another noob (this stuff is catching on!)

[angjen0816]

I have been a daily smoker since 1993. I was 13 years old, already a chain smoker. Over the years I have ranged between a pack a day and at the worst I was at about 2.5 packs. On average, I'd say about 1.5 packs. I have never gone more than a few hours without a cigarette and my attepmts at quitting have been feeble. The most success I have ever had was while I was in the hospital for 13 days. After my release, I lasted about 2 days before I gave in. Just thinking about quitting makes me WANT a cigarette. But now I have a very important reason to quit in the form of my 14 month old.

I first heard about e-cigs about 6 months ago. My aunt was forced to quit smoking by my uncle, so she switched to Tru Blu. Money isn't a factor to them (lucky blankty-blanks!) so she doesn't care about the extra costs of the pre-filled carts and such. I, unfortunately, am not quite in the same tax-bracket and am searching for the most cost effective way to go about switching. as of right now, (after about a weeks worth of research), I am looking at a manual 510, reusing the carts and buying some polyester batting, injecting juice with a syringe...so does it sound like I am on the right path lol, cause frankly theres ALOT to this and I just want to make sure i dont waste money i really dont have. Thats reason 2 I want to quit. When its over 6 bucks a pack for generics, its time. When i started it was 2 bucks for marlboro. its riduculous!

Also, I am a bit confused about dripping. I have seen in some posts that you dont need the filling at all if you drip and in others i have read that you are suppose to drip then put the filling back in the cart. would someone mind clarifying? Sorry! theres just SO much and it can be a bit overwhelming.

I have yet to order my first kit. I found the place I wanted to order from last week and was dumb and didn't write the site down. I know i found it on this site somewhere in the Noob section but I have no idea where. I just remember a post in the forum, saying the guy gives a 10ml sample with orders and his prices seemed pretty decent.

anyway, just wanted to introduce myself I am hoping to order my starter kit on friday and am looking forward to being able to call myself a nonsmoker asap.

 

[Scottbee]

An awful ot of people find joy and happiness with the 510.. and you probably will too. Understand (and I think you do) that there is a bit of "fiddling" associated with almost any 3-piece design. If you think that the fiddling is going to drive you away from the product, look into a 2-piece design like a KR808D-1. But, the cost of ownership on a 2-piece might be a little bit higher.

If you are going to "drip" then you don't need the filler in the cartridge. The cartridge just becomes a mouthpiece to stop you from burning your lips on the atty body. But some folks go without the cartridge and just "tailpipe" the thing.

 

[Scottbee]

Oh... and as far as sites are concerned:

Cignot for 510, bare bones with no frills.
NHaler for a 510 with frills and juice and.. and.....

Nhaler is also a great site for the 2-piece design if you lean that way.

 

[angjen0816]

oh no! I'll stick with the mouth piece! I am trying to get away from burning myself lol

 

[KevinD872]

Welcome to the forum!

The 510 is a great choice IMO, of course I'm a bit biased as I use one myself. I do think they are a great performer for the money though! Just be sure to get at least a few extra atties and batteries, and I'd recommend at least two chargers (any kind really, I just prefer at least two in case one dies).

You don't really need to use a syringe to refill your carts. It may make it easier, and some people prefer to do it that way, but I never use a syringe and I don't have too many problems. The "straw mod" helps make refilling easier too.

I see no reason why you'd need to put filling back in the cart when dripping, but then again I see no reason why you'd need to take the filling out in the first place, since "dripping" is dripping a couple drops on the atomizer bridge and really has nothing to do with a cart or filling. When dripping, I use carts with no filling at all. You really don't even need a cart, but the atty does get a little warm.

 

[Snarkyone]

It's really hard to give someone good advice on these without some more info so we can match you to the right model the first time so you are not frustrated and give up. Too many people will tell you to just get a model that is their favorite without taking into consideration your smoking habits, triggers, and things you look for in a a cigarette. What kind did you smoke, how many a day, do you prefer the taste or the inhalation into the throat (throat hit) and lungs? How patient are you, are you the type that will get tired of jacking with the messy carts in the 3 piece units? With a young child do you have time to do a lot of cart filling and topping, I am guessing not. There's a lot to take into consideration. The 3 piece units like the 401, 510, 901, blu and others that are not cartomizers make greatly exaggerated claims of lasting as long as 10-20 cigarettes depending on the site, this is not true! They really are about 3-5 cigarettes in my opinion. So be careful what you believe, do the research and get familiar with the different types, don't be afraid to ask questions.

