My Mom needs cartos (she's 65 y/o)

[Berylanna]

Plus the Volt has a 7 second shutoff timer (awful) and they don't tell you the mah of the batteries (which I suspect is 180mah).

It's 350 for the 78mm, I've read that multiple places.

I'm a fan the Twist and will get other big things in the future, maybe a Lavatube. But I'm willing to refill cartos. But NO WAY was I interested in that for the first 2 months!

If his Mom wants a simple automatic battery AND prefilled good-tasting cartos, with the ability to move up to a 650/900/1300 mah battery later on (especially if automatic is desired in the big batts too) then Volt (the bigger the better) is the way to go. They also come in "X2", same as the little ones but 650/900/1300 mah.

You don't need a kit or PCC unless you're out and about. I admit, *I* plan to be out and about at 65! But really, his mom is probably wrong the same way I was wrong at first, and if it's analogs or beginner stuff, beginner stuff is better.

Also, the twist is impossible to read for me even WITH glasses at age 60. (I had to put nail polish on the markings, color-coded)

If the OP had not said pre-filled cartos are a must (which made me think she'd also hate manual batteries despite their clear superiority) then I'd agree with Shoga Ninja.

Be aware that 808 and 510 are different worlds and the adapters have NOT worked for us with automatic batteries.

 

[ShogaNinja]

It's 350 for the 78mm, I've read that multiple places.

I'm a fan the Twist and will get other big things in the future, maybe a Lavatube. But I'm willing to refill cartos. But NO WAY was I interested in that for the first 2 months!

If his Mom wants a simple automatic battery AND prefilled good-tasting cartos, with the ability to move up to a 650/900/1300 mah battery later on (especially if automatic is desired in the big batts too) then Volt (the bigger the better) is the way to go. They also come in "X2", same as the little ones but 650/900/1300 mah.

You don't need a kit or PCC unless you're out and about. I admit, *I* plan to be out and about at 65! But really, his mom is probably wrong the same way I was wrong at first, and if it's analogs or beginner stuff, beginner stuff is better.

Also, the twist is impossible to read for me even WITH glasses at age 60. (I had to put nail polish on the markings, color-coded)

If the OP had not said pre-filled cartos are a must (which made me think she'd also hate manual batteries despite their clear superiority) then I'd agree with Shoga Ninja.

Be aware that 808 and 510 are different worlds and the adapters have NOT worked for us with automatic batteries.

I'd like to see this proof of 350mah, if you would be so kind. For my blogging purposes I need to know this stuff.
Yeah the not being able to read the twist thing is a bit of a problem. One, however, that would be fixed just by adding clicks at the +2 increments so you could do the math in your head for when your eyes fail you.

I don't believe in adapters. Buy the right tool for the job. Oftentimes those adapters are off by small amounts and sit crooked and a slew of other problems.

I agree that vaping a newbie device is better than smoking for sure. The thing is I hate to tell people to buy things that they won't be using in a year. The EGO Twist grows with you. I can't say that for all the people I see on ECF begging for the next step after a cig sized PV. Buying a device you'll outgrow doesn't fit in keeping with my concept of vaping on a budget. I've spent enough on bad habits and instead am enjoying a nice new house I get to pay for with that money wasted.

As for the Lavatube it may be blown away by the new Vario coming out soon from VaporBeast. I'd wait if I were you.
Initial first impressions are still up in the air as they iron out the small problems the engineering model came with, such as F2 errors (means that the APV doesn't have an atomizer on it (when it really does, in this case)) and a weaksauce battery cap (no spring, no battery holes). No one knows for sure what the Vario will be like at this time as a final product. I hope to be getting my hands on a pre-release model within the next 3 weeks. It's actually a clone though of the Imotion2 V+ which is the same thing minus the brand name. So far as I know the Vario is currently the only model of it being released in America in the near future. Tim, from VaporBeast, is thinking maybe 3 weeks til it goes on sale.

