Lost in the valley of vaporizers...help!

[Hmmmmmmmm]

Hello- I've owned a v2 series 7 for two weeks. Its OK but thinking of returning it before return period expires. Issues I have is the carts are rubbish. I've gone through 3 in 2 weeks and at 10 dollars each that's alot of money to vapourize! Also I realise I prefer higher VG...70 percent us good. Haven't sampled higher. Also prefer V2 at full blast 4.7 volts which I think is wearing out my carts. So questions to anyone experienced please.
1) is changing carts at a high rate normal? Maybe not this often but what's normal.
2) if you buy an RDA? Like wick it yourself does that mean you get all the savings? Buy the tank and then just rewick?
3) some box mods are what 60/70? Why would anyone buy 400 dollar vapourizers? What does that give u?
4)can you get a vapourizer that handles any liquid? Like 100 VG, 70-30? I haven't found my ideal ratio. 100 VG sounds fun but not all the time especially at work.
5) the big one....can you recommend what to get please? Or should I keep v2 series 7? My ideal from what I know do far is mid price around 100 dollars, takes different eliquid blends, decent power but doesnt have to he too crazy, then the usual...good battery, good design...ie works well without stupid sht happening like batteries falling out. The bells and whistles like Bluetooth etc are not needed.
Is it possible to recommend exactly what to get... Like this vaporizer, this tank and this coil....as u can tell I'm a newbie and only half an idea what this all means! I'm willing to learn though! I just want a quality vaporizer with not much hassle....also buying carts isn't a problem as long as they last a month or so.

Thank you!

 

[jfcooley]

Not familiar with that mod/tank, but I'll throw my 2¢ in on RDA expenses.

I have wire but build only simple coils/practice building with it at the moment. I've dropped maybe $4 tops for each of my 3 spools @ about 10-15ft each. Really haven't built much usable. There's some learning involved with building. That being said premade coils are inexpensive enough that I find it a better alternative to factory coils financially.

Cotton for wicking is cheap if you skip the "vape" brands and go for pads. 180 pads that I cut to strips for about $7 will last a good long time.

With an RDA you get better flavor and coils last as long as you'd like. Weeks even. Remember with an RDA you will either have to drip or sqonk.

As for mod expense, well there's something for everyone. Inexpensive mods can be hit or miss. If you want a solid VW box than $50-60 is about average, but there are some great ones that are a little older (thus cheaper) that work well too. The more expensive offer (maybe) better chips and more "exotic", if you will, materials like stabilized wood, and may offer more longevity.

It's also a matter of choice. I have an Inbox that is a perfectly good sqonker. Does everything I need it to do and is reliable. I absolutely love the looks of the Therion though, and it's $150ish. No real need to have it over the Inbox other than maybe it's newer chip and looks. Just preference. Kinda like a phone. You don't need a flagship phone, but if you can afford it and like it...then why not?

Good luck finding something. There will be other much better replies...they'll help

 

[Walee]

Hello- I've owned a v2 series 7 for two weeks. Its OK but thinking of returning it before return period expires. Issues I have is the carts are rubbish. I've gone through 3 in 2 weeks and at 10 dollars each that's alot of money to vapourize! Also I realise I prefer higher VG...70 percent us good. Haven't sampled higher. Also prefer V2 at full blast 4.7 volts which I think is wearing out my carts. So questions to anyone experienced please.
1) is changing carts at a high rate normal? Maybe not this often but what's normal.
2) if you buy an RDA? Like wick it yourself does that mean you get all the savings? Buy the tank and then just rewick?
3) some box mods are what 60/70? Why would anyone buy 400 dollar vapourizers? What does that give u?
4)can you get a vapourizer that handles any liquid? Like 100 VG, 70-30? I haven't found my ideal ratio. 100 VG sounds fun but not all the time especially at work.
5) the big one....can you recommend what to get please? Or should I keep v2 series 7? My ideal from what I know do far is mid price around 100 dollars, takes different eliquid blends, decent power but doesnt have to he too crazy, then the usual...good battery, good design...ie works well without stupid sht happening like batteries falling out. The bells and whistles like Bluetooth etc are not needed.
Is it possible to recommend exactly what to get... Like this vaporizer, this tank and this coil....as u can tell I'm a newbie and only half an idea what this all means! I'm willing to learn though! I just want a quality vaporizer with not much hassle....also buying carts isn't a problem as long as they last a month or so.

