I'm new and know very little! Oh dear.

[Dr. Dunsparce]

Hello all!

First off I'd just like to say that while I only just this moment registered an account I have "Lurked" here for a while now, reading the various forum sections. I have learned some general information and appreciated all the knowledge shared around here but as I am a complete newbie (I don't even HAVE a pv yet!) I get confused over the huge range of available models and such. I am interested in vaping because I am currently a pipe smoker (I have a pretty nice cherry-wood churchwarden) and while I love it dearly it is rather inconvenient when I am out and about, I'm loathe to smoke regular analogues so these devices seem to be the perfect solution.

One thing that confuses me in particular is part compatibility, I have viewed many different websites which sell various vape equipment and it seems like they are never forthcoming with information regarding connections or sockets, how is a person to know which atty can fit which battery and vice versa? I would assume that different manufacturers use different connections but can it be that many are interchangeable and it just isn't obvious to anyone not in the know?

Another thing I would love to know but which may earn me significant ire ; Does anyone have experience with very cheap "cigarette-clone" non-branded USB-rechargable models? As I don't want to invest a large amount of cash initially I have been investigating the very budget items available and these things keep popping up but there is NO information about them that I can find. I would assume that they have extremely poor quality batteries and do not last long but while they do last would it at least provide an acceptible vape? Included is a picture of the type of device I mean, I can not identify it but perhaps someone else can and provide information/warnings? I am assuming that while the device can be disassembled into three parts that these parts will have no compatibility with other brands?

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this, I appreciate it and I am sorry if this is all very obvious to the more experienced users!

-Dr. D

 

[sailorman]

Hello all!

....
One thing that confuses me in particular is part compatibility, I have viewed many different websites which sell various vape equipment and it seems like they are never forthcoming with information regarding connections or sockets, how is a person to know which atty can fit which battery and vice versa? I would assume that different manufacturers use different connections but can it be that many are interchangeable and it just isn't obvious to anyone not in the know?

Welcome. It's confusing at first, but it will become clearer as you ask questions, and much clearer when you get your first PV.
Compatibility is a function of thread styles, designated by numbers. A device with a 510 connection will fit a cartomizer or atomizer with a 510 connection. There are various thread styles. Some are very common, some are typically used on certain styles of PV, and some are proprietary. Avoid the proprietary ones. The most common is the 510. Next is the 808, which is found on many of the "better" smaller cigarette-style e-cigs. Unless you get one of the VERY SMALL handful of cigarette-style PVs that are worth bothering with, most of which will probably use an 808 thread, the 510 is what you should focus on.

Another thing I would love to know but which may earn me significant ire ; Does anyone have experience with very cheap "cigarette-clone" non-branded USB-rechargable models? As I don't want to invest a large amount of cash initially I have been investigating the very budget items available and these things keep popping up but there is NO information about them that I can find.

Many of us have experience with cheap cig. clones and, except for making us aware of the existence of e-cigs, we all regret it. It's not necessary to invest a large amount of cash initially to get a decent performing cig-style PV. It's only necessary to become familiar with a small number of available models, most of which can be bought for little more than the junk brands.

I would assume that they have extremely poor quality batteries and do not last long but while they do last would it at least provide an acceptible vape?

You would be correct. Poor quality and poor vape. While they have served a function in introducing some people to vaping, they have probably turned off just as many to the whole idea. They are garbage, over-priced and best avoided.

Included is a picture of the type of device I mean, I can not identify it but perhaps someone else can and provide information/warnings? I am assuming that while the device can be disassembled into three parts that these parts will have no compatibility with other brands?

First off, no good cig-style e-cig can be disassembled into 3 parts. Without exception, a good cig-style e-cig will consist of a battery and cartomizer(which some still insist on improperly calling a "cartridge"). While it is possible that some part would employ one of the standardized thread styles, cheap generic e-cigs are more likely to employ proprietary threading that is compatible with nothing. That prevents you from buying replacement parts from anyplace except the e-cigs manufacturer.

If you want an example of a good quality cigarette style e-cig, go to smokelessimage.com and look at the Volt.

There are undoubtedly similar models in your part of the world, but as much as most e-cig styles are discouraged for their inherent limitations, if someone insists on that style, the Volt is the best of an otherwise poor performing class of e-cigs.

Most of these don't look "exactly" like a cigarette. They don't have a white battery and a filter colored cartridge. It is best that they don't. You don't want to be mistaken for smoking a regular cigarette. If you want to be treated like a smoker, look and act like you're smoking.

 

[Forkeh]

I'm not sure I would recommend an ecig clone. Generally, depending on the model, they can be an okay starting point for people who were cigarette smokers and are stuck on the form factor. But since you're a pipe smoker, you don't really need that. And since you are already used to something larger than a cigarette, there's really no reason for you not to just go ahead and get an Ego or Ego clone.

