For the love of pete somebody help me!!!

[docbest74]

Ok. So I'm 35 and a health nut in everyway but yes I am about a pack a day smoker. So I seen these e-cigs and thought that sounds like a great alternative. But, I never buy anything without research. So here is my questions....basically what???????????????????
I am lost as to how the whole thing works. ( No...I understand the physics...) I keep looking at what the best type is to buy and now I read post about atomizers and "e-dripping" and blah blah blah.... Now I'm lost. Do atomizers go bad after a short length of time??? And what the hell is e-dripping??

I just want to buy one and go about my day but it seems like it is not that simple! Or is it??

If I could get some insight to all this I would appreciate it. Like what brand to buy and what not.

Please help me!

 

[SDG]

Yes there is a learning curve and it's not really a grab and go kind of solution. See my help post as the 901 isn't cutting it for me, or I'm not cutting it for the 901.

My suggestion is to grab a basic pen style to start with as they are relatively simple and intuative and probably more effective due to the larger heating element (atomizer).

Atomizers do burn out, and dripping is dropping juice directly on the atomizer.

 

[Thirty06]

Yes it can be as simple as that.

The technology is new, so there can be problems as discussed on these forums.

I got a DSE 901, charged it up, assembled and vaped away. I ought to get some spare atomisers, but I've been going a month now and things seem fine.

 

[mikea]

I keep looking at what the best type is to buy and now I read post about atomizers and "e-dripping" and blah blah blah.... Now I'm lost. Do atomizers go bad after a short length of time??? And what the hell is e-dripping?? I just want to buy one and go about my day but it seems like it is not that simple! Or is it??

I'm pretty new to all this and can't speak with expertise. With that disclaimed...

"Dripping" is putting a drop or two of the e-liquid directly onto the atomizer filament (filament? I'm not sure what its correct name is -- the "heating element," in any case). This helps produce more vapor. Depending on who's speaking, you'll hear that it's a perfectly good idea or a decidedly not-good idea. What little I've learned about this so far is that it might be risky with e-cigs whose batteries aren't sealed -- in that case, the "juice" can drip down into the battery. Some of them, such as the batteries for the Joye510, do appear to be sealed. (I saw this pointed out in a video review of an e-cig product; I have the model 510 but hadn't realized "dripping" in it would be safe.)

If the battery being sealed or not weren't at issue...I don't know if "dripping" tends to reduce the life of the atomizer. In case it might, I don't do that very often -- I do it only when I'm breaking in a new atomizer. Apparently a little "dripping" in that case helps burn off the so-called primer chemical present in new atomizers -- a chemical that can cause a pretty bad taste until it has been burned off the "filament."

For whatever it's worth, I wrote a post here about my own experiences (limited, so far) as a newcomer to this technology: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...996-newbie-newbie-what-worked-what-didnt.html. (By no means should any of what I wrote there be considered "authoritative"!)

I haven't had my atomizers long enough to know if some go bad before their time is due. So far they all appear to be hanging in there -- and I haven't been diligent about cleaning them at the end of the day (for shame). Maybe I just lucked out...

 

[emsmom]

What will answer most of your questions and get you to understand more of this is watching Spikey's intro to vaping video. Just do a search and you will find it. It is excellent and will give you a basic understanding of most things relating to ecigs.

 

[wv2win]

Here is my initial experience. Maybe something here will help you. If not, good luck and hang in there.

I read this forum and looked at older forum threads for two weeks before I purchased my first PV (personal vaporizer).

My first PV was a blue DSE901 from Phil at e-Smokey Treats - Electronic Cigarette's, The healthy alternative to traditional tobacco cigarette's. Like all suppliers, the kit comes with two batteries and a charger. Phil does provide two atomizers instead of just one. The battery will last about 2-3 hours before needing recharged. If I was starting out new again and just had to have a PV (personal vaporizer) that looked like a cigarette, I would have gotten the Joye 510/Janty Dura-C because of the manual battery.


Many users like the classic penstyle 801 model which has a larger atomizer and cart and a typical battery charge life of about 4 hours. The draw is lighter, more like a straw (to me) due to having 4 holes in the atomizer and the bigger cart. The 801 is larger and looks more like a big pen instead of regular cigarette. You can also purchase a USB pass-through for both the 901 and 801, which allows you to plug into a usb port on your computer or wall socket adapter and not have to worry about changing batteries. You can then purchase a portable battery pack for the usb pass-through and make your usb power portable. Make sure the power pack is at least 1000mAh power output.

Most users want an PV to provide the “throat hit” that is most like a real cigarette (analog as we call them) as well as long battery life. Many members have stated that one of the best ways to get consistent throat hit is to get a manual switch PV that allows you to push a button and heat up the atomizer more before you inhale. One that does that well is the screwdriver (SD) from trog at: - The ScrewDriver - An electronic cigarette that simply works. (Totally Wicked, USA is now also selling the screwdriver: Contact us / About us / Totally Wicked eLiquid / Electronic Cigarette e-liquid shop) It is more expensive but it provides long battery life (7-8 hours) and consistent throat hit. Plus replacement batteries cost $2-$3 instead of $15-$20 on the auto switch devices like the 901 and 801 and the manual switch 510/Dura-C and can be bought anywhere unlike the auto switch batteries or 510’s. There is also now a US manufacturer of a PV with a manual switch and big battery, the Prodigy from PureSmoker.com - Home of the USA Built PV !!!. And Steve is providing a 6 month warranty on the Prodigy and puresmoker is well supported by forum members.

