Completely new to vaping, PLEASE HELP.

[Revert138]

Hey folks,
I've been lurking on here for a day or so reading to try to learn some things. I'm a smoker and want to quit. I've tried the new Mark10 and the Blue eCigs. My Fiance' and I are trying to quit analogs (I quite like that term). My budget is pretty good to get into vaping. We both really like the idea and all of the benefits. We just need help putting together our first setups. That said, what would you guys suggest we look into and what can you tell me about the basics?
Thanks,
- Revert

 

[bacc.vap]

Hello and welcome. Here's some good info to help get your started. http://vaping.com/guides

 

[Revert138]

I should mention that neither of us like the idea of the istick due to it being a box kind of thing from what it looks like.

 

[The Ocelot]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

I'm a bit hesitant these days to offer suggestions to new vapers, since I never know if they want to jump right in with advanced gear and feel that I'm being condescending. Personally, coming from a cig-a-like I suggest an entry level variable voltage device, like a Vision Spinner or Joyetech eGo Twist, since they are easy to use and not very expensive. Early on it's a good idea to budget more for different flavors of juice and tank styles, since that will have more of an affect on your vaping experience than the power source alone.

This is a good bang-for-your-buck se-up. What's nice is it offers a choice of Spinners or Twists (or one of each), both of which are authentic, which have fewer reported problems than the clone styles. The clearomizers in the kit aren't the best, so you would likely want to add something else to it - and extra heads.

http://www.myvaporstore.com/Vision-Spinner-Joye-Ego-C-Twist-Combo-p/vvs-c.htm


ETA: You don't want an Istick for your first set-up.

 

[David1975]

Hello Revert, and welcome to ECF. I'd love to help you find what you need, but like others have said before.... would help to know what kinds of products catch your eye, and how experience you are when it comes to ecigs.
I would never tell anyone to avoid anything (rebuildable, mech, ect) until I talked with them first. Personally, I've been a mechanic/welder for years.... as such, I understood "advanced vaping" before I even knew what vaping was! LOL

 

[Revert138]

I've tried two gas station eCigs. That's all. I'm open to any kind of pen type vapes.

 

[Maiar]

I should mention that neither of us like the idea of the iStick due to it being a box kind of thing from what it looks like.

Yeah, nobody likes those types. At the start. I started with the Kangertech Evod. It's super easy to use and maintain. You can get a starter kit for around 40ish and it comes with everything you need to get started. It's a great place to start to see if you like it without spending a ton of money. That ton of money can go to upgrades at a later date if you so choose.
Mt. Baker has em for cheap and I think you even get some free juice with it.

Kanger Evod Starter Kit - Mt Baker Vapor - Electronic Cigarettes

 

[The Ocelot]

I've tried two gas station eCigs. That's all. I'm open to any kind of pen type vapes.

"Pen types" usually suggests a fixed voltage device. You will very likely want a variable power device quite soon. That can be a good place to stay for awhile. I used Twists for about 6 months before getting a more advance device. That was really the point where I went from quitting smoking to becoming a vaping hobbyist.

The toppers listed are a bit outdated, but it illustrates the threading.

Both the Twist and the Spinner go from 3.2 volts to 4.8 volts.

ETA: The 650mAh Kanger EVOD eGo-style device mentioned above will be about an inch shorter than a 650mAh Twist/Spinner, but it is a 3.7v fixed voltage. There's nothing wrong with that, I initially quit with a 3.2v fixed voltage 650mAh Joye eGo, but a variable voltage will allow you to fine tune your vape.

 

[David1975]

I would probably suggest 2 options depending on your budget. 1- an itaste vv battery with a protank 2. and the other would be a SID or Hana type box with either the protank 2 or protank 3 dual coil. (I'm not personally a fan of the Aspire products) but many do like the Nautilus in place of the protanks. I tend to recommend vv/or vw devices because many friends I have switched did not like vaping/ or couldn't quit smoking until they got a vv/vw device.
Many of those didn't like the cool vape of a fixed unit, while others didn't like the limited vapor production at lower voltages.... the other advantage to something like a Cana or similar is the fact it gives you room to grow and try/buy different attys. FYI.... SID is only a 15watt and Cana is 30watt.

