[N]ew to this.. [A]dvice!?!?

[KrazyK3nn3dy]

Hello everybody!!!

So here's the situation... I first heard of E-cigs a couple years ago (Blu), and I should have learned my lesson from the initial experience.. There was always problems getting it.. Never shipped blah blah blah.. anyway.. Blu has become available at gas stations near where I live.. So now that I didn't have to worry about the online hassle I figured I would finally get it.. I have been trying everything to quit analog cigs for years but nothing worked.. These Blus did the trick, over 24 hours so far, but I'm starting to consider analogs again and this is why..

Blu battery life is atrocious, I literally recharge these batteries 3 times a day each.. 6 charges total.. plus it just is not satisfying enough to keep my eyes off the analogs.. I used to smoke a pack a day of Newports.. I'm seeking that STRONG feeling of menthol and it needs to last more than one hour per charge.. I'm also not very financially well off so cheap is a must (I know you get what you pay for but I think that some companies like to take advantage of people). I also need reliability (getting carts and other accessories on time).

I heard a lot about the eGo and took a look at it, but I do not know what I'm really looking at here.. does the "pack" it comes with charge it as well??? So really, I'm looking for information to help me in my process to decide what will work best for me (I know everyone is different). So suggestions are very much appreciated along with explanations translated into n00b so that I know what you are saying.

I'm looking for decent battery life (do not mind recharging two times a day), not much hassle (atomizers combined with refills [I'm worried about burning out the atomizers]), satisfying strength (comparable to analog if not a lil stronger), somewhat cheap (want to spend less than approx $30 per week on carts [keep in mind I smoked a pack a day and I'm not a heavy dragger]), not too obnoxiously large of a battery (would like to be able to have the whole pack in my pocket and hold the cig in my mouth with no hands). I understand that I may be describing the perfect ecig which does not exist, but I hope to be able get as close as possible to all of these aspects (I'm adaptable).

Thank you all for your help,

K3nn3dy

 

[dormouse]

Try Liberty-Flights.com
Press the 20% off upper left
Then look at the Riva 510 kits - most popular Ego clone because those kits at that shop are all 3.7v, just like any 3.7v mod. Under $30 for the Lite Bundle, and consider the new SE model with the 3-click enable/disable if they have any of those left. Or you could get the carto kit w/ case if in stock and separate buy and atomizer or two for testing juices. Whichever, but a 510 drip tip for testing juices and vaping thick juices, spare cartomizers, etc.

Egos are 3.4v

Your Blu cartos will also fit Riva but never ever charge Blu in the Riva charging cable nor vice versa. Blu is reverse polarity and Blu and real 510 devices can fry each others batteries with their chargers.

 

[HeadLikeOrange]

Hey KK,

It sounds like the eGo would be perfect for you, as it is simple, affordable, and is designed around having an extended battery life. I was a pack-a-day smoker too and a charged eGo battery lasts just about a day for me. A typical starter kit should include 2 batteries, 2 atomizers, 5 cartridges, and a charger, for around $45. I don't know what the "pack" is that you are referring to, but if it is some sort of carry-case or baggie, it probably will not charge the batts. But assuming you can get a day or so out of one battery, and you've got two, it shouldn't be a big deal.

In addition to the starter kit, I would advise you to pick up 10 cartomizers. These will allow you not to have to worry about additional atomizers, as it is a combination cartridge and atomizer. They can be refilled and each filling is worth about 10 cigarettes. They will burn out after 5-10 refills. Also, get yourself some juice. Try some 5 ML samplers. Definitely go with some menthol types if that is what you are trying to replace, but don't be afraid to get some fruity stuff too. My first samplers had a bunch of tobacco variations, but I would up liking the Green Apple flavor the best. Getting samplers is the best way to find the flavor that works for you.

With this approach, your only real monthly cost will be for more juice, and every other month or so, you'll have to get more cartomizers. As a former pack-a-day smoker, I go through 40-50 ML of juice per month, and probably 4-6 cartomizers. All in all, vaping costs me about $45 a month. Not bad when I was spending $250 a month on cigs.

 

[KrazyK3nn3dy]

Hey KK,

It sounds like the eGo would be perfect for you, as it is simple, affordable, and is designed around having an extended battery life. I was a pack-a-day smoker too and a charged eGo battery lasts just about a day for me. A typical starter kit should include 2 batteries, 2 atomizers, 5 cartridges, and a charger, for around $45. I don't know what the "pack" is that you are referring to, but if it is some sort of carry-case or baggie, it probably will not charge the batts. But assuming you can get a day or so out of one battery, and you've got two, it shouldn't be a big deal.

In addition to the starter kit, I would advise you to pick up 10 cartomizers. These will allow you not to have to worry about additional atomizers, as it is a combination cartridge and atomizer. They can be refilled and each filling is worth about 10 cigarettes. They will burn out after 5-10 refills. Also, get yourself some juice. Try some 5 ML samplers. Definitely go with some menthol types if that is what you are trying to replace, but don't be afraid to get some fruity stuff too. My first samplers had a bunch of tobacco variations, but I would up liking the Green Apple flavor the best. Getting samplers is the best way to find the flavor that works for you.

