Looking To Buy eCig PV - Recommendations?

[k0z4m]

Hi all,

I haven't purchased an eCig PV before. I'm starting to do some research online, but there are a lot of products out there to chose from.

I'd like to buy a PV with good battery life that's fairly reliable. I know the atomizer and battery will need replacing at some point on all models.

I've also seen guys at work that have PVs with clear glass reservoirs on them that seem to hold quite a bit of juice. What are these called? Are they mods?

My overall goal is to get a model that lasts through a day of use every two hours or so, without having to swap out the battery or refill the tank.

Thank you,
k0z4m

 

[nupogodi]

The reservoirs are called 'tanks'. There are different tank systems out there, 'clearomizer' styles that use a wicking system (Kanger T3, Vivi Nova, seem to be favorites). There are also 'cartomizer' style tanks that use a ... well, cartomizer. It's a metal tube with an atomizer and some juice-absorbing filling in it. You punch a hole in the side, stick it in a tank, and it automatically 'refills' itself from the tank.

As for beginner PVs, you can't go too wrong with an eGo kit. People seem to like the eGo Twist, I've never tried it, I'm using the eGo-C Upgrade right now and it's pretty darn good as an entry-level PV.

There is a cheap mod called the 'Vamo' that is popular too if you wanna go for variable voltage.

Check out pbusardo's reviews on YouTube:
A PBusardo Review - The Tank System Shootout - YouTube

 

[The Ocelot]

Hi and welcome! The choices can be overwhelming. Probably the first things you want to think about are if you want something that is similar in size and appearance to a tobacco cigarette, and what your budget is.

ETA: Here is a list of some other things to consider: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-smoking-discussion/356817-questionnaire-help-new-members-decide-best-starter-kit-pv-them.html

 

[k0z4m]

Thank you for the replies.

So it sounds like the atomizer and tank are one piece. I'll take more of a look into cartomizers and clearomizers. Thanks.

As far as form factor and budget, I'm not concerned with my PV looking like a cigarette. The one's I've seen at work have pretty large batteries and tanks, and that's what I want too. Budget wise I can go as high as $200.

 

[Baditude]

It sounds like what the people at work have are APVs or advanced personal vaporizers or mods. These are either tube or box battery holders that use replaceable batteries. Depending upon the size of the mod and batteries, they can last 6 hours to all day between battery changes. These models are built more sturdy and will be able to last years, compared to the stick batteries that are the size of cigarettes or ego batteries that are the size of a long cigar which will only last a few months (then need to be disposed of and replaced).

The mods will be more expensive initially because of the better materials used in manufacturing. The replaceable batteries are cheaper, though. Under $10 each, and will last a year. They will require a battery recharger specific for this class of battery.

How much are you willing to invest in your device? Realize you need to have some type of backup device, preferably something that uses the same battery as your primary device for convenience. You will need at least two batteries for each device.

The juice carriers that you saw likely were either clearomizers or cartomizer tanks. I have a picture dictionary of juice delivery devices on this thread: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...4-proper-terminology-carto-tank-what-lol.html

The Altsmoke Silver Bullet was my first mod. I highly recommend it. $85 for just the battery holder. Well built and extremely durable. It uses an 18650 battery that will last you an entire day. Should you decide to one day try higher voltage vaping, you can get an extension sleeve and a Kick microprocessor to put into the SB to adjust the watts delivered to your heating coils.

AltSmoke.com | Personal Vaporizers | Electronic Cigarette | Ecigs | | Silver Bullet | Best electronic cigarettes| Cigarettes Electronic| Cigarette Electronic Cigarette| Best Electronic Cigarettes | Electronic Cigarettes

View attachment 158493View attachment 158494View attachment 158495View attachment 158492

The above images demonstrate the wide variety of colors available in the Silver Bullet, and 3 manufacturers of cartomizer tanks. First pic is a Triple V pyrex glass tank from Valley Vapes, second pic is several Bella Tanks from Hoosier Vapes, and the third pic is of a green pyrex glass Phiniac tank.