The new Lavatube 2.0 looks less than impressive. The only real change I can tell so far is that it will be a 3.0 amp device instead of the 2.5 amps the Lavatube 1 has. Maybe a "clickier" button. I can tell you that if you REALLY want a lavatube the 1's are on sale right now to clear stock and make way for the 2.0 version.

http://www.vaporbeast.com/The_VARIO_Advanced_Personal_Vaporizer_p/sk27.htm

 

[Renolizzie]

I'd like to see this proof of 350mah, if you would be so kind. For my blogging purposes I need to know this stuff.
Yeah the not being able to read the twist thing is a bit of a problem. One, however, that would be fixed just by adding clicks at the +2 increments so you could do the math in your head for when your eyes fail you.

I don't believe in adapters. Buy the right tool for the job. Oftentimes those adapters are off by small amounts and sit crooked and a slew of other problems.

I agree that vaping a newbie device is better than smoking for sure. The thing is I hate to tell people to buy things that they won't be using in a year. The EGO Twist grows with you. I can't say that for all the people I see on ECF begging for the next step after a cig sized PV. Buying a device you'll outgrow doesn't fit in keeping with my concept of vaping on a budget. I've spent enough on bad habits and instead am enjoying a nice new house I get to pay for with that money wasted.

As for the Lavatube it may be blown away by the new Vario coming out soon from VaporBeast. I'd wait if I were you.
Initial first impressions are still up in the air as they iron out the small problems the engineering model came with, such as F2 errors (means that the APV doesn't have an atomizer on it (when it really does, in this case)) and a weaksauce battery cap (no spring, no battery holes). No one knows for sure what the Vario will be like at this time as a final product. I hope to be getting my hands on a pre-release model within the next 3 weeks. It's actually a clone though of the Imotion2 V+ which is the same thing minus the brand name. So far as I know the Vario is currently the only model of it being released in America in the near future. Tim, from VaporBeast, is thinking maybe 3 weeks til it goes on sale.

The new Lavatube 2.0 looks less than impressive. The only real change I can tell so far is that it will be a 3.0 amp device instead of the 2.5 amps the Lavatube 1 has. Maybe a "clickier" button. I can tell you that if you REALLY want a lavatube the 1's are on sale right now to clear stock and make way for the 2.0 version.

http://www.vaporbeast.com/The_VARIO_Advanced_Personal_Vaporizer_p/sk27.htm

Let me say that I like you ShogaNinja.

IMHO, You're sort of turning this thread into being all about you [I'd like to see this proof of 350mah, if you would be so kind. For my blogging purposes I need to know this stuff.] when in reality this is about getting an older gal off the smokes. What would she prefer? From what the son wrote she demands a cig-a-like that has pre filled cartos. This isn't about what you would want. And I think it is possible you are not thinking through the eyesight situation.

Believe it or not, many people are using their cig-a-likes for a long, long time after they buy them. I smoke like a train and I still like my cig-a-like. I bought the CE3 thingeys that you put 1mm of juice in and I bought some extra batteries and a big battery but I have no intention of buying a complicated sounding machine like a Twist or a Lavatube when this cig-a-like is doing just fine and it is totally like smoking and I love it.

 

[Bullette the Cowdog]

Taken from bluCigs Customer Service | E-cigarette Support - Question #28

blu rechargeable cartridges are available in 4 levels of nicotine strength: Full Flavored (16mg of nicotine), Light (12mg), Ultra Light (8mg) and non-nicotine (0mg). blu Disposables are only available in High (24mg).
Through the vaporization process you receive a smaller amount of nicotine compared to traditional cigarettes.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65: Warning: This product contains nicotine, a chemical known to the state of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Just seems odd to me that Blu don't even offer 24mg in their refillable's. Felt a little "bait and switch"-ish to me. I did start on the Blu disposables, and after i bought their premium kit, I went back to the disposables before looking for a proper setup.