With this approach, your only real monthly cost will be for more juice, and every other month or so, you'll have to get more cartomizers. As a former pack-a-day smoker, I go through 40-50 ML of juice per month, and probably 4-6 cartomizers. All in all, vaping costs me about $45 a month. Not bad when I was spending $250 a month on cigs.

Thank you, that was very helpful.. I will await further advice from others before jumping right into it, HOWEVER, I will note what you had said..

Thanks again,

K3nn3dy

 

[cskent]

Yes, the little batteries that are cig sized don't last very long, move up to the next step and it gets much better. You've checked out the eGo so you know such things exist. The basic eGo is about 3 times the battery that the Blu was and it'll last most people 1/2 a day so 2 will likely get you through. They're 650 milliamp hours (mah). Move up to a 900 or 1000 mah and you'll get through the entire day on one, or two if you vape heavily. The Riva is about the same thing as an eGo, just a different manufacturer, and they're a bit cheaper. By the way, they're not nearly as big as the pictures make them look. They're about the size of a small cigar.

Most people get about a month out of each atomizer. Some get more, some less. I've found that the standard ones last longer than the low resistance type. The standard ones don't produce as much vapor or throat hit though so it's kind of a trade-off. Both the eGo and Riva will take cartomizers too so if you don't want to keep refilling a cartridge that may be an option. Then there's the tank atomizer option which holds quite a bit of juice so you can go a long time between refills, but some people have leakage problems with them so take that into consideration before you go that route.

Personally, what I'd suggest is you check out the Riva here Electronic Cigarette - Starter Kits - Riva 510. Use the 20% off code in the upper left hand corner and it'll come out to around $30 plus shipping, throw in some juice and you'll be vaping. It'll surely outperform your Blu and it's probably cheaper too. If you like it get another kit so you'll have backups for everything.

 

[jonny2hottie]

hey k3nn3dy,
look at the joye-ego-starter-kit/ comes with 2 batteries that will last you pretty much all day. all you need to do is buy a pack of cartos (from the same site) either smoktech-510-lr-1-5-ohm-single-coil-cartomizers-5-pack/ if you like a warmer vapor or smoktech-510-lr-2-0-ohm-single-coil-cartomizer/ if you like a cooler vape. this site has the best prices by far!

all you need after that is a drip tip and some nic-juice and youre set for a long time.

ive been around for a while and ive tried many a e-cig..this is the best starter kit in my opinion. Good luck on your search!!!

 

[smokingisbad]

From a long time vaper, I would suggest trying Dekang menthol from madvapes 24mg 50ml for 10.99. Imo the best menthol out there. Good Luck!!! ps. as for a device there are a ton of em. But for under 50bux you can pick something good up.

 

[CarrieD]

Hey, I went on that same journey! lol Really, really wanted an e cig I could walk around with in my mouth, I missed that very much. Plus, I wanted to keep going out on smoke break with pals, and didn't want to be stared at or have to answer 100 questions every time. I ended up paying serious money for a starter kit with an e cig that looks exactly like a cigarette, same size, same look, and I could even carry it around in my mouth. Came with a cute pcc that looks like a hard pack of smokes.

Trouble was, it was dead in a little more than an hour. PCC took longer than that to charge a batt, so in two hours time, I was out of smokes. That, and it was like sucking air through a straw, only LOUDER. So much for being inconspicuous. My expensive rig now gathers dust on the shelf.

I already had a Volt KR808 set up, and a 900 mAh T-Rex for home. Those batteries last me 3-4 hours and all darn day, respectively. Neither look like real cigarettes, and I no longer care. If I want to be discreet, I use a 65mm "shorty" KR808 battery that I can cup in my hand. I use drip tips now that I can grab with my teeth and hold if need be. After a little over a month of solid use, they no longer feel awkward or heavy to me, and I'm so happy about no longer inhaling burning plant matter, I don't feel self conscious at all.

I've read a lot of posts on this forum predicting that the cig look-alikes wouldn't be satisfying, and they were right. Here's what I got that keeps me very happy - YMMV.

Volt KR808 kit, with chargers and PCC

Mega T-Rex kit, with chargers

 

[dlmb]

If you don't like the ego, I would suggest an ePower 14650 kit from madvapes.com I enjoy mine greatly, and the shipping was FAST! It comes with two attys, and you can put a 510 carto on there if you wish, it comes with two batteries to keep you vaping! Good luck, stay off those analogues!!!

-Dustin

 

[pan]

I have been doing this for just shy of two years. While searching for the menthol kick you are looking for, I ended up mixing dekang menthol with dekang strong mint. individually they are good, but not quite right. Together, they hit what I was looking for (could also add a tobacco flavor, if you like those)

I too got frustrated with the battery life of my cigarette sized equipment (m401) and recently switched to an eGo-T. So far so good with that decision. Unlike some who have posted, I have had no issues. The battery lasts me 24-36 hours, depending on usage. I still use my auto battery m401 when I want the "hand free" option..so hold on to your blu for such occasions.the batttery life is not as much of an issue with occasional (back up) use.

