Looking for cig recommendation

[echostrider]

hello all, smoker here taking a HUGE interest in e-cigs. initially turned on to the idea after seeing some blu advertisements, but i've been reading around here that they are not so good in the long term so i am looking into something similar.

i'm looking for something merely for the oral fixation to relieve my stress. i'm not a heavy smoker, but when i want to smoke i'd rather do so in a healthy manner. i'm looking for something small that resembles an actual cigarette. so far the only cigarette other than blu to grab my attention is the Joyetech eRoll. the other joyetech products are in odd sizes/shapes which don't appeal to me. i'm also looking for something that tastes decent with low to zero nicotine (but this is probably more to do with the cartridges themselves and not the unit?)

is the eRoll a good product for me?
where can i find a good online distributor (NJ - east coast here)?

i have a few other questions but i'd like to at least settle on a unit i'll be using. thanks in advance, this community looks wonderful.

 

[StillHere]

ego twist or vision spinner are great starting devices. VV and cheap

 

[Johnnie Price]

ego twist or vision spinner are great starting devices. VV and cheap

NOT helpful. Seriously.

I haven't used the eRoll yet myself, but I've heard great things about it. I plan on getting one eventually. Good Prophets (goodprophets.com) probably has the best prices on the unit, but many vendors carry them. You can also grab it at Ovale under the name eMini, but it's the exact same device.

The only other product similar I would recommend is the Sidesho by Modern Vapor. It is what I use every day, and even as a heavy smoker (2+ packs a day) it and the PCC can keep up with me. The price point is about the same, though I will admit the eRoll is sexier.

I would say if you only smoke on occasion, then the eRoll was probably designed with you in mind.

Good luck.

 

[Abe_Katz]

I'd recommend an ego or ego twist with a Kanger T3 or CE4 "Stardust" clearomizer. The egos are pretty good because they can take most 510 devices without a problem so there are lots of interchangeable parts. Kanger T3s are pretty good because they hold aprox. 2.6mL of juice which for me lasts about a day. Though I vape pretty heavily and was a very heavy smoker.

CE4s sometimes have problems with wicking due to being a top coil, so you may have to "twirl" those to get a good vape, and I've had trouble with thicker juices with them. Kanger T3s are bottom coil so they don't have those problems.

All of this assumes you do not insist on something that looks and feels like a traditional cigarette.

 

[nintim]

hello echo its nice to see another New Jerseyan around

 

[echostrider]

I haven't used the eRoll yet myself, but I've heard great things about it. I plan on getting one eventually. Good Prophets (goodprophets.com) probably has the best prices on the unit, but many vendors carry them. You can also grab it at Ovale under the name eMini, but it's the exact same device.

The only other product similar I would recommend is the Sidesho by Modern Vapor. It is what I use every day, and even as a heavy smoker (2+ packs a day) it and the PCC can keep up with me. The price point is about the same, though I will admit the eRoll is sexier.

I would say if you only smoke on occasion, then the eRoll was probably designed with you in mind.

Good luck.

i took a look at the sidesho, thanks for the recommendation there. it does look nice but there's something about the black look of the eRoll that i dig, will keep in mind though.

I'd recommend an ego or ego twist with a Kanger T3 or CE4 "Stardust" clearomizer. The egos are pretty good because they can take most 510 devices without a problem so there are lots of interchangeable parts. Kanger T3s are pretty good because they hold aprox. 2.6mL of juice which for me lasts about a day. Though I vape pretty heavily and was a very heavy smoker.

CE4s sometimes have problems with wicking due to being a top coil, so you may have to "twirl" those to get a good vape, and I've had trouble with thicker juices with them. Kanger T3s are bottom coil so they don't have those problems.

All of this assumes you do not insist on something that looks and feels like a traditional cigarette.

i think i understood.. half of these words! no offense mate, i'm a complete newbie here. is "juice" the flavor catridges that get screwed onto the cigarette? i'm also a bit confused about the "battery", is that essentially the bulk of what it is, and then the atomizer/flavor cartridges screw on? is juice interchangeable w/ different brands?

hello echo its nice to see another New Jerseyan around

definitely, though i hate it here, haha! can't wait to leave someday.

EDIT: someone from a different community is recommending the Panda Evolve kit. how is this?

 

[Abe_Katz]

i think i understood.. half of these words! no offense mate, i'm a complete newbie here. is "juice" the flavor catridges that get screwed onto the cigarette? i'm also a bit confused about the "battery", is that essentially the bulk of what it is, and then the atomizer/flavor cartridges screw on? is juice interchangeable w/ different brands?

