My first time today...

[Arkus1]

So I "vaped" for my fist time today. My buddy bought a "smoke everywhere" kit at the mall a couple days ago for $130, and he was trying to sell it to me for $100 with gaggle of the cartridges. I am a smoker and my wife wants me to quit so it looked like a great alternative. So I tried it today and was generally dissatisfied.
First, to get a satisfying drag off of it I really really had to drag on it, and even then it seemed like I needed to give it like a small hard prep drag first if I really wanted to get a decent hit off of it. And even then, it just wasn't really hitting me in the chest and throat.
Second, I kept cutting me off or something... The light on the end of the "cigarette" would start flashing and I wouldn't be able to get any more smoke off of it.
Anyways, I decided to do some snooping around and I found this forum. I have done some snooping around on here and this is what I think I want.

1) It needs to somewhat resemble a cigarette, I want to be able to take it to work with me, carry it around or whatever. I don't want it to be overly obtrusive, visually.
2) I want it to have a manual battery, I don't want to suck juice and I want to get a hit off of it that feels good... I believe this is what everyone calls the "throat hit"
3) I think I want to refill my own cartridges... not sure what this really means but everyone seems to agree that its cheaper and better then buying the "premade" cartridges.

I am really looking for some recommendations here. I would like to get an ongoing conversation going here so that I can ask some more questions without floundering around in the dark like an idiot or making some kinda mistake that is going to turn me off...
Thanks much

 

[TheBlueAdept]

Rather than repeat a lot of what has already been said, I encourage you to check out the many good 'intro' threads that answer those questions in depth. Here's a good one:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/32985-buying-using-electronic-cigarette-primer.html

 

[scheherezade]

Sidesho, modern vapor. Love mine. And my first one was white like a cig. Customer service is awesome! Check the reviews

 

[M & M]

Being new at this, you might want to spend some time in the library.
It has the above link and a bunch more that will give you knowledge to bass your decision on.
The ECF Library - E-Cigarette Forum

 

[lilith79]

I love my Tornado. It doesn't look exactly like a cig, but it is awesome! It also has a manual battery. I would not order liquid from them, I've found it much cheaper elsewhere. Litecigusa.net is where I order from.

 

[dee5]

Welcome to the forum, arkus1. Yes, definatley you've got a lot of reading ahead of you! I think you will find that most users recommend either the 510 or the 901 as great starter e-cigs. I have been using my dse901 for over a year (well, not the same one-parts don't last THAT long!) and I still love it. But both kits are very reasonably priced- see Cignot.com, madvapes.com, vaper4life.com and heaven-gifts.com for examples. Happy vaping!

 

[Lau517]

My first day too. Welcome to the world of vaping. I am so happy to say that I did all the reading beforehand. I was extremely lucky to stumble across this forum before actually making a purchase. Good luck!

 

[Arkus1]

Alright, so having looked around a bit, I think I want either a Joye 510 or a DSE 901. In either case I am sure that I want it to be a manual battery.
I have seen a few things hinting that the manual battery on the DSE 901 is problematic, wondering if anyone can confirm or deny this. (It is actually a problem because I cant find any 510 models in stock for a reasonable price where I have looked...)
Also, wanting more information on refilling cartridges. It seems to me that the consensus is that buying "juice" is the only reasonable way to go, and that the juice you select is going to be the single largest factor in the "throat hit", which is the biggest problem I encountered with the "Smoke Everywhere" product I was using. Wondering on the process of refilling the cartridges, (just drop it on the filter looking deal?) how much juice to put in, if it even matters, as well as people "washing" their cartridges.
Apologize for my ignorance, thanks much

 

[CaptJay]

Cignot your Midwest Electronic Cigarette store. starter kit $35 supplies are due on friday morning. That's sometime today actually isn't it? lol Doh - i fail at calenders.
I beleive the SE kits have quite a low nic level but your buddy may just have BOUGHT a low nic level - either way - start a bit on the high side because you can cut with lower juices later if its TOO high (and don't go mad like 36mg - start around 24) - its harder to 'bump up' a low juice though without killing it imo.
Filling carts (or cartos if you get the 2 piece KR8 kit) is just drip drip drip until it looks mushy. Some people dispense with the filler altogether and drip directly on the atty bridge. I prefer that way myself; too much fussing with filler makes me cranky
I do agree a good juice enhances the experience a good deal - finding your fave though is not always easy SO much to choose from - and don't limit yourself to tobacco flavors (and remember the only thing that tastes like a cigarette, is a cigarette!)
Can't help ya with the 901 though - don't own one.

