I've done my homework..now for questions

[Bahnzo]

I'll *try* (and fail) to keep this brief. I've read thru the FAQ's (great job) and many reviews, so I've got a good leg up on how to get into this.

I smoke about 1 1/2 packs a day, so the two main reason I want to get into vaping is health reasons, and cost.

I'll leave health out of this, let me ask about cost. Do you generally find a cost benefit from vaping?

Atomizers - generally how long should I expect one to last? Is it something that only lasts a couple weeks or more (which proper care and cleaning)? I noticed that one of the eGo retailers had a 6 month warranty on their atty's so that surprised me.

Now for the big question, which PV do I get? The models I read about are:

510 - Seems like the basic entry level model. But I'm concerned about the battery life. The only benefit I see is that it's cheaper to get into and is reasonably well reviewed.

eGo - This to me looks like what I'm sold on. The battery life looks great, and it seems to be very well thought of. A couple things I'm confused about (and this is with most PV's).....I'm still not sure how atty's and cartridges work. Are they interchangeable (especially with the eGO)? IE: are they standardized so that I'm not forced to by them from one supplier? It seems like the eGo uses 510 parts, so I'm guessing I can use other 510 atty's and carts?

Riva - Seems like the eGO with a better battery and maybe better constructed. And cheaper, but the only place I've seen it was a place in China. I'd rather deal with a US manufacturer/distributor.

So....I'm so far sold on the eGo. I don't want to use a cartomizer, so am I correct in the eGo doesn't use one (I want to fill these myself, lots of good options for flavors out there).

And finally, any suggestions on reliable USA distributors?

Thanks!!! I'm anxious to get started, but want to be sure I'm on the right track to get what I want before jumping in.

 

[uber]

Hello and welcome!!

I'll leave health out of this, let me ask about cost. Do you generally find a cost benefit from vaping?

After the startup cost.. you will see a benefit. Unless you are like many of us, who can't stop collecting

Atomizers - generally how long should I expect one to last? Is it something that only lasts a couple weeks or more (which proper care and cleaning)? I noticed that one of the eGo retailers had a 6 month warranty on their atty's so that surprised me.

Attys will vary. I have have used some normal 510 attys before, and lasted about a month each. Now I only us Low Resistance Attys, and getting about the same life. Some people will say a few days.. others will say a few months

510 - Seems like the basic entry level model. But I'm concerned about the battery life. The only benefit I see is that it's cheaper to get into and is reasonably well reviewed.

I tried a 510 thinking that the PCC will keep the spare battery charged, but noticed that they need to be recharged often, which got annoying.

eGo - This to me looks like what I'm sold on. The battery life looks great, and it seems to be very well thought of. A couple things I'm confused about (and this is with most PV's).....I'm still not sure how atty's and cartridges work. Are they interchangeable (especially with the eGO)? IE: are they standardized so that I'm not forced to by them from one supplier? It seems like the eGo uses 510 parts, so I'm guessing I can use other 510 atty's and carts?

I use a eGo with an LR atty. the eGo use the same atty as a 510 so they are interchangable. however, a LR atty wont work on a 510 battery (not strong enough). I can get anywhere from 7-12 hours from my eGo, depending how much I vape that day.

Riva - Seems like the eGO with a better battery and maybe better constructed. And cheaper, but the only place I've seen it was a place in China. I'd rather deal with a US manufacturer/distributor.

I hear alot of others that use this, however I have personally not. The fact that its longer is not appealing to me. I like my eGo with a shorty drip tip. Keeps it from being to long in the 5th pocket of my jeans

So....I'm so far sold on the eGo. I don't want to use a cartomizer, so am I correct in the eGo doesn't use one (I want to fill these myself, lots of good options for flavors out there).

You may find that dripping is less maintenance compared to filling carts. Dripping is where you drip 3 - 4 drops right onto the atty. You will have to drip more often than filling a cart, but I feel like you get better taste, and less maintenace.

And finally, any suggestions on reliable USA distributors?

cignot and janty USA have great eGos and juices. Im still looking for the perfect juice for myself however. Alot of choices which make it hard.

Thanks!!! I'm anxious to get started, but want to be sure I'm on the right track to get what I want before jumping in.

Good thinking.. I jumped in without doing enough research.. Bought one of the more expensive PVs, thinking more $$ the better PV. Turns out i was wrong and didn't like it. Then tried another and another.. as you can see in my sig

Good Luck!

