Is " Start Simple" Really a Good Option for Noobs?

[fabricator4]

And with an APV they should have less trouble getting consitent results. And even if they do spring for some high end regulated contraption it is just more skin in the game. I can hear it now. "I paid $xx for this thing, by God I'm gonna use it!" Most regulated mods are still pretty much plug and play. Screw on your tank and hit the button! They come with extra features that don't have to be utilized, but can be if needed. Is there a reason to suggest an ego setup for noobs that I am overlooking?

Yes, there is. We see a lot of people come for advice that don't know a volt from a Vol-au-vent‎. To get a consistent vape from a regulated mod you do need to understand how it's all supposed to work. At least with a starter kit you get a fixed voltage battery and heads that are the right resistance to work correctly and safely. A good example is this thread just posted by a new vaper:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/488822-unexpected-quitter.html

That's the kind of experience we want newcomers to have; 10 minutes from picking up the charged battery to thinking that that this is a lifestyle change that will work for them. This approach works for anyone no matter what the level of technical experience or what their expectations are.

Now there are also plenty of people who have the basic technical knowledge and will do the research to make a regulated mod work for them from the start however even then it's not guaranteed to be an error free experience.

There's no one solution that fits everyone, however a fixed voltage ego with a decent clearo is the closest guaranteed thing. Even if they do move on to other things, this starter setup is still useful as a backup device which is a very important thing to have. Personally I'm happy recommending bottom coil devices like the Evod and T3S rather than the more pedestrian CE4/stardust which is a disposable clearomiser with questionable performance.

So... it's probably best to find out what the person wants and can deal with. For a lot of people, telling them they should get a Vamo, MPV, or even a Provari is going have them running for the hills because it's not what they think they want, and the last thing they expected was to have to learn about resistance, volts, and power output, not to mention battery safety and some way of carrying the new device they are not comfortable with. Many others go straight to regulated mods and mechanicals with either lots of reading on here or the direct help from friends, but we do have to be careful about throwing people in the deep end and recommending this option - Often "keep it simple" is the correct advice.

 

[Rabbit Chaser]

I went from a cheap eGo knockoff to a k101 dripper. I love dripping, just not convenient for work. So now I have 3 backup eGo's, the dripper and my new SiD. I love them all but if I had to "start" over again, it would still be with an eGo for ease, the dripper for flavor and the SiD for all day use with volt/watt tweaking. It's overwhelming to start - if i knew then what I know now? I would still start with the basic starter kit until I knew enough to make wise investments in higher end gear.

 

[TheVapingJester]

After reading all of those great replies, I kinda get it now. There are so many variables between devices, personal experience and preference, etc. that there will always be different advice from differnt folks regarding New Vapers. I guess I was just trying to put the idea in a box, ya know? Relly, the only thing that matters at the end of the day is your battery doesn't blow up in your face, and I have read enough here at ECF that safety is a great concern to most folks, and the options that are usually suggested are the safest options available, even though the setups will vary. Man Vap3stone, you started out on the deep end of the pool! I am very intrigued by building coils and have been recoiling my PT2 just for licks. Since mech. mods dont have them, what kind of ohm meter did you buy with your setup to test your builds?

 

[Tbaggerr]

I have been slowly converting all my friends into vapers and my experience in helping people get started is that no one's need are the same. I can generally talk them out of buying a convenience store disposable. I take them down to my local vape shop. show them some options, and together we figure out what their needs are. I have yet had a single noob want a box mod or even a 18650 mod due to it being too large and or odd shaped. Also, most people I have helped have no idea about VV/VW and the thought of throwing math at them just to have a good vape scares them away. I usually set them up with an ego (sometimes I can even talk the bold ones into a twist) but noobs are skittish and can get overwhelmed if too much information is forced upon them. The important thing is to get them vaping with something that is easy to use and understand and let them progress at their own rate. Every convert we get is another life saved and another nail in the coffin of big tobacco. Vape on!

 

[Katya]

Simple doesn't mean bad--there is good and simple.

I like to recommend vv eGo-class batteries with good heads (depending on what they are interested in trying) like simple cartos or solid clearos like the eVod. Works for a lot of people. Where they go from there is up to them. Many are happy with that setup. Vaping is not a competitive sport. The idea is to help people quit smoking and have fun in the process.

