Looking for some advice on my next ecig

[Halsey]

I've had a blucig for a bit less than two weeks now. To start with, I didn't buy it to 'quit' smoking. I was looking for a convenient way to get a quick nicotine fix, when I didn't have time to smoke a whole cig. After a bit of research, I went with blu for ease of use, and to share with my roomate who has been trying to quit for awhile. I figured she would want something close in size etc to an analog. She loves it.

I've found i like it more than I thought I would, and am considering switching to vaping completely, the blu while nice is not going to cut it. I've been smoking better than a pack a day for over 20 years, at one point up over 3 packs a day. I've smoked mostly non filters, and hand rolled for most of the past few years. The hand rolling has slowed down how much I smoke a bit. But I am still a heavy smoker. When I try to use it for more than a quick puff here and there, I go through the blu batteries like crazy, I would probably need 4 or 5 to make it through a day, and that's with charging as I go. I also haven't been overly impressed with the flavors in their cartomizers, though that could just be my dead taste buds.

So I've been looking around a bit at what's available. I'm leaning towards a 510 based system at the moment. They seem to have the most options out there. Batteries available in the ego line up to 900-1000mah, passthroughs etc, so I'm guessing I could manage to get batteries to handle my usage. There are tanks, cart, cartomizers, clearomizers, drip tips, and so on, so whatever I find to be my preferred form of vaping the investment in batteries, and chargers should be solid.

So am I on the right track with the 510? Should I be going straight to mods? Is there something I'm missing completely?

Oh, and just to make sure, the 'tornado'/'inferno' etc, are re branded ego 510 systems and should be compatible with accessories from other vendors, correct?

I can afford to spend a bit trying different things, but need to stay reasonable, after a few days looking around I could easily spend better than $500 on trying stuff out, and that I can't afford. I'll also probably wind up mixing my own juice if I stick with it, I think that's something to worry about later, but recommendations for good strong flavored juices would be helpful too.

Thanks in advance
Halsey

 

[BWis21]

I can't really recommend one to purchase as I am still on the hunt for a good e-cig, but I can recommend one NOT to buy....the Vapor King is my latest purchase and although they work fabulously for the first few days, the atomizers take a dive really quick and I had a mega battery that would work only sometimes....I had to send 5 of the atomizers back due to them pooping out on me within days and also the Mega battery. It's rather disappointing, but at least they replaced them all.....
I will be watching this thread closely to see what others recommend for you so perhaps I can get some ideas as well.

 

[Freaky_1]

As another newb, my research, data mining this site and the suggestions of others, has led me to believe the Riva is the best startout of the semi-conventional units. Were I looking for something of that nature, I'd certainly be thinning the options of the Riva down by questions here.

However, myself a heavy smoker and not caring that an e-cig even resemble a cigarette, I've chosen another path (thanks to help from several here, incl Rosco).

I've already found some things I DON'T like with dry wadding other things that just bug me. I don't want an auto (inhaling turns it on), but rather a manual, so that I get the hit I want.

I'm also a truck driver and stuck for long periods of time without options to grab this and that, plus I never know where I'll be next. For these reasons, I've decided to start out with a modified setup (mod).

The setup I'm going with is a "bottom feeder" and I just have to tip it and squeeze the contained bottle to reload and puff. This means more puffing without refilling this or that. It also uses a protected 14500 (still the standard 3.7) which should last me hours on end if not all day.

This setup with probably 5 attys to get me going (again, out on the road for weeks on end and don't want to 'hope' to find spares while out), a couple spare batts (again 3 is overkill, but no such thing for me) and a few filled and ready to go bottles and I'll be on my way.

For the time being, I'm using something I'd not DARE show a pic of on this site, let alone take near an airport. lol
Let's just say AAA batteries, a used disposable and some duck-tape. lol Don't follow my lead!

Anyway, the specific unit I'm going with is Old Goat's Bottom Feeder Box Mod, suggested by Rosco.

So the total package I'm going with (just showing options, not saying the way I'm starting is the right way):
1) Old Goat's Mod bottom feeder
2 or 3) 14500 batteries
2) battery chargers for sanity's sake
5) atomizers *
and several bottles of juice ready to go (I'll play with mixing all along, but some ready filled of bought juice)

* Going with LR510 attys. (Again thanks to suggestions by Rosco and others). 510 is the connector type and what the bottom feeder will come setup for. LR = low resistance, which means more heat and a better hit while still staying with a 3.7v power source.

Hope I didn't make things more confusing, but actual experienced folk will certainly correct me, so stay tuned.

