I'm new, I'm LOST and confused

[Snowdove]

I am trying to quit smoking. I'm on the patch right now. I think the e-cigarette would be a better choice for me because I love to smoke. I may be getting my nicotine with the patch but it's not very satisfying.

But getting the e-cigarette is much more confusing that I thought it would be. After looking around online and reading the sticky's in the New Member forum, I have more questions than I did before.

I see that the 510 is most recommended for new users. I don't know if I will prefer manual or auto, but probably manual.

My biggest question is, WHERE can I get the cartridges? Do I have to order them online? Can't I just go buy it from a store? It makes me REALLY nervous to have to pre-order them and wait for shipment. That will NEVER work for me.

Are there specific cartridges for specific models or are they generic? What is this "filling" thing, aren't they prefilled?

Can I buy the 510 starter kit at a store or tobacco shop? Thank you in advance,

 

[calico21]

You can buy them either empty or prefilled...you can buy them in a store if you know of one around you but will most likely pay twice as much as on-line. You will need to buy a kind that matches the threading of whatever model you buy, 510 pv needs 510 carto's. Unless you buy an adapter but why bother if you don't need to.
P.S.- Yes go with manual, better on demand hit and more protected from accidental leaks.

 

[Iusedtoanalog]

Hi Snowdove, Totally Wicked has or had a Vapers Lounge In Bradenton ,Untitled Document, those are the tow that i can find, as far as equipment is concerned i agree with your post that 510 threaded equipment is one of if not the most versatile places to begin. I would recommend picking up a larger battery than a standard 510.... more like the eGo..... give these guys a call, jump into the car and go down if you have the opportunity. Good Luck. Happy Vaping.

 

[swedishfish]

It seems strange to me to order online too but it really works out for me. Prices are good and shipping is super fast. Don't have to leave the house.

You can try this- I'm not sure how up to date it is
VaporSearchUSA

 

[Retriever]

Maybe this info will help: Beginners E-Cig Tutorial

 

[Lex0r]

Hi Snowdove, welcome to ECF! The important thing to do when deciding what PV to try, and when reading the forums is to be patient and gather as much info as you can. Everyone here is extremely helpful, so never hesitate to keep asking questions. You are correct in saying that a 510 system is a good start. I would suggest purchasing a 510 starter kit, which comes with everything you'll need. You can either use an atomizer&tank (liquid filled cartridge attached to a heating element) system or a carto (cartomizer) system, in which the liquid is put directly into the carto, because they use the same batteries. If you buy a starter kit, make sure you learn how to use it, and read more than you think is enough about it. Lastly, you'll need to buy some juice. There are literally hundreds of vendors. I suggest Backwoods Brew, Vermillion River, and Highbrow. On their websites you can order some samples of liquid. Try 80% PG/20% VG blend at 18mg (nicotine level) for starters. Keep reading and asking questions. Good luck!

 

[bigtiime]

Welcome Snowdove! These guys are in Tampa. Not sure if they have a brick and morter there but here's their website. GatorVapor.com You've done the right thing by coming here. ECF has many very knowledgeable people that are able to walk you through any bump that you might encounter along the way. All you have to do is ask.

 

[brandontrjn]

You seem like you have a little anxiety! You can buy things locally but it usually costs more. I only use autos (I like to have my hands free). But manuals work better for some people.

Keep in mind that your preference for a PV will change over time. It's guaranteed that the first thing you order you'll probably like but in 2 months you'll want something bigger, smaller or different color etc.

Once you get your first kit, you'll be able to evaluate it and decide what you want that's different or will work better for you.

Good luck!

 

[noval]

I was in the same situation as you 3 months ago. Wanted to quit smoking, but I loved it. Was confused by all this ecig stuff. I kept smoking until I had my kits, then spent about a week transitioning and haven't gone back.

There is no easy answer. Read, read, read. This forum post was what gave me the best info.

 

[noval]

Sorry, one more thing. This post really helped me decide what to get. Once you start ordering online it will become natural. To start with, stick with vendors that are in the ECF vendor list. Then branch out after you have more experience and know what you want.

Good luck.

 

[SCTony]

I would definitely recommend using one of the ECF registered vendors Forum Suppliers List if you purchase online.

oh, and Welcome to ECF!

 

[swedishfish]

Yes, try with a starter kit from any good company. Soon you will learn a lot about different types of flavors, batteries, cartridges, etc. It can get overwhelming initially but you can also go to: Best Electronic Cigarette Reviews - Top E-cig Brands Compared or Electronic Cigarette Reviews & 2012 e-Cigarette Comparison Guide to read reviews on top brands in the market. There is a link on the 2nd website that tells which cartridges are compatible with different batteries: Electronic Cigarette Compatibility - Which Vapor Cigs are Interchangeable

Might help...

No offense, but that list is something else. They're recommending a $300 white cloud? Please.

Stick to the registered vendors here on ECF. They're the ony ones I deal with.

 

[mkchunn]

Welcome Snowdove!