 

[mrfixit]

Hi and welcome to the wide world of vapping. since your budget is up to $200 dollars you could set yourself up really nice for that. You seem to like some of the APV's you've seen at work so I suggest that you talk with with a few of those folks about what they are using. That way you can an up close look at the units they have and also their first hand experience with vapping as well. I think that's way better than pics,on a website. Who knows they may even let you try it out. The forums is a great place for info and reviews ect..... In the end tho it's all a matter of personal preference and tastes. I'm sure with your budget you'll find a great set up that suits you.

 

[pherik]

Oh yea this will become a huge topic very soon. As the Ocelot stated, the type you are looking for depends on your preference. As he asked, do you want a Cigarette looking device or do you mind the larger devices? Did you want to go with a tank style, cartomizer/clearomizer style, or maybe do a drip style? I will describe the best I can the different types in a moment.

PV: Do you want a cigarette type or maybe a larger device? Main difference is battery life and look.
PV Advanced: Do you want one that you can adjust the voltage on or the wattage to change the temperature of the vapor coming out and the taste?
Atomizer, for dripping: When we mention dripping we usually mean dripping the fluid onto the atomizer in 3 to 5 drops at a time and using it until it has atomized all of the liquid and then you drip more. Would you want to
Tank: A device that holds the e-juice and comes in multiple ways. You have the ones that have the atomizer inside and you just fill and go and then you have the ones that use a cartomizer as the heating element and the tank sits around them.
Cartomizer/clearomizer: This device is like a tube with wicking material that you fill until the wicking shows moisture and go. They are good for a bit but if you do heavy vaping they can run out of liquid quick.

These are just the ways I have seen them and have used them all and still do till this day depending on what I am doing that day and how lazy I am being. If you have any questions there are a number of people who are more than willing to help you out and some of us have tried a large number of devices and know the ups and downs of many devices, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Enjoy and it's usually a great idea to do a good bit of research with the way you vape in mind. There are, as you say, a ton of devices and really the way you want to vape, the size, and your budget will play a huge role.

 

[k0z4m]

1. How many cigarettes did you smoke or are currently smoking per day? A number is very helpful since my idea of a heavy or casual smoker could be very different from yours.

About 10 cigarettes a day.

2. Did you smoke ultra lights,lights, full flavor, filter-less, roll-your-own or cigars?

Camel Lights.

3. How important is it for your electronic cigarette (also called a mod, PV or APV) to look like and feel like a cigarette to you?

Not important at all.

3. Do you like things big, bulky and durable or do you prefer small and compact?

Big, bulky and durable.

4. Which shape is more pleasing to you to hold: something cylindrical or a box shape?

Cylindrical.

5.How long would you like or need the batteries to last in a typical day.For some this an 8 hour shift or could be 16 or more hours depending on your lifestyle.

At least an 8 hour shift.

6. How much effort do you want to put into vaping? Do you want something that requires little effort or are you more of a tinkerer? Generally extremely active lifestyles or someone who's constantly on the go doesn't have a lot of time but the reverse could be true for you as well.

Little effort for now.

7.Do you think you would prefer tobacco, menthol, fruit and candy or dessert flavors?

Tobacco now, but other flavors in the future.

8.Do you think you would like a warmer or a cooler vape? (A warm vape uses higher voltage or lower resistances to make the vapor warmer in your mouth while a cool vape works just the opposite) Also let us know if you have sensitivities to cold or an aversion to hot liquids.

Warmer vape.

9. What is more important to you, throat hit (that feeling of weight or tickle hitting the back of your throat when you inhale) , vapor production (the amount of vapor or steam produced by your device and/or e-liquid) or flavor(The intensity of the taste of the vapor)? Again its okay to have more than one answer but please list them in order of importance.

