I would like to know the basics ASAP so I can purchase this product

[EagleClaw]

Hi Folks - I had just written a long thread...but when I clicked on preview post...it disappeared....hope this doesn't happen again.

I've been a heavy smoker for 37 years & haven't been able to quit. That being said...I think this would at least be better. I have read that the cigarette companies have tried to keep this product out of the United States. Is this true?

Also - I would like to get this product....I guess a basic one for a heavy smoker....although I would like to gradually get less nicotine...& I've read that you can get cartridges of different nicotine levels. I've also read things electronic related like ohms, etc. And it seems like you have many choices of products to choose from that seem to have a lot of parts & things you need to do.

And if I can't buy this at any stores where I live (I live in a big suburb of Atlanta, GA)....what internet company(s) are trustworthy & have good basic products. And around how much cost is involved. I would really like to try this E-Cig out ASAP.

THANKS - And I would appreciate any answers, suggestions, comments, etc.

 

[Boodle]

A KGO, EGO or Riva are great performers, easy ro use kits. Thumbs up on the KGO for more power and ohms. You get 2 batteries and one will last all day. You can get a chrome one Hoosierecigsupplysupply or black at breezesmokes for 40-45 $. You'll also need some low resistance (LR) cartomizers. That's an atomizer and cart built as one. Easy witha short learning curve. If you like your vapor warm the dual coil cartomizers will do that. One of those kits, cartomizers and juice is everything you need to start. I suggest the smallest sample size bottles of juice at 24mg. Equipment is easy. Finding that perfect juice is a hunt. Look in the supplier's forum. A few of the top juice vendors are backwoods brew, KickBassVapor, alien visions, halo and the list goes on. I trust the suppliers listed on this site. You can read their threads and see what others are saying. Good luck.

 

[Hoosier]

You can get it right. You can get information quickly. You can get it cheaply.

Pick 2, but right and quick are usually mutually exclusive.

Given what I was able to pick up from your post, a Riva or an eGo seem like good fits. There are many trustworthy vendors here on ECF that carry them.

A selection of juice flavors and strengths in the 12-36mg/ml should be part of your first orders.

Local B&M's is beyond my purview, but I have seen a link to a searchable database posted before.

I'd suggest slowing down and absorbing some information though to mitigate the $ flying out of your pocket.

 

[crbrown]

My recommendation would be the Volt from Smokeless Image (coupon code "heatwave" for 23% off)
It's a simple unit to get started with and works really well, they also have great customer service.

 

[markfm]

If you're a heavy smoker, and wouldn't sweat that what you use doesn't look too closely like a cigarette, a really solid product are any of the eGo/Riva "fat battery" 510 (a connector type) models. Liberty Flights (they're an ECF Supplier, have a forum area hear) sells a Riva starter kit for a little over $30 (after the october20 20% discount code). They're in California, but their shipping is low cost and they have good customer service. I tended to get 6 - 8 hours of run time on these batteries between recharges -- one would normally get through most of a work day, before swapping. A spare battery is good to get, and possibly charger, though these can wait a bit, be picked up later, when you find that the gear is indeed doing what you need.

With the Riva I recommend the Boge 2.0 ohm LR (low resistance) cartomizers. LF sells them, as do many other sites (litecigusa, NHaler, etc.).
Pick up a couple of bottles of eliquid. Full strength cig smokers tend to use 24 mg/ml liquid, while some may use 16 - 18 mg/ml, others need a bump to 30 or 36 mg/ml (particularly if they have any "craving" points, like on first waking up). Generally just start with a generic tobacco or menthol (whichever type you smoke). Get the liquid in at least two strengths, say 24 and 16 or 18 mg/ml. (If you presently smoke lights, try 16 - 18 mg/ml and 12 mg/ml).

Filling the cartomizers is pretty easy -- many threads on how to do this.

Alternately, if you wish to start with prefilled -- nothing to do but screw them on and start vaping -- take a look at this current thread:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/pay-forward-pif/202315-help-510-stuff-please.html

The thread has a list of places that sell prefilled 510 cartomizers, just pick up a couple packs of them to get started.

