Fell Off The Wagon Long Ago - Got Too Gear-Complicated...

[Soniclight]

OK, truth is there are other reasons I hardly vape at this point. The core reason I had to cut it out had nothing to do with vaping itself: I have a form of chronic anxiety disorder and live on SSI/Social Security due to it. Switching to vaping took me to a psychologically dangerous, self-destructive space. So I wasn't ready and am not ready now-yet, but I'm here doing some "recon" for when I will be. Point being that all I ask is that you please resist the temptation to "lecture" me on that I'm an analoger for now.

In short, please no "Hey, you're a freakin' vape-traitor" stuff, capisce?
_________________

Alright, now on to the complication stuff. First, even when I was at least vaping more than analog-ing, I was not an am not a power DIY guy:

--- I (still) have three Go-Gos (larger thread, larger carto and battery than Egos but the same class, and my main e-juice was Menthol. I don't have either the money or the need for smorgasbords of e-juice; if I can go for one or two flavors max, that's good enough for me. My analog median line is about a pack a day, so translate that into vape-speak however you would do that.

I read part of the thread titled "100+ Most Annoying Things About Vaping" here and was pleased to see I'm not the only one that has some frustrations. Here are a few that apply to me:

21. sticky fingers after cleaning a tank (or carto)
22. juice leaking over your expensive new toy
25) what #16 said, trying to find one vendor that has everything you need
26) how un-userfriendly decent ecigs are to the cigarette smokers looking for a simple light and go
31) finally finding something you like, then it's never in stock again!
39. old, gunky cartomizers that you really, really don't feel like changing at the moment
40. forgetting to charge batteries
56) That one vapeshop close to you that has what you want but is overpriced.

I'd have to add:

- the fluctuating vapor and draw caused by not being on top of everything all of the time.
- uneven quality of ejuice from vendor due to it being done in-shop.
- I need at least 24 nic strength, prefer 36. The latter is very hard to find.

Bottom line is that there always seems to be a problem. Analogs never fail: ya light up, they burn, work every time. Since I've been away from here for at least a year and a half, I'm way behind on what is new in the vaping world. So here is my mostly likely rather naive question:

--- Is there something between the simplicity -- and ubiquitous availability of a disposables such as NJoy and Blu at my local 7-11 (I've never tried disposable BTW) and the contortions I have to go through with/as the stuff in that list above?

I know the drawbacks of the disposables -- mainly low battery life, and/but my guess is that these can also be more expensive in the long run too even though more convenient. So another odd question:

--- Has anyone every given up on all the DIY and switched over to disposables, and if so how much more expensive is it?
___________________

Oh, and BTW: I may not be a vaper right now, but one thing that the attempt did was make me more conscious -- I now puncture each filter so to cut down on smoke and inhale a bit shallower than I did -- I was already not a deep-lung type. So I'm at least doing something better for myself...

~ Phil

 

[Susaz]

I'm still smoking quite frequently since my dad's illness, almost a year ago. I keep a mix of rebuildables/disposables ready to go: a generic clearo with eVod heads, a Protank and a Vapeonly BCC.

Pick this $45.16 INNOKIN iTaste MVP 5-in-1 Voltage Adjustable Rechargeable 2600mAh Mechanical LCD Electronic Cigarettes Set - black / with iClear 16 atomizers at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping and these liquids Found 64 liqua (Liquid Volume: 30ml) at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping and you won't go broke going back to vaping again.

Welcome back! Stick around and we'll gear you towards more cheap vape gear.

 

[Maggiemw]

I'm still smoking quite frequently since my dad's illness, almost a year ago. I keep a mix of rebuildables/disposables ready to go: a generic clearo with eVod heads, a Protank and a Vapeonly BCC.

Pick this $45.16 INNOKIN iTaste MVP 5-in-1 Voltage Adjustable Rechargeable 2600mAh Mechanical LCD Electronic Cigarettes Set - black / with iClear 16 atomizers at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping and these liquids Found 64 liqua (Liquid Volume: 30ml) at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping and you won't go broke going back to vaping again.

Welcome back! Stick around and we'll gear you towards more cheap vape gear.

Good choices of stuff, and FastTech has some very cost-effective equipment. The Dekang liquids are quite nice too, not in-your-face. I can vouch for the ones at $5.99 for 30 ml, but haven't tried the others.

