New here - what to buy help

[Ahmed AN]

Hi Guys

I'm new to vaping

I have an ego winder and CE4 tank

and I didn't like it at all specially the CE4 they are bad with very hard draw and the taste is meh at best and hard to clean before use (I smoke shisha )and sometimes I get a burned taste from new one

the problem is I'm from Saudi Arabia where e-cigs are prohibited

so the price of CE4 is X3 there original price

but you can risk it and buy from the internet
sometimes it pass the customs, sometimes they take it from you it but usually it ends with that

so I want to buy better equipment with an acceptable range price that I'm not going to be sad if I lose for me

so this is what I thought of so far
1-Mod
Eleaf iStick Pico 75W TC VW APV Box Mod
looks small capable and I can change the battery and the price is acceptable around 23 USD

2-Tank
I don't really now what to buy but I'm looking at
Protank 3 + airflow controller piece 11 + 5 USD
but still looking for something with airflow controller cheaper or better around the same price range
3-RDA
I know this is something advanced for a beginner but this is why I want to buy it
e-liquid is really hard to find and it is very personal thing what I like you may not like
so a RDA can make me taste juices before I buy or test it form a friend
so I thought of buying this one
IGO-W Stainless Steel Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer aound 3USD
I saw a guy on youtube saying it dose the job

so what do think...? what else I should buy ....? what I am missing..?

thanks

 

[Eskie]

Hi and welcome! The Pico is terrific and you will be happy with that selection. I don't use either of he tanks you mentioned, so I can't give you a personal opinion, but I'm sure others will be along who can.

 

[Continuity]

If you can get those tanks at the prices you quote, and any better gear would costa lot more money, and you might lose them to customs, then they'll do you OK.

Bear in mind that tanks like the Protank3 take replacement heads which I would imagine would be hard for you to get hold of - those heads can be rebuilt with resistance wire and cotton wool, and this might be the better option for you.

A tank with a dedicated RBA section, like a decent Subtank clone, might well be in your price range and save you some money.

The IGO-W dripper is an oldie but a functional goodie, if you can get one for 3 bucks - there are some more modern drippers that are available for a couple of bucks more. It'll depend on your vaping style which model would suit your more - if you're a MTL or a DTL-style vaper, different tanks and drippers suit both styles better, although RTAs like the Subtank offer a good compromise between a loose-MTL style draw and a more wide-open DTL-type one.

Bear in mind that no topper can be all things to all people - they are always best at one particular style of vaping, no matter how adjustable they may be.

EDIT - You may be able to look into going DIY for your ejuice - PG and VG are commonly available in nearly all countries and have multiple uses in different industries, as do food flavourings - the only thing is nicotine concentrate which might be harder to get hold of.

You could probably save a lot of money, and even make some, or at least have your vaping pay for itself of you got into DIY ejuice and supplied some fellow vapers with decent price rates.

 

[Ahmed AN]

Hi and welcome! The Pico is terrific and you will be happy with that selection. I don't use either of he tanks you mentioned, so I can't give you a personal opinion, but I'm sure others will be along who can.

thanks Eskie. I'm pretty much finalizing my decision in favor of the Pico

If you can get those tanks at the prices you quote, and any better gear would costa lot more money, and you might lose them to customs, then they'll do you OK.

Bear in mind that tanks like the Protank3 take replacement heads which I would imagine would be hard for you to get hold of - those heads can be rebuilt with resistance wire and cotton wool, and this might be the better option for you.

A tank with a dedicated RBA section, like a decent Subtank clone, might well be in your price range and save you some money.

The IGO-W dripper is an oldie but a functional goodie, if you can get one for 3 bucks - there are some more modern drippers that are available for a couple of bucks more. It'll depend on your vaping style which model would suit your more - if you're a MTL or a DTL-style vaper, different tanks and drippers suit both styles better, although RTAs like the Subtank offer a good compromise between a loose-MTL style draw and a more wide-open DTL-type one.

Bear in mind that no topper can be all things to all people - they are always best at one particular style of vaping, no matter how adjustable they may be.

EDIT - You may be able to look into going DIY for your ejuice - PG and VG are commonly available in nearly all countries and have multiple uses in different industries, as do food flavourings - the only thing is nicotine concentrate which might be harder to get hold of.

