Help with first purchase... I think I understand, for the most part

[santacruzstefan]

After much research on this and other sites, I think I'm ready for my first e-cig purchase. I had heard about these devices some time ago, and thought they sounded ridiculous. Before an AA meeting today, however, I saw a friend smoking (using?) one, and asked him about it. He explained everything, and let me puff on it for a bit. It was awesome! Didn't feel the same as smoke in my lungs, which was a little disconcerting at first, I suppose, but I certainly felt the nicotine. I'm not sure which model it was, but I think it was an M401. It was automatic, and black with blue led, that much I'm sure of. Anyway, through my research, and especially the illustrated/ noob guides on this site, I have come to the conclusion that one of the hybrids would be the best for me and my smoking style. I don't mind that they look nothing like a cigarette; that is actually a plus. Also, the fact that the battery lasts for a long time, they produce lots of vapor, and they appear to be sturdy. I am specifically interested in the Prodigy and the Protege, and any input on these particular models would be much appreciated. However, my main concern is what type of adapter/ cartridges should I use for them? I plan on filling my own, and am also interested in dropping it directly on the atomizer as per "seasoned veterans" explainations. I couldn't understand the differences between, say, the 801 and the 901 and the 510, except for perhaps size. Also, whats up with the high bridge-low bridge deal?

Any info is greatly appreciated. Its time for me to quit smoking while Im ahead (read: before the tumors set in). But, I hate the gum and patches suck, so e-cigs seem like a good alternative to the real thing. Plus, if I can circumvent the smoking bans around town, thats cool, too. My first impulse was to get the 510, since it comes so highly recommended on this board. But Im the type of guy who figures it better to put out a little bit more $ initially in order to save in the long run, if that makes sense. But any and all suggestions are welcome.
Thanks,
Stefan

 

[nightwalker83]

You should read into the 2-piece KR808D-1, and the 3-piece 510 and see which one you think would be better for you... they are the 2 most popular e-cigs.

This guide is very helpful, check it out

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...strated-guide-e-cigs-parts-1-through-6-a.html

 

[Kent C]

santacruzstefan:After much research on this and other sites, I think I'm ready for my first e-cig purchase. I had heard about these devices some time ago, and thought they sounded ridiculous. Before an AA meeting today, however, I saw a friend smoking (using?) one, and asked him about it. He explained everything, and let me puff on it for a bit. It was awesome! Didn't feel the same as smoke in my lungs, which was a little disconcerting at first, I suppose, but I certainly felt the nicotine. I'm not sure which model it was, but I think it was an M401.

In my experience, they are good on flavor and low on vapor. The batteries are a strong point.

It was automatic, and black with blue led, that much I'm sure of. Anyway, through my research, and especially the illustrated/ noob guides on this site, I have come to the conclusion that one of the hybrids would be the best for me and my smoking style. I don't mind that they look nothing like a cigarette; that is actually a plus.

It's unusual for someone new to understand that point and that puts you way ahead of the game. When the 'looks' aren't a consideration - one can go directly to a mod (hybrid). But you'll need to pick an atomizer. Just to give you an idea... see:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-smoking-discussion/52813-atty-your-mod.html

The 510 is an excellent choice because of that atomizer and recently there have been knockoffs that don't get the heat that the Joye 510 does and that's the one you'll want to go with, imo.. Some will say it's too hot for higher volt mods and to a degree that may be true but there's not always the need to go to 6volts, imo, when you can get cig style vapor at some of the better mods at 3.7/4.2 peak voltage.

Also, the fact that the battery lasts for a long time, they produce lots of vapor, and they appear to be sturdy. I am specifically interested in the Prodigy and the Protege, and any input on these particular models would be much appreciated.

