it sucks still being so confused..

[comeonhitme]

So I've been vaping for a little over a month now. Read threads, watch videos, getting experience through vaping. Absolutely love my Volt kit so far. Have 3 batteries and started with the pre-filled carts. That got old real fast and ordered juices from a few vendors and some blank carts so I could start refilling my juices. I like it and have been happy with this method, filling blank carts and then dripping some juice in them to keep them saturated with juice.

But I think just the idea of so many different products and ways to vape still really overwhelms me. And I see all the new products SI is coming out with and has to offer and I dont know if I should order some to try out or not. It confusing...I dont what is the most cost efficient, what is the biggest pain to maintain and clean, or what is the most enjoyable way to vape. Sometimes I feel, actually I know, that I'm missing out on a lot of stuff when vaping. Like I said my entire vaping world right now consists of standard Volt batteries, blank cartos, and juice.

What about the X2s, the clearomizers, fluxomizers, the new CE things SI is coming out with, and everything else.

I dont want to sound like I dont know what Im doing sometimes its just frustrating trying to figure out what I should consider getting or spend some money on. And I dont even want to start talking about 510s or egos or joyes and all the other stuff people always talk about.

It sucks being confused... I need some help

 

[Mroutlaw]

Check out this video I recently put up. It goes over all the different devices.

IMHO, the ce3 is the best, especially for the batteries you have. You can see how much juice you have. No need to constantly top it off. Better vapor and better flavor. holds more juice. On the video, I refer to them as the Phoenix because I made the video before SI said they were getting them.

The only difference between the x2 and the standard volt battery is howmlongmot gos between charges and it has a longer cutoff time. Personally, I don't need a 12 second cutoff. 7 seconds is fine for me


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKN6MV5inJk

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Baditude]

You sound pretty typical to me. All of us have to start out vaping somewhere and somehow. Most of us start on what I like to call the smaller cig-alikes with pre-filled cartos. These are the 78mm Volts.. The next step is getting blank cartos and filling them with a juice (or 2 or 3) that we are probably comfortable buying in a bottle. Sounds like you are here now.

There are a lot of people who are content at this level. Maybe they prefer the smaller devices because they remind them of their old analogs or they are more comfortable being seen in public with a cig-alike or they like the smaller size because of their portability in a pocket or purse. Others may tire of needing to carry multiple batteries, a charger and cartos everywhere. Essentially these people are looking for longer battery life between charging and larger juice carriers to avoid needing to carry a juice bottle or multiple cartos.

So, the next step is usually the Ego sized battery; Smokeless Image's Volt X2 falls into this mid-level of vaping. Battery life is increased from 2-3 hours to 12-16 (depending upon the mAh of battery). E-juice containers increase from the 1 ml cartos to the 1.5ml to 2.5ml clearomizers (other devices like these available). These devices are still very much pocketable; about the size of a cigar analog. The highest percentage of vapors use this type or similar device.

Still some vapors are unsatisfied, still searching for "something better". This category of devices is often referred to as "mods" or APV's (for advanced personal vaporizers). These units provide for even longer battery life (10hrs to 2 days) and even larger e-juice carriers (I have a couple of 7 ml tanks and several 3.5 - 6 ml tanks). Some of these mods allow for higher voltage than the typical 3.7 devices. "Higher voltage" vaporizers produce more throat hit and vapor than the 3.7 volt units, and can enhance the flavor of many e-juices.

Not sure if this info helps you at all. My above rant was an attempt to lessen your concern of confusion at this stage of your vaping journey. You're doing fine. Bottom line is to do what is best for you to stay off of cigarettes.

 

[kia2]

Damn I hate my machine sometimes. Take two...

First thing I'm going to say is - Don't worry!

You've been off tobacco cigarettes for just over a month, now. Man, that is awesome! You need to be proud of yourself, because you've made it through the first hurdle - building a new habit that doesn't include tobacco. So, you had better be patting yourself on the back for that one. You're already healthier, and so is your family and so are your friends, physically and mentally. I'm proud of you!

