First e-cig, open to suggestions

[yaksha]

Ok, so i've done a little research in the last month or so and i've become quite interested in the world that has become e-cig's. Before then i only knew them as gimmicky water vapor devices but have since learned that they have grown into full fledged devices that are not only cigarette imitators but an industry/device unto themselves.

I've smoked for about 4 years off and on (college), sometimes taking 4-6 months off, but i've found myself consistently smoking for the last 10 months. I guess i should go ahead and mention that my interest in e-cigs extends beyond me, my mom also smokes. She has smoked for probably 20+ years and my family has tried to get her to stop. She has tried the gum and patches to no effect and i think it is because of a similar problem to mine. I smoke as both a time filler and a distraction. I have an anxiety problem and i think i have latched onto smoking as a way to take 5 mins to step back and not think about anything. When i am home i have zero problem not smoking for months at a time but when i'm at my place (i live alone) it just seems natural at night. Back to my mom, upon learning about modern e-cigs i immediately thought of my mom. I think it is by far the best cessation tool, it provides the chemical dependency of cigs as well as the sensation of smoking.

So i have come here to get some opinions for what would be the best device/options for both myself and my mom.

For my mom

My mom is pretty technologically illiterate, she doesn't use computers and has trouble with changing the tv to use with the dvd player... So i think the best thing for her would be something simple. I dont know how much it matters if the device looks like a cig but i think the most important thing is that it gives her the nicotine and fulfills the sensation of actually smoking. I think the key factors are vapor and flavor. Other important factors are that it is easy to operate and has a good battery life or a PCC. First, the device, ive decided i think manual activation is better than auto. while auto might be an easier transition manual seems more reliable and less likely to cause problems (and should be easy to get used too). I know the flavor comes from the juice but im leaning towards cartomizers for her. it will be easier for her and wont cause as much a mess (meaning she might actually use it). The cost is not that much an issue but less is always better (but if there was a better option for more i would buy it). She smokes light (100's) marlboro menthols so there would have to be a cartomizer that would be similar to this. I should also mention she smokes about 1 1/2 - 2 packs a day.


For me

I AM technologically literate (just finished 2 engineering degrees) so nothing should be a problem for me, but im not looking to make my own device or anything like that. I will probably drip so something that has an atomizer that works well with dripping will work. I also want options, i have no experience with this and dont want to buy a bunch of devices to see what i like best. Because of this i think a 510 is a good fit. Ive been looking at the riva 510 special edition set (black for more options) and some 2 ohm cartomizers from liberty flights for a while but they have been out of stock for over 2 weeks. Im open to other suggestions or any other places i can get it for a good price. Im also a little clueless on where to get juice, i know it is based on preference but what sites generally have good quality flavor/price.

if you read all that thank you for your patience


TLR Im looking for an e-cig for my mom who is technologically illiterate and has smoked marlboro 100 menthols for 20 years. This will primarily be a smoking cessation device.
Im also lookign for an e-cig for myself, i want options, flavor, vapor, etc. Currently looking at riva 510 SE. quality trumps value, especially for my mom.


Thanks for all your help

 

[mamamia]