 

[Bjorhyn]

I just wanted to add to the two posts above me, by Ocelot an Maiar.
I started with a Kanger Evod after trying the Blu disposables for a bit. While those are a good introduction to what vaping is, they really aren't the most efficient thing around. What really opened my eyes was the Evod, it's definitely worth looking at.

I moved pretty quickly to a spinner battery, also made by Kanger. Something to consider about the spinner style is they usually are available in larger battery capacity. My battery dying too fast throughout the day was something that kept a pack of analogs in my car, just in case. If you do decide to start with a spinner instead of a kit, I'd at least recommend a battery on the larger size. (Not necessarily physical size, but capacity)

I have little experience with Vision and Joytech who make the spinners above, but most batteries at that range are fairly comparable. It'd be a good idea to visit a local store so you can get a feel for the sizes, and various other small differences.

All in all, as long as you're not smoking analogs, pretty much anything is a good choice.

 

[The Ocelot]

The Itaste vv 3.0 is a nice device. It has a passthrough feature, which is great for when you're at home. Just be aware it only has an 800mAh capacity.

The higher the mAh the longer the battery will last between charges, but it also adds to the length. When I got my 1000mAh Twist I freaked at the size, although I quickly got used to it and actually missed it when I got into replaceable battery devices.

 

[David1975]

Bjorhyn's got a good point there..... I remember back when I first switched, running out of battery was the biggest fear..... The ego type batteries need to charge, and while there charging, what do you use?
I know there more money, but looking back, I would have saved a bunch of money by going right into what I ended up with anyways.... 18650 powering a DNA.
Battery dies, pull it out. Toss in another and charge the dead one later on.
I know the initial cost is somewhat high depending on what you get, but in the long run...... you'll most likely get them later anyway...

 

[The Ocelot]

Bjorhyn's got a good point there..... I remember back when I first switched, running out of battery was the biggest fear..... The ego type batteries need to charge, and while there charging, what do you use?
I know there more money, but looking back, I would have saved a bunch of money by going right into what I ended up with anyways.... 18650 powering a DNA.
Battery dies, pull it out. Toss in another and charge the dead one later on.
I know the initial cost is somewhat high depending on what you get, but in the long run...... you'll most likely get them later anyway...

Back-up! Everyone needs at least two batteries. You vape one while the other is charging, unless you have a device with replaceable batteries.

 

[Bjorhyn]

Back-up! Everyone needs at least two batteries. You vape one while the other is charging, unless you have a device with replaceable batteries.

If only I had the foresight to buy a second battery instead of a pack...
Shame on me.

 

[Ace64]

Welcome!! I think choice of device is going to be dependent on how much you smoke and "DIY" desire. I smoked lots for a long time. I did start on a evod type with a spinner battery and quickly moved to a mech mod and an RDA. I did read this forum LOTS and the terms took some getting used to. I know many here will say order on-line, but what really helped me is going to different vape shops until I found a couple that were really helpful. I have order some equipment on-line, but I would rather buy from a shop if the price is close. I am not sure where you are from, but now there are a ton of shops around. I have three within 15 minutes that are good.

Anyway, try the evod and spinner type. Most shops have these as juice testers. I struggled on the kanger pro tank 2 and 3 for some time. It was OK when they worked, but when they leaked or the coils went bad I was in big trouble. If the evod type testers provide enough of a "hit" for you I would start there. THEN read lots to determine what would be next.

I have been to very few shops that actually have rda's set-up so you can try them and see the difference between a "bigger" device and a tank with a spinner.

