Expert opinions requested from an amateur - Advice greatly appreciated

[McCloud]

Hello ECF Forum!

I have not been a member of a forum for a few years so please be patient with me if I make a fool of myself at any point

I am looking for someone (preferably UK based) to give me their expert opinion. I have recently started using E-Cigs and I must say; I love it, I immediately binned my remaining tobacco cigarettes (9 left in a 10 pack!) and haven't looked back since. Unfortunately my knowledge of vaping is very limited, I brought, on pure impulse, a starter kit from a company called Gamucci (they stocked them in my local supermarket). Now, don't get me wrong, they're ok, but I'm defiantly not happy with this model and am looking to upgrade to something with a little more longevity and a little more pizzazz.

My budget for this kit is anywhere up to £50 - £60 with a further £10 - £20 going on e-liquid to last me for a while.

Also, I'm certainly interested in experimenting with flavours, VG/PG concentration, voltages etc but I don't want it to consume too much of my time.

I implore you ECF, what is the best kit within this price range with my interests considered!? I have been stalking the ECF forums for a few weeks now and I feel like I have looked at all the available products on the market and yet I just don't know. The kit I buy really needs to be the kit i stick with for quite a while, so I look to you, for your expert guidance and advise on the matter.

I eagerly await your much appreciated responses.

McCloud

P.S. Apologies for my rambling.

 

[Chrissie]

Hello & welcome McCloud

I'm in the UK & been vaping for coming up to 5 years, so hopefully I qualify to help you

The Gamucci e-cigs are over priced & under perform. You would do so much better with either a Riva or Ego type kit. This is one I often recommend (even got a couple of my neighbours using them -

The VE Riva 1100 Deluxe Kit £34.95 - Deluxe Vaping Kits - Riva 1100 Kit Electronic Cigarettes | Vaping Devices | Accessories | E-Liquid Use discount code ECF10 for 10% off.

If you want to try something with variable voltage, check out the twist or spinner or even the Vamo. Above seller stocks all of them.

Also check out this list of other good UK e-cig & e-liquid vendors -

http://allaboute-cigarettes.proboards.com/thread/1148/cigarette-liquid-vendors-discount-codes

 

[gjshaw29]

I'd look into getting an ego kit. CE4 eGo Here's a good price I'd add an extra battery to this order just so you have one to use while the other is charging.

 

[Baditude]

The above eGo batteries are probably your best option. I'd further recommend the ones with variable voltage; only a little more expense and you more than likely will want that option sooner than later as you become more experienced with vaping. Having the ability to adjust the voltage to each flavor you have will make vaping so much more enjoyable.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/baditude/3706-4-good-starters-setup-beginning-vapor.html

Batteries are rated in "mAh". 100 mAh is equal to 1 hours use. Therefore, a 600 mAh battery should last at least 6 hours; a 1000 mAh battery should last 10 hours.

You will need two batteries at minimum. A charger. A usb/wall unit will allow you to use your battery charger when away from a computer port.

There are a variety of juice delivery devices (toppers) to use on your batteries: cartomizers, cartotanks, clearomizers, and clearotanks (Vivi Nova). All work a little differently and all vaporize the e-liquid a little differently with different results. I suggest purchasing at least two types for some variety. All of these JDD's are considered disposable and will last 2 - 3 weeks; some like the larger clearomizers and Vivi Nova tanks are "rebuildable" meaning that the insides that wear out can be replaced so that you can continue to use the outer shells that hold the e-liquid.

I've written a user's guide for the more common juice delivery devices here: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...k-what-primer-juice-delivery-attachments.html




___

For e-liquid flavor suggestions, its pretty much hit or miss, trial and error. Juice flavoring is highly subjective from one person to the next. What one person likes another will not.

At first, if given the option, just go with a typical 50/50 pg/vg ratio blend. Nicotine strength will depend upon how heavy a smoker you were. A 1 ppd smoker typically starts out with 24 mg of nicotine.

I will recommend either buying smaller bottles of a new flavor or purchasing sampler packs from vendors that offer them to avoid wasting money on larger bottles that you may not care for. Once you find some winners, you can purchase more in a larger quantity. Figure on consuming 3 - 6 ml of juice a day.

 

[lasttango]

I'm not from the UK... but my ancestors are and I really like Marmite ;-)

I like the idea of a VV Ego... not sure who your UK vendors are except Totally Wicked... and I have grabbed VV egos from them before...

