New guy, new member. (Also, what have I got?)

[Charon]

Well, we've all got a story, right? ;>

I was 1PAD smoker for uhh... *math*... 18 years, and I'm just plain tired of being broke because of it, with my brand nearing $5.50 a pack in my area, I just decided that it was time to find an alternative that works for me. I'd seen the BLU, and MarkTen at the usual gas stations, but the idea didn't even interest me until an old friend said she had quit entirely after buying her EVOD, and was saving at least $100/month for doing it.

*blink* No way, right? It couldn't be that easy.

So we talked about it for a while. She advised not to even bother with the gas station kits. Other people were telling me they didn't really like them either. But I made a decision I'd try a setup like hers, for at least as long as it took for the initial cost to equal what I'd have spent on Camels...

A few days ago, I went to the local smoke shop, looked at their refillable starters, and made an arbitrary decision. Partially based on price, and what seemed like availability of replacement parts locally as I live in an incredibly small town, and at least wanted to be sure I could get liquid without driving for an hour. So I grabbed a set marked "Clayton Elite" and a 10mil bottle of the Clayton branded liquid.

I figured the kit, once opened, would at least have web resources. Well, while waiting for the battery to charge, and having the last Camel on hand snuffed out with about 5 hours left to go on charging (Ugh, tonight's gonna suck.) I went and looked at Clayton's site, nothing but disposables... not a single hint of replacement tanks when this clear plastic thing and the wick inside wears out in about 2 weeks, not a matching battery in site... great.

Bing wasn't much help either, didn't see any returns on distributors of Clayton products...

*blink* Oh good, green light on the charger, just when I was starting to think one more pack while I figure this thing out was unavoidable. *Sound of threading screws, drip, drip, drip, click x 5*

Hmm, well, the flavour is kinda mild but it's there, less throat hit than I'm used to (and that's a major factor in my enjoyment of smoking), but noticeable. I don't hate this so far...

That was three days ago, I haven't even considered the previously-obligatory pack of Camels that were always within reach. Okay, looks like this is going to work.... Which means I really have to figure out what I just bought now.

Pouring over the "documentation" packed in my carrying case while waiting on a recharge. ("Yep, want backup battery") I noticed one of the listed features was a CE5 clearo... Well that looks like a model number. "Bing, what's this thing mean?" I asked hopefully.

"CE5 is an upgrade of the CE4" Bing replies, with a few other probably useful facts, like thread type.

So yeah, it took me a while to find that much out. ;>

So the questions I have for the more experienced:

When my CE5 Clearo starts to funk out, do I replace the entire thing, does it disassemble down to components somehow?

Same with the battery, does the actual cell come out of the housing?

I fiddled with trying to unscrew could be collars on both, gently, but I didn't want to wreck anything if I could avoid it. So when they didn't budge easily, I left it alone and eventually got the internets to lead me here.

--Charon

 

[Spazmelda]

Hello and welcome to ECF!

I'm not really familiar with ce5s (never used them myself) but I recall hearing that they have replaceable heads. I googled "ce5 replacement heads" and got hits, so I'm pretty sure you can just take the coil/head assembly out and replace it with a new one. Here's an example: DV CE5 Coil Head - 2 Long Wick - 1.8ohms

I'm not sure those are what you need, but discount Vapers is a great supplier with really good prices. There will definitely be lots of choices of shops for replacement heads for your clearomizers.

I'm a little confused about what sort of battery you have though. I googled Clayton Elite, and all I see are little cigalikes. Is your battery bigger than a cigarette, or can you maybe post a picture? I was imagining an ego style battery until I googled Clayton. (Search for images of ego ecig if you need to know what those generally look like).

 

[Charon]

Yeah, that was part of the problem I had figuring out what exactly I had, Clayton's site sucks...

But yes, it's an EGO type.

 

[daleron]

Welcome to ECF Charon, some CE5's are disposable and some use replaceable coils; depends on which one you have.
I've never heard of the Clayton Elite either but I highly double that has an "inter" battery, probably a simple batt that recharge's approximately 300 to 500 times.

