Looking to get back into vaping for a 3rd time and would like some help in product choices

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MMcCraryNJ

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Sep 16, 2012
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Hey all! Well, I typed out this humongous message, only to be logged out and have it get lost. Doh! 45 minutes of my life wasted :D So, I'll try to make this one shorter for my own sanity.

I dropped out of the vaping scene about 5-6 months ago for whatever reasons. Looking to get back in, but with slightly better equipment, and better juices, to try this again. My previous setup was two Evod VV spinner batteries, two Kanger Mini ProTank 2s, two Aspire ET-S BDC tanks, and juices from Fuzion Vapor, Viper Vape, and occasionally Johnson Creek. One of my batteries no longer holds a charge, the other had the top of its threading along with the wiring inside rip off on one of my tanks. Looking to just start fresh. In general, want some more advanced APVs, recommendations for both bigger/full-size tanks as well as mini tanks for on-the-go, and good juices everyone is using these days.

1. APV/Mod/Battery: Looking for something a bit more advanced than basic VV spinners, but not crazy mechanical or box mods. I've been watching the IndoorSmokers YouTube channel, and noticed he is recommending the Phantom X, which has everything I want (VW, automatically reads coil resistance and sets voltage accordingly, LCD screen, passthrough). I also noticed he gave the ITaste VV4 a good recommendation, which seems like a similar device, except smaller mAh as well as having to put a cone on it to use the bigger tanks. I want to get two of the same thing, one for charging, one for carrying/using, and perhaps (although this isn't necessary) something a bit bigger that can take full-size tanks to use at home. I've been looking at the Joyetech eVic Supreme for this reason, which seems like a similar device, just with a bigger battery. I kind of want a setup where I have my on-the-go stuff, and something to sit around the house with that I don't have to refill or charge twice a day. Although I may just start out with two of the cheaper APVs to use in both situations for now, but would still like to be able to use the bigger tanks without looking completely ridiculous (which is why I'm leaning towards the Phantom X). Anyone use any of these APVs and can give me their thoughts? Are these all pretty good products? Any big issues that would make one of these not be able to be recommended?

2. Tanks: What is everyone using and loving these days? I'm looking for recommendations for both a mini and full size tank that is glass and vapes really well. I know when I was paying attention to the scene back last year, there seemed to be a new favorite every two months. This scene moves so quickly, so I'm kind of lost as to what the best stuff out there is now. Aspire Nautilus Mini is something I'm seeing being thrown around a lot, any good? Also, what's good from Kanger these days? And what is the best site to order from?

3. juice: Looking for recommendations here as to good juice vendors. I like candy/fruity, minty/menthol, and tobacco-menthol type flavors. Would love recommendations for something I can use as an all day vape...something cherry or black cherry perhaps, that won't taste like crap after a week. Would love to know what everyone is raving about these days.

Thank you all for your help. (My last message was much longer and went much more in depth, but this is the meat and potatoes version.) Excited to buy some things and kick the smoking habit again!
 

Sir2fyablyNutz

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hi MMcCraryNJ and welcome back. I can tell you what works for me.

1. My first mod was an iStick 50W, and I liked it so much I purchased another as a backup. It's not as bulky as a typical box mod and the 4400 mah battery is wonderful and I could probably get 2 full days before recharge. It's pass thru, regulated, led screen, and compact. It can easily handle sub ohm tanks.

2. Aspire Nautilus Mini. Love it. BVC coils. I'd be surprised if there was another tank out there that would give a better vape unless I went sub ohm.

3. Juices. You're on your own here, I keep a bunch of tanks with different flavors at hand on my desk.

20150307_1925591_zps8jtgsnmq.jpg
 

EBates

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If 45 minutes is all you waste you will have done very well.
1. APV/Mod/Battery: The best bang for the buck IMHO is the Istick 30 or 50 watt. Stick batteries suck.
2. Tanks: Nautilus, Sub tank (uses replaceable atty heads or build your own)
3. Juice: Check out the local vape shops. Most shops have vape bars so you can try before you buy.

Good Luck
 

Baditude

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First of all, do you want a mod that uses external replaceable rechargeable batteries (you'll need a separate box charger), or has a non-removeable rechargeable battery that charges with a USB cord? Tube or box shape?

