Looking for the perfect rig.

[elephantsailor]

Hey guys. New to vaping (maybe 2 months) and trying to find the rig that's right for me, without spending a pile of cash trying a bunch of different things. Started with cartomizers, but found that constant refills/replacements and rapidly degrading flavor were bringing me down. I recently moved up to the CE5 clearomizer, which seems to fit the bill in convenience, but tends to leak fluid into my mouth, which is a day ruiner. I'm unsure of whether this is due to HotVapes' poor foreign quality control or if this is an issue that even higher-range equipment has. There are so many forums and subforums and the like that it's hard to find specific info. I'm also still basically ignorant to the jargon and technical aspects of e-cigs.

I'm an aircraft mechanic, so I often find myself in positions that aren't necessarily good for whatever happens to be in my pockets. I also don't want to carry around a kit or anything, mainly just one setup and a small bottle of juice. I know I don't care for cartos or tank cartos, and I think I like the clearomizer, but details about other options out there are sketchy at best for me.

Is there something out there that's generally regarded as "fail-proof" or "perfect"?

 

[elephantsailor]

For clarity's sake I should add that I don't mind spending a good chunk of change on something that I'm sure is going to work.

 

[Jfish]

I know how ya feel! I got frustrated with cartos as well... That's why I use a reo woodville with an aero atty and a stainless shory drip tip! I throw in a fresh battery fill with juice and walk out the door! With a fresh batt and full of juice it can last almost 2 days! Although I swap batts everyday cause I like not worrying about my batt running out and I like the warm vape a fresh batt gives.... I also like the fact that an atty has been lasting me 2 month with regular cleaning! The only thing more perfect for me would be a vv grand which I'm saving for! One thing I noticed was I did not like the way it felt in my hand when I started, I was to used to an analog or thin batt in my hand but now I love it! It goes everywhere with me and its always in my hand or within reach! My friends call it my pacifier lol. Another plus is how durable a reo is! I've dropped mine on concrete hard wood floors tile... I'm rough on my stuff( typing from a phone with shattered screen) and I've owned my reo for almost 2 years and its still going strong! Just my 2cents...

 

[michliu]

I tried the CE4 clearomizers and found the same issue. Have you tried the Vivi Nova? I've been using both the mini and regular size the last month and have had no issues, but I sit at a desk where the biggest danger is stubbing my finger on a keyboard. The tanks on the Vivi Nova are plastic, but you can purchase metal replacement tanks for them.

Other more experienced folks will comealong and have other suggestions for you, I'm sure. I've seen videos of more expensive atomizers made of stainless steel and titanium that hold a little less juice than the clearomizers, but not by much. They seem to require a bit more fiddling more, whereas the Vivi Nova is braindead simple to change heads and even rebuild when your wick and coil craps out.

 

[Disneylandx]

I have helped exactly 5 new Vapers with this same question in the last month. My recommendation below
1) twist 1000mAh $25-28 bucks
2) mini vivi nova $11-15 bucks
3) your fav juice
4) very affordable, dependable and enjoyable experience

 

[sweet_clouds]

have a look out for the kanger T2 or kanger T3 clearomisers. i've not had one leak with them. the T3's are bottom coil, so slightly better wicking. you could also try a vivi nova mini - the advantage is you can get metal tubes to replace the plastic tank it comes with, might be a bit better if it's going to be in and out of a pocket. you'll read so many different opinions with anything though ''mine never leak'' ''mine always leak'' it's the same thing for any product that's produced for pennies really - quality control is hit and miss

 

[peraspera]

You might want to consider getting a variable voltage Twist, Kgo or Spinner; a Vivi Nova clearomizer and a lanyard. Get the smaller size batteries and Mini Vivi Novas if you insist on forgoing the lanyard and using your pocket. You will have to balance the vaping time you need with the size of the battery. I've got four Vivi Novas. None leak and, so far, they produce the best flavor for me aside from dripping.

If that works well it might not be a bad idea to give some very serious thought to getting the pricey, but very dependable Provari and using a holster. The Mini Provari would be iffy on being pocketable.

People seem to very much like their Reos but I believe they leak if turned upside down.

 

[gavind4]

welcome 2mo. vaper! still use cigs. as well? you say you dont want to spend alot trying things, how about buing things? if i remember correctly a mechanic of flying things make a pretty good living. i must say, provari for the batt. part. Put whatever you want on top. later you may want to play with rebuildable attys for the burner part,some are made of machined stainless steel and the wick & coil can be rebuilt by you for pennies.

 

[betaalex]

What about XXL sized cartomizers? Something like this:

Smok Tech Dual Coil Mega XXL 1.5 OHM Cartomizer Black

I haven't tried them mayself but for your occupatiom/lifestyle this looks like the best option to me (at least while you are at work). I'm afraid that with any kind of clearomizers there is a chance of them breaking/seals goind bad and lots of spilled liquid as a consequence.