I'll speak to the Protege as I have one - it is, imo, one of the best engineered mods and it is smaller than the Prodigy. But it has the one battery that fully utilizes the 510 atty - the 14500 batt is a 900mAh battery which will last all day on moderate vaping - 6-8 hours on fairly heavy vaping and 5-6 hours in power vaping (where you're not putting it down). The vapor is just a tad under another mod I have with the same batt and atty - the Bartleby - a box type mod.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/puresmoker/41185-photos-my-protege.html#post618706
PureSmoker.com - Home of the USA Built PV !!!
Bartleby
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/video-reviews/43943-bartleby-pv-review-6.html#post732483

One of the advantages of the Bartleby is that it has an internal charger, a charging cord that can be hooked up to a usb wall or car plug so when you leave, you have a fully charged batt and when hooked up you can still vape off of it. It also has an on/off switch for carrying. $50 for the mod and 2 14500 batts.

The Protege @$115 now has a usb passthrough that takes the Protege to 5Volts. It cost $30.
PureSmoker.com - Home of the USA Built PV !!!

Since it doesn't charge on its own, a charger is provided and 2 batteries. No on/off so you'd have to be careful carrying it or drop the battery. Not a big deal.

In both cases you'll need to designate what type of fitting you want - highly suggest 510 because of the atomizer. But you can get other fittings for the 801 eg.

However, my main concern is what type of adapter/ cartridges should I use for them? I plan on filling my own, and am also interested in dropping it directly on the atomizer as per "seasoned veterans" explainations. I couldn't understand the differences between, say, the 801 and the 901 and the 510, except for perhaps size.

The size of the 901 and 510 cartridges are the same and the 901 carts fit the 510. The 801 has a cartridge that is @3x the volume of the other two. The 901 and 801 run cooler, in general have less vapor. The heat of the 510 can enhance some flavors just like in cooking and also subdue certain flavors - in general the tobacco, coffee, cigar, flu cured, french pipe flavors do well in the 510 and the fruit, vanilla, do better in the 801. Frankly because the 801 and 901 are so similar in handling flavors because of the larger cart the 801 should be the better choice between them. The 901 (and 510) is good if you want a cigarette style ecig.

Also, whats up with the high bridge-low bridge deal?

Some 801 style atomizers have high bridge (the structure inside the atty chamber that sticks up above the coil and is in contact with the cartridge), and some are low bridge. High bridge is usualy preferred by those who drip directly on the atty. The low bridge is better for those that use the cartridges and it doesn't penetrate into the cart as far, thereby taking full advantage of the volume of the 801 cartridge.

My first impulse was to get the 510, since it comes so highly recommended on this board. But Im the type of guy who figures it better to put out a little bit more $ initially in order to save in the long run, if that makes sense. But any and all suggestions are welcome.

First impulse on the 510 is good. Two ways you can do it - get a starter kit with 2 full ecigs - 2 batts, 2 atty's, 5 carts, and a charger - or you can go straight to the mod and buy the attys and carts separately. The kit costs $35 here:

Joye 510 NO BOX

Buying separately attys can be had anywhere but you could also get them at cignot or at puresmoker if you decide to go Protege. Carts at both places too. Suggest getting flat tip carts which ever way you go.

If funds are tight, get the Bartleby to get you started and yet it's my favorite vapor machine. Protege a close second - tops on style though. I personally like the hold of the box mods. I have a few janty sticks as well.

One last point as far as cartridges go. With the availability of adapters you can run cartomizers on the 510. Cartomizers are atomizers and cartridges combined into one disposable unit. But they can be refilled too. I've seen some hype on cartomizers lasting 5 hours - the ones I've tried last from just under and hour to over 3 hours and that is significant when you can maybe stretch a 510 cart with a good cart mod out to 45 minutes. Adapters available here:

1x 510-901 adapter(510 bat to 901/808D-1 at) - E-cig Multi Adapters - Wholesale & Retail Best E-smoking Supplier=

blank cartos:
5pc black empty cartomizer for KR808D-1 e-cig - Cartomizers - Wholesale & Retail Best E-smoking Supplier=

fill them with your own juice - it's cheaper. or get prefilled cartos:
Vapor4Life:: Because it's your life :: Electronic Cigarettes & Alternatives to Smoking

 

[clyde2801]

