New and Needed Opinions from Veterans

[bcart2323]

Hi everyone,

I live in good ole central Kansas. I'm trying to get away from analog cigs and move to e-cigs to help with my endurance. I can tell that since I've started smoking more that my workouts are getting harder on me.

So I went ahead and tried the Blu cig start kit. My problem with it is that when I take a pull it feels like too much work. It's not very smooth. The tobacco flavor tasted like a mocha coffee too. The battery life of them wasn't very great. The only thing I liked was the Blu cig appearance and the rechargeable options that came in the kit.

I was wondering if you all could help me out if you've had experience with numerous brands. I've tried doing research but just can't find good solid reviews that tell me what I'm looking for.

Here is what I'm looking for:

1. Smooth easy pulls
2. Good battery life w/ great rechargeable options
3. Getting a good amount of vapor
4. Easy to use pieces / Auto pull
5. American Made preferrably
6. Good flavors

 

[wv2win]

Rule of Thumb: generally, the more it looks like the real thing, the worse the performance.

The Blu is by far one of the worst models on the market. All cig sized models are going to have poor battery life; an hour or two depending on your vaping habits for most. Generally, 100 mAh of battery power = 1 hour of light to moderate vaping.

For a new person, I recommend a model with at least a 700+ mAh battery, preferrably 1000+ mAh. Ones in this category are the size of a sharpie pen or small cigar. I also would not recommend auto batteries because they have cut-offs of the battery if you draw too long on it and because they are not sealed and thus will die if you get any eliquid in the battery compartment, which is not hard to do. Manual batteries provide more control, warmer vapor and are sealed from liquid leaks. Most vets use manual batteries.

I would suggest you check out these models which have many loyal users:

Kgo 510: http://www.sweet-vapes.com/shop?page=shop.browse&category_id=31

E-Power 510: E-Power Replacable Battery kit!

EVO 510: http://www.sweet-vapes.com/shop?pag...color_plus.tpl&product_id=1014&category_id=34

If you must have a cig sized model, then I would suggest the Volt. But the battery life cannot compare to the three above.

I would also suggest getting some blank 510 cartomizers and several different flavored eliquids in small sizes (5ml) to try and find one you like. And I would start out with 18 - 24mg nicotine strength which is what most need to make the transition. You can always make your eliquid weaker but you can't make it stronger.

Good Luck

 

[sailorman]

+1 on what WV2win said.

If you absolutely must have something similar to a cigarette size, the Volt is about the best you're going to do. The mega battery is 380mah, which is large for a mini-cig but will give you about 1/3 the time between recharges as the kGo or e-Power.

If ease of recharging is important, go with the e-Power. The 14650 model is 1050 mah and you just use separate batteries, instead of having to plug your entire e-cig into a USB port. The e-Power batteries charge just like any other battery. When they eventually wear out, you replace a $4 battery instead of a $15-20 ecig.

 

[Mroutlaw]

If you are looking for something small like a Blu check out the Volt from smokeless image. They are acutally having a great sale this saturday, 30% off everything in stock. It is only a 6 hour sale, so check out the smokeless image subforum for more details.

I actually started with the Blu and had a horrible experience. I tried their disposables and liked them so ordered the premium 100 kit. The batteries didnt last long and the cartos burnt quickly. When I returned it, it took almost 5 weeks to get my refund. I ended up with the volt.

The batteries last for about 3 hours of regular vaping. The cartos last a long time and can be refilled several times. The prices are really good, almost half of the blu and are much better products and their customer service is second to none. Also, their shipping is super fast. Every order I have placed has been at my door within 2-3 days.

If you want a bigger battery, a Kgo or the smokeless image X2 is a good option. Personally, I would get the kgo or an X2 over the ego. They are both made better and are 3.7 regluated as opposed to 3.4

I actually have a youtube video that goes through the products that I like and use. It is pretty detailed.

here is my youtube, feel free to check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELM4QhceR7o



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[man91433]

Honestly, I LOVE my ProVari V2 with a Smoketek tank (5 ml).

Available from Provape - US made, variable voltage and battery lasts me the whole day & I vape heavy.

