First time buyer help

[Majesty]

Hey, i hope i’m posting this in the right place. so i’ve decided to get off disposables and save some money in the long run by getting something that would hopefully last.

I’m new to this and know there’s a .... ton of mods and things people like to get but i need some advice on what to go with.

I love seeing those RGB lighting ones that people have and that’s mainly what i’m looking for because of the aesthetic but if there isn’t anything that will last long with that feature then i’ll take what i can get.

As i was researching i found some other ones i thought looked interesting.

Argus Pod

Espion Infinite (love the look of this but the AI thing is kind of a turn off)

Geek vape E100

Sonder U Pod

I thought those looked cool, any opinion on those?

Let me know if you have any suggestions, im open to learning something new.

 

[MLEJ]

Glad you joined! Plenty of good folks here who can help you more than i ever could.

 

[gotch23]

Hi there and welcome,

ok, so you want something that lasts and has RGB lighting? That is possible.

However, I think it is also necessary to think about what kind of vape you like.
Do you want a tight draw, i.e. MTL or do you want a loose draw, i.e. RDL/DL?
If you want to switch from disposables, i guess a MTL device in combination with high nicotine e-juice would be appropriate, because it is similar... but it is up to you.

Next question is whether you want an integrated device, i.e. a pod /AIO, or a mod (the battery part) + a separate tank. The devices you listed come from both categories and do wildly different things.
Eg. the espion is a dual big battery mod designed for massive clouds and low nicotine e-juice, and the Sonder U is a small pod designed for MTL with high nic e-juice.
The integrated devices generally have the edge in size, weight and ease of use. The mod + tank combo gives you greater capacity (both liquid and battery), a customized vape experience and will also be more ecomical in the long run, since you are able to change both the coil and battery.
Honestly... if you are just switching from disposables, i'd recommend a pod/AIO type integrated device... just for the sake of simplicity... they vape great. On the other hand... a mod + tank isn't rocket science, but it is definitely a bit more complicated.

Long lasting: Something with a changeable battery will last longer, as you can switch out the battery when it gets tired, however you'd have to buy an extra charger and special batteries... idk if you are ready to deal with that... it is up to you.
Furthermore there are devices that are especially designed for durability, like the Aegis line from Geeekvape... which I have good experiences with in this regard.

 

[Mordacai]

@Majesty I think that you're best focusing on form and function, not unnecessary things such as lighting.

A mod with a 510 connector is the most useful, as they'll work with almost any kind of atomiser. There's even some pods included in that as some have a 510 adaptor.

There is an issue with atomisers that use manufacturers drop in coils though, and that is availability. As you never really can be assured that you will be able to buy and source them.

But the biggest thing @gotch23 has mentioned is what style of vaping suits you, as that's the biggest factor in finding what options are available to you.

 

[Majesty]

@gotch23

Honestly i wouldn’t know much, a mod and tank combo seems best. Do pre builds that can still be swapped out exist? i just saw what looked nice and added it to a list. What i’m interested in is something that’s long lasting and reliable. I really have no clue what does what and i’m open to learning about any suggestions. I know some have pods that you switch out and some are just full it up with juice i believe? Or maybe that’s just swapping tips i’m not sure. I also know the coil makes a difference in flavor, i don’t really need anything too complicated to use. I was told a tighter draw means better flavor and less cloud which i believe is more suited for me. and i apologize if my descriptions are vague, im just trying to get a better understanding. I wouldn’t want something with a big hole for the mouthpiece but if it can be swapped for a smaller one i’d like that. MTL is my preferred style

 

[Majesty]

@Mordacai

I just like niche things but i totally understand what you’re saying, i don’t really have a style as i haven’t experimented with any mods. I’ve stuck with disposable for a while and that’s all i really know. I don’t know much about how different mods work either. i guess the best way i can put it, is taking into account my only expierence is disposables, what do you recommend i start out with? i’m always able to change to other kits easily, but i’d like a starting point. I wouldn’t want something with a big hole for the tip but if it can be swapped for a smaller one i’d like that MTL is my preferred style

 

[gotch23]

Ok, First off... no need to apologize. We've all been there. I hope I didnt come off as talking down to you.