Ok, you're happy with the regular batteries, filling and dripping cartos. That's great! You do not have to worry about moving on until - and if - you feel you are ready to do so. Don't worry about all the different things you hear about, as long as you're satisfied with where you are.

Nonetheless, let's look at SI and the direction SI is going.

First, 510's are also minis (cigarette lookalikes). They have a different threading, and many use 3 parts instead of two - atomizer, carto with liquid and battery. Not much different than the 808, which is what SI regular batteries are. The 808 has different threading than the 510, and combines the atomizer and carto with liquid for one piece and the battery as the second. I find the 808 more convenient, and quality wise, I find SI to above any of the others I've tried (I've had four other 808 batteries). I tried the 510's early on, back in 2008. They were ok, but I didn't stick with them, they were nothing like what is available now.

eGo batteries are 510's. They have step up batteries, eGo K, etc., all with 510 threading so cartos and accessories for the 510's fit their step ups. The new eGo Twist is a variable volt battery which is larger still, and still using 510 threading.

SI regular batteries are 808's. SI just came out with their first step up battery, the X2, also with 808 threading so you can use the accessories and cartos from your regular batteries on the X2. Now, the X2 are fixed voltage batteries, but come in three different powers, 650mAh, 900, and 1300. All are 808 threaded. Now, regular cartos will work on them, but I find the XL cartos to be slightly better. They hold just a little more liquid than the regular cartos and seem better suited for the power of the X2. I use XL cartos primarily at this time on my X2 batteries.

I will be trying one of the improved tank cartos - the clearomizer - on my X2 soon. The first run weren't so good. Anyway, this "tank" holds a lot more liquid and isn't encumbered by the filler material in cartos, and it is transparent (or clear) so you can see how much liquid you have remaining. The clearos use a wicking system, and SI continues to try and improve it with customer feedback (that's customer service). The new clearos that just came out also have a better construction, so certain acidic liquid no longer melt and crack the plastic causing leakage. These clears are best used on the X2; however, they can be used on the regular batteries, but they look pretty funny and maybe aren't giving the best flavor for the buck on the regular battery. The clearos are filled using the drip method.

Next, we have the new CE3's coming out. We've recently found that CE stands for "cartomizer edition." Remember, everyone is trying to improve on the vape, so there are going to be new innovations as we go. The CE is a clear cartomizer, again without the filler, and longer than the XL cartos, and again is for a better flavor and vape on the batteries. Another "tank carto." The CE's are great because they are filled from the top, upside down, and vertically with a syringe that creates a vacuum in the carto and prevents leaks. It also finds a way to give more flavor to the liquid and a better vape. I like the CE's better than I do the clearomizers. I'm waiting to get any more until SI's hit the website. The Phoenix by GotVapes was the first of these new CE3's to come out, and paved the way for SI to make improvements and launch their own version (SI will be coming out with a syringeless filler CE in the future). Fluxomizers fall in here too.

SI basically is coming out with things a little later than some, but remember they are 808's instead of 510's (510's having been around longer), and they have the advantage in that they can see what has failed the other companies before producing hopefully a better product themselves. Also, as with the new X2 carry case coming out, they are using their customers' feedback (us) to determine the direction they want to go with their product line, and SI has pretty much stated they plan to stay with the "starter" 808 style equipment, and don't really see coming out with variable voltage mods or such above the X2. eGo is the most recognizable brand going onward and upward. So, if you ever outgrow SI, then you can start looking at the eGo and other much more fancy mods. Keep in mind who is producing them and with what results. Expanding into homemade mods is tricky business, be sure to gather as much information as you can before making that first jump. Also, there is an 808 to 510 adapter available that will allow you to use 510 cartos and tanks on the 808 batteries, so you can experiment in that fashion as well.

Anyway, I hope I've helped a little.

Main thing is, be proud of yourself, and move at a pace that satisfies YOU, and no one else. Not me, not Imagine, not any of the other folks here or on ECF. Go at your pace.

