Just got into "Real Vaping"

[DingerCPA]

Welcome nth and congrats on your new baby. Even more so, congrats on taking a healthier step forward so you can be around longer for that new life

Each of us travels different paths and walks in different shoes. Find the shoes that fit and travel the path that works for you. Took me 3-1/2 years, but I finally made it!

 

[Stringplucker]

Any mod that delivers variable voltage reliably and is made well (preferably stainless steel throughout) is a good mod. After that, it's up to the tank/atomizer/clearo to produce the vapor and flavor. That's when you have real vaping in progress.

Real vaping can also heat up your credit card, but so can "real smoking". I used to spend over $40 every 5 days on a carton of the cheapest brand name cigs I could find (for me and my wife). That's $240 every month. I'm saving big bucks just buying juice and atomizer coil heads as long as I don't spring for every new tank that comes out.

OK ... I'll fess up. In the last two months I've bought an Aspire Nautilus, a Kanger Aerotank Mega, and a Genesis RSST. I have to be more satisfied with what I have and stay out of the vape store. Honest, I just went in there to buy some Protank heads.

I know that feeling. I stopped in to the local B&M to try a few new premium flavors, and left with a mod, atty, 3 flavors, roll of kanthal and roughly $150 less in my account. This is why I usually send my wife to try them out and pick up juice I'd like.

 

[FinchX]

Dave, how do you like the nautilus and Aerotank Mega so far? I'm looking into purchasing one, possibly both, with my next paycheck. I've got to buy a few other things so it's still up in the air whether or not I'll get just one.

I agree with what was said above in regards to what is meant by "real vaping" that's like saying the more expensive and/or advanced your hardware is, it makes you more of an elite vaper somehow, when it doesn't mean anything more than you have a larger checkbook and more patience with some hardware than other users.

It's like what was also mentioned, a user could have a simple eGo Twist and something like an iClear 30, but if it satisfies their vaping needs then its "real vaping." That user shouldn't have to read this thread and somehow feel inferior because they don't use more advanced hardware.

Vaping is far too subjective with a much too big user base to say something like "real vaping" with any definitive meaning.

That being said, I'm honestly not sure if it was the op's intent to sound almost belittling to some vapers, and if I interpreted some of what was said wrong, then by all means please accept my deepest apologies. I get over zealous when I get the idea that someone here in the forums -MIGHT- be discouraging others. People in this community should be joining together at all costs, not arguing or being a**holes to each other.

Just yesterday I read a thread where an ECF member had been harassed by other ECF members because he'd been a hookah user before the switch to vaping rather than being a cigarette smoker and I think my blood literally boiled upon reading such nonsense.

 

[DaveP]

Dave, how do you like the nautilus and Aerotank Mega so far? I'm looking into purchasing one, possibly both, with my next paycheck. I've got to buy a few other things so it's still up in the air whether or not I'll get just one.

I agree with what was said above in regards to what is meant by "real vaping" that's like saying the more expensive and/or advanced your hardware is, it makes you more of an elite vaper somehow, when it doesn't mean anything more than you have a larger checkbook and more patience with some hardware than other users.

It's like what was also mentioned, a user could have a simple eGo Twist and something like an iClear 30, but if it satisfies their vaping needs then its "real vaping." That user shouldn't have to read this thread and somehow feel inferior because they don't use more advanced hardware.

Vaping is far too subjective with a much too big user base to say something like "real vaping" with any definitive meaning.

That being said, I'm honestly not sure if it was the op's intent to sound almost belittling to some vapers, and if I interpreted some of what was said wrong, then by all means please accept my deepest apologies. I get over zealous when I get the idea that someone here in the forums -MIGHT- be discouraging others. People in this community should be joining together at all costs, not arguing or being a**holes to each other.

Just yesterday I read a thread where an ECF member had been harassed by other ECF members because he'd been a hookah user before the switch to vaping rather than being a cigarette smoker and I think my blood literally boiled upon reading such nonsense.

The Aspire Nautilus is one of the best tanks I've vaped. It yields the true flavor of most any juice I put into it. It was great UNTIL the replacement heads started being mediocre. It's the same with the Kanger Aerotank Mega ... bad heads.

I was sure that the heads my local B&M was supplying were knockoffs. Some of them were in white boxes without the Kanger logo and correct markings. The silver solder joint where the non-resistive legs were soldered to the coil deteriorate and eventually break, leaving you with an open coil. Before that, the resistance gradually rises until you have to increase the voltage by a volt from the original starting point. That's happening with both Kanger and Aspire.