If you prefer more of a cigarette form factor (slender tube), the KR808D-1 is rightfully popular. I've had good luck with vapor4life (coupon SMILIN), NHaler (SAVEINNJ), vaporsetc (vapezone). A full starter kit from those places runs $37 - $50. You can buy blank cartomizers and fill them, else there is a wide variety of prefilled ones available (vapor4life classically has a huge variety -- their VaporKing are KR808D-1). A standard 808 battery typically ran about 3 hours between recharges, while I ran about 4.5 hours using what's called the XL or mega version of the batteries. A normal kit comes with two batteries, charger, couple of prefilled cartomizers. A device called a PCC can be used to recharge the batteries if you're out and about, away from AC power, else just pick up a spare battery and charger. (the spare battery is good for any PV -- these things are, after all, consumer electronics, eventually things fail. It bites to be down to one working battery.)

In the KR808D-1 there are a few next generation units available, the MaxFusion and Volt. A lot of people like them, I'm not sure how much more $ they run than a standard KR808D-1 (I was happy with the older 808 products).

Other people will have other suggestions -- the above are the things I've been using and content with.

Good luck!

 

[Iffy]

Welcome aboard!

You're gonna get many suggestions. So here's mine:

eGO KIT.

Good luck!

 

[Caver]

Hi Eagleclaw,

First off, welcome. There are lots of people here, just like you...30+ years smoking and switching to e-cigs.

As for your questions...

Yes...e-cigs are embroiled in politics. The tobacco lobby and special interest groups don't like them. IMHO, because they work so well to allow people like you & me to kick cigarettes!

OK... what kind of hardware. I just went through what you're asking about 3 weeks ago. I heard about e-cigs, but was confused with all the different kinds.

Don't worry about finding the "perfect" one right off the bat. Like the suggestions so far...I went with an Ego. The battery is a bit bigger than the ones that look like a cig, but will last MUCH longer between charges. The other parts...atomizer...cartridge...are all a standard 510 size, which is very popular and you can easily get replacement parts.

To start out, whichever model you choose, I suggest a "starter kit". It will come with one or two complete functional e-cigs, a charger and a few sample carts of liquid. In addition, at the same time, also buy one or two extra atomizers or whatever your starter kit uses and a couple of sampler size flavors of liquid.

All the above will set you up to be able to use your e-cig without needing additional stuff for several days to maybe a couple of weeks. that will let you concentrate on learning how to use the cig and incorporate it into your daily routine. Once you get used to keeping batteries charged...keeping a cart loaded and general use, you'll have some idea of if this is going to work for you. Then look at buying some sampler packages of liquid and find your flavor of choice.

I knew within a couple of days that my Ego was going to work for me. Now I'm having fun sampling flavors and contemplating trying some of the hardware options.

Without even trying very hard, I've gone from 1-2 PAD Marlboro Red smoker to 1 real cig (analog) every day or two...and I can easily see that dropping the last cig will be doable for me.

That's my 2¢. The other people here will chime in with theirs.

Good Luck

 

[hairball]

Most vendors carry the following and it's what I suggest:

Riva Lite Bundle

Drip Tip

2 Extra Atomizers

1 Box of Boge Cartomizers

Several small sample bottles of juice (18-24mg). Here is a list of vendors that sell sample bottles. I'm sure it's incomplete but worth looking into.

Goodejuice.com

Velvet Vapors - Sampler Packs

Six Pack Sampler - Vermillion River

Want2Vape

Vaporsetc.com

vaperite.com

juicyvapor.com

voidmist.com

goodprophets.com

grvapors.com

bombayvaping.com

ttteliquids.com

pinkspotvapors.com

strictlyejuice.com

mister-e-liquid.com - 5ml for $3.75

freedomsmokeusa.com

vermillionriverejuice.com

honeyvillevapor.com

Virgin Vapor | Electronic Cigarettes | Organic Electronic Cigarette eLiquid

nitelitevapor.com

quicknicjuice.com

liberty-flights.com

purevapes.com

bluemistvaping.com

thevaporroom.net

Southern Ambrosia

Grand River Vapors

Vermont Vapor

Vividsmoke.com

aromaejuice.com

Johnson Creek

aresecig.com

Alien Visions E-Juice

Backwoods Brew

Ms T's Bakery Essentials

http://www.diyflavorshack.com/default.asp

 

[MizJackson]

It makes me feel good to see someone so excited! I am fairly new, and was very excited to get started myself.