For myself, I'm still using the regular 65mm and 78mm batteries, and I plan to keep using them as well as my X2 batteries. I love the performance of both, I like all the accessories SI offers, I like where they are and where they are going, and I'll explore new products as they are introduced. My SI 808's will be with me for a very long time.

Liquids - well, SI is first to tell you they are in the hardware business more than the liquid business. Explore to your heart's content, be sure to get samples before ordering full bottles from any vendor (and it doesn't hurt to look for coupon codes, too!).

Keep asking questions. We will be here for you.

 

[wendallb]

If what you are doing works for you and you are happy with then leave it alone...

If it ain't broke don't fix it ya know..Just sayin

You can spend a ton of money on this stuff but if it working for you why spend the money?

Yes, I am a tight wad..

 

[octa]

X2 + CE = most cost-effective & enjoyable solution I've found.

if I win the lottery I'll try an Orion V2: REVIEW OF THE ORION V2 ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE - YouTube
(check out the killer vape rings this guy puffs at 12 minute mark!)

til then, X2 + CE's for me.

sounds like you are liking the filler cartos fine though. . CE's are worth a try. $11 or so for 5 CE's, that last a long time. .

-------


I do think Smokeless Image should look into releasing a variable voltage device down the road, surely a good % of their loyal customers grow curious about VV over time.

 

[awsum140]

I'll add my two cents as well. I am new to vaping and just as confused. I started with what I call a "micro", the ProSmoke, and was constantly changing cartridges, batteries or atomizers. That system is just too small. I found ECF, asked for advice, and ended up with the Volt. I swore I wanted a cigarette lookalike, but have an X2 as well. I ordered a clearomizer for fun before I bought the X2 and it seemed to work fine for me on a 78mm battery, but does look a little funny. I just don't want to be walking around using something that looks like a pressure relief valve for a high pressure steam turbine. The X2 is much bigger than a 78mm, but not all that bad, even with a clearomizer on it. I will say the vapor output and taste with a clearomizer is better than with a cartomizer, but results vary from person to person.

The bottom line is, whatever works for you is the right solution. Right now, the refilling cartomizers is working for you, and for me, for that matter. I use the X2 when around the house and my hands are free, but the 78mm with a carto is still my "go to" vaping solution for now. I'm econimocal (aka - so cheap I squeak at times) so I clean my used cartos to be able to test juices without constantly buying blank cartomizers. It works for me, but might not work for you. Just do whatever you're comfortable with, no need to rush into a custom rig for hundreds of bucks when the Volt is providing you with a way to stay off of tobacco.

 

[Stormlark]

I agree with others on here that you should move at your own pace.

I upgraded to the X2's rather quickly, because I felt the battery life on the 78mm, even with a PCC, just didn't work well for me. I quickly tired of carrying around two to three batteries, along with the PCC, and having to charge so often. After getting the X2, I was burning out my cartomizers faster, possibly because I was vaping more, I'm not really sure. Basically, the cartomizers were becoming too much of a hassle, so I upgraded to clearomizers.

It concerned me at first to have upgraded so quickly. I was worried that the upgrading would become an expensive habit, but after getting the X2 and the clearomizers, I'm quite happy. I don't currently feel the need to get anything new or different, though I'm considering trying the CE3's when SI begins to sell them. My reasoning is that the clearomizers, while pretty great, do leak sometimes (probably flooding rather than leaking, but either way, it can be an annoyance). I may get one or two CE3's to see if they work better (or a pack of 5, if that's the way they're sold).

The point is, if you're happy with your current setup, there's no need to change it. If you think you'd like longer battery life, or you get tired of filling cartomizers so often, you might want to try something different, but only if you want to.

 

[Baditude]

I agree with others on here that you should move at your own pace.

I upgraded to the X2's rather quickly, because I felt the battery life on the 78mm, even with a PCC, just didn't work well for me. I quickly tired of carrying around two to three batteries, along with the PCC, and having to charge so often. After getting the X2, I was burning out my cartomizers faster, possibly because I was vaping more, I'm not really sure. Basically, the cartomizers were becoming too much of a hassle, so I upgraded to clearomizers.

