After a bit of help, friends

[SecretVapist]

I started asking too many questions in my Introduction thead, so I thought i'd make one here and hopefully it'll be my 1 stop shop for alleviating confusion in my early days of being an e-cig-forum member! (Because this place is confusing as hell to a newbie..)

Alrighty, I know how to light a cigarette and smoke it.. That's easy enough.
And I know how to vape other things like a pro using a variety of convection/conduction portable & desktop vapes.. Veteran member over at a well known anti-combustion forum
However i've quit all that. I'm trying to find a cigarette alternative because I don't want to have to give up the simple pleasure of exhaling white clouds and getting a little nicotine buzz due to mouth infections, lung & breathing problems.. All the bull.... associated with SMOKE. It causes more problems for me than it alleviates..

I just want to live pure with a LOW to NIL content of nicotine delivered through a superior quality device. (Preferably with some delicious flavour!)
Maybe it's just the overwhelming pressure of having to learn a whole new set of lingo... but I'm struggling to understand any of this e-cig terminology.. Really struggling. Read all the beginner guides, FAQs, glossary of terms, and have applied my best common sense but I am throwing in the towel and asking for help from the pros. I really want to be an active member of this community and contribute, and I want to stop smoking so desperately but I can't jump the gun and order anything until I know what is going on here.. I understand the basics of e-cig vaping..

Theres a battery which screws into an atomizer? and then there is a juice delivery system attached to that? and the coil needs to be replaced, and most e-cigs have interchangeable things like mouth pieces and most/all of the parts can be swapped out and upgraded/replaced with other ones that fit the setup (granted they are compatible)

Now, this basic knowledge in my head pretty much adds up to a mental image of a very ugly, frankenstein-looking ecig of disproportionate size components and a heavy amount of maintenance. Where do I even begin?

Ideally I want something that ticks the boxes of the requirements I have for my dream e-cig (and this may be getting a bit ahead of myself, but I don't want to have to buy 5 models before I find what I like which is what I had to do with my other variety of vapes from my past experiences, and it was VERY costly and time consuming.)

Appearance: I want it to be sleek.. Very gorgeous looking thing. Preferably matte black, gun metal grey or a classy wood finish. I'd also love to be able to choose a mouth piece which I think suits my visual taste.. I have no idea where to look for such items because it seems the whole idea of e-cigs is a mix & match device with it's parts being sourced from multiple locations and manufacturers.. This part confuses me a lot. How do I control the visual style of my device? Are all-in-one e-cigs reliable and worth paying for? Something I can just take out of the box and start using, and be able to RELY on it and use it for years to come?

E-Juice: Where do I start... Obviously my needs are simple. Low to Zero nicotine content, and a nice variety of flavours. I wouldn't even know where to start though. Do all e-cigs take the same juice? Do I have to buy it in cartriges or in a little bottle? I am familiar with disposable e-cigs which have one flavour and give out about 500 hits, then you throw them out. I have also experienced cigarette-looking e-cigs that have replaceable nicotine cartridges. When it runs out you just throw it away and screw on a new cartridge. Those sucked though, and did not put out enough vape for my liking. I really want to dive in head first here but i'm so confused and desperate to quit smoking.. Help me lord

Vape output: Honestly.. I want a considerably high vapour output. I love the stuff. Makes you feel like a dragon exhaling thick clouds! I don't want to get into mods quite yet because obviously that will be very confusing for me, but I want a high quality, tasty and thick vape experience Hopefully that isn't too much to ask.


Not sure what other factors are going into my first purchase, because I am inexperienced.. I hope you can advise me and give your suggestions. Price is no object, I just want an e-cig to call my own and cherish and enjoy. State of the art would be preferable. Where does one go to find the best of the best?
If anyone here feels they understand my confusion and think they can explain the basics of it all a little better to me it would mean a lot. I am a slow learner but I have the passion to learn and get involved. I love vape so much, and having tried a few of my cousin's vapes (big, chunky things with buttons on them) I find it all very classy and sophisticated, and TASTY. Can't wait to have one to call my own ^_^


Really looking for like a top 10 list of atomisers and batteries so I can jump right in. Are those the only 2 parts required as well? What other things can I add to it? Hopefully a mouthpiece

Again.. just can't emphasise enough that i'm confused as hell. If anyone can take me under their wing with some recommendations and explanations it will make my day!