So to summarize your wishes: You want a long lasting and reliable mod & tank combo that does a flavorful MTL (mouth to lung).

Let me just comment on a few things, before I give my recommendations:

-"Do pre-builds that can still be swapped out exist?" I am not enitrely sure what you are talking about,
The heating element that vaporizes the liquid inside a tank or a pod is called a coil. It can be swapped out... Either by removing the coil from the tank/pod and putting a new one in, or... if the tank/pod and coil are an integrated unit, as is the case with many vape pod devices, by replacing the whole tank/pod unit.

-Filled/empty pods: Yes correct... There are some some pod devices that use pre-filled disposable replacement pods, some that use empty ones, and some that offer both.

- Tighter draw, better flavor: No, a tight draw doesn't necessarily deliver better flavor. Excellent flavor can be had at every level of draw restriction. However, it can be said that you get way more mileage... that is capacity.... autonomy... from a MTL device. It uses way less liquid and battery than RDL/DL style to deliver excellent flavor and nicotine hit.

Tank recommendation:

Aspire Nautilus 3S: This tank is tough as nails with its metal shield guarding the glass and it provides excellent flavor and coil life. I... and many others have been using the Nautilus coils for many, many years.... it is llongest running line of coils. Comes with a strong recommendation, as I use this myself on a daily basis.

Innokin Zenith 2: Great tank with great, long lasting, tasty coils. The Z-coils are the second-longest running line of coils and I use these myeself as well.

What helps with the longlevity of both of these tanks, is that you are pretty much assured to be able to buy replacement coils for many years to come.

Mod:

-Eleaf Istick Pico Plus: Small, cheap, reliable and tough as nails. These things just go on and on...
and are powerful, pracitcal and ecomical. Again: I use this myself. Pro-tip: Get it in silver, as eventual scratches won't show up as much.

-Geekvape M100 Aegis Mini 2: Thought I better give you an option for a mod with an internal battery.... in case you don't want to deal with an external charger and special batteries. Designed to be resistant to shock, dust and water this is a tough mod that will last you a long time... until the internal battery eventually gets tired.
I don't have this one myself, as I don't like devices with internal batteries personally, but I have good experiences with another mod from the Aegis line.

However, you could just buy a whole kit from either Aspire or Innokin and be happy. They come with my recommeded tanks and get good reviews:

-Aspire Zelos 3 kit

-Innokin Coolfire Z80 Zenith 2 kit

Juice recommendation:

Since you are coming off of disposables with 50mg/ml nic salt liquids. I would either go with 30mg nic salt or 18mg/ml regular e-juice at first... a high level of nicotine. As a starting point at least... you will see, if you need to adjust up or down. Regular e-juice, also called freebase, provides a scratchy sensation at the back of your throat when vaped MTL style, which I find very pleasurable, but which you may not like coming off of disposables. Give it a shot?
And... a PG/VG (Propylene Glycol/ Vegetable Glycerin) ratio of 50/50 is best for MTL... at least for most people, as it provides a good balance of vapor and flavor.

In order to find appropriate batteries use this chart: 18650 Battery Ratings and Performance Table
and please do a little research on battery safety, there are quite a few things to be aware of using these high powered batteries, as... only carry them with you in a special battery case, charge with an external charger, never charge unattended, never use batteries with a faulty wrapper... but there is more worth knowing, so please take the time to inform yourself in case you go down the road of swappable batteries.

I hope this helps... and doesn't confuse you any further, lol. If you have any questions, please ask.

 

[Mordacai]

No worries at all @Majesty, disposables are MTL to RDL (Mouth To Lung/Restricted Direct to Lung).

So yes, we can work with that.

Yes, pre builds or drop in coils as others call them are a thing. Many use them, so there's no issues there, apart from availability and if the manufacturer decides to discontinue the product.