Advancing Up the Vaping Ladder

You likely don't need a high wattage mod, but for the price they are now it doesn't hurt to have the extra power even if you won't use it. The MVP is one of those with a built-in rechargeable battery which will last up to three days on a charge and can be used while charging, but its a box mod. So is the iStick.

For the tank, I suggest getting one which has adjustable air flow, and accepts replaceable coil heads. The Aspire Mini Nautilus falls into this category and is widely recommended.

I recommend you check out Dripeez. This is an USA e-liquid manufacturer that I really like. They specialize in fruit flavors, use all organic/all natural flavorings, and allow for a variety of Pg/Vg ratios.

I'm currently using Smooththal (sweet menthol) and Pom Beach (fruit) from NicQuid as my all day vapes. I also like Castle Long from Five Pawns as an evening treat, as well as Organic Kona Coffee Milkshake from Virgin Vapors.
 
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I would just get a 30 watt box sigelei and throw on an atlantis tank. Box is about $36 and tank is about $33ish. Box is small but powerfull. You can also pick up a Nautilus tank for all day vape. The atlantis blows clouds. With the new sub ohm tanks it makes it easy for noobs to vape clouds and enjoy real juice. You would need a 18650 bat and a charger. Bat is about $8
 
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MMcCraryNJ

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Sep 16, 2012
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Acworth, GA, USA
Thank you for all of your suggestions!

I have to say, I wasn't all that thrilled with the idea of a box mod. I remember them from last year being gigantic, and expensive, and not something attractive or discrete enough to vape out in the public. But I looked up the iStick 50w, and I might be changing my mind about that. IndoorSmokers seems to really like it. I might be thinking about getting it for home, plus one of the smaller VW devices I mentioned in the OP for on the go.

So everyone seems to be recommending the Aspire Nautilus Mini. Is there a full size version of it, and if so, is it just as good? Will I be able to use both on the iStick 50w with no issues? Or should I get a different full-size tank for the iStick, and use the Nautilus Mini on one of the smaller batteries? I see the iStick doesn't include any eGo adapter either.
 

Baditude

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The Aspire Mini Nautilus was the first clearomizer to use a new vertical coil, ceramic wick - which made it sort of a hybrid clearo/cartomizer. I believe the larger version Nautilus now comes with the same new coil/wick. Having said that, I read that Aspire will be changing these wicks to cotton in the near future because the "ceramic" is actually fiberglass.

Both sizes will fit on an iStick and look classy, IMHO.
 

Susan~S

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So everyone seems to be recommending the Aspire Nautilus Mini. Is there a full size version of it, and if so, is it just as good? Will I be able to use both on the iStick 50w with no issues? Or should I get a different full-size tank for the iStick, and use the Nautilus Mini on one of the smaller batteries? I see the iStick doesn't include any eGo adapter either.

The full sized Nautilus holds 5mls and it's just as good as the Mini Nautilus. Some (not all) of the full sized Nautilus come with BDC's (bottom dual coils). They are not as good as the BVC's (bottom vertical coils). But you can pick up the BVC's at most vape shops and online stores. Make sure they are the BVC's for Nautilus.

No issues running any sized Nautilus on the 50watt iStick or even the 30Watt iStick. I usually run my Nautilus at under 17 watts (flavor dependent). Most of the time I am between 12-15 watts.

You can pick up a 510 to ego adapter for the iStick.

========

Regarding juice: Ahlusion is my go-to vendor to juice. Peppermint Bark, Lemon Vanilla Cake, Caramel Wild Wood, Caramel Pear Black Tea, Coconut Boba Tea, the list goes on and on! Fan Club here on ECF: Ahlusion E-Juice Part 3.

I also LOVE Omega Vapes Breeze (peach/cantaloupe blend), Cosmic Fogs Milk & Honey & Ripe Vapes Pear Almond.

Giant Vapes and EJuices are great places to shop when looking to pick up flavors from multiple high quality vendor lines of juice.
 