Me too. Me too. 16 mg just don't make it for a real smoker!
-Bullette the vaping Cowdog now using a Kgo @ 24 mg

 

[ShogaNinja]

@Renolizzie

I like you too I guess.

Meh, I told you why I can't recommend "cig-a-likes" to anyone. I'm entitled to my opinion and I'm allowed to ask questions too. I answered the OP's question (who seems long gone btw) to the best of my ability first. It's not like we're too far off topic here.

 

[kiwivap]

The Volt is a decent cig-sized PV that performs relatively well for its diminutive size, but the fact that it requires multiple chargings a day requires you to get a PCC (personal charging case - a cigarette pack sized mobile charger that you put your ecig into when you are in between vaping spells) if you plan on taking it out all day (and definitely if you only have one Volt battery),

My 78mm Volts don't need charging several times a day. I use them in my work breaks - one lasts from when I leave home to when I leave work. Then I use a second one driving home. They're 320 mah. I doubt this lady wants a twist - as the OP said she is 65 and doesn't want fiddling about - just wants to pick up and vape. The Volts come in automatic sealed batteries which would probably suit her needs since she likes just picking up an ecig and vaping.

Plus the Volt has a 7 second shutoff timer (awful) and they don't tell you the mah of the batteries (which I suspect is 180mah).

7 seconds is plenty of time. She has been using blu and isn't complaining about draw time. Also Volts are 320 mah.

With only one voltage (3.6v) it has 0 versatility. It's a one trick pony. Oh and the basic starter kit is $30 (where are you getting $20 from?) and only comes with one e-cig so you'll have no backup when you go to charge it 3 or more times a day

The basic one ecig pack kit is $20. Smokeless Image | Only The Best Electronic Cigarette | Starter Kits

They also sell a 510 ecig sized PV (for $40) that comes with two of the bigger 280mah batteries in it and for free shipping on all orders (any size).

That's not correct. Smokeless Image sell 320 mah minis, and 650, 900, and 1300 mah bigger batteries.
I use their 320 mah Volts and 900 mah Volt X2.
Your info on SI isn't correct here.

 

[Vampirecat019]

I appreciate the post, and I mean no offense by the following, but that's not the route I'd go personally.

First I always like to point out that Blu is owned by Lorillard, the company that makes Newport and Kent cigarettes. They are made by the servants of evil now.

The Volt is a decent cig-sized PV that performs relatively well for its diminutive size, but the fact that it requires multiple chargings a day requires you to get a PCC (personal charging case - a cigarette pack sized mobile charger that you put your ecig into when you are in between vaping spells) if you plan on taking it out all day (and definitely if you only have one Volt battery), and after all that extra expense the cartos cost more than better branded ones. Then you have something that costs as much as an ego twist setup which blows the Volt away in versatility, battery life, and vapor production. I'm not down with that. There's room for the Volt in the market, but not at that price. If you have a product that has a tiny battery then it should cost less. Instead it feels like they are just exploiting their customers' addictions. Blu and Volt are the same way in that regard. The truly sad part is, I think that Smokeless Image is owned by Altsmoke, a very decent company which is known for it's decent prices, because they are both located in the same strip mall and have the same address.

Plus the Volt has a 7 second shutoff timer (awful) and they don't tell you the mah of the batteries (which I suspect is 180mah). With only one voltage (3.6v) it has 0 versatility. It's a one trick pony. Oh and the basic starter kit is $30 (where are you getting $20 from?) and only comes with one e-cig so you'll have no backup when you go to charge it 3 or more times a day ( I go through about 900mah personally a day so it'd be over 4 times a day for me) which is very bad for people fresh off the analog stinkies. I don't like leaving my recommendations up to chance so, instead, I recommend an EGO C Twist battery which can be gotten for $20 in the 900mah size from VaporBeast (free shipping).

They also sell a 510 ecig sized PV (for $40) that comes with two of the bigger 280mah batteries in it and for free shipping on all orders (any size). It still wouldn't be as good as an EGO Twist but if one HAS to have a cig sized PV, that's the one I'd recommend. You'd still need to find a PCC for it though because that's not likely to last a chain vaping newbie all day long.