Frank

 

[dormouse]

When you smoke are you looking for hot hard drags? If so, you might consider skipping slim ecigs totally and go right to Ego or Riva 510 which have 6-8+ hour battery life and can also use low resistance atomizers and cartomizers for hotter hits.

In slimmer ones, the two most popular lines are 510 and KR808D-1
Joye 510 - 180mah (2-3 hours for a light to moderate vaper), or with mega xl batteries 280mah (60% longer charge)
KR808D-1 - shorty 180mah, standard 280mah, xl 380mah (but xl don't fit in the PCC)

I recommend manual batteries which are safer from getting killed by juices drips and make it safer to use cartomizers and dripping.

510 is a 3 piece but lots of blank cartos available, few prefilled cartos, w/ adapter can use KR8 cartos, many fat-battery versions available (like Ego and Riva 510)

KR8 (or vapor4Life in colors) is a 2-piece, lots of prefilled cartos and a good variety of blank cartos, can use 901 atty or 510 atty w/ an adapter, a couple of fat battery version (Elegant Easy and PigCig)

 

[Astronomer]

all the advice you have recieved so far is very good so I dont need to add to it.

Im vaping on an eGo-T and love it... however I keep looking at that old goat bottom feeding box mod too

 

[Valsacar]

Yup, a 510 based kit should do you well. If you go for the bigger battery ego (or riva) style just know that the batteries are... well bigger. Ego/riva is closer to a cigar size than a cigarette size. You'll also want to look at getting some bottles of juice so you can fill yourself, and when you get some make sure you pick up at least 1 5ml (or 10ml) empty bottle to carry around (easier than trying to carry around a 30ml bottle).

Looks like you might just skip stage 2:

YouTube - 4 Stages of Vaping

 

[Irons]

Get a 3.7 volt boxmod that uses 14500 batteries and 510 carto/atomizers.

I gave up on all the slim battery ecig variations as too expensive with poor battery life and expensive replacment parts.

A single battery boxmod is simple, cheap and lasts all day. A replacment battery is 4 bucks and can be recharged over and over for months.

 

[Halsey]

First, thanks to everyone, didn't figure the replies would come in that quick. Lots of good stuff here..

Freaky_1

Now you're making me want to see a pic of your current rig, sounds like something I'd kludge up. I have looked at mods a bit, and am considering one for here at my desk at the house. My problem with carrying one around is just that, carrying. I spend a lot of time moving around on my feet and want something I can slip in an all ready crowded pocket pretty easy, dropping the pack of smokes out of the pocket is a huge plus for me. One of the things I do like with the blue is how easy it is to just drop in my pocket. Thanks for pointing out Old goat though, may have to pick one of those up at some point, looks like a much less expensive version of the Reo I've seen browsing the forums here.

Sounds like you've got your needs worked out pretty well, hope it works out the way you want.

I have considered the LR attys, figure I'll pick up a couple with whatever I get to try, but want to see if the normals do a good job first. No need to start with something that will supposedly burn out quicker.


dormouse

Yup, definitely looking for manual at this point, and skipping the 'slims'. I hate 'primer puffing' the blu, and could use a bit more volume and warmth. TH wise the blue is a little weak, though the cherry carts have a bit of a kick to them. I've been looking at the ego line, is there a difference to the Riva, or just another name for the same batteries? I don't mind it being a bit fatter, the videos I've seen of egos look like a decent compromise between being easy to drop in a pocket, and big enough to hold a charge for awhile.

Looked at the vapor4life, and bloog Kr8s. They look interesting, but I'm looking for a bit more battery power and juice capacity in the cig itself. As I mentioned above I'm moving around on foot a lot. I'm a tech type and usually have a tool bag or backpack around, but may be away from it for a few hours at a time. So carrying extra juice, batteries etc in a general sense isn't hard for me to do, but I want a PV, (need to start calling it that instead of cig), I can just drop in my pocket and count on for awhile if it's topped off.


valsacar

LOL, yes, firmly skipped stage two, might have skipped stage one if I'd started out looking to replace smokes. All ready far more interested in function than looks.


Irons

Hmmm, still want something easier than a box mod for the pocket, then again, that goat bottom feeder Freaky_1 brought up is looking better every time I tab over to it.