KISS

 

[SpettroJoe]

ego twist if what i usually tell friends to start with, very nice starting battery plus great even now for backup

 

[dam718]

I think the reason I always recommend starting off small is due to the fact that it requires not much knowledge of vaping to fill a clearomizer, and eGo style batteries are plug and play... It gets you off the starting block and on a path of learning about vaping, finding a juice you like, and getting advice from the old dogs around here on how to continue from there.

After your first eGo device, I usually recommend something like the Innoken iTaste VV V3, an inexpensive eGo sized VV/VW device. Something to get you on a path of learning how VV/VW APV's will change the way you vape.

At this point you've spent around $100 on devices and juice, and been vaping around a few weeks, maybe more, maybe less...

From there I say the sky is the limit... Once you figure out the basics using inexpensive devices, the world is yours to explore as you see fit.

Lots of people take gradual steps up... I did it, and overall I think it was beneficial.

I think the experimentation phase is important though. Overall, I can pretty much guarantee that you'll spend less vaping on average than you did smoking cigarettes. Unless you go absolutely nuts, that is. LoL And in the end, you'll learn exactlt what kind of juice delivery you like (clearos, cartos, dripping, etc...) and whether or not you want VW, or if VV is enough...

For a lot of folks out there, suggesting they spend $200 or more on their first device with all the accessories they'll need to get started using it is usually a pretty bold step to take. I don't want them to smoke again, so you gotta keep it cheep and simple to get them in the door.

 

[NicoHolic]

The smoking friends and family I'd like to convert would say, "YGBSM!" if I showed them a box mod with a digital display. As it is, an eGo is huge to them and filling a clearomizer way too messy and complicated. I've had zero success suggesting eGos, which is what I started with. But an eGo was size appropriate for me, coming from cigars and pipes. An eRoll would solve the size problem, but they'd say, "I gotta fill how many tiny tanks every night?" They'll never adopt vaping as a hobby, or visit ECF or a B&M.

At this point, I think I'm going to go back in time and recommend a Joyetech 510 standard manual battery starter kit ($40), with a backup 510 charger, a 5 pack of standard Boge LR 510 cartos and a drip tip. I'll set up one of the 510 cartridges and one of the cartos for them and let them do the other four of each under supervision. They can compare both delivery devices, as well as learn to drip. I think I'd rather do this than start them down the KR808 path.

In any case, I recommend they start with two 10 or 15 ml bottles of nic-appropriate juice of the same tobacco flavor, one PG based, one VG based, which gives them a chance to try various mixtures, especially 50/50.

 

[hype62]

I started with an ego c twist per the recommendation of a vape shop that I randomly walked into. Came out spending over $100 just for the twist and a tank style cartomizer. Later found out I could have gotten this set up for much much cheaper online. Felt ripped off. I was a noob and should of done my research before walking into a random vape shop. The twist was a good starter battery, nothing wrong with it. But, if I was to start over again, I would have done my research first and got a mech mod. Do your research first!

 

[JJ1977]

i have all sorts from an ego with carto's for testing, to vamo / lavatube to mvp v2. it all depends on what satisfies you as a person, i seen people with ego's and were satisfied.. personally if i was you i'd ask around everyone has a different view on what is good for them. jmho from an experienced vapor to another

 

[LordWormwood]

I am in the process of starting to Vape. I say in 'the process' due to the fact that I am looking at ePipes straight off the the cuff.... as it's the pipes and kit (attys, driptips) that attracts me. I haven't any drive to start with a Starter Kit - I totally respect why they are needed but I am hoping that I have done the research and be walking in with more of a Clue.

In saying all that I have ordered and received Alice in VapeLand sample pack - Little bit of Everything. A Sophia by Leo and a thin tank winging across from Greece and am looking at Walker Vape Stems for the driptip stem. As for the pipe mod.... that's where it's getting hazy.

The toss up is between Mythical Fabrications or Limelight Mechanicals. This is based on two key reasons, firstly being price... and this is what has ruled out ePipeMods. I understand that there is 'more' to EPM builds but I don't know if I can justify that out of the crease. Secondly is the bodyshapes - I like what LLight Mech does with the Purple Orchid and a number of the Mythical shapes.

The detractors from these two are the buttons - Mythical uses a loose button system while LLight Mech's button is aluminium (soft and scratchy).

Thoughts anyone and sorry if this is take this thread off on a side track.

