A good starter kit?

[sawlight]

I think I've lost my mind, but I've been kicking around more and more the idea or an RBA. The idea of being semi-self sufficient, running down to RS and Hobby Lobby, rather than waiting for the tank carto's I really want, or dealing with the crappy ones I can get, is getting appealing!
So where do I start? I want to keep it cheap for now, I'm really not sure how much I'm going to be into this, or willing to fight with it! If I can do a trade in the classifieds it's that much better to keep "she who must be obeyed" happier!
I'm a tank guy, love my carto tanks, so let's put that up first and foremost. But what's easier to start with? A drip type or a tank type? I've been reading good things and am interested in the trivecca OKC Vapes - Oklahoma's Premier Supplier of Electronic Cigarettes, E-Liquid, and Accessories! I had a deal that fell through going on an A3, both seem to have gotten good reviews on here. But I've no idea how hard they are to work with!
Also keep in mind I'm working with 9 1/4 fingers! Lost half my left thumb and the tip of my right index fingers, saws don't like me much! So dexterity is limited in my life. So what's easier, drip, tank or just forget it?
Sorry, I'm long winded!

 

[j4mmin42]

Drip types take wicking out of the equation- one less thing to worry about. You can pick up Phoenix clone for under $10. The best "kit" for someone new to true Genesis systems would be the DuD (DiD clone), which you can find around $12-$15. You'll still want to buy some 400 tpi 316 SS mesh and 32, 30 or 28 gauge A1 Kanthal from ebay for wick and coil building, because the DuD comes with chinese crap that doesn't work as well as the good stuff. Getting the proper coil building supplies is more important than which unit you start with!

 

[sawlight]

Any other advice or suggestions at all?

 

[Rule62]

My advice: Go with one of the Chinese Genesis type tanks. I started out with the DiD clones, sold by various suppliers, under various names, like Genesis, Vulcan, COV Gen1, MOV Gen 1, etc. The AGAs are a bit larger, but still inexpensive. I did the same as you. I wanted to start out fairly cheaply, because I didn't know if it was something I could do, or something I would enjoy doing. Since that time, I've found that I not only could do it, but found it enjoyable, and the result is worth the time spent learning, vapor and flavor wise. I still own and use the Chinese clones daily, with A1 Kanthal and 400 or 500 mesh, purchased from ebay.

 

[sawlight]

Thanks guys! I guess I need to get some pics and put my Vivi's on the classified and see what I can sort out for a trade!

 

[Rule62]

There's a learning curve involved; and a confidence curve after that. When I first started with RBAs, even when I managed to build a good wick/coil, I was afraid to take it out of the house, for fear that it would fail, and I'd have no back up. Then I began venturing out, but with one or two Vivi Novas in a plastic bag, as back up. Eventually, I got to the point that my Gennys are all I use, and go with me everywhere.

 

[Kemosabe]

i use my DuD as an "at home" piece. its not that i dont want to bring it out, its just that it leaks unless its upright due to the fill screw being left out. how does everyone deal with that? do you guys keep the fill screw with an allen wrench in your pocket for every time you want to set it in a less-than-upright position? or is there a more preferred operation for this?

 

[sawlight]

I'm pretty much home bound anymore, so I don't get out much so I can throw in another old carto and drip if I have to for a backup as needed.

I can't wait for an answer for that Kemosabe, that's certainly something I don't want! I tend to carry my PV in the pocket of my pocket "T's".

 

[JD1]

i use my DuD as an "at home" piece. its not that i dont want to bring it out, its just that it leaks unless its upright due to the fill screw being left out. how does everyone deal with that? do you guys keep the fill screw with an allen wrench in your pocket for every time you want to set it in a less-than-upright position? or is there a more preferred operation for this?

A lanyard might work for you. I used to use ce2s and pulled the center plug for easy filling and didn't replace it. I had a holder rigged in my truck that I could set my pv in easy enough and just kept in my shirt pocket the rest of the time.

 

[Rule62]

i use my DuD as an "at home" piece. its not that i dont want to bring it out, its just that it leaks unless its upright due to the fill screw being left out. how does everyone deal with that? do you guys keep the fill screw with an allen wrench in your pocket for every time you want to set it in a less-than-upright position? or is there a more preferred operation for this?

I leave the fill screw in with mine. I try to keep them upright, as best I can, but if they are on their side sometimes, they're still ok.

 

[PhreakySTS9]

Drip types take wicking out of the equation- one less thing to worry about. You can pick up Phoenix clone for under $10. The best "kit" for someone new to true Genesis systems would be the DuD (DiD clone), which you can find around $12-$15. You'll still want to buy some 400 tpi 316 SS mesh and 32, 30 or 28 gauge A1 Kanthal from ebay for wick and coil building, because the DuD comes with chinese crap that doesn't work as well as the good stuff. Getting the proper coil building supplies is more important than which unit you start with!

