Help with first purchase...overwhelmed with info and choices

[Mashugana]

So I've been writing and re-writing this question for days now, and it always ends up being so long I'm embarrassed to post it. I'm sure it's only the zillionth such thread on here (I'm a newbie, help!) - I've read several already, but none seem to help get me where I need to go - so apologies and thanks in advance for anyone willing to respond. I'll happily answer any questions or requests for clarification, but in the interest of brevity and in hopes there'll still be a couple people reading at the end, here's the Reader's Digest version

I'm a heavy smoker, making the switch on a fairly intense deadline (both self- and situation-imposed) and am wildly overwhelmed by the choices and the abundance of info. I've read all the articles for new members, which were very helpful, but lots of info in a short time makes my already ADD brain sort of freeze up. Figured I'd buy the ego and a micro/mini so I can try both because I really want something like an analog for the intense transition involving re-associating just about everything I do with vaping instead of smoking, but from what I've read here I'll need at least a midsize/fat batts to accomodate my performance needs.

My question is basically how do I do this. I see there are seemingly endless suppliers - even among just the "Forum Suppliers" on here I'm lost as to how to choose - and I know I need starter kits, but I also know I want to buy some different e-juices because I want each aspect of my first vaping unit(s) to offer the best chance at satisfaction and I know you're not necessarily supposed to limit yourself to tobacco flavorings or something that's supposed to replicate the analog experience.

Without getting into the more complicated "mod" pieces parts, I need to know what and where to buy two complete vapes and 2-3 juices so I'm set to give this thing a real shot. Money is an object, of course, but with what I've spent on cigarettes over the past 20 years, plus what the future tracheotomy, cancer, etc., would cost, I put a relatively small investment in perspective (say $200 or so for everything to start).

So, while I'm a big fan of online shopping as well as gadgetastic tech gear, I find myself a bit out of my depth making this purchase, and after dragging my feet way too long already, I'm basically asking, proverbial hat in hand, for a little hand holding. Any step by step info would be insanely helpful, as the information is obviously all here on this website, but I'm hoping for a bit of personal guidance making this step.

Thank you all so much for reading!

Cara (Mashugana)

 

[onry]

once you make 5 posts you might look here http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ohio-vapers/66835-ohio-retailers.html.
you might find a place close to you that can guide you step by step

 

[The Ocelot]

Hi and welcome! I'm not sure what you mean by "...two complete vapes..." Probably the most important thing is to decide if you want something that is similar in size and appearance to a tobacco cigarette, or you don't care. Your budget is high. You can easily get an excellent starter kit for under $100.00. No matter what size device you choose, you need to get 2 batteries, a charger and a delivery system.

 

[onry]

sounds like they also would like to get a back up setup also.
or like i did one for mainly at home (my lava tube) and something for the car or stealth
vaping (riva)
i could be wrong tho it has happened before lol

 

[trickxiii]

First let me say that I'm not affiliated with altsmoke.com in any way. I'm simply a satisfied customer.

I was in your situation 5 months ago. I had to quick smoking, fast. I was going from 2 packs/day to 0 and on top of that, the ecigs i had tried didn't give me enough vapor production or throat hit to mimic the real thing. I eventually caved and went back to analogs. It's even tougher when you're not guaranteed that you're going to get the right gizmo when you can't try them out before hand. A buddy turned me on to the ego battery with a low resistance atomizer.

I'm sure a lot of folks here will agree with me that this is THE set up for transitioning from heavy smoking to vaping. The ego battery is cheap, it works perfectly with low resistance atomizers and it's mobile. You'll want the LR atomizer because it BILLOWS vapor compared to standard atomizers. Much more vapor = more tobacco flavor and throat hit (i.e. more similar to the real thing).

From my personal experience trying the different vendors (*again this is just my own personal experience, others may disagree) Altsmoke.com has never failed me. Not only do their 1.8 ohm low resistance atomizers last the longest (about 2-3 weeks of HEAVY use), but their customer service is fantastic. I had an issue with a shorted tank killing two of my batteries, I wrote them simply to inform them that it happened and they credited my account for two brand new batteries.

