Hi- new, intro. Need some purchase help

[annah]

Hi everyone! I am Anna. I have not made a purchase yet. I just found this site yesterday, and have been reading, reading, reading.

I have been trying to quit smoking for almost 6 months now, unsucessfully. I failed with the patch, because I need to fidget with my hands. I tried cold turkey, and the same result.

My simple reasons for quitting are my kids. I have 3 small kids, and the guilt overwhelms me. I know I'm not the first mom in the world with kids to be a smoker, but still. My health falls second, because I want to be around long enough to be a grandma. The stinky factor is just another thing to annoy me. From what I can tell, a PV would perfectly replicate a cig in the ways that I need to.

I was hoping someone can help me decide what to buy. After reading on this site, I am ready to make the commitment to change.

Where my problem is, is that there are too many types, and just too much to absorb. Currently I smoke 1 - 1/2 packs a day of menthol lights. My brand contains .7 mg of nicotine.

I need a PV that is at least sort of similar to a cig size- so no pen style. I also want something that I can have a battery for- so no passthrough only, although passthrough feature would be helpful, I do need to smoke when I am out. I am never out of the house for more than 3 hours at a time. I want to be able to refill with liquid, not only buy pre-filled cartridges.

I am pretty broke at the moment. I realize that the $ savings will add up eventually, but the start up funding is low, so I need something as cheap as possible that will meet my needs. We live paycheck to paycheck right now, so I will have the $ to buy supplies as necessary within that time frame, but I need enough to last at least for 2 weeks. If I spend my cig $ on a PV that breaks, then I'm going to be SOL until next payday. I also won't have the $ to buy a new PV for several months, so I need a good brand that will function for several months or longer.

I understand that the standard is to buy a spare of everything, but with the low fundage, do I really *need* a spare atomizer or battery for now? Since I will only be needing 3 hours at most out from the house, would one battery suffice, if it had passthrough ability for home times? (will the battery still charge if it is functioning as passthrough, or is the battery not even in the PV when using as a passthrough?)

What is the likelyhood that an atomizer would die within the first 2 weeks? Would it be reasonable to order a PV now, and buy a spare atomizer at next check? Once I start seeing some $ savings, I would be able to stock up more, just not right this second.

Any ideas on which model I should buy, and where I can get the equipment I need to get started for cheap? I like the look of a lot that I have seen, but I can't afford to spend $90+ on just the PV.

And lastly, how much juice do I need to buy? I know this has been addressed, I just can't seem to figure it out. I need between 14-21 mg of nicotine per day- probably on the higher end. As starting out, how many ML should I assume that I need to purchase to last a day?

And lastly, I prefer a PV that does not look like a cigarette. Any color other than traditional is fine. straight black would be ok, straight white, 2nd choice.

Sorry for having such a long list of questions, but thanks for reading if you have made it this far! And I'd really appreciate any help you can give!

 

[Poldara]

Hey, althought I'm totally a newbie about this all since i don't have my e-cig yet, just wanting to have one, I still couldn't not to reply. Being a mother myself too and all.

Based on what i've read the DSE 901 seems to be a reliable choice. Can get it black with three different led lights to choose from if I'm right. That's what I'm gonna get. And if you get the starter kit and some juice (the people who know more could tell how much you need) you should be fine until your next payday. The parts you get with it shouldn't be broken before that. Not sure if any of the kits have the USB passthrough with them but you can just add that to your order.

This e-cig thing looks like something that really could get me to quit smoking, been smoking for 13 years and want to quit, the habit is just not that easy to break.

Hope you find the right thing for you.

 

[Poldara]

Meh, can't edit... The size of the 901 is a bit bigger than a normal cigarette but smaller than the pen one. And all the starter kits I've seen have batteries.

 

[Jim Davis]

The 510 seems to be the most popular for the mini sizes right now. It comes with 2 atomizers so that won't be a worry for you right now, but I wouln't be comfortable with less than 5 attys in stock.

I understand that most people are finding money a bit low now, but a 510 kit, extra batteries, PCC, juice, and atomizers will still be cheaper than a months worth of stinkie sticks.

 

[Fredrick]

The 510 seems to be the most popular for the mini sizes right now. It comes with 2 atomizers so that won't be a worry for you right now, but I wouln't be comfortable with less than 5 attys in stock.

I understand that most people are finding money a bit low now, but a 510 kit, extra batteries, PCC, juice, and atomizers will still be cheaper than a months worth of stinkie sticks.