After much research on this and other sites, I think I'm ready for my first e-cig purchase. I had heard about these devices some time ago, and thought they sounded ridiculous. Before an AA meeting today, however, I saw a friend smoking (using?) one, and asked him about it. He explained everything, and let me puff on it for a bit. It was awesome! Didn't feel the same as smoke in my lungs, which was a little disconcerting at first, I suppose, but I certainly felt the nicotine. I'm not sure which model it was, but I think it was an M401. It was automatic, and black with blue led, that much I'm sure of. Anyway, through my research, and especially the illustrated/ noob guides on this site, I have come to the conclusion that one of the hybrids would be the best for me and my smoking style. I don't mind that they look nothing like a cigarette; that is actually a plus. Also, the fact that the battery lasts for a long time, they produce lots of vapor, and they appear to be sturdy. I am specifically interested in the Prodigy and the Protege, and any input on these particular models would be much appreciated. However, my main concern is what type of adapter/ cartridges should I use for them? I plan on filling my own, and am also interested in dropping it directly on the atomizer as per "seasoned veterans" explainations. I couldn't understand the differences between, say, the 801 and the 901 and the 510, except for perhaps size. Also, whats up with the high bridge-low bridge deal?

Any info is greatly appreciated. Its time for me to quit smoking while Im ahead (read: before the tumors set in). But, I hate the gum and patches suck, so e-cigs seem like a good alternative to the real thing. Plus, if I can circumvent the smoking bans around town, thats cool, too. My first impulse was to get the 510, since it comes so highly recommended on this board. But Im the type of guy who figures it better to put out a little bit more $ initially in order to save in the long run, if that makes sense. But any and all suggestions are welcome.
Thanks,
Stefan

Hi, Stefan! Allow me to share my experience, strength and hope.

I started out a couple of weeks ago, when a friend who moved to the left coast a while back came to visit at an 8pm. Generous soul that he was, he give me a hit off of his 801 and ranted about TW.

I looked at the styles on TW, did some internet research, found a couple of good Chinese websites and this forum. I also checked out reviews of the top contenders here and on you tube.

Like you, my thought was 'go big, or go home'. I initially bought myself a dse905 from healthcabin.net (knockoff of a screwdriver bb mod with a 901 atty/carts and a couple of improvements) for myself, and a pink 510 kit for the wife, along with some ejuice. I've smoked a pack a day for the last twenty years, so I wanted something that felt like smoking an (analog) cigarette, and a big battery mod: rechargeable batteries wear out, and I figured the more use, the more and quicker the wear. Also, I realized that if I had a battery go down on me, it would be easier to find a replacement at a brick and mortar store and not have to go back to 'stink sticks' while waiting.

While waiting for the order to be shipped from the People's Republic, I stumbled upon reviews for the 6v copper, and bought one. Rick from Atmosusa threw in a rn4081 to 510 adapter.

Both shipments got to the house on the same day. Everything worked out; turns out the wife chose the 905 over the pink 510 she originally insisted on and I loved the vapor production, throat hit, and solid construction of the copper. After quickly killing the rn4081 attys on the copper due to my newbie mistakes, I found a winning combination of 6v and 510 high voltage attys from east mall, and the blue foam cart mod. If I could go back in time, I would have chosen the 510 copper at 6v with hv attys. IMO, the 510 has good vapor, throat hit and taste, decent sized cartridge, and are easy to fill. Wife is still happy and contented with her 905.

Some of our friends 'in the rooms' were so impressed that they pooled their money together and bought 905s from healthcabin and qualified for free shipping for everyone. If your order reaches $350 or more, they even throw in a 20% discount. It's a good way to stock up on ejuice without paying for shipping, and we're on our way to help our friends out (Oh, get the money up front, I don't care how long they've got!) and cut down on tobacco smoke in our meeting. It could turn into an internet e-cig cooperative. I've got a couple of pink replacement attys on the way for the 510, and I think we're going to give it to one of her pigeons that's on the verge of emphysema.

I love my 6v, HV 510 atty copper, wife swears by her dse905. I haven't had a stink stick in two weeks, she's down to one a day; usually when she goes to a smoking meeting. If you do choose a conventional 510 kit, I'd suggest a manual kit with a switch to avoid an accidental cartridge overfill from killing a battery.