 

[bestthingever]

Alright, so having looked around a bit, I think I want either a Joye 510 or a DSE 901. In either case I am sure that I want it to be a manual battery.
I have seen a few things hinting that the manual battery on the DSE 901 is problematic, wondering if anyone can confirm or deny this. (It is actually a problem because I cant find any 510 models in stock for a reasonable price where I have looked...)
Also, wanting more information on refilling cartridges. It seems to me that the consensus is that buying "juice" is the only reasonable way to go, and that the juice you select is going to be the single largest factor in the "throat hit", which is the biggest problem I encountered with the "Smoke Everywhere" product I was using. Wondering on the process of refilling the cartridges, (just drop it on the filter looking deal?) how much juice to put in, if it even matters, as well as people "washing" their cartridges.
Apologize for my ignorance, thanks much

I would guess that you'll probably be seeing more 510 vendors restocking soon, as they're still trying to recover from the overly-long Chinese holiday that just ended. Definitely check Cignot for those. And the juice hunt is part of the fun !

 

[whozshort]

Same thing as the Tornado mentioned above, I am awaiting the arrival of a Janty eGo. Look into this unit. It is basically a 510 on steroids. While it doesnt look like a cigarette, it is not that big and really classy looking, almost cigar like.

The beauty of the eGo is one battery can last you all day if you treat it like a cigarette. You will find maintenance is a killer with these e-cigs (charging batteries, transporting all your batteries, filling carts, etc.). Being able to just grab your ecig and a bottle of juice and knowing youre good for the day is huge.

I started on the M402 because like you, I needed something that looked like a smoke. Turns out, two weeks later, the vapor/hits weren't cutting it and always having to worry about spare batteries was too much - I needed convenience! Read around on these forums and you'll see countless posts about users wishing they just got past the looking like a cig stage before their first purchase.

Just my two cents. Check out the eGo.

 

[Dudeman]

Just my two cents. Check out the eGo.

Shhhh.. We need to keep these things a secret so batteries will be in stock when the time comes when we need replacements..

 

[whozshort]

Shhhh.. We need to keep these things a secret so batteries will be in stock when the time comes when we need replacements..

LOL did I say Janty EGO?? I meant Intellicig EVO!!

 

[~Jo~]

A few thoughts, all or none of which may pertain to you and your situation.

I have no experience with SE, but I've tried both the 510 atty and the KR8 cartos, and IME, a hard drag gets me nothing at all. There's a learning curve to using these devices, and the best TH and the most vapor seem to come from a long, soft drag. A hard drag will all too often end with liquid in my mouth.

Almost everyone (including me) wants something that looks like a cig at first. Many (including me) change their minds very quickly. My opinion is that performance is more likely to help one quit smoking than appearance. In the end, I went with the Janty eGo (same as the TW Tornado mentioned above). The eGo looks more like a stubby cigar than a cig, it is a 510 device, and to my knowledge, only mods have a longer lasting battery than the eGo. Some people don't mind switching out batteries every hour or two, or buying extra long batteries that last longer, but I knew that would drive me nuts. I'm also committed to making this work for me, so I didn't mind putting out the extra money to start.

I've had horrible experiences with cartridges and cart mods, so like CaptJay, I direct drip. I might eventually find a mod that works for me, but until then, it's nice to have an alternative.

 

[Arkus1]

What I'm looking for is something that is going to perform relatively well, in regards to TH and somewhat vapor, but isn't going to cause me grief when I'm out and about in public. I can see myself moving to a higher performing device, but I think it would be an at home device while I kept another, more aesthetically pleasing device, for my mobile adventures.
Is this something I should steer away from? I think I want something that can be easily pocketed, even if that device is not the only one I use. And from what I understand, I should be able to overcome the TH problem with a proper kind / mixture of juice...