Thank you!

 

[Skreech]

Hi there and welcome. I started vaping a month ago and quit my smoking habit dead. I started with a an Aspire Zealous Mod and Nautilus 2 tank. The only additional outlay so far is juice and 1 new coil. I wouldn't understand any other way of vaping unless you don't want the hassle of refilling a tank and changing a coil, but just want to stick a new pod in like changing printer cartridges. If your current method is getting expensive then get a Mod and a tank. You can choose your coils and choose your juice.

I'm experimenting with a new RTA and also mixing juices but it's early days yet with mixed results. Just trying to run before I can walk. But for you, just take it one step at a time. I think a mod and a tank are the way to start but that is a personal opinion.

You are certainly in the right place to get the best information and the people are really friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. You will get it cracked before you know it.

A month ago, if someone told me they had a Mech Squonker, I would have assumed it was some sort furry Star Wars pet from Toys-R-Us. Now I know different thanks to all the info you can get off this forum.

Have fun and enjoy.

 

[stols001]

If you are vaping at very high wattage, you will go through your coils more quickly. There should be a recommended resistance range printed on the coil, it's fine to vape below it, but above is likely going to shorten your coil life.

High VG liquids do tend to gunk things up more so lowering wattage and maybe using a 60-40 mix MIGHT help you, but if it's not a satisfying vape, I think you'd be better off with an RTA. I use mostly MLT RTAs which doesn't sound like your vaping style, but there are tons of good DL RTAs and investing in one might be a good idea. As far as the cost, it is far less costly than drop in coils, as you are basically (after you get the tools you need and an Ohm's reader, which is pretty essential-- you can buy a coilmaster kit from vape stores or Amazon, they're not terribly costly, and I found mine useful, but if you have tools to hand, you may not need much more than a coil jig (if you want one) playing around with steam-engine.org, I think it is (just do a search for steam engine) and some wire and cotton or rayon, whatever you prefer to wick with. Coils can last a long time, and if your wick starts tasting funny you can just dry burn and rewick, for pennies, kind of indefinitely. If you vape using wattage mode, I'd say kanthal wire would be a good place to start, I find it easiest for winding, but you can also get SS wire and use Temperature Control mode or wattage, whatever is easiest. There's a learning curve, but if you start checking out the RTA forums and the Coil building forums, you'll find tons of information to get you started.

Using an RTA and DIY juice is probably the most inexpensive way to vape, after startup costs. I am deeply fond of a few drop in coil tanks, so I don't use RTAs all the time but I do like them.

As far as a mod that's decent and does what you need, you have lots of choices. Maybe check out the boards on mods and post that question there, to get some ideas. I am partial to the Steampunk Nano 120 tesla, it's a two battery mod that I think provides a great vape (very smooth) and does TC well (though I haven't used the newer DNA mods) but there are tons of other options out there in you price range.

Good luck,

Anna

 

[Letitia]

The Eleaf Pico 25 kit with Ello sub tank sounds like a good fit for you. You would need to buy 2 18650 batteries. One in mod and one charged for backup. I would recommend a charger, but that is an expense you could put off. Easily under 100.00. Are you in the USA?

P.S. Welcome to ECF.

 

[PapawBrett]

Everyone has this problem starting out.
The reason for more expensive gear is simple - you get what you pay for. I need something unbreakable so I will spend more for durability.
A rebuildable tank or atomizer will give you direct control of the resistance, and therefore wattage, of your vaping gear. But a certain amount of care is needed, and the coil and wick needs to be replaced regularly.
I've been vaping 70% VG for years. The original SvoeMesto Kayfun is the only attachment I have had viscosity problems with. Modern vaping gear should not be a problem.
Good Luck on your Vaping Journey.

