I'm not a mechanic! I just want a product that works!!!

[Chris Macy]

I'm new at this, admittedly, but I'm having nothing but trouble.

The batteries get clogged; the cartomizers frequently don't work and support from whomever you buy them is nearly non-existent! V4L keep sending me links to videos & I'm on dial-up! Have any idea how damn long it takes a video to download on dial-up?

I've spent nearly $200 the first month on chargers, adapters, batteries, USB pass-through, cartomizers, etc. I started out with 2 batteries and one USB passthrough and supplemented those with a third battery almost immediately; after, 25 days, I'm now down to ONE battery and the USB passthrough. When those stop working, I'll have no choice but to return to smoking cigarettes.

These companies are really eager to sell their products, but they don't tell you how complicated they are to use.

Apparently, not only do you have to clean your batteries regularly (daily, weekly? beats me!), but you need to practically be a mechanic in order to determine whatever the problem is when you aren't getting the vapor you should from the product!

At these prices, is it too much to ask that they sell you a product that actually works?

I don't tune up my own car; I don't change my own tires and I certainly don't want to have to learn quantum physics in order to vape.

 

[4mehealth]

Sorry I can't be of much help. Aside from videos, ask questions here?

If you want another go 'round at this, might I recommend you look at manual batteries? (I'm assuming that what you've got are auto's).

My opinion is that the easiest thing to use out there is the eGo-T (and its variants/ clones). While not ciggy like in shape, and the flavor is muted, what I've found is it's the easiest thing to use. The tank holds a ml or 2, that should last you a little while. And refilling it is pretty easy. One caveat is that the tank may leak. I haven't experienced it myself.

That or start dripping. Although that can get tedious at times.

 

[db13berry]

I'm new at this, admittedly, but I'm having nothing but trouble.

The batteries get clogged; the cartomizers frequently don't work and support from whomever you buy them is nearly non-existent! V4L keep sending me links to videos & I'm on dial-up! Have any idea how damn long it takes a video to download on dial-up?

I've spent nearly $200 the first month on chargers, adapters, batteries, USB pass-through, cartomizers, etc. I started out with 2 batteries and one USB passthrough and supplemented those with a third battery almost immediately; after, 25 days, I'm now down to ONE battery and the USB passthrough. When those stop working, I'll have no choice but to return to smoking cigarettes.

These companies are really eager to sell their products, but they don't tell you how complicated they are to use.

Apparently, not only do you have to clean your batteries regularly (daily, weekly? beats me!), but you need to practically be a mechanic in order to determine whatever the problem is when you aren't getting the vapor you should from the product!

At these prices, is it too much to ask that they sell you a product that actually works?

I don't tune up my own car; I don't change my own tires and I certainly don't want to have to learn quantum physics in order to vape.

Can you tell us a little more about what you are using? What batteries, etc.
Sorry you are having troubles. Just a little more info, and maybe we can help you.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

Welcome to ECF! No quantum physics are required here.

Yes, you should perform maintenance on your batteries, but this is as easy as taking a dry paper towel and wiping off the connections on both the battery and the charger. Takes less than a couple of minutes and I do this every time before I charge them.

Are you using automatic batteries or manuals?

Are you using prefilled cartos or are you filling them yourself?

We need to know these things before we can really help you.

 

[dormouse]

Are you buying auto batteries? Buy manual batteries - auto batteries can be much more easily killed by juice leaks on the end of the battery. Make sure the threaded end of your battery is dry and clean every time before you put it in a charger. I have been using the same Vapor4Life manual batteries for 4 months. If you want cheaper batteries go to LiteCigUSA.net - they have black (and maybe steel?) manual standard KR808D-1 batteries for $10 each and cheap shipping.

Never screw a battery into a charger harder than necessary. That can press the center circular pole of the battery in further and and then the pole might not reach the pole of a cartomizer and cause no electrical connection.

Here is the Vapor4Life forum including a brief illustrated guide. I agree with you about instructions. I gave them crap about sending out starter kits with no instructions.
Vapor4Life

But what you have is the simplest e-cigarette.