1. Vapor Production
2. Throat Hit
3. Flavor

10.Which is more important to you, price,quality, ease of use, or reliability? Its okay to have more than one answer just list them in order of importance.

1. Reliability
2. Quality
3. Price
4. Ease Of Use

11.How much are you looking to spend on your initial purchase or upgrade?

$200

12. Have you looked at any other accessories such as clearomizers, cartomizers, tanks, pre-filled cartidges etc and do you have any questions about how they work or what they are?

I would like to use a cartomizer. The larger the better. I think I saw that there are 6ml cartos. I'd like to try one.

13. Would you feel more comfortable vaping (popular term used to refer to inhaling vapor from an electronic cigarette, mod, PV or APV) in public or do you prefer to do it in private?

Both. I don't mind vaping in public.

14. Whats your favorite color?

Black.

15. Do you have any disabilities or other difficulties that might have a bearing on your choice? ex: some peoples wrists aren't strong enough to hold a big battery mod or their eyesight doesnt allow easy filling of ejuice (the liquid containing nicotine and flavoring used in electronic cigarettes, also referred to as nicquid or e-liquid)

No.

16. Have you thought about securing backup devices in the event of failure or purchasing extra batteries?

Yes, I figured I would get backup batteries, cartomizers and tanks for my PV.

17. Do you think you would prefer a battery that starts at 3.7 volts and gradually drops in voltage and vapor production as it drains or would you prefer the voltage to stay the same throughout the life of the battery?

Stay the same for now. I will look more into variable voltage in the future.

 

[kiwivap]

Hi Koz,
Going by your answers there you may like a mechanical mod.
The Smoktech telescope mod can be used in diferent size configurations. This video is a review of that mod:



Mad Vapes have the telescope here:
The Vented Telescope Adjustable Tube Mod, Gun Metal

A chrome Bolt with an extender cap is another option. The Bolt is not strictly mechanical though - it does have some wires.

There are some very nice mechanical mods available. The lavafire is another one:
LavaFire Mechanical Mod

The mechanical mods tend to cost less than variable voltage mods as they don''t have the electronics in them. There are some expensive mechanical mods though, like the Caravela. You have to go on a waiting list for a Caravela.

Just pitching in a few ideas for you. With a $40-50 mod, some batteries and a charger you are probably looking at around $100 total. Will cost a bit more if you buy 2 18650 batteries and a couple of smaller size batteries with a mod that can be used in different sizes. Mechanical mods have durabilty, usually solid and last well.

 

[pherik]

It sounds like what the people at work have are APVs or advanced personal vaporizers or mods. These are either tube or box battery holders that use replaceable batteries. Depending upon the size of the mod and batteries, they can last 6 hours to all day between battery changes. These models are built more sturdy and will be able to last years, compared to the stick batteries that are the size of cigarettes or ego batteries that are the size of a long cigar which will only last a few months (then need to be disposed of and replaced).

The mods will be more expensive initially because of the better materials used in manufacturing. The replaceable batteries are cheaper, though. Under $10 each, and will last a year. They will require a battery recharger specific for this class of battery.

How much are you willing to invest in your device? Realize you need to have some type of backup device, preferably something that uses the same battery as your primary device for convenience. You will need at least two batteries for each device.

The juice carriers that you saw likely were either clearomizers or cartomizer tanks. I have a picture dictionary of juice delivery devices on this thread: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...4-proper-terminology-carto-tank-what-lol.html

The Altsmoke Silver Bullet was my first mod. I highly recommend it. $85 for just the battery holder. Well built and extremely durable. It uses an 18650 battery that will last you an entire day. Should you decide to one day try higher voltage vaping, you can get an extension sleeve and a Kick microprocessor to put into the SB to adjust the watts delivered to your heating coils.