 

[Walee]

You're question is kinda like "what is the meaning of life the universe and everything", lol. I think for a lot of what you are asking you will have to just take your time and make your own decisions as you try different things. An Eleaf Pico 25 kit goes for around $40~$45 and is a small, reliable, simple mod. With the provided atty you can try different ratios of PG/VG and see what you think. It has a 510 connection which opens you up to trying RDA's and RTA's (building your own coils). You can save some money that way but moreover I think it depends on if you enjoy the activity or no. At least for me that is where vaping became a hobby. At that point saving money was not the primary concern. It was more about "what can I make". There is a lot of latitude with what you can do with vaping. You can take it anywhere from simply getting a nicotine hit to darn near a religion. It's a journey. Happy travels!

 

[DavidOck]

1) is changing carts at a high rate normal? Maybe not this often but what's normal.
2) if you buy an RDA? Like wick it yourself does that mean you get all the savings? Buy the tank and then just rewick?
3) some box mods are what 60/70? Why would anyone buy 400 dollar vapourizers? What does that give u?
4)can you get a vapourizer that handles any liquid? Like 100 VG, 70-30? I haven't found my ideal ratio. 100 VG sounds fun but not all the time especially at work.
5) the big one....can you recommend what to get please?

Welcome to ECF!

1) Haven't used blister packs in a long time, but in general, their life will vary quite a bit. A lot depends on the flavors - some will gunk the coil quickly, some slower. So what you're getting in life may be normal. If you really like the vape you're getting, maybe just do some web surfing to find a cheaper source.

2) I primarily use RTAs, as I personally don't care for dripping. (Nothing at all "wrong" with it, just not my style.) But RTA or RDA, you never have to buy another unique factory head. You just wind and wick when needed. Coils do NOT have to be fancy, a simple wind will vape just fine. I use rayon for wicking, and my $12 box will last probably another 10 years - and I've given away a lot! The coil itself can last for months with periodic clean, dry burn and rewick.

If you do decide to go that route, do try different sizes and types of resistance wire. Find out what gives you the results you want before getting miles of any one. Kanthal A1 is the old standby, other materials for TC. And all come in different gauges.

I have sufficient wick and Kanthal for the next 10 - 20 years, total cost was about $30. Yeah, a little bit cheaper than blister packs

3) Some box mods are $30 There was a time when the more expensive mods did vape better, and they may still have an edge on longevity. But as the industry has matured, that has become less of a difference. Styling. Bragging rights.

4) High VG will require really good wicking, since VG is so thick. Most newer RTA/RDA devices will cope just fine. Keep in mind that max VG will likely mute the flavors, so a higher % flavoring may be needed - and that will gunk your coils faster.

5) Nope. We all come at vaping in our own ways. I came to quit smoking, and what I like is a vape that emulates the process, including the throat hit (from nic and PG) with sufficient vapor to "convince" me that I'm smoking. I get enough vapor to blow "smoke rings", but not to fill a room (high VG). From what you've written, what I like and would recommend would possibly disappoint you.

Look for a mod that will handle the power levels and type of vaping (i.e. is TC important?) that keeps you from smoking. And is comfortable to hold and use. And within your budget

And good luck, you CAN quit smoking!

