My road to vaping one month in~!

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LNRRigby

Full Member
Dec 31, 2010
50
1
Semmes, AL
I've been at this for one month, so I'm no expert, but I have bought a LOT of stuff trying to find my "preferred" equipment. I am (was) a HEAVY smoker. Smoked for 49 years, at least 2 packs a day, sometimes more!
I know everyone is different, with different preferences, different habits, different concerns regarding "what it looks like" or "what it feels like", but ... first and foremost, I LOVE to smoke. I know it's nasty and smells bad and is bad for me, but I LOVE it. After 49 years, it catches up to you and you find yourself out of breath walking up inclines or walking fast. Despite that, I still smoked like a chimney because I just love to smoke. I met someone with an e-cig who told me that he kicked the habit with these things. I thought it might work for me since I can still get my nicotine AND continue the behavior of puffing away! I'm down to 1-2 analogs a day but some days ZERO~!

Here is the road I traveled and why:
First e-cig: A kiosk e-cig knock-off which was a total ripoff - Don't go there! Even though it doesn't have a battery switch and looks like a cigarette, it's inefficient because a heavy smoker ends up charging it every couple of hours. I found myself smoking analogs like a chimney waiting for the battery to charge up. I still use it in the mornings with coffee-toffee juice. I've found that my 510 atty will fit on it, so when the original atty dies, I'll use 510's on it until the battery dies and then not replace it.

What the kiosk e-cig taught me was this: I cut down to between 8-10 analogs a day by using it. That's 30 less analogs per day! If I could find a more efficient system (and better juice!!), this might just "work". I spent 3 days on the computer reading this forum and watching videos to research out my plan of attack. I didn't want to waste money buying things that didn't work. I wasn't opposed to spending a fair amount to find the "sweet spot" for me; but if I was going to jump in, I might as well do it intelligently. After all, at $45 per carton, it would take a lot of hardware to equal what analogs were costing. Once you find what works for you, then the supplies for that will just automatically be much cheaper. I considered this sort of like a hobby and any new hobby costs money to get the requisite supplies for it.

Riva kit: Very economical from Liberty-Flights. You get 2 of everything along with extra cartridges and a charger that can be used with USB or plug it in the wall. I got the Riva rather than a regular 510 because of the extended battery life between charges. The folks on this forum suggested the Riva for that reason and they were right~! Being a heavy smoker, battery life makes a big difference! I can go almost a whole day on one battery but I always have the 2nd battery "in the wings" to use while a battery is charging. As for what it looks like (it's much bigger than a cigarette) - I don't care what people think. Heck, people gave me dirty looks smoking analogs so what's the difference? I have a habit and any way I can get nicotine into my lungs is fine with me. It's still America, after all. As for "feminine" ... before the '20's, women didn't smoke. It wasn't until advertising made it "cool" or "daring" that women decided it was something for them to do. So, smoking, per se, isn't gender specific.

ejuice: Someone on this forum suggested JuicyVapor.com and I have been VERY WELL SATISFIED. Not only is the shipping FAST, the guys actually interact with you (by email or phone) if you have questions. They have sampler packs so you can get small 3mL samples to try the flavors until you find your preferred flavor. I thought I would want "tobacco" but, for me, I've found that "Gramma's Apple Pie" and "Toasted Almond" and "Dex's 5-0" and "Nutty Toffee-Coffee" are the ones I like best. Taste is a very subjective "sense" so the sampler packs are ideal. When you look at some of the flavors, you'll wonder "what in the world are people thinking"?! I mean, seriously ... bacon? jalapeno? LOL Anyway, there's no accounting for taste, so everyone should just sample what they "think" they might like. I chose the above because someone on this forum said that usually, non-menthol smokers tend to like the "fruit" and the "nut" flavors. They were right in my case.

