Hello all, just a few questions.

[ink lies]

Hello all, I'm new here and am just looking for a little help..

I've just learned about this 'vaping' (as it seems to be called here) and have been doing some reading on the site.

As I'm not familiar with all the lingo here, I was wondering if anyone could help me out with a few questions.

From my understanding the atomizer is a heating element to turn the contents of the cartridge into vapor, but is the atomizer an expendable piece that will require constant replacement?

I've also seen that the whole "1 cart. = 20 cigs" claim is misleading, but is there a way to refill these cartridges, and if so is it more economical to go that route?

From what I imagine a vapor would have a different feeling compared to tobacco smoke. Is there much of a difference, or better yet is there a cigarette brand on the market that has a comparable taste?

I smoke about a half-pack to a pack a day, but it's not so much the nicotine which I'm addicted to but rather the habit of smoking, so I'm planning on starting with a low nicotine dose to start, and progress down to nicotine free.

Lastly, I understand there are some members here who are affiliated with the manufacturers they support, but I would like to know if anyone has any insight as to a reliable model. I'm looking for something cost-efficient for my first one, with a longer lasting cartridge.


ink

 

[Kokonut]

Good to see you here ink lies. I'm new to vaping also and I am not an expert but I can tell you to order extra atomizers so you have backups and be sure to order some e-juice to refill the cartridges that come with your unit.
What I found out more than anything was that it is really important to be well stocked with batteries, atomizers and juice if your goal is to stay away from analogs. You may also need to consider a higher level juice and cut it if necessary. I started on too low a nicotine.
Good luck with the vaping!

 

[JerseyGirl]

From my understanding the atomizer is a heating element to turn the contents of the cartridge into vapor, but is the atomizer an expendable piece that will require constant replacement?

Most atomizers are designed to be semi-disposable. They can last anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months, depending on your vaping habits, and the quality of the atomizer itself (these things are made in China, and the quality control isn't great). There are some things you can do to prolong the life of your atomizer, but eventually, they wear out.

I've also seen that the whole "1 cart. = 20 cigs" claim is misleading, but is there a way to refill these cartridges, and if so is it more economical to go that route?

In general, cartridges are overpriced, and usually don't taste great. Much more cost effective to buy bottled nicotine liquid and refill the cartridges yourself. LOTS of info to be found here, just do a forum search.

From what I imagine a vapor would have a different feeling compared to tobacco smoke. Is there much of a difference, or better yet is there a cigarette brand on the market that has a comparable taste?

To me, at least, the vapor actually "feels" very similar to smoke on the inhale and exhale (although it doesn't linger as long in the air). The taste is completely different though. Most people will say that there's no flavor that tastes exactly like a real cigarette, but YMMV. Depends on the brand of cigs you smoked and your individual taste buds. I will say that, to me, many menthol liquids taste a lot like Marlboro Milds - very strong menthol flavor with just a hint of tobacco. Which is strange, because I HATED Marlboro Milds, but I love menthol flavored liquids, lol... Again, YMMV.

I smoke about a half-pack to a pack a day, but it's not so much the nicotine which I'm addicted to but rather the habit of smoking, so I'm planning on starting with a low nicotine dose to start, and progress down to nicotine free.

If you're smoking 10 - 20 cigs a day, then you ARE addicted to nicotine, whether you realize it or not. Don't count on being able to start with a low nicotine dose. It may be smarter to buy liquid in a higher strength to start with - you can always dilute it, but you can't make it stronger if it's too weak to start.

Lastly, I understand there are some members here who are affiliated with the manufacturers they support, but I would like to know if anyone has any insight as to a reliable model. I'm looking for something cost-efficient for my first one, with a longer lasting cartridge.

The most frequently recommended model for beginners is the 510, but it's definitely not your only option. There are tons of models out there, and they all have their fans! You need to do a little research on the forum, read some reviews, look at vendor websites and compare prices. Once you've narrowed it down to your top choices, there are plenty of people here who can give you a point-by-point comparison if necessary.

Good luck!

 

[breakfastchef]

Electronic cigarettes are not a 'magic bullet' to smoking cessation. They have been useful to many forum members to achieve a tobacco-free life, though.

From my understanding the atomizer is a heating element to turn the contents of the cartridge into vapor, but is the atomizer an expendable piece that will require constant replacement?

Atomizers can last from a few minutes to a few months. Without it, the e-cig system does not work. Have a few spare atomizers on hand.