Actually I would suggest trying out the nichrome that comes with the DUD. Although most people seem to prefer kanthal for some reason, me and many others have discovered that not only is nichrome a lot easier to wrap a coil with, but it also tends to give a less harsh vape than kanthal. Again, just my experience, yours may differ. The mesh that came with my DUD also worked very well, no different than any other 400 mesh i've ever used. I would suggest getting the DUD as it comes with everything you need, but it would also be a good idea to order some kanthal so you can see which wire you prefer, and also getting more mesh, possibly 500 mesh. I've never tried 500 yet as I still have a good bit of 400 left, but it seems to wick better from what people say. I plan on ordering some when I run out of 400.

Also, I've had problems with genesis leaking before(once right smack dab in the middle of my bed!) which has kind of scared me away from wanting to keep them in my pocket. The genuine DID on the other hand i've left on it's side for hours, carried in my pocket, etc. and had no problems, all without the fill screw in which I never use on any genesis. Some are much more prone to leaking than others but the DID clone in my experience was the worst i've owned. I have a BliSS coming my way from a trade so as far as that goes I will have to see.

 

[JD1]

...................... So what's easier, drip, tank or just forget it? ...........

The tank types can be used for dripping if you don't mind the extra length. (Think of it as an extra deep drip well lol.) I'd suggest getting a couple of those and set one up with a cotton wick just for dripping while learning to make a good wick for the other.

I don't have any experience with this unit or this vendor, but I just seen this thread and it does look like a good price. Click on the COV Gen 1 link.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...me-you-buy-something-new-466.html#post7963800

 

[unloaded]

I'd go with a Phoenix clone to start with. They are the easiest to learn and practice on. They also vape great with little effort. You can set them up with mesh if you want to give that a try. On OKCvapes they call it the Bulldog. I've got a few of them and also had a Trivecca but gave it away because I didn't like it as much.

 

[PhreakySTS9]

The tank types can be used for dripping if you don't mind the extra length. (Think of it as an extra deep drip well lol.) I'd suggest getting a couple of those and set one up with a cotton wick just for dripping while learning to make a good wick for the other.

I don't have any experience with this unit or this vendor, but I just seen this thread and it does look like a good price. Click on the COV Gen 1 link.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...me-you-buy-something-new-466.html#post7963800

Clouds of Vapor is a top rate vendor, and the DID clone is excellent for a first genesis. I would honestly go with this over the AGA for ease of use. CoV is the American GG vendor and they also sell some of the best eliquid around, with their CPN Butterscotch being one of the highest rated juices of 2011.

 

[sawlight]

I've got my Vivi Nova's up for trade now, we'll see what transpires from that! Thanks again!

 

[dhomes]

I just grabbed an AGA-T for $25 + $3 S&H here: AGA-T Atomizer Tank

Also have a mini-DID clone from SureVapes for $19 free shipping: The Vulcan - Rebuildable Atomizer Tank
The latter works great after some fiddling (I made the wick hole a bit bigger and sometimes need to push the positive post down a bit for contact with my provari, but all in all vapes great).

32-Kanthal 100ft/$11 shipped on ebay: Kanthal A1 Wire 32 Gauge 100 ft 0 25oz Resistance Resistor AWG A 1 | eBay

12" by 12" 400 SS Mesh $15 free shipping: Woven Wire Mesh Stainless Steel 400 Mesh 12"x12" Filtration | eBay


also around two phoenix but for someone starting up i wouldn't recommend them, posts & holes are too small to work with, everything is too close for my liking

 

[j4mmin42]

Actually I would suggest trying out the nichrome that comes with the DUD. Although most people seem to prefer kanthal for some reason, me and many others have discovered that not only is nichrome a lot easier to wrap a coil with, but it also tends to give a less harsh vape than kanthal. Again, just my experience, yours may differ. The mesh that came with my DUD also worked very well, no different than any other 400 mesh i've ever used. I would suggest getting the DUD as it comes with everything you need, but it would also be a good idea to order some kanthal so you can see which wire you prefer, and also getting more mesh, possibly 500 mesh. I've never tried 500 yet as I still have a good bit of 400 left, but it seems to wick better from what people say. I plan on ordering some when I run out of 400.

Also, I've had problems with genesis leaking before(once right smack dab in the middle of my bed!) which has kind of scared me away from wanting to keep them in my pocket. The genuine DID on the other hand i've left on it's side for hours, carried in my pocket, etc. and had no problems, all without the fill screw in which I never use on any genesis. Some are much more prone to leaking than others but the DID clone in my experience was the worst i've owned. I have a BliSS coming my way from a trade so as far as that goes I will have to see.

I have no problem with nichrome in general, but out of principle I won't vape on Chinese-made wick and wire. There's too many questions that come to mind, like "what exactly is in this stuff?" and "do these people really know or care how we use their products, or whether they're safe?". It's one thing to use devices coming from china, but it's completely different when you start talking about atomizers and things that you heat up and inhale.

I honestly don't believe that the Chinese are concerned with foreign consumers' well being. Culturally, they're conditioned to believe that China is the center of the universe, and that everyone and everything else in the universe is inferior. I could be wrong, but the proof is in the subpar build quality of a large percentage of the e-cig products coming out of there. Every company, and indeed, every individual will think and behave differently. But as someone who has studied under an anthropology professor who specializes in Chinese culture, I have my reasons for being cautious.