Alright, I'm getting windy.
Go with their starter kit:
For the charger, and two 650mah batteries, this is a bargain.
I also suggest picking up a larger battery because your a heavy smoker, you're going to need spares. (ALWAYS have spares and bring them with you, I can't tell you how tempting it is to buy a pack of smokes when your gear fails). Pick up another 2 1000mah batteries.

Their LR atomizers (low-resistance) are the best I've tried as well, no leaking, last a LONG time, and they have great reviews on their site. Buy these in packs of 5.

Just the other day I received their flu cured tobacco flavored juice (I usually make my own juice, but I like to purchase juice to have a point of reference) It's pretty good, definitely tastes similar to a marlboro red. This being said, you can get juice anywhere really.

Anyway, I know this sounds like an Altsmoke.com endorsement but I'm really just recommending them because their gear has served me well and kept me off cigarettes for almost 5 months. It's also nice to have a single supplier in the seemingly endless sea of vapor merchants.

Good luck Cara. Let me know how it works out or if you need any help!

 

[T41CK]

First off welcome to the site. Now stop take a deep breath, everything will be ok. Now you said you want something that looked like a real cigarette right. Now those are going to look nice and proform just as well as a slightly bigger e cig but for a heavy smoker your not going to get a half a day out of that thing if that. When switching to the e cig your going to go through alot of battery/juice to ease the cravings. Allow me to make a suggestion. Most of the 650 mah battery will do the trick and there not all that big. I would just order a starter kit from any of ECF suppliers and Im sure you will completly satisfied with the product you puchase. For an atomizer/cartomizer/tank ect. what would you be interested in. Cartomizers(bogeis a good choice) are good for beginners, thats what i started out on and Im sure everyone else did as well on this site. Last but not least juice. It would be nice to know what your interest are for flavors I will write back as soon as you do, to let us know your still interested in doing this. Meanwhile, Im going to be gathering a list of sites that have excellent juices

 

[trickxiii]

Also, onry has a good suggestion of talking to some retailers and telling them what you're looking for. Especially if you can find one located near you.

 

[Baditude]

Smokeless Image | Only The Best Electronic Cigarette | Smokeless Image Electronic Cigarettes - The Future is in your hands

Based on your desire to combine cigarette-sized batteries with the larger mid-level size batteries, let me recommend the Smokeless Image lineup of the Volt e-cigs and X2's. They are shown in the above pic with a cigarette to compare sizes of the two mini-battery Volts along with the three sizes of X2 batteries. Keep in mind that the batteries in the above pics do not yet have juice carrying devices on them yet. The last two pics are of two X2 batteries with a ce3 on them and an X2 with a clearomizer on it.

The smaller Volt e-cig batteries will each provide 3-4 hours of vape time between battery charge. The larger X2 (these are eGo size batteries) batteries will provide either 6.5 hr, 9 hr, or 13 hr of vape time between battery charge, depending upon the length of the X2 battery you choose.

Both the mini size and larger size batteries are available in nearly a dozen colors of your choice. They are also available in either an automatic or manual version. If you do not have a preference, I recommend getting manual.
_______________________________

Once you decide what battery combination would work out for your lifestyle, then decide which juice carrying devices you wish to put on the above batteries. All of Smokeless Image's gear is compatible with each other. The following picture dictionary explains the differences of these devices: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...minology-carto-tank-what-lol.html#post7562212

There are two styles of battery chargers for the smaller Volt e-cigs; you will need one of those. You can look at the starter kits available to see if one of these are to your liking. The larger X2 batteries come equipped with a passthru charger cord. I recommend getting the 1.5v USB/AC wall converter in order to charge your batteries from any wall outlet when away from a computer.
______________________________

E-liquid is available on the site as well. I recommend disregarding the pre-filled and sampler packs that Smokeless Image offers, in my opinion that is the one weak link from this company. If you are a menthol smoker, I do recommend getting a bottle of their Ice Menthol, one of the best menthol flavors available anywhere.