As far as Atties/Cartos... I say try both... If you get a device that ranges from 3.7 to near 5v... make sure you get Standard Resistance not Low Resistance...

Juice... for your first buy...

I'd see if some incredibly generous person (like myself ;-) but from the UK is selling a lot of tempting samplers on ecf - have fun with the juice... get something that most people like that sounds good to you...

By generous? I have a lot now of approximately 200-300mls that I am probably going to throw in the classies for $25-$30. But for US shipping...

also, I do want to say, a good drip tip is important... something that fits properly, that is wide enough to drip through and feels comfortable...

as for tanks, they are still new to me... they look cool and seem convenient, but not so practical for me... as I change flavors frequently and drop stuff all the time.

another good early on buy is a passthrough - some of the egos they sell can be used as passthroughs... so you can vape while on your computer without killing your batt - or in your car or plugged in by your bed.

 

[RedhatPat]

You spinner folks, what are some good stands for them especially the 1300mah 'fat boy' vision spinner versions, preferably serving as chrging docking stations. I have one of ose but they're for joyetech egos

 

[lilmrsyeti]

I have 3 Vision Spinners 1300mAh, but don't have any stands or anything. The charger goes on at the top, so I just hook it to the charger and lay it down.

I personally recommend the 1300mAh to anyone..its a VV (VARIABLE VOLTAGE) That is really useful when figuring out what your "sweet spot" is. Of course, there's lots better out there if you have the extra $$ to start out with. Me personally, I didn't want to put up that much $$ not knowing if I was going to stick with it or not..the prices are good for the Spinners IMO.

Like BA stated above...get two batteries, a charger, some tanks/cartos and different flavors of juice and you're good to go!

Good luck!

 

[laylajone]

Love this! Awesome info! I've been vaping for over a year, but still learning the lingo so to speak..just switched over to the Riva and I love it...your guide really helps!

 

[RedhatPat]

I would give vision spinners 3 thumbs up if I had some stands for them that fit BOTH 1300mah spinners and slimmer joyetech models, here's the whole fam.. my spinners need ......

 

[McCloud]

Wow!

Lots of expert advise here, thank you to everyone who responded, I've given it some further thought and I have narrowed it down to two models. The:

INNOKIN iTaste Express VV Black Replaceable Kit

& The:

The VE Riva 1100 Deluxe Kit (as suggested by Chrissie)

I really like the look of both of these models and they both seem to offer the kind of versitility I'm after. Does anyone have first hand experience of the models to help me narrow it down a bit further?

Thanks guys.

 

[RedhatPat]

Never heard of those two mods and I dunno what your needs and budget are but I'd suggest you cut your teeth on a provari or provari mini. Then you can search for your delivery devices, then onto the juice! And if for some crazy reason you experience buyers remorse, someone from the classys will buy it off you no doubt. Can the same be said for these other nonamers?

ETA: Where ever your journey leads, one thing is for sure, you'll wanna be friends with your local mail carrier because you'll be stalking him. Slip 'em a $20 bill for Christmas, good for the karma.

 

[McCloud]

I must say I am really tempted by those provari models I have been hearing so much about, I'm just not soo keen on overseas shipping, I've got 1 remaining cartridge on my crappy Gamucci and ideally I'd like to place my order tonight with the hop of them arriving by the end of the week.

Here are the links to the two models, see what ya think.

The VE Riva 1100 Deluxe Kit £34.95 - Deluxe Vaping Kits - Riva 1100 Kit Electronic Cigarettes | Vaping Devices | Accessories | E-Liquid

INNOKIN iTaste Express VV Black Replaceable Kit

Or if you know a provari supplyer in the UK then feel free to point me in the right direction.

Thanks

 

[Chrissie]

Hi again mcCloud

I don't know much about the Innokin, & bear in mind that it only comes with one battery.

BTW, for the US folks, the RIVa is the same as the KGO that Phil Busardo rates so highly

McCloud, both of those vendors you have linked to are good. I've not bought myself from UKe-cig store, but have bought several times from vape escape - their customer service is second to none & if you place an order with them before 3pm on a working day, Royal mail willing, you will get it next day.

BTW, both of those sellers you linked to sell Provari's

 

[RedhatPat]

Or if you know a provari supplyer in the UK then feel free to point me in the right direction.
Thanks

I logged into my account over at provape to double check and looks like they have the UK listed as an option under shipping address so that's good to know you can order directly from provape like I did even though we're in different hemispheres. I remember I got by on Blu e-cigalikes until my 'vari finally arrived. So basically those two mods you linked too should be enough to keep off the stinky sticks, until your 'vari arrives.

