Help For Newbies - Discussions from a closed thread.

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ibobbyvapor

Senior Member
Jan 11, 2012
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Southern California
I'm a noob as too and I've found what works for me. I will upgrade in the future but I'm happy with what I got now. I bought a rechargeable e-cig that looks like the real thing from the gas station for $20. I found a local smoke shop that has a small selection of e-liquid & refill the cart. I use the cap method. Not having any other device to compare it to I'm content and the battery lasts a few days. I remove the cart and put the caps back on when I know it will sit for longer than an hour and it does not dry out.
My total purchase was under $30. I'm sure there are better e-liquids and devices out there, but this does the trick for me right now.

TI AM a newbie… I’ve been reading through this Forum for days and have only scratched the surface of what is available here. Your information is massive, (and kinda scattered all over the boards), so it’s unfair to imply that a newbie is too lazy to figure out where to start in the world of vaping. Yes, we want guidance because, of course, we’re newbies… We just want to know what works for all of you, and why you prefer certain models over others. We hope that through your experience, we will find the one that will work for our needs at the time. Most smokers - turned – vapors (especially the girly girls), have a an idea of what we want to start with. Some newbies have no idea where to begin. This is why some of us will ask and re-ask the dreaded “what kind do you recommend”? It’s because we don’t have the first clue about the various choices out there, and we’re feeling pretty secure that some of you have those answers……

Be kind to the newbies… If you notice someone is recommending a model that may not fit the questions being asked, simply add your own two cents in. Most newbies are hoping to receive several opinions to choose, and from those of you who actually have the experience to share.

I think it’s great that you seasoned vapors are willing to help those of us just coming aboard. It is gives us the courage to take these steps in hopes that one day, we will be tobacco cigarettes free. You’re encouragement on this board is worth far more that you realize… (even when you debate over issues). It’s gives us something to think about…

A few months ago I was introduced to e-cigs through a friend who quit smoking analogs after trying the electronic version. (it’s the same time I was diagnosed with COPD – ugh, very early stages of the disease). I’ve smoked more than 30 years (2 pks a day). I purchased an NJoy at a local gas station. It’s was a bit strong, but I was impressed with how much the experience resembled actual smoking (a cigarette). It didn’t hold my attention for very long because it ran out of smoke/vapor too quickly and the cartridge refills seemed a bit costly. (it also tasted a little bit like licking an ashtray) NOT that I’ve ever licked one… LOL

A couple weeks ago I purchased a better quality e-cig in the mall (beneficialcigs.com). This one has flavored disposable cartridges. I’ve since learned (through this board) how to refill the cartridges with my own creations. This has been kinda cool… only nicotine free so far. I’ll add that later if I need to…

Back to the reason I began writing this post… I’m researching my next e-cig purchase. There’s a lot out there to pick from, and it gets confusing for someone who doesn’t have the experience you guys have. I’m a girly girl… nothing bulky for me. I want a sleek feminine look that puts out a powerful vapor and hit.

Any suggestions? (
:blush:)
 

wv2win

ECF Guru
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Feb 10, 2009
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I'm a noob as too and I've found what works for me. I will upgrade in the future but I'm happy with what I got now. I bought a rechargeable e-cig that looks like the real thing from the gas station for $20. I found a local smoke shop that has a small selection of e-liquid & refill the cart. I use the cap method. Not having any other device to compare it to I'm content and the battery lasts a few days. I remove the cart and put the caps back on when I know it will sit for longer than an hour and it does not dry out.
My total purchase was under $30. I'm sure there are better e-liquids and devices out there, but this does the trick for me right now.