I thought for sure I saw someone talking about an Atlanta Vendor. I found someone who appears to be in Ball Ground, GA. Their username here is mojorisen. Vaperite appears to be located in GA, and people seem to REALLY like their e-juice.

Looks like some searching will give you a few options nearby. You may still have to order online, but shipping should be faster. Lucky you, try being in Missouri. VERY slim pickins around here. Wish I had the money to open a b&m store. I have the name set, and know my location, but do not have the money to get started.

Oh, I went off track. Good luck, stick with us, this forum is full of wonderful people. I am a super noob as you can see from my sig, but the info I got from this site has helped me immensly.

 

[Thulium]

Hi Folks - I had just written a long thread...but when I clicked on preview post...it disappeared....hope this doesn't happen again.

I've been a heavy smoker for 37 years & haven't been able to quit. That being said...I think this would at least be better. I have read that the cigarette companies have tried to keep this product out of the United States. Is this true?

Actually, its not really true. Tobacco companies have not really tried to block the sale of electronic cigarettes--they would rather be allowed to sell smoke-free alternatives to smokers who are unable or unwilling to completely quit using recreational nicotine/tobacco.

Most of the opposition to e-cigarettes has ironically come from pharmaceutical companies and antismoking agencies and organizations who benefit from the sale of drugs to treat addiction and diseases that are caused and worsened by smoking. If people use e-cigarettes to stop smoking, they might stop buying Chantix, Nicorette, or COPD medication.

Also - I would like to get this product....I guess a basic one for a heavy smoker....although I would like to gradually get less nicotine...& I've read that you can get cartridges of different nicotine levels. I've also read things electronic related like ohms, etc. And it seems like you have many choices of products to choose from that seem to have a lot of parts & things you need to do.

Probably the best part of "vaping" instead of smoking is that you can customize the experience to your specific tastes. You can select the amount of nicotine (usually between 0-3%) and any flavor that is available in a base of propylene glycol or glycerine (which is basically EVERY food flavoring imaginable) will work, so if you can't find a vendor selling the strength or flavor you want, its not very difficult to mix it yourself.

And if I can't buy this at any stores where I live (I live in a big suburb of Atlanta, GA)....what internet company(s) are trustworthy & have good basic products. And around how much cost is involved. I would really like to try this E-Cig out ASAP.

There are dozens of vendors that are advertised and reviewed here at ECF that are very reputable--many of them are regular people like you and me who were so excited that they finally found something that helped them stop smoking so they decided to go into the business.

As far as costs go, you can get a 510 "3-piece" or KR-808D1 "2-piece" starter kit for under $50 or a longer lasting "big battery" kit for $40-80. After the initial expense, you'll find that the refill e-liquid and spare atomizers/cartomizers are MUCH cheaper than traditional cigarettes. Average "maintenance" cost is about $33/mo.

THANKS - And I would appreciate any answers, suggestions, comments, etc.

With the huge variety of products and flavors to try, it can be tempting to spend a ton of money...which is okay--it's still a lot cheaper than chemo...but if you're looking to pinch as many pennies as possible but still want a great and convenient vape, here's my recommended "Bare Essentials":

• Genuine Joye 1000mAh XL eGo Battery w/USB (510, passthrough) - The VaporCast Store
• (5-pack) Dual Coil Low Resistance (1.5 ohm) 510 Cartomizer - The VaporCast Store
• Adam's Sin Apple - The VaporCast Store

#1 is great because it allows you to vape WHILE charging via mini-USB, but still has a healthy 1000mAH battery charging to be ready to go when you need it. The rubberized finish feels nice in the hand and it can be turned off/on by pressing the button 5 times to be "pocket safe"
#2 DualCoil Cartomizers are the current "New Big Thing"--they have 2 coils running in parallel which means they work great on the eGo batteries and even better on High Voltage mods like the Silver Bullet
#3 is a flavor combination that everyone should try.

The best part? All of the above for around $50 and you are good to go with enough juice and cartos to more than outlast a $55 carton of smokes.