 

[CaptJay]

The 510 is small, less than the width of a finger, and lengthwise about from the beginning of my palm (that fattest part) to midway up my middle finger with cart attached. I don't have tiny girl-hands but they aren't as big as a man's hand I doubt the KR8 is much larger (if at all, I don't have one so I cant tell)
You don't want something that looks like a cigarette. Trust me you don't. You'd be re-filling it every 2 minutes and you can't vape discreetly with something that looks like 'the real thing'. Mine looks like a pilot pen; all black, no LED.
For home I use a PT - you can plug 'em into a USB/AC wall plug adapter thingy (technical term taht is lol) rather than risk your PC's ports. I love my PT and it saves on battery life.
The 510 battery life sucks major ..... If you get one either get a mega battery (slightly longer life) or some kind of mod or something like a PCC where you can store and charge your normal (or mega) batteries.
I honestly wouldn't start shelling out for more expensive mods until you get a feel for your PV and decide you really like it.

 

[jaxx]

I agree with CaptJay, you want to start off with a basic kit until you get a good feel for it. I had an SE before and hated it as well. I have now been using the Joye510 for several weeks and love it (besides the battery life). I was a pack and a half smoker and find that the throat hit and feel of the 510 is actually better than the Marlboros I used to smoke. I also have been using 16mg juice that I get from LiteCigUSA.net. Start small and build up from there.

 

[JoeD4]

Welcome to the forum, arkus1. Yes, definatley you've got a lot of reading ahead of you! I think you will find that most users recommend either the 510 or the 901 as great starter e-cigs. I have been using my dse901 for over a year (well, not the same one-parts don't last THAT long!) and I still love it. But both kits are very reasonably priced- see Cignot.com, madvapes.com, vaper4life.com and heaven-gifts.com for examples. Happy vaping!

I too am very happy with my 510. My wife and I started with "Smoke Everywhere" type PV's and, now that I've had my 510 a few weeks, my wife had me order her a 510 too.

Off topic: Dee, I love your profile pic! Looks like you're having a ...ahem...."Totally Organic Experience"! LOL

 

[Silverthorn181]

A few thoughts, all or none of which may pertain to you and your situation.

I have no experience with SE, but I've tried both the 510 atty and the KR8 cartos, and IME, a hard drag gets me nothing at all. There's a learning curve to using these devices, and the best TH and the most vapor seem to come from a long, soft drag. A hard drag will all too often end with liquid in my mouth.

Almost everyone (including me) wants something that looks like a cig at first. Many (including me) change their minds very quickly. My opinion is that performance is more likely to help one quit smoking than appearance. In the end, I went with the Janty eGo (same as the TW Tornado mentioned above). The eGo looks more like a stubby cigar than a cig, it is a 510 device, and to my knowledge, only mods have a longer lasting battery than the eGo. Some people don't mind switching out batteries every hour or two, or buying extra long batteries that last longer, but I knew that would drive me nuts. I'm also committed to making this work for me, so I didn't mind putting out the extra money to start.

I've had horrible experiences with cartridges and cart mods, so like CaptJay, I direct drip. I might eventually find a mod that works for me, but until then, it's nice to have an alternative.

What he said!!! In particular I think it is a progressive thing that you need to get going before you really can work out what your preferences are. And don't be surprised if you find out that what you thought you wanted is nothing like what you eventually end up settling on. Both in hardware and juice!!

 

[Hoosier]

I started with a plain 510 kit & quickly obtained a PCC (personal charging case). Wish I had gone with Cignot's 510 PCC kit right off the bat.
I can keep the PCC in my vehicle and have the 510 in my shirt pocket with my pen. Yes, the battery charge is not great with the stock 510, but the PCC solves that problem for most and is a great way to get started for under $100.

Order a sampling of juice while you're at it. Stocks should be coming in very soon so you will have time to read the ECF library. You will probably be surprised at which juices you end up liking and which you don't. I know I was/am.