A Few Questions Before I Order My Starter Kit (KR808 / Smoketip)

[jordan85]

Been lurking for a couple of days. Thanks for everybody that has contributed to this site =)

I'll try to make this as brief as I can while still including all necessary questions/info.

I've been wanting to quit for a few years now. Been smoking for about 10 years, 1 PAD +/-.

I think I've narrowed my decision down to a KR808. Basically,since it's my first experience with e-cigs, I want something that is easy, reliable, and will imitate analog smoking as close to possible. I'm not terribly concerned with battery life, as I am only 1PAD smoker and I can always purchase an extra battery if need be. Therefore, more important to me is vapor production, pull etc. Also, for this same reason I think I would prefer automatic over manual, for now at least.

From my understanding, there are "standard" models which have standard sized parts, but built by a variety of manufacturers? So, much like Absolut, Grey Goose, Skyy all make vodka, a variety of company's produce the KR808 model, but they vary in terms of quality? I'm a little confused on this...

Like I said, I would like to order a KR808 unless somebody has a better suggestion. I was looking at SmokeTip's starter kit for $60 (Electronic Cigarette | Affordable, Only $59 | 100% FREE Shipping!). I have read a lot of good feedback about SmokeTip's customer service, but... will the device itself be any better/worse than a possibly lower priced supplier? And is this device even a KR808?

Also, is this choice limiting me in terms of juices I can choose from, parts, etc.?

Like I said, I want something that imitates analog smoking as closely as possible, so vapor production, and finding a cig that is automatic, but I don't feel like I am "pulling" overly hard to get "a pull" are the types of things that I think will make or break this experience for me.

Also, any suggestions on where to search for discounts/coupons? I saw that Smoketip had a buy one, get one promotion not too long ago. I would love to be able purchase this item and have one shipped to me, and the other shipped to my mom.

Thanks in advance for any help. Quick responses appreciated. I would like to order this kit tomorrow! =)

 

[cskent]

Hi and welcome to ECF. It looks like you've made up your mind about purchasing a KR808 so I won't try to change your mind on that. It's a good starter unit and it'll perform adequately. In looking at the SmokeTip website they don't say that it's a KR808, or compatible, that I saw. That in itself would tend to make me look elsewhere, and their prices are quite high too. Here's a link to a genuine KR808d-1 at about the lowest price going Kr808d-1 starter kit: kr808d-1 cartomizers, kr808d battery and more! Kr808d-1 kit from LiteCigUSA! from one of the best vendors I've dealt with. The kits do have manual batteries though, but with the cost difference you could pick up a couple of auto batteries and still come out ahead on price. They're also an ECF approved supplier. Another supplier that gets a lot of praise is Vapor4Life-Because it's your life - E-Cigarettes/Smoking Alternatives. They deal strictly in KR808 and have about the best selection of prefilled cartomizers around. Wherever you decide to buy from, order extra cartomizers, an extra battery, and some juice if you intend to refill carto's yourself.

 

[Numevexo]

Hi jordan,
Just to follow up with cskents reply,
I'm quite sure that the Smoketip is the same as the kr808. Also backing up the recommendation for litecigusa.net.
I purchased my kr8 from them , and they probably have the best price you'll find. Fast and reasonably priced shipping, too.
I've ordered from them many times. I also recommend their "Premium Blank Cartomizers, if/when you try to fill your own.

Madvapes.com also has the kr808 model for sale here: 808-D
Welcome to the forum and Good luck in your future vaping endeavors!

 

[jordan85]

Hi kent and numevexo, and thanks for the quick responses.

I haven't made up my mind completely on the KR808 or the Smoketip, the KR808 just seems to fit the bill of what I am looking for. In terms of what I'm looking for:
-easy
-reliable
-good vapor production
-good pull
-automatic
-affordable
-small size-factor - I'm very self aware, and won't like using a pen or otherwise large size device in public. Granted, I know very few of the different e-cigs compare exactly to an analog cig's size or even looks, but the smaller the better.