You could probably save a lot of money, and even make some, or at least have your vaping pay for itself of you got into DIY ejuice and supplied some fellow vapers with decent price rates.

hey Continuity

To be honest. I'm bit intimidated to start immediately with RTA and RDA (although I want buy RDA for sure I will be more patient and taking it slow) Ohm's law and batteries scare me because I heard that it can blow up in your face if you gotten it wrong plus the thing with materials (kanthal,cotton , silica and others)
that is why I thought about the protanks' and Iclears'

 

[Gramdogg]

Ohms law is for mech mods, mods have safety features and display Amps so you can see how much your running. Ex. my Evic VTC won't read anything under 0.15ohms so as long as I have a proper battery in it, it's fine. A faulty battery can still explode. Stick with LG or Samsung. Sounds more to me like you just need a better tank. Protank 1 has easy to rebuild coils if thats something you want to do. If you want RDA and a mod I'd look at Evic VTC Mini with Tron or Ego one atty, they have 1 Ohm CL-R MTL rebuildable coils and 0.5 DTL coils if you want to try that later as well.

 

[Gramdogg]

If you just want more airflow Protank 1 or EVOD Glass rewicked with cotton if they don't sell the newer SOCC's. if you just want adjustable airflow Geni or aerotank or Protank 3 you mentioned. To jump from CE4 to sub ohming a Pico and RDA sounds a little crazy to me. I went from EVOD to sub ohm in about 3 months but just because my Evic VTC was on sale for $40 locally. Still use my EVOD's WAY more, once you remove the silca junk and rewick with cotton they have a nice airy draw.

 

[Continuity]

It really is very easy (if a little fiddly at first) rebuilding Protank heads, but all you need is some 29/30 gauge Kanthal wire and some cotton wool - watch a few YouTube videos, and you'll soon be at it like a pro, I'm sure.

Blowing yourself up is only really a potential problem using mech (unregulated) devices and silly builds that one hasn't measured properly - doing it on a regulated device, like a Pico or a VTC Mini isn't really a problem, as the device will cut out if there's a problem or a short.

And you've got to be thinking about where are you going to be getting fresh new heads for your tanks from in your country, and how much are you going to be paying for them?

 

[Gramdogg]

Yeah It's very easy, my first one turned out perfect and so have the rest. Make like 15 coils for $1 lol. That would be my personal suggestion, old evod or protank with socc not bdc or bvc. Soooo easy and way more air with fluffy cotton then 3 layers of silica to suck through.

 

[Eskie]

To be honest. I'm bit intimidated to start immediately with RTA and RDA (although I want buy RDA for sure I will be more patient and taking it slow) Ohm's law and batteries scare me because I heard that it can blow up in your face if you gotten it wrong plus the thing with materials (kanthal,cotton , silica and others)
that is why I thought about the protanks' and Iclears'

The good news, unless you do something truly beyond any rational act, a regulated mod and tank are really, really unlikely to blow up in your face. Honest.

That said, I get that starting out and building your own coils and wicks (which really isn't all that hard) can feel a bit much. Nothing wrong with buying a nice tank that uses factory coils, living with that for a while, then thinking about building your own once you have a better handle on your vaping. There are lots of affordable tanks out there, and factory coils can be found for less than $2, so you don't need to invest a lot of money at this time.

 

[BrotherBob]

Ahmed AN,
Welcome and glad you joined.

1-Mod

Eleaf iStick 40wTC , More bang for the buck unless you are sub ohm'g..

2-Tank

Sorry can not help here, don't use them.

3-RDA

Best topper for flavor and clouds. Most economical. Here you have to decide it you are going for: taste, clouds, tank like, deep well,build simplicity, sub and non sub etc......
Might want to read:
2015: The Art of the Drip - A Dripping Primer | Spinfuel Vape Reviews
You Tube can provide videos on building coil(s).
Beginner | Guide To Vaping
ECigarette Academy: Essential Need to Know for New Vapers
One Stop Reference Shop For New and Experienced Vapers
Learn About Vaping Here - Everything Ecigs - From Beginner To Advanced
Ch. 4 E Cig Battery Basics: Cig-a-Likes, Egos, and Mods – Vapex
(10) Advancing Up the Vaping Ladder with Egos and Mods | E-Cigarette Forum
(4) Good Starter Setups for a Beginning Vapor | E-Cigarette Forum

 

[Ahmed AN]

First thanks guys for all the advice it is so helpful
you got out most of my worries about the battery

If you just want more airflow Protank 1 or EVOD Glass rewicked with cotton if they don't sell the newer SOCC's. if you just want adjustable airflow Geni or aerotank or Protank 3 you mentioned. To jump from CE4 to sub ohming a Pico and RDA sounds a little crazy to me. I went from EVOD to sub ohm in about 3 months but just because my Evic VTC was on sale for $40 locally. Still use my EVOD's WAY more, once you remove the silca junk and rewick with cotton they have a nice airy draw.

