I am so confused.

[XxLiViAxX]

Hi, I'm new. I'm Livia. ^_^

I'm only 18, yet I've been smoking for 4 years. A really great therapist got me started. "Well, there's a patch for smoking..." Great advice.
My dad said he's tired of everything reeking of smoke, so he said he wanted to buy me an electric cigarette not only to reduce the smell but to hopefully save my lungs a little bit.
We've both been looking up different products and what not and have finally decided on either Green Smoke or Vapor King (V4L?). To be 100% honest, I'm really leaning towards Vapor King because of the leopard print PCC (I'm a tool, I'm aware.) but I'm totally confused about something.
My dad said that with Green Smoke you don't have to put any liquid in because it has a cartridge and an atomizer. However, Vapor King has a 'cartomizer'... Does that mean it's the same thing and I don't have to put any liquid in? Also, if I do have to put in the liquid myself, why do they sell cartomizers with different flavors and nicotine levels?
So.... Yeah. I'm confused. Help would be GREATLY appreciated cause I'm really excited about this and I want to order it! Soon!!! Haha...
Thank you?!

- Liv

 

[DocWyatt]

Welcome. Let me outline some points, as many others will also try and help.

1. The size of any ecig = size of battery which = battery life and consistency of hits.

2. Cartomizer = atomizer and cartridge in one piece - much simpler. Most mass marketed ecigs are 2 piece models - a battery and a cartomizer.

3. I personally would lean towards the SmokeStik Hendu vs V4L. The V4L is a KR808D-1, the SS is an RN4081. I prefer the 4081.

4. You can refill cartomizers - the VAST majority of SS users buy pre-filled, and once gone, toss them. Craziness. You can refill them with liquid for less than 25 cents.

If your dad is a heavy smoker, and does not mind a larger ecig, the EGO is a better choice, most likely. If someone has to have something as close to size as an analog as possible for the "mental" thingy, that won't work. Analog is the term used for real cigs.

Edit: I do not think a heavy smoker, anything above 1.5 packs per day, can use a mini ecig like those models effectively. The strength of hit and battery life won't be effective enough to replace analogs, in my view. Those people should strongly consider the EGO.

EDIT: Opps, i thought your dad was a smoker. i didn't read it correctly as it appears he is not.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

Welcome! Whatever you do, DO NOT get GreenSmoke! They are horrible and I speak from experience. I thought it would be so great and easy to use, but was I ever wrong! I sent mine back and I'm still waiting on my refund.

Cartomizers are just a combination of the atomizer and the cartridge that holds the liquid all in one piece. You can refill them, and in the long run it'll save you some money.

There are really good e-liquid vendors out there with some fantastic flavors and different nicotine levels.

 

[XxLiViAxX]

So if you buy a cartomizer you don't HAVE to refill it? I'm sorry I sound so stupid, I'm just so confused! Haha.

 

[TL1000RSquid]

carto's can be bought empty or prefilled, most people find the prefilled ones to be nasty tasting. Filling them is pretty easy.

 

[Rosa]

So if you buy a cartomizer you don't HAVE to refill it? I'm sorry I sound so stupid, I'm just so confused! Haha.

You don't HAVE to, but you should and the flavor would be better if you did. (and it's really easy to do - check youtube)

 

[DocWyatt]

The reason to refill is cost and taste and variety. It is as simple as pie to refill, trust me. Let's say 5 cartomizers pre-filled are $15 from mass marketed brands. That = 5. You can refill them yourself for about $1 per 5. They do not last forever, just saying - throwing them away is crazy unless cost is a non-issue.

 

[Vaping4Sanity]

Welcome and good luck. I don't have any advise to add, but the others here are a wealth of knowledge and you will be on your way to better health and no stink in no time...lol

 

[Lazerrred]

Go here-> http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-videos-newbies-particular-broke-newbies.html MistressNomad will help you.
And I wouldn't rule out an eGo aka T-Rex, Riva, Vgo, Eco, etc. starter kit. It is a dependable and easy to use PV and the pricing on them from many ECF venders are getting quite affordable. Good luck, I know you will enjoy the ride.