I know from one of your previous posts that you are using an Njoy mini-battery model. I'm glad it is working for you. That's what's most important. But stating that the battery lasts several days WITHOUT qualifing that you are an extremely light vaper/smoker will easily "mislead" the typical new person. The Njoy comes with I believe a 180 mAh battery. 100 mAh = about 1 hour of moderate vaping time. If the person vapes like you do, that may be all they need. But based on the thousands of posts on this and other vaping sites, a small mini battery will be insufficient for most. I hope it continues to work for you, however.
 

icangels

Full Member
Jan 7, 2012
25
23
Diamondhead, MS
Usually a problem in loading a cart is the vendor is out of stock OR
your browser is blocking the "cookies" necessary to record the cart contents.
p.s. welcome to ECF !!!

Thanks. Yep, they're out of stock. I went ahead and ordered an EM RiVa (EGO) 1100 mAh Kit from another site. It should arrive in a couple days. Considering I've been using a 180 & 280 battery, this one should blow me out of my chair... LOL.

I'll let you guys know how it goes!

^i^ L
 
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araczynski

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Oct 15, 2011
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omaha, ne
The price is certainly lower at your link (which I corrected here), but it won't add to the shopping cart on this site. I tried to add items and NOTHING would go to the cart, so, I couldn't order it. I also tried calling their listed number and I go to voice mail (no one answers)... Are you sure this site is still in business?

^i^ L

Ok, I looked around the site a bit closer and noticed they have none of the starter kits in stock... Funny, they seem to have all of their separate pieces to put a kit together, but it's triple the price to order it that way... Oh well.

while certainly a good kit, i'd recommend something with at least 900mah batteries, you'll be happier in the long run when the battery last you longer.
 

icangels

Full Member
Jan 7, 2012
25
23
Diamondhead, MS
I'm a noob as too and I've found what works for me. I will upgrade in the future but I'm happy with what I got now. I bought a rechargeable e-cig that looks like the real thing from the gas station for $20.

My first e-cig was from a gas station too. For a pack a day smoker (full flavor 100's), The best way I can compare the battery on this model is... You know how you buy a drink from McDonalds, go to take a sip and realize you're down to ice and a few drops left in the cup? You start sucking harder to get that last little bit, but mostly air comes through the straw? Well, that's what the vape from the 180 battery feels like to me. And, I have to charge the battery every couple hours or so... (the first few puffs of this thing are pretty strong, but it quickly goes downhill from there)

The 280 battery that came with my mall bought e-cig has a much better vapor and battery life, but even this one has to be recharged every 3-4 hours to keep up with me. (If I had 4-5 of these little guys, I'd probably do just fine). I also don't like that this model requires pre-filled cartomizers, though I've learned how to refill them). I'm ready for something I have more control over and lasts longer. I'm a typical newbie...

I ordered the RiVa EGO (1100 mAh battery) pk of 2. It's due in any day now. I'll let you know my opinion of this bad boy as soon as I try it!
 
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icangels

Full Member
Jan 7, 2012
25
23
Diamondhead, MS
My RiVa came in today! Almost immediately had a problem... My other two e-cigs have cartomizers and are easy to replace. THIS model, has an automizer and cartridge !! (smile). Instant confusion, after I thought I already understood the difference. The drip tip was another issue altogether.

Here were my problems... 1)... I wasn't sure which end of the cartridge went INTO the automizer. (I know, sounds kinda stupid :oops:). Turns out, for any future newbies who buy this model, that the open/filler end is supposed to touch the thingy in the automizer, so this end goes in first.

Problem 2)... The drip tip. I tried for 5 minutes to get that thing in the end of the cartridge... It just didn't fit! (LOL). Turns out you either use the cartridge OR the drip tip, but not both at the same time. I also learned that you can drip the ejuice directly into the automizer (only 2-5 drops at a time), when you use the drip tip.

My new guy is charging for 8 hours. I'll try it later and update!

^i^ L
 
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Corpa

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Dec 26, 2011
553
397
California
this is the nicest forum I've ever been on and that is easy to see if you read enough here......it's one of the few where *everyone* doesn't tell new people to use the search button.

icangels, cags is 100% correct. The forum members have taught me so much. Never once have I ever ran across or even read a post where the member was condescending to a noob. When I initially posted I wasn't even looking to replace my mysterious vp however I thank dotma every day for the Lava Tube recommendation even though this brand is highly controversial.