There is a very active Supplier's Sub-Forum here on ECF for Smokeless Image here: Smokeless Image

Here you can find video demo's and professional reviews of SI devices. Any questions you have can be answered by any number of devoted Smokeless Image customers.
___________________________

For getting started with e-liquids, I recommend trying some sampler packs from at least a couple of different e-juice vendors. That way you don't waste money on larger bottles of juice that you might find you don't care for. Once you find some flavors that you enjoy, order more in a larger quantity. Don't be afraid to try a variety of flavors besides tobacco; in fact you may wish to avoid that flavor all together. There are fruit, candy, desert, coffee, and adult beverage flavors. I recommend 18 mg nicotine strength to begin with. The following are two of my favorite vendors that offer a wide range of flavors and offer sampler packs.

Vaperite | E Liquid Flavors and Organic E Cigarette Liquid

Organically Flavored E-liquid | Virgin Vapor | Electronic Cigarette Organic e-Liquid | Electronic Cigarettes

 

[the_vape_nerd]

The above posters have given you good starting points. What i want to drive home to you though, is just go ahead and buy what you think you need. Start vaping as soon as you can. Once you get some equipment, we can help you make the most out of whatever you get. I would got with either Volt, Altsmokee (see above), or possibly Vapor for Life. All 3 of those vendors have a long and good track record here.

The small cig lookalikes do work, it's just that you have to recharge more often and the charge dimishes over time.

A decent starter kit can be had in my opinion for between, 50-70$. It's really not so important for you to get the exact perfect set up as it is for you to just get some equipment in your hands and start along the learning path of vaping. There are hundreds of us here to support you. We can't really explain what vaping is to you with words only. It's a hands on experience.

 

[salleh]

Hi Cara, .....I was in exactly your position a few months ago ....and started out with the 510 model that looks the most like a reg. cig ......don't waste your time ......

go straight to the eGo type model......it will have you happy with the whole idea of vaping right off the bat .....the eGo battery comes in a lot of varieties ......a good one to think of if you spend a lot of time on the computer is the "pass through" model .....you just plug it inot your USB port, the other end into the end of the battery and you're good to go ...and the battery doesn't get used up while you spend all those hours on the computer .....and also the big batteries like the 1000mAh models have a lot of power .....which I like ....

now when it comes to what to attach to the battery, I would suggest staying simple ....get the cone atomizer that uses the tank style e liquid holder ...easy to fill, holds a lot......and get extra atomizers, that fit into the cone/ring thingy ......cause those do go fast ....a couple of weeks at best and sometimes faster ......

so the eGo type is built like this ......battery....ring that holds the replacable atomizer....atomizer ( which rests inside the ring).....cone......tank ....and that's all there is to it .....


and I am delighted I read this thread ....I was wondering about those Low Resistance atomizers.....wouldn't you know I just ordered a bunch of regular ones....but I'll try the LRs next time .....


oh and I was a heavy smoker for nearly 40 years....and the set up that I just mentioned does just fine for ,me ......


and it didn't take but one taste to switch me to cherry flavor liquid .....gave up the tobacco flavor instantly .....


I go to ECBlends for a whole huge menu of fun flavors to try out ....get the 5mm bottle to try a new flavor, and they're only 3 bucks ! /

one last thing ....get the highest number for nicotine that you can find .....at least 24 , and 36 is even better ......


I gave up reg cigs in less than 2 weeks after getting my first e cig ......no problem at all .....and I don't miss reg cigs at all either

 

[onry]

you have to watch where you go there is a Smoktech dual coils cartomizer Manufacturer|dual coils 510 cartomizer|510-DC|510DCT|510-DCT|smok ego dual coils cartomizer|smoktech 510DCT|510 dual coils tank/18650|joye egot|egotank|14650 epower dual coils cartomizer|Elektronische sigaret,e-Zigarett also which is a different place all together.

 

[salleh]

Oh and if you get the tank style ....get a lot of extra tanks, especially if you want to try a bunch of new flavors .....

 

[motojg]

I just got a volt from smokeless image and really like it. Inexpensive as well.