Sorry about the long post: one of my defects of character is sharing too long. You're already well on your way to making an informed decision, though the information overload can be overwhelming at first. Look me up at Northside Freedom Group if you ever are in OKC. Good luck!

 

[santacruzstefan]

Right on, thanks for the info. Yeah, after further research last night, I think the copper, a regular 510, or something called the silver bullet might be my best bets. I hadn't seen much on the silver bullet, but I came across some youtube videos that highly recommended it. Also, whats the story with the screwdriver?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[Thulium]

Right on, thanks for the info. Yeah, after further research last night, I think the copper, a regular 510, or something called the silver bullet might be my best bets. I hadn't seen much on the silver bullet, but I came across some youtube videos that highly recommended it. Also, whats the story with the screwdriver?

Thanks again for your help.

The screwdriver was one of the first "big battery" mods and it is still quite popular. The DSE 905 "Nomad" is a Chinese made knockoff that can be an affordable way to jump into big batteries. I'm considering getting one for my roommates with disabilities along with an adapter to let them use cartomizers simply for convenience sake.

I need to go check the mail and see if my carto adapter has arrived so I can try them on my Xhaler--another great option you should consider. Others have mentioned they like 6V, but the Xhaler has an adjustable resistor cap that drops the voltage to around 5V which is considered by many to be the "sweet spot" because you get the abundant vapor of high voltage, without the burnt taste you can get at 6V and up. Its also the quickest way to the widest variety of options: I ordered my Xhaler on a Friday and I was vaping at 5V and 6V with 801, 901, and 510 atomizers the following monday evening (had to wait for the batteries to charge--lol)

 

[Lab]

It depends how much money you want to put out on something.. if you have enough self control to stay away from cigs and you know that it will work go for a high end model..

if you are unsure go for the 510 they are cheap and work pretty good.. would say to get the 2 battery 2 atty set though from the start so you do not have to wait for a battery. if its working either upgrade from there to a different e-cig, or buy the usb passthrough because you will get tired of the batterys.. the usb and wall plug have me set at home and in the car..

either way with the 510 if it does not work for you then you are only out around $45. and if it does work for you its good enough to keep using atleast for me it is.. if you decide to upgrade give it to a friend

 

[Madame Psychosis]

Stefan,

Like Kent said, you're ahead of the game already!

Even though I started out so sure I'd want something that was exactly the size of a cigarette, I ended up buying an Xhaler about a month later...
...and haven't looked back. Mods really are great for a satisfying, full-power throat hit and vapor.

So, the only one I have experience with is the Xhaler -- I do know that others here make outstanding models.
(And once you have one....well, you kinda want to try all the others too. Yes, there really are too many good options... )

The factors that made me choose the Xhaler as a newbie:
* It comes with 901 and 801 tips, and you can buy 510 and KR808d-1 adapters with it, so you have the opportunity right away to experiment with all the atomizers out there.
* The voltage is adjustable, as Thulium noted.
* There's no waiting time, a variety of colors, and it ships so fast you have to duck. Drew at Nhaler offers excellent customer service and some outstanding juices (available in samples sizes as well).

Other mods have their aesthetic and functional advantages too and share some of these features in common with the Xhaler, to be fair, but there you can see my thinking.

I'd start by trying at least 1 atomizer (510, 901, or 801) and KR808d-1 cartomizers.
(Cartomizers are the most unique option among those four. They have the advantage (IMO) of more puffs between refills, less mess (the atomizer and cartridge filler are in one unit) and therefore easier portability if you're often vaping while driving or walking. But until you're on high voltage, cartomizers can seem pretty weak on vapor and throat hit.)

In addition to the ones already mentioned, the Chuck has many fans here, for its sturdy build and great design, including the sweet custom graphics you can get with a couple weeks' delay. The regular Chuck lets you vape at either 3.7v or 6v, i.e., regular or high voltage; the Little Chuck does 3.7v. If you choose a thread (901, 801, 510) to start with the Chuck, you can buy adapters from places like Altsmoke or Heaven Gifts.