A bit pricy but to me this is the Flagship Mod that everything else is compared to and nothing has yet knocked it off it's post IMO

 

[Stosh]

+10 on wv2win and sailorman's advice, those are 3 simple to use & good to vape
some 510 thread units, and one 808.

Go with a manual battery and you get to control when if fires and for how long, easily.

 

[SpyderBite]

I disagree that Blu is the worst brand of ecig. I do agree that it is not a permanent solution for somebody who wants to transition from analogs to pv however. But, I think it is a good cheap swim in the shallow end before dumping hundreds of dollars in to something that may or may not work for the individual.

I vaped Blu for about a month before graduating to better equipment. My mother-in-law still vapes Blu and loves them. She's a much lighter vaper than I am though so 5 or 6 tokes on a Blu makes her happy.

Of course, for somebody doing their homework ahead of time.. Blu is definitely not a good start as there are much better options available. However, not everybody does their research before buying a nationally advertised starter kit.

 

[yiddleboge6]

+10 on wv2win and sailorman's advice, those are 3 simple to use & good to vape
some 510 thread units, and one 808.

Go with a manual battery and you get to control when if fires and for how long, easily.

I'm in total agreement with this. You couldn't get better advice IMO.
Welcome to ECF

 

[sailorman]

The flavors of the Blu are o.k.. That's the only thing it has going for it and if there's a worse one out there, it's something no one's ever heard of with a very limited distribution.

There's no need for anyone to dump hundreds of dollars into something that may or may not work. $40-60, or even less, gets you any number of decent e-cigs. I often wonder how many people have tried something like a Blu or one of the other bad e-cigs, and decided that they've tried e-cigs and it wasn't for them. I know for a fact that a lot of people try something like a Blu, hate it, and don't try anything else for a long time. How many of them never try e-cigs again?

Using a Blu to try e-cigs in general is like deciding whether you like wine or not by tasting MD 20-20.

 

[bcart2323]

Hey thanks everyone those are great replies! wv2win thank you for a very quick and thorough response.

I definitely won't give up on e-cigs. I think I will try the Volt out first and then maybe try some other products mentioned here as I go along. The Volt has a nice little $20 starter kit that I can try.

 

[wv2win]

The flavors of the Blu are o.k.. That's the only thing it has going for it and if there's a worse one out there, it's something no one's ever heard of with a very limited distribution.

There's no need for anyone to dump hundreds of dollars into something that may or may not work. $40-60, or even less, gets you any number of decent e-cigs. I often wonder how many people have tried something like a Blu or one of the other bad e-cigs, and decided that they've tried e-cigs and it wasn't for them. I know for a fact that a lot of people try something like a Blu, hate it, and don't try anything else for a long time. How many of them never try e-cigs again?

Using a Blu to try e-cigs in general is like deciding whether you like wine or not by tasting MD 20-20.

Excellent points, sailorman. I've personally met 10+ people who tried vaping with a Blu, Njoy or SmokeEverywhere and told me that vaping is just a scam and doesn't work due to the bad experience they had. For every one person who comes to a place like ECF after trying one of these bad mini-models to find something better, I feel certain there are 20 who just give up due to the bad performance from these model.

 

[Iusedtoanalog]

