Anticipated battery life and atomizer head life

[Rev Narwhal]

So I have four eGo style batteries (2 900mah from VaporShark, a 1000mah from GotVapes, and a 1100mah from GotVapes). Most of these batteries list something like 300 charges before a performance drop. I have not had any batteries die yet, but assumed these estimates were on the high side. I am expecting a battery to last about 6 months with normal usage. You see, I'm trying to update my cost analysis spreadsheet and wanted better info.

I ask you, how long do you plan a battery to last based on past experience? Is 6 months a reasonable expectation?

While we're on the subject, with something like a ViVi Nova or Stardust, the atomizer heads are said to last between 2 and 6 weeks. What have you found to be the average time for you personally?

I obviously realize that both of these questions are answered with a "depending on your usage", so if you think you vape in some abnormal way, please let me know those variables as well so I can make better calculations.

Thanks to all that provide info.

 

[trevor148]

I've never had a battery have a significant drop in battery life or just died. All my batteries have been dropped or in the case of auto batteries liquid got in them. I would expect your batteries to last at 6 months easily. I've found old 510 batteries that were over a year old that still hold a good charge.

 

[Teach]

I haven't found a timeline on bats. They go until they die or I break them... some I've had for 2.5 years.

 

[zippersnapper]

You see, I'm trying to update my cost analysis spreadsheet and wanted better info.

I just have to ask.....For what? Are you trying to compare vaping against smoking cigarettes?

 

[burns_erin]

I have the evil static electricity. My egos, even "real"ones, have lasted anywhere from 3 weeks to still have, irrespective of charge/discharge rate.

My heads. If I'm vaping my DIY menthol which vapes very clean, I get 30-60 mls. Most other juices I currently vape, being heavily sweetened and darker, I get 6-20 mls. These "times" are not for total longevity, but till I need to clean them. I have no way to track overall longevity.

 

[Rev Narwhal]

I just have to ask.....For what? Are you trying to compare vaping against smoking cigarettes?

Calculating a reasonable monthly cost based on replacement of needed parts and ejuice usage averages.

 

[Rev Narwhal]

Trying to base it off of actual real world experience as well as conservative estimates based on manufacturer data. My present calculations are stating something in the range of $36.37 as an average for replacement parts and ejuice per month. This assumes you don't spend extra money on new shiny things, which I do. Still working this as I have discovered some inconsistencies.

 

[zippersnapper]

Understood, respected....Ok...Ummmmmmm

Thats going to be an extremly hard question to ask folks..YMMV.....allot.....
For whats its worth I have my original ego batts still working that are almost a year old, but then again, they are rotated among 7 others.

If your looking for the ABSOLUTE cheapest way to vape, that is an extremely simple one. (to tell you, not to do):
1. Learn DIY
2. Buy and use only RBA's
3. Buy and use MODS that utilize removable (and replaceable) Batts.

 

[MorpheusPA]

+1 All Above. YMMV. Will vary, a lot, actually.

Four months in, as a very heavy vaper, I haven't had any batteries die as of yet. I haven't noticed any capacity reduction when out and about, either, and I have to say I don't treat my Volt X2's very well at all. When at the computer, they're perpetually plugged in (which really isn't the best idea).

Early indications are that they'll die due to electronics failure or being dropped (which I'm going to call electronics failure to avoid being labeled a klutz). So far, they've survived every drop they've sustained without any issues.

I own several mods, and like the idea of replaceable batteries. Rechargeable IMR lithium batteries are pretty cheap, all things considered, and easy to find.

 

[zippersnapper]

+1 All Above. YMMV. Will vary, a lot, actually.

Four months in, as a very heavy vaper, I haven't had any batteries die as of yet. I haven't noticed any capacity reduction when out and about, either, and I have to say I don't treat my Volt X2's very well at all. When at the computer, they're perpetually plugged in (which really isn't the best idea).

Early indications are that they'll die due to electronics failure or being dropped (which I'm going to call electronics failure to avoid being labeled a klutz). So far, they've survived every drop they've sustained without any issues.

I own several mods, and like the idea of replaceable batteries. Rechargeable IMR lithium batteries are pretty cheap, all things considered, and easy to find.

These are a must have IMO. Granted, not a true VV, but since I vape around 4.1, they will do. Cut down on Batt usage/cycles when sitting at home on the puter or watching the game..

GotVapes AMiGo VV Mini eGo Pass Through 3.0-4.8 - Stainless [gv-AMIGO-minipassthrough-STNLS] - $17.95 : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more

 

[Rev Narwhal]

My hope is to generate a "reasonable" expectation as to ongoing cost for a new vaper. I know there are tons of variables, but I also know that three people at work have started because of me and my insisting that it is cheaper. I had figures from a poll I'd done with people I knew, but wanted a broader spectrum. For my calculations I use the ViVi Nova because it was my first tank and it is dear to me (also rather easy for a newbe).