Cheers!

 

[buddhamonk]

Hey for me, I do not recommend the 2 piece. I hate the taste of the vapor and it feels weird throwing out a atomizer like that all the time...at least for me.
I am a huge Greentip supporter because they provided me great customer service and they have quality products. They also have great flavor. They have seriously the best prices for ecigs....20% off all orders until jan...and their starter kits are only 50 bucks!!!!! anyways...you should try out as many as you can...just dont get njoy or blu...

 

[pianoguy]

Here's a pic of my Bartleby with a 901 atomizer on it, to give you an idea of the size (I have pretty average-sized hands):

 

[Madame Psychosis]

Hey for me, I do not recommend the 2 piece. I hate the taste of the vapor and it feels weird throwing out a atomizer like that all the time...at least for me.

(2 piece meaning KR808d-1 cartomizers...for the newbies...)
If you're getting prefilled and not refilling them, I can understand those issues.... But I'm getting 5-10 refills per cartomizer and paying on average ~$1.30 per blank carto from bargain hunting, so that's not such a bad deal. The blanks taste like whatever you fill them with; the pre-filleds can have a funny/unpleasant undertaste.

But, then again, to each his own -- as you can see, each question here has dozens of answers...

 

[Kent C]

Here's a pic of my Bartleby with a 901 atomizer on it, to give you an idea of the size (I have pretty average-sized hands):

Good picture - thanks for posting - I'll use it as a reference. My hand is just slightly larger as I tried to position it in the same manner and I can see some flesh (1/2 finger) of my index finger at the top beyond the Bart.
... but it shows how small the thing is. The Janty Stick is a bit smaller in width about a 1/4 inch, and the JS is about a 1/2 in more in height. @ the same depth.

 

[santacruzstefan]

Thanks for the input everyone. That Bartleby seems pretty cool, although the "sleekness" of devices such as the BB, Silver Bullet, screwdriver etc. really draw me to them. However, Im just looking for something which will last long between charges, deliver a good throat hit/ vapor production, as well as hold up to daily use. Im not too sure if I mind refilling the cartirdges, but Im a little confused as to how this is done (I'll probably buy empty cartridges from the getgo, so info on this is helpful.) The cartomizers seem like they'd be convienient, but I thought I read that dripping the juice onto an atomizer directly provided the best/ most flavorful hits. With a regular, say, 510 cartidge self-filled, how long can I expect it to last? And what are the chances of my sucking the juice into my mouth? Doesn the device need to be pointed downward when Im using it? And finally, how awkward does it look to use one of these mods in public? Santa Cruz just passed a smoking ban along our downtown strip, so Im excited to be able to use one of these walking around, but wonder how... odd it will look.

Thats enough of my questions for now, but if someone can explain the importance of milliamp/hour to me as far as quaility/vapor production/flavor retention/battery life is concerned, I'd be much obliged. Thanks again for your help.

 

[Wylie]

My stab at your last question: the mAh equates to battery life, so higher lasts longer between recharges. I think the other factors are covered by the voltage.

 

[St_Francisco]

I would suggest looking into the Janty eGo at Janty World - HOME - Janty World I'm a first-time vaper like yourself, and did all sorts of research before settling on this model.

I received it this morning, and have been happily vaping all day. The unit itself is very slick and streamlined, and provides awesome vapor production, throat hit, and flavor. Also, I have not charged my battery all day...and I've been vaping about 10 hours.

Like you, after all of my research I decided that the only way to go for me would be a hybrid, because of the increased performance over those that look like cigarettes. Also, it just looks awesome.

Anywho, if you look at the ego and decide it's not for you, check out the Little Chuck and Janty Stick as well.

 

[Kent C]

santacruzstefan:Thanks for the input everyone. That Bartleby seems pretty cool, although the "sleekness" of devices such as the BB, Silver Bullet, screwdriver etc. really draw me to them.