Not to repeat, but I'm replying myself as well to my previously quoted post... The OP mentioned that their mother doesn't want anything bigger than a Blu-style battery... So an Ego anything is out of the question. They have the same thread-size as a 510, but not the same overall size. And a 7 second cutoff time is PLENTY. I use about half of that on my volt, and it fills my lungs on stock cartos. A one-trick-pony is exactly what many of us want... We just want to enjoy a vape as if it were a cigarette, not a huge cigar, or an entire-pack+ sized monstrosity... Which is exactly what a KR808D-1 (Volt) does. I received my package of Volt cartos today at 2pm. It is now 1:32am, and I've not charged either of two 78mm batteries, and I've been pretty much chain-vaping. If you want to get technical, that's 5+ hours per still not dead battery, definitely not a 180mah battery, and doubly not, since it is an automatic. As for Blu, I am trying to steer everyone away from the company, specifically because they are owned by Big Tobacco, who are simultaneously getting into the E-cig/new-wave smokeless market, and lobbying against banning tobacco. *EDIT*: I clearly mentioned that it was a Volt Pack Kit, which is the name of the actual kit.

 

[ShogaNinja]

My 78mm Volts don't need charging several times a day. I use them in my work breaks - one lasts from when I leave home to when I leave work. Then I use a second one driving home. They're 320 mah. I doubt this lady wants a twist - as the OP said she is 65 and doesn't want fiddling about - just wants to pick up and vape. The Volts come in automatic sealed batteries which would probably suit her needs since she likes just picking up an ecig and vaping.

OH NOEZ. Not you again. I don't want to have a small battery vs big battery PV war again. How do you know what she wants? Everyone wants a cig sized battery until they realize how underwhelming they are and then they replace it with something bigger 9 times out of 10. It's a common misunderstanding that battery technology is advanced enough to support the habits of vapers on such a small platform. One that is usually quickly resolved by wanting to buy a bigger battery once they realize the hassle and cost of these devices.

As far as battery life goes it sounds like you're admitting they discharge pretty fast. On your days off surely you are recharging them, or you are a part-time vaper and were a part-time smoker. If I was only vaping on only on work breaks I could go probably a week or more on one "work only" 1000 mah battery. The recommended number of times you should recharge your lithium ion batteries is 300, and if you are recharging them one or more times a day, that's less than a year your battery will last you before it takes a permanent drop in voltage. As it is, mine will last closer to two years (1 year 8 months-ish) because I am not recharging as often. $14 for a 78mm 320 mah battery is ridiculous. I can link you multiple vendors who'd sell you an ego battery at 1100 mah for that, or an 18650 AW IMR 2000mah battery for 2/3 that price.

7 seconds is plenty of time. She has been using blu and isn't complaining about draw time. Also Volts are 320 mah.

I vape for 12 seconds or more all the time. I definitely wouldn't want someone to tell me when my battery has to stop for a while. That's a sign of poor construction if 8 seconds or more threatens to melt it. Versatility is key as not all people are the same as we can clearly see.

The basic one ecig pack kit is $20. Smokeless Image | Only The Best Electronic Cigarette | Starter Kits

I see the confusion now, it's not the basic kit we're talking about, it's called the PACK kit. It comes with 2 cartos what you'd be lucky to last you one day. The kit I was talking about is $30 and merely comes with 3 more cartos... for 10 dollars... what a ripoff.

That's not correct. Smokeless Image sell 320 mah minis, and 650, 900, and 1300 mah bigger batteries.
I use their 320 mah Volts and 900 mah Volt X2.
Your info on SI isn't correct here.