I personally have the same MVP, but got it with the iclear 30, which is, IMHO, a really good, hassle-free choice, and holds about 3 ml of liquid. The MVP battery lasts for days, so lessens the frustration factor of low battery life. It's also small and solid.

You're doing the right thing by listening to yourself and your comfort zone. Warm wishes for good things!

 

[Unfettered]

I'm still smoking quite frequently since my dad's illness, almost a year ago. I keep a mix of rebuildables/disposables ready to go: a generic clearo with eVod heads, a Protank and a Vapeonly BCC.

Pick this $45.16 INNOKIN iTaste MVP 5-in-1 Voltage Adjustable Rechargeable 2600mAh Mechanical LCD Electronic Cigarettes Set - black / with iClear 16 atomizers at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping and these liquids Found 64 liqua (Liquid Volume: 30ml) at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping and you won't go broke going back to vaping again.

Welcome back! Stick around and we'll gear you towards more cheap vape gear.

Great recommendations. I've been vaping on and off for 4 years and finally moved past eGo type bats and grabbed a similar setup: Evods and an MVP and it is the least hassle, most fill-and-go setup I've had. Evods do require a rinsing occasionally or a vodka bath, but they are little work horses and rarely give me trouble. (And replacement heads are cheap.) And the MVP goes forever before it needs charging. I get 2 full days and just charge it while I sleep at the end of the second day.

Good luck in your search, Soniclight.

 

[alisa1970]

Hi there, and welcome back! I'm relatively new, and been struggling with vaping since about a month in. My difficulty has been health problems that have arisen, not due to vaping, but because of quitting. Unfortunately vaping has been exacerbating the symptoms (I have some auto-immune problems that are getting worse), so I can go for a while "vape only" (as per my sig), and then to feel physically better I have to smoke a little. I am currently working with a doctor to determine exactly what is going on with my health, and once we figure it out, I hope to get back to a place where I can vape full time without issues.

I don't think I want to make any strong suggestions as far as gear goes, I'll leave that to veterans who know what's available compared to when you were vaping. I know there's been a HUGE improvement. I do know that battery life on ego's has improved; I have a 1300 mAh battery that lasts me a full day or more on 1 charge, and tanks/clearomizers are such that you will find something that will suit you. I personally use Evods most of the time. They're cheap, you can buy replacement parts cheaper, and they are rebuildable if you want (to save money).

Kanger EVOD eGO Bottom Coil Clearomizer

Also, something called a ProTank, which is Pyrex, is similar but will hold up to some of the juices that can ruin the plastic in other clearomizers:

Kanger Protank Pro Tank Glassomizer

Note: I'm not recommending this store, just using the link so you can see and read the descriptions. You may be able to find them cheaper at other stores.


One other thing to consider since you mentioned some psychological problems you experienced after quitting. You might consider "WTA" liquid--WTA stands for Whole Tobacco Alkaloid, and contains the other alkaloids in tobacco that are missing from regular nic juices. It's a bit more expensive, but many people including myself find that it really helps with depression/cravings/that "something missing" that keeps you from really staying off cigarettes. There are several threads here devoted to the topic; I would highly suggest reading a bit and deciding if it's something you want to consider when you start vaping again.

Best of luck to you, and I hope that you get more suggestions from other, more seasoned vapers here.

 

[SASmith]

Hi Soniclight, there is a thread here for support for people that are still struggling with smoking, I thought you might be interested:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...dicted-smoking-habit-support-chat-thread.html

Mount Baker Vapor has 36mg juice and as for equipment, there is always some amount of fiddling or maintenance, I personally use ego C twists and Kanger T2 clearomizers , but you still have to fill them, clean them and change the heads. I hope you find something that works for you.....Good Luck

 

[The Ocelot]

Hi

Since you aren't changing flavors very often, have you considered a bottom-feeder? I got one recently to have some variety in my gear and the simplicity has impressed me. It's just a box, a bottle, a battery and either an atty or a carto on top.

 

[BigBen2k]

I feel for you; I really do.

I had tried real hard to quit analogs. I managed to ween myself down to "ultra lights", and I think it made my transition easier (was a 20 year smoker). I transitioned with cartomizers at first, then moved on to an atomizer. One month in now, and I'm starting to explore other flavors. I did have to switch from 6mg/mL to 12 mg/mL, to avoid nicotine withdrawal, but I'm ready to go back to 6 now.