 

[AttyPops]

Hi Folks - I had just written a long thread...but when I clicked on preview post...it disappeared....hope this doesn't happen again.

I've been a heavy smoker for 37 years & haven't been able to quit. That being said...I think this would at least be better. I have read that the cigarette companies have tried to keep this product out of the United States. Is this true?

Also - I would like to get this product....I guess a basic one for a heavy smoker....although I would like to gradually get less nicotine...& I've read that you can get cartridges of different nicotine levels. I've also read things electronic related like ohms, etc. And it seems like you have many choices of products to choose from that seem to have a lot of parts & things you need to do.

And if I can't buy this at any stores where I live (I live in a big suburb of Atlanta, GA)....what internet company(s) are trustworthy & have good basic products. And around how much cost is involved. I would really like to try this E-Cig out ASAP.

THANKS - And I would appreciate any answers, suggestions, comments, etc.

1) Select a PV - kit with at least a spare battery from vendor list on front page
2) Select e-Juice - lotsa samples in different flavors and strengths see vendor list on front page
3) Order 1 & 2 online
4) While not in mailbox
4) ....Watch mailbox
4) Loop until done
5) Assemble e-cig
6) Blow out atomizer or fill carto
7) Charge Batteries
8) While not done vaping... // might be a forever loop
8) ....Vape
8) ....Check fluid levels
8) ....reorder hardware/juice as needed
8) ....Spend all day on ECF asking questions, surfing, ordering new stuff
8) Loop

The basics!

Generally 18 to 24 mg juice. Generally 510 ish kit (including bloog, volt, etc.... check connector types if you care), or eGo ish kit, or a mod. IDK what to tell you since IDK what you want. If battery life is important think fat bat.

 

[Pur3Rush]

I personally recommend the EGO kit, 650 mah battery or higher.

I can't recommend these enough.

Welcome to MadVapes LLC get the Mega Ego Dual Coil Cartomizer. You can't go wrong. It's the first carto I ever bought after being scared away from them by so many products failing. It only costs $2.50 for one. I've been using the same one for a week now.

 

[EagleClaw]

Hi Eagleclaw,

First off, welcome. There are lots of people here, just like you...30+ years smoking and switching to e-cigs.

As for your questions...

Yes...e-cigs are embroiled in politics. The tobacco lobby and special interest groups don't like them. IMHO, because they work so well to allow people like you & me to kick cigarettes!

OK... what kind of hardware. I just went through what you're asking about 3 weeks ago. I heard about e-cigs, but was confused with all the different kinds.

Don't worry about finding the "perfect" one right off the bat. Like the suggestions so far...I went with an Ego. The battery is a bit bigger than the ones that look like a cig, but will last MUCH longer between charges. The other parts...atomizer...cartridge...are all a standard 510 size, which is very popular and you can easily get replacement parts.

To start out, whichever model you choose, I suggest a "starter kit". It will come with one or two complete functional e-cigs, a charger and a few sample carts of liquid. In addition, at the same time, also buy one or two extra atomizers or whatever your starter kit uses and a couple of sampler size flavors of liquid.

All the above will set you up to be able to use your e-cig without needing additional stuff for several days to maybe a couple of weeks. that will let you concentrate on learning how to use the cig and incorporate it into your daily routine. Once you get used to keeping batteries charged...keeping a cart loaded and general use, you'll have some idea of if this is going to work for you. Then look at buying some sampler packages of liquid and find your flavor of choice.

I knew within a couple of days that my Ego was going to work for me. Now I'm having fun sampling flavors and contemplating trying some of the hardware options.

Without even trying very hard, I've gone from 1-2 PAD Marlboro Red smoker to 1 real cig (analog) every day or two...and I can easily see that dropping the last cig will be doable for me.

That's my 2¢. The other people here will chime in with theirs.

Good Luck

It makes me feel good to see someone so excited! I am fairly new, and was very excited to get started myself.

I thought for sure I saw someone talking about an Atlanta Vendor. I found someone who appears to be in Ball Ground, GA. Their username here is mojorisen. Vaperite appears to be located in GA, and people seem to REALLY like their e-juice.