Lipton Pyramid Tea-Bag mods: The filler stuff in the cartridges seemed to not "hold" much fluid. Granted, I suck on them like CRAZY, but I could drain one in no time! My local stores don't carry pyramids so I ordered from Amazon. BE ADVISED: You get 6 boxes of 18 to a box! They're fairly cheap, though, so no big deal. They work really well if you follow THIS video's instruction:
YouTube - 510 Cart Mod Folded Rolled Frayed PTB

Even using the Pyramid Tea Bag mods, I was still filling up more often than I'd like to, which brought me to this:
eGo kit along with an XL atomizer and XL cartridges. I'm still trying this XL out. The atomizers that came with the eGo kit can be used on the Riva, too, so I'm using the XL only on the eGo battery. The eGo battery is similar to the Riva in that it has a long battery life between charges. Probably, (and I'm not sure about this, but probably) the XL atomizer and XL cartridges would have worked on the Riva battery. Since I'm not sure, I don't want to take any chances of using the XL atomizer on a battery that's not equipped to "handle" it.

The filler in the XL cartridges leaked if the eGo battery was standing up. I'm still trying out tea bag mods for the XL. They seem to work fine and I'm not having to fill up as often. They don't leak. It takes a LOT of tea bags to fill one of the XL cartridges up, though ... but with 108 tea bags, I've got plenty!

eGo passthrough: I bought this because I am in front of my computer (work) all day, every day, so this is ideal~! Coupling this with the XL atty and XL cartridges with the tea bag mods lasts a LONG time between topping off~!


I've already killed the original 2 atomizers that came with the Riva. So, for me, it's 2 attys per month at the rate that I smoke, which is pretty much constantly.

Since I've found that the amount of vapor decreases (along with the taste) when the cartridge isn't topped off, I started looking at the new eGo-T (tanks). Here are 2 videos that convinced me that this was the way for me to go:
YouTube - Ovale eGo-T First Impressions Review....

and the follow-up review: (!)
YouTube - Ovale eGo-T Followup review- with a couple of tips....

I tried dripping the liquid directly onto the atomizer (but you have to still put on the cartridge so as not to burn your lips!) (*grin*) and it was AWESOME~! The flavor was great, the vapor is great and the nicotine "hit" was to die for!

So I've got this on order:
Drip Tips for Riva/eGo because I seem to like the flavor and nicotine "hit" when I drip directly onto the atomizer rather than use cartridges (whether they have regular fill or the tea bag mod fill).
Drip Tips for XL atomizer for the same reason as above.
eGo-T atomizers and tanks - - this seems to be the best of all worlds! I've got my fingers crossed. It's like a Drip Tip with the convenience of a cartridge! If I'm right, then this will be my final experiment.

If the eGo-T is "it" for me (and I am almost certain that it will be), then I'll just use the drip tips and regular attys and XL atty at my computer until they're all dead.
 

alxbad

Full Member
Jan 28, 2011
18
5
Canada
@LNRRigby
Just wanted to give you my opinion on the Tank system.
I also consider myself a noob when it comes to vaping but I have tried several models and I must say that the Tank system is great!
For me it vapes like dripping with no fuss.
One thing though, you will likely want to get yourself a syringe for filling up the actual tanks, that way you will not need to pop the plastic cap on and off for fill ups.
If you dont want to get a syringe with a needle even a flat one, I found that if you get a dental syringe with a plastic curved end (they are primarily used for washing out wisdom tooth extraction sites) it works like a charm and you dont need any type of needle.
Just letting you know what worked for me, and as always, happy vaping!
 

LNRRigby

Full Member
Dec 31, 2010
50
1
Semmes, AL
Sounds like the path most of us took. Still cheaper and better than smoking and in another 2 months I will be willing to bet you will be writing about DIY and MODS. Enjoy the hobby. I know after 28 years of smoking it is the ONLY thing that has allowed me to go 6+ months without a smoke!

