Model Advice: the things not in your average notes

[elvinone]

::long-winded explanation::
Ok, so I first got on this vaping bandwagon thanks to BluCigs... yes, I'm still waiting for my order to show up almost 3 weeks later. At the time, I was shopping for an anniversary gift for my girlfriend, and was trying to find something of similar form to a cigarette without any potential social issues. Most of the models I was finding were either "screwdrivers" or earlier models that were grossly oversized for a cigarette.

Anyway, when it became apparent that Blu didn't have their act together, we talked at length about the models out there and what she really wanted from one of these. (I'd since found this forum and the wealth of information it leads to, including vendors with good reputation.) She decided on a 306 which we've already received from CigTechs (amazingly fast service) and we've cancelled her Blu order.

I'm still looking for one myself. Blu has the best accessory package I've seen, but if they can't fill an order within a month, what's the point of continuing business with them? J108b isn't exactly the most common model among resellers, and Blu has an issue with customers filling their own carts, so I'm still "shopping" as it were. That leads me to this post.
::/long-winded explanation::

::short rant::
I could probably find information to answer my questions scattered throughout the forums, but it's been increasingly difficult to find information on a particular subject when most of the dialog is based on acronyms and model numbers that don't meet the 4-character minimum for the search feature.
::/short rant::

Here are my desires in a PV, in order of importance:
1. Accessories - PPC is requirement, and I'd ideally like to be able to plug into a mini-USB for charging
2. Round design - not a fan of pen-style carts, and screwdrivers hold no interest. I prefer a cigarette form that would not be confused as such due to coloration.
3. Noise - This one never seems to be in the reviews. I've found a few threads dedicated to "whistling" carts, some references to "straw" sounds, and the girlfriend's 306 "crackles like a clove". Video reviews typically don't have adequate audio quality to ascertain this feature either. I'd prefer something as near to silent as possible, but will opt for "crackling" if I have to choose a sound effect from the atomizer.
4. Refillable - I don't intend to keep buying cartridges and aim to explore the flavors of low- and no-nicotine liquid out there.

I have the luxury of not being an existing smoker due to allergies, and as such I place less emphasis on throat hit, vapor amounts, drag difficulty, etc. I'm hoping that by establishing some routine of breaks that my work stresses will be better paced, and the minor nicotine intake will probably help. Thanks for you help and suggestions.

 

[breakfastchef]

I have the luxury of not being an existing smoker due to allergies, and as such I place less emphasis on throat hit, vapor amounts, drag difficulty, etc. I'm hoping that by establishing some routine of breaks that my work stresses will be better paced, and the minor nicotine intake will probably help.

The most sensible suggestion most anyone here would provide is to not use electronic cigarettes. These devices are not really intended for use by non-smokers. As an ex-smoker, I find it really odd that you would simply want to vape as a stress reliever when there are dozens of other ways to accomplish your aim. Plus, you already have allergies, and no one could say for sure that you will not have a problem when introducing foreign chemicals into your body. Before sinking $100 bucks into this habit, think hard about your decision. If the habit becomes a hobby, well, sorry for your wallet. And, yes, you have every right to do what you want to do. This is just my friendly suggestion.

I will leave device matching recommendations for your situation to the more experienced vapers.

 

[wv2win]

I agree with chef. Why even consider doing this if you don't smoke???? But regardless, you can't have "looks just like a cigarette" and "good consistent throat hit". That PV doesn't exist. Rule of thumb: the more it looks like the real thing, the worse the performance and reliability. So if looks are your most important feature, just get the cheapest one you can find that looks like a cigarette.

 

[Ryle]

Honestly hun I doubt you'll find many people out here willing to give you many suggestions seeing as you pointed out the fact that your a non smoker. Being a non smoker you definitely want to avoid nicotine at all costs. The last thing you want to do is create the addiction, and regardless of what your ego may tell you, if you're vaping even low nicotine you will get addicted. I doubt any of us can turn you away from vaping. You seem to have made up your mind there and honestly I can't say I blame you, I know many people that started smoking simply so that they could get regular breaks at work. No more assinine reason to start than my own so *shrug* it is what it is.

My advice... go with a 510, of the models I've tried it seems to be the most reliable and there are plenty of reliable US suppliers here on the forums selling them at good pricing. It has a pcc and usb charger and everything else you classified and is only slightly larger than a 100's cigarette... I've had people confuse mine with a small/medium cigar, just to put it into perspective.

But please, for your own sake.. stick with 0nic. It's bad enough you're risking addiction to the hobby aspect of PV's you don't need to add the drug addiction as well.

 

[zero7starz]

As far as a PCC being a requirement if you want to be able to easily find and afford if you need replacement pieces, a 510 is basically your best rout. While the 510's pieces are alleged to fit a 306, 306 pieces are no picnic to find either.