Welcome yaksha to the forums - from another newbie here, but not a noob to e-cigs!

~~~~~~~~~~

Whatever your and your mom's reasons and goals might be and wherever you're coming from: with a JOYE eGo you can never go wrong. They are by far the most recommended e-cig's over here in the German forums for a variety of reasons.

As the Tank system eGos are a bit more fiddely to operate (when it comes to cleaning the atty etc.) I would suggest a "normal" eGo i.e. no tank system, and an atty of what they call "type A" for your mom, and to consider an ego-T for yourself.

With both kinds of eGo, you have all the options in flavourings, meaning: you refill them with whatever liquids you like, and of course you can change tastes just at your own leisure and lust.

More importantly: ALL types of eGo attys and stuff is compatible with each other.. meaning; your mom still can later also get a T atty for her regular ego, and viceversa you could get a regular atty for your T-ego.... that IS an advantage, not?

I started with a mini device myself (not even a bad one!) ... but I would never ever recommend them to anybody after I got an eGo for my son as a Christmas present last year, and had a chance to try it after he unpacked it. So much more vapor, the vapor so much denser, and yes, also a lot tastier than both the mini and the the pen style e-cig which I then had owned! Needless to say that after that experience I got a pair of eGo's for myself ... and pls make sure you get the original JOYE eGos. Clones are plenty around, none of them better than the original, and neither all them necessarily worse .. but the original is not more expensive than most of the clones, so if you decided to go for that kind of e-cig, then stick with the original.

Just my 2pence. I wish you and your mom lots of success and FUN!

 

[washvap]

WELCOME TO THE ECF

I'm glad you made the choice to stop by and I'm sure your going to get a lot of suggestions. As for mine. I would suggest this kit for your mom:

Smokeless Image | Only The Best Electronic Cigarette | Volt - Pro Starter Kit - Starter Kits

It's the VOLT from smokeless image. It's easy to use and VERY customizeable. Which means you can choose the color of the battery, flavors of cartomizer (blanks as well), and either an automatic/manual battery. It's one of the more affordable yet highly rated beginner e-cigs on this forum. I have one myself and like to use it when I'm out and about. But, it has helped a lot of newbies quit smoking cigs. I HIGHLY recommend it. If you want anymore info than look at this thread:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...87974-official-smokelessimage-com-thread.html

EDIT: It's also VERY easy to use as well

After your 5 initial posts than you can ask questions here. There is a company representative as well as enthusiasts that are eager to help. Great group of people too.

For you:

eGo 1100 mAh 2 battery kit

This is a KGO kit. Which is similar to the Riva SE, ego, etc. but is an 1100 mah battery that will basically last you the whole day and performs like a champ. It also has the option of having a bigbore cone for it. The advantage of this is that you can use DC or resurrectors without have to use a dremel to make the opening larger for them to fit. Fully charged, it's 4V which has more than enough kick. IMO it's superior to the Riva SE

As for popular juice vendors:

Alien Visions E-Juice
Welcome to Tasty Vapor
VaporBomb.com
Clouds Of Vapor Ecigs
Welcome to Vermillion River Premium E-Juice
Virgin Vapor | Electronic Cigarettes | Organic Electronic Cigarette eLiquid
http://primevaping.com/
http://www.rawrvapor.com/

 

[washvap]

EDIT: double post

 

[jonny2hottie]

try this place! they have great prices
Starter Kits - e-Vape Kits

 

[Sedateme]

I will second washvap's recommendations. A Volt for your mom, a bit battery eGo for you.

If your mother doesn't want to mess with anything, it's as easy as puff the cartomizer until it's empty, and put a new one on. Battery dead? Grab the other battery and throw the first one on the charger. Done.

For you, you get longer battery life, and the 510 connection that comes on the eGo is the most universal style. Almost every accessory made has a 510 version. It's a nice solid base PV (I have one and love it) that you can tweak to make your vaping experience just the way you like it.

 

[Incognito™]

The best price for an eGo kit is at Liberty-Flights.com

The price is $43 (with shipping).

Good luck!

 

[Tracker II]

The best price for an eGo kit is at Liberty-Flights.com

The price is $43 (with shipping).

Good luck!

Agreed, and don't forget to click on the 20% discount in the upper-left corner of the home page.

 

[wv2win]

