Haven't started yet

[46_and_2]

I have been looking all over the web lately looking at e-cigs and reviews.
After days of looking around I am kind of liking the look of the m403 black/gold.
The reviews look good. Any feedback from anyone?
I am going to ATTEMPT to quit smoking AGAIN and thought this might help.
I am a 2 pack/day smoker......Marlboro reds.
Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated.
Also any feedback on juice that would be comparable to my reg brand would be great.

 

[Automaton]

The M403 is a good model, but there's a catch.

It's a super-mini, which means it's literally cigarette-sized. Due to the limits of technology, that means it doesn't have a lot of power.

The batteries die quick. The carts run out of juice quick. And it just doesn't deliver as much vapor as slightly larger models.

Is it a good e-cig? Yes, for a super-mini. Is it enough for a heavy smoker to completely give up cigarettes? Probably not. At least, it wasn't for me, and it wasn't for most of the people here.

I wouldn't recommend you get a super-mini for your main e-cigarette, as a heavy smoker.

For a solid starter model, I would recommend either the Kr808D-1, or the Joye 510. Both are "mini"-sized, which means they are slightly bigger than a 100 cigarette, but still cigarette-shaped and small.

The Kr808D-1 is a 2-piece system with a battery and a cartomizer, which means it's very hassle-free. It has the best battery life of the mini e-cigs - I get 4-6 hours out of mine. The cartomizers last me about 3 hours. It produces strong throat hit, and has a warm, ritch flavor to me. However, it's not the best vapor producer around - it's adequate, but not spectacular.

The Joye 510 usually comes as a 3-piece system with a battery, atomizer, and cart. It produces plumes of vapor, cooler vapor with a "cleaner" taste, and a softer throat hit. The battery life is not as good as the Kr808, however, and the carts need to be refilled somewhat frequently. However, they do make cartomizers for the 510, which I quite like.

Either of those kits won't cost you more than $50. With that, you should get a spare battery, spare atomizers/carts or cartomizers, and juice. When you get juice, get a couple small bottles in different nicotine strengths, to find your "sweet spot." I'd recommend you try 18mg, and 24mg.

I got my kit from ElectroNicStix.com and had a very good experience. You can get both the Kr808D-1 and the Joye 510 from them, and their prices are reasonable. They also sell Boss juice, which I have heard good things about.

 

[46_and_2]

The reason I was looking at the smaller cig is that I wanted something that was very close to the exact size of the cigs I smoke.
I can't stand smoking a 100 so I was sort of shying away from the larger models.
How long do the cartridges last? How much refilling am I going to have to do?
How hard is it to refill?
I have seen starter kits up to $270.00, Like white cloud......green smoke......they any better than the $50.00 stuff?

 

[Automaton]

When I tried one... the carts give up after about 15 minutes. Seriously, it's very high maintenance. And it's also not powerful. It may look like a cigarette, but it's not going to perform like one.

I know it seems like any compromise in size is a big one, but I really don't think a super-mini is going to be enough for you.

If you really can't compromise on size, try the 510 with a cartomizer. It is very short - about the size of a 100. The battery life isn't fantastic (I get 2-3 hours), but it's the smallest e-cig you will find that will perform like a cigarette.

I thought I couldn't stand to use something bigger than a cigarette too, but my Kr808D-1 is bigger than a 100, and I got used to it fast. It's not as big of a problem as you're thinking it will be.

EDIT: Link to a 510 kit with cartomizers:
http://electronicstix.com/510-Cartomizer-Starter-Kit-510cartokit.htm

EDIT: No, those more expensive kits are not any better. They are simply over-priced.

 

[46_and_2]

Does the 510 come automatic of just manual?

 

[Automaton]

Yes, the 510 does come as an automatic, although I am unsure if you can get automatics from that vendor.

However, I would strongly recommend you go with a manual. Automatic batteries can be set off by noise or vibration, and if the juice ever leaks, it can destroy the battery. I also find that they don't work as consistently as manuals.

 

[46_and_2]

Are there any videos of refilling a cart to be found? I have no idea how to do it, I have read about dripping and using a needle but everything I have read seems to be directed toward people that already know how to do it.
BTW........thanks for the good advice Nomad.

 

[Automaton]

There are many types of carts. For example, with the M403's, you usually have to take out the filler with tweezers, because it's so small, and easy to get the juice in the wrong place.