That's in a perfect world. I don't know if all of these things are even attainable in a "starter" kit, but those are the things I am looking for.

With those considerations, the KR808 seemed like the best match. However, that is not to say I am not open to suggestions.

And the reason I thought the the SmokeTip was a KR808 was b/c of this reveiw: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/electronic-cigarette-reviews/140513-smoketip-review.html

These were things from the review that were making me wonder if spending extra on this device would be worth the extra money over other KR808's:

"I was in the market for another KR808 and after hearing pretty much nothing but good things about this company,as well as having a great black friday/holiday promotion I decided to go with them."

"The "easy drag" they promote is no lie, the vapor went straight to the back of my throat like a cig does."

"My previous experience with a KR808 was with a mega battery and it didn't seem to provide half the punch this does. I don't know if it's Smoketip's cartos or what but I'm finding them pretty impressive."

"Overall I'm very pleased, it's not often that I'm excited about a product but I'm very, very happy with this."

Plus, I guess they have lifetime, no questions asked battery replacement and free shipping, which I would think offsets some of that differential

 

[cskent]

I wasn't saying that the SmokeTip is or isn't a KR808, and from the additional link you provided it appears it is. It's just that they don't tell me what I'd be buying that irks me about a lot of vendors. Another thing that bothers me, and lots of others here on ECF, is making false claims such as:

"All SmokeTip Kits come with 6 atomized cartridges in your choice of Regular or Menthol. Each cartridge is equal to about 1.25 packs of traditional cigarettes."

I don't know of anyone who gets that much mileage out of a cartomizer. However they also say:

"We guarantee our prices to be the lowest. If you find our product for less anywhere let us know and we will refund the difference - period."

So you might be able to work with that since there are several places that advertise lower prices and you now have links to them.

Since it is a KR808 it should be a good unit so I wouldn't hesitate to order one from a quality standpoint. It was probably made in the same factory as the ones litecigusa and madvapes sells and just rebranded. The important thing is to get something that will perform well enough for you, and a KR808 will probably fit the bill.

 

[jordan85]

ok, thx for the response again. Like I said, I really do want to order this tomorrow!

But the consensus is that this is most likely the same unit, producted in the same factory just rebranded, no matter which of these three retailers I purchase from?

Also, would this be the equivalent from v4l? Vapor4Life- Electronic Cigarette: Vapor King Ultimate Auto Starter Kit I'm just asking b/c it doesn't say KR808 anywhere, and the price is higher than the one I linked.

 

[swt_silhouette]

Hi,
I got the bigger batteries first. Riva kit. They work well, but I LOVE V4L. I have the Ultimate starter kit. They have great customer service, free samples, and just introduced some Fabulous Diamond series batteries. These are prettier than the smokestick jewel tips, and about half the price! It's a great vape!

The batts were just on sale for $13 for the XL's with the code batteryblitz, (I think, check the forum for reference). They are showing strong positive reviews in how they vape too...

 

[cskent]

The V4L is also a KR808 and yes they're all pretty much the same thing, just rebranded. V4L has a pretty good reputation around the forum even though it is more expensive. They too don't say it's a KR808 though. I've never ordered from them, but from what I've read their customer service is great and they do have a large selection of prefilled carto's. They also have a lot of different colors to choose from and their prices are about the same as the SmokeTip if you look at what's included in starter kits from both companies. If you look at the Shorty kit, it's less expensive at $49.50. The Ultimate kit includes a passthrough and is $65. I'm not trying to sell you on them, just pointing out some differences.

 

[juicejunky]

I'm a KR-808D1 user and very happy with it.

Just another idea before you pull the trigger. Since you prefer the automatic battery, check out the Maxx Fusion at Bloogplanet.net. That is supposed to be the latest and greatest in KR-808D1 technology, but not the cheapest. The auto battery doesn't require priming puffs and their cartomizers have a new style of atomizer in them. They are compatible with all KR-808D1s.

Shortie KR-808D-1 batteries don't last very long, like maybe 1/2 hour if you vape them hard to an hour. Standard ones 2 hours, and XL 3-4 hours. I use almost exclusively XL now, when I am not on a USB passthru.

