Looking to convert...

[Brad84]

Hello All,

New member here. I quit smoking over a year ago when my daughter was born with the retail cig-a-like's (blu plus and MarkTen XL). My biggest complaints are that the Blu's are leaky and the MarkTen's don't have many flavor offerings. The main reason I'm looking to convert to something better is that I'm tired of paying $5-6 a cartridge and not being satisfied with what I'm getting in return. I'm currently smoking over one cartidge a day. My favorite so far as far as throat hit and flavor is the MarkTen Menthol (3.5 NBV).

I gotta admit I've tried vaping in the past with the liquid vaporizers and had terrible experiences with leaks and crappy equipment after what I consider a pretty hefty investment (over $100). I don't mind spending money on decent product, but don't want to dish out 100 bucks on something I'm gonna throw away after a week or two. I sorta like the concept of the cig-a-like's small size and it fitting easily into my pocket. Plus it makes refilling in the car (I travel alot) much easier. Is there something out there that's similar but better that I haven't seen or heard of?

Thanks

 

[sofarsogood]

What were you spending on cigarettes?

My brother started a year ago with a Nautilus mini tank, iStick 20 mod and a pack of spare coils. He buys liquid online, $20 for a 120 ml. He vapes 2 ml's with 12 mg nic per day at 7 watts and changes the coil head about once a month. His cost for a year includig hardware was $200. It took him some months to completely stop smoking which was costing him $3,000 a year.

I vape on a $40 temp control mod with a $10 dripping atomizer on top. I mix my own eliquid for about 2 cents per ml. I vape 6 ml per day so annual cost about $50. If I only bought what I needed I could have a quality vape for $100 a year.

It does take some effort and some patience to switch from smoking to vaping but, how much are you spending on cigs?

 

[suprtrkr]

You aren't going to find anything in the cig-a-like field much better than what you have. A good rig is something like an iStick 40TC with an Aspire Nautilus tank for mouth-to-lung or a Kanger Subtank for direct lung hits. It's bigger around than the Blu's but not a lot longer and would still fit in a pocket. The untimate solution to the refill-while-driving problem is probably a squonk mod like a Reo (mechanical) or a Sun box (power regulated). Those are pricey, though. Let me suggest you start with the iStick and if it's working for you you can move up later.

 

[Mr.Mann]

Use whatever is working relatively well for you right now and keep reading (keep your wallet closed for the time-being). As soon as you think you've read enough, ask questions and read some more. Rinse and repeat. Within not much time you will have acquired a wealth of information about the various devices and will be better equipped to make your upgrades. Be forewarned though: you will receive a plethora of suggestions that may or may not work for you. But the cool thing about those suggestions is that they will give you a good starting point to begin your research.

Welcome to the forum and know that this is THE place for you to learn what you need to succeed.



p.s. Endura T18 Starter Kit That is my new device I recommend to transition-ers. There are no guarantees it will work for you, but I think it's a good device for the type of vape you seem to be looking for. Don't take my word for it as not all will agree. Research and then research some more.

 

[Brad84]

What were you spending on cigarettes?

My brother started a year ago with a Nautilus mini tank, iStick 20 mod and a pack of spare coils. He buys liquid online, $20 for a 120 ml. He vapes 2 ml's with 12 mg nic per day at 7 watts and changes the coil head about once a month. His cost for a year includig hardware was $200. It took him some months to completely stop smoking which was costing him $3,000 a year.

I vape on a $40 temp control mod with a $10 dripping atomizer on top. I mix my own eliquid for about 2 cents per ml. I vape 6 ml per day so annual cost about $50. If I only bought what I needed I could have a quality vape for $100 a year.

It does take some effort and some patience to switch from smoking to vaping but, how much are you spending on cigs?

I'm going through 6-7 cartomizers a week of the Blu's or MarkTenXL's, so roughly $30-$40 a week is currently what I'm spending.

 

[Mr.Mann]

I'm going through 6-7 cartomizers a week of the Blu's or MarkTenXL's, so roughly $30-$40 a week is currently what I'm spending.

Whoa. That's a lot on cartomizers. Hmmm...I may need to rethink my above-post. Within two-weeks of that type expenditure you could have a very nice upgrade...and even some money leftover.

 

[Brad84]

suprtrkr and Mr.Mann

thanks for the advice. I'll start looking into those types you suggested.

 

[Brad84]

lol, yes. i was smoking about 2 packs a day (Newport Menthol Gold) before quiting. i know i want something with a good throat hit, because as soon as my current ecigs batteries start dying or cartomizers start running low I replace both.

 

[Mr.Mann]

@Brad84

If you are intent on using cig-a-likes for the foreseeable future, or just know you want to use them now, I strongly recommend switching from the Big Tobacco brands and moving to something like that at Electronic Cigarettes Flavor Cartridges | Buy E-Cigs Cartridges. I used SmokelessImage products when I first got on the forum until I was ready to upgrade (which didn't take long at all).

Point is, that company is great for those making the transition, dual-users or just for those that like to keep it simple, discreet and inexpensive.

 

[daviedog]

Dear Brad, check out Baditudes blog on equipment for beginners.
It's on this site. Good reading & good luck..