I think I like the Genitank it got what I want. the RDA is more for testing and tasting than going for sub ohming I will not go most likely lower than 1 ohm and I'm mostly MTL

It really is very easy (if a little fiddly at first) rebuilding Protank heads, but all you need is some 29/30 gauge Kanthal wire and some cotton wool - watch a few YouTube videos, and you'll soon be at it like a pro, I'm sure.

Blowing yourself up is only really a potential problem using mech (unregulated) devices and silly builds that one hasn't measured properly - doing it on a regulated device, like a Pico or a VTC Mini isn't really a problem, as the device will cut out if there's a problem or a short.

And you've got to be thinking about where are you going to be getting fresh new heads for your tanks from in your country, and how much are you going to be paying for them?

this is what I'm thinking I would buy a pre made coiled wire and wick and replace it with no real fuss or worry although building it my self would be cheaper

so I think for now I will buy the genitank and rebuild it (although it is bdc I will just stick with one when I rebulid)

The good news, unless you do something truly beyond any rational act, a regulated mod and tank are really, really unlikely to blow up in your face. Honest.

That said, I get that starting out and building your own coils and wicks (which really isn't all that hard) can feel a bit much. Nothing wrong with buying a nice tank that uses factory coils, living with that for a while, then thinking about building your own once you have a better handle on your vaping. There are lots of affordable tanks out there, and factory coils can be found for less than $2, so you don't need to invest a lot of money at this time.

that is way I didn't want to go to RTA immediaty

So to summerize this is my "pretty much final decision "
MoD
Eleaf iStick Pico
Tank
KangerTech GeniTank
and Rebulid the coil with pre made wire with a SOCC
RDA
Don't Know yet but for now
IGO-W

Battery and charger
Battery
they say you can't go wrong with LG HG2
or Samsung 25R

Charger
Nitcore I2 or I4

 

[Gramdogg]

Oh it was just the protank and evod with super easy rebuild. If you must have a mod and want easy to rebuild coils the Evic VTC mini kit with Ego One or Tron tank take 1 ohm CL-R coils that are the exact same as old evods to build. Genitank takes BDC or BVC coils not SOCC.

 

[Gramdogg]

With fluffy cotton instead of three layers of silica wick the draw is perect for MTL on original EVOD or Protank 1. Both should be under $10 so maybe get both and see what you like. EVOD is plastic so can't use tank cracking juice Protank is glass. Or maybe just an old kayfun RTA.

 

[JimZet]

Hi and Welcome,
Cant really suggest anything since im all into extreme 120-200w vaping

One thing i can say for sure is if you are going to replace coils and wick em up, you should get something abit bigger, for a beginner i believe Kanger Topbox will be a good start, place to wick on board, normal wattage etc.
With protank or genitank u'll have a hell of a time wicking that thing because of it's size.

About batteries, i have 6xLG HG2 3xSony VTC5 and 1 Samsung 25r.
All of them are great, never had any problems. LGs are the oldest ones i have, highly recommend them

About charger, good choice, but buy one with 4 slots in case in future u'll need to charge more batteries. I've got XTAR VC4

 

[Gramdogg]

It's really easy actually, once you have the tip in the coils guide it the rest of the way. may need tweezers to grab the end but I dont. It's 2mm coil as oppose to 2.5mm... very little difference, just uses slightly smaller wick. The top pops off the coils so it's easy to see, dont need pliers to get it off either, just 2 fingers and wiggle it off.

 

[Continuity]

Do they still sell new stocks of original Protank 1's and plastic EVODs?

I know that one sees EVOD Glass and PT2s still for sale, but IDK if they're old stock and presumably original.

Personally, I didn't like the PT3 range of heads when they moved over to the dual-coil heads which I didn't like at the time and predicted they'd be a failure - I did figure out how to convert the PT3s to using single-coil heads (by using a Kanger Aerobase V2).

I know that there's always been some decently-made clones of the ProTank range of tanks, though, and the PT4 looks quite appealing, IMO.

The direction Kanger went with the TopTank and the heads they brought out with it mystifies me a bit though.

 

[Gramdogg]

Do they still sell new stocks of original Protank 1's and plastic EVODs?

I know that one sees EVOD Glass and PT2s still for sale, but IDK if they're old stock and presumably original.

Personally, I didn't like the PT3 range of heads when they moved over to the dual-coil heads which I didn't like at the time and predicted they'd be a failure - I did figure out how to convert the PT3s to using single-coil heads (by using a Kanger Aerobase V2).

I know that there's always been some decently-made clones of the ProTank range of tanks, though, and the PT4 looks quite appealing, IMO.

The direction Kanger went with the TopTank and the heads they brought out with it mystifies me a bit though.

Yes, in fact they just updated the silica coils to SOCC last November. The new EVOD's and PT1's have SOCC installed, old stock still has silica.