The old heads didn't have non-resistive legs soldered onto the coil ends. They would rise slightly in resistance as you vaped over several days, but the end result would only be a few tenths of an ohm increase in resistance. That was due to the post insulator grommet losing pressure against the wire from heat.

Long story short, I finally ordered some guaranteed Kanger heads from a vendor who states that they only sell original heads straight from Kanger American and Aspire. Those arrived in the correct packaging and had the same problem. I'm on my second Kanger T3S head in the Mega since last night. I haven't tried one of the new Aspire heads yet and I didn't order any dual coil Kangers this time. A good T3S head in the Aerotank Mega is a really good vape. A good dual coil head in the Nautilus is an even better vape.

The key to both is good coil heads. Right now, good ones are hard to find. My take is that since the soldered non-resistive legs started appearing, the product has gone South. These leads should be wire-welded instead of being silver soldered. The heat next to the coil is breaking down the solder connection until the leg falls off and the coil reads open. That only takes a day or so to happen.

 

[Asbestos4004]

Congrats on finding freedom from tobacco! I love my provaris and kayfuns! Its a great vape. I didn't find your post the least bit offensive and I don't really understand why anyone would.
I don't look down on anyone using a blu and I dont look up to anyone using an Otto Carter.....neither person makes me feel superior or inferior in any way. ITS VAPE GEAR!!! Good lord, we can't mention we love a ProVari because its offensive to people? I'm willing to bet these are the same people who don't want to keep score in a little league game.....

 

[lgustavus81]

I have purchased 2 of the Aspire Nautilus tanks so far and picked up the stainless steel replacement tank for one to use at work. The wife currently has the other Nautilus in her possession. It's the only tank I use on a daily basis. Looked at the Mega but didn't have the capacity of the Nautilus so I just bypassed it. The Giant is also coming out from Kanger but still a hair short on the capacity of the Nautilus

sent from my damned S4!

 

[FinchX]

The Aspire Nautilus is one of the best tanks I've vaped. It yields the true flavor of most any juice I put into it. It was great UNTIL the replacement heads started being mediocre. It's the same with the Kanger Aerotank Mega ... bad heads.

I was sure that the heads my local B&M was supplying were knockoffs. Some of them were in white boxes without the Kanger logo and correct markings. The silver solder joint where the non-resistive legs were soldered to the coil deteriorate and eventually break, leaving you with an open coil. Before that, the resistance gradually rises until you have to increase the voltage by a volt from the original starting point. That's happening with both Kanger and Aspire.

The old heads didn't have non-resistive legs soldered onto the coil ends. They would rise slightly in resistance as you vaped over several days, but the end result would only be a few tenths of an ohm increase in resistance. That was due to the post insulator grommet losing pressure against the wire from heat.

Long story short, I finally ordered some guaranteed Kanger heads from a vendor who states that they only sell original heads straight from Kanger American and Aspire. Those arrived in the correct packaging and had the same problem. I'm on my second Kanger T3S head in the Mega since last night. I haven't tried one of the new Aspire heads yet and I didn't order any dual coil Kangers this time. A good T3S head in the Aerotank Mega is a really good vape. A good dual coil head in the Nautilus is an even better vape.

The key to both is good coil heads. Right now, good ones are hard to find. My take is that since the soldered non-resistive legs started appearing, the product has gone South. These leads should be wire-welded instead of being silver soldered. The heat next to the coil is breaking down the solder connection until the leg falls off and the coils reads open. That only takes a day or so to happen.

I could very easily be talking out of my a** here, but in another thread, NathanielFT mentioned there being a difference between some of the heads for the Aerotank Mega, and mentioned specifically to look for the ones marked as "new" or "upgraded" . He found some on a site I'd never ordered from before, but then I found these from mvs and he assured me they were the newer heads

http://www.myvaporstore.com/Atomizer_Head_for_Aerotank_Mini_Aerotank_Mega_p/kratm-lsah.htm

The only problem is I don't see Kanger sending out older heads to you. Doesn't really make much sense unless they're still getting rid of the older ones I suppose, but that's unlikely. I just thought I'd mention what was told to me in the rare instance it may help.

 

[DeliciousClouds]

The key to both is good coil heads. Right now, good ones are hard to find. My take is that since the soldered non-resistive legs started appearing, the product has gone South. These leads should be wire-welded instead of being silver soldered. The heat next to the coil is breaking down the solder connection until the leg falls off and the coils reads open. That only takes a day or so to happen.

I guess I must have been lucky then, as all my genuine Kanger coils went south due to too much accumulated filth rather than them actually breaking. I got the enclosed wick coils now and the first one has been vaping like a steam train for a good few days now.