None taken. I was a newbie myself not that long ago--there is a bit of a learning curve with Personal Vaporizers (an other name for e-cigarettes) and vaping (what one does with a personal vaporizer--there is no combustion and thus no smoke so it cannot be smoking).

"Juice" is the nicotine containing liquid* (nicotine is optional) that is composed usually of Propylene Glycol (PG) and/or Vegetable Glycerin/glycerol (VG), Flavorings and Nicotine.

Cartridges are a pretty much obsolete technology--most e-cigs these days use a cartomizer or clearomizer (a clear tank that holds juice, and has strings to wick (like a lamp wick--same concept) into the atomizer (the device that makes the liquid into a vapor). What most people today would call a cartridge is actually a cartomizer--an atomizer coil contained in a metal tube with stuffing around the coil to wick the juice. The name cartridge for a cartomizer is mostly a hold over from the olden days--though there are still some devices that use a three piece system.

CE4 "Stardusts" are one type of clearomizer. They are a top coil clearomizer because the atomizer coil is located closer to the mouth end of the e-cig. Kanger T3s are an other type of clearomizer. They are bottom coil clearomizer because the atomizer coil is located closer to the battery connection.

A boge cartomizer (which is sometimes used by itself and other times used in a tank) is a cartomizer made by Boge Technology in China. Other companies make cartomizers as well.

In order to get flavor from an e-cig one has to have a filled topper of some sort screwed into the battery, which is most of the bulk of an e-cig in my experience. Essentially its called a battery because thats what it is--it is a device that stores electricity for later use.

As far as juice being interchangeable, most juices can be used in any device--though some work better in different devices. For example a relatively light 70% PG 30% VG juice will work pretty well in a Stardust, but a 50/50 or 100% VG juice will not. In my personal experience cartos and bottom coil clearomizers work with just about any type of juice.

The interchangeability is an issue when selecting the right juice delivery device (cartomizer/clearomizer/atomizer) to the battery. An Ego for example uses a 510 battery connection (though it also has other threading for clearomizers such as the Stardust and Kanger T3). One can also buy pre-filled cartomizers (Blu happens to use a 510 connection--so they work well for me in a pinch since I use an ego battery).

Typically when one uses an atomizer they are using it to drip the juice into it. From your OP I would assume that you may only want one for juice tasting rather than as your primary go-to vaping equipment.

I hope that helps, but I have a feeling that it is as clear as mud.

 

[Johnnie Price]

EDIT: someone from a different community is recommending the Panda Evolve kit. how is this?

I've never used that particular kit, or a micromizer, but I would say it looks over-priced to me. You're essentially getting half the battery life of an eRoll (or Sidesho) for about $10.00-$20.00 more.

 

[echostrider]

this is actually making a lot of sense, believe me.

so it's important to know the different between an atomizer, clearomizer, and cartomizer. interesting. the "juice" is dripped into the tank as needed? but it looks like juice is interchangeable because it's merely juice that you drip into it. i thought the juice came pre-loaded or something like that and you have to replace the whole cartomizer when you run out. how does this work when you are trying a different flavor? i imagine it wouldn't taste good to mix juices in the same cartomizer/atomizer that had previous stuff in it.

as far as the kits i'm looking at..

eRoll - atomizer
panda - micromizer(?) (probably not getting this - thanks johnnie price)
volt - cartomizer

looks like i'll make my choice off of that. this article makes cartomizers sound like the much better choice.

 

[Nite_PHX]

I started with the Apollo Extreme kit and I still like and use it while not at home. It is very much cigarette like although larger than eRoll. It is also a 2 piece system that use 906 style cartomizers. Here's an image of it next to a real 100mm cigarette.

Another cigarette like product to consider is the Halo G6. My brother uses this and it is very similar to the Apollo. The G6 also comes in 9 different colors. Also the G6 is a standard 808 style thread, way more sources for the 808 thread than the Apollo 906. One last benefit for you regarding Halo, they are in NJ.
You are correct about the cartridges (cartomizers). You can order them in a variety of flavors and nicotine levels. Ultimately you'll want to get blank cartridges and some juice you like and fill them yourself, much less costly that way.

Good luck in your vaping venture and welcome to the forums.

 

[Abe_Katz]

this is actually making a lot of sense, believe me.

so it's important to know the different between an atomizer, clearomizer, and cartomizer. interesting. the "juice" is dripped into the tank as needed?