 

[Grimheart]

I was in the same position as the op and I know how overwhelming your first purchase can be. I ordered a Volcano ego style starter kit first and then realized I wanted something better. Then came the Smok Telescope, then I realized I wanted something better. Then came the Smok ZMAX...While I LOVE my Z I find myself looking and drooling over the Provari. Bottom line, with all the money I spent trying different stuff I could have just bought the Provari and been done with it. If you are anything like me you will always want something better no matter what you get.

 

[Mashugana]

Thank all of you soooooo much for the responses! You guys are so patient and generous with your time and help, and I know you probably do understand just how much that means to me right now. Ok, done gushing.

To clarify, I am looking to buy 2 complete e-cigarettes, I just didn't refer to the second one as a back up setup because I have no idea which will be my go-to e-cig and which, consequently, will become the back up.

To answer The Ocelot's question, I would LOVE a micro size that feels/weighs like a tobacco cigarrette, but from what I've learned on here those just don't compare with the larger ones when it comes to performance, and, as quite a heavy smoker I really want to give myself the best possible chance at success in transitioning. I absolutely don't expect this purchase (or these two vapes...is there a better way to put that? Sorry, total newb to be the one I end up loving and using indefinitely. Like with anything, I'm sure once I get into vaping I'll discover preferences and new things I want to try out. For now, though, I need (and forgive me, I'll try to explain this one more time in hopefully a better way, lol) two e-cigs, enough and the right kind of parts/accessories/etc. for each to perform at its maximum capability, and I'd like one of these to be lighter/smaller - like a tobacco cig - and one to be the larger type all the experts seem to feel far outperforms the smaller ones.

Following the advice on one of the New Members articles (can't remember which), I was going to just go ahead and one-stop-shop somewhere online for an Ego and the recommended micro or mini (again, brain fog, but I think it was 508 or a5808 or something with numbers lol), but then I realized those starter kits seem to come with pre-juiced (yep, getting more and more creative with my vocab, I'm sorry, just really not familiar with the terminology yet and super sleep deprived lol) cartridges, and I want to be able to buy different juices to try out so I can find one or more that works for me at least in the beginning. I have some ideas on the juices I want to try, but I have no clue how that all works, what size to get, how much nicotine it should have, etc.

Grimheart's post has me looking at the Provari (links to which I see advertised every time I'm in here), and I have to say it seems like maybe the right choice, despite the size. It's so hard getting myself ok with the notion that nothing in the world will be like smoking, but I do know I need to just do it. I dragged my feet for a long, long time, and while that is to some degree my M.O., I'm truly 100% ready to go for it now. Vape Nerd, your advice is well taken. I do need to pick one and get going, I just want to give myself a running start by making an educated decision. There are a couple posts with very detailed explanations of what to buy for a respective e-cig setup, and those are extremely helpful!

Gotta bounce but will be back later tonight or tomorrow, so - having read your posts more thoroughly by then - I'll make my purchases tomorrow.


Thanks again!!!

 

[trickxiii]

an advantage to the Low Resistance atomizers (other than much more vapor production) is that they require a delivery method known as "dripping." How to drip your e-cig

Dripping on an atomizer also allows you to try many different flavors with one delivery item. (by delivery I mean the piece of gear which actually vaporizes the ejuice). Just keep vaping the flavor (usually 5-6 solid drags) until you get a slight burnt flavor, then add a different flavor. Ideally you would want a clean new atomizer, but work with what you have and it's best to save new ones for when the old ones die. Some, if not most people hate constantly having to drip juice onto their atomizers so they go with a cartomizer or tank or some other delivery method which holds more juice and requires less refilling.

Oh and to drip effectively you'll need a "drip tip." $3 - $5 at any ecig supplier.

 

[Baditude]

To clarify, I am looking to buy 2 complete e-cigarettes, I just didn't refer to the second one as a back up setup because I have no idea which will be my go-to e-cig and which, consequently, will become the back up.

I need two e-cigs, enough and the right kind of parts/accessories/etc. for each to perform at its maximum capability, and I'd like one of these to be lighter/smaller - like a tobacco cig - and one to be the larger type all the experts seem to feel far outperforms the smaller ones.

Grimheart's post has me looking at the Provari (links to which I see advertised every time I'm in here), and I have to say it seems like maybe the right choice, despite the size . It's so hard getting myself ok with the notion that nothing in the world will be like smoking.