 

[FinchX]

Congrats on finding freedom from tobacco! I love my provaris and kayfuns! Its a great vape. I didn't find your post the least bit offensive and I don't really understand why anyone would.
I don't look down on anyone using a blu and I dont look up to anyone using an Otto Carter.....neither person makes me feel superior or inferior in any way. ITS VAPE GEAR!!! Good lord, we can't mention we love a ProVari because its offensive to people? I'm willing to bet these are the same people who don't want to keep score in a little league game.....

I made no attacks towards anyone. I was simply stating how it came across to me, AND apologized if I'd misinterpreted its meaning. I personally own a Provari and I'm actually buying another in 2 weeks, but I still didn't like the way the message came across, and I'm obviously not the only one.

I'm not going to argue or fight over forums, especially ECF, but not once was I rude in my post to anyone, where as your comment about little league games was not only completely uncalled for, but also a poor analogy to begin with.

Like I've already clarified (both originally and in this post) I could easily have just taken what the op said poorly and already apologized if so, but I won't be posting to this thread again if I'm going to be attacked for no reason with bad metaphors.

 

[jaxgator]

Welcome to the ECF nth0001! Congrats on the new addition to your family and quitting the analogs.

dailywalker, I already had this discussion in detail in a thread I started myself asking about high end vv mods because I plan on purchasing a new one. Even though Provape's customer service is top notch, I live in the middle of nowhere, literally, and I have no printer. So I'd have to spend the gas and drive 100 miles to the nearest town, first stop by a kinkos or something similar to print out the paperwork, then drop it off at the post office. They don't offer scheduled pickups where I live.

Another ECF member found a list of costs for repairs (I'd also need to get mine upgraded) from Provape, and if they charged me for a new circuit board and the upgrade I'd be looking at $85 on top of a LOT of gas money driving to town just to put it in the mail. It would actually almost be as cheap to buy a brand new Provari. Which is what I've decided I'm going to do rather than look around for a different mod.

Can you possibly send it to a trusted member here and have them send it in to ProVape?

Many many people use things other than the most expensive to beat cigs successfully so if your a newbie on a budget there are many options.

It's all a little daunting at first but isn't that what makes this so great? All of the varied choices available.

Personally, I was sort of like the OP. I started with a couple of ego batteries and Aspire ETS BDC's. Unlike the OP, they actually helped me quit smoking. I guess, I am one of the few that is happy to have started that way. The egos and tanks were easy. No fiddling with coils, wicks, ohm's law, etc. Just charge the battery, fill and go. For some, this is perfect. I guess I get a little OCD when I get involved with something like this. It has become a hobby without me even knowing it.

 

[Kendall]

I think everyone has a different "sweet spot" for vaping and the trick is to find that! I love my little egos and knock off protanks. (although I recently just bought a vision spinner 1300 mAh and some real protanks. Hurry up and get here! LOL) Would I love a provari more? Maybe so, but I don't have the cash to spring for one and no one around here has one so I don't know what I am missing I don't think the OP meant to insult anyone even though some were. Bottom line is, doesn't matter what type of vape gear you have as long as it keeps you off the stinkies!

oh and btw.... congrats OP!

 

[Skeebo]

So about 9 months ago, I decided to quit smoking as my wife was 7 months pregnant with our first. Let me get some background out of the way. I'm 25 and a pack a day smoker for almost a decade (I can hear you now "you weren't old enough to smoke at 15" I know, lol). I decided to go to my local "premier vape shop" and was talked into an ego and a protank. This wasn't a bad start, but after about 3 months of vaping and trying to ween myself off cigs, I said "eff vaping" :0 and started smoking cigs again. This was mainly due to the fact that after about a day, my juice that started out clear became brown and tasted burnt (I'm sure all of you know what I'm talking about). Fast forward 5 months and I decide I should really quit smoking for good. Let the research begin. This forum, that forum, youtube, and friends all had input and it was all different. Some said "just go back to your eGo" others said "you should get into RBAs/RDAs." What's an RBA? More research. I like fiddling with things so I settle on an RBA. Yesterday, I went to a new vape shop closer to where I live and they were awesome! I have a "buy once, cry once" mentality so I ended up buying a Provari (the zombie edition because...zombies, man), The Russian (not the 91% but made by the same people; its the Kayfun 3.1 clone instead of the Kayfun Lite + clone), a Stillaire, multiple batteries, a charger, and 6 different flavors of juice. So maybe I went a little overboard but hey, remember that "buy once, cry once" thing? Yea I cried a lot as my bank account was out around $400 but what a difference! Got home and built the coil for my Russian, which, by the way, most youtubers make that ..... look so easy (my first ~ 5 coils were crap), got her filled up, and started the "real" vaping experience. The tank still gurgles a bit if I don't draw hard enough on it but I'm still WAY happier with this set up than the old eGo. So, whats this post all about? Pay more at the beginning if you want to stick with vaping. You'll probably end up there anyway and for me, it has kept me cig free for close to 36 hours (which is an incredible amount of time when you're used to smoking 2 or more cigs an hour). I want to give a huge thank you to this forum's members for their advice to new people who are trying to figure this all out. Thanks and vape on!

