Advice on what to buy for newcomers

[Hygroscopic]

Simply stating the blu and RN4081 style "e-cigs" are not popular and/or stating "most people are using big battery 'mods'" shows a lack of simple research on your part.

How many people are not Blu fans, but started with them?
Think that might highlight the point better. They did not start with an eGo for whatever reason. They didn't exist, they didn't like them, they didn't know, they wanted something like a cigarette, etc...

Again the point remains the same:
I ask you where to get Pad Thai, and you send me to Friendly's and tell me that Fribbles are great.

Here is the biggest point overlooked: The impact that device performance has to give a new user is just as important as community support. If you walked into a Home Depot and asked where they kept the storm windows and the clerk berated you about buying an air conditioner, you'd get ...... and leave. Yes the clerk is trying to be helpful, but you ask for a storm window in November, and he wants to sell you an air conditioner under the reason that one day in the future it'll be July. No matter how right or wrong his reasoning is, it isn't July right now and all you want is a storm window.

"But... bu....bu... upgrade!"
I know. You know. However they didn't ask for an eGo.
"Bu... bu... but... penstyles ran over my grandmother and sodomized my pet! So I recommended an eGo!"
They didn't ask for it. Give them what they want, tell them the rest later. Don't elaborate or embellish, in some cases make up eGo facts. No, sorry that the eGo is not the Chuck Norris of vaping. Sorry to hear about your grandmother and the pet BTW...

No one is condemning the eGo itself, they are just saying "Don't be that guy." when it comes to recommending what the new member is asking for. The community impact is just as integral to the experience as the device delivering a pleasant experience. I and many others agree with you on the eGo being a decent device, it is just that the new member specifically told you that it isn't time for them to take that step.., yet.

I'm sure this'll go on for a few more pages. Just have a sense of humor about it. Overall as a community are we doing a disservice to new members by not recommending what they ask for? In some cases probably. However I'm of the opinion that how we approach a recommendation will make the difference. Give them the info you know on the non-eGo/Riva/etc... batts and let them know how you started and why you like the eGo afterward.

There is a compromise, but the piñata is down at this point and isn't getting back up.
If going on the example, neither is grandma.

 

[Automaton]

In the particular case that spurred this post - a social smoker wanting to switch to vaping - we're talking about someone who is most likely way more concerned about having something to do with their hands than they are about nicotine, or throat hit, or battery life, or any of the other things that make people scream "eGo."

Someone like that could probably get a 510, go two straight days on one battery, and never need anything else. Hell, even a super-mini would probably last them forever. An M401 or an RN4081 would be a perfectly good choice for someone like that.

Why do they need an eGo? What benefit does an eGo offer to someone like that? Absolutely none, that I can see.

You (by which I mean the universal you, not anyone in particular) like the eGo because the 510 batt only lasts you an hour. You like it because you smoked 2 packs a day of full-flavored Marlboro's and you need that consistent hit. You like them because of the control, and the fact that they can handle the onslaught of a heavy vaper.

But if someone is taking a month to kill a pack of cigarettes, what does the extra cost and size of an eGo offer them over a 510 or even an M401? Nothing.

Even if this person where a heavier smoker, what good is an eGo to them if they can't psychologically handle the size shift and won't be successful with something that size?

I think many of us forget how hardcore addicted to every aspect of smoking we used to be - including the size. I struggled with even the jump in size from cigs to the Kr8, psychologically. It was a constant reminder that it wasn't really a cig, and there were days when it was hard.

Now, 5 months later, I couldn't care less. I'm vaping an eGo right now, and getting a mod. As a matter of fact, I prefer the weight of a larger PV now. Cigarettes have started to feel "dinky" to me, as weird as that sounds.

But I remember how hard that psychological leap was to me, 5 months ago. Not everyone has that problem, but some people do, and it's as real as every other part of the addiction. You can't just ignore that and expect someone to be successful any more than you can ignore that some people need more nic than others. Some people need to start smaller to get off cigs, in which case it becomes a balancing act between size and performance. Thank goodness for mini's.

You might be right - maybe in a few months, they'll want an eGo, or even a mod.