Looks like some searching will give you a few options nearby. You may still have to order online, but shipping should be faster. Lucky you, try being in Missouri. VERY slim pickins around here. Wish I had the money to open a b&m store. I have the name set, and know my location, but do not have the money to get started.

Oh, I went off track. Good luck, stick with us, this forum is full of wonderful people. I am a super noob as you can see from my sig, but the info I got from this site has helped me immensly.

Actually, its not really true. Tobacco companies have not really tried to block the sale of electronic cigarettes--they would rather be allowed to sell smoke-free alternatives to smokers who are unable or unwilling to completely quit using recreational nicotine/tobacco.

Most of the opposition to e-cigarettes has ironically come from pharmaceutical companies and antismoking agencies and organizations who benefit from the sale of drugs to treat addiction and diseases that are caused and worsened by smoking. If people use e-cigarettes to stop smoking, they might stop buying Chantix, Nicorette, or COPD medication.



Probably the best part of "vaping" instead of smoking is that you can customize the experience to your specific tastes. You can select the amount of nicotine (usually between 0-3%) and any flavor that is available in a base of propylene glycol or glycerine (which is basically EVERY food flavoring imaginable) will work, so if you can't find a vendor selling the strength or flavor you want, its not very difficult to mix it yourself.



There are dozens of vendors that are advertised and reviewed here at ECF that are very reputable--many of them are regular people like you and me who were so excited that they finally found something that helped them stop smoking so they decided to go into the business.

As far as costs go, you can get a 510 "3-piece" or KR-808D1 "2-piece" starter kit for under $50 or a longer lasting "big battery" kit for $40-80. After the initial expense, you'll find that the refill e-liquid and spare atomizers/cartomizers are MUCH cheaper than traditional cigarettes. Average "maintenance" cost is about $33/mo.



With the huge variety of products and flavors to try, it can be tempting to spend a ton of money...which is okay--it's still a lot cheaper than chemo...but if you're looking to pinch as many pennies as possible but still want a great and convenient vape, here's my recommended "Bare Essentials":

• Genuine Joye 1000mAh XL eGo Battery w/USB (510, passthrough) - The VaporCast Store
• (5-pack) Dual Coil Low Resistance (1.5 ohm) 510 Cartomizer - The VaporCast Store
• Adam's Sin Apple - The VaporCast Store

#1 is great because it allows you to vape WHILE charging via mini-USB, but still has a healthy 1000mAH battery charging to be ready to go when you need it. The rubberized finish feels nice in the hand and it can be turned off/on by pressing the button 5 times to be "pocket safe"
#2 DualCoil Cartomizers are the current "New Big Thing"--they have 2 coils running in parallel which means they work great on the eGo batteries and even better on High Voltage mods like the Silver Bullet
#3 is a flavor combination that everyone should try.

The best part? All of the above for around $50 and you are good to go with enough juice and cartos to more than outlast a $55 carton of smokes.

HOLY SMOKES (pun intended). I could have muti-quoted every reply...but I think that would be a waste of space...so I picked a few. Thanks to everybody who replied to my thread.....I didn't expect so much friendly advice & so quickly. The only reason I know how to use online forums is because I play a lot of online poker (another industry that special interests have been slowing destroying for the American players)....& they have several big online forums in regards to that.

Anyway - I have always thought of myself as a fairly intelligent person....but the information required to not only start with E-Cigs...but to then morph together all of the different juices, batteries, atomizers, ohms, cartomizers, etc. seems a bit overwhelming.

I read through the 6 piece series before I posted here....& that too....seemed like enough information to fill an encyclopedia. Some of the pictures he had there looked like giant fishing tackle boxes with all the trays filled with all sorts of stuff regarding....I guess it's called "Vaping" & not smoking anymore. My eventual goal is to get off nicotine...but I know it's going to take some time because I've smoked heavily for so long.

Do I have this straight....some people mix drops of nicotine in with other drops of Kung Pao Chicken flavor to suit their taste?

I think I need to just start with something that will taste like Winstons (remember...Winston's taste good...like a "knock-knock" cigarette should....& 4 out of 5 doctors recommended them).

