new around here - still researching

[virga]

Looks like I need to post around here first, so I'll introduce myself:

I'm a 29 year old female in Florida, I've smoked on and off for the past fifteen years. It's been about five years this last time, and I'm determined to quit this year. I love to smoke - especially when I drink, which is often when life goes well - but I also love to do things that smoking interferes with. The market has clearly come a long way, and I think it sounds like we'll be able to find something that helps us make the switch almost effortlessly. We briefly tried the bluecig a few years ago when we were still spending a lot of time in bars, and none of our whole group kept it up.


I'm still in early research phase, so there's a lot of reading to do. I know some of my requirements, I'm up in the air on others, and I know there are things I haven't even considered left to learn about.

As of now, I just know that I want something with a large battery and a tank and can provide a good throat hit with a good bit of vapor, and I don't care if the thing is ugly or bulky. My BF is likely to be somewhat more concerned about the size - no purse for him =P - but he actively WANTS to quit smoking much more than I, and is likely to make it work regardless.

That's about it, for now. Thanks for this great resource!

 

[DuckysBooBoo]

Hi and welcome to the forum! Might try a Vamo with a Kanger T3 or Vivi Nova tank Clearomizer.

 

[acorn54]

i would suggest vinnydabooms' intro in the stickies
buy quality=don't try pinching pennies when it comes to quitting. ask me how i know.
you have to strategize, do you just want to use ecigs as a vehicle for quitting analogs or do you want to go into the ecig culture and not quit ecigs?

 

[Boiler]

A big ugly Vamo + big tank (with spare batteries and charger) is a good choice. I'd also recommend a smaller unit w/cartomizers (no-leakies) for on the go and as an emergency backup.

 

[Baditude]

Couple of ways to approach this. You said the size of your device isn't a major concern. You could go with an eGo style battery which is slim and long. The eGo is actually the battery in of itself with the fire button and connector for the charger and juice device. These are designed to last for around 250 charges and then the entire device will need to be replaced. Price is around $20 - $25 per eGo variable voltage battery.

eGo Twist with an IBTanked pyrex cartotank

You could also go with a mod or APV (advance personal vaporizer). These are tube or box battery carriers that have the fire button and connector. These devices use a removeable, rechargeable battery. The battery carrier devices are much more durable with better construction for the long haul, and the batteries last a year or longer. More expensive to start this way, but cheaper in the long run; starting as low as $16 and going up to over $250. The batteries cost around $10. The size of these units can be small to huge.

A $16 Smoktech Gripper mod.

An $85 Altsmoke BB

A $185 Provape Mini Provari with variable voltage.


When considering what mod to buy, I personally believe it is important to consider the length and type of warranty provided, and if the manufacturer/vendor supports repair of the device after the warranty expires. Most the the Chinese mods have a very limited warranty and can not be repaird after that warranty has expired.

 

[virga]

I suspect I'm going to be a vaper for a good long time - I like the oral and digital stimming. The only real goal, however, is quitting smoking successfully and permanently. I'm sold on paying for quality, that's how I purchase technology anyway. That said, I don't think I'll be starting with the Provari - I'm hoping for the initial buy for both of us to cost something close to a month's worth of smoking, about $300. I really like the looks of that twist/IBtanked setup there. Suddenly realized THAT'S why there's a 'post pics of your setup' thread =P

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Hey virga and welcome to ECF.
Pic # 1 is a Vision Spinner- variable voltage and my fave between the Twist and Spinner. I own both.

I suspect I'm going to be a vaper for a good long time - I like the oral and digital stimming. The only real goal, however, is quitting smoking successfully and permanently. I'm sold on paying for quality, that's how I purchase technology anyway. That said, I don't think I'll be starting with the Provari - I'm hoping for the initial buy for both of us to cost something close to a month's worth of smoking, about $300. I really like the looks of that twist/IBtanked setup there. Suddenly realized THAT'S why there's a 'post pics of your setup' thread =P

 

[babyk1352012]

As a beginner I started with an ego kit, that was great for me as a starter. if you are looking for quality I suggest a joyetech, they are the most trusted maker on the market. They are right up there with provari....an ego twist I hear is excellent. It looks more simplified than say a provari but has the abilty to adjust voltage

 

[Baditude]

Hey virga and welcome to ECF.
Pic # 1 is a Vision Spinner- variable voltage and my fave between the Twist and Spinner. I own both.

My appologies for mislabeling a Spinner as a Twist. Here's another pic of an IBTanked on an eGo battery. To acheive a clean look between the tank and eGo battery, an eGo cone sleeve is needed.

 

[sbdivemaster]

I'm a newb too, but I gotta hand it to Baditude - his advice got me off a 28 year, PAD habit. On his advice, I got a 650mah battery, some clearos, and some juice samples. Only took 4 days to switch. Recently I came across, and purchased, this little kit:

eGo Express Kit - Matte Black | Express kits | Starter Kits | iVAPE

Perfect for going out. In addition, get a 650mah USB passthrough, a couple more CE4 clearos, and a nice selection of juice samples and you'll be on your way for well under $100! As you learn more about all the gear and what you like and don't like, you will expand out to some of the more advanced gear. (I'm currently researching VV's, a true USB passthrough, and a bunch of other goodies...)