 

[Gahh]

Hello- I've owned a v2 series 7 for two weeks. Its OK but thinking of returning it before return period expires. Issues I have is the carts are rubbish. I've gone through 3 in 2 weeks and at 10 dollars each that's alot of money to vapourize! Also I realise I prefer higher VG...70 percent us good. Haven't sampled higher. Also prefer V2 at full blast 4.7 volts which I think is wearing out my carts. So questions to anyone experienced please.
1) is changing carts at a high rate normal? Maybe not this often but what's normal.
2) if you buy an RDA? Like wick it yourself does that mean you get all the savings? Buy the tank and then just rewick?
3) some box mods are what 60/70? Why would anyone buy 400 dollar vapourizers? What does that give u?
4)can you get a vapourizer that handles any liquid? Like 100 VG, 70-30? I haven't found my ideal ratio. 100 VG sounds fun but not all the time especially at work.
5) the big one....can you recommend what to get please? Or should I keep v2 series 7? My ideal from what I know do far is mid price around 100 dollars, takes different eliquid blends, decent power but doesnt have to he too crazy, then the usual...good battery, good design...ie works well without stupid sht happening like batteries falling out. The bells and whistles like Bluetooth etc are not needed.
Is it possible to recommend exactly what to get... Like this vaporizer, this tank and this coil....as u can tell I'm a newbie and only half an idea what this all means! I'm willing to learn though! I just want a quality vaporizer with not much hassle....also buying carts isn't a problem as long as they last a month or so.

Thank you!

Not sure exactly how you like your vape, but going thru 10 dollar cartomizers every day sounds NO F-in GOOD.
My first suggestion,,,, RETURN IT ALL.
Second - suggestions,,,,
1------https://www.fasttech.com/products/5202900
You won't need batteries & this mod will last for a day of heavy hitting.!!!!!
2------https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10017802/5672200-melo-2-styled-sub-ohm-tank-clearomizer
Good clone tank...
3------https://www.fasttech.com/products/5696200
Nice working, Cheap coils....
4------https://www.fasttech.com/products/4294602
Decent Re-Buildable coils. (Simple & easy to build)
WONT TO ADD SOMETHING MORE,,,,,
5------https://www.fasttech.com/products/5374900
A step up to your building fun.......( Top air flow, wont leak unless you put in your pocket,,, UPSIDE DOWN.....)
I love spending other peoples money wisely, after wasting much of mine....
This will be the best $65.64 you spend on vaping, and it should keep your vaping running smoothly & some entertainment to boot!!!

 

[Gahh]

Here's a video for the .....
The Tank. ( This one's not a clone. The clone works and looks fine.)

The Wotofo Sapor RTA Rebuildable Tank

The Melo 2 RTA Coil Heads,, ( IN GERMAN ) .. I just watch....lol

 

[Izan]

Hello- I've owned a v2 series 7 for two weeks. Its OK but thinking of returning it before return period expires. Issues I have is the carts are rubbish. I've gone through 3 in 2 weeks and at 10 dollars each that's alot of money to vapourize! Also I realise I prefer higher VG...70 percent us good. Haven't sampled higher. Also prefer V2 at full blast 4.7 volts which I think is wearing out my carts. So questions to anyone experienced please.
1) is changing carts at a high rate normal? Maybe not this often but what's normal.
2) if you buy an RDA? Like wick it yourself does that mean you get all the savings? Buy the tank and then just rewick?
3) some box mods are what 60/70? Why would anyone buy 400 dollar vapourizers? What does that give u?
4)can you get a vapourizer that handles any liquid? Like 100 VG, 70-30? I haven't found my ideal ratio. 100 VG sounds fun but not all the time especially at work.
5) the big one....can you recommend what to get please? Or should I keep v2 series 7? My ideal from what I know do far is mid price around 100 dollars, takes different eliquid blends, decent power but doesnt have to he too crazy, then the usual...good battery, good design...ie works well without stupid sht happening like batteries falling out. The bells and whistles like Bluetooth etc are not needed.
Is it possible to recommend exactly what to get... Like this vaporizer, this tank and this coil....as u can tell I'm a newbie and only half an idea what this all means! I'm willing to learn though! I just want a quality vaporizer with not much hassle....also buying carts isn't a problem as long as they last a month or so.

Thank you!

