Need Insightful Recommendation

[Vegil]

Hi, let me start by giving a brief background:

I was 1/2 a pack smoker for about ~10 years (started in HS) after a friend recommended e-cig, I thought about it for a while, I was just curious one day and decided to order some disposables, a passthrough and a few packs of carts just to test. I wasn't planning on quitting smoking, just wanted to smoke at home without bothering other people with the nasty smell. Surprisingly it worked and i craved for a real cig less and less till I stopped. It's only been about 2 1/2 weeks since I stopped, sometimes I do crave for a real cig but since I don't have any packs left and prices in NY are crazy high, I just continue vaping.

Now what I really need advice on is a good "starter" kit. I did purchase one of the Blu starter kits, mainly cause I got suckered in by the Marketing, but I'm in the process of returning it, since I don't even touch it. Next I purchased an eGo from V4L, which I became fond of because of thier e-liquid. I love the thing because it lasts so long and the mega carts are nice, but sadly it broke, and I'm waiting for a replacement. So pretty much right now I only have a passthrough, which is enough to last me, since I did buy a lot of different e-liquid to test and try and I'm never really away from a computer due to work.

So now here's the "questions" part:
I was researching a lot and from my short experience came to the conclusion on what I want: definitely a battery that would last a good amount of time, yet not something humongous. I was thinking of the eGo-C but read that leaking is a commonish issue, I have a dual coil tank with the eGo I have and yea, when I first filled it up, it was leaking like a madman, still only filled it up once so can't really comment on after, but I do like the idea of that type of tank. I do not like the regular sized cartomizers, nor do I really like to deal with a 3 piece design (though I never used one, just the thought is kinda not attractive) But my reason for thinking about the eGo C is because its 510 and I can just get some 510 Mega Carts or Dual Coil tanks, but then would the regular eGo work just as fine? Not sure if there's a difference in the eGo battery itself from the different kits, I'm looking at Cignot for these kits, since hearing a lot of good feedback from them. Another thing I read but haven't done too much research on is the Stardust Clearomizer? This thing seems like it would be a mix of the Mega Carts and a Tank. I also read stuff about the KGo, which does seem pretty attractive on Sweet-Vapes (price wise) but I'm not sure how the battery size compares. I need a battery that is definitely not the size of a Banana. I thought about the e-power too, just having to carry around a spare AA size battery is pretty attractive but that thing is huge =[.

I'm not sure if there are any suggestions other than eGo, kGo, e-power. I don't exactly want any crazy mods either, though one that I really want (not in stock) is a e-pipe, epipemods are all sold out however, but damn I would like one from them, unless someone knows of a better/equal pipe that I can get elsewhere.

For juice I haven't done much research yet, but I'm content with the juice from V4L for now.


Anyone that can provide some insight to this newb would be greatly appreciated, I really want to make the right decision, I mean in less than a month I spent about $350.. kind of steep, compared to $50 a carton of cig I get, which usually lasts me 2-3 weeks a carton, kinda makes me want to go back to smoking, but i do feel healthier, my smokers cough hasnt been acting up as much lol.

 

[eXgo]

i know u said no crazy mod... but check out vmod 2.0 9r the xl vapage.com

9ml tank.. non proprietary system threads.. unique feeder system unable to leak... great looking fits in hand.. and vapes great. it's almost not a mod.. it's sold by a big comercial comp and is neverbout pf stock..

did i say 9ml tank? oh for a few extra bux it can be 3.7 5v, 6v, or 7v with just diff batts.. ih and get a snall kick and drop in with battery and get variable voltage!

can't wait til mine gets here next week

good luck

 

[djwyman]

here is another nice pipe mod: Jazz cartopipe the first Cartomizer Pipe

and a review of it:
A PBusardo Review - Jazz Cartopipe & Cartopipe Giveaway Contest!! - YouTube

 

[blkhwk07]

I've been smoke free for a little over a month,I started with a V2 cig and it worked good but went thru about 4-5 batteries a day. I now have a Kgo and love it.I charge it once a day,it's about the size of a sharpie marker (my wife even uses one,so it's not that big). I'm also using a Stardust,it holds about 1.6ml and you can see when it's getting low.Just a couple twists of the tip,pull tip out fill,then vape.

 

[imsoenthused]

Kgo is the way to go performance wise for a sealed ego style battery. It's about as big as your ego around and just a bit longer. E-power isn't much bigger and is definitely more economical over time. It's basically the same size plus room for threads so you can open it and swap batteries. Ego-c and ego-t are just a regular ego battery with one of their leaky ego tank systems included.

 

[LucentShadow]

V4L eGo batteries are 900mah last I looked, so a KGO/Riva of that rating or above will work well. The eGo styles just get a bit longer for the larger mah batteries.

The batteries in most of the eGo styles are identical in diameter and function. The differences amongst the manufacturers and styles involve things like different/multicolor LEDs, differing ways of lighting up (bands, buttons, charge level indication,) some are regulated to 3.3v (Joye,) while others allow the 3.7v from the battery through (KGO/Riva,) some have shutoff features, some have 'passthrough' capability, and there are a few 'variable voltage' models with a few settings.