The difference between devices is really smoke production. With the kanger type tanks I used a nic level of .24. These tanks produce OK smoke, much better then the blu type and ok flavor.
The larger RDA or re-buildable tanks produce huge smoke and I dropped my nic level to 12 and some 6.

Good luck! Vaping works!

 

[Bjorhyn]

Just a helpful tip: if you do immediatly jump to a device that billows clouds, don't vape and drive without a window open!

 

[David1975]

Back-up! Everyone needs at least two batteries. You vape one while the other is charging, unless you have a device with replaceable batteries.

Your right.... think maybe I didn't make that all too clear.
Looking back on what I and others spent on the ego type batteries (with back ups), it would have only been a few more dollars to step into something that uses replaceable batteries and has either a built in charger or external charger. I look back and wish I had just spent that money on what many of us get later on anyway.

I think there's a lot of hesitation to recommend items labeled as "advanced" or "upgraded" to new vapers. I completely agree that some items (primarily Mechs) should be avoided, but if a new vaper is using a protected MOD with replicable batteries and a rebuildable atty..... it's just as safe if not safer than an ego.... and as far as cost and versatility.... it cheaper in the long run.

 

[Bilonix]

Welcome to ECF!

People have already given some great places to go to and read up on to get some information.
My suggestion would be a simple Ego kit to start with. If you search on google for an Ego Vape Kit, you should find one. They are considered the "starter kits" they are very simple and a great way to turn away from analogs.
The e-cigs at the gas station are complete crap, with the Ego vape, you will be able to fill up your "tank" with ejuice of any strength nicotine and any flavor you want. Much better than the ones at the gas station.
I wish you the best of luck getting off analogs and into the world of vaping. If you need help or any further questions, even if they are complex and detailed, just Private Message me and I will be glad to help

 

[The Ocelot]

Your right.... think maybe I didn't make that all too clear.
Looking back on what I and others spent on the ego type batteries (with back ups), it would have only been a few more dollars to step into something that uses replaceable batteries and has either a built in charger or external charger. I look back and wish I had just spent that money on what many of us get later on anyway.

In my case, when I moved up from eGo types there weren't as many choices as there are now.

 

[b3n1254]

Welcome! I am a semi newbie here.... I was here back in the day when I tried to figure things out and trying to find my way. You all did help and I am uber happy. I recommend a basic ego style variable battery with a tank of some kind. Kanger makes some great tanks. I started off with blu. Blu was not my friend. It lasted a bit then POOF! gone. I had to throw away and buy new. I hated it. I was not sure where to go from there tell I visited a semi out of the way vape shop. By that I mean it was a hour drive and I had to beg others. I started in with a variable voltage with a digital readout with a basic tank and I was good. I soon found out it was not good enough. I was lost cuz with only one tank you get ONE flavor and with that ONE flavor you vape untell it is gone. That SUCKED! I was bummed so I had to get new. I had to have better. I needed the upgrade. Along came Kanger to save my rear. I went in... spent the 20 bucks at the time for the tank... cried a bit and went on about my way. This time around I found out the kanger tank became a go to guy as a faithful friend whom gave me reliable flavors and good hits all the time. The old tank just had to go. I then was up to three kanger tanks and then from there I kind of backed off a bit due to budget issues. As of late my vape game has just gotten out of control. I went from a simple battery with a pass through usb to something so mad even I have a hard time understanding why. All in all it depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. To start with get a simple variable voltage battery with a proper digital read out and a good quality tank like kanger. If I had to be specific I would have to say go for the e-leaf and a kanger tank. A good 20 watt unit with a read out and a good tank to go on. I spent 60-80 dollars all n all when I picked up my e-leaf and tank. Mind you like I said I quickly moved up after the fact. I now am at a point where I am vaping on the Epic god mod 180 with a kanger mega tank. I do have other tanks but that right now is what i like so far. That is tell I go pick up the Kanger sub tank at the end of the week. Sorry for the rant.... but I was just once like you and I thought I would share my journey.