I've also seen that the whole "1 cart. = 20 cigs" claim is misleading, but is there a way to refill these cartridges, and if so is it more economical to go that route?

Cartridges can easily be completely refilled. Most folks will top off the cartridge during the day to keep the stuffing moist.

From what I imagine a vapor would have a different feeling compared to tobacco smoke. Is there much of a difference, or better yet is there a cigarette brand on the market that has a comparable taste?

To me, the e-cig provides maybe 40% of the experience of smoking a tobacco cigarette. While the mechanics of vaping are similar to smoking, the vapor is not much like smoke. Since taste is subjective, you would have to sample many e-liquids to find ones you enjoy.

I smoke about a half-pack to a pack a day, but it's not so much the nicotine which I'm addicted to but rather the habit of smoking, so I'm planning on starting with a low nicotine dose to start, and progress down to nicotine free.

There is a very good chance you really are addicted to nicotine or some of the other chemicals in tobacco. Starting with a low nicotine fluid might be the right choice for you.

Lastly, I understand there are some members here who are affiliated with the manufacturers they support, but I would like to know if anyone has any insight as to a reliable model. I'm looking for something cost-efficient for my first one, with a longer lasting cartridge.

Popular models include the 401, 901 and 801. The 401 would be close in size to a 100's length cigarette whereas the 801 would be more like vaping on a device the size of a pen (hence the term penstyle). These models can be purchased in starter kits for less than $50.

 

[wv2win]

Unless you like inconsistency and frustration, I would strongly suggest getting a manual switch device such as the Joye 510 or the manual (not auto) DSE901. With manuals (small button) YOU control how warm the vapor is whereas the auto's "cut-off" off the battery in a few seconds. The manuals also have sealed battery compartments which makes them much more reliable. Here are several suppliers of the 510 and the manual 901 to consider: (and I have no affiliation with any supplier):

Rocky Mountain Vapor you have reached the mountain top of electronic cigarettes! : Home
Heaven-gifts.com Ruyandirect.com Best E-smoking Shop
www.eastmall.net - Eastmall International Co.,Ltd
e-Smokey Treats - Electronic Cigarette's, The healthy alternative to traditional tobacco cigarette's

 

[Lightgeoduck]

I am a week new myself, but I did extensive research(surfing the www) and almost became overwhelmed. Yes the atomizer is the thing that does the heating and creating the vapor, how often they need to be changed I am not sure.

I purchased a vapor king from vapor4life(dot)com, which is basicly an ecig that the cart("filter") containing the nic and the atomizer are one piece for the purpose of disposing and always having a new atomizer ( though they can be refilled with liquid a few times).

If you want to be a vape fanatic then you will most likely buy a multiple types of ecigs and hear opinions that differ by a mile from one guy and the other.

If you just want something that is good quality and keeps you from tobacco I would have to say purchase the Vapor King ( it was my first and only ecig I have used/use) I was surprised that I haven't craved a cig yet. Vapor4life (forum on this site as well) provides excellent/fast service and communicates well.

I don't get any benefits if you buy from V4L or not I have no business affiliation with them just to let you know. So if you don't choose V4L the 2pc ecig model is KR808D-1 which is supposedly similar I think there are other models as well, if you really don't want too much hassle cart/atomizer combos are the way to go

Hopefully this was helpful

 

[ink lies]

Thank you all for your advice.

wv2win, I looked at the ones you recommended, but I'm not sure I could go with a manual. I love the feeling of smoking, and it seems that not being able to take a real drag would be awkward for me.

Right now the one that caught my attention is the "Super-Mini 8084"

Is it a mess to refill these cartridges? Or will they leak or anything when I have my E-Cig in my pocket?

Also, is there a way to repair, (recharge?), the atomizer? And are they for the most part universal, or do I have to hunt down a specific brand?

 

[Jim Davis]

Ink;
I suggest you first watch the video;
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...2-new-updated-comprehensive-intro-vaping.html

Then look at the different models;
E-Cigarette Models
This is not a complete list. It hasn't been updated to include any of the higher performance mods that are available. (wv2win can fill you in with that area.)

After that, you'll have some basic knowledge to ask & understand more questions. No matter what you finally decide on, there will be help available in the forum.

Good Luck;
jd

 

[wv2win]

Thank you all for your advice.

wv2win, I looked at the ones you recommended, but I'm not sure I could go with a manual. I love the feeling of smoking, and it seems that not being able to take a real drag would be awkward for me.

Right now the one that caught my attention is the "Super-Mini 8084"

Is it a mess to refill these cartridges? Or will they leak or anything when I have my E-Cig in my pocket?