AltSmoke.com | Personal Vaporizers | Electronic Cigarette | Ecigs | | Silver Bullet | Best electronic cigarettes| Cigarettes Electronic| Cigarette Electronic Cigarette| Best Electronic Cigarettes | Electronic Cigarettes

View attachment 158493View attachment 158494View attachment 158495View attachment 158492

The Silver bullet as they have been around for a while and I hear nothing but good things about them. A shop near me the owner used one and though I haven't tried one yet, I can say it's not a bad device at all. The kicker is a great addon later if you decide you want to adjust wattage to get everything the way you want it.

 

[k0z4m]

kiwivap,

Wow! The LavaFire looks awesome! Thanks!

I'll be seriously considering this one.

 

[DrApex]

The best juice delivery system I've used is a DCT tank.

This is a tank, plastic or glass, with a cartomizer in the middle. When the cartomizer wears out, replace it for 2-4$.

I like it because I can tell how much juice I have left, and the system is always ready to vape. I've gotten annoyed with plain Cartomizers and Clearmizers of all kinds due to wicking issues or weird taste when low.

I use the artemas DCT and love it. There is a tiny learning curve in filling it, but it's easy enough to do.

The upsides are:
Good, consistent vapes
Easy to clean
Cost effective, since replacement cartos are cheap

 

[JIMEYE]

Thank you for the replies.

So it sounds like the atomizer and tank are one piece. I'll take more of a look into cartomizers and clearomizers. Thanks.

As far as form factor and budget, I'm not concerned with my PV looking like a cigarette. The one's I've seen at work have pretty large batteries and tanks, and that's what I want too. Budget wise I can go as high as $200.

I would say that if you have $200 to spend then why not go for the best and purchase a Provari - one you have the best there is nowhere else to go and it will save you money in the long run as you will soon be searching for something better...
.
I wish I knew what I know now when I was starting out which would have saved me loads of money - deffinately look at something with removable batteries as apposed to a sealed unit. Individual batteries are a lot cheaper that the sealed units and anyone will tell you that all batteries have a 'life' and will need replacing after numerous charges etc

 

[Curmudgeon]

You've been given a lot of good suggestions here already and I'd like to add a thought or two.

You might want to try a Vision Spinner 1300mah and a ViVi Nova. They are a pretty good way to go so you can figure out what you're after before spending money on something expensive you won't be happy with.

The Spinner has good battery life and is variable voltage.

The Nova is a tank and comes with 3 heads of different ohm ratings.

That set up will let you experiment a little bit so you can figure out what's what and only spend about $40. Then when you upgrade your pv, the Spinner is a nice back up device and the Nova can be used on pretty much any pv you might get.

Just my. Good luck.

 

[Riverboat]

Thank you for the replies.

So it sounds like the atomizer and tank are one piece. I'll take more of a look into cartomizers and clearomizers. Thanks.

As far as form factor and budget, I'm not concerned with my PV looking like a cigarette. The one's I've seen at work have pretty large batteries and tanks, and that's what I want too. Budget wise I can go as high as $200.

$200.00 budget.... Might as well start at the top.... ProVari Variable Voltage Electronic Cigarette
For the money theres nothing like it... IMO and many others..

If you drip this atty is the best...Hands down http://www.avidvaper.com/custom-hh-357-cisco-spec-hybrid-510-atomizer/

 

[TCasualties]

Check out the Silver Bullet from Altsmoke, you won't be disappointed.

 

[klynnn]

There is a lot to be said for getting your back up equip first, ie the spinner and nova. Gives some time to get used to the equip and try juice cartos etc before spending your budget on one item which you may or may not like or know how to use.

 

[Hippie]

everyone ends up getting a provari and a tank system for those who are hassled by dripping.

 

[kiwivap]

Provaris and Spinners are variable voltage. So unless the OP has changed preference from what they said they wanted they aren't what he was after.

 

[kiwivap]

everyone ends up getting a provari and a tank system for those who are hassled by dripping.

Ah no, they don't actually. A lot of people like bottom feeder mods.