Cheers,

Lord Wormwood

 

[OlDogNewTricks]

One of the biggest hurdles for many new vapers is that PVs are too big. Remember, they are used to cigarettes, small, convenient. If the PV that you recommend is large, it will most likely scare them off. It is better that they get experience with non-adjustable, small, simple device and upgrade when they want something better. Let them choose to want more. Good luck and have fun!

 

[RedNBlack]

As with anything "new", most want to go to something that is "familiar and comfortable",
and simple is always better to start.
They even dismiss the step to an eGo style battery set up, cause it does not fit
the "look" of "not smoking".
Know I did, went with a cig-a-like 510, and was ok for..........maybe a week.
Could still use it out and about with friends, but it was.......lacking.

The eGo battery, carto was a little "attention getting" at first, but the ease of use, and results were........worlds apart.

The Mod soon followed........and the "Vape Ride" moved to a different plane
Most are uncomfortable vaping with a "thermos bottle" when they first come over to the "Vape Side", but the ease of use, functionality, adaptability, and long term cost even out soon........

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.......well that's what I keep telling my better half.

 

[Train2]

A lot of good ideas here - my only addition is that you have to take into account the person asking, and address their criteria.
If they say they're looking for something "looks like a cig" you're more likely going to talk them into a Spinner than an MVP.
If they say they want SIMPLE and EASY, and "what is an Ohm, anyway?" then we shouldn't tell them to get an Mech Mod and an RBA (lol).
I often recommend an Ego-based kit, I often recommend VV, I often recommend EVOD's or MiniProTanks, I sometimes recommend a VAMO. If someone's willing to spend enough, I'd have no problem recommending a ProVari (even though I don't have one yet).

 

[riseabovethestorm]

Simple. And authentic.

 

[NicoHolic]

Simple. And authentic.

I didn't look at their shipping cost, but that is, without a doubt, the best starter kit for the price I've ever seen. It's low enough to try one to see if you like vaping, and ordering a second will give you all the backups you need, including charger. Thanks so much for posting that. I've bookmarked it for those who'd accept a cigar sized e-cog.

Do you know what the resistance of the included head is?

 

[Kaisen]

Do you know what the resistance of the included head is?

Since you'll need another in a couple weeks, just order whatever resistance you prefer in your replacement heads, right?

 

[cdsaint66]

Great post jesseakers. I went with a cigalike first, for about a week which proved to me that vaping could work for me, and then moved to an eGo style battery. I don't know if anyone would have been able to convince me that an eGo would be acceptable to me before the reality of the 510 battery life was made clear to me through personal experience. There is no way I would have gone for a box mod. I used the eGo style batteries for 6 months before upgrading to a Provari. For me the evolution was absolutely necessary.

On the other hand, My Son in Law has just started vaping (with a little guidance). I gave him an eGo I had left, and he tried it out for a week. He came back looking for something "just a little bit better" He was dead set against a box mod, but after sitting and using my MVP for a couple of hours he was sold. His was a much quicker evolution, but he has also watched my progression over the last year, and had the advantage of being able to "sample" a product without having to buy it.

As many others have said, everyone has to find what works for them. If I knew then what I know now an MVP would have been a great starter. But I didn't know it then, and had to learn for myself. I do agree though, in the right circumstances an MVP is a fantastic starter device, but for most newbies it's going to be a hard sell.

 

[klynnn]

Most new people just have to have something like a cigalike. They spend the money and then realize they aren't all that great. Usually within a month they are back here wanting to upgrade. This is just my observation on watching the forum. It's almost like a rite of passage. The better ecigs may be a little bigger but they do the job.

 

[Lombaowski]

I bought an ego-T vv upgrade kit and quit smoking the next day. Since I've added the MVP 1.5, 2.0, a Vision Spinner, an eGo Twist and a couple of other eGo batteries.

I love the MVPs, they are just great. But I still use the eGo batteries every single day, and with certain toppers they work just fine. IMO all anyone needs is a Vision Spinner or an eGo Twist and some eGo batteries, those serve the purpose of quitting smoking as well as enjoying vaping. To me it's all about the juice and it you can find something that can deliver the volts, deliver them over an extended period of time, and work well with your selected topper.

My MVPs almost vape exclusively Carto tanks, but during the day a Vision Spinner with a Protank or an EVOD is good enough for me. Outside of a REO, I just don't see this changing for me. Simple is good.