Hi Bcart. Welcome to the ECF. Lets go down this list.
1. Smooth easy pulls. I have used a number of models and can say that the nicest airflow that I have found was with 510 threaded devices. I have used both the rn4081 and many many 510 devices. I prefer a device ( like vw2win posted) like the slightly larger eGo/kGo style of products. More on that later.
2. Good battery life. Your Blu likely was 130mAh in capacity. Compared to this fact you can draw your own conclusions about the use time the Blu gave you versus what to expect from another device you may consider as your next purchase. mAh is a measure of capacity, the more mAh the more time you can spend away from the charger. Also consider that the lithiumion batteries that are used in ecig products are lifespan limited. They typically are rated for about 300 full cycle charges before battery performance is greatly impacted. For this reason I still prefer the eGo/kGo style products.
3. Getting good amount of vapor. Vapor is a nearly direct function of wattage and liquid. The more wattage your device can produce the more liquid you can heat to vaporize. There is more to it than that but these are the basics. The eGo produces a lower regulated output than the kGo. The kGo will produce more heat(wattage) because it runs at a higher unregulated voltage when using the same cartomizer as an eGo, But the eGo will produce the same voltage through the entire run cycle until it needs to be recharged. The kGo will slowly taper down through the run cycle until it needs to be charged.
3b. Liquid. PG (those underlines give the full word when you mouse-over it) Gives more of a kick to the liquids and also carries flavors better than VG. PG also has a higher vaporization point and generally makes less visible vapor. VG is a sweeter carrier and is less harsh but tends to mute flavors slightly. VG has a lower vaporization point and generally makes lots more visible vapor. I like almost all VG liquid, some prefer all PG. Most people I talk to seem to like 70PG/30VG This allows a good amount of flavor and vapor while maintaining a good balance of flavor and oomph.
4. Easy to use pieces. Cartomizers are generally what you will want to use to start off. I believe everyone who vapes Should figure out how to fill a cartomizer correctly. They are easy to fill, refill and take care of. Once they stop performing correctly simply remove and replace with a new one. They generally last(me) 5-7 days each, while using between 4-8mL of liquid per day. I have long ago found my all day vape so, I fill one carto and use it until it stops giving me adequate performance. If you must have an automatic then i would advise you to look at the Volt. It has the best record amoung the newer users and I have tried one and must say that is is better than the little 510 I used to use every day, But Most vapers eventually leave the automatics once they get frustrated by the primer puffs, the constant sucking and the general lack of overall control that a manual battery has. Most folks(including myself) will tell you that the manual is easy to get accustomed to and quickly becomes second nature.
5. American Made preferably. Sadly there are very little mass production PV s that are american made, especially none that i am aware of that are of the 510/808/eGo form factor. There are some American made PV s but they are premium units like Super T Manufacturing, Innovative manufacturer of electronic cigarette products. and GLV Electronic Cigarettes : Electronic Cigarettes and E-Liquid - Great Lakes Vapor and ProVape E-Cigarettes: Buy Electronic Cigarettes & Smokeless Cigs All of these are wonderful devices, and there are more that are made here but all of these are not what you asked about specifically.
6. Good Flavors. Completely subjective and this is a personal question only you will find after some trying and re-trying. I would refer you to the e-liquid discussion on this question because what you may enjoy I may not. There are tons of reliable liquid makers who are very skilled at what they do. Let us know what you find.
Good Luck. Happy Vaping.

 

[Iffy]

I was wondering if you all could help me out if you've had experience with numerous brands.

Here is what I'm looking for:

1. Smooth easy pulls Sumpin' other than a cig sized system.
2. Good battery life w/ great rechargeable options See #1
3. Getting a good amount of vapor 3.7V or above
4. Easy to use pieces / Auto pull eGo system/forgetabout it
5. American Made preferrably Ummm... not many con$erative cost options out dere!

There are MANY rea$ional option$ other than following the high co$t option proffered below!

Honestly, I LOVE my ProVari V2 with a Smoketek tank (5 ml).

Available from Provape - US made, variable voltage and battery lasts me the whole day & I vape heavy.

A bit pricy but to me this is the Flagship Mod that everything else is compared to and nothing has yet knocked it off it's post IMO

Gosh dang-it, when will some of ya'll come to the realization that many, if not most, of those seeking 'bakky freedom do not have the coin to buy a 'top drawer' PV!!!

For the $200+, not counting joose, that's being $uggested, I can set up FOUR of my vaping converts (v-verts) with PVs kits, plus 30 days of joose, to determine if they can kick da 'bakky habit.

Some may ask, how can I state the above with any certainty; by converting 21 folk thus far, with a possible additional two more by this weekend!

The bottom line here is not how much ya spend! It's about how soon one can free themselves without goin' broke!!!

To the OP, PM me if you want to know what I 'push'... or just do a search for eGo/v-verts under my 'Iffy" nomer.

BTW, I have 'round 15 PVs I've used ('bout half VVs). So, I do consider myself a knowledgeable veteran... flame suit on!

 

[NancyR]

Honestly, I LOVE my ProVari V2 with a Smoketek tank (5 ml).

Available from Provape - US made, variable voltage and battery lasts me the whole day & I vape heavy.

A bit pricy but to me this is the Flagship Mod that everything else is compared to and nothing has yet knocked it off it's post IMO

Did you even read the OP's post?