Hi and welcome,
How many cigarettes did you smoke per day and what level of nicotine( %/MG/ML) are you using?

cheers
I

 

[Opinionated]

Hello- I've owned a v2 series 7 for two weeks. Its OK but thinking of returning it before return period expires. Issues I have is the carts are rubbish. I've gone through 3 in 2 weeks and at 10 dollars each that's alot of money to vapourize! Also I realise I prefer higher VG...70 percent us good. Haven't sampled higher. Also prefer V2 at full blast 4.7 volts which I think is wearing out my carts. So questions to anyone experienced please.
1) is changing carts at a high rate normal? Maybe not this often but what's normal.
2) if you buy an RDA? Like wick it yourself does that mean you get all the savings? Buy the tank and then just rewick?
3) some box mods are what 60/70? Why would anyone buy 400 dollar vapourizers? What does that give u?
4)can you get a vapourizer that handles any liquid? Like 100 VG, 70-30? I haven't found my ideal ratio. 100 VG sounds fun but not all the time especially at work.
5) the big one....can you recommend what to get please? Or should I keep v2 series 7? My ideal from what I know do far is mid price around 100 dollars, takes different eliquid blends, decent power but doesnt have to he too crazy, then the usual...good battery, good design...ie works well without stupid sht happening like batteries falling out. The bells and whistles like Bluetooth etc are not needed.
Is it possible to recommend exactly what to get... Like this vaporizer, this tank and this coil....as u can tell I'm a newbie and only half an idea what this all means! I'm willing to learn though! I just want a quality vaporizer with not much hassle....also buying carts isn't a problem as long as they last a month or so.

Thank you!

Hi and Welcome. So... the meaning of life, here we go.. (lol)

I am not familiar with the device your using, but according to what you have said I will give you some recommendations and answers.

1) no it's not normal. It means that what you have is 1) cheap and 2) not working for your vaping style. Average for factory coil replacement is anywhere from once every 5 days to once every two or three weeks, depending on whether you vape coil killers or not.

2) if you get either an rta or rda, yes you reap the savings but it's more than just wicking you also have to build your own coils and as such you have to have all the tools to do so. After an initial investment, what follows is a lifetime of savings.

3) Yes to part one of your question 50-70 is about average price. Part two of your question the answer is vaping nirvana - but you have to know EXACTLY what you like and have experience with exactly what you like before that type of investment will achieve that.

4) Yes

5) mid range mod to start. Something that goes up to around 75-100 watts with an airflow adjustable mid range tank - something like the Pico 25 kit already mentioned, it comes with a tank that I think will be good for you. Also, you will need good batteties (authentic LG h2) and charger. An Xtar vc2 is good.

 

[Jingles]

Phil Bsuardo and Dimitri are going to start a show for smokers, I think within the next month. They will answer all kinds of newbie questions and give you the basics of vaping. It sounds like it will be real informative for those new to vaping. You can find out more details at TasteYourJuice.com.

 

[Hmmmmmmmm]

Thanks for the replies so far. You are all awesome!
I realise its like asking what's the answer to the universe, life and everything! But when it doesn't work I start wanting to go back to ciggerettes and researching and buying is such a long process! Not like you can pop into to any 24hr shop for your nic fix!
So if I understand it I can buy a mod, tank and some coils. Questions:
1) does this mean all mods are customisable? In a sense you can adjust to cope with high VG, or high PG. Or if you want huge clouds you set it a certain way and when your at work you turn it down so your not a walking cloud?
2) Does a mod work with most tanks? Or only tanks from the same company?
3)Can you buy already built coils for all tanks? Or only some makes? So if you don't want to build you can just buy pre-made?
4)What tools would I need if I need to build myself?
Anyway again thank you. You saved me.

 

[stols001]

Cool many questions.