Hey, props to you for quitting analogs. And, I am glad you found what works best for you. I've been slumming it with a MVP and various BDC coiled tanks, my best being the Nautilus-- so far I have been happy with my setups. No complaints. With that said, I do have higher aspirations for better equipment on the horizon (Kayfun, etc..).

Keep up the good work and stay off those sticks! Welcome to the forums brother.

Skeebo

 

[Kendall]

Hey, props to you for quitting analogs. And, I am glad you found what works best for you. I've been slumming it with a MVP and various BDC coiled tanks, my best being the Nautilus-- so far I have been happy with my setups. No complaints. With that said, I do have higher aspirations for better equipment on the horizon (Kayfun, etc..).

Keep up the good work and stay off those sticks! Welcome to the forums brother.

Skeebo

MVP is slumming it? That's on my wishlist! It will be mine someday LOLOLOL

 

[FinchX]

MVP is slumming it? That's on my wishlist! It will be mine someday LOLOLOL

LOL! Right on. I have a Provari (that needs upgraded and minor repairs so I'm just getting a new model) a VAMO and a Lavatube v2, but the concept of box mods like the MVP 2 is intriguing enough to me to try one. I just wish I could find what would basically be the same as the MVP 2, but allowed me to use my 18650 batteries rather than charge the device itself. So far it seems like the box mods using batteries rather than built-ins are much more advanced than what my needs are.

 

[FinchX]

I wasn't trying to offend anyone by using the term "real vaping." I was merely trying to voice my opinion that in my very little experience I hated my eGo which made me stop vaping and go back to real cigs. With my provari, I can't put it down and my vape experience is exponentially better than with my eGo. Every vaper has their own preferences and IMO, whatever works for you to keep you off real cigs (if that's your goal) is the "real vaping" experience you need.

Cheers and vape on

I meant no offense in my response to your original post to this thread, nor did I mean for it to sound like an attack by any means. Was simply saying the thread topic combined with what was mentioned could easily be misinterpreted, as it was by me the first time around.

That being said, congrats on quitting the cancerous s*** sticks, welcome to vaping, and welcome to ECF

 

[Stringplucker]

LOL! Right on. I have a Provari (that needs upgraded and minor repairs so I'm just getting a new model) a VAMO and a Lavatube v2, but the concept of box mods like the MVP 2 is intriguing enough to me to try one. I just wish I could find what would basically be the same as the MVP 2, but allowed me to use my 18650 batteries rather than charge the device itself. So far it seems like the box mods using batteries rather than built-ins are much more advanced than what my needs are.

VTR...uses batteries without being charged in the device. I almost bought one, but decided on the DNA 30 instead. My only gripe so far about the DNA is the fact that you have to remove two screws to replace the battery. I wish they would have used threaded steel inserts and thumb screws instead. I'm actually thinking of remedying that design flaw, and make it much more easy to swap batteries.

The only reason I didn't go for the VTR was that it tops out at 15 watts, and I wanted to break into sub ohming. The DNA allows that, plus is also allows lower wattage vaping so I can use my 510 clearos like the PT3 and Aspire BDC.

Another thing about the DNA I'd change is how low the watts can go. The lowest setting is 7 watts.

I just ordered another MVP v2, since it's my favorite and most used box. That will give me two in wait while I continue to use my first. The way everything is changing, who knows how long we'll have the MVP v2 available?

BTW...I credit an eGo-T and a CE4 on getting me off of cigarettes, and credit each advancing battery and clearo on keeping me off of them. The stick batteries are great for the beginner, because they are inexpensive. You can individually purchase the items that come in a kit for less than half the cost of a carton of smokes. That makes it easier to justify the purchase to those just starting off.

 

[pfaber11]

well done on the new battery holder.

 

[niczgreat]

Nah...that's just blowing clouds. Nothing wrong with it at all, but whatever works best for you.

I enjoy inhaling clouds.! Voluminous thick vapor mmm mmm good! Inhale thick voluptuous vaper, hold in lungs 10 - 20 seconds, out comes very little vapor. There is a difference between blowing clouds and inhaling clouds.