Okay, again, anyone, are the Riva/Ego the same thing? On box mods, how sturdy are they? Rolling my own I carry them in an altoid tin, when I was buying premade smokes, I regularly lost some to crushing. Think tech crawling under things, in crawl spaces, climbing around etc. Damaging a battery or an atty would be bad enough, but cracking up a $100+ Reo would really suck. Even the goats look a bit pricey to be risking, though they look a bit easier than the reo for me to patch up, that duct tape Freaky_1 mentioned is great stuff, and I can handle a soldering iron. The Reo looks a bit too pretty to cobble back together.

leaning towards an ego set up at the moment, probably with assorted attys, carts, drip tip, and a tank set up to see which I like best. Bottom feeders do look tempting though, looks like I need to think a bit more.

Thanks again every one
Halsey

 

[meems]

I started w/ blu, went to joye 510's, still use those in combination with an eGo..do love the manual batteries! Still getting a feel for my fav atty/cartos..so far, I like a 306 LR w/ drip tip & boge 2 ohm cartos, tasty vapor is my juice of choice.

 

[Freaky_1]

If I were going for quick and ready and still small, I'd follow MistressNomad's lead and go with a KR808D-1 MANUAL.

In fact, now that I know you can that you can use 901 attys on a KR8, I'm probably going to get one for use when I'm not on the job. This info gleaned from MistressNomad as well (just read everything after the quoted text for this info).

I also believe in one of her videos, she mentions getting 4 - 6 hours battery life from the manual kr8. This being the case, I could see a few prepped cartos or, better yet, a 901 atty (call it 2 for a spare) and a couple batteries with a decent bottle of juice getting me where I needed to go in a day. I don't mind dripping in the least and would prefer it over all if I thought I could do it while driving a Kenworth. lol

In other words, I only mentioned the bottom feeder as looking into what would work for my situation in the truck. Were it not for driving, I'd go KR8 and be done with it. As above, I'm going to get one anyway for when I'm home or decide to go to a decent restaurant on the road.

Back to the bottom feeder, I actually have a couple standard attys and plan to see if they're plenty. I also plan to at least try the LRs though. Not so much for the bigger hit up front, but the quicker small puff and go (if it works out that way).

At any rate, mine the site and info will jump out at ya. I'd also suggest watching MN's videos even though you're this far in (assuming you haven't already). ~Videos Here~

Just take your time and see what's what. If you can spend a couple hours online mining and watching her vids, you'll probably narrow your search quickly to better fit your wants and needs.

Take care,
Frank

 

[lostknitter]

I think Old Goat looks like a good unit, but as to worrying about busting up a REO, I think you would need to run it over with a truck to damage it, and even then it might be OK. I have a REO mini, and it is a VERY solid unit. Here's to hoping you find the perfect set up for you!

 

[Rsbernie]

Dont wastes your money on all this stuff the Reo products are worth every penny. Get a mini when you can and your with everything but attys and juice.

 

[MickeyRat]

I'm relatively new myself. However, the eGo-T was my first real PV. If you can take the size, an eGo/Riva kit is the way to go. A Riva 510 kit is pretty cheap on Liberty Flights. There are tons of different things you can do with the 510 compatible atty and the charge easily works all day for me. If you really need something smaller, then either the Kr808 or the 510 would probably be a good choice. Regular carts on a 510 leak. With the eGo that's contained in a cone. So, go with cartomizers, if you must have cig sized batteries.

The eGo-T is okay. Right now, I'm using regular carts on a 510 atomizer though. The flavor is better and there's less tinkering. I'll probably give the tank another shot later. I'd start with regular carts on 510 attys with an eGo/Riva battery. You can buy tanks and atty for them later, if you want to try the tank.

 

[Halsey]

Frank,

Yeah, the last thing you want to do from what I've read is drip and drive, sure as hell not in a rig, I think you've got the right idea for that with the box mod style. Should develope to an even simple habit than lighting a cig when driving. But the last thing you need driving one of those beasts is to be trying to count drops onto an atty while moving, the cars you crush won't appreciate it, and if you roll the rig neither will you.

Do let us all know well whatever you get works out.

Thanks for the videos too, I'd been digging around here quite a bit before I posted. Led to me starting with the 510 as a thought. The replies here keep leading me off to check out more stuff every time I come back meaning to answer. That was kind of the point though, just mining the site I could get lost for weeks, really want to order something by Monday at the latest, so was pushing for more focused ideas. It's worked...


lostknitter & Rsbernie

other than checking out mistress nomads videos, spent a good chunk of time digging around in the reo forum. Looks even better than I thought, and they do look solid, none in stock at the moment though Still may have to look into them in the future, looks like the mini and grand come threaded for 510, so if I do start with the ego style system, attys, carts etc should be good moving to one later. The only thing I might try first that wouldn't move over looks to be the tank system for the ego.