 

[schuff]

Congrats on not reaching for the cigs. I have seen some of those Clayton kits as well as Bolt sold around where I'm at in smaller non vape shops. Without pictures and by the charge time I'm going to guess your battery is an ego style battery with a cheap charger. With an ego style the battery isn't removable and it charges via a charger that screws right into the 510 connection of the battery. Luckily for you if you did indeed get a CE5 than yes that is able to be refilled, recoiled, parts replaced etc. To refill it just remove the black tip that you vape through by unscrewing it and add whatever liquid you have on hand. If after some time it starts tasting burnt then you may need to replace the coil. To do that unscrew the bottom metal piece and once that's out unscrew the part that has a rubber piece on top with the wicks hanging out of it. Coils can be found pretty cheap online for CE5's. As far as throat hit you can easily achieve well past what a cigarette provides with a higher NIC/ PG liquid and a better vaporizer. Since you have decided to give up smoking though I would recommend doing some research on here for a device / tank that has the size, battery life and features you feel would be better for you in the long run. The investment up front will pay for itself pretty quickly when you save $5.50 a day not smoking.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Spazmelda]

Yes, the batteries on ego types are usually not removable.

Okay, well even if you can't figure out exactly what you have, we have a good idea of what it is. You should be able to buy any sort of topper that will fit on an ego. So, ce5s, evods, etc... If you like the form/size of what you have, I'd go ahead an order another battery so you can have a backup. I'd recommend a recognizable brand like ego twist or vision spinner. How much more are you willing to spend to beef up your starter kit?

 

[Charon]

Well, I'd consider 20-30$ for major single components such as a backup ego, new clearo, etc to be reasonable for me at the moment.

My major drive to quit was freeing up funds that I'd rather be devoting to my other addiction, historical fencing. (Hey, swords, and translations of books in 400 year old Italian dialects are expensive, but three months of 100$ savings is at least a good base model. )

The friend that got me into vapor recommends Vaporleaf - Denver, CO - Provider of Electronic Cigarettes, E Liquids and Accessories. The physical shop is right by her place and they seem to have a good selection of recognized brands. I do know for sure I'll be testing quite a few juice brands and strengths as I settle in, but I'm setting a rule for myself of one bottle at a time for now.

 

[Spazmelda]

You might be able to find a local vape shop for testing flavors. Finding a flavor you like is EXTREMELY important. If you find a shop, you can test without buying. Try this link and see if you can find anything local. USA Ecigarette Directory. Vape shops are popping up left and right, so google search too. There may be shops that aren't on the list.

Historical fencing sounds like a very cool hobby.

How much do/did you smoke? Switching to vaping can save lots of money, but there usually is some upfront costs in getting started and finding stuff you like. My signature is relatively accurate. Maybe subtract $500-$1000 from that for my occasional spending sprees

ETA: never mind the how much did you smoke question. I see you addressed that in your first post. Doh, reading comprehension...

Look here at some of the various ego style batteries.
Ego Series Batteries | Joyetech Ecig

 

[Charon]

The historical fencing is... plain awesome. I could literally babble about it all day, but I won't bore the forum with that. Anyone's welcome to hit me up if you want more detailed information. Hell, I see you're in Ohio, Spazmelda, I know people there that are very good teachers, and very welcoming (Also, the only initial investment is showing up.) It's the least I could do for being so helpful and welcoming to me here.

Yeah, there's that babbling thing...

Looks like there's one place within reasonable driving distance for a regular trip, and a couple more that at least only in the next county. ;> Such is southern Indiana.

 

[Spazmelda]

My daughter took an after school fending class and she really liked it. I think they discussed history a little, but mostly they just danced around with one hand behind their back. I've always wanted to learn fencing, but I'm afraid I'm not coordinated enough.

Can you give a link to the store that's within reasonable driving distance? (If you don't want to divulge your approximate location, that's fine, just ignore the request). We can check it out and see what they have there and how their prices compare to others. B&Ms can be hit or miss. Sometimes you have to take what you can get, but they can be great for tasting liquids. If their markup on egos is, like, 250% you don't want to be buying too much hardware there.

I think this is what you should do... Invest in at least one more ego style battery. Get another charger for back up. Try out 2-3 different types of toppers. Evod toppers are cheap. Get another ce5 if you like it, and some replacement coils. Maybe a protank mini. Buy a couple of different liquids. If you can't find a decent B&M store, look around online for some sample packs. Maybe post a thread asking for recommendations for online vendors who offer sample packs.

 

[Charon]

The coordination required to begin learning is really not much more than walking, and any of the more complex stuff becomes muscle memory with time.

https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyVapor?ref=hl
That being the nearby-ish place.