 

[jj2]

You might actually want to do some more homework and head over to the ECF Library, and then head over to the social groups and check out ECF Library Annex.
Have fun reading---just don't forget to come up for air now and then.

As for cost, for me, in the beginning I spent more than I would have on analogs. During this time, I stocked up---probably got enough hardware socked away to last a lifetime (mine anyway). My only expense right now is the liquid but that is lower than the average Joe around here because I no longer use nicotine.

And, you ask, what I do with all the extra dough?
Well, right now I find some good deals to handout to my friends and family that still smoke.

 

[Bahnzo]

If I could ask Uber...your sig shows you and your girlfriend both have eGo's, but bought at different places....any difference there? Janty is pretty expensive.

 

[kellie]

I have the Riva which I got at vapor junction and I love it. The battery last a couple of hours longer than the ego. The button is kinda rubbery and the ego is hard plastic. The riva was $49.95 and the ego was $72 so I went with the Riva. The riva is on sale at altsmoke.com for $49.95 and the ego is on sale for $49.95 at puresmoker.com. I have the ego usb battery and it also works great but I perfer the button on my riva. Hope this helps

 

[uber]

If I could ask Uber...your sig shows you and your girlfriend both have eGo's, but bought at different places....any difference there? Janty is pretty expensive.

The only difference is the logo at the end. the Janty has the Janty logo, and the cignot has their logo on it, ( check the sites for their logos). Other than that, there are no differences. Both are several months old and going strong. I bought mine at first and wanted the longer warranty, so i went with Janty. My GF on the other hand, didn't care about the warranty and was currently in stock at Cignot.

 

[mistinthewoods]

Bahnzo. Welcome to ECF! I'd like to give you MY answers to your cost question and your Riva question.
First the cost: If you don't count the initial cost of the starter kit, attys batteries and juice end up averaging me about $30.00 to $35.00 a month. I used to spend $250.00 a month on my Benson & Hedges so, yeah, it's a little cheaper.
As for the Riva, I got mine a couple weeks ago and it's a really good PV. I have a small pile of mods (I make most of them) and it definitely holds it's own with any of the 3.7 volt mods. I don't think it's any longer than the eGo, it actually looks like a stubby cigar to me. It's very solidly built. I recommend it. Ecigsupply has them on sale right now for $48.95 which is a really good deal (I paid $16.00 more there a couple weeks ago for mine). Here's a link if you're interested. Riva Kit

 

[jimho]

I can't compare eGo to Riva but I'm quite happy with my eGo..I started with 510's and you're right skipping over them. Don't think you can go wrong with either.

You should also pick up an LR (Low Resistance) atty and as suggested, a drip tip. Once you get used to dripping it's similar to lighting a match- 3-4 drops and as uber suggested, you're good for 8-12 puffs.

Buying juice and hardware is a bit of an addiction itself- I kind of plan out my purchases so I buy more when I approach even.

Try to purchase sampler sets of juice and/or sampler sizes till you find a few that you like before buying a 30ml bottle of anything, and watch out for shipping charges....

 

[Jonmo1]

Holy Cow, I LOVE that avatar uber.
It is OOOBER cool...

I'd love to get a bumber sticker made from that...

 

[Bahnzo]

Bahnzo. Welcome to ECF! I'd like to give you MY answers to your cost question and your Riva question.
First the cost: If you don't count the initial cost of the starter kit, attys batteries and juice end up averaging me about $30.00 to $35.00 a month. I used to spend $250.00 a month on my Benson & Hedges so, yeah, it's a little cheaper.
As for the Riva, I got mine a couple weeks ago and it's a really good PV. I have a small pile of mods (I make most of them) and it definitely holds it's own with any of the 3.7 volt mods. I don't think it's any longer than the eGo, it actually looks like a stubby cigar to me. It's very solidly built. I recommend it. Ecigsupply has them on sale right now for $48.95 which is a really good deal (I paid $16.00 more there a couple weeks ago for mine). Here's a link if you're interested. <link removed>

Thanks for the info on the Riva...and the link. That's the best price I've seen for a "full" Riva so far (ie: 2attys, 2 batts, etc). So much to learn, even with all the great FAQ's and posts, it's difficult to make a choice for a first timer. I guess you kinda do the best you can and then upgrade and fool around from there.