 

[roxynoodle]

Ok, sleek looking makes me think a variable voltage ego battery. You actually want at least two. Always have a backup.

To begin, you want Kanger or Aspire tanks and extra packs of coils. Easy to maintain, and they work quite well.

I'm going to send you to Sweetvapes to look around. Maybe a couple of these colorful Aerotanks and there are matching Kanger and VisionSpinner batteries:
Kanger Aerotank Mow - Kanger Aerotank - Kangertech - Clearomizers Tanks

You will need a charger for ego batteries.

Ebay is great for finding cute drip tips.

My favorite e liquid is Nicoticket.

You can always PM me for help.

 

[SecretVapist]

Thank you. I called a cousin who has some vapes and he told me to visit Kangertech and have a look around. He's gonna call me later on tonight and explain some more stuff to me, but It's a simple website and makes it all a bit easier to piece together Where would I find a highly reliable and reputable ego battery charger? Ego batteries sound good, what other types are there though?

And are 'drip tips' the official name for them? If so; i'll start searching for something nice now!
do you use drip tips? whats the alternative to it and which option is better if i want nice flavour and big clouds?
if you dont use a drip tip, can you still have a custom mouthpiece?


Thank you also for your eliquid recommendation. I assume I just buy it by the bottle and pour or inject it into the atomizer? o.o

how long have you been vaping for as well?

 

[RamShot Rowdy]

I'll try to break it down for you as I see it, many may disagree...

Cig-a-likes: These devices are similar in size and shape to a regular cigarette. They typically have very poor battery life, very low liquid capacity, and don't produce much vapor. That said, they work for some people, and if it keeps them from smoking that's great.

Ego Styles: These are kind of the big brother to cig-a-likes with better battery performance and vapor production. Many feature top coil clearomizers that have a plastic tank that feeds juice to the coil. You can also attach better tank type atomizers to the battery portion of these. Some even feature variable power output, so you can customize you vape experience.

Mini Mods: These typically fall in the under $50 category. Most feature variable power ouput and larger battery capacity. They are typically sold without an atomizer, and will fit any atomizer that uses the standard 510 type atomizer connection (Almost all atomizers use this type of connection.) The eLeaf iStick and similar mods would fit in this category.

Mid Priced Mods: These devices run roughly in the $50-$100 range. You'll find a lot of your higher end Chinese mods in this category. Innokin makes a lot of devices in this price range that are very well respected by many vapers. Again most are sold without an atomizer. Some will have more power and better battery life than some Mini Mods, but there is some overlap in terms of power and battery life with the Mini Mod category.

High End Mods: These $100+ devices are getting into the higher end of vaping gear. You'll find high end and high powered Chinese devices, along with American and European made devices. Almost all of these devices are sold without an atomizer, but fit standard 510 types. Most use standard size replacable Lithium type batteries, which may not be included. You'll find devices based on the American made DNA chipset, and 100 plus watt Chinese devices along with many others.

Hope this helps...

 

[SecretVapist]

I'll try to break it down for you as I see it, many may disagree...

Cig-a-likes: These devices are similar in size and shape to a regular cigarette. They typically have very poor battery life, very low liquid capacity, and don't produce much vapor. That said, they work for some people, and if it keeps them from smoking that's great.

Ego Styles: These are kind of the big brother to cig-a-likes with better battery performance and vapor production. Many feature top coil clearomizers that have a plastic tank that feeds juice to the coil. You can also attach better tank type atomizers to the battery portion of these. Some even feature variable power output, so you can customize you vape experience.

Mini Mods: These typically fall in the under $50 category. Most feature variable power ouput and larger battery capacity. They are typically sold without an atomizer, and will fit any atomizer that uses the standard 510 type atomizer connection (Almost all atomizers use this type of connection.) The eLeaf iStick and similar mods would fit in this category.

