First Post... be gentle. ;-)

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Stoneface

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Hello from a fellow noob, who will offer a relatively uneducated opinion (some of these folks have been doing this for years, while I just ordered my first rig). Here goes....I ordered an eGo Twist kit with 2 batteries, a pass-through, and at least a couple of each delivery device (tank, cartomizer, clearomizer). I know that I will need to try each of them before settling on one or two. The only reason that I speak up here is that my research leads me to believe that the eGo Twist offers the most flexibility for noobs like us, while still being relatively small and user-friendly. Just my 2 cents - best of luck to ya!
 

DontBurnIt

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I'm willing to bet the devices still work - probably just dry cartridges.

However, I'd still recommend buying new, if you can swing it.

After buying my first eGo C-Twists from vapow.com, I bought a pass-thru from GotVapes. It's a decent device - variable voltage, 650 mah battery with the pass-thru cord included in the deal. They also have Kanger T2 clearo's I use.

With Clearo's, you have to keep the wick wet (I tilt mine upward like FDR, not held in my teeth tho ;) ), and you can't go over like 3.6 volts or you'll burn the wicks. But, this device will be useful if you decide to try a carto/tank - you can crank it up to 6 volts and roll out the steam.

They have 'em in black & silver. It's $30 - not bad for vv pass-thru up to 6 volts.

Here's the Link

fdr-cigarette.jpg
 

sbdivemaster

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OK I'm back. Thanks to everyone for your input!

I think I have decided on getting a Volt X2 battery, X2 Clearomizer, and a Nano Clearomizer for trying out different flavors. I really don't go out of the house so much, so I realize I don't need to mimic analogs. I plan on using the passthrough feature primarily, sitting in front of the computer, working in the garage, watching TV, etc.; use as a battery when I'm outside on the patio, in the yard working, etc. The few times I do go out, I can just use the X2 as a battery, but will probably wind up get a regular Volt battery for taking out, when I think it might be better to be a bit more discrete; maybe get some more Nano's and/or some cartos to go with the Volt battery.

Question: Should I go manual or automatic battery? I'm thinking I should start with an auto as I get into the habit, so it's a more natural transition from analogs; after I get some more experience vaping - and off the analogs, maybe I could try a manual battery. What are the pros and cons of each?

Question: How long should I expect the Clearomizers to last? What kind of maintenance, if any, do they require? I like the idea of not having to refill as often and easier to refill, and I'd like to stay away from the more disposable aspect of the cartos.

Interested in your :2c: ...
 
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sawlight

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I always liked auto's, but I ran into a problem with them. Some of them are set so they come on with loud noise. I'd be on a skidsteer and next thing I knew the battery was dead! At that point I got into mods, which are all manual, no more problems with that. I also like that I push the button, draw a prime, then vape, it's warm when I prime and doesn't get cut off and cool down on me.
Sorry, I'm no help on the clearo's, I tried a Vivi Nova, not my thing and now I play with carto tanks and Rebuildables.
 

Baditude

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I think I have decided on getting a Volt X2 battery, X2 Clearomizer, and a Nano Clearomizer for trying out different flavors.

Nice choice going with a larger than cigarette-sized battery, much better performance, longer battery duration, and more options for juice carrying devices. Clearomizers and the Nano are amoung the easiest juice carriers to fill and use, both can be rather finicky/inconsistant but that comes with the territory. Overall a good starting point for you. I've read glowing reviews from customers using the newer X2-T3 clearos.

Question: Should I go manual or automatic battery? I'm thinking I should start with an auto as I get into the habit, so it's a more natural transition from analogs; after I get some more experience vaping - and off the analogs, maybe I could try a manual battery. What are the pros and cons of each?

Having used both, I strongly preferred the manual battery. But this is a preference thing, as others like an automatic. Being that the X2 is larger than the cigarette-sized battery, you won't trick yourself imagining you are using an analog.

The manuals will give you a little more control over your vaping experience than an auto can. Some people like to turn on the heat before taking a puff, while others like to begin puffing before turning on the heat for a different vape.

The draw on an auto battery may be quite unlike an analog's, so the similarity between an analog and auto battery may be disappointing to you.

And although Smokeless Image advertises that their auto batteries are "sealed" for protection against juice that may end up on the battery connector, it is in fact not totally sealed. There is still an airhole near the auto battery's connector which allows the auto battery to turn on when there is a difference in air pressure detected (when you take a puff). Juice carrying devices can leak various amounts of liquid onto the connector, and unless the battery is completely sealed (as in the manual batteries) the liquid can short out the auto's and kill the battery. This is a non-factor with a manual battery as they ARE totally sealed.

Question: How long should I expect the Clearomizers to last? What kind of maintenance, if any, do they require? I like the idea of not having to refill as often and easier to refill, and I'd like to stay away from the more disposable aspect of the cartos.

The clearos should last 2-3 weeks with exclusive usage, sometimes more, sometimes less. Both clearo devices can be cleansed under running water and re-used after allowed to dry. Some people dry burn the heating coils, but I never resorted to that.
 