Aspire Nautilus, Innokin Zenith and Zlide tanks are MTL/RDL tanks. There's also the Freemax Fireluke 22 if you're able to find it as well that's another one too.

As for mods, a reasonable single 21700 will serve you well. There's a lot to choose from, one big selection factor there is if you're kind of clumsy or not as there's a small number that'll kind of bounce when dropped instead of becoming damaged.

 

[gotch23]

Ok, you could also go with 21700 batteries, even though it wouldn't be my choice for MTL, because of the increased size and weight. Imho 18650 provide plenty of capacity for MTL.

However... on the topic of RGB... if OP chooses to go the 21700 route, i think the RGB on the
Freemax Maxus Solo mod looks pretty sick.

 

[Majesty]

@gotch23

I see, i think i’m starting to understand but there’s a few things i wanted to clarity. So am i able to combine any tank with any mod? Let’s say i wanted to purchase the Innokin Zenith 2, that’s just the tank part, am i only able to buy one of their mods to have that tank be compatible?

Basically my confusion stems from knowing there’s seperate parts but the comparability is what i’m interested in. I want to ensure what i buy works with each other. All these parts are confusing for some reason even though i feel like they shouldn’t be.

In short, am i able to take another mod from one manufacturer and (in most cases) be able to swap their tank for another one?
As for batteries, having something that i can charge and use for a while without having to change the battery would be nice

Also the freemax RGB does look pretty cool and i was thinking of getting one of theirs, the weight doesn’t bother me but i thought looking around might help.

I think kits are probably the easiest way to go for me as they’re all in one, i can experiment with coils easier i believe.

Also where do i get batteries, does it comes included in kits? I was looking at a few and it doesn’t seem like it.

Thanks in advance for your detailed responses i really appreciate it

 

[Majesty]

@Mordacai

Basically to quote my other post, how does the comparability work between tanks and mods. Like gotch suggested, he showed me some tanks and so did you, but i want to know if i buy a seperate tank, how can i ensure it works with the mod i want.

Like you suggested a freemax tank, i would assume it would be compatible with a freemax mod / kit like marvos or maxus solo right? (i like those but i might not get a freemax one, i watched some reviews and i’m not too sure)

I know i can also just ask the manufacturer directly so i may do that, but i like getting answers here as well

I feel like i’m starting to understand things better but i just need some extra clarification

I think kits are probably the easiest way to go for me as they’re all in one, i can experiment with coils easier i believe. Any recommended kits that gotch hadn’t shown yet? i kinda like the zenith one he mentioned

Also where do i get batteries, does it comes included in kits? I was looking at a few and it doesn’t seem like it.

I appreciate your responses and i’m taking notes on recommendations.

 

[MLEJ]

am i able to take another mod from one manufacturer and (in most cases) be able to swap their tank for another one?

'510' is the standard connection. So, yes, you can swap tanks between mods. Pods limit your options. With tanks, diameter is really the only limiting factor -- too big might not fit or sit well on a smaller mod.

having something that i can charge and use for a while without having to change the battery would be nice

Some mods take separate batteries, others have their batteries built in. Higher millamp -- or milliampere -- hours (mAh) generally means longer time between charges. You can charge separate batteries inside most mods but a separate battery charger is generally the better way to go. Seperate batteries are almost never included w/ a mod.

where do i get batteries

There are several reputable battery vendors online: 18650BatteryStore, Orbtronic, and LiIonWholesale are 3.

 

[gotch23]

Yes... you can combine any mod with any tank... as long as they have a 510 connection.
A 510 connection is the industry standard for connecting tanks to mods.
There is however an increasing number of devices using their own propietary connection... vape pods, pod mods, AIOs.

So yeah, all the tanks i mentioned work with all the mods. All tanks and mods are 100 percent compatible, as long as they both have a 510 connection.

Yes, you can totally slap the Zenith 2 on top of the Maxus, if you want to.