1) Most "mods" batteries are customizable to a point. Some can't vape some tanks due to wattage issues-- for example you wouldn't try to vape 80 watt coils on a 75 watt mod, it wouldn't perform. Most more powerful mods can go down, meaning you can use a 2 battery watt mod at 10 watts if you want to, you'll just enjoy great battery life. I am a very MTL vaper but I do have some more powerful devices, mainly because I enjoy them, and whatnot. You'll also find that with some mods you just "love" the vape, depending on your style, e.g. I love the steampunk nano `120 vape including TC, even though I put less powerful tanks on there, I just keep my wattages low. PG/VG, there are some tanks that are designed for higher VG and clouds, and they may not vape well with high PG mixes, though some folks enjoy a 50/50 mix in whatever tank. PG tends to be more of a flavor carrier, while VG produces clouds, which can be nice. I'm sensitive to PG, so I use 10% water (distilled) in my vape to thin it and reduce high temps in my MTL tank. I get decent flavor, but I DIY my own e-juice to my taste. Experimenting with ratios is fine, and it's not like anything will DAMAGE a tank, but it's good to find the ratio that works for you. PG is used more in MTL tanks as they are smaller, and often there is less airflow.

You can tailor your vape by having more than one setup, for example some folks like to produce clouds at home, but have a smaller cloud at work or wherever. You can also tailor your tank by varying airflow, sometimes clouds, and also PG/VG mix, as well as wattage. Some tanks will offer a great variety of coils, often at higher or lower resistance, so you can change a tank quite a bit by changing the coil type as well (for example, I have one tank that has 0.7 coils (cloudier) 1.6 (medium) and 1.8 (tightest draw, usually). I can vape all of these MTL with the right wattage and settings, but I can also produce different vapes for them.

Most mods will work with most tanks but there are exceptions. There are all in one pod systems, for example and whatnot. So not everything is compatible but a lot of it is, or can be made to be.... 510 pins are the standard these days, but there are so many options, I'd say probably counting pod or penstyle mods or all in one systems? There's not total compatibility.

Some tanks take prebuilt coils and also offer a building deck. Other tanks are rebuilidable only, meaning you make the coils, install and wick them. That's typically more advanced vaping, there are also things called droppers, which only take coils you wind and install and you drip juice into them. Most tanks are one or the other, but not all.. To make it even more confusing some tanks will take different coils than the manufacturer's ones, which is a whole new thing....

Yes, you can buy prewound coils, I find it fun to make them myself.

Finally, if you want to get into coil building, visit the RTA/RDA/Coil building forums on this site, but many folks start with a Coilmaster Kit, which contains tools handy for building, including an Ohms reader to check your build after you have approximated what you want using a website called steamengine. Just go there and read some of the stickies if it interests you and ask questions, folks are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, and will give you great advice in how to select a RTA or RDA for you, as well as building coils, if you have good mechanical skills you may not need a full kit, but an Ohm's reader to check and test fire your build is essential..

Phew. I think that's everything. Good questions, and Good Luck,

Anna

 

[listopencil]

Is this what you are using?

Series 7 3-in-1 Personal Vaporizer Kit by V2 PRO | V2.com

Because that's not really meant for the kind of vaping that we do. If that's what you have and you intend to use nicotine e-juice then return it and get something else.

 

[tgs3]

If you are a smoker or recently quit and new to vaping I would recommend the Innokin Endura T22. Quite a few people around here used that initially with great success. It is easy to use and reliable. The coils are cheap and easy to replace. Changing liquids is easy as well. You will want something else eventually but for now, why not keep it simple.

Innokin Endura T22 Starter Kit

 

[Hmmmmmmmm]

Yes that's what I'm using! A mistake!
Anna - thanks! That great comprehensive feedback!
Lots to chew on and find out about!
I definitely want to do the whole build it myself route. But need something working quickly while I'm figuring it all out, so I don't relapse!
Smok alien, eleaf hmmmm. I'm an expat so going into the vapourizer shop and asking questions is tricky here language wise. But now I have some idea it will be much smoother.
Once I'm an expert, floating in my own clouds and making my own juices I'll send you all my award winning ejuice! .

 

[suprtrkr]

Hi and welcome. I will go with an eLeaf Pico as well. Be advised high-VG liquids have trouble wicking in most pre-fab coil tanks. The only way to really beat it is pick a big-juice RTA and coil it yourself, wicking rayon.