With a tank system (like clearomizers or cartomizer tanks) the juice is held in a container and is wicked onto the coil. The only dripping necessary is to fill the tank itself. (Though with a cartomizer tank the cartomizer will need to be primed before it is used or you will burn the wicking material.)

A cartomizer is only dripped into when it needs to be topped off. I usually manage about an hour to hour-half of regular vaping before I need to do this with a standard Low Resistance cartomizer without a tank (excluding shorty cartomizers--or small cartomizers usually used in tasting juices).

With an atomizer juice is dripped into the atomizer and refilled as needed. Dripping is the most "fussy" vaping method--not something I would recommend for someone to do while driving (along with drinking alcohol, or talking on a phone).

but it looks like juice is interchangeable because it's merely juice that you drip into it. i thought the juice came pre-loaded or something like that and you have to replace the whole cartomizer when you run out.

As far as I know juice can be used in most formats, cartomizers (with or without a tank system), clearomizers, and drip atomizers and cartridge-atomizer systems (again generally speaking obsolete but some manufacturers still make those). That said the right juice for the right device can be a matter of personal preference, and trial and error. For example I don't care to use thicker juices in top coil clearomizers though they work great in cartomizers and bottom coil clearomizers.

There are pre-filled cartomizers which can be refilled, or one can purchase cartomizers one fills themselves (sometimes called blanks). It seems that most people here prefer to fill cartos with the juices of their choice. Again it is a matter of personal preference.

how does this work when you are trying a different flavor? i imagine it wouldn't taste good to mix juices in the same cartomizer/atomizer that had previous stuff in it.

When tasting juices many of the more experienced people use drip atomizers. Once the juice is consumed it is no longer there to mix with the next juice. That said I prefer to use a "shorty" cartomizer which holds between 10-15 drops of juice for tasting.

as far as the kits i'm looking at..

eRoll - atomizer
panda - micromizer(?) (probably not getting this - thanks johnnie price)
volt - cartomizer

looks like i'll make my choice off of that. this article makes cartomizers sound like the much better choice.

The Volt I'm told is a very good cig-a-like (that is to say it looks and feels much like a traditional cigarette). That said I've never used it so I cannot really give a recommendation. I was a pipe smoker so having something a similar size, and appearance to a traditional cigarette was irrelevant to me.

 

[Nite_PHX]

this is actually making a lot of sense, believe me.

so it's important to know the different between an atomizer, clearomizer, and cartomizer. interesting. the "juice" is dripped into the tank as needed? but it looks like juice is interchangeable because it's merely juice that you drip into it. i thought the juice came pre-loaded or something like that and you have to replace the whole cartomizer when you run out. how does this work when you are trying a different flavor? i imagine it wouldn't taste good to mix juices in the same cartomizer/atomizer that had previous stuff in it.

as far as the kits i'm looking at..

eRoll - atomizer
panda - micromizer(?) (probably not getting this - thanks johnnie price)
volt - cartomizer

looks like i'll make my choice off of that. this article makes cartomizers sound like the much better choice.

I also like the Volt cartomizers. Here's another pic, the cart on the left is the volt and the cart on the right is a Halo G6 cart. I have not taken them apart but I'm pretty sure they are identical. They are both horizontal bottom coil and would not surprise me if they were both made by the same manufacturer to the same specs.

From what I've gathered so far you're looking at the JoyeTech eRoll which is a complete e-cig. This device consists of a 90mah battery, an atomizer and a cartridge. The cartridge will hold the liquid and the atomizer will atomize the liquid. With this setup you do not use cartomizers. I found the following line in a different thread here "The Joye eRoll has no threading at all, so you can not use the eRoll battery with other atomziers." This means you can't use cartomizers either.
Not saying anything against the eRoll, you just need to be aware that you might need a little more research before you place your order.

 

[echostrider]

thanks for the recommendation on the Halo G6, those things look amazing and i've been watching some really positive reviews. i think i'll go with it considering they're based in NJ too. let's say for example i go with the G6 Kit, automatic/manual, with blank cartridges (7x blanks total) mainly because i want to try zero nicotine juices and the kit defaults don't have such an option.

assuming everything is working fine, what needs to be replaced over time is the juice (so i have something to smoke with, obviously) and the cartomizers holding the juice as the insides must heat to produce vapor. it's probably hard to estimate this, but how long do the cartomizers themselves last? i smoke roughly 2-3 times a day. i'll most likely be using this combination:

cartomizer
juice

bottles are 7ml and it's recommended to use 1ml in the cartomizers. i'm just curious as to how often replacements will be needed, and i assume you can tell when it's running low by less vapor production. is it more common to be refilling the juice or replacing the cartomizers?

bonus question.. should i look into getting low resistance cartomizers? i assume it's more of a personal preference, but i figured i'd ask for the hell of it. is the battery life that much less substantial?