If you haven't tried any CE2s or Stardusts, I'd suggest giving them a go. Just do a little research on them, and you're likely to like them when used correctly.

 

[SoUnique]

I think you'll be fine with any of the eGo sized batteries. I use the StarDusts & recommend them for a few reasons, they are simple to use for any one new to e-cigs, they don't leak & you get good vapor & flavor.

Oh yes, welcome to the forum Vegil.

 

[Vegil]

O wow, I was gonna check this and hope for a reply before i knock out, but wow thank you guys so much for the insight so far, hopefully when I wake up there'll be a few more, I plan to put an order in this weekend,

-edit-
Was just wondering, where are some reputable places to get Stardust and such accessories? I know I also mentioned that I'm looking at places to get these kits such as Cignot and Sweet-Vapes was just wondering if there are other reputable vendors on par with them? Thanks!

 

[Vegil]

Alright, I think I am almost deadset on getting a KGo but have some final questions if anyone could help me out would greatly be appreciated. I am planning to get the 650mAh model, the 1100mAh model just looks too long. From what I read it's about a 2.5 hour difference, which is acceptable, I'm not really a heavy vaper (yet ) I did take note of the Riva 650mAh as well, which is about $10 difference on Sweet-Vapes. But my main concern is, how is the functionality of using a Stardust with a 650mAh battery? From what I read, on another thread in this forum, that Stardust requires a 1000mAh+ battery, is this true? Also, would a stardust screw in perfectly on a Kgo, Riva? I would hate if there is a funny looking space and would hate it more to try to find a cone to fill that space so it doesn't look weird, lol. Your help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

 

[blkhwk07]

Got my wife a 650mah Kgo to go along with her 1100 and she's using it with a stardust

 

[LucentShadow]

KGo and Riva should be identical in function. They both give the full battery power, unlike the 3.3v regulated Joyetech eGos.

The 650mah batteries are great. Not too long, and still last 3.6 times longer than a 510 180mah cig-sized would. If one fully-charged wouldn't last you all day, two probably would. Generally speaking, you can estimate about an hour per 100mah for an 'average' vaper, whatever that is... YMMV. Mine last me most of the day. That said, the 1100mah usually lasts me more than a day, which I prefer, since I can just pop it on the charger each morning, and switch to the other. They are not much longer than my 650mah Firefly, but I think the Firefly is a bit longer than the other brands because of it's unique features.

EGo-style cartos should fit any eGo-style device just fine, and any eGo-style (650+mah) device should run any 1.5ohm-3ohm carto around. An 1100mah battery may run a low-resistance carto better than a 650mah would, but they'll both work. Note that the only concern there is that the amount of current pulled from the battery goes up as the resistance of the coil lowers, and, generally speaking, higher mah batteries can handle higher current draw better.

 

[Vegil]

KGo and Riva should be identical in function. They both give the full battery power, unlike the 3.3v regulated Joyetech eGos.

The 650mah batteries are great. Not too long, and still last 3.6 times longer than a 510 180mah cig-sized would. If one fully-charged wouldn't last you all day, two probably would. Generally speaking, you can estimate about an hour per 100mah for an 'average' vaper, whatever that is... YMMV. Mine last me most of the day. That said, the 1100mah usually lasts me more than a day, which I prefer, since I can just pop it on the charger each morning, and switch to the other. They are not much longer than my 650mah Firefly, but I think the Firefly is a bit longer than the other brands because of it's unique features.

EGo-style cartos should fit any eGo-style device just fine, and any eGo-style (650+mah) device should run any 1.5ohm-3ohm carto around. An 1100mah battery may run a low-resistance carto better than a 650mah would, but they'll both work. Note that the only concern there is that the amount of current pulled from the battery goes up as the resistance of the coil lowers, and, generally speaking, higher mah batteries can handle higher current draw better.

Judging from what you say, the 650 should do me good, I don't chain vape (too much anyways lol) and I am never far from an outlet, thank you kindly for your reply, it has made my up mind, getting ready to order! O 1 last question, since I read different answers, how long exactly does it take to charge a 650mAh fully? I read some people do the 8 hour charge, use for 20 mins then charge for another hour, which sounds like a big and long hassle =[

 

[LucentShadow]

Judging from what you say, the 650 should do me good, I don't chain vape (too much anyways lol) and I am never far from an outlet, thank you kindly for your reply, it has made my up mind, getting ready to order! O 1 last question, since I read different answers, how long exactly does it take to charge a 650mAh fully? I read some people do the 8 hour charge, use for 20 mins then charge for another hour, which sounds like a big and long hassle =[

That sounds like the first charge instructions that some manufacturers send with their kits. From my research on lithium-ion batteries, I believe that those instructions are poor. This is based upon info from people who have great amounts of experience actually using this battery technology in other products over the years, and by many studies I've read.

I did that on my first kit (before I did that research,) and simply did a normal charge on my second kit. I have not noticed any detrimental effects from either, but the 8 hour charge is more potentially hazardous to the battery, and does not appear to be helpful... This site has some good info:

Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

I find that my 650mah batteries usually charge in about 2 hours, but it'll depend upon the specific charger.