 

[Hoosier]

I'm assuming automatic batteries? (No button)

The issues with auto-batt's is the main reason most will recommend a manual battery over the objections like, "it won't be like smoking if I'm pressing a button."

So, like others have said, details, details, the more details you give, the more folks can help.

 

[CBB]

Really sorry to hear about your problems.

Auto batteries do seem good because they do more closely simulate cigarette smoking, but they do have issues when it comes to problems caused by fluid. Dormouse will come along eventually and explain that auto batteries are the devil. As for steps to try and prevent battery damage always make sure the threads are clean and dry before placing your cartomizer on a battery.

I believe KR808D-1 cartos do have a clear through air channel, so holding it up to a light and looking through the center to make sure you can see through it is a good idea as well. If you can't see through a carto cover the threaded end with a tissue and blow through it then dab inside the threaded end to clean any juice which may be in it.


That mouse is quick.

 

[4mehealth]

That mouse is quick.

I think that mouse sits and waits for battery issues and just does a "ctrl-v".

No offense mouse, just a little fun at your quickness.

 

[stillalive]

pushing the button becomes 2nd nature really easily, and according to others it's eventually actually more like smoking because you immediately get the vapor, rather than sucking away for a few seconds to activate the battery.

I started out with auto batteries too and I way prefer the manual batteries! They make life so much simpler!

 

[uba egar320]

I think that mouse sits and waits for battery issues and just does a "ctrl-v".

No offense mouse, just a little fun at your quickness.

Shhhhhh! The mouse is everywhere.

 

[mwa102464]

@ = Chris Macy,

If your looking for a really super nice Auto Batt system the new Echo Batts and especially Cartos are excellent. The Echo is a total no fuss no muss fill 3ml's in the carto and GO, it will last you all day unless you use ore than 3ml's then you just top off again. Check em out when you get a chance over @ www dot cropduster901 dot com Ive used lots of different Batts and many Auto's and these Auto's run better than any others I have used and they are very good, they also don't fire up with any noise or movement in the shirt pocket you have to take a pull ( Draw ) for it to fire.

 

[MickeyRat]

Sorry about your problems but, this technology is pretty new and it's not perfected. There is a learning curve involved we can help you through but, we can't remove it. If you tell us the exact problem you are having, we'll try to help.

 

[Vapian]

... The batteries get clogged; the cartomizers frequently don't work... Have any idea how damn long it takes a video to download on dial-up?... These companies are really eager to sell their products, but they don't tell you how complicated they are to use... you need to practically be a mechanic...

I've been vaping for one month tomorrow and will not bother to state specifically how much time I've spent researching, money I've spent getting started, or time spent trying this or that or the other thing... even being a retired Submariner, Navy Chief and a gadget freak to boot -- that is to say, not one to shy away from inherent complexity -- it has been VERY surprising how difficult it's been to get good, solid information and hardware to get started. So I've felt this pain, but one of the ones likely to push past it to get to the goal.

I think you're absolutely right. It's a flipping mess out there with lots of options, almost too much information to make a good decision on your first steps, lots of matters of taste and technique, and it's way too easy for a bad initial purchase to snowball into an (initially) expensive and frustrating experience.

While I haven't really had any physical craving for cigarettes, I have dang well missed the simplicity of a box of smokes and a lighter!

Designers and Engineers, e-Cig / PV manufacturers, take note: that is your "UI" standard. A pack of smokes and a lighter. The first one of you that creates a system as simple to use as that, with extremely easy, well-documented use and maintenance, at no more than the long-term cost, and with the option of all the wonderful juice flavors out there, could not only rake in but also keep the "former smokers/ new vapers" market and make a mint.

(Hard core enthusiasts, I have nothing against you and do not fret; as with any endeavor, there will always be room for your plan to turn that space heater into the world's most awesome whole-house PV... it's just not for all of us. Peace. )

All of that said, despite the early frustration and sometimes overly complex setup/operation/maintenance of today's eCigs/PVs, I must tell you Chris... it's worth it. It's worth the effort. Really, it is.