Most members recommend that you use e-liquid or e-juice to refill your carts instead of use the prefilled cartridges that come with the starter kits. Plus it is more cost effective. My recommendation (others will differ on this) is to get a little higher nicotine (nic) strength because you can always dilute it with USP glycerin that you can get at a drug store for $5 or $6 if you find it is too strong. I use 24mg nic strength. The highest is 36mg and there is also 18, 11, 6 and 0. There are many different flavors to choose from. My favorite tobacco flavor is Kent from www.eastmall.net - Eastmall International Co.,Ltd or Rocky Mountain Vapor you have reached the mountain top of electronic cigarettes! : Home
It has a smooth but definite tobacco flavor to me. Others like the stronger flavors such as Camel. You can also reduce the strength over time.

Hope this helps and good luck.

PS: the smallest bottle of liquid is 10ml and usually costs $9.99. In general (everyone is different) you should get any where from 5-14 days out of that size bottle. In addition, you can wash out the fabric in the pre-filled cartridges and reuse them. The fabric is simply polyester batting which you can get enough for a year's worth for about $5 from Wal-Mart.

One supplier for liquid that has great prices is: RUYAN Brown e-cigar with 25pc Cartridges - RUYAN e-cigar kit - Heaven-gifts.com Ruyandirect.com Best E-smoking Shop

They are in China and so after ordering, it usually takes 8-9 days to reach your door.
________________________________________

 

[travelnutz]

Navigating the forum can be pretty intimidating. I read, reread, watched videos and until you get your first ecig alot of it won't make sense. Read the "sticky" comprehensive into to vaping! it helped. Then take a look at the "sticky" Pics of most common models. I love my 801 penstyle while others like 510 or mods. Be patient, read the reviews, then you can make your own decision

 

[Robert]

510, PCC, Bottle of Juice, and a conviction to stop smoking- it takes a little getting used to!

fast?- e-smokey treats
cheap?- ruyandirect
top o line- GG, Prodigy, Screwdriver
bad / expensive?- Blu, the Mall kiosk,

 

[wv2win]

510, PCC, Bottle of Juice, and a conviction to stop smoking- it takes a little getting used to!

fast?- e-smokey treats
cheap?- ruyandirect
top o line- GG, Prodigy, Screwdriver
bad / expensive?- Blu, the Mall kiosk,

Short, to the point and covers it pretty well.

 

[mikea]

docbest74, the 'Spikey' video mentioned earlier is: here:

Viddler.com - - Uploaded by Spikey47

It's called "Comprehensive intro to vaping". The video is about 55 minutes long -- and worth watching.

 

[Less is more]

Smoked cigarettes 37 years -- lately ultra-lights @ 1 pack per day. After weeks of research:

Bought: Joye 510 starter kit -- most like a regular cigarette feel from e-smokeyTreats on 6-3-09. (Heavier than a real cigarette.)
Also purchased 5 boxes empty cartridges (total 25),
10 boxes filled cartridges (total 50),
two 15 ml. bottles 18 mg. PG Juice.

Transition: Seamless. Do still smoke 3 cigarettes a day just because. Don't really need to and will stop soon. E-cigs are much tastier. Draw slowly. It is a new type of inhale that you will master quickly.

Impressions: First atomizer died the other day, leaving one to use. Ordered 2 more. I now see the need to order back-up parts of batteries and atomizers after I became convinced that e-cigs were IT for me. Probably should have ordered lower nicotine level juice but I can cut it down. Will fill my own cartridges after pre-filled are gone. Gauge what you do in a normal day and whether you are in a place to plug in a charger as the batteries only last about 2 hours. Carry extra liquid/filled cartridges, fresh batteries, and charger/auto charger with you. I use about one filled cartridge per day and top it off as the day goes on. I have used just shy of one 15 ml bottle of juice in a month in addition to 25 pre-filled cartridges. (About 38.00 of cartridges/juice (not counting kit) vs. 150.00+ for cigarettes for a month. Less damage to my lungs? Priceless.)

Beware of the juice. Those little bottles and flavors are quite intriguing.

Good luck.

 

[wv2win]

Most members report that they use anywhere from 3ml to 7ml of liquid a day.

 

[NPerez]

If I used 3ml a day, my 30ml bottle would be gone in 10 days.. wow. It's probably been around a month and I still have about 25% left.

Well, we all know that liquid use varies.. but I never realized how much of a light user I am.

 

[bitey]

Here is my initial experience. Maybe something here will help you. If not, good luck and hang in there.

I read this forum and looked at older forum threads for two weeks before I purchased my first PV (personal vaporizer).