ETA: Dang Chrissie,you're too quick for me. Yeah McCloud, what Chrissie said

 

[McCloud]

Thanks Chrissie

You are proving to be very helpful in my decision making process so thank you for that

Unfortunately I am a bit of a sucker for technology and gadgets, and the fact that the iTaste model comes with an inhalation counter (I know, I know, what a pointless feature) has really sold it on me. Do you think I would be a fool to allow such a seemingly pointless feature to sway my choice in its favour?

It is not just that feature I like though, a read a review on Gizmodo and the iTaste is rated number 1 for performance to price on there and this is also swaying my decision. I was a 5 a day smoker which seems lots to me but apparently is'nt as bad as it could be so I'm not sure I'll need the extra battery, or maybe I will. Argh! who would have thought this descision would be soo taxing.

Thanks for your help.

 

[RedhatPat]

That tall footlong mod in the back is an iTaste SVD, good mod maybe if you're left handed and like noalax but I got it cheap off the classys and wanted to give VW a whirl. I just had an idea, shocker I know, why not look up local Vape meets in your area, then you can hold all different mods in your hands without paying a cent, folks at these meets LOVE newbies. Try 'n buy, I say!

 

[Chrissie]

McCloud, if you only smoked 5 a day real cigs, then you would manage with just the one battery, especially as the itaste can also be used as a passthrough (i.e. it can be vaped while being charged). However, i really wouldn't believe all the reviews you come across - blimey many reviews say e-lies are the best e-cig available

Vape escape also sell the Itaste battery & charger kit -
iTaste Mini VV Passthrough £27.99 - Vaping Spares - Batteries & Passthroughs Electronic Cigarettes | Vaping Devices | Accessories | E-Liquid

Not sure if that would work out cheaper or not. Discount code for Vape Escape ECF10 for 10% off. Discount code for UKecigstore AAEC for 5% off.

 

[Vault]

McCloud.... don`t over spend. Set yourself a budget and stick to that! There are so many options out there at the moment that it`s easy to go straight for a Mod (Vamo/Provari etc) after starting off on 510 mini-cigs.
This is a developing tech and better things will come along long before the kit you have bought has expired.

For now go for a Variable voltage device that takes a 510 or Ego fitting, the reason? more options for the juice delivery system.
Give yourself a few months! to experiment and if vaping is working for you then up-grade to a VW (variable wattage) device because by then you will know if you prefer Cartomisers/Carto tanks/Top coil/Bottom coil or none! and want to drip or revert back to the anologues.

Take your time to decide the right juice and flavour for you before you disguard any delivery system.
Some juices taste better in a clearo bottom wick (Evod/protank) and other are better in a top coil (Nova).

Sometimes it`s better to make your own "kit" up as starter kits often have just one delivery system and you would be better off having a set voltage battery, same juice with same PG/VG and flavour and just swap the delivery device to see what gives you the best result.

Whatever you decide, make sure you have a back-up!! there is nothing worse than having a flat battery with loads of juice and no way to vape it! (been there but did`nt revert back to the roll-ups)

As a guide I was a 45+ a day smoker and only have three Ego non-vv (ego-c) batteries plus the 510 mini-cigs that I started on. I have 20 odd cartomisers that have been boiled more times than I can remember! and three Evod clearomisers that I re-wick.
This serves me well for now and I will make a choice later about the vaping versus cost balance

Must admit.... looking at a Vamo next tho` cos I`m kinda hooked.

 

[WattWick]

Unfortunately I am a bit of a sucker for technology and gadgets, and the fact that the iTaste model comes with an inhalation counter (I know, I know, what a pointless feature) has really sold it on me. Do you think I would be a fool to allow such a seemingly pointless feature to sway my choice in its favour?

Haha! You're doooooooomed! Oh, the shinies you will crave!
(Not too serious... I apply the same logic to my purchases)

Just wanted to share my love for Grizwalds juices while you're already lurking around vapeescape. I stalk their weekend offers for Cherry Pipe, Apple Tabac and Black Cat.

Edit: Actually, if Present Me was to tell Past Me what to start with, it would certainly include a dripper a'la Igo-L or Octopus RDA. That is, in addition to whatever you decide to go with. Most annoying part about being new and having lots of juices to sample... is that the usual "starter kits" lend themselves poorly to swapping juices without waste or cleaning.