Vapor4Lifes Premium, and VaporNines Turbo lines)
and many more flavors and nicotine levels (and suppliers) are now available.
The cartomizer concept is a leap forward in cart/atty design. You just screw it onto a charged battery and vape; no messing with e-liquid required, although you can if you want to. Its ease of use is a boon to new vapers; and its convenience (e.g., when driving or at work) can be appreciated by all vapers.
As a cartridge, the cartomizer is the only one that I have found to be effective in delivering e-liquid to the atomizer. Most KR8 users dont find it necessary to stuff their cartomizers with tea bags or blue foam in order to get a decent vape.
As for the disposable atomizer portion, no models atomizer lasts that long; all really are disposable (and/or require considerable maintenance). The KR8 atty is just a heck of a lot cheaper to dispose of. And, because of the simplicity, juice delivery, and disposability, I predict that the two-piece, cartomizer design will be what brings in the masses. Already it is making inroads in the 510 world.
The KR8 batterys 280 mAh is greater than most models, equaled only by the penstyle and 510 Mega. [The Kr8s own mega version (XL) is 380 mAh.] Only the eGO/Tornado or mods provide more puffs per charge. Heading out into the world for the day with two fully charged KR8 batts, many vapers wouldnt even need its effective PCC. And the KR8 battery is the only true 3.7V batt of the non-mods. In combination with the effective cartomizer, the KR8 battery delivers strong throat hit. I even use it (with adapter) as the battery for my Joye 302 penstyle. (I call it the DaBoomMod.) [FYI: The KR8 batt also accommodates a 901 atty, without an adapter.]
The downside of the KR8 battery (and passthrough) is the implementation of the manual version: that button (more recessed than the 510s) can stick and doesnt always engage. The auto batt and PT work like a charm.
A downside of the KR8 cartomizer is its vapor production: its decent, but just doesnt compare with the 510 (or even the 302). And that cartomizer (which also is the mouthpiece) can get hot. Notice the plastic cap that Belletrist (Puff) keeps on her cart. And I still dont like the taste that much; though a great many people do, so it hasnt affected my ranking.
The cartomizers refillability is a wash: on the one hand, it can be refilled with liquid only two or three times before tasting yucky; on the other hand, its quick and easy to do (using Doggsbodys Carto Cap technique) and, by the time you throw it away, youve than gotten more than your moneys worth.
The KR8 model is now sold by many suppliers and often under different brand names. The following are the U.S. suppliers (and names they use) that I have dealt with:
Vapor4Life (Vapor King) has the greatest selection of cartomizers (flavors and nicotine levels) and batteries (three lengths and many colors), but is one of the priciest (including $7 shipping). [However, if you are SMILIN when you place an order, youll receive 10% off.]
NHaler (KR808D-1) also has a large selection of cartomizers (and adapters) and is a bit less expensive (although the shipping cost also is high). [When you order from New Jersey-based NHaler, remember that you can SAVEinNJ also 10%.]
Other U.S. suppliers (some of which are low cost and/or provide free shipping) include AltSmoke (KR808D), CigEasy (Easy), Cigtechs (KR808D), GoodProphets (VapoRite), LeCig (D1), LiteCigUSA (KR808D-1), Mist-Stix (Mist-Stix), PureSmoker (Ace), The House of Vapor (KR808D-1), VaporKings (KR808D-1), and VaporNine (Nebula).
Outside the U.S.: Heaven Gifts and Health Cabin (China); Liberty Flights (U.K.) and iVapour elixir (Creator, U.K.).
#1 (tie): Joye 510
If you want a slightly shorter model (112 mm to the KR8s 117 mm) with fantastic vapor and a well-implemented manual battery and are willing to put up with more maintenance and frequent battery recharging get the Joye 510 [held by Rob (terraphon) in the above photo]. And I do mean Joye 510, rather than the clones, some of which may be OK, but youll be taking your chances.
I didnt come to the 510 until relatively late in my vaping journey, after starting with the KR8 and then spending several months with the penstyle and Prodigy. My first reaction was: Its so cute! Remember - I was used to much larger models. And Ive been very impressed; the 510 is now my second favorite e-cig. I cant believe the vapor this little guy generates [demonstrated here by Scott (igetcha69)]; it tastes good; and that manual switch is completely reliable and easy to use.
The frequently discussed downside is its 180 mAh battery twice the duration of a super-mini such as the Joye 306a, but appreciably less than the 280 mAh KR8 or penstyle. However, for me, this is not a significant problem: the battery recharges quickly and the PCC works quite well. The more serious deficit of the battery is that it delivers only about 3.2V to the atomizer coil. Yeah, I know, it is a 3.7V battery. And a prefilled e-cig cartridge is equivalent to a pack of cigarettes. Then theres the one about Jack and a Beanstalk.