I do know a couple people here who drive rigs, but if I do buy a Reo, I'm not going to test out how well it survives being run over. Now if you want to send me one I'm sure I could arrange a test, or ship one off to Freaky_1, and we can be sure.


MickeyRat

The tanks seem to be getting mixed reviews all over. I may pick up a tank system, but I'll be sure to get at least a couple normal attys and carts plus a drip tip as well. The ego really is looking like the way I want to go for now, tons of accessories and options to find what works for me, and batteries big enough to last a bit.

If you don't mind me asking, where did you pick up your tank kit? I've looked at everything from just "ego-t" kits at various suppliers, to the heavily branded volcano infernos and totally wicked tornado kits. The prices all seem pretty close so it'll probably come down to the look of the accessories or whose running a sale when I start looking to place an order.


Again, thanks for all he input, hopefully I'll get past the information overload and order something tomorrow. If not certainly Monday, will keep you all updated on how it goes.

Halsey

 

[seelezerkleiner]

you cant really go wrong with an ego passthrough. the one battery and three cartos get me through my 11 hour work day easily. i really like that i can charge it with the same cord that my phone uses. =D

 

[ElProximo]

I feel like I'm selling Joye Egos (no, i have no stock in these) but I have tried other slim styles, 510, super-minis, and seen a few of the big fancy mega-mods and while those have their good aspects - an Ego is just all-around all-purpose does-it-all and becoming as close to 'standardized' and 'future-proof' as I can find in vaping at this time.

The 'Slims' are great for feeling light, inconspicuous and honestly I still love my automatic but sorry to say the battery life just doesn't cut it and tend to die completely too soon. I went through Atomizers fast too.

I don't know everything about every specialty mod and custom mod but I really dislike the idea being stuck with a specialty product or something 'unwieldy' and difficult to carry around the house.

My Ego - all the hit and vapor I can ask for (granted depends on juice sometimes) and plenty long battery life and so far the durability is really impressing me (compare to the others). Big enough and yet just light enough I can easily pocket and even hold in my teeth (a habit of mine),
and,
I don't have to go out in public with a '....' but then I don't have to worry about batteries dying after 40 minutes of vaping.

Anyways, I have no doubt there are plenty of other good ones. Heck.. I still like my super-mini and my pen-style too. But wow am I sold on Egos now.

Price? Because they seem to becoming something of the 'standard' I think the prices are relatively low (for kits, parts etc) and you can get a starter kit for somewhere around 60-100 dollars.
Again - I swear I have zero interest in Liberty Flights or any association but just saying I got a great price there and really happy with the Ego starter kit.

 

[Who-dat]

I'm new to this as well, but you can't go wrong with an Ego system. You have so much flexibility, as your needs evolve, and can experiment with various cartomizer types and battery sizes. You simply can't go wrong. And you can pick up a 510 battery or two, with a charger, for those times when you really want something small. I've found 510 batts & chargers for as low as $8, and find them to be another nice arrow for the quiver (for those times when you really want something small).

This photo should give you some idea of the relative sizes, starting from the Ego-T and going to a 510 with cartomizer. The box on the Left is a cheapo 510 starter kit ($15 with case/charger) that I bought as a gift to get someone started. It's the size of a standard cigarette pack, for comparison.

 

[Mikey-Mike]

personally, i went through the transitional phases, 510=>KR808=>Ego=> now using GG's and i love it. I am not a fan of box mods since it feels like i am carrying a back of smokes. GG's are a nice design, simple and just works. the Reo looks like a solid mod but personally GG's FTW! =)
might be a bit pricey, but worth it since if you have an issue you can usually fix it yourself =)
Highly recommend the GG series, i have all of them =) and i cant go past the GGTS, its a bit big, but the adjustable draw on it is awesome!

 

[Halsey]

The GG series looks interesting, back to reading and digging

Still the 510 ego style system is still looking like the most versatile. I really like the fact that almost all the mods I've seen will take 510 attys etc. Should make it a bit easier when/if I decide to try one out, I should have most of the stuff to go with them if I've been using the ego.

Currently looking at starting with an ego tank kit, a couple standard and or LR attys with carts, and an ego pass-through for here at the house. Maybe a couple 510 cartomizers to try out. Then when I figure out which I like best I can pick up more equipment and go crazy trying juices

 

[Hottody]

510 is tried and true, but check out V2 cigs I like them very much. If your hardcore though you may want to look at some ecig mods. Check out the Ali'i box mod. This thing will give you all the smoke your need and you will not be buying carts all the time. It is unconventional but totally awsome. I can not remember the name of the company but go to Utube and type in Ali't box mod. You will be so happy that you did, awsome!