 

[X P3 Flight Engineer]

Judging from what you say, the 650 should do me good, I don't chain vape (too much anyways lol) and I am never far from an outlet, thank you kindly for your reply, it has made my up mind, getting ready to order! O 1 last question, since I read different answers, how long exactly does it take to charge a 650mAh fully? I read some people do the 8 hour charge, use for 20 mins then charge for another hour, which sounds like a big and long hassle =[

You sound like you have decided and it seems like a good choice, to me anyway.

My only recommendations would be to consider an eGo style pass-through battery. You can use it while it charges and all you need for a charger is a USB cord. It also shuts off the charge when complete.

Second, try the LR Star Dust (Vision eGo clearomizer, or what ever name that vendor sells it under). They look extremely good on the eGo and the advantages have already been stated here. They are also leak-proof, low maintenance, easily cleaned by a water rinse and shake, and last a long time.

Enjoy!

 

[Vegil]

You sound like you have decided and it seems like a good choice, to me anyway.

My only recommendations would be to consider an eGo style pass-through battery. You can use it while it charges and all you need for a charger is a USB cord. It also shuts off the charge when complete.

Second, try the LR Star Dust (Vision eGo clearomizer, or what ever name that vendor sells it under). They look extremely good on the eGo and the advantages have already been stated here. They are also leak-proof, low maintenance, easily cleaned by a water rinse and shake, and last a long time.

Enjoy!

What ohm on the stardust would you recommend on the KGo? I was going to order it from Sweet-Vapes as well, the low ones are about 2.1-2.4, would lower be better?

Also, if anyone could comment/recommend a good "tester" atty? I read a 306 LR is good and would fit 510, thanks!

 

[LucentShadow]

What ohm on the stardust would you recommend on the KGo? I was going to order it from Sweet-Vapes as well, the low ones are about 2.1-2.4, would lower be better?

Also, if anyone could comment/recommend a good "tester" atty? I read a 306 LR is good and would fit 510, thanks!

That's about perfect for the stardust, IMO. Get much lower than that, and you may have trouble wicking fast enough, as it has to wick upward. I tried 2.5-2.8 on a 3.7v, and they are quite nice, but not as good on my 3.3v device. I'd go with the 2.1-2.4 next time.

For a tester atty, i'd go with a bridge-less design, for just dripping, like these:

SmartVapes Dripping Atomizer™

BetterLife 510 3-Hole Dripping Atomizers (2.0-2.5 ohm) [BL510-3Hole] - $4.99 : ValueVapor.com, Discount Electronic Cigarettes and e-Liquid

I've heard good things about both, but I just use 510 atties that I de-bridge myself. Makes it easier to clean them, too.

 

[Warren D. Lockaby]

What ohm on the stardust would you recommend on the KGo? I was going to order it from Sweet-Vapes as well, the low ones are about 2.1-2.4, would lower be better?

Also, if anyone could comment/recommend a good "tester" atty? I read a 306 LR is good and would fit 510, thanks!

Hi Vegil & Welcome to ECF! I haven't tried the Stardust yet so can't comment on those, but for a dripping atty I've had good service so far from Cisco 306 1.8 Ohm from Avid Vapor. I would love to try their bridgless but I think they're only available in 1.5 Ohm, which is a bit hotter than I prefer (using an E-Power 14650, regulated 3.7 volts which should be about the same as a KGO). If you're getting your KGO from Sweet-Vapes I believe they have the Bauway (if I got that right) bridgless, not sure about 306. I've bought some bridged 510s from them and they were okay. Avid also carries the HH357 Hybrid which has gotten some rave reviews & I hope to try later, but they're about $25 each (over half what I paid for my PV *Kit*) so I'm a bit reluctant. I would recommend Ikenvape's attys but they've been out of them for months now. I bought one each io6 (that's a slightly fat custom 306) and a 510 maybe 4 months ago to try & both are still running. For under 10 bucks each that's right impressive (about the same price as the Ciscos).

Best of luck, & Happy Vaping!

 

[X P3 Flight Engineer]

What ohm on the stardust would you recommend on the KGo? I was going to order it from Sweet-Vapes as well, the low ones are about 2.1-2.4, would lower be better?

Also, if anyone could comment/recommend a good "tester" atty? I read a 306 LR is good and would fit 510, thanks!

The short answer is 2.1 seems to work best for me at 3.7 volts. I'm using a knockoff so that is the average voltage. I love it.

I could only get the SR at first and 2.8 ohm (rated) was a little lacking but I used it for over a month until I got the LR. Not bad for $5. The LR, at first when the wick is tight, is a little slow to wick and thinner juices work better than thick ones. They break in well and just work better and better. Mine seem to work best if I fill them below the wicks so that they are not flooded and remember to wet the wick before each draw.



They were designed for the eGo style and they look it. They are also rebuildable and repairable, if you are so inclined. The wicks are short and easy to clean without taking anything apart. The only other clearomizer I have enjoyed is the ce2, and they are a p. i. t. a. to tweak, fill and clean. They work well when they work well, though.

 

[Vegil]

Thank you all for the insight! It really helped!