I know all I need to know about SI, they exploit smokers by overcharging for cartos and accessories.
We're not talking about X2s which are 3.6v original ego knockoffs and passthroughs to boot. They'll last as long as you're tethered to that short usb cable. If you try to cart it off with your laptop attached you may spend a lot more money getting a new laptop than it's worth. We're talking about small battery PVs. For the same price you can get an EGO Twist, less money than if you go with a 1300mah size in the X2. You don't need a passthrough with an Ego Twist because they'll last you all day, and you have 2 of them in this case.

 

[ShogaNinja]

Not to repeat, but I'm replying myself as well to my previously quoted post... The OP mentioned that their mother doesn't want anything bigger than a Blu-style battery... So an Ego anything is out of the question. They have the same thread-size as a 510, but not the same overall size. And a 7 second cutoff time is PLENTY. I use about half of that on my volt, and it fills my lungs on stock cartos. A one-trick-pony is exactly what many of us want... We just want to enjoy a vape as if it were a cigarette, not a huge cigar, or an entire-pack+ sized monstrosity... Which is exactly what a KR808D-1 (Volt) does. I received my package of Volt cartos today at 2pm. It is now 1:32am, and I've not charged either of two 78mm batteries, and I've been pretty much chain-vaping. If you want to get technical, that's 5+ hours per still not dead battery, definitely not a 180mah battery, and doubly not, since it is an automatic. As for Blu, I am trying to steer everyone away from the company, specifically because they are owned by Big Tobacco, who are simultaneously getting into the E-cig/new-wave smokeless market, and lobbying against banning tobacco. *EDIT*: I clearly mentioned that it was a Volt Pack Kit, which is the name of the actual kit.

Listen, I'm sure you are a fantastic person, and by this I truly mean no offense, but can you explain to us why in almost 3 years time you only have 1 month of quit time? It is for this exact reason I cannot recommend a Volt to anybody.

 

[Berylanna]

OH NOEZ. Not you again. I don't want to have a small battery vs big battery PV war again. How do you know what she wants?

The O.P. said so.

As far as battery life goes it sounds like you're admitting they discharge pretty fast.

Which is why, 4 months later, I only use them in rare situations.

We're not talking about X2s which are 3.6v original ego knockoffs and passthroughs to boot. They'll last as long as you're tethered to that short usb cable. If you try to cart it off with your laptop attached you may spend a lot more money getting a new laptop than it's worth.

Those are badly mislabeled, I have never ONCE used those for passthroughs. I told SI they were confusing people and they seemed to think I was the first person to get confused that way. The confusion delayed my purchase of X2s by 2 months, and I was a little peeved. Actually, a lot peeved.

I have 1 Twist and 3 X2's. When an X2 dies, I will replace it with another Twist. But, the next 2 after that I'll replace with more X2's unless I have as much fun modding as I hope to have. (nimh, the safer, more-accesible, batteries!) (yes, they're heavier for the same lifespan.)

 

[Figgy]

Even though I'm an eGo Twist fan myself, I would like to point out that the OP has an eGo. I'm guessing mom is familiar with the form factor and operation. Her decision that she wants something smaller is likely based on experience. I like the idea of a manual battery over an automatic as many vapers on the forum do, but frankly the eGo has a pretty easy button. If she's tried it and doesn't like it, then maybe an auto is the thing for her. She may have joint issues and such that make that difficult for her. A few extra grams and squeezing a button is nothing to me, but I have no special mobility concerns.

She's also had a small cigalike, so I'm betting she's aware of the battery life limitations and it doesn't bug her. The OP didn't mention increased run time as being an important feature.

Sounds like she's just looking for some reliably good tasting pre-filled cartos to make her experience better and keep her off the stinkies. Personally, though I see a wealth of knowledge here that I generally agree with, I say don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. The lady just wants some good juice. If she decides later that she wants more power and can handle the weight and operating a clicky button, a new battery may be in order.

 

[ShogaNinja]

The O.P. said so.

Which is why, 4 months later, I only use them in rare situations.