But it doesn't matter what they might theoretically want in a few months if they never quit at all.

 

[guitardedmark]

In the particular case that spurred this post - a social smoker wanting to switch to vaping - we're talking about someone who is most likely way more concerned about having something to do with their hands than they are about nicotine, or throat hit, or battery life, or any of the other things that make people scream "eGo."

Someone like that could probably get a 510, go two straight days on one battery, and never need anything else. Hell, even a super-mini would probably last them forever. An M401 or an RN4081 would be a perfectly good choice for someone like that.

Why do they need an eGo? What benefit does an eGo offer to someone like that? Absolutely none, that I can see.

You (by which I mean the universal you, not anyone in particular) like the eGo because the 510 batt only lasts you an hour. You like it because you smoked 2 packs a day of full-flavored Marlboro's and you need that consistent hit. You like them because of the control, and the fact that they can handle the onslaught of a heavy vaper.

But if someone is taking a month to kill a pack of cigarettes, what does the extra cost and size of an eGo offer them over a 510 or even an M401? Nothing.

Even if this person where a heavier smoker, what good is an eGo to them if they can't psychologically handle the size shift and won't be successful with something that size?

I think many of us forget how hardcore addicted to every aspect of smoking we used to be - including the size. I struggled with even the jump in size from cigs to the Kr8, psychologically. It was a constant reminder that it wasn't really a cig, and there were days when it was hard.

Now, 5 months later, I couldn't care less. I'm vaping an eGo right now, and getting a mod. As a matter of fact, I prefer the weight of a larger PV now. Cigarettes have started to feel "dinky" to me, as weird as that sounds.

But I remember how hard that psychological leap was to me, 5 months ago. Not everyone has that problem, but some people do, and it's as real as every other part of the addiction. You can't just ignore that and expect someone to be successful any more than you can ignore that some people need more nic than others. Some people need to start smaller to get off cigs, in which case it becomes a balancing act between size and performance. Thank goodness for mini's.

You might be right - maybe in a few months, they'll want an eGo, or even a mod.

But it doesn't matter what they might theoretically want in a few months if they never quit at all.

AMEN!

Dear moderators,

You can feel free to close this thread now.

 

[champions]

OTOH, if the only thing available to me when I started with ecigs 2 years ago had been a big battery like the EGO, I would never have bought the first one. I don't know what kinds of cig-like batteries you might have used that last only 30 minutes, but my VaporKing lasts far longer than that. Some of us still like the look of traditional e cigs and would not be caught dead with a box mod or some of the other strange looking objects others rave about. To each his own.

+1. I use my ego all day but when people ask me to get them into it they are turned off by the size. Newbs really do want a smaller battery. It's not what they will want in three weeks that matters, it is what they want right now. So if they want a 510 or a Blu let them get it. I am happy with my choices and wouldn't be where I am today vaping wise if I hadn't started with a blu.

 

[akcrabslayer]

When one of my smoking friends asks me what e-cig to get i tell give them a few choices along with the pro's and con's of each,when they ask me what i use i really confuse them because i have so many different models and i use them all,i geuss what i'm getting at is there is no right or wrong answer to there question being that we are all different in are taste and needs,as long as i can get them off analogs it doesn't really matter!

 

[kencan98]

I wish someone would have told me to "buy an ego". It would have saved me $125 from a Kiosk and another $40 from 7-11. I went out and got a 510 which got me off analogs but settled on the Tornado which is unbelievable and could never see myself switching.

Sure everyone has their own preferences but for me, if someone would have told me to "buy an ego" from the start I would be $165 richer! That's almost a new house!

 

[Scotch827]

I just got started with Greensmokes. I know no one on here likes them however they are easy and simple to get started with and they got me off analogs. I was a heavy smoker. I am glad I got the advice for the 510's on this site and am using one now. The Greensmokes were given to me. I am going to give them to someone else to try once I am all set up and have enough of the proper supplies. Everyone is different, money wasn't my biggest issue, getting off analogs was. However some people are on a very tight budget, so I say keep giving people the pros and cons and let them decide. I really don't have enough knowledge to advise anyone just my own experience.