I agree with him. I have only been vaping for a little over 3 weeks, and I only have tried the 510, but I don't see a need for another model. I bought a PCC, a few spare batteries and atomizers, and some variety of juices to try. That is all I needed. After 3 days of vaping I quit smoking all together(2 weeks ago). After those 2 weeks of not smoking, I've already made my money back on my PV puchases, and I still have plenty of juice to use.

 

[Ursa]

If you can live with later shipping costs, buy what you can afford now and get more spare parts as you are able. You should at least try to get a starter kit that includes two batteries and two atomizers though.

 

[Jefflan]

Hi, I have been vaping for 6 weeks now and have both the 510 and the 901 (mini). Both have their fans but I prefer the 901. Whatever you choose you will need some juice as the carts taste bad and that can put you off when your starting. Being in the US you have loads of choice for suppliers so should be able to get a pretty good deal. I understand where your coming from with regard to the kids (4 here) and it feels really good not to be smoking around them. Best of luck with whatever you decide to go for and believe me, these things really work.
All the best

 

[Fisherman]

Anna

I have been vaping for a few months and have spent $600 on various stuff. I now have the perfect combination which gives me a better smoke than any analog ever did. Here is what I suggest:-

Juice - 24mg should be ok for most new vapers, no matter how many analogs you smoked before. Most, if not all, juice suppliers deliver a good product so just look around the forum and pick a name you like! If 24mg is too strong, your next purchase should be some 0mg to mix it with (you can experiment later with your own concoctions). 30ml from most online stores should cost no more than $15 if you research. And personal research is important - dont just accept what I, or anyone else says.

Atomizer - really important when you start off. I have found the most reliable and long lasting to be the 510. It maybe aint the best all rounder, but as a first vape it's strong and reliable, and may become your longtime friend. I know your budget is tight, but best to buy a multi-pack (totally-wicked?) for $25 (comes with empty carts which you add your juice to).

Battery - well, I mean battery and charger, cos you need both. Anyways, most folk buy the standard stuff (as I did). But here's my opinion - go straight for a torch mod (garry dibley in the UK sells them cheap - e-cigcity. co.uk or something like that.) The batts last forever and are cheap. Say $45 all in. But you could go for other big battery types such as Scredriver, GG, Silver Bullet etc - most of these are expensive because of their quality, but that comes later.

That's $85. You got to spend that - otherwise you will have a 50% experience and possibly go back to analogs.

OK - one more thing. The 510 atty is great, but you must use a 901 "whistle" mouthpiece with it. Find a friend who vapes a 901 and borrow a couple. That's the biggest thing I can tell you. 901 mouthpiece with a 510 atty - bliss.

Good luck.

 

[happily]

Manual switch pv's are less likely to fail. I'd recommend a 510 as I still haven't worn out my first one, but I haven't tried the 901 so I can't comment. Figure 2-3 ml a day of maybe 12mg liquid. It might be good to buy higher strength and cut down to liking though.(also cheaper)

 

[isande]

I bought a 901 to start out with plus a 10ml bottle of juice from electroniccigarettesales.com for a grand total of about $37 shipped. (Unfortunately, last I checked they're out of the $29 901B starter kits, but perhaps you could find a similar price somewhere else).

That included charger, 1 atomizer, 2 batteries, 5 carts and the 10ml bottle of juice.. the total was less than a carton of the cheapest, foulest smokes here in TX.

I was smoking 2 packs a day of Pall Mall light 100s, but I made the mistake of buying medium (11 or 12 mg) juice rather than the 18 or 24mg I should have bought. So until I get my new higher strength juice, I'm still smoking five or six analogs a day to stay sane. That's still a huge difference.

Anyway, it's been a week now and so far my atomizer and batteries are still going strong but I ordered backups and more juice with some of the money I'd normally be buying a couple of cartons of cigs with. Still haven't finished off this first bottle of juice but probably will before the new stuff comes in next week.

So I think it's feasible to get started for about the price of a carton of analogs, maybe less. Do some bargain shopping.. the 901 and 510 are usually pretty gentle on the pocketbook.

--K

 

[Fisherman]

isande - that was a good deal for sure. But once you buy any starter kit, as we have both done, you start to buy more stuff to fit that piece of kit. I said in my earlier post to go for a hybrid set up, just cos it's cheaper in the long run, but I can't beat that intro price of yours, specially for a decent 901 starter. Some folks just want to get going on a strong vape and not experiment - so 901 is ok by me. Your post was helpful, mainly because you focussed on price, which was important to Anna.