It concerned me at first to have upgraded so quickly. I was worried that the upgrading would become an expensive habit, but after getting the X2 and the clearomizers, I'm quite happy. I don't currently feel the need to get anything new or different, though I'm considering trying the CE3's when SI begins to sell them. My reasoning is that the clearomizers, while pretty great, do leak sometimes (probably flooding rather than leaking, but either way, it can be an annoyance). I may get one or two CE3's to see if they work better (or a pack of 5, if that's the way they're sold).

The point is, if you're happy with your current setup, there's no need to change it. If you think you'd like longer battery life, or you get tired of filling cartomizers so often, you might want to try something different, but only if you want to.

Hmmm. Your story sounds similar to mine, except I sort of took it to the extreme. After a fair amount of research, I got a Volt kit. I was convinced I needed cig-look-alikes, so I started out with 4 Volt 78mm batteries. I also got a 1300 X2 passthru with a few clearomizers just to try for home use. (Too big to take out of the house...lol)

Within 2 weeks, I had stopped using the smaller Volts and using the X2 exclusively. Like you, I got tired of constantly changing batteries, worrying if they were charged, did I bring enough with me, etc, etc. So, I got two more X2's, as I was loaning the smaller Volts out to friends to try out and reasonably needed backups for my single X2.

After 3 more weeks, I still wasn't totally satisfied. I wanted even longer battery life and larger juice capacity. I wanted the option of experiencing low resistance cartos or higher voltage vaping. I was no longer concerned about vaping a "larger" vaporizer in public (I found that no one really notices or pays any attention). That meant a mod and some tanks.

Now, three months into vaping and no cigarettes for the same period, I now have two mods, a Silver Bullet and a BB. I still have one of my X2's as a backup to them. I have several carto-tanks, each with their own flavor juice. Changing flavors is as easy as changing a clearo. The tanks go 1-4 wks before needing a top-off, depending how much I vape them. Each battery for the BB lasts 8-24 hrs depending upon use. Each battery for the SB lasts 16-32 hrs depending upon use. My setup was created with convenience and variety in mind, the less hassle the better. Tank vaping is what works for me.

The mods and tanks go pratically everywhere I go in these:
View attachment 116800View attachment 116801

I've come close to realizing my vaping nirvana. However, this activity has now become a hobby for me. I have about 6 favorite juices in my daily rotation, and I am always on the lookout for a new one that I might want to add to "the rotation". I justify the spending to what I would have spent on cigarettes. I realize this is not for everyone, but this is what WORKS FOR ME!!

If I didn't have the funds to upgrade, I likely could have been satisfied with three X2 passthru batteries. They are a great device, I consider these as what really helped me to quit smoking. In hindsight, knowing what I know now, I would have started out with the X2's, and honestly advise any new vapor to go straight to these and not even bother with the cig-look-alikes. However, I totally understand that not many new vapors are comfortable with the larger vaporizers, especially in public, so to each his own path to being tobacco-free.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

 

[comeonhitme]

wow. i just wanted to say that all of you are really amazing people. thanks so much for the kind words and advice. I feel alot better now. Thank you Mroutlaw, Baditude, kia2, wendallb, octa, awsum140, and Stormlark. Cant say that enough.

You guys are all right, I am happy with my setup and how everything has been going up to now. I like my progression as a vaper and where I'm at right now. Maybe in the future I will get an X2, but the 78mm batts work really well for me. I love exploring different vendors and all the flavors of juice. Its fun.

Thanks everyone

 

[Dac311]

Just to add, you really aren't missing out on anything. It's just a different way to get to the same place. Lots of people have an obsession with vape gear, as do I. It's one of the reasons I keep myself in the 808 world. The limited range of products keeps me from trying everything under the sun and infuriating my wife. I don't plan to ever enter the world of apv's. I think the most I would ever get into is the ego twist or the iTaste. But I use the x2's as I like the battery life and I use the CE3's and refilling for cost effective and flavor reasons.