At present, I'm making the following assumptions:
New vaper purchases two ViVi Novas, two 900mah 3.7V range batteries, five atomizers, 90 ml of ejuice as an initial order.
They will anticipate needing to replace an atomizer every three weeks, a tank every three months, and a battery every six months, as well as restock their ejuice supply to accommodate an expected usage of about 1.6 ml per day.

With averages from some of my favorite sites, this initial order will cost them around $135.51.

With this initial purchase they have everything needed for the first month, and will realistically only "need" to spend $5 on the 6ml they will be shy of the 48 ml they will need for the next month.

After the third month, their ongoing "average" cost will be about $36.37 per month (this wraps the cost of the anticipated replacement parts (normalized over the duration) as well as the 48 ml of ejuice. This can be compared to smoking half a pack a day at $6.25 a pack, costing $93.75 for 30 days.

My goal is to help people understand the actual anticipated costs and how they average out. Back years ago I tried one of the cartridge automatic battery sorts of products "with some sort of color as part of it's name, I think" and I didn't have others that could really show me that it was actually costing a heck of a lot more that analogs. Now, I can use good "guesses" and others real world experience to give at least a "good idea" as to the cost.

 

[WallyO]

Interesting that you are doing this and it does provide a degree of insight. But if someone initially switches only because of cost I would be apprehensive of their success to stay off smokes. For me it was get off cigarettes at any cost. I was totally tired of them controlling my life and being a thorn in the side of people around me. Freakin out when there were only two packs left in the carton and headin out to get more.

About a year before I started vaping I went to the museum with my daughters on a winter day. They have those little lockers where you can stash your stuff so we put our coats in one. Wandered around for a few hours and it was about time to go. Went to get our jackets, opened the door and I have to say I was embarrassed as all heck. The smoke stench from my jacket had me apologizing to both of them. I never realized how god awful the smell was until that day. From that day on after my first smoke of the day, I asked myself what the heck is wrong with me. The stench and the wheezing and the coughing and the shortness of breath and the constantly improving odds of getting a heart attack or lung cancer or stroke. Is this why I continue to smoke. Do I enjoy it that much?

One day a co worker started playing with an ecig. I shrugged it off initially as crap. But one day I decided to give it a whirl. I bought an overpriced Blu kit. Not the greatest by far, but it was just enough to show me that "Hey...this can work!!".

I vaped and smoked for roughly a year. Constantly decreasing my cigarette usage. I was stuck at 3-5 smokes a day for about 4 months before getting the courage to finally say this is it. Finally woke up one day, after 45 years of stupidity, and said good bye to them. Still get nasty mental cravings but I just vape through them.

I think I kinda got off track here. My point is that for the first year I probably spent as much on vaping supplies as I did smoking. All in search of reliable quality devices. Variable voltage and wattage devices finally helped me turn the corner. It is awesome to be able to crank them up a bit to get you that extra needed kick when you want it. If it was not for the rapidly evolving e-cig industry, I would probably still be smoking. My go-to's at this point are a ProVari, EVIC and VAMO paired with a SplitFire, Mini Vivi or T3.

I rambled enough. Point is don't use money as a reason to vape. It WILL be as costly as smoking till they find a match for them. Although it is much easier to get that perfect to you matchup today compared to a year ago. There are countless other reasons to quit smoking and if they do not do it for one or more of those they may not succeed.

 

[Rev Narwhal]

I get what you're saying... I used the cost savings as a reason to give it a try again myself. I also tried the blu some years ago and from that experience, realized that it was possible, but not with that product.

This time, I used the money as a factor and it occurred to me that I could spend all the money for a months smoking at once and then save considerably from then on. I initially didn't start with the vapor to quit smoking (well, I think it really was for that reason, but I tricked myself), but so I wouldn't have to go outside during the stupid Indiana winters. I'd like to say that it is saving me money, but right now it isn't. It is saving others that have come to me for advice money as they are able to learn from my mistakes and get products that seem to work, or avoid money sucks that don't really help. Mostly it has worked for me because it is fun, and much more enjoyable than cigarettes. I'm not sure if the vapor is linked to this, but this is the first year I didn't get sick for about three weeks around "the holidays" and I haven't had any nose bleeds due to the dryness indoors, and I seem to be able to breath deeper, and my clothes don't smell...