I would suggest staying in the eGo/Riva model area and I would suggest you both get the same model so you can better advise your Mom when she has a question. I would not stick your Mom with a small battery model where she has to constantly be changing out batteries. In the eGo/Riva model area, the better alternative to the eGo/Riva is the E-Power which is the same size as the eGo. The E-Power, however has better batteries that last 5 times longer (lifetime wise) and cost only $4-$5 instead of the $20 you will pay for the eGo batteries. These batteries will last about 5 hours on a charge and will provide warmer vapor than the small battery models the size of the real thing. I would not get a small battery model where you have to change the batteries every hour or an auto battery model that can easily get liquid in the battery and kill it.

Here are a couple of well supported suppliers on ECF:

e-Power

Electronic Cigarette - Starter Kits - E-Power

Rule of Thumb: the more it looks like the real thing, the worse the performance.

Good Luck

 

[DebW]

I will also put in a vote for the Volt. Just got mine yesterday, and it has the best vapor out of all the e-cigs I've tried so far. I ordered Chocolate and Menthol Burst with my kit and have to say that the menthol is pretty good (thinking of your mom). It's like vaping a breath mint. The chocolate was my favorite of the two.

I also have a Volcano Inferno that you may like. I've used it for dripping and recently for cartos. It worked better with the cartos for me, but I'm still trying to figure out how to keep the attys clean. You'll also get a lot of vapor from this model.

Hope you both succeed in quitting!

 

[carpedebass]

As always for me...I will refrain from advocating a certain brand or type of PV for you guys. IMHO it's up to you to do the research and figure out what will likely work better for the two of you. Everyone's needs from a PV is different. To some, looks matter...to others...not so much. Read, research, read, research, then research some more then pull the trigger on what you think will work best. Aside from the over-priced junk that is so common in smoke shops, etc...I think any of the modern PVs are going to satisfy the basic needs of nic delivery and vapor production. You just have to figure out which one covers all the bases you want them to cover.
Welcome to the forum...post often and feel free to ask questions! Other members, much smarter than I will be able to answer just about anything you can dream of!

 

[Puffadder]

+1 carpedebass

Always remember that the p in pv stands for personal. Everyone has their likes and dislikes and despite what some others will say there is no one kit that will work for all. I am not saying that other members favorite setups are not good starting points, just don't purchase based on a recommendation with the expectation that you will love it just as much. Finding the right set up usually requires quite a bit of experimentation (and $$) in the beginning and as you become more experienced you desires and tastes may also change.

Based on what you say I think your Mom should start with some type of KR808 D-1 type system like the Volt that was mentioned in another post. For longer battery life if that is important you can get the xl or mega versions of the slim batteries or get a Ego/Riva style battery with and 808 connection. The reason for using the 808's is there are a wide variety of prefilled cartos available from many vendors to choose from which is the easiest way to go. Most will also have juice available to save some money and refill the cartos if she decides she wants to do that or you are willing to refill for her.

For yourself some type of 510 system (510, Ego/Riva, or 510 threaded mod) will give you the greatest flexibility and selection of attys and cartos. You can always get a 510 to 808 adapter to test out your mom's 808's if needed. Do your research and any of the listed ecf vendors are a good choice to work with.

 

[Boodle]

Very cool that you're lending a hand to your mom. You'll be a tremendous asset to her - getting out front and wading through the info. I'm offering specific suggestions because you asked. Other posters are right about getting something that is a fit for you personally. I chose two that are popular and well-priced. I'd choose the Kgo even if it was $20-$30 more.

Many of us started with slim cigarette-looking PVs. It works for an amount of time then leaves you unsatisfied. It's not a bad way to start. I'd suggest all 510 threaded equipment so that you have the biggest variety of supply offerings.

Two kit suggestions:
#1 This is a simple cigarette-looking 2-piece ecig. Screw on a filled cartomizer and vape. Easy peasy.
510 slim kit (XL battery option for $4 more at checkout) This kit comes with cartos rather than cartridges so that will save you $6 to $8 for a box of cartomizers. The kit/2 batts/charger and cartos in gift-type box is 30 bucks. 510 manual cartomizer kit from smok tech



Fat Batt Kit