Also, is there a way to repair, (recharge?), the atomizer? And are they for the most part universal, or do I have to hunt down a specific brand?

Huuumm, you actually can take a "real drag" with a manual better than an auto device. With the auto's you have to take a primer puff first, blow that out, then take a very, very slow, long, long drag to get any sort of hit at all. With the manual, you just press the little button and take a drag exactly like you did with a cigarette and you get nice warm vapor and throat hit. And remember the auto's have a battery cut-off of the battery after a few seconds that the manual's don't.

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

Good luck, regardless.

 

[wv2win]

Ink;
E-Cigarette Models
This is not a complete list. It hasn't been updated to include any of the higher performance mods that are available. (wv2win can fill you in with that area.)jd

Since the majority of new users I have talked to locally who try the super mini autos, like the SmokeEverywhere, end up going back to cigarettes anyway due to the frustrations and inconsistencies, I'm starting to think it's a waste to talk about the better devices. They are generally not interested in understanding how the preimere devices have better performance. If they go back to cigarettes due to the problems with super mini devices, I have to respect their choices.

 

[ink lies]

Just figured I would update, I decided to go with the Joy E 510, and just got it in the mail yesterday.

I had a few problems initially with the cartridge leaking, and the vapor production seems to be less than I had imagined, but overall I'm pretty happy with it.

Definitely not the same as smoking, but it feels much cleaner to use. So far it's been a day without a cig, and I could easily see myself getting used to this.

Thank you all for your help

 

[BradleyT]

Next step would be to get your own juice and really discover what this is all about. You can go with direct dripping - 2 drops directly on the atomizer wick with no filler in the cartridge - or try one of the cartridge mods such as lipton pyramid tea bags (my fav) or polyfiber filling which can be found at wal-mart for about $2. Save your empty cartridges - just dump the filling!


FYI cignot sells juice and they're in the Chicago area. I got my order from them in 2 days so you'd probably get it next day. They have tons of good reviews on this forum.

 

[ink lies]

I actually ordered a bottle of liquid as well, I'm just waiting for the cartridges that came with it to dry up and figure out how to refill them.

Placing drops directly on the atomizer-- is that a one puff deal, or how long does that last?

I do need to read into the mods though.

 

[Kent C]

I actually ordered a bottle of liquid as well, I'm just waiting for the cartridges that came with it to dry up and figure out how to refill them.

Placing drops directly on the atomizer-- is that a one puff deal, or how long does that last?

I do need to read into the mods though.

For leaking make sure everything is tight and set your ecig down horizontally. But if you're leaking out of the connection between the battery and atomizer - that's fluid coming out of the intake holes in the atty and you should unscrew the atty, remove the cart and blow out the atty from the threaded end into a paper towel. That's also probably whey you're not getting much vapor.

After that put one or two drops max on the atty when you're refilling your cart. Fill the cartridge to where the filler is moist on the top but not a bubble. Some times you have to huff a new atomizer like smoking a pipe or cigar - trying to keep the fire - short draws a puff then a longer draw and exhale. Then go to a slower draw... 'like drinking a thick shake through a straw'.

Easy on trying out the mods until you get this down to where you have a decent vape. Then you can try this:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/tips-tricks/11421-cart-mod-better-refilling.html

...and while I don't use it (I have) or recommend it, many here do... this: (second vid down looks like the best shot to me):

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/cartridge-mods/34401-ptb-plug-full-510-cart.html#post527318

 

[ink lies]

The leak was between the cartridge and the atomizer, I pushed the sponge material down a bit, and blotted the end which seemed to take care of it. Now it's just a little bit that's seeping out at the seam, a little bit of an annoyance but not a big deal.

Dropping liquid on that atomizer, do you mean directly on the curved filament-looking thing? I'm assuming that's what is heating up when I hit the button.

I actually have a hunch that I just need to break in the atomizer (maybe filling the cartridge with my own liquid will help too) to gain a more reasonable amount of vapor production. I've tried both drawing the vapor into my mouth first, then inhaling, as well as using my lungs to draw the vapor (which so far I have found most effective.)

The mod with the tea bag I am a little hesitant to try. Using the sponge material already in the cartridge for the first couple fills, and then replacing with poly-fiber seems to be a more efficient choice. The shrink tubing is a very intriguing idea, but I'm a little concerned that it may be affected by the heat from the atomizer, and seal shut or create an unpleasant taste/smell.

 

[jerrydon10]

Want to perfect the 510?