 

[KT4Rock]

I am really new at this and strongly suggest getting cartomizers that you fill yourself. I started out with Blu and now I have this kit and a bunch of cartridges that I never use since I bought a KR808D-1 where I fill my own cartomizers. Plus the cartridges were really pricey and lose the vapor quickly. Another thing I liked is that with different models you can buy the parts separate (like the batteries and charging supplies) so you aren't stuck with a huge kit of stuff and then find out it's not working for you.

I agree that this stuff is very confusing! There are just so many options out there! It would be nice if there was a store where you could try out different models like the camera booth at Best Buy. Ha ha! Hmm......

 

[Rosa]

Here are a couple of great informative video's on it:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-videos-newbies-particular-broke-newbies.html

The main thing is this:

you can pick a small battery or a large one:
*the small ones will need to be charged OFTEN (like every hour)- but are more similar in size to a 'real' cigarette
*the big ones look like a penlight but will generally last all day between charges

You can choose carts (cartridges), carto's (cartomizers), or drip tips:
*carts are a pain in the neck IMO: They can only be used with a three piece system (battery+atomizer+cart) so much fussing around and topping off, the filler they come with is horrible so you have to replace it right away with something you DIY at home, and still you can only vape for 15-20 minutes under the best conditions before you have to repeat all the cart fiddling.
*cartomizers are easy but more expensive: They can be used with a two piece system (battery+carto) like a kr808d-1 or a three piece like a 510/eGo. they are meant to be disposable but you can refill them for a couple of weeks before they just don't produce good results anymore. They're good for new vapers because they're grab-n-go and tend to not leak and cause problems, basically they are more user friendly.
*drip tip can only be used with three piece systems like the 510 or eGo: you put them on the end of your atomizer like a mouthpiece and drip e-juice down the hole, the drip tip funnels the juice into the atomizer and you just vape. Each 2-3 drops gives about 10 puffs, then you have to drip some more. The pros are they're easy to use and cheap and you can switch flavors easily. The cons are sometimes you get a drop of juice on your lip and it creeps you out.

The cool thing is that now they make adapters so if you like the idea of a big battery that lasts all day with the convenience of the kr808 cartos you just buy a 510-808 or 901 adapter and use whatever battery with whatever cart or carto you choose.

You can even turn your kr808 into a three piece system if you like.

 

[DocWyatt]

Also, if you elect the SS make sure you use ECF discount codes. 20% off. The SS or the V4L are not the cheapest option, by any stretch. it depends on what you want/need and your smoking habits.

 

[DocWyatt]

I am really new at this and strongly suggest getting cartomizers that you fill yourself. I started out with Blu and now I have this kit and a bunch of cartridges that I never use since I bought a KR808D-1 where I fill my own cartomizers. Plus the cartridges were really pricey and lose the vapor quickly. Another thing I liked is that with different models you can buy the parts separate (like the batteries and charging supplies) so you aren't stuck with a huge kit of stuff and then find out it's not working for you.

I agree that this stuff is very confusing! There are just so many options out there! It would be nice if there was a store where you could try out different models like the camera booth at Best Buy. Ha ha! Hmm......

Agreed: Almost all new users should have cartomizers. Then, if they prefer something else, no big. Simplicity of use is a very important part of replacing analogs...

Atomizers/cartridge combo, dripping, etc are for people addicted to vaping and NOT analogs, in my personal view. Analog habit has a very large mental component to it... if it didn't everyone would simply chew the gum and be done with it. That option does not work for the vast majority as it does not address the habit and mental aspect of smoking.

 

[Rhapsodies Fire]

The size of the battery and type of atomizer really makes a difference depending upon your needs. This is a picture of all the types of ecigs I have used ...starting at the front...is the Blu (white), then the Sideshow (silver with red cartridge), then the 902 (red with cartomizer and silver drip tip), then the Ego (all stainless with cartomizer and stainless drip tip), and now the Mini Rio (red box mod with silver low res atomizer and stainless drip tip). I could go on forever about the differences.

However, I can't tell you what will work for you. I started with the ones that looked like cigarettes because I was afraid to quit smoking. Yes...that is silly, I know. The batteries didn't last long enough and there was too much messing around with cartridges. What can I say, I'm lazy. I like the cartomizers much better for the reload. The Ego was my first manual battery and I found it to last a lot longer and had better oomph for better vapor. But in the end, my husband turned me on to the box mod that has a huge battery and a direct feed 3mm bottle in there so I only mess with it once or twice a week now. That is a long way from the Blu I bought in the beginning.

