Thought I would post the lessons I've learned along the way in case it helps someone else just starting to get into vaping (and maybe save them some $$$... I now have probably $100-$200 in vaping materials I don't use 
).
Here's the devices I've used:
1. DSE901
2. Joye 510
3. eGo/TORNADO <- Current Daily Driver
I would personally recommend the eGo/TORNADO when starting off.
Why? The battery is a manual with tremendous life, yet portable. This removes the first PV hurdle which is the battery life. I was always charging DSE901 and Joye 510 batteries constantly and carrying plenty of extras. On my long work days I would carry 3 fully assembled PV's just to make sure I wouldn't run out of anything.
The DSE901 had auto batteries that worked pretty good but just didn't provide enough vapor in my opinion.
The Joye 510 I had purchased with auto batteries which was a complete mistake, but when the batts worked the vapor was great.
I simply purchased the TORNADO batts and cones from Totally Wicked to remedy the Joye 510 battery issues (I just used the 510 attomizers and cartridges that I already had). For those starting, however, just get a starter kit.
Lessons I learned...
Lesson #1:
Find your nicotine level. Buy a couple/a few (I'd say 11mg, 18mg and 24mg) and find what's right for you. I started with 11mg and ended up back on analogs right away (using the DSE901 to fill in on cravings when I couldn't smoke). After 9 mos I tried again and went with 18mg... Successful that time.
Lesson #2:
Maintain an inventory. Always have extra batts (batteries), attys (attomizers), and e-liquid on hand. I set inventory levels for myself.
My minimum inventory levels:
Batts: 3
Attys: 3
Liquid: 30ml
Empty Carts: 5
Lesson #3:
Research your vendor. I personally purchase from CigNot.com, Totally Wicked, CigTechs and PureSmoker. I've had good experiences with all of them. They all have always shipped fast for me. For me, shipments from Cigtechs arrive quicker simply because I live closer to them - so keep their location in mind during your search for your fav vendor.
Lesson #4:
Find a case. Protect your investment and get a good case. I personally use leather pen cases. I use a Rosetta Napa Leather pen case from eBay Seller "StreetFair". They have 1, 2, 3 and 4 pen models. Mine is a 2-pen model and I carry two fully assembled TORNADOs to get me through the day because I'm always on the go (this way I know if a component fails or one of the carts gets dry I have the other to rely on). I simply insert the TORNADO cartridge down with the battery button in the corner of the pocket. Once inserted I twist a little to the right for the left pocket and twist a little to the left on the right pocket to get the buttons pointing towards each other. In this position I have yet to accidentally push a button while they're in the case. I've tried the eyeglass cases and if there isn't enough padding, they will get jostled too much and liquid will occasionally leak out.
Lesson #5:
Try flavored liquids. In the beginning I was always looking for liquids that tasted like Marb Ultra Lights (my analog brand). I found I was much happier with flavors. My current favorites are: Spearmint (Totally Wicked), Vanilla (Totally Wicked), EcoPure English Toffee (CigNot).
Lesson #6:
Wein yourself off of analogs. I started half vaping and half analogs on Day 1 and on Day 7 I was 100% vaping. I was able to avoid a lot of the side effects that a lot of others have mentioned. I still got the sore throat (from the PG) but it went away after day 3. Now I have no side effects and feel a lot better. Don't forget to drink plenty of water!
Lesson #7:
Google and ECF - Search are your friends! I've found an answer to almost every question by using one of these methods. BUT be thorough when reading posts with solutions. Sometimes they apply to other PV models and the solution may not apply to yours. When in doubt or if you don't find an answer then post your question... there's a lot of knowledgeable people here!
Lastly... Kristin has prepared a great getting started guide for the Joye 510 which really applies to quite a few 3-piece models. (Search for Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your 510 - I can't post links apparently!)
I know... it was a long post, but I hope my mistakes will help save someone else some serious $$$ and frustration!
).Here's the devices I've used:
1. DSE901
2. Joye 510
3. eGo/TORNADO <- Current Daily Driver
I would personally recommend the eGo/TORNADO when starting off.
Why? The battery is a manual with tremendous life, yet portable. This removes the first PV hurdle which is the battery life. I was always charging DSE901 and Joye 510 batteries constantly and carrying plenty of extras. On my long work days I would carry 3 fully assembled PV's just to make sure I wouldn't run out of anything.
The DSE901 had auto batteries that worked pretty good but just didn't provide enough vapor in my opinion.
The Joye 510 I had purchased with auto batteries which was a complete mistake, but when the batts worked the vapor was great.
I simply purchased the TORNADO batts and cones from Totally Wicked to remedy the Joye 510 battery issues (I just used the 510 attomizers and cartridges that I already had). For those starting, however, just get a starter kit.
Lessons I learned...
Lesson #1:
Find your nicotine level. Buy a couple/a few (I'd say 11mg, 18mg and 24mg) and find what's right for you. I started with 11mg and ended up back on analogs right away (using the DSE901 to fill in on cravings when I couldn't smoke). After 9 mos I tried again and went with 18mg... Successful that time.
Lesson #2:
Maintain an inventory. Always have extra batts (batteries), attys (attomizers), and e-liquid on hand. I set inventory levels for myself.
My minimum inventory levels:
Batts: 3
Attys: 3
Liquid: 30ml
Empty Carts: 5
Lesson #3:
Research your vendor. I personally purchase from CigNot.com, Totally Wicked, CigTechs and PureSmoker. I've had good experiences with all of them. They all have always shipped fast for me. For me, shipments from Cigtechs arrive quicker simply because I live closer to them - so keep their location in mind during your search for your fav vendor.
Lesson #4:
Find a case. Protect your investment and get a good case. I personally use leather pen cases. I use a Rosetta Napa Leather pen case from eBay Seller "StreetFair". They have 1, 2, 3 and 4 pen models. Mine is a 2-pen model and I carry two fully assembled TORNADOs to get me through the day because I'm always on the go (this way I know if a component fails or one of the carts gets dry I have the other to rely on). I simply insert the TORNADO cartridge down with the battery button in the corner of the pocket. Once inserted I twist a little to the right for the left pocket and twist a little to the left on the right pocket to get the buttons pointing towards each other. In this position I have yet to accidentally push a button while they're in the case. I've tried the eyeglass cases and if there isn't enough padding, they will get jostled too much and liquid will occasionally leak out.
Lesson #5:
Try flavored liquids. In the beginning I was always looking for liquids that tasted like Marb Ultra Lights (my analog brand). I found I was much happier with flavors. My current favorites are: Spearmint (Totally Wicked), Vanilla (Totally Wicked), EcoPure English Toffee (CigNot).
Lesson #6:
Wein yourself off of analogs. I started half vaping and half analogs on Day 1 and on Day 7 I was 100% vaping. I was able to avoid a lot of the side effects that a lot of others have mentioned. I still got the sore throat (from the PG) but it went away after day 3. Now I have no side effects and feel a lot better. Don't forget to drink plenty of water!
Lesson #7:
Google and ECF - Search are your friends! I've found an answer to almost every question by using one of these methods. BUT be thorough when reading posts with solutions. Sometimes they apply to other PV models and the solution may not apply to yours. When in doubt or if you don't find an answer then post your question... there's a lot of knowledgeable people here!
Lastly... Kristin has prepared a great getting started guide for the Joye 510 which really applies to quite a few 3-piece models. (Search for Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your 510 - I can't post links apparently!)
I know... it was a long post, but I hope my mistakes will help save someone else some serious $$$ and frustration!