Battery capacity... your disposable now has probably something like 500 mah battery capacity.
An appropriate 18650 has six times the capacity, a 21700 eight times the capacity. It should easily last the whole day, if not multiple days vaping MTL style.

Yeh, no idea about the Freemax Maxus. Just saw a GrimmGreen review on youtube and thought the RGB looks kind of cool. No personal experience with this one. Is it going to last? Idk. It is a well respected company however... people generally love their tanks.

Kits are easier: Well, i don't think kits are easier than choosing a separate mod and tank. Benefits are more on the looks side... color coordination etc. You got to be aware though that the mod has a big enough platform to fit your tank without any awkward overhang.

If you want easy go for a vape pod or a pod mod... Tbh I am having second thoughts whether we are steering you in the right direction here. If you think this is getting too complicated, please say so.

Batteries... kindly refer to MLEJ above, who posted, while I was writing this. Best to get them from a reputable vendor, because there are a lot of fakes floating around.

 

[Majesty]

@gotch23

At first it was a little complicated but i’d rather learn than give up because i don’t understand

I think that’s nice that i can combine tanks and mods, that’s the thing i was mainly wondering as i wasn’t sure how customizable things were. Honestly at this point i believe i just need to get more opinions on which tank and mod to get.

The innokin cool fire looks pretty nice, the freemax ones might not be as reliable as i believed with their mods but i’m not too sure yet, im still looking around.

 

[Majesty]

@MLEJ

I appreciate the response, that helped alleviate some confusion. I was wondering if you had any recommendations for tanks and mods?

 

[Mordacai]

Here's a few examples of mods with 510 connectors that'll work with any of the tanks mentioned @Majesty.

Voopoo Argus XT

ARGUS XT MT-VOOPOO VAPE Spark Your Life

Powerful and stable, Argus MT and Argus XT bring you 100W max power. Meanwhile, its constant output power brings you a consistent taste.

m.voopoo.com

Vaporesso Armour Max S (new release)

ARMOUR MAX | S | The New Dual/Single 21700 Box Kit

VAPORESSO ARMOUR MAX and ARMOUR S are the new dual/single 21700 box kit for advanced DTL vapers. Crafted entirely from TPU material, ARMOUR envelops your tank and mod, ensuring comprehensive defense.

www.vaporesso.com

Vaporesso Target 100

Target 100/80 » Vaporesso

TARGET 80/100 are the new members in the VAPORESSO TARGET Series featuring the new iTank.

www.vaporesso.com

They'll give you some of an idea of what may be of interest to you.

 

[Majesty]

@Mordacai

Ah i see, I would assume sites say what kind of connectors, that’s good, i appreciate the help.

I know everyone has different tastes, it’s hard to decide what to get when i see reviewers say one thing and someone says another.

Out of the ones you sent I think only the target 100 one looks appealing, the armour max one looks too weird lool

 

[Mordacai]

This is it, certain individuals will push their personal bias @Majesty. And with reviewers they can be and are financially incentivised and given free products.

What's better is to ask the community though, especially when it comes to mods. As there's so many and with some their failure rate is much higher than it should be.

But if you want an affordable and reliable mod you can't go wrong with a Vaporesso Target 100, may not be as fancy as some but it does everything you'd need.

 

[Majesty]

@Mordacai

Yes of course, i'll look around more on some other channels just to see what I might like, I'm strung between something from freemax either marvos or maxus, the innokin coolfire, and target 100.

I do appreciate your help these past few days.

Also what ohm rating on coils is best for MTL because that's my preferred style. i saw something that says 0.60-1.0 but I'm not sure if that's correct.

Also the target 100 / 200 is an MTL style? or DTL. or does that all depend on the coil and mouthpiece

If you have any other recommendations in the meantime for MTL let me know.

Hopefully, I can update this thread when I decide to buy something.

 

[Mordacai]

Around 1.0 ohm, plus or minus @Majesty is MTL.

And it's all down to the atomiser and coil used, so you can use a triple 18650 or dual 21700 mod and still vape MTL.