 

[daleron]

Welcome to ECF Brad, make yourself right at home

 

[DorianC]

Hello All,

New member here. I quit smoking over a year ago when my daughter was born with the retail cig-a-like's (blu plus and MarkTen XL). My biggest complaints are that the Blu's are leaky and the MarkTen's don't have many flavor offerings. The main reason I'm looking to convert to something better is that I'm tired of paying $5-6 a cartridge and not being satisfied with what I'm getting in return. I'm currently smoking over one cartidge a day. My favorite so far as far as throat hit and flavor is the MarkTen Menthol (3.5 NBV).

I gotta admit I've tried vaping in the past with the liquid vaporizers and had terrible experiences with leaks and crappy equipment after what I consider a pretty hefty investment (over $100). I don't mind spending money on decent product, but don't want to dish out 100 bucks on something I'm gonna throw away after a week or two. I sorta like the concept of the cig-a-like's small size and it fitting easily into my pocket. Plus it makes refilling in the car (I travel alot) much easier. Is there something out there that's similar but better that I haven't seen or heard of?

Thanks

Welcome, I'm new here as well.
I had a hard transition when I first started but now it's all comfortable to me. Hang in and good luck. E cigs are a new and growing industry so it does take research and patience which are well rewarded.

P.S. I finally settled on Evods and a Kayfun and loving it.
Dorian

 

[dennism]

I second the Innokin Endura T18, perfect for starting out, and only costs about $30

 

[djsvapour]

I'm going through 6-7 cartomizers a week of the Blu's or MarkTenXL's, so roughly $30-$40 a week is currently what I'm spending.

Yes. Sadly these companies are in it for the money. But, they are tobacco co's. What else would we expect?

All you have to do is stretch your money far enough to get a GOOD refillable, then your job is done.
Please don't do what I did which was to spend $800 on these brands (and not even quit smoking).

Most of the mid-range quality hardware these days is 99% reliable.

 

[Bunnykiller]

to convert to need to "Kill the Riddick"

 

[SteveS45]

After trying the Mark Ten XL (Classic) at a steep discount with coupons offered at the point of sale I was pleased with the hit off them and being a MB Red smoker for many years they were quite pleasing. With 2 cartridges at around $6 that started to get costly so a Google search and a YT video revealed a way to refill the Mark Ten's. Using Buck Naked American/Turkish Tobacco gives me a pleasant taste. To each his own they say but this keeps cost down for me.

 

[Mr.Mann]

After trying the Mark Ten XL (Classic) at a steep discount with coupons offered at the point of sale I was pleased with the hit off them and being a MB Red smoker for many years they were quiet pleasing. With 2 cartridges at around $6 that started to get costly so a Google search and a YT video revealed a way to refill the Mark Ten's. Using Buck Naked American/Turkish Tobacco gives me a pleasant taste. To each his own they say but this keeps cost down for me.

 

[JustWondering1]

You aren't going to find anything in the cig-a-like field much better than what you have. A good rig is something like an iStick 40TC with an Aspire Nautilus tank for mouth-to-lung or a Kanger Subtank for direct lung hits. It's bigger around than the Blu's but not a lot longer and would still fit in a pocket. The untimate solution to the refill-while-driving problem is probably a squonk mod like a Reo (mechanical) or a Sun box (power regulated). Those are pricey, though. Let me suggest you start with the iStick and if it's working for you you can move up later.

I totally agree. It doesn't get much easier than the iStick and Nautilus Mini combo. I'm sure at some point I'll venture out a bit, but I love my iStick/Nautilus Minis, and for now, I'm sticking with them.

 

[SteveS45]

A couple of questions for those who use the replaceable atomizers. When I had the BN Slim for a short period of time the estimated time they lasted was measured in puffs. If memory serves me correct it said 200 but I found it had a harsh taste as compared to refilling the Logic or Mark Ten cartridges which last for much longer without the harsh or burned taste.

How long do these replacement coils last and opinions on the taste? Is there a device that no parts require service or maintenance?

 

[suprtrkr]

A couple of questions for those who use the replaceable atomizers. When I had the BN Slim for a short period of time the estimated time they lasted was measured in puffs. If memory serves me correct it said 200 but I found it had a harsh taste as compared to refilling the Logic or Mark Ten cartridges which last for much longer without the harsh or burned taste.

How long do these replacement coils last and opinions on the taste? Is there a device that no parts require service or maintenance?

How long varies. Less with more wattage and dark or sweet juices. It is also necessary to prime them (make sure the wick is completely soaked) before you hit the fire button or you'll burn it with the first hit. Plus, they are manufactured by the millions on automated machinery in China, and Chinese QC is not American QC. Sometimes you will get a bad one. They can go for 3-4 days up to a couple, maybe three weeks. There is, as yet, no device that is 0 maintenance. A RTA (rebuildable tank atomizer) where you make your own coils and wicks lasts longer, usually. I just re-did one of mine today, been in 6-7 weeks and ran through 200+ml of juice. And I salvaged the coils, it only needed cleaning and re-wicking. That may be more than you want to fool with-- it's not hard, but there's a learning curve-- and I definitely don't recommend it for somebody just starting out. First get up on your feet with the vape; find liquid you like, figure out what strength you need, what power you like, etc. Then come back and we'll get you into rebuildables if you want.