Hello and recommend me a first ecig < 100 AUD

[Ozzzzz]

Hey all,

Looks like this is the place to get info in ecigs in general.
I'm from Australia, g'day everyone (cringe at the stereotype but yeah we say it).

Can anyone recommend a good ecig or kit for < $100AUD.

I'm currently on a Kangertech pen style job on loan from a friend.

Edit - upon reading I think I know more about my needs:

I'm into lung inhale.
Like to blow clouds.
Not interested in the time and expertise necessary to get into mechanical.
Will avoid sub-ohm for now as the idea of batteries blowing up scared me.
I think I want a decent variable wattage mod box with a phat clearomiser.

Cheers all,
Ozzzzz

 

[djsvapour]

Welcome @Ozzzzz

Well, the situation for Australians is tough. If you ask Mr Google, he will send you to a store that will charge you eye-watering amounts of money. Basically, the money-grabbing 'franchise' stores will happily price-gouge Australians under the guise that Australia is special. Sure... it's special in regard to Nicotine liquids (I think it's banned outright in one state, others allow 'personal' amounts) but that's no reason for the disgraceful business that has been going on.
Do NOT trust review sites for Aus hardware.
Do NOT trust review sites generally - the most 'loved' and 'respected' are nearly all vehicles for extracting commission from vapers. Sad but true.... every day, on this forum (where we are supposed to be looking out for one another) people link to review sites that exist to take money. The recommendations are totally and intentionally biased.

I'm off to look what $100 will buy.

 

[Ozzzzz]

Thanks for all the above info and the speedy reply. Will check back for further info. No hurry to buy so super keen for any and all to req according to needs above.

Regarding prices, I will likely import from US if Oz stores add the "Australia Tax". I realise Kangertech are Chinese and certainly have nothing against going for a CN brand.

 

[Continuity]

You could order something like an OEM Pico-type mod and a suitable tank for around USD$35 from Fasttech.

$33.05 NME 75W Styled TC VW APV Box Mod w/ MELO III Mini Clearomizer Kit - 2ml / 0.3ohm (30-80W) / 1-75W / 200-600'F(100-315'C) / 1*18650 at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping​

You'll need at least 2 18650 batteries with it, and an external charger, so add another USD$30-35 for that, so for about USD$65-70 you could have a pretty sweet setup that should last you a good while.

 

[Continuity]

Or you can get the 'original' eLeaf version of the Pico for a few bucks more (the tank's the same - original - on both versions):

$37.63 Authentic Eleaf iStick Pico 75W TC VW APV Box Mod Kit - 2ml / 0.3ohm / 1-75W / 1*18650 at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

 

[Vapntime]

I was just about to suggest the same thing (last two posts). Sub-ohm is very safe especially if you use the right batteries in a regulated mod. Yeah go the original and make sure you use the Australia expedited option on the drop down shipping menu at Fasttech. You will have it in a week then (including batteries).

Batteries: $10.27 Authentic Samsung INR18650-30Q 3.6V 3000mAh Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries (2-Pack) - 15A continuous discharge / unprotected at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
Charger: $25.25 Authentic XTAR VC4 4 Slots Li-ion Ni-MH Premium USB Battery Charger - 4*0.5A / 2*1A at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
Coils: $8.62 Authentic Eleaf MELO Replacement EC Coil Head (5-Pack) - 0.5ohm (30-100W) at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

That's good to start, then you can play around with different coils (ceramic etc) and stuff as you go.

 

[Baditude]

Good Starter Setups for a Beginner Vaper

• Typical starter setups recommended for a new vaper. Includes a video on the use of an eGo variable voltage battery/clearomizer and of the iStick and MVP mods.

Advancing Up the Vaping Ladder

• From cigalike batteries, to eGo's, to mods. Another picture dictionary of terminology and form factors for beginning vapers. Includes videos.