It's worth it to me to wake up without my mouth tasting like sulfur. It's worth it to me every time my wife kisses me without hesitating, without wrinkling her nose and muttering "phew!" under her breath. It's worth it to me for the better sleep I get since I no longer stop breathing from time to time at night... that I don't have to make sure that I have a pack of gum or mints with me all the time... my hands actually feel I warm again... don't have to worry about making sure to stay down-wind of others when I "light up"... for the fact that I no longer get a runner's high from two flights of stairs.

Take a deep breath and accept that, for now, going from Smoking to Vaping is lot like going from any "casual" activity to becoming a hobbyist. While this isn't a perfect analogy, making any casual activity (smoking) into a hobby (vaping) almost always involves taking the time to learn more about what you're doing, some cost as you acquire more materials or items, some frustration as you learn the things that do and don't work well for you, and certainly more time as one learns more about it and hones the skills needed to partake in it.

The big difference in our case is that our casual activity was killing us. Our new hobby will not.

Unless, perhaps, you really get to the point of wanting to build that whole-house PV... no good can come of that. Just sayin'.

Being well beyond the point of TLNR, the last thing I'll recommend is that if the Internet is a big bottleneck for you, try spending part of a day using one at the local library, or if you have a laptop spend a while at a coffee shop or some place with free Wi-fi, and see if you can't dig up more if the info you need to get where you need to be.

I wish you EVERY success in going the distance and sticking with it!

 

[alekos557]

I am also a newby,(who also lives in nevada) I have had an excellent purchase with "myPVshop.com". I purchased a FS EGO with manual batteries. 1st off they answer the phone during business hours, I had a lot of questions and they never lost patience with me.
Don't give up

 

[bwood12043]

Sorry about the issues you are having. I remember them well, and the frustration, but with perseverance, you can overcome them. Give us all the information you can, and I am sure we can help.

Some of us have a lot of experience with PV's and can help you get through the issues. All of us needed help in the beginning and still do with new equipment coming out every week.

This is a wonderful community of very giving users and if given the information about what you are using and what problems you are having, help can be had for the asking.

It does sound as if you are using auto batteries, and most here will tell you that "sticky" batteries are the main reason most users migrate to a manual battery. I wish you all the best in your vaping adventure and don't hesitate to ask any question.

 

[Eddie.Willers]

I'll add to everything, as a fellow noob, that has been said already...
1. Hang in there - it gets better.
2. There are new things to learn and new things to try - enjoy!
3. The technology is recent and still being improved.
4. There's a ton of useful information here on ECF and lots of helpful folks...but to answer the question, one needs information!

Oh, and welcome to ECF!

 

[makinmoney3385]

You may wanna check out nosmokeva.com I have had nothing but good experience with them. Jimi the owner even answered his phone at 11pm at night. All of their products are guarenteed for life except cartomizers. Ive had a few mechanical issues with my 510 but they have replaced parts no questions asked.

 

[Iffy]

I was gonna be sarcastic and tell ya to go with analogs... but I just can't do that (41 days t'bac free).

Even with over a month in and vaping an enjoyable PV (eGo Mega, carts & cartos), I do find myself messing up occasionally. I know when I'm doin' the max vape and what I did to get there. But I find that there are times when I'm in da 'pull cig, pull hard, max refill' mode. That's when I mess up and get the flooding, dry pull or ingest ejuice.

The ecig is more like pipe smoking with the required attention to the 'system'. I'm sure at some point in the future, the ecig industry will come close the the 'Bic 'n flick' operation. Until then, I'll gladly 'suffer' the procedures!

Hang in dere...

 

[Noodoggy]

try the epower from gotvapes or madvapes. its got what i have seen is the best of most worlds for a reasonable price. and parts are rather cheap and interchangeable and its upgradeable <--the best part! do some research on it. and may your vaping be long lasting.

 

[keyzygirl]

You shoulda been here 2 years ago before it got easy.We were like lab rats,LOL!!