1) You will quickly tire of the short life of the batteries before having to recharge them.

a) Get yourself a passthrough if you sit at the computer a lot. This hooks up like a batt to the 510 then plugs into a USB port. Hot vape all day.

b) An adapter is available through altsmoke that converts the 510 to take the larger 801 batteries. Much better when on the go.

2) You will quickly tire of having to drip or "top off" the cart after a few drags. Search for the straw mod on here. The insertion of a small cocktail straw or cut off cocktail straw into the cart allows air to flow into the cart to where you can drain the entire cart before refilling.

There is a pretty steep learning curve as we are in on the ground floor of this technology. But it's worth it!

 

[Kent C]

ink lies -The leak was between the cartridge and the atomizer, I pushed the sponge material down a bit, and blotted the end which seemed to take care of it. Now it's just a little bit that's seeping out at the seam, a little bit of an annoyance but not a big deal.

When you top off wipe off any moisture you see on the flat part of the cartridge - that's the air channel and it can build up moisture.

Dropping liquid on that atomizer, do you mean directly on the curved filament-looking thing? I'm assuming that's what is heating up when I hit the button.

Yes, dripping a drop or two on the "bridge" is called 'dripping'. That does get heated up but the actual coil is below that and there's metal mesh that is at the base of the bridge and then makes up the bridge. There's also a fiber in the coil and sometimes under the mesh - don't mess with that.

I actually have a hunch that I just need to break in the atomizer (maybe filling the cartridge with my own liquid will help too) to gain a more reasonable amount of vapor production.

Yes, much better vapor production with juice vs. carts and if you want big vapor get a bottle of Ecopure - like Rich Low - or Fresh Low and add a few drops into the cart along with each refill. The VG in Ecopure creates more vapor that regular PG. I do this on almost every fill up - I use the Rich for the tobacco and stronger flavors and the Fresh for the other flavors. But you're likely right on breaking in the atty. A couple drops of PG on it helps. VG is a bit more vicous so I don't drip it but some do.

I've tried both drawing the vapor into my mouth first, then inhaling, as well as using my lungs to draw the vapor (which so far I have found most effective.)

Lung inhales esp. long ones will reduce vapor some but give you a throat hit. I mouth/nose (ie french) inhale for better flavor, imo.

The mod with the tea bag I am a little hesitant to try. Using the sponge material already in the cartridge for the first couple fills, and then replacing with poly-fiber seems to be a more efficient choice.

mmm... the 'sponge material' unless you got something different, is the polyfil. Sometimes looks like a sponge. I find that the PTB can leak too which is why I wouldn't recommend it for you. There are certain thin juices that promote leaking as well - people have reported that with Johnson creek juice.

 

[ink lies]

I took at look at the Ecopure, and they seem to put a lot of emphasis on the quality of their liquid. Being produced in a lab environment, low number of ingredients, high quality control, etc. I like the idea of using a little bit of it to increase vapor production, but would it be beneficial to consider simply using this as my liquid? They just don't offer much of a variety of flavors.

Right now I'm using a vanilla flavor from Electronicstix, which I'm enjoying, but the bottle looks a little home made. (I'm sure there's nothing wrong with it, but is there much of a difference between a liquid that has a propylene glycol base opposed to one without? -I work with cars so when I hear "propylene glycol" I become a little concerned when it involves something that I'm ingesting.)

I am getting more vapor now after dripping and refilling with my own juice, and my atty starting to break in. Tried the French inhale, which was pretty cool with the flavoring.

"Sponge material" I actually meant that it acted like a sponge, not that it bore any resemblance to one. It looks more like an unwrapped filter from a regular cigarette.

When I go to ask for polyfil, what is it traditionally used for? I have a feeling that if I go ask some store associate for "polyfil" that I will receive a strange look, and an awkward conversation will ensue.

 

[beckah54]

Polyfil is available at Wal-Mart in the craft section. It comes in a large bag and the material is used to stuff pillows, etc. Make sure you get the type that is not treated for any kind of fire ......ent. You don't want to inhale those chemicals all the time.
You might have to mess around with the amount of polyfil you use when you restuff. Too much and it won't wick, too little and it will leak.
Good luck with your journey!

 

[SeeLisa]

I am new also, I bought both, a mini and the manual janty stick. The mini seems useless compared to the janty. After the first day you dont even think about pushing the button.
I was a smoker of 1 1/2 packs per day. Now I just use the janty stick and I feel 1000 times better physically.
Lisa