I chose a kit from Halo; the Triton. I chose it because the tank has a replaceable coil, and the battery can also be used with cartomizers. I figured I could lower my cost this way regardless of what and how often I vape, while keeping options. I was right. This one vendor has everything I need, including e-liquid (ready to vape, right away).

There's a lot of kits out there, and the general trend I see, is for eGo threading. What I'm using is vGo (I could get an adapter, if I wanted to try a different system).

Where it got complicated for me, and I suspect you as well, is that there is an infinite number of choices for equipment, and e-liquids. I swore to keep my cost to a minimum, and I will stay away from eGo threaded systems. For all the reviews, comments and opinions posted here, I find that it's impossible to choose a tank system. Many reviews are incomplete. I see many people have invested a lot in a variety of equipment and add-ons, and while that's nice, it doesn't help me. I see many veterans praising variable voltage batteries, but for me, it's not necessary; I'm satisfied with the battery system I have, and I understand the limitation. The Triton tank is a T2 tank, a proven performer.

As for e-liquid, this one is subjective. My daily choice is now a tobacco/caramel/vanilla variant, of a standard recipe (RY4) called Tribeca, also from Halo. There is no review that will help here either, other than to generally classify e-liquid flavors. With nicotine levels affecting the taste, I find reviews here almost as useless. There's a large numbers of vendors of e-liquid on the web, but I would only order from those located near me, to reduce shipping times. If they don't have their address posted, then I don't order from them. I also avoid some states (for personal reasons). Since most e-liquids need steep time, I don't order from outfits that make e-liquids that I can't use right away. If the vendor isn't clear about that on their site, I don't use them.

I'm sure I'll be criticized for my radical stance, but it's helped keep me sane. I have a simple kit, and I dispose of coils when they don't work as they should (I typically dispose of a coil after two weeks). The coil is ~$2.50, and since I have two tanks, I replace 4 coils per month. I go through about 2 mL per day of e-liquid, and a 30mL bottle costs me $20 (I need two bottles per month). My net monthly cost is $50.

I know I'll have to replace the batteries in a year or so, but at $17 each, I'm not concerned. I expect the tank will last forever. I haven't had to replace a tip yet, but I know where I can get one, for less than $1 (until my vendor starts carrying them).

To keep things interesting, I made a list of "nice to have" extras, and every time I place an order with my supplier, I add one of the items on the list (spare charger, extra tank, blank cartomizers, cone, coils, etc). My supplier keeps me interested with their specials, the last of which was a free new flavor sample. They also sell a variable voltage battery, but I'm not interested (i would insist that the cell be replaceable, to reduce the cost).

USB charging is a must for me. I can charge my unit at home or in the car. I'm not falling for fast USB chargers; they wear out the battery quicker, and I can live with the current charge time. I have no problems keeping my two batteries charged, and If I'm going out, I just grab the freshly charged battery, and slap the current one on the charger (regardless of the charge left). Sometimes I'll take a cartomizer with me, if I want an extra flavor handy.

KISS; keep it simple...

 

[Soniclight]

Thanks to all for replies and suggestions. And/but my head is already kind of aching with having to consider new gear all over again, and the most nagging part I alluded to in my opening post is...

This entire industry is so relatively new and in one sense unstable -- today's THE-thing is tomorrow's "yesterday's news", "out of stock" or "discontinued". Not to mention that all of these vendor businesses are ultimately small, sometimes mom-and-pop enterprises and however well-intentioned and even well-reviewed by users, they can disappear overnight. Unlike the local 7-11 or Target or Walmart.

The flip side of this is as NBC News recently reported, vaping has doubled in the last year and that Big Tobacco is working to get in on the action. This would bring a more stable uniform availability BUT also less variety, monopolistic and who knows what other downsides.

I almost feel I need to wait a few more years before vaping can be as easy to purchase and as hassle-free to use as lighting up an analog...
____________

Later Edit: I will go back an re-read your suggestions. It's been a long time since I've been here and I forgot how informatively helpful some people can be here. (Read: diz dude's on data overload right now.)

 

[Dave510]

Completely understand where you are coming from. If you dig to deep in to it you can get overwhelmed really quickly. TBH i would just stick to a simple system and use pre mixed juice. Yeah it costs a little bit extra but not everyone likes the whole DIY experience. Maybe disposables would work better for you. Personally I would just recommend a simple eGo style clearo kit like the iClear starter kit or something similar. Buy your juice pre mixed, and pretty much all the hassle is taken out of it. Good luck with your choices.