Just wanted to say hi and welcome! Stick with the forum and read/research what the pros recommend and you'll be hooked.
 

Hoosier

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Jan 26, 2010
8,272
7,903
Indiana
I'm sure it's been mentioned but cartomizers are the way to go. Keep the atomizer to test new juice. I think a fraction of people here ever use the cart/atty setup.

I doubt if drip tips fit on a cartridge. They fit on the cartomzier.

I'm part of the fraction then. I have found one cartomizer I could tolerate, but not enjoy. I have found a few atomizers that I can enjoy.

So, be sure to try both and see which is best for you. (Something witty about not following a crowd to be inserted here.)
 

sweetmeat

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Dec 9, 2009
493
119
Canada
My RiVa came in today! Almost immediately had a problem... My other two e-cigs have cartomizers and are easy to replace. THIS model, has an automizer and cartridge !! (smile). Instant confusion, after I thought I already understood the difference. The drip tip was another issue altogether.

Here were my problems... 1)... I wasn't sure which end of the cartridge went INTO the automizer. (I know, sounds kinda stupid :oops:). Turns out, for any future newbies who buy this model, that the open/filler end is supposed to touch the thingy in the automizer, so this end goes in first.

Problem 2)... The drip tip. I tried for 5 minutes to get that thing in the end of the cartridge... It just didn't fit! (LOL). Turns out you either use the cartridge OR the drip tip, but not both at the same time. I also learned that you can drip the ejuice directly into the automizer (only 2-5 drops at a time), when you use the drip tip.

My new guy is charging for 8 hours. I'll try it later and update!

^i^ L

I have Rivas too, just so you know you can use it as soon as the light turns green, it doesn't have to charge for the whole 8 hours as stated. I asked here first when it arrived and everyone said when the light goes green it's ready!
Have fun, I'm sure you'll love it!
 

icangels

Full Member
Jan 7, 2012
25
23
Diamondhead, MS
I have Rivas too, just so you know you can use it as soon as the light turns green, it doesn't have to charge for the whole 8 hours as stated. I asked here first when it arrived and everyone said when the light goes green it's ready!
Have fun, I'm sure you'll love it!

THANKS! It had charged for 4 hours when I read this. WOW... what impressive vapor this thing puts out.

Question, since your experienced with this model. I used flavored ejuice for my first use. The guy said to drop 3 or so drops directly on the automizer, which I did, and then filled the cartridge with more. But, I'm wondering how I'm going to get that flavor off of the automizer when I want to try another flavor?

Thanks... L
 

sweetmeat

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Dec 9, 2009
493
119
Canada
Yes what sir said, when you switch flavors you will taste the old one for a few puffs and they mix a bit until the new one comes through.

Also I'm a big fan of dripping which means you drip on the atomizer (3 drops) and put a drip tip on the atty. When it starts to taste a bit funny you add three more drops. If you don't have a drip tip you can pull the stuffing out of a cartridge and use that in the meantime. I find this gives a better hit and flavor, I don't like the stuffing. Drip tips are only about 2$ so if you like that method you can buy a few on your next order.
 

wv2win

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Feb 10, 2009
11,879
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THANKS! It had charged for 4 hours when I read this. WOW... what impressive vapor this thing puts out.

Question, since your experienced with this model. I used flavored ejuice for my first use. The guy said to drop 3 or so drops directly on the automizer, which I did, and then filled the cartridge with more. But, I'm wondering how I'm going to get that flavor off of the automizer when I want to try another flavor?

Thanks... L

The best method I have found to clean a flavor out of an atomizer is PGA or Everclear which is a brand name. (pure grain alcohol) It works as well as rubbing alcohol but without the bad after taste. Just put some in and swish it around and/or let it soak for a couple of hours. Plus it evaporates quickly unlike water.
 

cags

Vaping Master
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Verified Member
Jan 27, 2011
3,908
4,401
east TN
I'm part of the fraction then. I have found one cartomizer I could tolerate, but not enjoy. I have found a few atomizers that I can enjoy.