 

[NGIB]

Did you even read the OP's post?

Do they ever?

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

If you are ordering the Volt wait until Sat. and get 30% off. I would skip the basic kit and get something better as regardless of what else you buy you'll always need a backup kit.
Smokeless Image for the Volt 30% off sale
On Saturday 6/30/12!!
To Celebrate Smokeless Image has allowed me to throw a Secret Sale for ECF!! 30% OFF EVERYTHING IS STOCK!!

VALID ONLY 6/30/12 from 6pm-11:59PM EST!!!!

Edit: also understand batt info- 100 mah= 1 hr normal vaping before recharge.

CODE: HAPPYBIRTHDAYIMAGINE
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...y-sale-30-off-everything-stock-6-30-12-a.html
And it gets better. After you receive your Volt post your pic here for a freebie:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-your-freebie-faces-volt-smokeless-image.html
The volt is the best cigarette sized PV out there with a HUGE loyal following and their customer service is known by all to be top notch.
Good Luck.

Hey thanks everyone those are great replies! wv2win thank you for a very quick and thorough response.

I definitely won't give up on e-cigs. I think I will try the Volt out first and then maybe try some other products mentioned here as I go along. The Volt has a nice little $20 starter kit that I can try.

 

[Mroutlaw]

I too tried the Blu when I got started. The disposable was nice so I ordered the premium 100 starter kit. What a difference from their disposable. Battery life was horrible, cartos burned up, customer service was bad to say the least and they were expensive. I dont know how anyone can say they are cheap. I mean really, $80 for 2 130mah batteries, a pcc and a pack of cartos and $13 for refill cartos. You can get a Volt Pro Starter kit, considered by most to be the best "mini", for $65 before coupons and prefilled cartomizers are only $9. The battery life of the Volt is more than double of the Blu, With this weekends sale, you can get it for $45. Good luck trying to refill Blu or find someone who carries matching cartos.

The only thing nice I can say about Blu, is they got me off analogs, but other than that I agree, they are one of the worst ecigs with the best marketing. When I returned my kit under their money back guarantee, it took 5 weeks to get my money back.

 

[Mroutlaw]

Hey thanks everyone those are great replies! wv2win thank you for a very quick and thorough response.

I definitely won't give up on e-cigs. I think I will try the Volt out first and then maybe try some other products mentioned here as I go along. The Volt has a nice little $20 starter kit that I can try.

If you are going to get a volt, or any mini for that matter, make sure you get at least 2 batteries. The last thing you want is your battery to go dead and have to wait 3 hours for it to charge.

I highly recomend that you pay the extra $1 for the 78mm batteries. With the carto attached, it is about the length of a 100 size analog. The battery life is almost 50% more than the 65mm and it will last for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours of vaping.

Also, once you get it, you can post a picture of yourself on their forum and get a free battery, pack of cartos or bottle of juice.

 

[CommaHolly]

Hey thanks everyone those are great replies! wv2win thank you for a very quick and thorough response.

I definitely won't give up on e-cigs. I think I will try the Volt out first and then maybe try some other products mentioned here as I go along. The Volt has a nice little $20 starter kit that I can try.

I'd really recommend one with 2 batts,,,,,,the volt is a fantastic PV, but the batt is smaller than the bigger mods (a PLUS in my book) so you will want another batt while you are charging the first,,,,,,,the 44.95 kit is a great deal,,,,,,,and if you can swing the 64.95, it's even better,,,,,,,that one comes with a case that will charge your batts for you when you are out and about,,,,,,,,,,remember, saturday 30% off everything, so you can really clean up on that sale!

 

[Mroutlaw]

I'd really recommend one with 2 batts,,,,,,the volt is a fantastic PV, but the batt is smaller than the bigger mods (a PLUS in my book) so you will want another batt while you are charging the first,,,,,,,the 44.95 kit is a great deal,,,,,,,and if you can swing the 64.95, it's even better,,,,,,,that one comes with a case that will charge your batts for you when you are out and about,,,,,,,,,,remember, saturday 30% off everything, so you can really clean up on that sale!

Remember, with the sale this weekend, the $65 kit becomes $45. I am buying 2, one for a gift to my mother-in-law and one to have to give to someone in the future.


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