 

[bikerbeagle]

I almost feel I need to wait a few more years before vaping can be as easy to purchase and hassle-free to use as as lighting up an analog...

You are always going to have to manage your battery - either by plugging in/charging a fixed battery system or by swapping out 18XXX batteries from a charger.

You are always going to have to order pre-filled carts OR manage a juice delivery system with fills/cleaning/coils.

I can't think of a single possible technological advance this side of flat-out science fiction that will keep you from having to do those things (robots to do it for you?) ...so, in that regard, vaping will NEVER be as "hassle-free to use as lighting up an analog".

You can do things to limit the "hassle" ...larger battery size for longer periods between recharges, larger orders of pre-filled carts for longer periods between orders, larger tank systems for longer periods between fills/cleanings ...most of which may not have existed a year and a half ago, but exists today.

I'm not trying to be mean, I'm just stating the facts ...and the fact is that, when it comes to vaping, your expectations are completely unrealistic. That is why you haven't yet succeeded at it and, as long as you hang onto those unrealistic expectations, that is why you never will. *shrug*

 

[Mortificant]

What's so hard about an ego twist and an evod (or itaste mvp) or a decent mechanical and one or two rebuildable atomizers? It's been you start looking around at everything coming out, and trying to chase down stuff just to say you have this or that to where I could see it getting complicated for some people.

 

[Hulamoon]

+1 from me - I'm still using eGo Twists - and if you want it simpler, for most folks a regular 900 mah eGo battery is fine.
Plus the Kanger T2's. Easy to fill, easy to clean, replacement heads are super easy to change out - and cheaper than buying a whole new clearomizer. The Kanger T2 clearos are also proprietary to the eGo, so leaks are not a problem unless you vape cinnamon or acidic fruits.

Hi Soniclight, there is a thread here for support for people that are still struggling with smoking, I thought you might be interested:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...dicted-smoking-habit-support-chat-thread.html

Mount Baker Vapor has 36mg juice and as for equipment, there is always some amount of fiddling or maintenance, I personally use ego C twists and Kanger T2 clearomizers , but you still have to fill them, clean them and change the heads. I hope you find something that works for you.....Good Luck

 

[BigBen2k]

I don't worry about legal issues. Whatever happens, will happen. With the industry being what it is already, many vendors are already well established.

I'm more concerned with finding a more reliable atomizer system; there's room for improvement there. I seriously doubt that big companies would make a difference, and if anything, it would lower prices (which would be negated by taxes). It might even help setting a standard threading system. Right now, popular brands available in chain stores aren't up to par, with what's available online.

Whatever happens, I'm vaping whatever I want, wherever I want, until someone tells me otherwise.

 

[BlueMoods]

I would go with the ego style batteries in 900 mAh or higher. Those will take tops that are ego threaded or 510 threaded so, that will give you a lot of options now, and down the road. At 900mAh or higher, they won't need charged more than once every day or every other day depending on how much you actually vape.

For tops, I would go with a bottom coil tank, they are not hard to fill or maintain and, since you don't plan on switching flavors often, they will give you the best performance for a reasonable price. I'd get 3 if you plan on having 2 flavors of juice - one for each flavor and a backup, so you can use it when one of the others does need cleaned or repaired/replaced.

For liquid, I'd have to agree, order the Dekang form Fasttech.com in two flavors you think you will like. It isn't costly and, if there is one you dislike, the next month you can try a different one.

Finally, don't beat yourself up over smoking all analogs now, or a few later, when you do decide you are ready to try vaping again. As other say, don't count the cigarettes you do smoke, count the ones you don't smoke because you vaped instead.

 

[crxess]

Switching to vaping took me to a psychologically dangerous, self-destructive space.

This is the only part of your post that troubles me.

Vaping or model building. Things you can do that are not Physically harming you should not lead you anywhere. These would simply go with you.

Tech is NOT a requirement to enjoy vaping - cost need not be of great concern.
Variable voltage batteries
Inexpensive serviceable Clearomizers that actually work decent
Affordable cost e-liquids

All these are simple weapons that give a smoker the edge when a decision to stop is made.

Often people stress so much over all the reasons they will fail and cannot do something, they convince themselves to just stay as is.
Once a real decision is reached to make a serious and finite change positive results will follow.

Remember - Discussing change changes nothing. Making a change yields new results.

 

[Soniclight]

This is the only part of your post that troubles me.

Vaping or model building. Things you can do that are not Physically harming you should not lead you anywhere. These would simply go with you.