For the 510, you can simply drip juice right onto the filler. Easy peasy.

 

[Java_Az]

My first kit was auto batteries i didnt care for them much they seem to cut out a lot in the middle of a hit. I like knowing when i have that button pushed the atomizer is getting power. But i guess it is preference. Also got sick of charging batteries all the time. So i went with the 510 joye eGo kit for my second. Battery life is great and also if you want more power you can run LR atomizers on them with out hurting your batteries. I should have went with one from the start would have saved me some cash. Although if your really set on the smaller unit it is not a option because it for sure is nothing like a cigarette.

 

[46_and_2]

So whay specific 510 does everyone agree is the best?

 

[Automaton]

Well, it's not that it's "the best." There is no "best." What there is, is a few models that everyone agrees are good, and they all have different strengths.

The 510 is famous for really good vapor production and a cool taste.

I like the 510, and I'm actually using one right now. But over-all, I prefer the Kr808D-1, because it has a warmer taste and a stronger throat hit.

Either model is good. It's just question of your needs.

 

[chrizzle]

46 & 2 - Love me some Tool! I just started vaping a couple of weeks ago. I was a pack a day Marlboro Medium smoker and I haven't even thought much of smoking an analog except on the rare occasion. At first I was hesitant to compromise on size myself. After doing some reading here I decided to go with the KR808-D1 manual like M.Nomad suggested. While it is a lot like the size of a 100, you won't regret it. It's a great starter model and easy to use. The battery life is one of the most important factors when vaping (among others). Do yourself a favor and think about it a little more. You'll get over the size. Much like you will get over the fact that you need to strictly go with Tobacco flavored stuff. I did. There are so many options out there for flavors it is ridiculous. I've yet to find one that tastes exactly like a Marlboro, but I don't really care anymore. I guarantee if you go with a smaller model you will be setting yourself up for disappointment and going back to smoking. Oh, and stay away from the mall kiosks as well. The quality of their e-cigs don't compare and you will pay through the nose.

I think the natural progression for any vaper should be to start off with the 2 piece KR8, go on to a 510 or other 3 piece model and experiment with dripping and topping off. The difference between a 3 piece and a 2 piece is a lot like driving a Ferrari vs. Camaro. You'll get much better performance, vapor and flavor wise out of the 3 piece 510, but the 2 piece will be somewhat easier to "drive" and still be very enjoyable. I'm already thinking about going to a 510 or eGo (510 on steroids). Good thing about the 510 is you can also use it as a 2 piece as well.

For refilling the carto on a KR8 there are a couple of options. Search around a bit and you will find some great videos on how easy it can be.

 

[46_and_2]

Last question for the night I think........lol
Where do I go to buy a 501 starter kit. Looking for something with 2 batteries, charger, and carts

 

[Automaton]

ElectroNicStix.com has them in their Starter Kit category.

 

[46_and_2]

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. I was feeling so lost surfing around looking for the right thing to buy. Now at least I have some solid info and an idea what to look for. I'll get back in here and let you know where this goes. I am going to look at the 501 and the KR.

 

[Automaton]

Sounds like a plan. Both are good models, and between the two of them, you'll find something you like for sure.

 

[Java_Az]

FreedonSmokeUSA has some starter kits. Might even still have a code on the front page of the site for 10% off. Best thing is they have some awesome Pure juice. check out the review part of the forum quite a few agree. click on my sig for a link to their site

 

[chrizzle]

If you go with the KR8, check out vapor4life.com. Their branded KR8 is called the "vapor king" and they are currently running a 22% off sale through the 6th. Just enter promo code "LaborDay". I got the VAPOR KING-ULTIMATE ULTIMATUM MANUAL KIT and a couple boxes of blank WOW cartomizers along with some juice from freedomsmokeusa.com (try the Wyatt Earp or Max/boro). The hardest part after you get the kit is finding your favorite juice. I'm still looking. I don't mean to endorse any specific vendor but have had great success with both these places.

 

[46_and_2]

At the electonic site what is the difference between the Joye 501 starter kit and the 501 cartomizer starter kit?

 

[Automaton]

At the electonic site what is the difference between the Joye 501 starter kit and the 501 cartomizer starter kit?

The regular starter kit comes with atomizers and carts. The cartomizer kit comes with cartomizers. The battery and charger are the same. It's just a differently system of atomizing the juice.