You can get better life out of your cartomizers and atomizers by washing them with hot water and making sure the connection is clean. And never let your atomizers or cartos run dry.

I hope I've helped expose you to the wide variety of options out there. Good luck....and have fun trying stuff out.

 

[Rosa]

So if you buy a cartomizer you don't HAVE to refill it? I'm sorry I sound so stupid, I'm just so confused! Haha.

You can CHOOSE not to refill them, just buy them all pre-filled and throw them out (or send them to me) but it would be like eating out at a bad restaurant for every meal. You COULD do it, but you'd only be short changing (literally those things are expensive and 1 lasts about an hour) yourself.

Here's a 4 minute video showing how to refill a cartomizer (one of several ways, i think this way is the easiest - do it at night so the juice soaks in and you are good to go the next day)

YouTube - Refill Ecig Cartos Quick and Easy (CCFM)

 

[DocWyatt]

Send them to Rosa? Are you crazy? Send the empty ones to ME...

 

[MXBNW]

Rose: I love my dip tips, when I was using Cartomizers I found that if you have soft tips or caps you can remove them and put a Dip Tip in its place is opens up the draw some times and sometimes will prevent juice from getting in to my mouth. Give it a shot it’s nice.

Here are a couple of great informative video's on it:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-videos-newbies-particular-broke-newbies.html

The main this is this:

you can pick a small battery or a large one:
*the small ones will need to be charged OFTEN (like every hour)- but are more similar in size to a 'real' cigarette
*the big ones look like a penlight but will generally last all day between charges

You can choose carts (cartridges), carto's (cartomizers), or drip tips:
*carts are a pain in the neck IMO: They can only be used with a three piece system (battery+atomizer+cart) so much fussing around and topping off, the filler they come with is horrible so you have to replace it right away with something you DIY at home, and still you can only vape for 15-20 minutes under the best conditions before you have to repeat all the cart fiddling.
*cartomizers are easy but more expensive: They can be used with a two piece system (battery+carto) like a kr808d-1 or a three piece like a 510/eGo. they are meant to be disposable but you can refill them for a couple of weeks before they just don't produce good results anymore. They're good for new vapers because they're grab-n-go and tend to not leak and cause problems, basically they are more user friendly.
*drip tip can only be used with three piece systems like the 510 or eGo: you put them on the end of your atomizer like a mouthpiece and drip e-juice down the hole, the drip tip funnels the juice into the atomizer and you just vape. Each 2-3 drops gives about 10 puffs, then you have to drip some more. The pros are they're easy to use and cheap and you can switch flavors easily. The cons are sometimes you get a drop of juice on your lip and it creeps you out.The cool thing is that now they make adapters so if you like the idea of a big battery that lasts all day with the convenience of the kr808 cartos you just buy a 510-808 or 901 adapter and use whatever battery with whatever cart or carto you choose.

You can even turn your kr808 into a three piece system if you like.

 

[Rosa]

Send them to Rosa? Are you crazy? Send the empty ones to ME...

I had first dibs.

 

[Rsbernie]

Just for the record, 1 year ago i bought a KR808D-1 and prefilled cartomizers. I quit smoking butts in 2 days. I still use cartomizers prefilled that i buy from V4L but i refill them many times with their juice. I bought an Elecang easy kit from Cigeasy.com and its a bigger battery that last me the whole day. It was a little more money but totally worth it and Frank has great customer service. Refilling prefilled cartos works just fine for me and I still enjoy them all day and night. Just my opinion but i think for a newbie that is the way to go. If you like it you will read read read on this site like I did and learn many different ways to enjoy vaping. Good luck and quit those butts before your a wrinkly old fart like me.

 

[Rosa]

Rose: I love my dip tips, when I was using Cartomizers I found that if you have soft tips or caps you can remove them and put a Dip Tip in its place is opens up the draw some times and sometimes will prevent juice from getting in to my mouth. Give it a shot it’s nice.

That's my next course of action. So far I have only ever ordered the hard caps, but next order it's going to be soft caps (and a passthrough - I still don't have one)