 

[Jim Davis]

Anna

I have been vaping for a few months and have spent $600 on various stuff. I now have the perfect combination which gives me a better smoke than any analog ever did. Here is what I suggest:-

Juice - 24mg should be ok for most new vapers, no matter how many analogs you smoked before. Most, if not all, juice suppliers deliver a good product so just look around the forum and pick a name you like! If 24mg is too strong, your next purchase should be some 0mg to mix it with (you can experiment later with your own concoctions). 30ml from most online stores should cost no more than $15 if you research. And personal research is important - dont just accept what I, or anyone else says.

Atomizer - really important when you start off. I have found the most reliable and long lasting to be the 510. It maybe aint the best all rounder, but as a first vape it's strong and reliable, and may become your longtime friend. I know your budget is tight, but best to buy a multi-pack (totally-wicked?) for $25 (comes with empty carts which you add your juice to).

Battery - well, I mean battery and charger, cos you need both. Anyways, most folk buy the standard stuff (as I did). But here's my opinion - go straight for a torch mod (garry dibley in the UK sells them cheap - e-cigcity. co.uk or something like that.) The batts last forever and are cheap. Say $45 all in. But you could go for other big battery types such as Scredriver, GG, Silver Bullet etc - most of these are expensive because of their quality, but that comes later.

That's $85. You got to spend that - otherwise you will have a 50% experience and possibly go back to analogs.

OK - one more thing. The 510 atty is great, but you must use a 901 "whistle" mouthpiece with it. Find a friend who vapes a 901 and borrow a couple. That's the biggest thing I can tell you. 901 mouthpiece with a 510 atty - bliss.

Good luck.

If you want 24mg. Buy 48mg, and cut it 50 / 50 with VG or a VG / PG combination. That gives you 2 bottles of 24mg for the price of 1.

I was using 18mg. 34% 48mg / 33% VG / 33% PG. 3 bottles for the price of 1. Loranns flavorings are cheap. Add any flavor to your liking.

 

[Jellie*]

Hi,
Being a student, I don't have a big budget either.But I'm telling myself that if I spend $100/week on normal cigarettes, I can buy some cheap starter kit. Anyway, when you are all set with your PV, you will either completly stop cigarettes or at least cut down a lot, which will make you save money. Most starter kits I've seen online are coming with 2 batteries, 2 atomizers, a charger and a few blank cartridge. I always carry arround a spare battery and a spare atomizer, just in case, as a back up. For the juice, I ordered from a different web site. I bought 15 3ml bottles, all different flavors. I'm really picky, so with small sized bottle ($1.99 each) I can see which flavors I like and which flavors I don't like. This might be a a good option for you. I would be mad to pay $15-$20 for a big bottle for a flavor I don't like, and have that bottle on my shelve without using it.

I will make a new order soon. I'd like to get some spare atomizers, from what I've read on this forum they seems the be the pieces that are breaking the most easily, so I wanna get a few just to be safe. I will also get one more battery, and 2 big bottles of juice of my favorites flavors.

Next will be a charging case. I'm often outside of the house, and last thing I want is to be stuck with a dead battery while being stuck in traffic or on my school/work breaks.

To resume all this, the money you will spend of your PV kit is not and extra expense: If you have the determination to quit real cigarettes, you will pay for your PV within a few weeks and when you are all set, you will even save money!

 

[Fisherman]

Jellie - some really good advice there. Sounds, however, like you and I got into the same groove - we bought ourselves a kit and kept on buying. That's why i've got $600 worth of gear after only 3 months -most of it is redundant. Newbies have to find their own way but I want to keep it simple - good atty, good battery and any old juice. People like you and I hopefully help but I know that we all have personal differences. Keep posting, because every day a newbie joins up and asks the same questions that we did, and it's cool to get a quick response.

 

[SLDS181]

If you want 24mg. Buy 48mg, and cut it 50 / 50 with VG or a VG / PG combination. That gives you 2 bottles of 24mg for the price of 1.

I was using 18mg. 34% 48mg / 33% VG / 33% PG. 3 bottles for the price of 1. Loranns flavorings are cheap. Add any flavor to your liking.

How many suppliers have 48mg in stock? I've only seen one...

 

[Fisherman]

TW are doing 54mg for cutting from sept.

 

[Jim Davis]

How many suppliers have 48mg in stock? I've only seen one...

NHaler and Freedomsmokes that I know of so far.

 

[SLDS181]

TW are doing 54mg for cutting from sept.

I only see 30ml of 18mg (highest available), with 36mg being the most (sold out - 24mg too).

Do you mean starting in September this will be offered?

 

[Fisherman]

Yep - see their uk site (or go onto decadent vapours which i believe is a link up between TW and some other guy)

 

[MaxUT]

How many suppliers have 48mg in stock? I've only seen one...

Vape Meister had 48mg... I just bought their last four bottles today.