Proper Terminology: Is it a carto, a tank, or what? A Guide to Juice Delivery Devices

• A picture dictionary for beginners with descriptions of clearomizers, nano's, drip atomizers, bottom feeding mods, cartomizers, cartotanks, and RBA's (rebuildable atomizers). Includes video demos/reviews of all devices.

Battery Basics for Mods: The Definative Battery Guide for Vaping

• A popular and essential read to understand which batteries are safe to use in mechanical and regulated mods. Includes a frequently updated list of recommended safe-chemistry, high-drain batteries with their specifications.

 

[BrotherBob]

Welcome and glad you joined. Good recommendations so far, depends on your pocket book. I have and recommend the Eleaf Istick 40W which has a built in battery (fasttech-more than a year on same battery). You will need a wall adapter and charging cable.
As for a tank, I not knowledgeable because I vape only RDA's. I would go with a Fodi F2 RDTA (fasttech).
Tanks and RTDA's by nature are an moderate to advanced vaping devices. The learning curve can be problematic. Your real challenge is to get your (tank) atomizer knowledge down pat.
I would study atomizers that you think will do the job and then choose battery.
Might like to read:
Beginner | Guide To Vaping
ECigarette Academy: Essential Need to Know for New Vapers
One Stop Reference Shop For New and Experienced Vapers
Learn About Vaping Here - Everything Ecigs - From Beginner To Advanced
Ch. 4 E Cig Battery Basics: Cig-a-Likes, Egos, and Mods – Vapex
Best AU blog/guru:
Welcome

 

[Ozzzzz]

Thanks to all above. I now have some reading to do.

Will check back in for further advice, but given the level of agreement on the quality of the eLeaf and the recommendations above, I think fasttech will be receiving my order soon.

I have been looking around on US shops and find many boxes on clearance. I might check for the iLeaf there as well.

Before I buy I will make a final post to ensure what I have as a kit all works well together.

Thanks fam.

 

[Ozzzzz]

Looks great guys, will basically go ahead with the above eLeaf build alongside those batteries and charger as soon as the code ECF becomes live (5% off).

Questions

-any better code active at the moment? I do see that FastTech are the cheapest (or equal) so will go with them regardless.

-this charger is for 4 batteries, can i get away with something with 2 or 1 slot? Or is this to future-proof my charger if I ever upgrade to a 3 battery device?

-any issue with simply charging a single battery in the device using USB? or better to use a smart charger as recommended above?

 

[Continuity]

Get a 4-bay - 2 batteries isn't really enough to keep a 1xcell mod fed and you'll regret it if you don't.

The FT code to get 5% discount on batteries and chargers is BLF and it's active all the time.

It's *much* better and safer to use an external charger than the 2c on-board charging circuit in the mod.

 

[djsvapour]

Looks great guys, will basically go ahead with the above eLeaf build alongside those batteries and charger as soon as the code ECF becomes live (5% off).

Questions

-any better code active at the moment? I do see that FastTech are the cheapest (or equal) so will go with them regardless.

I can only remember one time I used a discount code. My orders tend to be minimum $20 and maximum $40. If I buy a single item (like an iStick, for example) I tend to order these things separately to avoid the habit of fasttech waiting for a $1.22 item and slowing down a nice new mod or tank.

I move items in and out of the basket (to the wish list or simply deleted) all the time to avoid this annoying issue. There's 40 + items in my wishlist. I look at it now and again and if I see "in stock" or "ships next day" I'll buy it there and then without other things that could slow the shipping.

Putting together a 5-10 item purchase (that they're going to post free anyway) is asking for trouble.

 

[Ozzzzz]

Putting together a 5-10 item purchase (that they're going to post free anyway) is asking for trouble.

The only thing that has a wait is the eLeaf mod kit itself (5 days).

Was there anything else you meant by asking for trouble aside from the wait? Ie damage in post? Lack of postal insurance?

 

[Vapntime]

Make sure you use the Australia expedited option on the drop down shipping menu at Fasttech. Otherwise you will be waiting over a month.