It's folks like you and others on this forum that helped me take the final plunge after trying the kiosk e-cig. I couldn't have done it without all the encouragement and success stories here ... it convinced me that it was just a matter of finding the hardware and juices that I preferred.

As an aside: my friends tell me that I "look" better. I don't know about that but I definitely FEEL better. I can walk up inclines without getting "winded" and can walk fast, too. This has surprised me because it has only been a month and yet, my lungs are "coming back" ... after 49 years of smoking, that's pretty amazing and a great testimony for the regenerative qualities of the human body!
 

LNRRigby

Full Member
Dec 31, 2010
50
1
Semmes, AL
@LNRRigby
... and I must say that the Tank system is great!
For me it vapes like dripping with no fuss.
One thing though, you will likely want to get yourself a syringe for filling up the actual tanks, that way you will not need to pop the plastic cap on and off for fill ups. .... Just letting you know what worked for me, and as always, happy vaping!

Oh! That's GREAT NEWS!! I had a feeling, from the 2 videos, that this was the best of both worlds!! SO happy to hear another person sing the tank's praises!! I'm looking forward to receiving it~!

As for a syringe: I'm a nurse, so that's no problem. However: here is what I'm concerned about with not popping off the cover (and using a syringe instead): Eventually, the cover will have been pierced so often that it will leak. I'm thinking that every time I pop the cover, rather than pierce it with a syringe, that the "life" of the cover is extended two-fold. For example, using a syringe means piercing it twice (once with the syringe and once with the atomizer) for every fill-up. I know that vials of medicine can be used many, many times without wrecking the integrity of the rubber stopper, but for those vials, once the meds are used, the bottle is thrown away. But you're right ... it would be sort of like that ... when they have been pierced that many times, they'd be ready for the trash, anyway.
Thanks for the GOOD review on the tank~! I can't wait~!! (But Liberty-Flights are FAST, so it shouldn't be long!)
 

JC Okie

REOnaut
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Jul 2, 2010
6,511
17,814
Tulsa, OK
However: here is what I'm concerned about with not popping off the cover (and using a syringe instead): Eventually, the cover will have been pierced so often that it will leak. I'm thinking that every time I pop the cover, rather than pierce it with a syringe, that the "life" of the cover is extended two-fold. For example, using a syringe means piercing it twice (once with the syringe and once with the atomizer) for every fill-up. I know that vials of medicine can be used many, many times without wrecking the integrity of the rubber stopper, but for those vials, once the meds are used, the bottle is thrown away. But you're right ... it would be sort of like that ... when they have been pierced that many times, they'd be ready for the trash, anyway.

They don't work like a medicine bottle. Actually the "wear and tear" is just the opposite. There's a membrane that is punctured, then the hole is there. Same hole...pretty big, actually. Taking the cap off and on, on the other hand, could cause it to eventually leak because it'll get where it won't seal well. Once you get the tank, you'll see what I mean.
 

LNRRigby

Full Member
Dec 31, 2010
50
1
Semmes, AL
They don't work like a medicine bottle. Actually the "wear and tear" is just the opposite. There's a membrane that is punctured, then the hole is there. Same hole...pretty big, actually. Taking the cap off and on, on the other hand, could cause it to eventually leak because it'll get where it won't seal well. Once you get the tank, you'll see what I mean.

Oh, okay ... I was envisioning something similar to a multi-use vial of meds. I'll take your advice and use a syringe. Should I pierce it FIRST with the atomizer so that I know where the natural hole is?
 

LNRRigby

Full Member
Dec 31, 2010
50
1
Semmes, AL
The Ego T does seem inticing. I'm happy with my XL clearomizers so far, I fill up all 5 with the syringe and I'm set. Will have to look at the Ego-T some more. Thanks!

Hi~! I just looked up what a clearomizer is ... those look like an atomizer/cartridge together? If so, then, they are like an eGo-T in general idea. The only difference seems to be that the eGo-T is two pieces whereas yours is one piece. I guess it would depend on whether a person wants one piece or two. And that would probably depend on whether the atomizer on the clearomizer lasts about as long as you'd want to keep the part that holds the liquid. Maybe a cost difference too?
Thanks for this post~! Choices are always nice~!!!

