Just venting because I'm so discouraged

[Pod_Vaper]

I've had two pod devices by one manufacturer completely die within 5 weeks, 2 devices by another leak like a sieve to the point that they're not worth using, and one that is just constant burnt pods after two fills each. I've done so much research and read reviews and thought I was buying quality stuff considering they are pod systems. I've spent hundreds of dollars on devices, pods, and juice, to the point I think my SO is ready to kill me.

I really wanted to stay as close to stealthy and "e-cig" as possible, but I can't keep replacing devices and pods. This is WAY more expensive than my smoking was. I just ordered my first starter mod and tank, but it looks like it won't be here for a few weeks. In the meantime, I'm left with one somewhat reliable, but not very flavorful pod device.

I love the flavors and feel of vaping, but I'm really starting to re-think this. What was supposed to be an effective way to quit smoking has become endless hours of research, frustration, and wasted money that I just don't have.

Is it really supposed to be THIS difficult?

 

[Topwater Elvis]

Vaping is only as difficult as you make it on yourself.
Online reviews for proprietary products & expensive low quality products can't be trusted, at all.

Starting with a simple setup is probably easier & less expensive in the long run.
Pico & nautilus2 or similar gives lots of options & room to upgrade.

If you're more interested in the pod type the MyVonErl is one I'd give a try before giving up on pods.

 

[bombastinator]

Just want to say the title left me with images of fiery exploding snowmen. Vent is just one of those words around here.

Regarding the actual issue: yes. Pod systems suck. There’s a reason few long time vapers use them.

If I personally had to stealth vape I’d go with something like a nugget or a target mini or maybe a target nano with a mtl atty. the nano with a derringer on it is probably smaller than your pod anyway, if fatter.

 

[Letitia]

Part of the vaping journey is trial and error. Just slow down on purchases and ask here from real user's about something that piques your interest before jumping .

 

[Baditude]

Topwater and I think alike.

I would recommend the MyVonErl if you wish to remain using a pod device. Keep in mind that the majority of pod systems, like cigalikes, are designed to be more expensive in the long run because they are closed systems...just what the FDA wants.

I also agree about the eLeaf Pico and Aspire Nautilus, for the same reasons that Top mentioned. Being an open system, it would give your room to grow and works out to be cheaper in the long run.


Good Starter Setups for a Beginner Vaper

 

[Mike P]

ASPIRE BREEZE.

all you need, gots two myself

 

[papergoblin]

I've had two pod devices by one manufacturer completely die within 5 weeks, 2 devices by another leak like a sieve to the point that they're not worth using, and one that is just constant burnt pods after two fills each. I've done so much research and read reviews and thought I was buying quality stuff considering they are pod systems. I've spent hundreds of dollars on devices, pods, and juice, to the point I think my SO is ready to kill me.

I really wanted to stay as close to stealthy and "e-cig" as possible, but I can't keep replacing devices and pods. This is WAY more expensive than my smoking was. I just ordered my first starter mod and tank, but it looks like it won't be here for a few weeks. In the meantime, I'm left with one somewhat reliable, but not very flavorful pod device.

I love the flavors and feel of vaping, but I'm really starting to re-think this. What was supposed to be an effective way to quit smoking has become endless hours of research, frustration, and wasted money that I just don't have.

Is it really supposed to be THIS difficult?

Get an Ego battery and a EVOD tank or CE4, cost should around $20. Pods seem great but they are just an expensive version of a cartomizer, as far as I'm concerned. Any tank that has replaceable coils is cheaper than a pod but you have to fill and clean it.

Pods sound like an easy and great thing but in reality it's a mass produced piece of plastic with a hair thin wire in it (think bargain store light bulbs).

 

[QcVaper]

Before i quit smoking, i had a week's worth of research behind me so i wouldn't go into a vape shop with 0 knowledge. I came here multiple times too for either advice or help to troubleshoot a problem.

Like someone mentionned above, don't use random reviews and NEVER use youtube as a reliable source of opinions as more often than not the "reviews" are paid for and not necessarely true. I didn't start with a pod system plainly because i rather be able to just buy juice and fill a tank than mess with pods that imho don't even produce enough vapor to satisfy my needs. Then again that's just me ymmv.

 

[Beamslider]

Possible but for the most part e-cig stealth devices don't do it for most people

 

[NeonH1]

Trial and error is key. It took 5 purchases myself to find two devices I enjoy using.

 

[stols001]

I started out with a DL setup this time around and hated it. I got a zelos setup with the N2 tank, and really enjoyed it. Pods have their advantages and disadvantages, and I personally didn't want to try one, although I understand the rationale. Pod mods do tend to be more expensive, unless filling pods yourself. Much more flexibility with more modern tank to battery setups, and many of them are topfill and quite easy to use. They are also less expensive and more flexible than AOI or pod mods. I won an AOI kit that I like quite a bit but it took a great deal of tinkering to get it vaping to my taste, due to fixed wattage. I am NOT a fan of fixed wattage.

Anna

 

[cliffy15]

Unfortunately, there are so many devices out there that finding the one that works well (or even works adequately) for you can be challenging.

I've been there. I've been trying out the REALLY early devices for awhile before finally getting to cartomizers (which is what finally performed well enough for me to stop smoking). Part of your issue just may be that your devices really are bunk.

However, with my own experience being the example, much of the time it comes down to being intimately familiar with how your device works and knowing the little tricks to making it work consistently.

I am not familiar with pod devices but here is some info that could possibly be relevant.

1. Don't focus on flavor. Does your mod produce satisfactory vapor? Meaning that it doesn't choke you or smell/taste burnt. If it tastes/smells burnt or the flavor is so harsh that it is uncomfortable to use, the liquid isn't getting properly delivered to the heating element. Many times with replaceable heads/wicks once your consumable is burnt you're better off replacing the head/pod.