 

[dice57]

The clayton site did suck the big one, not to be confused with sucking the Big Nasty. lmao, any who, the only thing I saw on it's site was cig-a-like rechargeable and disposable cig-a-likes. Didn't see any ego style batteries.

this is what an ego style battery with a clearomizer looks like:

and this is what a cig-a-like looks like:

Let us know which style you have and we can be more helpful. Until we know, can't be of much use and will only add to your confusion. There are so many devices and methods to vape, it can be quite overwhelming. Before you run off and buy another product, take a look around this forum and see what the world of vape has to offer, then ask some questions on the type you like, and then you can make an informed decision saving frustration, time and money. good luck.

Vape long and Prosper!!!

 

[Spazmelda]

That Orange County Vapor looks decent. I couldn't find any prices, so do your homework on how much a couple of standard things should cost. Some mark up at a B&M is inevitable, but they shouldn't be asking twice the price for an ego. That kind of thing. Looks like they have enough of a selection of liquids for you to find something you like. I've tried some Mr. E-liquid and liked. I've actually got some Pure Michigan (Mr. E-liquid flavor) that I bought at a local shop and it's pretty good. They seem to carry Halo, which has a decent reputation, and it looks like they've got a house brand which is worth checking out.

 

[RaceGun59]

Welcome to ECF. You can find all sorts of info on the forum. It's a learning curve and I have been vaping since June 2013 and it seems I pick up some new info everyday. Don't know where in IN. you are, but if you are in southern IN. you should come across the blue bridge to Owensboro and check out the local stores here. Congrats again on getting off the stinkies.

 

[Buggainok]

Well, I'd consider 20-30$ for major single components such as a backup ego, new clearo, etc to be reasonable for me at the moment.

My major drive to quit was freeing up funds that I'd rather be devoting to my other addiction, historical fencing. (Hey, swords, and translations of books in 400 year old Italian dialects are expensive, but three months of 100$ savings is at least a good base model. )

The friend that got me into vapor recommends Vaporleaf - Denver, CO - Provider of Electronic Cigarettes, E Liquids and Accessories. The physical shop is right by her place and they seem to have a good selection of recognized brands. I do know for sure I'll be testing quite a few juice brands and strengths as I settle in, but I'm setting a rule for myself of one bottle at a time for now.

Charon, if you can scrounge up about $30, here is a great little starter kit by Kanger. You get 2 ego batteries, clearomizer toppers, and a charger. Everything you need, except juice. If you enter the code ECF at checkout, you get 10% off, so about $30, and its free shipping. I got this as my back up, and I recently ordered the kit for my granddaughter:

Kanger EVOD eGo Full Kit - Vaping Me

 

[Charon]

Racegun:
Yep, I'm occasionally down on that side of the river for a fencing event, I'll spare some time the next trip and have a look. Thanks. ;>

Bug:
Thanks for the tip, I've heard good things about the EVOD so far. Are they sealed up well enough that it could hang out in a pocket or potentially on it's side for a length of time? I'm often in situations where I couldn't carry the thing on me, and I might be away from it for an hour or two when it's left in my gear bag or something.

 

[Natas956]

Racegun:
Yep, I'm occasionally down on that side of the river for a fencing event, I'll spare some time the next trip and have a look. Thanks. ;>

Bug:
Thanks for the tip, I've heard good things about the EVOD so far. Are they sealed up well enough that it could hang out in a pocket or potentially on it's side for a length of time? I'm often in situations where I couldn't carry the thing on me, and I might be away from it for an hour or two when it's left in my gear bag or something.

I'd personally vouch for the EvOD kit. Was my first kit. Great battery and very durable.

 

[Buggainok]

Racegun:
Yep, I'm occasionally down on that side of the river for a fencing event, I'll spare some time the next trip and have a look. Thanks. ;>

Bug:
Thanks for the tip, I've heard good things about the EVOD so far. Are they sealed up well enough that it could hang out in a pocket or potentially on it's side for a length of time? I'm often in situations where I couldn't carry the thing on me, and I might be away from it for an hour or two when it's left in my gear bag or something.

Yes, the unit is about the size of a magic marker, and I'm a gal, so I throw it in my purse or keep it in my coat pocket when I'm out and about. I just noticed someone posted a pic earlier, you can sort of tell the size. I wouldn't recommend leaving it upside down for extended periods, as that might cause problems.