Do I have this right also.....you can buy a starter kit that has everything I need to put together & vape.....without having to pour or inject nicotine flavor juice into some sort of filter? But I get the feeling most folks think it's much better to try these different types of juices & not get the kind that doesn't need you to pour juice on them?

Also - it seems it would be much easier (at least at first) to go somewhere a reasonable distance from where I live to a retail outlet that sells all this stuff & hopefully talk to someone there who is knowledgeable in regards to it. I think I tried to look to see if there were any stores around here that sell vaping supplies....& if I remember correctly...I think it said I may find them in kiosks in some big shopping malls...and there are a few big ones not too far from where I live. Anybody else hear anything like that?

Another question I have is if I do get them from an internet dealer.....are any of them set up where I can send them my checking account information & they can take the money from there? I have funded several of the online poker sites I have played at over the years in this matter. I think the info is encrypted in a way where they are able to get the money from my account....without having my exact account info...so they couldn't just suck my checking account dry at their leisure. Or do they only take credit cards? What about "Pay Pal"? I'm not a big credit card fan.

I guess if I have to do my 1st order online (& I guess it's the way that most people do it....I'm not insinuating that doing it online is better or worse than getting it around your city....if you can...which I get the message that it isn't an easy task)....you've given me enough info so I can go over it & will be sure I'm getting everything I need. I'd hate to get my order & find out I forgot a 3.0 ohm carbonizer or something (I just said that for example...I would guess the carbonizers don't have ohms).

Hmm....maybe I don't know how to use this forum right. I noticed that this post is in the "quick reply" & the options are to "Post Quick Reply" or "Go Advanced". In the forums I've used before...my reply wasn't in "quick reply" format unless I specifically chose that option...& I never did. I always had the options of "Preview Post".....which would show how it would look in the forum & give me a chance to do edits....and "Submit Post". Maybe I'm suppossed to click on "Go Advanced" for those options. But I don't want to mess this up...so I'm going to leave it as is & just click on "Post Quick Reply" & hope it comes out OK. I hope it's like the poker forum where the quotes don't look right here....but they do once you submit it....but I don't know....because I don't know how to preview it.

Anyway - THANKS AGAIN FOLKS. I APPRECIATE YOUR REPLIES. And if you see one of the questions here that you feel like answering....that would be great. Now I guess I'll just click on the "Post Quick Reply" button & hope for the best.

 

[Thulium]

Do I have this straight....some people mix drops of nicotine in with other drops of Kung Pao Chicken flavor to suit their taste?

I don't think I'd recommend a savory flavor like Kung Pao Chicken to a first-time vaper, but yes that would work. It is very intense, but I've been known to put a drop or two of Capella's Vanilla Custard flavoring directly on my atomizer without diluting it at all.

Since you're just starting out, you're probably better off trying some pre-mixed flavors, but mixing your own DIY liquid is cheap and easy.

Do I have this right also.....you can buy a starter kit that has everything I need to put together & vape.....without having to pour or inject nicotine flavor juice into some sort of filter?

The liquid (with optional nicotine) is what you are vaping. Starter kits just include the hardware and usually some cartridges that are pre-filled with either tobacco or menthol flavor. All that you REALLY need is: A battery, an atomizer, and some e-liquid to put in it.

The battery I recommended also works as a "passthru" because you can use it while it is re-charging. A cartomizer is an atomizer that can hold enough e-liquid to last as long as a whole pack of cigarettes (give or take).

But I get the feeling most folks think it's much better to try these different types of juices & not get the kind that doesn't need you to pour juice on them?

Most of the e-liquids that people are talking about here are premixed and can be used to refill the cartridge or cartomizer yourself, but directly dripping on the atomizer without messing with overpriced pre-filled cartridges is probably the best way to get the most flavor/vapor. It takes a little bit of practice, but its not any more difficult than operating a childproof cigarette lighter.

Also - it seems it would be much easier (at least at first) to go somewhere a reasonable distance from where I live to a retail outlet that sells all this stuff & hopefully talk to someone there who is knowledgeable in regards to it. I think I tried to look to see if there were any stores around here that sell vaping supplies....& if I remember correctly...I think it said I may find them in kiosks in some big shopping malls...and there are a few big ones not too far from where I live. Anybody else hear anything like that?