I have gotten both the 3 piece kits like those mentioned above and in my signature bar. Speaking from my own experience I prefer the cartomizers hands down. The carts on these DO last me for a 24 hr period give or take a hour or so. They are much easier to refill and don't require the constant refilling and topping off and searching for the perfect filler that these 3 piece models do. Don't get me wrong, they can do the trick, it was a 3 piece model that initially got me to quit smoking tobacco cigarettes. Since then though I have lived and learned. If I had to do it all over again I wish I had gone with my initial instinct first and gotten a cartomizer. I was looking at the KR808D-1 when I first started and that would be a great choice that I'm sure you would like. If you don't like the KR808D-1 I don't think you will like any of them.

Don't let the idea that the carts have the atomizer in them and thus need to be replaced scare you into thinking that you will spend tons more. That is not the case, these can be refilled a number of times before you have to replace them so it's really not that big of a deal. The atomizers on the 3 piece units get replaced about as often as you need to buy a pack or two of carts so it evens out. These are consumables, for optimum performance you want to change out your atomizers on the 3 piece units at least every other month. Good luck, and try not to stress too much. Most people end up with a couple of different kits. In light of how much a carton of cigarettes cost you could get a kit a month pretty much and still come out ahead financially! Good luck. I get my kits and juice from Nhaler.com the customer service is top notch and if you have any questions or problems you can call and talk to Drew either before you buy with questions or if you have problems with your order. The freebies in every order don't hurt either, lol! Good luck and the people here will be more than willing to help as you will see.

Oh and I forgot one other big reason I prefer the 2 piece cartomizers, no need for cart mods like with others. Welcome to the forum to by the way. Lots of good people on here and then there are people like me too.

 

[DC2]

Also, I am a bit confused about dripping. I have seen in some posts that you dont need the filling at all if you drip and in others i have read that you are suppose to drip then put the filling back in the cart. would someone mind clarifying?

Dripping is putting a couple drops directly on the atomizer bridge without using a cartridge full of juice.

What you may be confusing that with is talk about putting a few drops on top of the cartridge filler.
That is called topping off and you only do it when you are using a cartridge to hold the juice.

 

[Raenon]

Though I went with a much smaller m402 (I'd rather carry more spare batteries than hold such a large device all the time, personal preference), I bought from litecigusa.net, and they carry the m4xx series and the 510- plus a few others. They also sell empty/blank cartridges and liquid for competitive prices. shawn often includes freebies in orders as well, which leads me to believe that you looked there before.

As far as the syringes, if you can't find a local source, I got a couple from johnsoncreeksmokejuice.com, make sure to use the 3ml syringes with that nice long tip for filling in next to the cartridge filler.

I somewhat disagree with how much 3-piece cartridges hold, but many suppliers do overstate- no one can honestly say they will match an entire pack of cigarettes for puffs. I lightly smoked 12-15 cigarettes a day (when not er... "celebrating"). When I vape 16mg e-liquid, a filled cart, with 2 drops on the atomizer to prime it first thing in the morning, will last me well into the evening after I return from work. I will then top it off with a drop or two, and another 1-2 on the atty for my evening vaping. I figure the morning fill is probably equivalent to 8-10 cigarettes for me.

There are obviously a lot of other resources, suppliers, and differing opinions, but that worked for me, and maybe it'll give you a starting point to find what works for you, too.

 

[thewomenfolk]

You'll never need a syringe for anything. Make things easy and use the little see-through bottles the juices come in and turn them upside down and drop some drops into your filler in the cart. The JOYE 510 (or any 'brand' 510) is a great little device, as you will see.

Congratulations on your good decision to vape and enjoy yourself!

 

[angjen0816]

It What kind did you smoke, how many a day, do you prefer the taste or the inhalation into the throat (throat hit) and lungs? How patient are you, are you the type that will get tired of jacking with the messy carts in the 3 piece units?

My preferred brand is Marlboro Light 100's but since the cigarette tax in WI went up I have been smoking Pall Mall light 100's. I am really equally into both the taste and the hit. I even like the smell, although I know that will change after quitting lol. the dipping or injecting or dripping stuff really has me kinda confused, I don't know which would work best for me. I wish I knew someone who had one or there was a store in my area so I could check it out.