 

[Ahmed AN]

Ahmed AN,
Welcome and glad you joined.

Eleaf iStick 40wTC , More bang for the buck unless you are sub ohm'g..


Sorry can not help here, don't use them.


Best topper for flavor and clouds. Most economical. Here you have to decide it you are going for: taste, clouds, tank like, deep well,build simplicity, sub and non sub etc......
Might want to read:
2015: The Art of the Drip - A Dripping Primer | Spinfuel Vape Reviews
You Tube can provide videos on building coil(s).
Beginner | Guide To Vaping
ECigarette Academy: Essential Need to Know for New Vapers
One Stop Reference Shop For New and Experienced Vapers
Learn About Vaping Here - Everything Ecigs - From Beginner To Advanced
Ch. 4 E Cig Battery Basics: Cig-a-Likes, Egos, and Mods – Vapex
(10) Advancing Up the Vaping Ladder with Egos and Mods | E-Cigarette Forum
(4) Good Starter Setups for a Beginning Vapor | E-Cigarette Forum

Hey BrotherBoB
thanks for welcoming me
As for the RDA I don't care about cloud not a cloud chaser
Most important is the taste then the economics and lasty a simple build
with a simple build and I don't know if I need sub ohming but I don't think so

Oh it was just the protank and evod with super easy rebuild. If you must have a mod and want easy to rebuild coils the Evic VTC mini kit with Ego One or Tron tank take 1 ohm CL-R coils that are the exact same as old evods to build. Genitank takes BDC or BVC coils not SOCC.

I saw couple of videos rebuilding it with a single coil check this one
htt ps://ww w. youtube.com/watch?v=PK4YSOmUfo8
Also this reddit
htt ps://w ww. reddit.com/r/Canadian_ecigarette/comments/34ued9/can_i_use_the_normal_kanger_single_coils_in_my/

 

[Gramdogg]

Hey BrotherBoB
thanks for welcoming me
As for the RDA I don't care about cloud not a cloud chaser
Most important is the taste then the economics and lasty a simple build
with a simple build and I don't know if I need sub ohming but I don't think so



I saw couple of videos rebuilding it with a single coil check this one
htt ps://ww w. youtube.com/watch?v=PK4YSOmUfo8
Also this reddit
htt ps://w ww. reddit.com/r/Canadian_ecigarette/comments/34ued9/can_i_use_the_normal_kanger_single_coils_in_my/

The top is very hard to get off and end up breaking the chimney off alot, also very hard to work with. The original has slots on top the drill bit slides into then you pop the cap on to hold it in place. You can't use normal single coils unless you add another rubber cap but then it leaks alot. I tried that trick with a T3S already. The Ego one or Tron tank should only be $15, CL-R 1.0 Ohm builds the exact same and is actually made to be rebuilt. 1.0 Ohm is MTL and both tanks have air flow control. If you decide to try sub ohm later they also make 0.5 Ohm DTL coils so you'll just need new coils not another tank. Also make CL-R Ti and Ni if you want to try TC.

 

[Ahmed AN]

Hi and Welcome,
Cant really suggest anything since im all into extreme 120-200w vaping

One thing i can say for sure is if you are going to replace coils and wick em up, you should get something abit bigger, for a beginner i believe Kanger Topbox will be a good start, place to wick on board, normal wattage etc.
With protank or genitank u'll have a hell of a time wicking that thing because of it's size.

About batteries, i have 6xLG HG2 3xSony VTC5 and 1 Samsung 25r.
All of them are great, never had any problems. LGs are the oldest ones i have, highly recommend them

About charger, good choice, but buy one with 4 slots in case in future u'll need to charge more batteries. I've got XTAR VC4

Hi JimZet
thanks man
so about the charger do you recommend the i4 or D4 or XTAR VC4..?

The top is very hard to get off and end up breaking the chimney off alot, also very hard to work with. The original has slots on top the drill bit slides into then you pop the cap on to hold it in place. You can't use normal single coils unless you add another rubber cap but then it leaks alot. I tried that trick with a T3S already. The Ego one or Tron tank should only be $15, CL-R 1.0 Ohm builds the exact same and is actually made to be rebuilt. 1.0 Ohm is MTL and both tanks have air flow control. If you decide to try sub ohm later they also make 0.5 Ohm DTL coils so you'll just need new coils not another tank. Also make CL-R Ti and Ni if you want to try TC.

Aha so it would be a hard to rebuild.
about the one and Tron which one do you prefer..? I red the tron is a redesigned one
how it compares against the cubis , subtank, melo III, i just 2 and the Triton
I'm liking the Tron and the Triton (although I red it is hard to rebuild)