Those are badly mislabeled, I have never ONCE used those for passthroughs. I told SI they were confusing people and they seemed to think I was the first person to get confused that way. The confusion delayed my purchase of X2s by 2 months, and I was a little peeved. Actually, a lot peeved.

I have 1 Twist and 3 X2's. When an X2 dies, I will replace it with another Twist. But, the next 2 after that I'll replace with more X2's unless I have as much fun modding as I hope to have. (nimh, the safer, more-accesible, batteries!) (yes, they're heavier for the same lifespan.)

None of this is really hurting my case. SI is a bad company. They exploit their customer's ignorance and rip them off for it. This is not a benefit to the community.

When someone says they must have a small battery ecig, it's the person whose mind we should change by using information to convince them. Whenever you limit your selection you greatly increase their chances of failure as we have already seen.

 

[ShogaNinja]

Even though I'm an eGo Twist fan myself, I would like to point out that the OP has an eGo. I'm guessing mom is familiar with the form factor and operation. Her decision that she wants something smaller is likely based on experience. I like the idea of a manual battery over an automatic as many vapers on the forum do, but frankly the eGo has a pretty easy button. If she's tried it and doesn't like it, then maybe an auto is the thing for her. She may have joint issues and such that make that difficult for her. A few extra grams and squeezing a button is nothing to me, but I have no special mobility concerns.

She's also had a small cigalike, so I'm betting she's aware of the battery life limitations and it doesn't bug her. The OP didn't mention increased run time as being an important feature.

Sounds like she's just looking for some reliably good tasting pre-filled cartos to make her experience better and keep her off the stinkies. Personally, though I see a wealth of knowledge here that I generally agree with, I say don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. The lady just wants some good juice. If she decides later that she wants more power and can handle the weight and operating a clicky button, a new battery may be in order.

I agree with your sentiment, but there is a lot of speculation in this post.

 

[Vampirecat019]

Listen, I'm sure you are a fantastic person, and by this I truly mean no offense, but can you explain to us why in almost 3 years time you only have 1 month of quit time? It is for this exact reason I cannot recommend a Volt to anybody.

Interesting... Who do you mean by "us"? I don't recall anyone else questioning any of my posts, opinions, known facts that I've relayed, etc... Not that I have to defend myself to the likes of you, but I only have "one month of quit time" because that is how old the banner itself is. I smoked for the past two years, vaped before that. About two months ago I decided it was time to put them down permanently. SI, regardless of all of your bantering about how much they suck, and how they're screwing us, this and that... has HELPED me quit smoking entirely, and SAVE money, not get ripped off. I also own the following genuine Joyetech kits: Ego-T, 510-T, 510 Standard atomizer system, in addition to a Revolver Elite, Mistic, and countless disposable versions of other brands. So I've been around the block a bit in the past few years, and have not shied away from the "cigalike" models, but in fact have returned to them, finding the Volt to be the best version for myself. Because it's what *I* like, not about what YOU like. Just as it is not about what you think the OP's mom is "really" after, when it is clearly stated in the first post, exactly what she is after.

Why don't you go find someone who is praising Smoking Everywhere or the other real crap overpriced kits, and tell them all about how they're getting ripped off? Because that would make a hell of a lot more sense. You'd probably have a better shot at convincing them to add to whatever commissions you're probably getting in secret. His mom doesn't want an Ego anything, it says right there in the first post. This will be my very last response to any of your posts in this thread. I might remind you of Forum Rule #9, Section A, Line 9: Flooding the board with comments coming from a single point of view in multiple posts.

 

[mikewill45]

Have you ever considered trying v2cigs.com? Not that I'm a fan of their batteries but they do have some nice prefilled cartos at a fair price if you buy in bulk. Personally I prefer to fill my own, and enjoy mixing my own juices as well. I believe they also have a smaller battery available that may be close to the Blu.

 

[jang0]

I was finally able to get her to try a mini-nova. So she's got a couple of 650 twists and some novas. Thanks for all your help. But in the end, we never could find anything satisfying in that size.