Your impressions about the mini batteries are not far from the truth. Generally speaking, the larger the battery the better the experience. It often takes most vapors months and lots of spent cash to figure this out. I went from the mini's to the ego size batteries to the Provari in about 6 months time.

If you can afford it, the Provari is an excellent choice. Most people are reluctant to recommend one to new vapors because of the initial price. $165 is a big chunk of money. Many will say that there are now new mods that can compete with the Provari's performance, but having owned one I question whether these can come anywhere close to the quality of build of the Provari. Some may have similar or even more features that the Provari has, but the Provari does them all exceptionally well. Owning one you can have confidence that should it break, the manufacturer can repair it; the Provari clones do not offer that feature.

Also, there is a Mini Provari, since you seemed to balk at the standard-size Provari. Same insides as the regular model, just shorter in length with a smaller, shorter lasting battery.



Perhaps get a Mini Provari as your primary vaping device, and get something like an eGo or Volt X2 as your backup.

 

[Mashugana]

Thanks Baditude! I'm definitely going for the Provari - just trying to decide which one or ones. Day got away from me (seems to be my life these days) and now I'm scrambling to buy at least one vape tonight so it gets here in time for me to at least try to figure it out before my hubby and I leave on a road trip for our first Xmas with the inlaws since getting married (not stressful at all, lol!). I'm reminded of the line from Airplane, "Guess I picked the wrong week to quit smoking!" hahaaaaaa!

Anyhoo, two more questions for you guys: with the Provari mini, how big a diff is the battery duration/performance compared with the regular sized one, and which is the *best* Provari vape in your opinion. Meaning if I don't go with the mini - or I choose to get two from this same company, and one is not mini, which would you get?

Thanks for the drip technique suggestion. I've read about that and think it's something I'll definitely want to try but not sure if next week will be the time to do so. LMAO at myself, thinking ordering tonight is in any way different from ordering Monday, given it's flippin Friday already. HA! well, ok, guess that just gives me the weekend to get my ducks in a row and have all decisions finalized in terms of which pieces parts (equipment, juice, etc.) and where to buy, and hopefully I can put in all orders by Sunday so the one or more websites from which I purchase get the stuff out as soon as possible.

I'll be back to read any further comments, and appreciate comments (past and future) more than I can say. The support you guys have provided is beyond invaluable (redundant much? lol) and knowing I can come back and read, post, learn, share, etc., on here makes this transition seem actually possible. I fully expected to be laughed/jeered/criticized out of here upon posting yet another newbie "hold my hand because I'm too stupid and scared to decide for myself" thread OR that no one with any experience would read, let alone respond, especially within the New Members Forum. That sort of negativity is pervasive on many bb's, but you guys have made ECF the exception. Thank you so much.

-Cara

 

[Edd Harbin]

Before making your decision , look at the VAMO . It comes with a battery extension so it can be a full sized or a mini . It also has variable watts and ohms so it is already the next best thing . You can get a kit for around $75 , that's the VAMO , extension for using larger batteryies , charger and battery.

 

[Doogmar]

The regular provari with the extension cap can take a 18650 battery which is 2000mah. The general thought is 100mah = 1 hr vaping, this of course varies. So a 18650 should last you all day/night. The normal battery for it is a 18490 1100mah. I generally will have to switch these batteries out once in a day. Heavy vaping they lasted me half a day, and now they last me about 3/4 of a day.

The mini, in extension mode, uses the 18490 battery. In normal mode it uses a 18350 battery which is 700mah. I don't own a mini, but I have one of the Vamos and in short mode it uses the 18350s. This batteries last me half a day, and I vape less now than when I first started. So you will need to carry 1 or 2 extras with you.

With all this said, I would say I would be the last person to talk someone out of a Provari, but I don't know if I could recommend one as the first device. The reason is...what if you don't like it? While this works for most people, including myself and 2 friends, for some it doesn't. Why not start with something less expensive and make a Provari your first upgrade if it's working for you.

Anyways good luck, and as you've noticed the people here are the nicest people on forums anywhere.