Once I settled in I find myself averaging about $30-$35 dollars a month..that is with a new atty every month and a battery every other month for the m class. I expect to do the same or better with the ego..since only charging once a day..and I will not need a handful of spares to get through the day..but for a few more weeks, this is only speculation...

When I first started..quitting tobacco was a gradual process. I was simply trying to cut the cost, not quit. I used to chain smoke..so I would burn one firsts, and the vape..eventually I preferred the cleaner vapor to smoke..(eaisily down to 10 the first day) with 2 weeks buying tobacco seemed like the biggest waste of money, and I just stopped buying then (tried new flavors instead) good luck

 

[RMV Processing]

I also started with a Blu several years ago, and pretty much ditched vaping after only a month or so. However, I decided a few months later to try it again after reading reviews and watching videos on youtube, I moved to an eGo and it was so much better. That said, I upgraded not too long after to a Riva/Brother and a few months after that moved into the world of MODs. Although this hobby has become more and more expensive (to an extent) you can't put a price on your health. Best advise I can give you is stick with it! And stay involved here in the forum, because there is a ton of information and support. Also, once you get your bearings, try following some of seasoned PV reviewers, like GrimmGreen. you can find him all over youtube. Super nice guy with a lot of great information. There are a ton of options and you'll find the perfect setup for you. Don't give up!

 

[Strilen]

Here is what I posted in another topic but applies here. I would buy the kit if cheaper but the key to getting a good feel is your atomizer cartridge setup. I have tried every option for the Mega eGo and below is my favorite.

Here is what I think is easy, ideal, clean and economical.
Also you should not need any upgrades for a LONG time

Mega eGo 1000 batteries (2) eGo battery - 650/1000mAh - with 5 click On/Off & 15sec cutoff
Mega eGo Dual coil Cartomizers (the big ones, hold 4ml of liguid and super easy to fill!) grab a few.
510 Ego Mega Dual Coil Cartomizer - 1.6 ohm, 4.5ml, - Black w/tip

You will need charger also

From experience(not alot but I have tried every cartridge and method for the eGo) and reading(alot)

I get a great draw, long lasting, reliable batteries, easy to fill.

My favorite supplier is litecigusa.com and he will be carrying the Mega eGo Dual Coil Cartomizers starting this wednesday(10/19/2012)
Links from Smoketek because litecigusa.com hasnt stocked the Dual Coils yet
I am finally happy.

 

[KrazyK3nn3dy]

Thank you for your help everyone!!! I was very shocked at the amount of nice, relevant responses. Generally forums are plagued by very inconsiderate people. This has been the most positive forum experience in my life believe it or not. Keep up the great work, I will try to stay as involved in this forum as possible so that I can pass on the experience that you all have bestowed upon me to another newcomer and hopefully it will have just as much of an impact. I ALMOST gave up on eCigs. I now have a second wind and hopefully this can help me to have many more years to spend with my son.

Many thanks,
K3nn3dy

 

[chevelle]

Thank you for your help everyone!!! I was very shocked at the amount of nice, relevant responses. Generally forums are plagued by very inconsiderate people. This has been the most positive forum experience in my life believe it or not. Keep up the great work, I will try to stay as involved in this forum as possible so that I can pass on the experience that you all have bestowed upon me to another newcomer and hopefully it will have just as much of an impact. I ALMOST gave up on eCigs. I now have a second wind and hopefully this can help me to have many more years to spend with my son.

Many thanks,
K3nn3dy

You are most welcome! The information on ECF is what brought me here too and the fine people are why I'm still here. There are so many options available to the new vaper that it can get a bit overwhelming and even intimidating.

It was not so long ago that I was in the same situation. After dealing with the short battery life and the hard to find cartos for my Njoy Npro 4081, I found the eGo/Riva 510 systems.

I bought the eGo and shortly thereafter, bought a Riva kit too. Love them both but I feel the Riva has the advantage of a more consistent hit from its improved voltage regulation circuit. Battery life is about 4 times as long as the "slim" models. The Riva also has the advantage of being one of the least expensive starter kits available.

For example, the Riva Lite Bundle can be purchased at Liberty Flights for $30 plus 2.99 or so for shipping when you click the 20% Discount icon on the home page. You will, of course, need e-liquid to fill the cartridges. This is an Atomizer/Cartridge/Battery, 3 piece system. To maximize your vaping options, I also recommend a 5 pack of STANDARD, Boge 510 Cartomizers. A drip tip for the atomizers would be handy too. This entire hardware package, without e-juice should only run you about $45 shipped. There are, of course, plenty of other good vendors out there too. This is just a well-proven, popular starter package that works very well.

BTW, I am not affiliated with LF in any way. I receive absolutely nothing in return for mentioning them here. Just a satisfied customer passing along info about one of our really great vendors.

Whatever you decide on, Best Of Luck!