So, be sure to try both and see which is best for you. (Something witty about not following a crowd to be inserted here.)

I am also one of the people who uses atty/carts - I use a clear tank cart that works great for me and it uses a regular atty. I do not enjoy cartos.
 

MegaBee

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Oct 29, 2011
1,020
1,482
Queensland Australia
Back to the reason I began writing this post… I’m researching my next e-cig purchase. There’s a lot out there to pick from, and it gets confusing for someone who doesn’t have the experience you guys have. I’m a girly girl… nothing bulky for me. I want a sleek feminine look that puts out a powerful vapor and hit.

Any suggestions?


Hi, and welcome, I am a girly girl too, I have turned a full circle with Ecigs, started on 510's then on to Ego's and now back to small anologue type Volt... these little beauties come in pretty purple and pink and red and green really nice skins to even wrap them in if your favourite colour is out of stock but you still need a new battery like YESTERDAY lol... the cartomizers are said to be the best of the best also. Have a look at Smokeless Image | Only The Best Electronic Cigarette | Electronic Cigarettes | Wholesale Electronic Cigarettes | E-Cigarette | Best Electronic Cigarette | Electronic Cigarette and make up your own mind tho! There is a HUGE long thread that is very active if you would like to visit there also and read more about the product and its happy users. Whatever you chose good luck and welcome :)

oops that will teach me not to read the WHOLE thread! Im glad you have your set up and your pleased with it! Congrats.
 
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icangels

Full Member
Jan 7, 2012
25
23
Diamondhead, MS
oops that will teach me not to read the WHOLE thread! Im glad you have your set up and your pleased with it! Congrats.

Yep... Got my RiVa EGO today. The battery lasts much longer, but it says not to smoke on it too often (maybe 2 puffs & then let it sit for 3 minutes). I'm not liking that part of it... Funny about your full circle comment. I was considering placing an order for every color of the Joye 510 Mega's and a couple extra chargers. LOL. I like both styles, but I'm not completely sold on the RiVA yet. It isn't likely that I'll move up to the mods (still that girly girl thing), and I kinda like my little model the most at this point.

Thanks!

^i^ L
 

MegaBee

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Oct 29, 2011
1,020
1,482
Queensland Australia
Yep... Got my RiVa EGO today. The battery lasts much longer, but it says not to smoke on it too often (maybe 2 puffs & then let it sit for 3 minutes). I'm not liking that part of it... Funny about your full circle comment. I was considering placing an order for every color of the Joye 510 Mega's and a couple extra chargers. LOL. I like both styles, but I'm not completely sold on the RiVA yet. It isn't likely that I'll move up to the mods (still that girly girl thing), and I kinda like my little model the most at this point.

Thanks!

^i^ L

I have this sneaky suspicion you might be like me and end up visiting smokeless image... I had the Ego both in 650mah and 1100 mah and yeah being pink still didnt make that massive tube seem girly to me LOL!!! the longer Volts do last 3 hours (220mah) the shorter ones I havent timed. The 510 mega batts I still use with a PCC and I get more than 3 hours out of them so I expect my volts to be the same if not better... the thing that was driving me nuts was the cartomizers for 510 I tried so many different types also with the EGO, I would get a good pack and think wow these are awesome, then end up with heaps that were no good, take ages to wick, just stop working, taste burn blah blah, the thing with the Volts are the cartomizers are different technology and people rave about them! Not to mention how we both agree we like the idea of our batteries all blingy and pretty too LOL. I have seen guys on utube review these volts and they admit they use mods but were still very pleasantly suprised of the perfomance of those little volts. So despite what people say size doesnt always matter. I see many say if it looks like a cig the performance will be crap. I dont get that .
 
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