Mid Priced Mods: These devices run roughly in the $50-$100 range. You'll find a lot of your higher end Chinese mods in this category. Innokin makes a lot of devices in this price range that are very well respected by many vapers. Again most are sold without an atomizer. Some will have more power and better battery life than some Mini Mods, but there is some overlap in terms of power and battery life with the Mini Mod category.

High End Mods: These $100+ devices are getting into the higher end of vaping gear. You'll find high end and high powered Chinese devices, along with American and European made devices. Almost all of these devices are sold without an atomizer, but fit standard 510 types. Most use standard size replacable Lithium type batteries, which may not be included. You'll find devices based on the American made DNA chipset, and 100 plus watt Chinese devices along with many others.

Hope this helps...

A little bit. I am intrigued by the high end mods. What is a mod exactly? It appears that modding relates specifically to the battery part of the vape?
And if they do not include atomizers; is it safe to assume that the atomizer is the easiest and least complicated part to purchase? It seems that everything will fit the 510 size atomizer, so with that being said (and again, I hope I am correct) what is the best atomizer on the market? Thats obviously a question which everyone will answer differently but how can I narrow down then choices?

I might pick an atomizer first and go from there? I hope this is wise.
I have liked your comment, thank you for the reply! At the moment my understanding of vapes is based strictly on the helpful replies in this thread until such a time where I feel more comfortable and can venture out to the far corners of the forums and start understanding things better.

 

[RamShot Rowdy]

I was going to write another post explaining atomizers, but I'm just going to make a suggestion...

Go buy yourself an eLeaf iStick 30 Watt, an Aspire Nautilus, and a 5 pack of Aspire BVC coils for the Nautilus. Get some 6-12 mg/ml juice if you want low nicotine. I'd suggest looking at Halo and Firebrand, both are American made, and Halo offers sample packs.

If you want to spend a little more, get an Aspire Atlantis or a Kanger Subtank (Suggest the new 22mm version.) Get some high VG (50% or more VG) liquid with 3-6 mg/ml nicotine. Firebrand's Sub-Ohm line would work.

If I was starting out today, knowing what I know now, thats what I'd buy. Just my 2 cents, take it for what it's worth.

Firebrand - American Made Liquitine E-Liquid, Sub-OHM Liquid, Premium Electronic Cigarettes

HaloCigs | Premium E-Cigarettes and E-liquid

 

[SecretVapist]

Happy to spend a bit more, so I'll pick an Aspire Atlantis or Kanger Subtank (22mm) based on their appearance? Or is one better & more reputable than the other?
In conjunction with those i'll also get a 5 pack of Aspire BVC coils and some ejuice. That's all?

edit: and a eLeaf iStick 30 Watt (which I now realize is the battery)
Is it the best battery out there or is it just the one that you'd go for?
Thanks again mate, you're a champion!

 

[RamShot Rowdy]

A little bit. I am intrigued by the high end mods. What is a mod exactly? It appears that modding relates specifically to the battery part of the vape?
And if they do not include atomizers; is it safe to assume that the atomizer is the easiest and least complicated part to purchase? It seems that everything will fit the 510 size atomizer, so with that being said (and again, I hope I am correct) what is the best atomizer on the market? Thats obviously a question which everyone will answer differently but how can I narrow down then choices?

I might pick an atomizer first and go from there? I hope this is wise.
I have liked your comment, thank you for the reply! At the moment my understanding of vapes is based strictly on the helpful replies in this thread until such a time where I feel more comfortable and can venture out to the far corners of the forums and start understanding things better.

I think the term mod came from battery modification, but don't hold me too that. Back in the day, people were disappointed with the battery life of the cigalike batteries, so manufacturers started making devices that took lithium ion flashlight batteries, which lasted way longer than the cigalike batteries, and had a connection to fit the standard size atomizers. Anyway, the term mod is usually used today to describe most battery devices that are more advanced than the cigalike/EGO type devices. But yes it generally applies to the battery portion of the device.