The new pico is in stock. It has the 4ml tank as well. Its only a few dollars more.
$42.00 Authentic Eleaf iStick Pico Mega TC VW APV Box Mod Kit - 4ml / 0.3ohm / 1-80W / 100-315'C(200-600'F) / 1*18650/26650 at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

Also, I have just been notified that fasttech can't ship batteries to Australia at the moment even using the Aus shipping method. I got some from here last night with free shipping.
2PCS INR18650-30Q 3000mah 20A Power Li-ion Battery for Samsung

 

[Ozzzzz]

Australia expedited option

Roger that - found it and will do!
$2 - what a bargain, fasttech is great.

 

[sucram]

I would suggest a VTC mino or a pico, there are some suggestions that they are the same board or similar which I would agree. So then it would come down to form factor. The vtc is easier to use with your index finger and I find the pico to be better with the middle finger since it is shorter. They will do TC, VW and mechanical which pretty much covers all the current main types. Allow $25 USD. I would also prefer to buy this from gearbest as they have 12 month warranty, pay with paypal for free return shipping if needed. FT only does 3 months which really isnt that long considering you might save $1.

Nitecore single 18650 charger $11

Samsung 30Q $10 for 2

Tanks, i would go for a mini goblin 2 copy from FT, about $10, can do single with block off or dual coil. You can buy premade wire and just replace the silicon with cotton for TC. Or you can buy rolls and wind it yourself using youtube guides. If you are in Syd I can give you some various Nichrome/Kanthal premade coils and wicks that I dont really use anymore so you can get an idea on what ohm you like.

Pay the extra $2 for faster shipping.

I dont think you could blow any fat cloudz with a clearo, they dont flow enough juice/air and the insulators arnt designed for any decent amount of watts/temp. You need a tank/RTA

p.s clouds is aids

 

[Ozzzzz]

If you are in Syd I can give you some various Nichrome/Kanthal premade coils

Bro that sounds awesome, I am in Syd, you in inner west or close? Otherwise I can pay postage.

I think I'll still go with the simple setup for now, but would be interested in getting into rebuilding my own in time.

 

[Ozzzzz]

The new pico is in stock. It has the 4ml tank

Seems nice, but I was reading and learning that the MELO included with the last pico is a big part of the plus for this kit.

Edit: Fasttech dont specify that the Mega is still with MELO tank. But a youtube reviewer says it is. I'm pretty keen on the Melo. Can anyone confirm the Mega is bundles with Melo 3, just 4ml instead of 2 ml?

Also, will this fit both the 4ml and 2ml tanks?
Coils: $8.62 Authentic Eleaf MELO Replacement EC Coil Head (5-Pack) - 0.5ohm (30-100W) at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

 

[djsvapour]

The only thing that has a wait is the eLeaf mod kit itself (5 days).

Was there anything else you meant by asking for trouble aside from the wait? Ie damage in post? Lack of postal insurance?

No, I've not experienced anything like that. The China - UK post works very well. There are sometimes options to go with Singapore post, some crazy expensive choices (hmm... not for me) and now and again something called an epacket which can be astonishingly fast. 6 days is my record.

Everyone has their opinion. Bear in mind my orders exceed that of just my own items and have included non-e-cig products too. I buy for F&F (friends and family) so there is every chance I would have suffered somewhere down the line, but not so. The worst 'sin' committed was to send me the wrong SKU item. Some poor worker had 'stickered' something with all the wrong numbers. I guess they got the sack. (whoops)...

Undoubtedly something can go wrong, but I have confidence.

 

[djsvapour]

Any reason to go with the mega aside from larger tank and an extra 5W? - not trying to argue just trying to understand, many thanks.

If I may... the Mega has a 26650 battery option. Potentially 4,500mAh vs 2,500mAh (18650). I use 3,000mAh as I don't need the upper amp range of the really beefy batteries.
So much depends on the power you vape at. A single 18650 is plenty for me with one in a silicone cover stored in my bag for emergency.
The other option is a 2-battery mod of course. One of them with fresh batteries is 5,000-6,000mAh.