When you can afford it get two chargers and extra batteries. I haven't found much use for the PCCs, except as a second charger when my kit was new. Now it sits because I'd rather carry 2-3 batteries with me than the PCC. It's just one more thing to keep charged. If I commuted by train I'd probably use it.

If you buy a USB passthru, it is best to get that as a manual. You don't want juice leaking it in.

Vapor4Life runs lots of 20-30% off sales, so you might want to wait for one of those for back up supplies. Sign up for their mailing list to get the notices. It was any one of the names of the football teams for 33% off everything over the weekend, but that may have ended at midnight, so it won't help you tomorrow. Most vendors have promotion codes, so do a search to save money. I think SMILIN10 or 20 works all the time at V4L.

Happy vaping.

 

[PapaBloog]

I've heard good things about the SmokeTips - it is, however, a rebranded KR808D-1 kit, just like V4L, V2, MyVaporStore, LiteCigUSA, and the Bloog Fusion line. Based on your stated requirements, you can't go wrong with any of these products - components are readily interchangeable and there are a lot of vendors that carry and support 808 tech.

The KR808D-1 tech has been recently updated by Bloog and is found in their MaxX Fusion line - something to consider if you find you like the older 808 tech but need a little better. Personally, having quit using my trusty MVS 808s, (I was 100% quit but only 80% satisfied) - the satisfaction gap was too large for my wife. When I got the MaxX, vaper community +2.

Hope this helps - welcome to ECF and to the wonderful world of vaping and being 3,998 chemicals free (all but the nic!) -

 

[xg4bx]

i'm the author of the smoketip review. i still stand by it. to me the warranty alone is worth the extra money and the batteries are still perfoming splendidly.

 

[Renro]

I wasn't saying that the SmokeTip is or isn't a KR808, and from the additional link you provided it appears it is. It's just that they don't tell me what I'd be buying that irks me about a lot of vendors. Another thing that bothers me, and lots of others here on ECF, is making false claims such as:

"All SmokeTip Kits come with 6 atomized cartridges in your choice of Regular or Menthol. Each cartridge is equal to about 1.25 packs of traditional cigarettes."

When I ordered, based on that 1.25 number, I ordered 6 (10-packs) and it's turned out to be a 20 cigarettes/cartridge for me, at least at the 16mg level. I have found that it's a bit less at the 12 mg level, maybe closer to 15 cigarettes/ cartridge. But i have only been using them since 1/7/11.

 

[Renro]

i'm the author of the smoketip review. i still stand by it. to me the warranty alone is worth the extra money and the batteries are still perfoming splendidly.

Smoketip

I can vouch for the company but I am too new and limited to say anything about the actual product other than it got me from tobacco to here quite painlessly. It's %100 PG based, maybe that is what is giving the th? I will continue to use ST because of the company and my satisfaction with the product, but I am also looking into purchasing another model that allows for DIY, that doesn't look like a cigarette and that allows for more options.

 

[Renro]

I would like to mention that these are hard tip cartomizers which means that they are not designed to accommodate e-juice (But figure there is bound to be many here who could tell you how you could). The cartridges fit nicely to the battery, I don't know what a leaking cartridge is, but I don't know what other brand cartridges work with the ST. You can only buy the cartridges in packs of ten (you get six with the starter kit of either Menthol or Regular which are your only two choices for the kit) and which might not fit your tastes. I have found to my surprise that I only enjoy the coffee, almond and chocolate flavors after my sense of taste returned. I would suggest following the advice of the Vets here because they are aware of the little incidentals that elude a noob like me. One other reason that I am looking for another pv is the battery. I find myself charging mine every 3-4 hours of use and would like to go longer between charges. They now offer the 350Mah which is supposed to last longer between charges and is physically longer, but I haven't tried that yet.