Scott

 

[Tiari]

Again the point remains the same:
I ask you where to get Pad Thai, and you send me to Friendly's and tell me that Fribbles are great.

.

Amen.

one of the responses to my very first post was to get an ego. Yup. Without much fanfare I was told what I had was crap, even if I liked it, and if I like it......... get Grrred at as though I'm some mentally challenged closet case.

If I ask a question about a blu-volcano-yetti-whateverthebleep, I want an answer about that, not someone's angry half cocked tyrade about the mini blu cig industry. So please, for the love of jahoosaphat, if someone asks "where can I find X", if you know, can you just tell them? If they want to know about new models, they will ask, trust me.

I've only been on this forum a few days, and shy away from it because of rude product pushing members who treat new members and new e-cig users as if we have disposeable incomes to try this mod and that type, just because they (a strange unknown internet entity) says so. Its insulting and frankly, infuriating. To the new member, who has TONS of questions on the model they actually own, its frustrating knowing the answers are out there, but we are ....e on eexperienced users shoes to be hushed up with an Ego.

 

[enree]

Hi guys. It is not what I started with that is important. Its how I became a nonsmoker. I also made mistakes. I wished I went immediately to go 510 and ego models. Because vaping is relatively still new, people still do not know much about it. It is that culture phenomenon. 'Cigarettes look stylish.'

Edit: And oh, your ego models do not mean that you are already a non smoker.

 

[akcrabslayer]

There is alot of good advice on this forum and that is all it is,in the end it's up to each individual to make his or her own decision's on the information given and the source.

 

[Gigaah]

As a new vapor. I can personally vouch for what is said in the last couple posts. I wanted analog look a like. I screwed up with a blu cig..but it got me on the right track. I found this forum and wound up with a 510. I'm still hooked on the analog look and I doubt that will change at least when I vape in public. The head spinning, mind numbing variety and looks is VERY overwhelming to a new user. When people ask. I try to keep it simple and try to keep the answers to what they are looking for. I think it is everyones duty here to help newbies aclimate and not overwhelm them with the new uber devices all the hardened vapers are oogling over. If they mention they outright metion they are willing to use something not analog like..then hit them with the ego banter..but to be honest..if they are asking for help selecting a unit to quit smoke..they may not even be aware of such bohemeth devices that are so far removed from what they consider "smoking". You ALSO have to keep in mind. that while automatic batteries on something like the 510 might be something you'd never consider..they might prefer it. I personally wasn't sure I could deal with a manual battery..I purchased one of each. I just so happen to get over the button pressing in favor of a battery that is more reliable and give a better hit..some just are not. Hell when I puchaced my 510 with a standard atty and cart..I was most worried about the length. thankfully it wasn't too unwieldy for my taste..however I got some cartomizers ..making it the same length as a 100 analog and THAT is how I want it. I'll prolly never use a regular atty cart combo outside my house again.

 

[Goldenkobold]

One of my main concerns about the knee-jerk ego response is that the person with the question will say "screw you guys" and then go buy an overpriced unit (the horrible $149 Kr808). I often try and point out the cheapest possible way to give them what they are asking for and then get grief for "telling them to get that junk", indeed most of the time I do mention the benefits of the fat batteries but that doesn't mean I can't point out that today company x has 510's for cheap or that you can get an super-mini from company y at a great price with such and such discount code. Its important to answer the question and then give your opinion and not just dump the question in favor of your opinion.

You can try out a super mini, a 510 or a kr808 for less than 30 bucks if you shop around.

 

[fakefunk]

I wish someone would have been there to tell me not to buy the crappy mini I bought but I dunno if I would have listened because I thought that is what I "needed" to get me off cigs was osmething that looked like one

 

[Mr.Self_Destruct]

Amen.

one of the responses to my very first post was to get an ego. Yup. Without much fanfare I was told what I had was crap, even if I liked it, and if I like it......... get Grrred at as though I'm some mentally challenged closet case.

If I ask a question about a blu-volcano-yetti-whateverthebleep, I want an answer about that, not someone's angry half cocked tyrade about the mini blu cig industry. So please, for the love of jahoosaphat, if someone asks "where can I find X", if you know, can you just tell them? If they want to know about new models, they will ask, trust me.