 

[comeonhitme]

what battery size do you guys/gals prefer in the X2? 600, 900, or 1200?

 

[Mroutlaw]

what battery size do you guys/gals prefer in the X2? 600, 900, or 1200?

Depends on where you are using it. If you are planning on carrying it around like you would an analog, get the 650. If you are only using it I one place, like home or the office, I suggest the 1300. Now get me wrong, I like the 900, but, for $5 more you can get 4-5 hours more vaping time. That means the life of the battery is extended too. I have all 3 and find that I use the 1300 the most, followed by the 900. It's not much longer anyway. I leave my 650 for using my vivi nova since the vivi nova requires an adapter and then is long on its own.


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[comeonhitme]

i just placed an order for a 650mah battery with a clearo and some regular size and xl blank carts. i couldnt help myself. But still feel good and have been saving money compared to analogs. This whole thread made me happy and excited

 

[bjannr]

I know a guy who has been vaping for 3 years. He still uses regular 510 batteries with a PCC, and still drips onto atomizers. So if what you have works, you really aren't missing anything.

 

[JENerationX]

Everyone is right. The 78mms work and they work very very well. I got my X2s because I'm horrible at making sure I'm always constantly charging something. I have 4 X2s because I like to vape 2 juices at once (ice cream in one, root beer in the other for example). I have 2 charging and 2 vaping. I got hthe 650s because it was a big step up in size for me, and I can't imagine being away from home, work, or some kind of charger for longer than 14 hours (about what 2 batteries give me). Every time I wear down both and have to resort to a 78mm, I'm expecting a slight disappointment. Still waiting to be disappointed. I didn't NEED to step up because of performance.... just battery life.

Now I have a Zenesis mini..... which I LOVE... but my X2s and even my 78mms are still in rotation. I'm not taking a quartz tank out of the house on pavement or anywhere I may get knocked around or get drunk and drop it etc.... Again, I didn't NEED to get this thing. I love the idea of a hybrid all in one, love the way it looks, and there was an auction for a good cause so I got it. Also there's a 3ML tank on this thing. I like changing juices all the time. When I don't feel like syringing it out and refilling, I pick up an X2 and vape something else.

Vaping is an individual experience. Move at your own pace. You're not "missing" anything at all.... just different ways to get juice heated by a battery and sucked into your mouth. You work on figuring out your vaping style, and then find what makes sense for YOU.

 

[DancingHeretik]

People upgrade either because what they're using just isn't good enough or for fun.

If you're happy with what you have, there's no need to upgrade. But, it really is fun! If you're not happy with what you have, it drives you crazy and you just keep trying stuff until it works.

What surprises me is that the size of the Volt feels better (more satisfying) than anything larger. It creates more of the feeling of smoking a cigarette. I don't care what people think (up to a point). I just like the feel of it!

 

[grego66]

Some great posts and advice above.

I think you have probably hit on one of the biggest questions this community as a whole has and that's basically knowing when to draw the line. If you are at the point where you are happy and can cope with what you have then you have to decide is vaping my replacement for smoking or has vaping become my new hobby.

I was sure I was just going to use E.Cigs as a replacement for analogs but the more I see the more I want to try out. Also this is a new industry and there will always be upgrades and different hardware coming out so it is hard and could easily become a new hobby without one realising.

I have promised myself that after I try the new SI CE's that I will stop there. I will try and stop surfing the various other sites, cut out the temptation, and just bookmark the SI website and order when I need to restock.

Another thing I like about the SI site, it has a convenient reorder button, painless and quick. A new months supply of what you need is just one click away with no messing.

 

[kia2]

In answer to your question, my first X2 was the 1300. Great battery, but then I decided to try the 650. This is my X2 of choice. Fits better in my hand.

That said, it won't stop me from eventually filling a drawer with every size and color of the SI battery lineup.

 

[comeonhitme]

im gonna pee my pants imso excited to get a X2. well...i hope not, but you know what i mean. lol