KGO brand 1100 mAh kit $46 (like Ego/Riva but higher voltage for stronger vape and longer-lasting battery)
BreezEsmokes - Premium Electronic Cigarettes
Hoosier sells them for a couple of bucks less but he's sold out right now. Add a pack of Boge low resistance cartomizers or SmokTech Dual Coil Cartomizers for a mod-like vaping experience. A LR 306 atomizer and drip tip on a Kgo simulates high voltage vaping. Very nice. That might be a bit complicated for your mom but you have the skill set to research and enjoy a variety of options. The cartos that come with the slim kit are black. Choosing the stainless for the low resistance cartos for the Kgo would make it easy to tell them apart.

Drip tips for both kits: The best prices I'm aware of is GoodProphets (.com) Drip tips are .79 to 1.49 where others sell them for $3.99. Finally, if your mom isn't sold on vaping yet, GP has an emergency e-cig kit for $10. It's a real ecig, comes with 3 cartos pre-filled and little charger. Cheap and easy. It's not going to last and last. I have not tried it. I keep one in my glove box in case I lose my purse/PVs or go out with a dead battery.

Good luck to you and your mom. Congrats on taking this adventure together. It's life-changing!

 

[mom2boysonly]

I like the e power over the riva

 

[Boodle]

I like the e power over the riva

My issue with an e-power is that you only get one unit. What if the button breaks or there's a threading problem? Yikes. To get the best vaping experience you need the expensive Black or Red Label AW batteries - $16 to $20 each. A new Kgo batt (with new button on it) is $16. Riva and Egos are similarly priced. Video compares 18650 high-end batt with Ego clone Kgo battery.
hoosierecigsupply.com 1100mAh eGo battery whips AW 18650 IMR - YouTube

If it was variable voltage I'd get an epower today.

 

[DJAndrada]

welcome to ecf

 

[Needo]

For me

I AM technologically literate (just finished 2 engineering degrees) so nothing should be a problem for me, but im not looking to make my own device or anything like that.

A regular 510 starter kit with extra blank cartos should be a good start. You might want to check out some juice flavors from some of the forum suppliers. Provided that you are only a social vaper this should be suficient. I'm afraid that from what you mentioned above that you will catch the modding bug despite your initial claim. Good Luck!

 

[Wuzznt Me]

808 would be an excellent choice for your mom. Simple and very effective and available with a decent battery life. The newer batteries are regulated at about 3.7 volts and the newer bottom coil cartos don't burn easily. Just don't try to use the lr cartos or attys with anything lower than 450mah batteries. Ego or Rivas are a good choice if you want to carry one battey instead of two and aren't technicologly challenged. You can also get adaptors at lf to use 808 cartos on the 510 and vice versa.

 

[wv2win]

My issue with an e-power is that you only get one unit. What if the button breaks or there's a threading problem? Yikes. To get the best vaping experience you need the expensive Black or Red Label AW batteries - $16 to $20 each. A new Kgo batt (with new button on it) is $16. Riva and Egos are similarly priced. Video compares 18650 high-end batt with Ego clone Kgo battery.
hoosierecigsupply.com 1100mAh eGo battery whips AW 18650 IMR - YouTube

If it was variable voltage I'd get an epower today.

I still think the E-Power is a better option over the eGo/Riva. I can't speak specifically to the E-Power, but I've never had a button go bad on any of my many PV's. I know it does happen sometimes. Madvapes sells button replacements for $12 which is less than the cost of the Kgo, eGo or Riva batteries. The Kgo looks like a nice model and a better option than the eGo for sure. With the money you will save on batteries with the E-Power, you could buy a spare button and still be way ahead. Which in essense, would be the same as the spare battery/threading that you will get with the Kgo but for $12 instead of $16.

I think eveyone should consider a good variable volt PV. But if you mention that in the new person's section, you will get about 6 people jump on you and say you are nuts.

 

[wv2win]

808 would be an excellent choice for your mom. Simple and very effective and available with a decent battery life. The newer batteries are regulated at about 3.7 volts and the newer bottom coil cartos don't burn easily. Just don't try to use the lr cartos or attys with anything lower than 450mah batteries. Ego or Rivas are a good choice if you want to carry one battey instead of two and aren't technicologly challenged. You can also get adaptors at lf to use 808 cartos on the 510 and vice versa.

That's another problem with the small battery models such as the 808, your choices are limited in what kind of atty/carto's you can use.