Me too. I have a Protege and a Chameleon - lovely engineering, real 'lookers'. I vape the Bartleby vs. them on about a 2:1 ratio because I like how it fits in my hand - using my thumb on the switch below, and I get a bit more vapor from the Bart. I don't know why because the Bart and Protege have the same set up - 14500 batt with a 510 atty.

However, Im just looking for something which will last long between charges, deliver a good throat hit/ vapor production, as well as hold up to daily use.

I think all would do that and I've had no problem with any - I've seen and tried 7 Bartlebys now and each is just like the other in consistency and vapor. The draw is easier on it than the other two and it may have more gap for the air channels at the connection although the protege is close as well. Chameleon can be a bit 'tight' but that may be the adapter which likely needs adjusting.

Im not too sure if I mind refilling the cartirdges, but Im a little confused as to how this is done (I'll probably buy empty cartridges from the getgo, so info on this is helpful.)

Remove cartridge and squeeze drops on to the filler until it is full- moist on top to where you can still see texture - if you have a bubble, then you've overfilled - wick some off with a paper towel. 2 drops perhaps 3 (but no more) on the atty bridge and vape. I use a 'straw mod' to get the best fill of the cartridge:

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

The cartomizers seem like they'd be convienient, but I thought I read that dripping the juice onto an atomizer directly provided the best/ most flavorful hits.

I'd agree somewhat but if you keep your cartridge filled and drip a few drops on refill you go a lot longer on top offs than with direct dripping only but some like to so that.

Cartomizers work well with an adapter for the 510. Well, certain prefilled cartomizers, namely V4Life or for using your own juice - blank ones that you fill - which can last for hours - I've had one last over 3 hours - whereas my carts even with the straw mod will go :45 minutes and a bit longer if I'm using a foam plug with the straw mod.

With a regular, say, 510 cartidge self-filled, how long can I expect it to last?

ymmv because it depends on how much you vape - power vaping - 15 minutes - normal vaping 30 minutes - without a mod....

And what are the chances of my sucking the juice into my mouth?

Less with the 510 manual than any other device, imo. But still possible if you overfill the cart and or flood the atty.

Doesn the device need to be pointed downward when Im using it?

If you haven't overfilled that shouldn't be necessary but probably not a bad idea right after topping off just in case - vape off any access but after that you can point it straight up and you shouldn't get juice in your mouth because of the design of the cart.

And finally, how awkward does it look to use one of these mods in public?

Any ecig, even the ones that 'look like a cigarette' and have an LED on the end are going to be 'odd' to some. I find people tend to ignore you actually. But some people don't even notice. The ones that do - usually smokers or viral non-smokers who see the vapor might say something. My view is I don't really care what others think. And frankly, that attitude whether you buy into it or not will do you better than looking like you're guilty of something or that you act like you don't want to offend - because people pick up on that and then act offended. Some will act offended on their own too. They seek out offense, imo.

Santa Cruz just passed a smoking ban along our downtown strip, so Im excited to be able to use one of these walking around, but wonder how... odd it will look.

I wouldn't flaunt it. Remember, you're in California. lol. I tell you it has changed since I was there. Then, you couldn't offend anyone, even if you wanted to - they had seen it all. They'd just smile or laugh at the 'radicals'.

Thats enough of my questions for now, but if someone can explain the importance of milliamp/hour to me as far as quaility/vapor production/flavor retention/battery life is concerned, I'd be much obliged.

regular 510 manual - 150mAh - lasts 1 - 2 hours
mega 510 - 280mAh - @2x regular batt
eGo/Janty Stick 14400 - 360mAh (maybe 340) - I've gotten 10 before but that's with doing other ecigs -I'd say 4-6 hours
14500 900mAh - I once got a day and half but again hitting other ecigs - 6-10 hours, but I've gone all day with one other ecig going.

The biggest thing with the 14500 is that it holds the peak voltage 4.19V longer than any of the others and the vapor is great. My 'smoke ring test' gets 25 with the Bart, 20 Janty stick, 17 mega, 15 regular 510. Strong flavors benefit from the heat - to where they taste like nothing on a 801 for example whereas lighter flavors are subdued by the heat and come to life with the 801.