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Baditude

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Since you've settled on the Smokeless Image X2 as your chosen setup, you might like to visit their Supplier Sub-forum here: Smokeless Image

There are video demo's and video reviews of their equipment, ie. how to fill each device or use/recharge a battery. You can also ask questions to current Volt customers on opinions and help with any issues you may have. A very active forum, always someone willing to provide an opinion, assistance, and support.

X2 & clearomizer.jpg
X2 with clearomizer

Smokeless Image battery size comparisons.jpg
battery size comparison of Smokeless Image batteries with a cigarette

volt-ce3.jpg
X2 batteries and ce3's
 
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sbdivemaster

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Nice choice going with a larger than cigarette-sized battery, much better performance, longer battery duration, and more options for juice carrying devices. Clearomizers and the Nano are amoung the easiest juice carriers to fill and use, both can be rather finicky/inconsistant but that comes with the territory. Overall a good starting point for you. I've read glowing reviews from customers using the newer X2-T3 clearos.

Having used both, I strongly preferred the manual battery. But this is a preference thing, as others like an automatic. Being that the X2 is larger than the cigarette-sized battery, you won't trick yourself imagining you are using an analog.

It's more important that I enjoy vaping and switch than it is for me to pretend I'm smoking a real cigarette. (Not acute health reasons or anything, just need to stop a filthy, expensive habit.)

The manuals will give you a little more control over your vaping experience than an auto can. Some people like to turn on the heat before taking a puff, while others like to begin puffing before turning on the heat for a different vape.

The draw on an auto battery may be quite unlike an analog's, so the similarity between an analog and auto battery may be disappointing to you.

And although Smokeless Image advertises that their auto batteries are "sealed" for protection against juice that may end up on the battery connector, it is in fact not totally sealed. There is still an airhole near the auto battery's connector which allows the auto battery to turn on when there is a difference in air pressure detected (when you take a puff). Juice carrying devices can leak various amounts of liquid onto the connector, and unless the battery is completely sealed (as in the manual batteries) the liquid can short out the auto's and kill the battery. This is a non-factor with a manual battery as they ARE totally sealed.

Yes, I surmise that juice contamination did my mini battery in. Of course, no one told me about such details...

The clearos should last 2-3 weeks with exclusive usage, sometimes more, sometimes less. Both clearo devices can be cleansed under running water and re-used after allowed to dry. Some people dry burn the heating coils, but I never resorted to that.

Can you clarify this a bit? Does this mean the clearos will last 2-3 weeks, then I clean them and I can use them for another 2-3 weeks? Or, do I clean them while using, then toss after 2-3 weeks? :confused:
 

Baditude

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Can you clarify this a bit? Does this mean the clearos will last 2-3 weeks, then I clean them and I can use them for another 2-3 weeks? Or, do I clean them while using, then toss after 2-3 weeks? :confused:

Expected overall life expectancy. Cleaning during the 2-3 week average use may prolong their life some. Darker colored and thicker liquids are harder on the heating coils, so cleaning might be desired every week or so. Clear liquids allow them to last longer and may not require cleaning at all during this time.

Someone who currently uses these exclusively over on the sub-forum can advise how to dry burn the coils. Over time the juice accumulates gunk on the heating coils which affects their performance. Dry burning can burn this gunk off to prolong the overall life.

I always had multiple clearos in use, with different flavors, simultaneously. So it is hard to remember exactly how long these would last me. More than one in use simultaneously made it seem that they lasted longer.
 
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dam718

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Having grown up in a household with a father who was a chronic farter... I have to say when I saw the first three letters of your name, I thought something completely different than anything to do with scuba diving...

In my house, SBD was a four letter word! LoL!

Welcome to the forums, and good luck finding what you need!
 

Baditude

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I love my auto batteries!! Personally I would never go manual for the mini ecigs. If I want manual, I use my eGo or whatever.

Hey, Dragonbone. How you doing? :thumbs:

Not sure how familiar you are with the Volt X2's that the OP is planning to go with. They are essentially 808-thread eGo's. So do you approve of a manual X2 for OP now?
 

dragonbone

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Hey, Dragonbone. How you doing? :thumbs:

Not sure how familiar you are with the Volt X2's that the OP is planning to go with. They are essentially 808-thread eGo's. So do you approve of a manual X2 for OP now?

Hehe, hey Bad! No, sorry. I just saw the pics and thought they were Volt, as in Volt KR808-D. My bad (excuse the pun) :p.
 

sbdivemaster

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OK Folks, returning for the report.

Got my X2, X2 Clearomizer, Nano Clearomizer, and some apple nicquid...

NIGHT AND DAY!! Consistent, thick vapor, with a good TH. There's a problem with the seal on the X2 clearo, but I have a call into SI about that. Still usable, just has to be kept upright so it doesn't leak (very slight). I have other observations and realizations about vaping vs analogs that I will share later, but just wanted to drop a quick note about my impressions so far.

Thanks for the recommendation, Baditude! :thumbs:
 
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