That 510 atomizer, however, is so amazing that it is able to generate wondrous vapor with that 3.2V. Another strength of the Joye 510 atomizer, in my experience, is that it lives longer than many other models (e.g., penstyles or other minis). One of my original 510 attys from last fall is still working!
My personal disappointment with the 510 is the TH. [I have an untested, extremely non-technical theory about this: The 510 atomizer squeezes as much goodness as it can from that wimpy battery and delivers it in the form of superlative vapor, with little left over for throat hit.]
I get no kick from five ten.
It is a vapor machine, yes I know.
But throat hit, Im telling you true:
Only from Joye three oh two!
[You had to expect one song from me, right?]
However, I am in the minority on this. In fact, I conducted a poll here recently: 88% of respondents get at least as much throat hit from the 510 as any other model (over 50% get more).
The only other downside is that which is shared by most e-cigs and is relative only to the simplicity of the KR8 high-maintenance. Blowing out and cleaning attys, constant dripping or hassling with carts are the primary reasons that Ive not placed the 510 above the KR8 in this ranking. I consider this to be especially relevant for a new vaper.
[For newbies reading this, dont be overly concerned. Remember that this downside is only relative to the almost effortless KR8; and it has not stopped thousands of vapers from enjoying the Joye 510.]
These days, most ECF suppliers carry a 510 (not necessarily Joye).
Some of the U.S. suppliers with the least expensive Joye 510 starter kits are: Cignot, LiteCigUSA, Rocky Mountain Vapor, NHaler, Liberty Flights US [NOTE: Liberty Flights UK carries the DSE510.], Ecigsupply, The House of Vapor, and Awesome Vapor.
Outside the U.S.: Heaven Gifts and Health Cabin (China); Happy Vaper (Canada); Totally Wickeds Titan (U.K.); and Jantys Dura C (Europe, etc.).
#3: Joye 302
If you want a PV with a wonderful combination of the big three (vapor, flavor, and throat hit) on an automatic battery with the same 280 mAh as the KR8 and are comfortable with a long e-cig (155 mm) consider the Joye 302 penstyle. [I again call on Rob and Scott to demonstrate.]
Ive already praised in song one of the Joye 302s greatest strengths: its throat hit. It shares this attribute with the other penstyles, but leads the pack. The 302s vapor is greater than the KR8s, but nothing can match that of the 510. The flavor is smoother and truer than the KR8 (which I find to be a bit off) and at least equal in quality to the 510 (but intangibly different in feel richer?). Ive found the 302s atomizer, a low-bridge type, to be the most reliable of the penstyle models, lasting me several weeks.
A penstyles length (which I happen to think is elegant and one of its strengths) may be off-putting to some; and is the primary reason that I rank it third for the typical new vaper (but not necessarily for you). I believe the reason there is not more buzz about the penstyle (including this model) is that, because of the length, most vapers have never even tried it.
All non-cartomizer e-cigs, including the Joye 302, require the same high-maintenance (relative to the KR8) described for the 510.
A manual switch battery is not even available for the Joye 302 (other than in the expensive Janty Kissbox, which is kind of a penstyle), although you certainly can use the 302 atty on a manual DSE801 batt. I do not recommend it, for the same reasons stated for the KR8 manual. In fact, the button on one of my 801s became lodged inside the battery housing, never to be seen again. Like the KR8, the penstyles auto battery works just fine.
Not nearly as many suppliers carry the Joye 302 and some only carry the 302 atomizer. [In that case, also get an inexpensive 801 kit from the same supplier
or a KR8 (kit or batts and charger) and a 901 to 801 adapter, e.g., from LiteCigUSA, which has all the components: Kr8 auto batt, charger, 302 atty, and adapter.]
The only U.S. supplier I know of who carries the full kit is Vapor Station. Those who carry the atomizer are: LiteCigUSA, Ecigsupply (also the batt and charger, but not as a kit), MyVaporStore, Electro-Nic-Stix, DIETsmokes, and Jantys Classic Stick TAWA.
Outside the U.S.: Heaven Gifts (China, full kit), Happy Vaper (Canada, full kit), and Jantys Classic-Stick TAWA (Europe, atomizer only).
In Conclusion
So there you have it:
- Ya want simplicity and a powerful battery? Get the KR8.
- Voluminous vapor and a great manual switch? The Joye 510 is for you.
- Want the big three in a long, slender package? Join my Joye 302 fan club.
DonDaBoomVape
.