 

[Nite_PHX]

I just talked to my brother who uses the G6 and here's what he told me. First he was a 3/4 - 1 pack a day smoker. He goes thru ~1 full cartomizer per day. He usually switches flavors (different cart) each day. He has 5 flavors in his rotation so he's using the same cart every 6th day. He started vaping on his G6 Feb 16, 2013 and has not replaced any of the carts yet. 1 battery lasts him all day at work and the evening at home.
Manufacturers usually state the carts can be used 4 - 5 times but I have read where people use them dozens of times. I know I've used my carts from Apollo a dozen times and never had one fail. I honestly don't know how you tell when one needs replaced. I would guess either it fails to heat up or you run it dry and burn the filler material.
You'll get to know pretty quickly when you need to refill. Lack of flavor, lack of vapor, you'll catch on quick. If it doesn't seem right add a few drops to the cart.
The standard resistance blanks from Halo have worked perfectly for my brother. I've been very impressed with his e-cig. As you learn more there might come a time where you get curios and decide to order some low resistance for the heck of it. Certainly don't need them get started. You stated you only smoke a couple times a day so I'm thinking the XL (extra long) carts aren't needed either.
As far as e-liquid maybe order a sample pack so you can try out different flavors. I've used Halo's Malibu Menthol (love it and I'm not a menthol smoker) Tiki Juice (tastes like christmas smells?) I like it, brother loves it, Tribeca (cigarette with a hint of caramel, one of my favorites but brother doesn't like it). Are you a menthol smoker? Try their SubZero, WOW! Mega menthol.
There are a lot of e-liquid vendors on the internet and if you can imagine a flavor I'm sure someone has it. Don't expect everything from every vendor to taste the same or even what you would expect it to taste like. I can tell you that Halo juices have never disappointed me. They may have flavors I don't like but the flavor is there and the vapor is good. There are juices out the that have little flavor and little vapor.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

bonus question.. should i look into getting low resistance cartomizers? i assume it's more of a personal preference, but i figured i'd ask for the hell of it. is the battery life that much less substantial?

LR will give a warmer stronger vape. SR will give a cooler vape. Seeing as you're not a heavy smoker you could use LR and the battery drain really wouldn't be an issue BUT realize some that have used LR have found it a harsh vape. Best to try both and see what your preference is. As for battery info: 100 mah= 1 hr normal vaping before recharge is needed.

 

[echostrider]

thank you so much for your help everyone! i'm about to place my order here, learning about this stuff is intoxicating in itself! if this works out i can't wait to tell my father about it, hopefully i can convince him to smoke in a more healthy manner too.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

thank you so much for your help everyone! i'm about to place my order here, learning about this stuff is intoxicating in itself! if this works out i can't wait to tell my father about it, hopefully i can convince him to smoke in a more healthy manner too.

Make sure you have an atomizer for testing new juices- easy to clean if the juice is "yucky". Once the carto is used with yucky juice (and there will be lots of foul tasting juices) it's toast.
Best of Luck.

 

[Krazykc]

Also you are used to smoking cigs when you need that fix. you might want to try some low level nic juices as well if that is part of the "fix" you get and you don't really know it.

 

[Johnnie Price]

One thing to keep in mind is that the G6 is an 808 system. That means if you want to use an atomizer with it, you need to get an adapter to use a 510 atomizer or you can use a 901 atomizer without an adapter. However, the 901 will only fire on the manual battery; the "sealed" automatic 808 is unable to fire 901 equipment due to airflow issues.

I know it's all Greek right now, but it will make more sense as you play with it.

 

[Crimzen Eyez]

Here are 3 places you could check out that are not that far from the New Jersey area
1-Halocigs.com I mostly buy liquid from them but they also sell ecigs primarily the G6 although their supposed to be coming out with something new soon.
2-Myvaporstore.com I have bought both kits & liquid from them in the past,they are located in New York
3-Vaporphoenix.com I have also purchased kits and liquid from them they have good prices and great service