Long time lurker, first time poster. AKA... check out that n00b!

[Cavenerd]

First off, thanks to all of you that have helped keep me active and informed in vaping. Every question I googled in my first few months of vaping was answered with a link to e-cigarette. I'm absolutely thankful for the tribal knowledge kept here.

I live on Andros Island, Bahamas which is somewhat like the West Virginia of the Bahamas... with much nicer beaches.The problem here is that there is a distinct lack of infrastructure and no B&M options so I am completely dependent on the internet and my infrequent trips back to 'Merica for vape gear. I feel like a pioneer most weeks... "Hey Pa. I'm going to town for supplies..."

I smoked for 26 years and started vaping about a year ago with V2 batteries and cartomizers. This caused me to simply smoke outside and vape inside, which was a great for being able to stay at my desk, but not much headway in actually quoting smoking. Early this past summer I picked up my first Mod, an authentic brass Manhattan, and my first RDA, TugBoat V1, and even though I nearly killed myself dripping 18% - I quit smoking that day. I've been smoke free for about 6 months and I'm really starting to love this hobby/lifestyle/outlook/community...

I was a mech mod vapor until right before Halloween when I got my hands on my first box mod (vaporshark rDNA). Since then I've rarely gone back to the mechs except to occasionally puff on my FAV, 2P's munstro.

Lately, I've been dripping an IPV3 at 30-50W with a .3-.7 Ohm build on a flavor atty. I do like to chuck clouds in the evenings though. There's something nice about sitting on the patio of my favorite beach bar, sipping a fresh Pina Colada (don't judge until you've had a island drink made with local fruit and coconuts) and watching the sun set on some of the clearest, bluest water in the world... and then throwing a giant cloud. Nice.

Anyway,

For boxes, I have an IPV3, IPV2, Segelei 100W+, Vapor Flask DNA40, VS rDNA40, and GI2 (clone). Is there a better box out there that I should get into? (Ha! Phrasing!)

Also, I'm trying to find VTC5's. I don't mind a hefty(ish) price tag, but I want authentics. From what I can see, Vape Titans has the best price ($17). Does anyone have experience with the company? Do you think they're authentic?

Discuss.

Also, once again, thanks to you all for your community and support.

 

[Warpigs]

Welcome to ECF!

 

[tj99959]

The only VTC-5s you will find are "new, old stock". They aren't made anymore. You will have better luck looking for VTC-4s, there are still a few of them around.

I don't care for DNA chip sets (no "step down"), so I'll just let others comment on those.

 

[Cavenerd]

Since I'm a n00b, what does "step down" mean? Or more accurately, what does it mean to me as a vaper?

The only VTC-5s you will find are "new, old stock". They aren't made anymore. You will have better luck looking for VTC-4s, there are still a few of them around.

I don't care for DNA chip sets (no "step down"), so I'll just let others comment on those.

 

[tj99959]

Since I'm a n00b, what does "step down" mean? Or more accurately, what does it mean to me as a vaper?

Your freshly charged battery is at 4.2v, well what if the coil you just installed only needs 3.5v to give you the wattage you desire?
With only a few exceptions, DNA chips can give you more voltage than what the battery voltage is, but they can not give you less. This, IMO, completely defeats the purpose of having a regulated PV.

 

[Cavenerd]

Your freshly charged battery is at 4.2v, well what if the coil you just installed only needs 3.5v to give you the wattage you desire?
With only a few exceptions, DNA chips can give you more voltage than what the battery voltage is, but they can not give you less.

So, if I only want, say 10W, I wouldn't be able to get that from a DNA chip? So what would be an example of a step down chip? Is there a better production box for me?

I'm not trying to be dense, but if there's a better way to vape I'd like to know.

 

[tj99959]

VV & VW have been around for a long time now, and most non DNA chip sets can reduce the voltage as well as boost it.

A $40 MVP-2 will give you your 10 watts (12 watt limit) from start to finish of the charge cycle provided you stay within the amperage limits of the chip.

 

[Steven G]

Greetings Cavenerd and Welcome to the ECF

 

[freakypenguin]

Welcome to the ECF!! I've found a lot of great info here, even though I haven't posted much.

 

[DaniB]

Welcome to ECF !

 

[Redruth]

Hello Cavenerd and Welcome to the ECF family. Glad you decided to join in the fun. Well done on giving up the stinky sticks.

Happy vaping.

 

[coolercoiler]

Your freshly charged battery is at 4.2v, well what if the coil you just installed only needs 3.5v to give you the wattage you desire?
With only a few exceptions, DNA chips can give you more voltage than what the battery voltage is, but they can not give you less. This, IMO, completely defeats the purpose of having a regulated PV.

He has 2 dna 40 mods, they do step down and boost 1v-9v . The dna30 only had boost.

 

[daleron]

Welcome to ECF, make yourself right at home

 

[Mccannch]

It seems like you have most of the popular regulated mods these days. It seems like the vaping industry is a lot like the car industry, as soon as you open the box for your mod its outdated. Is there a product out there you may like better? Could be, its really a personal preference. This is what leads to most of our shiny thing addictions and my constant purchasing of the new shiny. The important thing is to remember that as long as you are happy with what you have that's all that counts. My quest for the perfect vape will never end, doesn't mean I am not completely satisfied with the equipment I have now, it just can't be the perfect one until I have tried every last thing on the market.

 

[KindaBlue]

It's great to see a senior member visiting in on the noobs forum. I was a lurker back in 08 and now as a member.
Fell off the wagon two years ago (went back to analogs due to circumstances around the effects of Super Storm Sandy). I have just dusted of the Pro Vape 1, and Precise 16340. They seem anemic compared to the high horsepower units out today. Great to see that two U.S. companies still supply us with state of the art products. Have got a boat load of new stuff comming, from some new (to me) suppliers.
Bad news out this AM from a NY source about possible bad elements in supplies from Chi-Na.