I've only been on this forum a few days, and shy away from it because of rude product pushing members who treat new members and new e-cig users as if we have disposeable incomes to try this mod and that type, just because they (a strange unknown internet entity) says so. Its insulting and frankly, infuriating. To the new member, who has TONS of questions on the model they actually own, its frustrating knowing the answers are out there, but we are ....e on eexperienced users shoes to be hushed up with an Ego.

I feel the same way and went through the exact same thing with the blu. Hardly anyone helped and always pushed another e cig. And that was mostly on the blu forum.

 

[Automaton]

You can try out a super mini, a 510 or a kr808 for less than 30 bucks if you shop around.

...And you can get a quality product, too.

I spent $35 on my Kr808 kit. It was just a generic Kanger kit. I also got a couple extra batteries and a PCC. And sometimes, I ran LR 901 atties on it. That was 5 months ago. All 4 batteries, and my PCC, still work perfectly. And I have just passed them on to someone else I know.

My brand new 900mAh eGo battery was worth over 20 bucks all by itself. I put a 510 LR on it, and it self-destructed within a few days.

I'm not saying the eGo is *worse* than the Kr8. You're not really supposed to run LR's on any proprietary e-cig - they just aren't made for that. And it could have been one of my Kr8's that died just as easily as my eGo.

But the point is that people get DOA eGo's, and eGo's with janky buttons, etc, just as much as any other well-reputed proprietary e-cig. The eGo is not special. There's really nothing about it that's all that unique.

It's just a good e-cig, as proprietary models go. So is the Kr8. So is the 510. So is the 901. And as much as people hate to admit it, there are also quality super-mini's out there. Let's keep in mind that the 306 atty, the current golden child of the vaping world, originally came from a super-mini e-cig.

 

[Zen~]

Noob: Hi, I'm new here, and I'm looking for my first e-Cig, but I'm confused as there are so many choices... I'm looking for a...
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: eGo... get an eGo... I'm going to save you a lot of time and money by telling you that you don't know what you want, because you're not a vaper... you're a smoker... I KNOW... I used to be a smoker, just like you.
Noob: Ummm... no... I want something that looks like a real cigarette, and I want something that's simple to use... like an...
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: Like I said... get an eGo... In a matter of days you wont care if the eGo looks like a crack pipe... it doesn't matter, because the eGo battery lasts a millenium, sometines longer
Noob: Yeah.. well... I need something a little less mechanical looking, and I only smoke a few cigarettes a day... so... back to my list... I want something that looks and feels like an analog, and has disposable cartridges.
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: You THINK you want those things, but in a week or less you'll wish I had given you this advice. Buy an eGo... I have one and I love it. The battery lasts for a day and a half, or longer, and you'll save a lot of money in the long run if you skip the cig-a-like and just go for the bigger battery... you'll thank me later.
Noob: Does the eGo come with disposable cartridges, or something similar?
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: It comes with an atomizer, cartridges and a Cone, but you'll want to drip, so you won't need disposable ANYTHING, just by some juice, and an eGo and vape your way into nirvana... By the way, here's a link to the eGo... www.buyegofrommyfavoritesupplier.com
Noob: I probably don't want to deal with dripping...
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: How do you KNOW what you want if you haven't tried it... the eGo has a SEALED BATTERY, so dripping won't damage the battery, it's THAT well made, and like I said... I have one and I love it... almost EVERY noob will eventually get one when they realize they blew their money on junk like the Blu. Seriously, the eGo is the way to go.
Noob: I'll never buy an eGo... I want something that looks like a real cigarette...
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: I said that too when I first started, but I was as wrong THEN as you are TODAY
Noob:Rigggggght... OK, So which regular e-cig would you buy if you couldn't have the eGo?
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: I would go back to Analogs, and you will too. The eGo is better than analogs... heck it's better than MOST things... it's better for you than food... I know... I've eaten food before.
Noob: What is the best performing e-cig that is NOT the eGo?
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: They all suck... the ones that don't suck BLOW... the eGo doesn't blow OR suck... and you should get one.
Noob: Why?
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: Because they all SUCK, and the eGo doesn't
Noob: Is there an eCig that looks like a real cigarette?
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: It would suck... just get the eGo, it makes great sauce
Noob: I wish I could get an answer to my question...
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: I answered all your questions...
Noob: Really?
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: Yep... really.
Noob: I didn't seem to catch the answer... I want an eCig that looks like a real cigarette, automatic battery, and easy to change cartridges... which eCig BEST fits the bill...
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: eGo,Vgo,Riva,Hello 1016...
Noob: But those don't look anything like a real cigarette...
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: They don't have to... They have longer lasting batteries, which is what you want.
Noob: And they come with atomizers from most retailers... I want pre-filled Cartomizers, I think.
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: Why would you do that? That's EXPENSIVE to throw cartos away, that's why the eGo is such a good value... You can drip for hours and not have to deal with changing cartomizers.
Noob: But I don't want to drip, plus, I usually smoke only when I drive, and when I'm out socially.
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: Well you can drip and drive, because the eGo is such a handy size, it's got longer battery life than a 14500...
Noob: I'm not buying an eGo
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: It's a common noob mistake to ignore the best advice
Noob: Is it a common ECF mistake to not read or understand the actual question?
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: Hey look man, I'm trying to help... Horse--- water--- you know the rest
Noob: So you're helping by ignoring my question?
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: Yes, because if I don't make you like what I actually like, then I have failed, and the eGo is the best mod in the world, and the RIGHT device for you... I know.... I was a noob once
Noob: But I want something that looks like a real cigarette
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: Sigh... I'm just trying to help
Noob: I know, thanks anyway...
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: You'll see... the eGo will be in your collection eventually, and they now have a 900 mah, n 1300mah battery available too!
Noob: Well, that's good news...
ECF-Self-Proclaimed-Expert: I'm glad I could help!