 

[PoliticallyIncorrect]

The aircraft mechanic thing is troubling. I see you hail from WA, which means there's a fair chance that you live in Redmond, working for Boeing, pushing yourself through fuselage crawlspaces or into the viscera of jet engines. Fail proof? Perfect? You mean indestructible, don't you?

I'd suggest you may have been using the wrong cartomizers, that a tank would solve your refill problems, but it, like a CE2, 3, 4, 5 or otherwise isn't abuse or gravity-proof.

I see you carry a bottle of juice. Have you tried direct dripping into an atomizer?

 

[Hawkin1]

Here is a cheap all day mod... Mountain Vaporizer 18650 Battery Tube
Buy yourself a couple of 18650 batteries and a charger and your good all day without running out of power.

 

[elephantsailor]

I've seen many people sing praise to the vivi/mini nova and the entire REO line, haven't heard of the kanger until now. I wasn't aware that the REO leaked when turned upside-down, which is a killer for me. A lanyard setup, unfortunately, wouldn't work, since vaping on the flightline isn't authorized and I have to hide my usage...

Looks like I'm going to have to invest some cash into several different options to see what works!

I've gotta get going to work now, I'll check back in tomorrow morning. Thanks for all your helpful suggestions so far. Keep 'em coming guys!

 

[junkman]

I recently tried the Stardust (new version with 4 long wicks) and it doesn't seem to leak or let juice in my mouth. Taste and vapor is good. Wicks well. Review here: 4 Wicks Beats 2 Stubs - eGo Vision Clearomizer V2 Review Note: he says vape is a bit on cool side but I find it plenty warm.

I am running them on a ego Spinner at about 4 volts.

 

[junkman]

Here is a cheap all day mod... Mountain Vaporizer 18650 Battery Tube
Buy yourself a couple of 18650 batteries and a charger and your good all day without running out of power.

I have the 18350 version and the switch went out in 1 week. It is not rebuildable. I would avoid this. There is a reason it is so cheap, and that is that it will last 1 week.

 

[Jfish]

He mentioned he was an airline mechanic. I would think a vivi nova would lead to soggy pockets? And he said perfect! Just my opinion but perfect is the hit off a clean quality atty. Just my 2 cents

 

[elmattias]

i love my cartos, but as far as "just works" i have to say my penelope is a whole ton of win, the issue is finding one...once you get your post count up, you can get verified and check the classifieds, that's about the best bet for finding one 90% of the time, however...if you want new you can get on the clouds of vapor waiting list, though i do believe its quite the long list....other than that, the other selections in this thread so far have been FAR cheaper options and FAR more beginner friendly....but as far as "it just works" the penelope does just that...and i have the confidence you'd have no problems with getting it together as you are a mechanic.

 

[junkman]

welcome 2mo. vaper! still use cigs. as well? you say you dont want to spend alot trying things, how about buing things? if i remember correctly a mechanic of flying things make a pretty good living. i must say, provari for the batt. part. Put whatever you want on top. later you may want to play with rebuildable attys for the burner part,some are made of machined stainless steel and the wick & coil can be rebuilt by you for pennies.

Probably to much effort to keep a rebuildable atty going for at work and they aren't the most pocket friendly, but they are great choices for home.

 

[junkman]

i love my cartos, but as far as "just works" i have to say my penelope is a whole ton of win, the issue is finding one...once you get your post count up, you can get verified and check the classifieds, that's about the best bet for finding one 90% of the time, however...if you want new you can get on the clouds of vapor waiting list, though i do believe its quite the long list....other than that, the other selections in this thread so far have been FAR cheaper options and FAR more beginner friendly....but as far as "it just works" the penelope does just that...and i have the confidence you'd have no problems with getting it together as you are a mechanic.

Same thing, good choice for other circumstances. Sounds like he Doesn't want to have to rebuild wicks at work. Although, maybe more pocket friendly as no tank to leak out.....

 

[Jfish]

My reo gas never leaked once! Even while working in small crawl spaces or ceiling...

 

[junkman]

The aircraft mechanic thing is troubling. I see you hail from WA, which means there's a fair chance that you live in Redmond, working for Boeing, pushing yourself through fuselage crawlspaces or into the viscera of jet engines. Fail proof? Perfect? You mean indestructible, don't you?

I'd suggest you may have been using the wrong cartomizers, that a tank would solve your refill problems, but it, like a CE2, 3, 4, 5 or otherwise isn't abuse or gravity-proof.

I see you carry a bottle of juice. Have you tried direct dripping into an atomizer?

Probably most spot on for the circumstance...........