And you don't have to get a big, expensive kit either. Especially since you're just wanting to try it out and supplement your pipe smoking when you're out and about. You can easily get a single Ego (clone?) battery unit, charger, and juice delivery system for like, $30. Here's a few: Lucky Shamrock - Penny 's Store
St. Patty's Request - Penny 's Store

That's probably not any more expensive, or at least not much, than the cheapo you're looking at, and you'll get a lot more satisfaction from some sort of Ego.

 

[Dr. Dunsparce]

Thank you very much for the warnings and advice!

I will take what you have both said into account and avoid the very cheap clone.
The suggestions given look to be much better options and I am eternally grateful.
I am looking forward to becoming a more active member of the community.

Thank you.
-Dr. D

 

[sailorman]

I agree with Forkeh that a larger battery e-cig is preferable to a cig-style. But I understand the appeal of that style to a new vaper who intends to use it only when "out and about".

Larger units might feel awkward at first, especially in public. But you soon get over that feeling and a large battery allows options that you don't have, or are impractical, with smaller cig-style e-cigs.

That said, there are smaller cig-style e-cigs that outperform the eGo. If you can see your way clear to use a larger unit, you will be better served to get one of the eGo style PVs that provide 3.7V for improved performance over the 3.3-3.4V of the eGo. There are a few of these models and the one that is probably most available in the UK is the Riva.

You can purchase a 650-1000mah Riva and cartomizers for the price of many of the good cig-style e-cigs. A kit will consist of two batteries, a charger and usually some blank cartomizers that you fill with the e-liquid of your choice. Avoid models with built-in "tank" systems, like the eGo-C or eGo-T. These "systems" are finicky, require special replacement parts and, after some period of struggling with them, most people get tired of the drama and eventually jettison them in favor of a reliable and economical 510 cartomizer.

Liberty-Flights is a reliable vendor for the Riva and has a UK website. I think the address is Liberty-Flights.uk.com

 

[Chrissie]

Hello & welcome Dr D from another UK member.

Excellent advise as ever from Sailorman

The kit I recommend to most folks to start off with is this Riva 1100 from a top rated UK supplier. if you go for it, use discount code ECF10 for 10% off & ask at check out for the atomisers to be replaced with cartomisers & you'll get 10 cartomisers -

The Riva 1100 Deluxe Kit £34.95 - Deluxe Vaping Kits - Riva 1100 Kit Electronic Cigarettes | Vaping Devices | Accessories | E-Liquid

Another good kit is this one from vapourhut (lower mAh battery, so wont lats as long between recharges) - use discount code hut10 for 10% off -

http://vapourhut.com/e-cigarette kit?product_id=104

You might also want to check out some of the other good UK suppliers -

ALL ABOUT E-CIGARETTES UK - Recommended & new suppliers (e-cig/juice sellers)

 

[Bullette the Cowdog]

Welcome to ECF Dr D...
& after you get the hang of it, you may enjoy the e-pipes that are available. Check out some pics in the MODs/APV forum here.
Good luck my friend.
BTW I'm new & I've been using a Kgo for 2 months now & very happy with it. Easy for a newbie like me.

 

[leftfeild]

That model appears to be an M401 or RN4081. A very old outdated model that is only really sold by companies who claim it is the best and charge far too much for it.

I will have to echo what Chrissie said about the riva. It's a good deal for a solid ecig.

Cheap trial ones do exist. If you go into tesco, they have the 10 motives but I have to say it's not as good as a "real" ecig will be. I think they're about £7 for a disposeable if you just want to see what it's like.

I'm not allowed to post a link to one of the cheapest rechargeable cigarette lookalike models because of the name which is silly as it's a great site we all use in the UK and the only place to get this cheap beginners kit. When you get to 5 posts, you can PM me if you want and I'll give you more information. It will be around £6 for a rechargeable cigaratte lookalike if you just want to try it out without paying a lot.

 

[yardbyrd]

Hello & welcome Dr D from another UK member.

Excellent advise as ever from Sailorman

The kit I recommend to most folks to start off with is this Riva 1100 from a top rated UK supplier. if you go for it, use discount code ECF10 for 10% off & ask at check out for the atomisers to be replaced with cartomisers & you'll get 10 cartomisers -

The Riva 1100 Deluxe Kit £34.95 - Deluxe Vaping Kits - Riva 1100 Kit Electronic Cigarettes | Vaping Devices | Accessories | E-Liquid

Another good kit is this one from vapourhut (lower mAh battery, so wont lats as long between recharges) - use discount code hut10 for 10% off -

http://vapourhut.com/e-cigarette kit?product_id=104

You might also want to check out some of the other good UK suppliers -

ALL ABOUT E-CIGARETTES UK - Recommended & new suppliers (e-cig/juice sellers)

I am new, too, and I totally agree. I purchased a Riva 510 SE from Liberty Flights, a drip tip, and a couple of 5ml bottles of e-liquid and it set me back right at $50/U.S. I also refer you to this thread which helped me a lot; I hope it helps you too.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/252976-dos-donts-first-timers-newbie.html

Remember to search these forums or google for coupons or coupon codes for the starter kit you're going to buy and you can save $. (Sorry, I don't think my keboard has a "pound" symbol !