My suggestion is to wait until you get paid next week to get a setup. For $50 you're probably not going to be able to get everything you need. I've seen mods for about $20 on fasttech, however, the mod is just the tube. I don't think I've seen any retailer sell an actual mod kit, including batteries and a charger. At least not for less than $100+.
In my opinion a tube is a tube. No they're not all the same, some are definitely better quality, but they will all work more or less. However, there are things you don't want to cheap out with! Your batteries and charger are critical. Make sure you get high quality. For 18650s I prefer Sony vtc4 or 5s. They run about $10 a pop at the absolute cheapest for the lower mAh batteries, but I've seen them upwards of $20. That's a piece, not for two. There are other brands; I like MNKE too, but the Sonys are really ace because of the high amp limit. Be wary of cheap retailers. Battery counterfeiting is a big thing believe it or not. Always buy from a well trusted retailer in the vape community. I would never EVER buy batteries second hand. I highly suggest if you're buying on Craigslist, you do NOT any of those adds with batteries. You simply don't know what you're getting. Maybe they've been using the battery for a year. Maybe they're counterfeit and the seller doesn't even know!
You'll also need a charger. Go with a good, name brand. I use an Nitecore intellicharger (I forget which specific model, but it's a smart charger). You'll want a charger that holds at least two batteries. Stay away from anything like a Trustfire charger. They're cheap, and they're cheap for a reason. You want something with a charging cut off. Cheap chargers have the potential to be dangerous. You'll probably pay at least $20+ for a decent charger. Mine ran me about $35.
You'll also need a multimeter ($5 for a cheap one), and ideally an ohm meter made for vape gear that you just screw your topper on. You need these because mechanical mods do not have any sort of built in safety feature. You absolutely need to test your batteries to be sure they don't discharge beyond maximum discharge, and maximum charge before and after going on the charger (I also test mine throughout the day, but that's because I rebuild, sometimes with subohms and the amps I'm pulling do depend on the voltage I'm getting). You need to test the resistance of your topper too, EVERY TIME you use it. Your mech won't have any short protection, and you can experience a short at any time, with any sort of coil, even if it's factory standard. A short may cause a thermal runway and cause your battery to vent/explode.
Mechanical mods are something you absolutely have to wait to get in to, until you have the money and knowledge to do it safely. Mechanical mods are not products for new users, or even experienced users who have no desire/willingness to learn how to use them safely. If you get a mechanical mod, PLEASE take the time to learn about ohms, volts, amps, battery discharge, and all that. It's not difficult to learn, but your safety depends on your willingness to do so. I really can't stress that enough! Here are some resources to get you started:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-discussion-safety-battery-info-warnings.html
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ecf-library/129569-rechargeable-batteries.html
If you can't do Mechanical mods right now for money reasons, or because you're not knowledgeable about them and aren't willing to learn, please stick to regulated devices. Maybe you just need a lower res at the voltage you vape at. Something 1.8 ohms may do you better. Or have you tried turning up the voltage? Also, what level nic do you vape? It may be worth it to go up a level. You might just be shooting too low for now. There are some new vapers who really need a 24 or 36 mg juice to get them off cigarettes. Consider it.