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The iStick mini 50w or the Cloupor mini are smaller mods that offer solid results. I would recommend either with a Subtank Mini great for getting into building and the OCC heads are organic cotton. Here is a picture of my cloupor mini(in dark blue sleeve) w/ subtank nano, istick 50w w/eleaf lemo drop, VS rDNA 40(in light blue sleeve) with subtank nano, andn IPV3 V3 with freakshow mini for size comparison.IMG_20150326_125118.jpg
 

Sir2fyablyNutz

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The 510 to eGo adapter is about $5 for use with the ego threaded tanks.

The full size Nautilus (5ml) and Nautilus Mini (2.5ml) both use the same BVC (bottom vertical coil) coils. There are Nautilus still out there for sale that come with the BDC (bottom dual coils). I'm pretty certain the BVC coils will fit. The only difference in the two tanks is the amount of juice they hold (one is just a little larger). Both will fit on the iStick 50W with no hangover the side issues.
 

MMcCraryNJ

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Sep 16, 2012
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All good information, thank you everyone!

So, here's what I'm thinking: Getting an iStick 50w and pairing with the full size Aspire Nautilus to keep at home. Getting the Phantom X (Mig Cigs® Phantom X 1600 Battery) and pairing it with the Aspire Nautilus Mini for on-the-go. The only thing that's kinda bugging me about this is it's only $10 more to get another iStick 50w, but I'm almost pretty sure that taking the Phantom X out with me all day in my pocket would be a bit more manageable and lighter set up. My 1100 mAh Evod VV batteries lasted me throughout the day, so I'm assuming the 1600 mAh Phantom X would be plenty, and would be less bulky and less prone to breakage sitting in my pocket with my keys and other things. Am I wrong about that, or?
 

noway

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Mar 26, 2015
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Sounds like you have what you need to get going. I started 3 mos ago with a Nautilus Mini and the original 20w iStick using hangsen highway. It was ruff going through the withdrawals.

It seems like my tank has been working better since I've been buying liquid from Catapiller Vapes here in Omaha, NE. They don't mix their own, but buy straight from the manufacturer premixed and bottled. Seems to burn better and cleaner than the bottle I started with.

The Mini is nice because I can drop the watts down to 5 or 6, close off the air hole and do light vapes or go to a larger air hole and turn up the power to around 9, 10. I'm not into big clouds myself.

I did buy a pack of cigarettes about a week ago, and they really don't do any more than vaping. They are different, but find I don't need them.
 

Sir2fyablyNutz

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I had a Spinner 2 1600 mah with my Mini's before the 50W made it to the shelves. It adds about 1 1/2" length over the size of the 50W. I'd suggest a trip to a local vape shop to browse and actually have it in hand to decide.

Vape%20012_zpstxj7qdxn.jpg


the rubber band was my way of determining what flavor is in the tank
 

MMcCraryNJ

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In this YouTube video, IndoorSmokers uses the Phantom X with an Aspire Nautilus Mini, and it looks like it fits perfectly with no overhang or what-have-you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H7SA2OF2cU

Just not too sure yet if I should do one iStick 50w and one Phantom X, or two iStick 50w. I would use the Phantom X and Nautilus Mini on-the-go, and the iStick 50w and full size Nautilus at home. Or I could just buy two Minis and forget the full size one. Not sure what I want to do just yet.
 

RandyF

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If you want something convenient for carrying out-and-about, a tube/stick mod is just the opposite of what you would probably want. Box mods, like the istick, have a much lower profile and are more pocket friendly. My personal favorite on the go setup is my DNA30 and a Sub Tank Nano (5 1/2" tall from bottom to the top of the drip tip), which would be very similar to an istick and nautilus mini.
 

Sir2fyablyNutz

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I have 4 mini's. I wish I had bought at least one full size Nautilus. (at the time I was misinformed that they took different coils) As far as the mod's go, since you're decided on one 50W, buy it and try it for a few days. By then you'll know if you want a 2nd one, or the Phantom. At your vape level (mah), the one iStick could last you 3 days before recharge. I run mine down to 1/2 battery in a days use, then tomorrow I'll use the back up, while the first one recharges.

As far as the tanks I'd recommend getting one of each. I have different juices in each of my tanks, and I just swap out tanks rather than cleaning and refilling when I want a flavor switch. If you have a flavor you really enjoy, fill the larger tank.
 
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