I am a complete novice

[irina]

Hello!

I know, you are all very experienced e-cigs users and my question may look silly, but I really need your help.
After smoking heavily for 30 years I really want to try e-cigs. The problem is THERE ARE SO MANY OF THEM! They are so different and it is all sounds sooo technical, all these atomizers, catomizers, refills, batteries...
Where do I start?!
What are the simpliest and at the same time the best e-cigs to start with?
Sorry if it sounds silly, but I need you help!

 

[yohann976]

Your inquiry isn't silly at all. I really wish I would've found this website when I first started out.

I'm sure that some of the experts will chime in soon.

P.S. You'll probably get quite a few suggestions because everyone has their own method of vaping as well as favorite PV's.

FWIW: I'll suggest a bigger battery if you're a heavy smoker and 24ml strength juice.

 

[Valsacar]

That depends on you, what is important to you?

Size? Cigarette size, cigar size, box shaped? Generally the larger ones have much better battery life and work better.

Battery life? Do you want something that will last all day, or are you ok with having to recharge it a few times a day? Smaller ones tend to only last a couple hours of use, but can be recharged on the go with a PCC (personal charging case) which is around the size of a pack of smokes.

Vapor production? More vapor (up to a point) the more it simulates smoking, after that it's all fun.

Of course cost is another issue... but once we have an idea of what you're looking for we can steer you in the right direction.

 

[irina]

Thank you for directing me with your points, valsacar! Right... where do I start? What I would like:

1. Cigarette size is not that important, if the larger ones have more battery life, i am prepared to smoke them.
2. I wouldn't mind recharging the batteries several times a day, apart from when I go out for the day and then - where would I recharge them?
3. Vapor amount is quite important as I am an addict (obviously!) and I want to reproduce the process of smoking as close as possible.
4. Cost is always an issue. I know I am spending a fortune on normal cigs now - this is one of the reasons I want to change to e-cigs. But if in the long run e-cigs will prove saving money, it makes sense, doesn't it?
5. Type of e-cigs? I have read many sites about different types of e-cigs and it made me very confused. As far as i could understand, there are several varieties - some with ready-made kind of 'filters' (sorry!), some you have to refill yourself. Which ones are better?
6. Finally - in general, I would like the experience to be as close to smoking as possible, but less harmful and less expensive.
Do you think it's possible?

 

[whiskey]

To better get aquainted to the different types of E-cig's available, there is plenty of discriptive information in the ECF Library's for people just entering in to the world of Vaping...this helps newcomers get more firmiliar with the types & how they are used..Start there & welcome & Good Luck!!!!

 

[Valsacar]

This is a good place to start to get an idea of everything:

The ECF Library

The 6 stickied posts are what you want to look at.

I'm a fan of the Riva (or eGo, they're almost the same but Riva is less expensive) for those that don't mind something a little larger. Generally a Riva can be had for around 30USD and comes with everything you need (minus juice) to get started.

Everyone is a little different, but I'm pretty sure no one would argue against me when I say pre-filled carts are not what you want. You either stick with a standard atomizer and cartridge (which is what most, but not all, starter sets come with) or go with cartomizers (both atomizer and cartridge combined). Each is different and each has its advantages. I can't really point you one way or another (I personally don't like cartomizers) as the only way to find what you like is to try both.

 

[Chrissie]

Hello & welcome Irina

I know of loads of newbies that have gone for the Riva as mentioned by Valsacar & love it. The best deal for it in the UK at the moment is is the Riva Light Bundle from Liberty-Flights (15% off that price using the discount code ECR69) : -

Electronic Cigarette - Starter Kits - Riva 510

You will also need to buy some e-liquid at the same time as the cartridges with that kit are dry. As you are a heavy smoker you will most likely need at least a high nicotine content juice.

 

[tigerlily]

My own personal suggestion for somebody just starting would be the eGo ( https://www.cignot.com/product_p/kit-ego-all.htm ) paired with Boge cartomizers ( FIVE (5) Joye 510 compatible e-Cigarette blank low resistance cartomizers (Manufactured by Boge) ) which you refill yourself. The biggest problem I had starting out was finding liquids I liked. This is also the hardest thing to give advice about since everybody has different tastes. I would definitely recommend you buy several small test sizes of liquids before buying the larger bottles.

 

[MickeyRat]

I've only been at this a few weeks myself. You did good finding this forum. Everyone here has been very helpful to me. As for charging during the day, these devices can charge off a USB port so, in addition to the wall adapter, you can use anyh computer or a usb adapter in your car.

However, if you can handle the battery size (cigar rather than cigarette), you can't go wrong with the Riva 510 kit on Liberty Flights. I used the code ECR69 (I think) to get 20% off. I just ordered one of those for my sister in-law yesterday. The 510 is a very popular thread type and it'll work with the Rivas. These will also take eGo accessories as well. However, for now, stick with 510 stuff. Order some extra cartridges and 510 atomizers with it. Because they are cheap, you might want to get a drip tip while you're at it.