 

[dice57]

So about 9 months ago, I decided to quit smoking as my wife was 7 months pregnant with our first. Let me get some background out of the way. I'm 25 and a pack a day smoker for almost a decade (I can hear you now "you weren't old enough to smoke at 15" I know, lol).

I decided to go to my local "premier vape shop" and was talked into an ego and a protank. This wasn't a bad start, but after about 3 months of vaping and trying to ween myself off cigs, I said "eff vaping" :0 and started smoking cigs again. This was mainly due to the fact that after about a day, my juice that started out clear became brown and tasted burnt (I'm sure all of you know what I'm talking about).

Fast forward 5 months and I decide I should really quit smoking for good. Let the research begin. This forum, that forum, youtube, and friends all had input and it was all different. Some said "just go back to your eGo" others said "you should get into RBAs/RDAs." What's an RBA? More research. I like fiddling with things so I settle on an RBA.

Yesterday, I went to a new vape shop closer to where I live and they were awesome! I have a "buy once, cry once" mentality so I ended up buying a Provari (the zombie edition because...zombies, man),

The Russian (not the 91% but made by the same people; its the Kayfun 3.1 clone instead of the Kayfun Lite + clone), a Stillaire, multiple batteries, a charger, and 6 different flavors of juice. So maybe I went a little overboard but hey, remember that "buy once, cry once" thing? Yea I cried a lot as my bank account was out around $400 but what a difference! Got home and built the coil for my Russian, which, by the way, most youtubers make that ..... look so easy (my first ~ 5 coils were crap), got her filled up, and started the "real" vaping experience.

The Russian is not a clone, though it has been cloned. It was designed by part of the same team that made designed the Kayfun.

The tank still gurgles a bit if I don't draw hard enough on it but I'm still WAY happier with this set up than the old eGo.

So, whats this post all about? Pay more at the beginning if you want to stick with vaping. You'll probably end up there anyway and for me, it has kept me cig free for close to 36 hours (which is an incredible amount of time when you're used to smoking 2 or more cigs an hour). I want to give a huge thank you to this forum's members for their advice to new people who are trying to figure this all out. Thanks and vape on!

First off, welcome to the forum, and congrats on your vape, but, my goodness man, use that enter button and break your text up so it can be easily read, couldn't even begin to read it till I edited it, take pitty on us more mature readers. lol

If the Russian is gurgling on you, then you either have wicking issues still, or filled it incorrectly. The Provari and the Russian, was my first regulated combo. and stood me well through the learning trail. I still have the Russian, but have since sold the Provari.

Vape is progressive, one will never be able to convince a new person that the $400 I am holding in my hand is a damn fine price for the gear I have, and well worth the investment. Most have to start off something that is cheap before diving in.

I did the cig-a-like, then ego, P and Russian. Now have a fair collection of mechs and high amp regulated mods, and rba's for everyone. Mix DIY juice and some DIY mods. Love everything vape.

But yeah, agree that Quality gear yields the best Vape value and satisfaction.

Vape long and prosper.!!!

 

[nth0001]

First off, welcome to the forum, and congrats on your vape, but, my goodness man, use that enter button and break your text up so it can be easily read, couldn't even begin to read it till I edited it, take pitty on us more mature readers. lol

If the Russian is gurgling on you, then you either have wicking issues still, or filled it incorrectly. The Provari and the Russian, was my first regulated combo. and stood me well through the learning trail. I still have the Russian, but have since sold the Provari.

Vape is progressive, one will never be able to convince a new person that the $400 I am holding in my hand is a damn fine price for the gear I have, and well worth the investment. Most have to start off something that is cheap before diving in.

I did the cig-a-like, then ego, P and Russian. Now have a fair collection of mechs and high amp regulated mods, and rba's for everyone. Mix DIY juice and some DIY mods. Love everything vape.

But yeah, agree that Quality gear yields the best Vape value and satisfaction.

Vape long and prosper.!!!

Thanks for all the support everyone! Again, I didn't mean to sound belittling to anyone using any kind of vape gear. Like I said in my first reply, whatever keeps you off of analogs is what "real vaping" is for you and my eGo and Protank didn't work for me. Honestly, the only reason I used that term was that I was unsure of what to title my OP. I passed my first real test after quitting analogs by playing in a disc golf tournament this past weekend (almost everyone was smoking analogs) and I just kept using my vape!

Dice57, I found that I was filling incorrectly and since have fixed the gurgling issue I had. Still vaping great and I can already tell a difference in my lung capacity and sense of smell since I've been off the cancer sticks.

Thanks everyone and vape on!