"Brick & Mortar" stores are definitely helpful since they can let you try before you buy, but they usually only know about the specific model they are selling and may try to convince you that you have to buy refills and accessories at their marked-up price.

Another question I have is if I do get them from an internet dealer.....are any of them set up where I can send them my checking account information & they can take the money from there?

There's a ton of retailers who would love to put you on a monthly subscription plan where they'll charge your credit card $70 every month for a box of pre-filled cartridges. You're usually better off ordering it yourself, and there are so many vendors who make so many great products, why limit yourself?

I have funded several of the online poker sites I have played at over the years in this matter. I think the info is encrypted in a way where they are able to get the money from my account....without having my exact account info...so they couldn't just suck my checking account dry at their leisure. Or do they only take credit cards? What about "Pay Pal"? I'm not a big credit card fan.

Some vendors use PayPal, but some have had PayPal close their account for selling "tobacco products" so they'll use other online payment systems. Use one of the vendors listed here at ECF and you'll have the experience of everyone here to help. If you're concerned about using a credit card online, some people will use prepaid cards and some banks allow you to create a "one time use" CC# to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

 

[Ralikar]

I've been posing this tip ALOT: if you throw your smokes away have plenty of batteries, spare juice and carts so if a vendor misses a shipment or screws you, you are not otw to a store for cigarettes!

 

[dormouse]

Definitely - if you like the ecig get at minimum a 3rd battery, at least one extra charger for at home, a charger for work, a PT for emergencies, and plenty of juice - plenty. New vapers are to ones who get caught with no juice - everyone else has a bunch of juices. Order at least 30ml with your kit, then when you get home order more juice elsewhere.

I like to use 4-port 2amp USB to AC adapters (Rosewill RUC6181 from NewEgg.com) to charge up to 4 assorted batteries - the Rosewill will hold 4 battery cables or 3 cables and one hard short battery adapter on the end. You could also run a PT on it but not while charging batteries.

Basics 100mah is about 1 hour of moderate vaping

Slim ecigs can only use standard resistance atomizers and cartomizers - whatever is consider normal ohms for the battery

Fat ecigs, mods, etc - anything with 400mah+ battery can use LR low resistance (lower ohms) hotter attys and cartos (these also use charge up faster). Heat enhances the TH of nicotine

Juice -
PG is thin, lets through the most flavor and the most of nicotine's TH and irritation, makes thin visible vapor
VG is thick, dulls/smooths everything PG lets through, makes thicker more persistent vapor

Most US juice makers offer at least one PG/VG blends and sometimes every possible 10% increment blend

You can use any blend in atomizers. Cartomizers and tanks usually prefer thin juices - juices whose PG is higher than the VG. In stuffing type cartomizers I prefer 20% VG or less. tanks and reservoir cartos do well with 20-30% VG and some other thicknesses.

3-piece setup
battery+atomizer+cartridge (cart is just plastic & stuffing, can be washed, dried, restuffed)
battery+atomizer+driptip (for manual batteries only - some like to vape this way, and good for testing juices)

2-piece setup
battery+cartomizer (carto is disposable cart with internal atomizer - limited lifespan, few succeed at cleaning/drying. Cartos hold more juice than carts and provide a more even vaping experience)

 

[Thulium]

I've been posing this tip ALOT: if you throw your smokes away have plenty of batteries, spare juice and carts so if a vendor misses a shipment or screws you, you are not otw to a store for cigarettes!

I try to keep a pack of dissolvables or a tin of snus on hand "just in case" I can't vape or on the rare occasion that I crave an analog. Newer smokeless tobacco like Swedish-style snus have been pasteurized so you don't have to spit and that process removes most of the nitrosamines, so they can be a great way to avoid the hazards of smoking but still get the MAOIs and other tobacco alkaloids that aren't in nicotine e-liquid.

A lot of people who are still smoking a few cigarettes a day while vaping have found that other smoke-free alternatives like Swedish-style snus and dissolvables like Ariva, Stonewall, and Camel Orbs, Sticks & Strips can help them lose the urge to smoke completely.

 

[Caver]

Do I have this straight....some people mix drops of nicotine in with other drops of Kung Pao Chicken flavor to suit their taste?