I don't see this product on Liberty-Flights. Where did you get it ... I'm assuming you've already zeroed in on a reputable dealer of these?
 

LadyWeeps

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Jan 24, 2011
174
56
67
Sacramento, CA
Both GotVapes and CloudsofVapor carry the fluxomizers and clearomizers, respectively. They are just see through cartomizers.

We've been using the ego T for just over a week now and love them. I would recommend using a syringe needle to refill. I had one tank start leaking after about 6 days of use and I think it was due to removing the little cap to refill it.
 

LNRRigby

Full Member
Dec 31, 2010
50
1
Semmes, AL
We've been using the ego T for just over a week now and love them. I would recommend using a syringe needle to refill. I had one tank start leaking after about 6 days of use and I think it was due to removing the little cap to refill it.

Wow! Thanks! I will definitely use a syringe!
Glad to hear that you, also, like them!
 

Rosa

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Mar 18, 2010
4,947
210
Beaverton, Oregon!
Oh, okay ... I was envisioning something similar to a multi-use vial of meds. I'll take your advice and use a syringe. Should I pierce it FIRST with the atomizer so that I know where the natural hole is?

The tank is actually like a hard plastic and the atomizer has a sharp little spikey thing inside that punctures the tank. You need to put the empty tank on the atomizer first to make the hole in it. Then you take it off and fill it. It's easier to fill it with a blunt syringe because the hole is already there from when you punctured it with the atomizer's spike.

But if you don't have a syringe, you can opt to take the end cap off the tank and fill it that way: it's more likely to start leaking sooner if you do it that way (and probably make more of a mess I'm guessing) because the plastic will stretch eventually from being taken off and put back on over and over. It's a negligible risk IMO since the spares are only $6-$7 for five of them.
 

Maker

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Jan 23, 2011
99
2
Florida
"I tried dripping the liquid directly onto the atomizer (but you have to still put on the cartridge so as not to burn your lips!) (*grin*) and it was AWESOME~! The flavor was great, the vapor is great and the nicotine "hit" was to die for!"

A drip tip will eliminate the need to put anything on. just drip right through the hole in the tip.
 

LNRRigby

Full Member
Dec 31, 2010
50
1
Semmes, AL
The tank is actually like a hard plastic and the atomizer has a sharp little spikey thing inside that punctures the tank. You need to put the empty tank on the atomizer first to make the hole in it. Then you take it off and fill it. It's easier to fill it with a blunt syringe because the hole is already there from when you punctured it with the atomizer's spike.

But if you don't have a syringe, you can opt to take the end cap off the tank and fill it that way: it's more likely to start leaking sooner if you do it that way (and probably make more of a mess I'm guessing) because the plastic will stretch eventually from being taken off and put back on over and over. It's a negligible risk IMO since the spares are only $6-$7 for five of them.

Where can I get a blunt tip syringe? I have syringes ... just no blunt tips ... ???
 

Rosa

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Mar 18, 2010
4,947
210
Beaverton, Oregon!
Where can I get a blunt tip syringe? I have syringes ... just no blunt tips ... ???

It doesn't have to be a blunt tip... I just find that for a new member it seems less scary that way. Any syringe will work.

Of course the smaller the bore, the harder it will be to push the thicker liquid through.
 

LNRRigby

Full Member
Dec 31, 2010
50
1
Semmes, AL
It doesn't have to be a blunt tip... I just find that for a new member it seems less scary that way. Any syringe will work.

Oh, good ... then I'm good to go as soon as my eGo-T arrives!
And it makes perfect sense to pierce it FIRST with the atomizer and THEN fill it with a syringe. The hole will be the natural hole in the right place for the syringe.
Thanks!
 
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