Tech is NOT a requirement to enjoy vaping - cost need not be of great concern.
Variable voltage batteries
Inexpensive serviceable Clearomizers that actually work decent
Affordable cost e-liquids

All these are simple weapons that give a smoker the edge when a decision to stop is made.

Often people stress so much over all the reasons they will fail and cannot do something, they convince themselves to just stay as is.
Once a real decision is reached to make a serious and finite change positive results will follow.

Remember - Discussing change changes nothing. Making a change yields new results.

I had requested that this not go there.

As my opening post stated in regards to this, that part has nothing to do with vaping itself. I don't want to nor need to explain my 30+ years struggle with this condition/disability and so I tried to put it as non-TMI as I could. But simply put, I had to choose between sanity with analogs or potentially ending up in a psych ward or worse trying to go off of them. Only I can make such critical lesser-of-two-evils life choices, no-one else. At this forum included.

And from the smattering of increased criticism of me here, I now feel that SASmith's suggestion that I go to the "Yes I still Smoke Cigarettes and I am addicted to the smoking habit - support and chat thread" may be a good one. Putting asided my perhaps hissy-fit frustrations about gear and how here-today-gone-tomorrow this overall market can be, those subtly implying that somehow I'm being a loser because I can't quit yet is not helpful. "Walk a mile in someone else's moccasins before judging them..." etc.

I shouldn't have posted here. In fact...
I'm asking mods to lock this discussion.

But I thank all others who have chosen to be more gracious and who gave some gear suggestions.

 

[Claudia P]

I had requested that this not go there.

As my opening post stated in regards to this, that part has nothing to do with vaping itself. I don't want to nor need to explain my 30+ years struggle with this condition/disability and so I tried to put it as non-TMI as I could. But simply put, I had to choose between sanity with analogs or potentially ending up in a psych ward or worse trying to go off of them. Only I can make such critical lesser-of-two-evils life choices, no-one else. At this forum included.

And from the smattering of increased criticism of me here, I now feel that SASmith's suggestion that I go to the "Yes I still Smoke Cigarettes and I am addicted to the smoking habit - support and chat thread" may be a good one. Putting asided my perhaps hissy-fit frustrations about gear and how here-today-gone-tomorrow this overall market can be, those subtly implying that somehow I'm being a loser because I can't quit yet is not helpful. "Walk a mile in someone else's moccasins before judging them..." etc.

I shouldn't have posted here. In fact...
I'm asking mods to lock this discussion.

But I thank all others who have chosen to be more gracious and who gave some gear suggestions.

Since this thread hasn't been locked yet I'm going to go ahead and respond. I've been dealing with very similar problems as you have and I do truly understand. There are a lot of new names since I was diagnosed with Panic disorder, but they are all similar.
I haven't managed to make the switch completely yet either and may never, but I have at least cut way way down, most days only 2 analogs and I'm pleased with that.
When the anxiety starts to really play with my mind I smoke one and it really helps. Anxiety disorder is something that no one who has never experienced it can understand, I've been there since 1976, I have good times and I have not so good times, but any stress can cause it to rear it's ugly head and not smoking analogs is probably the most difficult of all the stressful things I've ever done.

Hang in there you really aren't alone.

 

[crxess]

You have very much misunderstood everything I have posted.
Not unusual and understandable when typing rather than discussing face to face.

As a 45+yr smoker, yes I understand the Stress involved in trying to cope without.
No, I don't think anyone that cannot, or has not decided to quit is a Looser. I love my smoker wife dearly.

My equipment comments are simply to say - If/when you wish to even add Vaping back into your life, even if you never stop smoking, there are some every good, simple every day pieces of equipment that do their job without having to get over complicated.
i.e. with all my Mechanical and APV Mods, I still often prefer my basic Ego 350 and a cartomizer for convenience and simplicity.

I do hope this makes more since now.

Should you never stop smoking, that decision is yours only and I have no reason to judge you or your decision.

 

[bnrkwest]

Welcome back! Maybe if you want to have something simple, just try a disposable once in awhile. They are hands down the handiest and it may spark your interest in getting back into your own gear again. So menthol, and I know this is subjective to personal taste, but I like SubZero from Halo, it is a really cool/cold menthol. For sweeter menthol my next fav is Sweet Chill-Arctic Blast from Ahlusion. I like my menthols on cooling refreshing side. Good luck and don't stress, keep it simple and use what you have. bnrk