 

[elvinone]

@breakfastchef: I'm using it as a trigger for change in behavioral pattern - in particular, taking breaks from extended tasks like sitting in front of a screen for 7 hours clacking away at a keyboard. The nicotine, if I decide to keep it in the liquid (which I probably won't), is a trigger for being aware of certain esoteric practices. As best as I can describe it, vaping appears to be a healthy method of picking up social smoking. As for the allergies, it's not the tobacco itself but the carcinogens that bother me. Allergies are actually a sticking point for winning over several smokers in my extended circle, so something we'll be collectively gathering data on for the various liquids.

@wv2win: Perhaps I phrased that poorly, but throat hit isn't something I'm concerned about. Form factor and convenience are the top of my list.

 

[Twinkie]

But regardless, you can't have "looks just like a cigarette" and "good consistent throat hit". That PV doesn't exist.

A 510 with a white battery / brown cart exists, and hits the PCC requirement.

You don't need to look like RoboSmoker with a Screwdriver to find a decent PV.

 

[elvinone]

I may be able to shortcut some of the suggestions here. These models are all apparently of similar design with matching accessories to fit my intentions:

J108b/VX2/Blu
Pros: Best accessories from a single vendor.
Cons: limited vendors which either have delayed shipping or very "meh" aesthetic appeal. no hands-on experience so unknown noise factor. Found one review indicating this was the quietest of any model.

501/Yeti
Pros: Widely available. Accessories available, including PCC. Manual and automatic batteries both available for this model only.
Cons: unknown noise factor, unknown convenience factor. Does it gurgle and is the length of a #2 pencil? Hard to tell from videos with no frame of reference for size.

306/306a
Pros: Awesome support from vendors so far. Hands-on experience (gift for smoking girlfriend showed up yesterday). Very convenient size w/ short batteries. PCC viability TBD with longer batteries.
Cons: not sure on the "crackle" from this unit - makes me think there's uneven dispersion going on, or impure liquid. Only 3 known vendors.

 

[zero7starz]

The 510 is something like 11.5cm. My analog box of regulars is 8cm. I don't have a 100s box to check against. But if 3.5cm is going to bother you that much...

 

[demorphius]

Reading on your comment about Blu, I think an m401 might fit what you want. I'm using a m401, it's the same size as an analog. Mine is all black with a golden ring where the battery meets the atty, blue LED (looks almost identical to what the Blu looks like using their pictures, in my opinion.) It makes a small hiss when you drag, not so loud where people around you in a mildly crowded place will notice. I don't know if some retailers include a PCC for this model, but the one I got it from did not provide one. It came with a USB charger which can be connected to a wall charger that came with the package. Also, if you're going to use it somewhere where it's very windy, or in a direct current of air conditioning (like in your car with the A/C on full blast and the vent aimed at your face) the battery WILL activate itself as it's activated by wind flow.

Hope that helps!

 

[wv2win]

A 510 with a white battery / brown cart exists, and hits the PCC requirement.

You don't need to look like RoboSmoker with a Screwdriver to find a decent PV.

I recommend the 510 regularly. It is larger however than the super mini's that are the same size as a regular cig. Decent is about the right word. Glad you didn't use superior, because it isn't. A 2 hour battery life and batteries that cost $13-$20 makes it only decent. Talk to me when you can get 8 hours on one battery and they cost $2.

 

[wv2win]

I may be able to shortcut some of the suggestions here. These models are all apparently of similar design with matching accessories to fit my intentions:

J108b/VX2/Blu
Pros: Best accessories from a single vendor.
Cons: limited vendors which either have delayed shipping or very "meh" aesthetic appeal. no hands-on experience so unknown noise factor. Found one review indicating this was the quietest of any model.

Additional cons: one hour or less battery life and virturally no throat hit at all. Will end up in a drawer within a month.

 

[elvinone]

Good to know. I didn't realize battery life was an issue with this model (J108b).

 

[DC2]

501/Yeti
Pros: Widely available. Accessories available, including PCC. Manual and automatic batteries both available for this model only.
Cons: unknown noise factor, unknown convenience factor. Does it gurgle and is the length of a #2 pencil? Hard to tell from videos with no frame of reference for size.

306/306a
Pros: Awesome support from vendors so far. Hands-on experience (gift for smoking girlfriend showed up yesterday). Very convenient size w/ short batteries. PCC viability TBD with longer batteries.
Cons: not sure on the "crackle" from this unit - makes me think there's uneven dispersion going on, or impure liquid. Only 3 known vendors.

If this helps any, the 510 and 306A are interchangeable with respect to batteries, chargers, and other battery related equipment like PCCs. The atomziers can be used interchangeably as well, but you need the correct cartridges to fit the atomizers, so the cartridges are NOT interchangeable.

The 306A has an exposed atomizer.
The 510 does not.

The 306A has an automatic battery.
The 510 comes in either automatic or manual.

 

[TnA]

First and foremost, I'm going to toe the party line and state that no non-smoker should ever get into this habit...just the idea of creating the hand to mouth habit/addiction by itself is bad enough.