You'll need some juice. Buy several flavors and buy high and low strength in the same flavor. You'll probably have to find your needed nic level by trial and error and it's nice to be able to dilute the stronger juice if you need to. Lately, I've been buying juice at tasty vapor and I buy the max strength nic juice and doublers (same juice no nic) to go with it. You'll need some empty bottles, if you do that. A 70/30 PG/VG mix is popular on here.

That will get you started. After that, it's really up to you. You might want to try some Boge cartomizers. LR (Low Resistance) atomizers or cartomizers. I'm still trying things. It seems like there are hundreds of options. You can try many of them over time. Read on here about them.

 

[Craig645]

2 - Joye eGo XL Batteries (900mAh)
2 - Joye eGo XL Atomizers
5pack - Joye eGo XL Blank Cartridges
1 - Joye eGo Charger unit (w/USB)
From Liberty Flights, click the 20% Discount first. Order some e-juice from there also. Tobacco flavors, PG. Start with 5 - 5ML bottles of 18mg. Luxury Blend, USA mix, Gold and Silver, are decent tobacco flavors.
Should be less than $100 and will last you quite a while.

 

[Chrissie]

Craig, Irina (the OP) is in the UK & LF's UK site doesn't have the 20% discount tab. But she can, as mentioned in my previous post, use the 15% code "ECR69" at checkout

 

[cskent]

Everyone seems to be in agreement and has recommended a good start. I would suggest purchasing about 30 to 50 ml of juices to refill with. Different strengths and flavors will increase your chances of finding something that both works for you in the nicotine department, and has good flavor to you. It is also enough to keep you vaping for a while so you don't have to put an order in a couple of days after you receive your initial order.

 

[SMKNOMOR]

You defiantly came to the right place for information. The people here are super helpful and are a great support system throughout your vaping experience. Youtube is another resource I found to be helpful in getting the basics down.

 

[irina]

Thanks, guys! I really overwhelmed with your responses and welcome and kindness!
I looked at suggested library, sites and even youtube and almost decided to go for Riva 510. Still got some questions though:
- is Riva 510 a little bit too big? I mean, having been used to normal cigs, would it be awkward to use it?
- did I understand right, that I will have to buy regulary for replacement: atomizers, cartriges and e-liquid? Will I need to replace the battery as well? If so, how often?
- Craig mentioned that I will need Battery 900 mAh, but on the site Chrissie recommended (thanks, Chrissie!) they only give you 750 mAh battery in the starter kit. Is it a bad thing?
Huge thnak you again to everybody!!!

 

[irina]

Thank you so much, guys, for your welcome and advice! I am really overwhelmed with you help and support!
I read the suggested library entries, sites and even looked at youtube and almost decided to go for Riva 510. Still have some questions, though:
- is Riva 510 much bigger than the normal cig? I mean, after being used to normal ones wouldn't it feel a bit awkward to hold it?
- as far as I understood, in the future I will have to buy atomizers, cartiges and e-liquid for replacement. Will I also have to replace batteries even that they are rechargable? If so, how often?
- Craig mentioned 900 aAh batteries, but in the starter kit on the Liberty Flights webside (thank, Chrissie!) they only give you 750 mAh. Is it a bad thing?
Thank again to everybody for your replies!

 

[irina]

Oops, posted it twice! Sorry!

 

[Chrissie]

Irina, the Riva is about the size of a cigar but it is so much better to go for something that size rather than the ones closer in size to real cigs.

Yes you will have to buy on a regular basis, e-liquid, atomisers & batteries - in that order. How often will depend on how much you vape. For instance, I get through about 20ml of juice a week. Atomisers can last anything from a few days to a few months - in some ways they can be the weakest link as they are a tad unpredictable. The batteries should last you several months.

The difference in mAh is that a battery with a higher mAh will last longer between charges. The 750 mAh will be more than fine to get you going. If you compare that to a real cig look alike battery that (from memory) most of them are only about 250 mAh.

 

[MickeyRat]

As for the batteries, I go all day on 750 mah. Those are fine to start. If you get into LR stuff you may want something bigger. The eGo/Riva is assembled is about 6 inches long. It's roughly the size of a cigar. I don't find it a problem and I'm new. You did say the size wasn't going to be a problem.

The attys do wear out eventually but, some people report some of them can last months with maintenance (cleaning etc.). There are hundreds of threads on maintaining them. The cartridges can me made to last pretty much forever, if you replace the filler. You'll probably want a few to switch flavors though.

 

[irina]

Thanks, guys!
I am going for it!
Now!

 

[Chrissie]

Brilliant news Irina don't forget that discount code at checkout - every little saving helps And also don't forget some e-liquid