Yes. You can purchase just about any flavor known to mankind in several strengths of nicotine with no mixing required. You can also buy the stuff seperate and mix it yourself.

I think I need to just start with something that will taste like Winstons

Be forewarned...no e-cig will taste just like a real cig. Nothing imitates burning tobacco. Most liquids will taste like fresh cut, unburning tobacco. I actually prefer it that way.

Do I have this right also.....you can buy a starter kit that has everything I need to put together & vape.....without having to pour or inject nicotine flavor juice into some sort of filter? But I get the feeling most folks think it's much better to try these different types of juices & not get the kind that doesn't need you to pour juice on them?

Many starter kits will come with a few pre filled carts...probably enough to last you a day or two. They also are usually filled with the cheapest liquid. I personally didn't find them at all good tasting...especially after I tried some storebought liquid. You can also buy prefilled carts...but it's not very cost effective compared to filling your own.

Also - it seems it would be much easier (at least at first) to go somewhere a reasonable distance from where I live to a retail outlet that sells all this stuff & hopefully talk to someone there...

Good luck finding a brick & mortar store. One word about Mall Kiosks...DON"T!!! They usually sell very expensive junk. I live in a suburb of Austin. I only found one store that didn't sell junk, and they've only been open for 6 months. Maybe someone from your area will chime in.

Another question I have is if I do get them from an internet dealer.....are any of them set up where I can send them my checking account information & they can take the money from there? Or do they only take credit cards? What about "Pay Pal"? I'm not a big credit card fan.

I don't like using my credit cars online either. Just go by Walgreens or some other local corner pharmacy and buy a pre-paid gift card that is from one of the major credit card companies...Visa...Master Card. Also make sure the card is not for a specific store. You can get one of these gift cards and you can use them just like a credit card for online purchases, up to the value you bought. Be careful...many of these gift cards can only be used for purchases within the US. You can't use them to buy from vendors in Canada or overseas.

I'd hate to get my order & find out I forgot a 3.0 ohm carbonizer or something (I just said that for example...I would guess the carbonizers don't have ohms).

Don't worry about the "ohms" thing right now. Just order "standard" parts for your first accessories. If you're not sure what you need, give the vendor a call. Most of the vendors listed on this site are glad to help out new people.

I was lucky enough to find a local store that didn't sell junk and cares about their customers. Here's what I did. My research on this site had me looking at an Ego starter kit. It just so happened that the local store only sells the Joye products, and they are one of the brands of the Ego type e-cig. I bought the Ego starter kit. It had two complete e-cigs with batteries and a charger. The kit also had 4-5 preloaded carts with some pretty nasty tobacco liquid. I also bought two spare atomizers and 4 10mL samplers of various flavored liquids in 24mg strength nicotine. That was enough to make sure I could vape for a week or more without needing any more supplies.

That was 3 weeks ago. I've since ordered several liquid sampler packs online and a few more spare atomizers. Now I can relax somewhat and just have fun trying all the different flavors till I find a few favorites to order larger quantities.

There is a learning curve to using e-cigs. It takes a little fiddling around and some up front expense to learn how to use them. But it's the first thing I've found in 40+ years that I feel gives me a real chance to get off real cigs (analogs)!

Once again...Good Luck!

 

[Hoosier]

Yeah, it's amazing the response one can get on ECF.

I found a link to PV stores in Georgia. http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/peach-state-vapers/97848-local-georgia-suppliers-stores-please-sticky.html

You may want to support the locals?

I'm pretty lucky. There are 3 B&M stores close to me and 2 of them are pretty good places that have a variety of hardware and juices.

Sorry, but only a credit card gives you any protection purchasing on line. Giving out checking account information is very risky at best. Paypal does not allow PV purchases from a company based in the US. (Some vendors get by with it for awhile before getting caught up in the account freezing, but there are a few companies based overseas that have distribution hubs inside the US that can use Paypal without any issues.)

I think you best bet is probably contacting the vendors posted in the Georgia sub-forum?

 

[Vapor Pete]

Any kr808-D kit. No muss, no fuss, 2 piece design. Easy to use. Theres my standard advice. And it only took one line