On the 510 stuff, the most simple way I can explain it is, a cig-a-like device called the 510 came along, mod makers built mods that would fit the 510 atomizer/cartomizer. Then when people built tank atomizers and the like, they used the 510 connection that worked with a lot of devices out there. So the 510 connection kind of became a standard, and is to this day. Almost everything uses the 510 connection, so you really dont have to worry about compatibility between most atomizers and mods now. Most drip tips are also a 510 size, meaning they would fit in an original 510 atomizer/cartomizer.

Picking an atomizer isn't easy...they may all use the 510 connection, or most anyway, but their designs vary greatly.

 

[RamShot Rowdy]

Happy to spend a bit more, so I'll pick an Aspire Atlantis or Kanger Subtank (22mm) based on their appearance? Or is one better & more reputable than the other?
In conjunction with those i'll also get a 5 pack of Aspire BVC coils and some ejuice. That's all?

edit: and a eLeaf iStick 30 Watt (which I now realize is the battery)
Is it the best battery out there or is it just the one that you'd go for?
Thanks again mate, you're a champion!

The Aspire BVC coils will only fit the Aspire Nautilus or Nautilus Mini tanks. Only buy them if you buy one of those tanks.

The Atlantis uses its own coil type, they will be listed as Atlantis 0.5 ohm coils. The Subtank uses the Kanger OCC coil.

I wasn't suggesting you only get an Atlantis or Subtank, but get them in addition to a Nautilus or similar tank. The Nautilis and Atlantis/Subtank are different beasts, but if you get both you can see the difference yourself.

Is the iStick 30 Watt the best mod out there, NO. It is a great mod to start with though, with good battery life, good power, nice design, and it's under $50. It may be all you ever need, and if not it will make a great backup device.

 

[sincerelysasquatch]

Just so you know, atomizer and "tank" are usually used interchangeably. Technically the atomizer is one part of the tank, but since the tank contains the atomizer and does the atomizing, it's also referred to as an atomizer. The tank contains both the actual atomizer and the e-liquid compartment. Coils are the wick devices that feed the actual atomizer in the tank the juice, and have to be bought specifically for your model of tank. Some tanks from the same manufacturer will use the same coils, but you have to find out which specific type of coil to buy for your tank.

Also with e-liquid.... if you want big clouds you want a juice higher in vg (vegetable glycerin), however higher-vg juice tends to not have as strong of flavor as juices higher in pg (propylene glycol).

I have kept to a relatively simple setup so I am not too sure on this, but often when you get to the more powerful devices you are getting into bigger, bulkier devices, which go against your desire for an attractive, sleek look. I have a variable voltage ego-style device that keeps a pretty sleek look, it's a little thicker than some ego style batteries because it is a bit higher capacity but it is far from bulky.

 

[roxynoodle]

I'm not sure I would recommend the Atlantis to someone just starting out due to it using subohm coils. And you may want a bit more than 30W to run it. OP, if you buy this tank, I think you should buy the 50W istick for a mod (battery). I think you will need 30-35W of power to run the Atlantis.

The Kanger Subtank has a choice of either 1.2 ohm coils or the 0.5ohm coils. The 1.2 ohm coils will be fine on any of the isticks (20, 30 or 50W). For the 0.5 ohm coils, again I would look at a 50W mod.

Both are great tanks, I'm sure, but again, we have newbies going straight to sub ohm devices without any knowledge oh Ohm's Law, etc. I'm not sure this is a good idea.

I would rather see you get a Nautilus mini or Kanger Aerotank to start. With coils above 1 ohm. They are fine vapes, both of them.

Yes, drip tip is what the mouthpiece is called. You can use the one that comes with the tank, or change it to one you like better.

 

[RamShot Rowdy]

I only suggested the Atlantis/Subtank in addition to a Nautilus/Aerotank if he wanted to spend some extra money. I should have been more clear about that. Those tanks are 0.5 ohm or higher and should be perfectly safe on a regulated device like the iStick. I do not recommend the OP to start with a RDA, Mechmod, or anything like that. I only suggested it because I got the impression he might want the higher vapor output they offer.