However, if you are determined to go this route, I, as a die-hard DSE-901 fan would suggest you consider it. It is slightly longer than a 510 by 6mm, similar diameter, has a great track record, and does everything well (it doesn't do any one thing great....it just does everything well). The beauty of the DSE-901 is that it allows you to "taste" the flavors you are vaping, which the 510 does not do as well due to it's "hotter" vapor. The 901 (and all associated parts) can be found everywhere, manual batteries are starting to show up in the market, there are a myriad of colors to choose from, and there is talk of a PCC for it in the near future (I believe). The battery life of the 901 is about 1.5 times that of the 510, so you can effectively go out for a night on the town with just a spare battery and not worry about running out of power....with the 510, you'd better carry all of your stuff in a PCC to make sure you can vape the night away! Also...cartridge life is good....not great....but good. On a night out, you could probably get by with 2 (although I tend to smoke/vape more when I drink). As for noise, the only noise I hear when I use my 901 is a slight sound of air as I "suck" on the cartridge tip (caused by the air being drawn through the lone air hole in the atomizer. Since all of my batteries are automatics, I don't hear any crackling (or any other atomizer sound) when I am drawing on my 901.

Enough w/ the long-winded post. Hope this helps (and doesn't just add another model for you to be confused about)

 

[smiley7]

TnA
Full Member

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/members/tna.html

First and foremost, I'm going to toe the party line and state that no non-smoker should ever get into this habit...just the idea of creating the hand to mouth habit/addiction by itself is bad enough.(quote)

ditto TNA, I would never recommend an e-cig to a non-smoker. If you don't have the habit then never start. Sry, just my opinion.

 

[Twinkie]

I recommend the 510 regularly. It is larger however than the super mini's that are the same size as a regular cig. Decent is about the right word. Glad you didn't use superior, because it isn't. A 2 hour battery life and batteries that cost $13-$20 makes it only decent. Talk to me when you can get 8 hours on one battery and they cost $2.

Superior is a relative term.

A dump truck is superior to a '59 Corvette, if you want to move a few tons of dirt. It isn't if you want to go on a classic car cruise.

Talk to me when your 8 hours of battery life is on a device that doesn't make the user look like an incredible tool.

 

[KreeL]

Wait til you get the Blu - it's likely all you'll ever need since you don't have any idea otherwise.

 

[span]

From someone who was pretty much in the same boat...
I'm really happy with my 510. I ordered it in the kit with the pcc, and I haven't even noticed the battery life (keep the pcc charged, always put it in the pcc when not in use...). It occasionally makes a whooshing noise, which made me concerned that maybe the filler was burning.. but I'm pretty sure its just a pressure adjustment as you suck in the air through the atomizer. Definetly not noticeable unless you're in a very quiet room sitting right next to the person using it.
And as for the whole looking like an analog... the 510 is just a cm or two longer then the djarum blacks I used to smoke. If you're not a regular smoker, then you would probably be happier with one that doesn't neccasarily look like an analog... but you never know til you try one. Go to a mall kiosk or ask around... see if anyone you know might have one. Do some shopping before you buy- and good luck!

 

[elvinone]

Thanks for the input everyone. To re-visit a few points:

I honestly don't like the cartridge style that resembles a cigarette holder or pipe. It begs to be chewed, and I'd really prefer NOT to get a surprise squirt in the mound when I absent-mindedly gnaw on the thing. Thank for the suggestion, and I realize the 901 is a great "start model" that has some die-hard fans, but I'll save myself the personal grief. I don't have that mastication impulse with the round carts and will be sticking to them for any cigarette model.

Nicotine has been ruled out for my use. While I'm not staunchly against it, I also don't like the idea of getting anyone into this just because of the chemical dependency. I've been advocating these devices because I know so many people with addictive personalities that really need an in-between of smoking and not... a way to appease the habit and oral fixation while the chemical barriers are broken down to the point it's just a habit that one can be mindful of and step away from. (Of course, there's also the concern that the transition back into smoking would be just as easy as quitting from that middle ground... I'm sure there are pending discussions on that topic.) I've actually been the e-smoker ambassador among my circle (got two more analog smokers interested at work today) and the girlfriend has been kicking back her reviews to her out-of-town friends. Unfortunately, I have only the "spare" 306 for demonstrations.

Anyway, I put in an order for zero-nicotine mixing supplies last night via JuicyLiquid, which is the only vendor I've found so far that doesn't charge nicotine prices for just the liquids. I'll probably be cutting some flavors with the girlfriend's Johnson Creek order so she can enjoy, and making some zero-nic cartridges for her as well.

The 510 is decidedly a favorite around here (and definitely has more vendors), so I'll probably order a started kit and see what the hubbub is about from a casual vaper standpoint. I was hoping to hear more from forum lurkers that don't smoke analog, but c'est la vie. Thanks again.