2. If your device/pod leaks are you correctly installing the components or is it a device malfunction? Many vaping devices leak when inverted or in certain positions.
Sometimes it is unavoidable even with proper use.

3. Spend some time to learn to peculiarities of your device. For example, if you have to fill a reservoir, vaping immediately after filling may not give enough time for the liquid to get to your coil. Taking multiple hits without letting to liquid get back to the coil may also have the same effects (not sure if this applies to you).

I'm not ruling out that your devices might just be bunk/lemons and you shouldn't either. Experience with other smokers/vapers also lends me to believe that most don't achieve smoking cessation with the products you describe - usually those products are the start into something more advanced that eventually leads to satisfaction with vaping over smoking.

I'd recommend a cheap regulated mod - whether it's a pen style or something else - paired with a basic atomizer/clearomizer (not a "rebuildable" but something that uses pre-made, replaceable heads). Separating the function of mod and atomizer will give you more options for things that you can try (i.e. - you could have one mod that is useful over a variety of atmomizers).

Edit: I don't know if your SO has ever been a smoker but if he/she has he/she will probably know how difficult of a habit to kick it is. Vaping tends to have a high-ish starting cost (to find what works for you) but is usually quite a bit cheaper in the long-run (depending on what you like to vape, how-often, how much you use consumables vs rebuildables, etc). In the end vaping is definitely better than smoking so hopefully you get proper support there.

On the other hand, if vaping becomes as much of a hobby as it has for some of us then it might not actually be cheaper. Heh. When I quit smoking ... somewhere around 6 years ago ... I was spending $350-$400 per month on cigarettes. If I look at all the vaping, and vaping-related, things i have purchased over that same time period (some of them quite expensive) the cost savings is huge.

Don't give up!

 

[retired1]

Pod systems suck.

Not necessarily. I've pretty much gone to a pod system during the day and the one I'm using is rather nice. No issues at all. Been using it for the better part of 8 months now and just snagged a backup for those "just in case" moments.

 

[r77r7r]

Not necessarily. I've pretty much gone to a pod system during the day and the one I'm using is rather nice. No issues at all. Been using it for the better part of 8 months now and just snagged a backup for those "just in case" moments.

Which one did you end up favoring, if I may?

 

[retired1]

Which one did you end up favoring, if I may?

Stuck with the Cora. Metal, nice tactile feel with the button, and I'm getting more than two weeks out of a pod. Pods are a tad pricey, but it's still cheaper than a pack of smokes and lasts longer.

 

[suprtrkr]

I am not a pod fan, myself. I'm not surprised there are others out there.

 

[Mermaaan]

Pod systems looked cheap to me and made to fail from the first one I saw. They violate one of my core principles of vaping and that is if I'm going to buy something buy the stuff that is built to last. Yes, I have a lot of mechs and rebuildables in my collection. [emoji16]

I do occasionally buy cheap gear but it is mostly out of curiosity or because sometimes you get the rare gem, but mostly I do so knowing in my gut that I'm probably throwing money away and accept that as a possibilty before clicking the "buy" button.

 

[zoiDman]

...

I love the flavors and feel of vaping, but I'm really starting to re-think this. What was supposed to be an effective way to quit smoking has become endless hours of research, frustration, and wasted money that I just don't have.

Is it really supposed to be THIS difficult?

Wow. Sounds like how things were when I switched to e-Cigarettes.

LOL.

Seriously though. Just me, for someone wanting to switch that is a Moderate or Heavy Smoker, I Don't think going with a Pod System is the best call.

You can Close your Eyes and pick just about Any Mod and Tank or RTA combination out there, and it is pretty much going to Work. Sure, some might be Better at this or more suited for that. But just about Everything Today Works. And works Very Well. The same can't be said about Pod Systems.

And since Pod Systems are for the most part Proprietary, you don't have Any real options when something Doesn't Work.

So don't get too discouraged.

Get a Regular Mod and a Tank than takes Drop-In Coils. Or if you like to Tinker, get a Regular Mod and a Flavor Oriented RTA. You will not regret it.

 

[Pod_Vaper]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Guess I've just been a little disillusioned by these experiences so far and I got caught up in the excitement of the newness.

I was a pretty light smoker this last time around after quitting for 6 years. (Dumb to restart, I know!) Ultra Lights and only 6-8 per day, so I thought pods would be more than adequate. I only bought pod systems I could refill myself to both save money and to have a larger variety of flavors to choose from. But as mentioned above, I DID rely on youtube video reviews as well as online user reviews. I guess vaping is such a subjective thing and everyone's mileage will vary greatly.

I've finally ordered my first mod just so I can stop choking on burnt pods and wasting ml after ml after ml of good juice. I just need to be patient and wait for it to arrive.

Thank you for the recommendations...I did go with an Eleaf Pico with a MTL tank and picked up all the necessary accessories like extra coils, batteries, a charger, etc. So hopefully I'll really enjoy vaping again in a few weeks.

Again, thank you for all the encouragement and help. This is such a friendly, helpful place, and I'm very happy I found you!

 

[zoiDman]

...

Thank you for the recommendations...I did go with an Eleaf Pico with a MTL tank and picked up all the necessary accessories like extra coils, batteries, a charger, etc. So hopefully I'll really enjoy vaping again in a few weeks.

...

The eLeaf Pico is a Great Mod.

And having the Ability to adjust the Wattage Up/Down for a given Coil is going to Alleviate many of your Issues with Burnt Tasting Hits.

Just remember the Fundamental Rule of using a Variable Wattage Device. And that is...

It Doesn't Matter what Wattage an OEM (or Anyone) says a Coil should be used at. Start at a Low Wattage and slowly work your way Up until you find what Works Best for You.