 

[Bahnzo]

You should also pick up an LR (Low Resistance) atty and as suggested, a drip tip. Once you get used to dripping it's similar to lighting a match- 3-4 drops and as uber suggested, you're good for 8-12 puffs.

Buying juice and hardware is a bit of an addiction itself- I kind of plan out my purchases so I buy more when I approach even.

Try to purchase sampler sets of juice and/or sampler sizes till you find a few that you like before buying a 30ml bottle of anything, and watch out for shipping charges....

Yeah, if I go with the Riva/eGo, and extra 3rd battery and a LR atty will definitely be bought at the same time.

Is the drip tip just a mouthpiece the replaces the cartridge when you drip instead?

Juice is a whole 'nother issue. There's so much out there, but I really like the idea of "rolling my own" after a period. After I get used to the unit and find a couple flavors I like, I'm certainly gonna jump in the DIY juice pool.

 

[BradSmith]

Yeah, if I go with the Riva/eGo, and extra 3rd battery and a LR atty will definitely be bought at the same time.

Is the drip tip just a mouthpiece the replaces the cartridge when you drip instead?

Juice is a whole 'nother issue. There's so much out there, but I really like the idea of "rolling my own" after a period. After I get used to the unit and find a couple flavors I like, I'm certainly gonna jump in the DIY juice pool.

yes the drip tip is just used so you can drip through it to the Atty or cartomizer. Cartomizers are cheap compared with atties and the new 510 ones last a long time and with a drip tip on one you just drip a bunch into the top tap it a couple of times and you are good to go for a while.

Cignot is a great company to deal with, super fast shipping and they stand behind their products as well as having genuine Joye products that although more expensive generally seem to last longer. So even though you pay a little more up front you will probably save money in the long run. I know I am sick of killing knockoff atties.

This is a great eGo starter kit with two full e-cigs for $69 delivered. I am not affiliated with cignot in any way except as a happy customer.

Joye eGo

MadVapes is also a company that rocks they sell the hello 016 it's another eGo clone but with a 1300 mah battery it's got a super fast usb charger and it's set up with five refillable Cartomizers and 10ml of juice. for only $32.99 Their Cartomizers are great and so is their juice and prices are hard to beat the ship super fast and cheap as well.

Hello 016 Carto Kit

Again just a happy customer.

 

[stalnakerz]

Don't write off cartomizers. You can refill the empty (blanks) just as you can cartridges. It's just a different method of refilling. Cartomizers are typically used for only one flavor since you can't pull out the filling and put new in, but once you have a favorite flavor, you'll want to keep a cart/carto full of it anyway. Plus you can get a pack of 5 cartomizers for like 6-7 bucks depending on how many you buy and where from. Even if you prefer to use an atty, it's always good to have a few cartomizers around in case you fry your last atty and have to wait on shipping/ordering.

Personally think you can't go wrong with the Riva. Normal or LR, as you prefer (I prefer normal resistance as the LR's seem to get too hot to me, at least the vapor seems to be much warmer than normals).

 

[Bahnzo]

Don't write off cartomizers. You can refill the empty (blanks) just as you can cartridges. It's just a different method of refilling. Cartomizers are typically used for only one flavor since you can't pull out the filling and put new in, but once you have a favorite flavor, you'll want to keep a cart/carto full of it anyway. Plus you can get a pack of 5 cartomizers for like 6-7 bucks depending on how many you buy and where from. Even if you prefer to use an atty, it's always good to have a few cartomizers around in case you fry your last atty and have to wait on shipping/ordering.

Ahh ok...again another instance where I just need to use something and then try other things as I get more informed.

 

[iRouli]

Then there's the new Edition 2 cartos discussed in several threads.

I'd post the link, but I can't. Even though it's a link to another ECF post.

 

[Bahnzo]

Alright...I went ahead and bought the Riva from the link mistinthewoods posted above, along with a LR Atty and a 3rd battery. I then bought an assortment of juice from RockyMoutainVapors (They are close by, so am interested in how quick they can ship....with good prices on liquid and in the same state I'm hoping they will work well for me).

The waiting is the hardest part......

Another thing that I haven't though to check...juice and supplies from local cig stores...is that common/uncommon? Seems that should be a no-brainer for them as demand and use grows.....