I agree with you on the iStick 50 Watt, if he's going to get an Atlantis/Subtank it would probably be a good idea. Plus it's a slick looking little mod.

 

[RamShot Rowdy]

Secret, Roxy makes a valid point about safety on the Atlantis/Subtank. Maybe I shouldn't have recommended them.

These tanks have a lower resistance coil on them, known as a Sub-Ohm coil, because the resistance is less than 1 ohm. That coil coupled with their design allows them to make large amounts of vapor, that's their selling point.

While I don't see any danger using them on a power regulated device like the iStick, there are certain mods and batteries you would NOT want to use them with. For example, you would never want to use one on an eGo style battery, or a mechanical mod (Unless you really knew what you were doing.).

So if you choose to by an Atlantis/Subtank, only use it on a power regulated device, like the iStick 30 watt or 50 watt, that support sub ohm coils and 30 watts or more power output.

 

[englishmick]

And if they do not include atomizers; is it safe to assume that the atomizer is the easiest and least complicated part to purchase?

I think you are getting confused about atomisers. In some early style cigalikes the atomizer was a separate third piece. So you had a battery and a tank, with the atomizer in between them. That's what I started with.

I don't think they even make them like that any more. Now the atomizer is built into the tank.

Other than that, I think all your questions have been answered. Good luck.

 

[edyle]

Happy to spend a bit more, so I'll pick an Aspire Atlantis or Kanger Subtank (22mm) based on their appearance? Or is one better & more reputable than the other?
In conjunction with those i'll also get a 5 pack of Aspire BVC coils and some ejuice. That's all?

edit: and a eLeaf iStick 30 Watt (which I now realize is the battery)
Is it the best battery out there or is it just the one that you'd go for?
Thanks again mate, you're a champion!

Between the atlantis and the subtank, the subtank gives you the option of using premade atomizer heads which you can purchase, or you can use the rebuildable head included.

The istick is a popular battery very suitable for new vapers. Low cost; plug in to recharge; high power

 

[Frenchfry1942]

I wouldn't recommend anything that suggests sub-ohming. For a topper, the atomizer/tank/rebuildable thingy (technical term) on top, I would get a Nautilus full or mini. Just to get familiar and some hands-on experience.

It is very common to have more than one topper for different capabilities and results. Learning what you like is more important.

Speaking of juices, many take notes and remember what they like.

The iStick 30w is a very good starter and it is above the starter Mods. You will grow into some of its capabilities. Speaking of abilities, 95% of vapers vape at less than 20w 95% of the time. This forum leans to the hobbyist, not the person quitting cigs.

Good luck and happy vaping!

 

[SecretVapist]

Thanks for the replies. To experience as much as I can and give myself an interesting challange, ill be getting an iStick 50w, Aspire Atlantis (with some Atlantis 0.5 ohm coils) + Aspire Nautilis (with some Aspire BVC Coils)
Correct me if I'm wrong but all I need now is the following:
eJuice (the lowest nicotine ones i can find that appeal to me)
Do the two tanks I'm getting take the same juice? I'd love a sample pack.. that'll be fun to pick anyways.
A drip tip just for the novelty.

That's all right?

 

[Silence]

Time for my 2 cents...
I highly recommend the istick. It has good power and the battery will last all day. I also recommend the nautilus. That was the first tank i ever bought and it is still my take everywhere all day set up. You just fill the tank with juice and go. Every week or 2 you will have to change the coil. It is very simple and pretty dang low maintenance. As for juice i recommend E Cigarette | Buy Electronic Cigarettes Online | E Juice - Mt Baker Vapor they have some great tasing stuff. One other tip i havent seen is to make sure you drink plenty of water. PG is a humectant and will make you thirsty. This is the basic set up that keeps me from smoking everyday. Am i a hobbist? A bit. But i got on vaping to get off smoking. I congratulate you for making the decision to quit and wish all the best. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

 

[SecretVapist]

Thank you mate. I've bookedmared that page for when I have a moment to pick a nice variety.
And yes the iStick is on the list, 100%!

 

[The Ocelot]

I hope you like lung hits.