My first PV was a blue DSE901 from Phil at e-Smokey Treats - Electronic Cigarette's, The healthy alternative to traditional tobacco cigarette's. Like all suppliers, the kit comes with two batteries and a charger. Phil does provide two atomizers instead of just one. The battery will last about 2-3 hours before needing recharged. If I was starting out new again and just had to have a PV (personal vaporizer) that looked like a cigarette, I would have gotten the Joye 510/Janty Dura-C because of the manual battery.


Many users like the classic penstyle 801 model which has a larger atomizer and cart and a typical battery charge life of about 4 hours. The draw is lighter, more like a straw (to me) due to having 4 holes in the atomizer and the bigger cart. The 801 is larger and looks more like a big pen instead of regular cigarette. You can also purchase a USB pass-through for both the 901 and 801, which allows you to plug into a usb port on your computer or wall socket adapter and not have to worry about changing batteries. You can then purchase a portable battery pack for the usb pass-through and make your usb power portable. Make sure the power pack is at least 1000mAh power output.

Most users want an PV to provide the “throat hit” that is most like a real cigarette (analog as we call them) as well as long battery life. Many members have stated that one of the best ways to get consistent throat hit is to get a manual switch PV that allows you to push a button and heat up the atomizer more before you inhale. One that does that well is the screwdriver (SD) from trog at: - The ScrewDriver - An electronic cigarette that simply works. (Totally Wicked, USA is now also selling the screwdriver: Contact us / About us / Totally Wicked eLiquid / Electronic Cigarette e-liquid shop) It is more expensive but it provides long battery life (7-8 hours) and consistent throat hit. Plus replacement batteries cost $2-$3 instead of $15-$20 on the auto switch devices like the 901 and 801 and the manual switch 510/Dura-C and can be bought anywhere unlike the auto switch batteries or 510’s. There is also now a US manufacturer of a PV with a manual switch and big battery, the Prodigy from PureSmoker.com - Home of the USA Built PV !!!. And Steve is providing a 6 month warranty on the Prodigy and puresmoker is well supported by forum members.

Most members recommend that you use e-liquid or e-juice to refill your carts instead of use the prefilled cartridges that come with the starter kits. Plus it is more cost effective. My recommendation (others will differ on this) is to get a little higher nicotine (nic) strength because you can always dilute it with USP glycerin that you can get at a drug store for $5 or $6 if you find it is too strong. I use 24mg nic strength. The highest is 36mg and there is also 18, 11, 6 and 0. There are many different flavors to choose from. My favorite tobacco flavor is Kent from www.eastmall.net - Eastmall International Co.,Ltd or Rocky Mountain Vapor you have reached the mountain top of electronic cigarettes! : Home
It has a smooth but definite tobacco flavor to me. Others like the stronger flavors such as Camel. You can also reduce the strength over time.

Hope this helps and good luck.

PS: the smallest bottle of liquid is 10ml and usually costs $9.99. In general (everyone is different) you should get any where from 5-14 days out of that size bottle. In addition, you can wash out the fabric in the pre-filled cartridges and reuse them. The fabric is simply polyester batting which you can get enough for a year's worth for about $5 from Wal-Mart.

One supplier for liquid that has great prices is: RUYAN Brown e-cigar with 25pc Cartridges - RUYAN e-cigar kit - Heaven-gifts.com Ruyandirect.com Best E-smoking Shop

They are in China and so after ordering, it usually takes 8-9 days to reach your door.
________________________________________

Wow! Next to Spikey's video, this is the most helpful post I have yet to read on the forum to someone who is new to vaping. It covers the basics, but also stops to explain vaping specific terms to someone not familiar with them. Most importantly, it gives specific detail, without getting so bogged down in definition after definition, that it is clear, easy to read, and provides all of the essential information necessary for a beginner. I wish this post had been a sticky when I was first starting out.

Well done!!!

 

[docbest74]

I have to first off say thanks to all. I have received great info here.


wv2win....thanks for taking the time to write all of that. It was very insightful.

I did watch the video and found it very informative and answered a ton of the "how to" questions I had.

Again...thanks to everybody. I plan to have one ordered by the end of the day.

Just a side note...I was talking to my wife about the whole process. I was amazed to find it is almost like a subculture. Like a hookah lounge or something. I was impressed and amazed with the knowledge that the forum members here have!!

 

[wv2win]

Wow! Next to Spikey's video, this is the most helpful post I have yet to read on the forum to someone who is new to vaping. It covers the basics, but also stops to explain vaping specific terms to someone not familiar with them. Most importantly, it gives specific detail, without getting so bogged down in definition after definition, that it is clear, easy to read, and provides all of the essential information necessary for a beginner. I wish this post had been a sticky when I was first starting out.

Well done!!!

Thank you for the kind response.

 

[Elendil]

Thank you for the kind response.

OK, OK......it is a good post, but perhaps you want to clue them in on the fact that you don't re-type it every time8-o

 

[wv2win]

OK, OK......it is a good post, but perhaps you want to clue them in on the fact that you don't re-type it every time8-o

Moi, not re-type it every time?!?!? My Vaping Life Story??!!?? How can you suggest such a thing?????