Realistically, the reason I want to do the cost analysis is so those that talk to me and are on the fence due to the up front cost, can decide to enter into the vape world with their eyes open. It is possible, and probable, that vaping does not "need" to cost more than smoking. That it should realistically cost half (or better) of what a normal smoker would have spent anyway. That they would have some idea of the needed parts and anticipated usage amounts so that when they make that initial purchase, they don't just run out of stuff and give up. The math shows others that it is a viable option with several benefits.

I only smoked between 6 and 10 cigarettes a day, but I couldn't go a day without one... this made me angry, so I tried something new... I haven't had an actual cigarette now in 73 days, and I am not craving one. In the last 3 months I've turned at least 7 other people on to the idea that they can make this work as a viable alternative. The math just helps me.

Realistically, smoking used to cost me about $3.13 a day. Vaping should run me about $1.21 per day. The fact that I now have four batteries, something like eleven tanks, and a few hundred ml or ejuice of varied flavors is a testament to my true lack of willpower, not the failure of the figures. I don't regret my choice, even though I am averaging about 50% more in expense over what I was spending while smoking. If I can control myself, I likely have enough parts and juice to last me at least three months without purchasing anything new... Fat chance of that.

 

[Rev Narwhal]

... My go-to's at this point are a ProVari, EVIC and VAMO paired with...

Curious to know more about those, I started looking around a bit. I'm ultimately looking for a battery unit that does not require installation of batteries (I guess these are called "sealed"), has USB pass through, either 3.7v constant, or 3.7v in it's range and at least 900mah. I know the ProVari doesn't meet this (install batteries, no USB pass through). Do you have links to the other two? I tried to look them up on GotVapes but didn't find anything and a google search returned more than I wanted to sift through.

 

[yiddleboge6]

All three of the mods that WallyO mentioned require you to use batteries that you charge and put into the mod. None of the three is a PT. By requiring that it be a PT you are severly limiting the choices available to you. Just my

Have you looked at the MVP ?

http://www.gotvapes.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=104_231

 

[Rev Narwhal]

Oh dear lord, that looks amazing. 2600mah, USB passthrough, variable voltage and can be used as a power source for other USB devises in a pinch. I generally like the eGo style batteries because of look and feel, but I just might have to take a look at one of these. Thanks for the information.

I checked up on the three mentioned. I'm just not comfortable with the units that you have to put the batteries in yet. It's not that they are wrong or bad, just an unknown. I have no experience with them and have heard so many frightening stories about explosions, charging bags, and so forth (no claims of which I have verified) that I have instinctively steered clear of them. Also, I now insist on the USB for any battery choice I make because it actually makes charging options more plentiful and reduces the needed tackle when travelling.

 

[yiddleboge6]

I understand where you're coming from. When you're starting out ECF can put you on information overload I thought I was going to have to get a degree in electrical engineering just to vape

 

[Rev Narwhal]

You'd be surprised how much I have absorbed. In looking at that "box mod" (I guess that's the generally accepted term for those), I would want to assure I got the correct 510 to eGo adapter so I could fit all of my tanks on it. I wish Got Vapes (as well as other sites) would actually link to those parts they know would work with that product, just to assure people got the correct thing.

That battery is on my list of things I need, thus increasing my spending average, hehe.

 

[WallyO]

Curious to know more about those, I started looking around a bit. I'm ultimately looking for a battery unit that does not require installation of batteries (I guess these are called "sealed"), has USB pass through, either 3.7v constant, or 3.7v in it's range and at least 900mah. I know the ProVari doesn't meet this (install batteries, no USB pass through). Do you have links to the other two? I tried to look them up on GotVapes but didn't find anything and a google search returned more than I wanted to sift through.

EVIC
Same as VAMO

Personally I prefer the replaceable battery part. Built in batteries are a risk to me. If they go bad for whatever reason, there goes your PV. At least you can plop a new battery in the others.

I really like the EVIC especially with the short 18350 tube. Short life with the smaller battery though. I get 100-110 puffs at 6.5 to 7 watts out of a fresh battery.

As a side note I smoked 1 3/4 to 2 packs a day for most of 45 years so that gave me much more leeway as far as rationalizing money spent.

If you are like most of us it kind of turns into a fun hobby after a bit.

edit:BTW you can have the EVIC plugged in and vape while it is charging also.

 

[orbach]

I have an Amigo on the way! Well maybe not THE way, but in SOME way (via LA, CA) LOL. Called USPS and they blamed FedEx (!) but the package should be here tomorrow.

These are a must have IMO. Granted, not a true VV, but since I vape around 4.1, they will do. Cut down on Batt usage/cycles when sitting at home on the puter or watching the game..

GotVapes AMiGo VV Mini eGo Pass Through 3.0-4.8 - Stainless [gv-AMIGO-minipassthrough-STNLS] - $17.95 : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more