Cignot does have some really good prices, although they didn't say what the prefilled carts are that come with the kit or if they have nicotine in them. I know buying them w/o nicotine would be pointless for me at this rate. I am gonna keep hunting though. It might be a few weeks before I have the extra cash to do this the way that i want to...although i might just get impulsive friday (payday) and order something anyway! lol

 

[3DVapor]

Welcome angjen0816!

 

[bladeangel87]

If you were interested in trying kr808 and a 901(don't know if you will be more into the taste aspect, 901 is better for taste or throat hit, I think 510 is better for throat hit), for the cheapest price possible and didn't care too much about convienience you could just get a kr808 pt, and use either cartos or 901 atty on it(901 atties work with kr808 bats) you could get a kr808 battery charger and battery and use either the cartos or the 901. Just would have to order a 901 atty, and some carts, as well. Something I am trying is http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ing-try-out-could-good-idea-newer-people.html .

 

[Raenon]

You'll never need a syringe for anything. Make things easy and use the little see-through bottles the juices come in and turn them upside down and drop some drops into your filler in the cart.

thewomenfolk is right, you don't "need" a syringe. Some of us do find it easier, however, and at $2.50 on the outside, it's not difficult to try out.

the dipping or injecting or dripping stuff really has me kinda confused, I don't know which would work best for me. I wish I knew someone who had one or there was a store in my area so I could check it out.

Injecting is pretty obvious, though there is some finesse. Dripping (for refills) is turning the cartridge upright and literally letting drop by drop go down into the filler material. It's not difficult, but if your aim is off you'll end up with drops in the the rest of the mouthpiece- and getting the straight liquid in your mouth is generally unpleasant and potentially hazardous depending on the quantity. I still occasionally do this when using a syringe is obviously not convenient.

You can also just drip small amounts of liquid onto the atomizer bridge and that'll be good for many puffs at a time, but that's fussier than a cartridge (though more efficient and controllable).
Dipping has the same idea of taking the cartridge filler out of the equation, but by dipping the atomizer bridge into the liquid. I don't like the idea of having a widemouth container of liquid running around, but to each their own.

 

[angjen0816]

i placed my order today! I ordered my 501 kit from cignot along with some extra carts, attys, and some juice. Then over at Nhaler I order a variety of 5ml flavors in different strengths. I can't wait till my orders come in so I can get started.

 

[wdave]

For my experience, look here:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...discussion/42909-choosing-right-ecig-you.html

HTH,
Dave

 

[Scottbee]

i placed my order today! I ordered my 501 kit from cignot along with some extra carts, attys, and some juice. Then over at Nhaler I order a variety of 5ml flavors in different strengths. I can't wait till my orders come in so I can get started.

Excellent vendor and product choices IMHO. Well done!

 

[angjen0816]

well I got some excellent advice this is one awesome site. if it wasn't for you guys here I would of probably never made it this far. And Cignot AND Nhaler both do have excellent customer service, which as a CSR I can definately appreciate.

 

[Crossbar]

Hey! Welcome! I started vaping a few weeks back. I was smoking marlboro Reds at a pack a day. Since I switched to my 510, I haven't even touched an analog cigarette! I ordered mine from Cignot too.

I think they're based out of Chicago, so if you're in Wisconsin, I wouldn't be surprised if you get it by Mon to Tues! Now, once you start vaping, it's gonna taste nasty. Don't be discouraged! You have to work the primer out of the atty. After a day or so, the flavor will just pop out at you!

Also, you might want to try and sample Johnson Creek Juices. They have a sampler pack of 10 bottles (3or4 ml) for 21.99 (I think?) and they're based out of Wisconsin themselves. So, you'll probably get next day delivery! Damn, I'M excited for you!

 

[angjen0816]

Got my order from cignot yesturday. The carts that came with it were not exactly good tasting Luckly I had ordered a small bottle of flavor. Boy was it strong, I got the 24mg Chocolate cream. I can't even tell if it has a taste! I almost gave up last night. Then this morning I kept at it and when the mail showed up I had my order from Nahler plus two little gifts a cool wooden box for holding juice and carts and the juice was in another container that works great for holding my e-cig and other supplies. So, I tried out a lower mg, the french vanilla coffee, and seems my problem was just the mg was too high. Now I can taste the juice and the harshness is gone. In 24 hrs I have had 5 analogs, which is about 1/4th of my normal intake. So far so good AND all of my smoker buddies are taking notice which is even better!

 

[broomgal]

Welcome to vaping! I am a newbie as well I like to read all the great advice given on these boards- helps me so much.