Good luck, Virga! And, thanks again to Baditude.

 

[Baditude]

I'm a newb too, but I gotta hand it to Baditude - his advice got me off a 28 year, PAD habit. On his advice, I got a 650mah battery, some clearos, and some juice samples. Only took 4 days to switch. thanks again to Baditude.

Hey, Divemaster! Glad that I was able to help in whatever way. Congrats on quitting the smokes. And thanks for the props. I appreciate it.

 

[liblue1]

I also began with the eGo kit. It was the easiest way. No fuss, no mess, just fill the tank & go. It was easy to quit smoking with it. Over a year now & going strong. If something doesn't work for you, relax, there are plenty others to try.

 

[DJ RyckRak]

Welcome to the forum Virga !
You have come to the right place- at the right time.
PV has come a long way in the last couple of years.
My sister's partner showed me her cig-a-like a couple of years ago in FL...looked like a fake toy cig...not for me !
Now, there are so many options-(that really work) can make your head swim- and your wallet scream.

With the right PV gear, good juice (and a positive attitude)- you both really can quit- for good !
Listen to Baditude...won't steer you wrong.

Congrats on researching vaping... Soon you and BF will be Vapers !
We all wish you, The Best !

 

[MikeRocGuy]

Hey Virga! Great job! I am a new member too! I have been using a fixed voltage(no idea what it is) SMOKE slim style battery, it's like an EGO. Unless EGO is this style and not a brand, I haven't figured that out yet. I use a clearomizer and they usually last a few weeks. I have been using these for about 4 months and used a safesig for a month or 6 weeks before that. That kit that DiveMaster suggested is the same kind thing I started on but mine cost about 4 times that. Not sure if it's better quality or I get ripped off but for $15 and the price of some juice, great place to start!

 

[sachavaca]

this guy does good reviews (might help)

REVIEW OF THE SILVER DOG V2 ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE - YouTube

he has a website called (eciggreviews.com) or something like that

 

[virga]

Sigh, I wish I wasn't an autistic freak - I avoid videos almost entirely. Text, please! =P

Still, plenty of written information around here - I think I've got my initial hardware purchase sorted. May change somewhat as I still need to decide on a 'backup' pair and figure out what to do about juices.

In any event, I'm planning on starting with:

3x 1300mah Spinners (genuine - black, white, and stainless)
2x chargers
2x CE5 (both clear black, genuine)
2x M-T3 (black and chrome, not sure if genuine)
2x rebuildable Vivi Nova (red and clear, not sure if genuine)
2x Mini Vivi Nova (both clear black, SmokTek brand)

I might pick up a Vamo in the future, but think I want to start with these. I'm already up to more than $150, but watching my dwindling supply of 'cheap' cigarettes from our last cruise makes it feel worthwhile.

Any critiques? I'll probably pick up a pair of those express kits for our backup systems, though I haven't looked into them yet. I've dug headfirst into juices - OMG, there are perhaps MORE options on juices than there were for hardware!

 

[Baditude]

With three batteries to be shared between two vapors, I can see the potential for someone to be without something to vape should two of the batteries be on the charger at the same time. Two batteries each seems much more pratical. At least you got two separate charges.

Other than that, you got a nice variety of clearomizers and tanks to try out.

Juice is just as much, if not more important, than the right startup gear. Since flavors selection is so individually subjective, we can only say what we like, but that is in no way a guarantee that you will like them too.

Just know that you won't find a flavor that tastes like a cigarette. Don't limit yourself to tobacco or menthol flavors only. Most of us doing this awhile have settled on using other flavors like fruit, candy, desert, coffee, etc.

 

[virga]

LOL, I'd already added an extra black spinner to my list by the time I came back here, plus another charger so we aren't ever having to move the pair that will live by the bed.

Seriously, the fact that we bought 5 cartons of cigarettes for $150 and thought 'wow, what a deal!' makes it easier to throw on extras today.

What non-leaky cartomizers do folks recommend? I keep reading about leaky clearos and thinking about the normal honey badger treatment I give to my purse, I think it may be a problem =/

EDIT: also, batitude, you're the man! Thanks to everyone else too, of course

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

2x Mini Vivi Nova (both clear black, SmokTek brand

Reviews are not very good and PBusardo gives them a strong thumbs down.
Edit: also 2 atomizers for testing new juices- easy to clean- 2-3 drops on the element and vape. Also agree with Bad about 2 batts each. 1 batt malfunctions and you're really up a creek. Depending on where you're ordering from they may have free shipping for what you're spending.
Here's also the ECF discount coupon code page:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/coupons/

 

[Baditude]

Clearomizers and the viv nova tanks (essentially giant clearomizers) are easy to fill and use, but I've found their consistancy to be wonky, and the clearomizers could be considered to be fragile.

I prefer cartomizers. Made of stainless steel so they can take an accidental fall and not break. They can also be put into cartotanks for an all day, carefree supply of e-liquid. I think they produce better flavor of the juices, too, but that is arguable amongst the clearo/vivi nova fans.