 

[Lightgeoduck]

Wow Zen that was a little extreme, but I am sure there are people out there.. I see everyones point... there really can't be a canned answer for everyones needs since everyone has different needs. I have been helping people in vaping for quite some time.. I might not always get it right, but I try to help members help themselves.. since that's the best way for one to learn.

Now for this ego/regular ecig "Tastes Great, Less filling" debate that has been going on.. I think that just shows we all have our opinions and when someone asks for them people are more than willing to share.

I agree it would be rediculous for someone to ram there opinion down someones throat, but a post about it isn't ramming IMO.. yes you will get your share of "GET THIS GREAT fill in the blanks" but I don't see the harm since there are always well balanced posts that follow. The creator of such threads is more than likely going to read through the majority of it (until they find the answer they are looking for) or create another thread with more details...

The only thing I disagree with the OP about is that it shouldn't be posted at all. I see no issues with people trying to help and if there enthusiasm 'Blinds' them from the true meaning of the question then so be it... it is great to see people moving from asking to suggesting and growing in their vaping journy


LGD

 

[enree]

I agree with lightgeoduck. Zen's post is too extreme. The help of a 95 days vaper would not be equal to that of a veteran.

 

[Zen~]

If a noob says "I'm open to input here, I want the best vape I can get"... then hit them with your best shot...
If the noob says... "I want the best cig-a-like i can find" perhaps telling them they "don't know what they want, get an eGo instead of what you ACTUALLY want" isn't really answering the question at all...

Here... watch this... FORUM... what's the BEST e-cig that looks like an analog, in shape and rough size. No you cannot say eGo because it doesn't fit the description... so we'll hear 808,901,501,4081... etc.

Is that so friggin hard?

A long time ago my dad shared with me this thought: "Son, you have TWO ears and ONE mouth, perhaps you should consider using them in that proportion", and the advice has served me well... Sadly in the age of Internet, we have two eyes and ten fingers and people have absolutely no problem with using them in THAT proportion, thus the communication breakdown.

Good communication starts with listening and paying attention to what the other person is saying and IF THEY ARE SAYING something that we don't want to hear, it does not mean we should simply ignore it...

 

[Zen~]

I agree with lightgeoduck. Zen's post is too extreme. The help of a 95 days vaper would not be equal to that of a veteran.

Well isn't that nice... You have no idea how many times I have started over, do you?