Mostly i want to say is that no matter what you pick to start off with, don't let anything be a deal breaker. If you end up not liking the product, return it (I assume the other companies have some kind of return policy too) but please don't let that stop you from further exploration. The Vets here can absolutely direct you to one that fits your particulars, plus, it takes a little time to get used to the switch from tobacco to vapor. It took me about a week to fully adjust. Best of luck to you

 

[throatkick]

Hi and welcome Jordan!

It is a good product overall. The TH on a fully charged battery and new carto is really good and the vapor was thick and lush. Very smoke-looking.

I have found that many packaged products promise a bit more than they can actually deliver. So overcompensating tends to be somewhat the norm. This is also true because parts aren't readily available at your corner convenience store (yet?)

Another factor for overcompensation tends to be the conditions under which the product is first experienced. If it is being demonstrated or just received in the mail, there is a tendency to give it a bit more credit than it deserves. Call it initial excitement??? So after getting a good "feel" for it, you go to a restaurant or have a couple beers and realize you may be a bit more "demanding" of your e-cig.

EDIT: Almost forgot..... if you get a bit more demanding with those, you have to be careful as you will burn the material in the carto. Then you get a harsh burnt/bitter taste. (not trying to cause alarm or put the product down. Just relaying some info as to what happened to me.) --end edit

This is just one reason why I no longer drink, have a 5v device with a 3.7v backup when out, a small bottle of extra juice handy, direct drip and stay away from very spicy foods.

Not really device-specific stuff here..... just what an ex 3ppd day smoker has noticed and how it has gone for me so far. It may help you avoid some "jams"

All the best!

 

[jordan85]

wow, thanks for all the insight and fast responses.

So I guess I've narrowed it down to these three kits:
V4L Ultimate Automatic Kit: Vapor4Life- Electronic Cigarette: Vapor King Ultimate Auto Starter Kit
Bloog Maxx Fusion Deluxe Starter Kit: Electronic Cigarette Starter Kits
SmokeTip: Electronic Cigarette | Affordable, Only $59 | 100% FREE Shipping!

Somebody sell me on one!

Does anybody have experience with more than one of these products and can offer a comparison?

Also, like I said, I am open to suggestions. These were just the options that seemed like they fit my needs best. But I'm still open to suggestions. For instance, I was checking out the joy ego, but I don't think I want a manual.

I'm really undecided at this point, just want a good (e-)smoke, and fast!

I want to get this ordered while I am highly motivated and have a (comparatively) low level of stress.

 

[Steeldragon]

I have had personal experience with 2 of the companies. Both V4L and Bloog kits are using the newer tech on the Kr808 with there automatics. Both companies will get your shipment to you quick usually with in 3 days. Both have excellent customer service. V4L has a tendency to throw in freebies in with orders. I love my Bloog maxfusion, It feels just like a real cigarette. Looking back at this post I can't really give a greater justification to which is better, love both companies. You can't go wrong with any of the above companies.

 

[jordan85]

It feels just like a real cigarette

That's what I want!

So if they are both using the "new technology," then can I assume that the V4L and the Maxx Fusion will perform similar/identical, and it's really just a matter of price, colors, cartos, etc?

Or is there any reason to consider one more than the other?

 

[dormouse]

Note - most people recommend manual batteries. I do not know if Smoketip has manuals. You might want to at least try a manual battery from elsewhere if Smoketip doesn't have them and you get Smoketip. I also recommend using soft-cap cartomizers like Vapor4Life's (and soft-cap blanks) so they can be refilled as they were meant to be refilled, not by using tricks to force liquid in through other openings.

I don't think they feel like real cigarettes. They are heavier and slightly thicker. But as far as being something cylindrical I am bringing to my mouth a dragging on, they get an A+. I also like that KR808D-1 can use 901 atty and carts (or drip tip if you have a manual battery which is more sealed than an auto). And with an adapter you could use 510 or Joye 306 attys and their respective carts. Nice batteries and popular enough that adapters exist. There is also a fat-battery model called Elegant Easy at CigEasy (super-long battery charge and ability to use LR low resistance cartos and attys)

 

[jordan85]

Dormouse, do you not think any of the vapes are similar to real cigs, or were u talking about one of the models specifically?