I agree with swedishfish about the whole online ordering thing. At first I was a little anxious but after I started placing my orders I was pleasantly surprised with the vendors. I usually place my orders about a week in advance so that I dont run the risk of running out of liquid, cartos, etc. etc..

The 510 threading will give you the most versatility as far as buying accessories. As far as the manual or automatic battery selection that really depends on what you would prefer, the manual batteries give you a little more control of your vape. Good luck and once again welcome!

 

[dearme]

OK, just a little clarification.......If you are talking about a slim ecig, which is what most mall kiosks, and maybe local tobacco shops, sell to beginners, almost always come with carts. These carts are filled with eliquid and then pushed on an atomizer which is then screwed onto a battery. This a 3 piece ecig and can come with either an auto or manual battery (manual is better because the risk is smaller of ruining the battery with leaking juice). This size battery is usually only 180 mah and will only last 1 to 2 hours on a charge depending on how much you vape. You can buy cartomizers (which is an atty and cart combined and screws into the battery--this is a 2 piece ecig) to use with this ecig instead of carts (which often leak and are very inconvenient to use). If you buy cartos for a slim 510, you have to use SR cartos, 3.0 ohms, and NOT LR cartos, 2.0 ohms, which will ruin your battery. So carts are cartridges and cartos are attys and carts combined. I think a lot of new members get confused between the two.

Sometimes when people refer to a 510, which is basically just the threading, they really mean something about the size of a sharpie. Some of these ecigs are Ego, Kgo, ePower, Riva, etc. The batteries for these can be anywhere from 450 mah to 1100 mah. The bigger the battery mah, the longer you can vape before needing to recharge. (Bigger is always much better because it also gives you more options when you want to experiment with different bits and pieces). These ecigs can use LR cartos.

Most old members do not recommend starting with a slim ecig because you will very shortly outgrow it, and it will be a waste of money in your vaping journey.

 

[wiity36]

I have to agree with swedishfish on this one! Stick to the forum vendors! Keep it simple for yourself and buy a mod with a good battery life and a 510 thread. I had to edit this post because I realized that I have a suggestion...here is a vendor that I think has what you might be looking for.
http://www.vaperite.com/store/e-cig-hardwaremods/details/573/1/e-cig-kits/ego-dual-carto-case-kit
I use them and have never encountered any issues with them.
Also here is where I get my juice and they are a forum vendor.
http://www.halocigs.com/e-liquid/eliquid.html

 

[Snowdove]

You seem like you have a little anxiety!

Yes I do! LOL I'm beginning Day 3 on the patch and anxiety is an understatement. I guess I was smoking too much for the patch to be as effective as I wanted it to be.

I'm still very confused. One of the reason I want a brick and mortar store I can go to is so that someone can show me how these are used. I'm a quick study but can't seem to grasp this by reading, for some reason. The more I read, the more questions I have. If I have to order online... what is the typical amount you guys buy in advance? Is it truly less expensive than smoking? It doesn't sound like it, the more I read.

Maybe I'll go scour YouTube and see if I can find videos. The ones I found here said they were removed.

THANK YOU so much for all your replies!! I can see you are all very helpful and supportive.

 

[SCTony]

Snow...some of the vendor sites, especially the larger ones, have videos/ info on their websites too. Look for links labeled Video/ FAQ/ Help / Support / Tutorials ... things like that. Forum Suppliers List Cheers.

 

[Ramathorn937]

im confused and new too Snowdove, but from what i've seen and been reading and watching over the past week, vaping is more expensive to start up, but once you have your setup, all you have to purchase is liquid and the occasional replacement part... i was going over some numbers with Nate on the live chat... about 15 dollars worth of liquid lasts him 2 weeks, where as 2 weeks worth of smoking for him would be about 85 bucks..

so once your set up it's going to save a ton of money, but getting started is definitely an investment.

again, i'm really really new to vaping, so correct me if im wrong.

 

[wfx]

There is no easy answer. Read, read, read. This forum post was what gave me the best info.

that is the best advice. pv tech and juice are very personal tastes.

sorry but you'll need to experiment a bit. this isn't as easy as picking your brand of cigs.

i still recommend starting with 808 minis (bloog, volt, etc).

 

[AttyPops]

Hey. I know. Having a shop near you is a security blanket of sorts. Even if you're on the patch, there's always a pharmacy around... but what about e-cigs?

1) There are disposable e-cigs if you get into a bind. Like at 7-11, or Walmart.
2) Assuming you get into the mode of filling your own, you can "stock up".
3) There are more brick and mortar e-cig stores popping up every day.

Using bottled e-juice will save you $$$ over buying pre-filled (and often nasty) cartos. The e-juice lasts in the fridge for a long time (months to years). I often buy every 3 months when there is a sale.

There's a ton of youtube stuff (some of it is actually really good). The quantity for ordering is a little more complex since you may not know what you like yet. There are many vendors (see approved list on front page) wher you can order SAMPLES and COMBO TRIAL PACKS. Once you find one or two juices you like, order them in 30ml containers. Now, I can't say for you specifically, but most people plan on 3 ml +/- per day. Depends on how much you puff.

Good Luck!