Here's a rule of thumb that's true: You ask a question like "Which e-cig should I get?", you're going to get a LOT of opinions.
And, as opinions, none of them are wrong... or, necessarily, right for you.
The problem with the "field" of vaping gear/hardware is that there's so much of it that it's hard to make the best first choice for you on your own... And everyone who currently uses any of it will point up what's great about the stuff they're using, so you will hear good things from someone about everything that's out there. Which puts you right back at square one.
A lot of us have been on that bandwagon. I started out with a mid-range 510 "mod" (battery module for 510 atomizers/cartomizers), picked up another mid-range 510 mod, picked up some 510 cig-style batteries, shifted to tank systems and have recently tried both Bloog and Volt (and there are others who sell pretty much the same systems un-branded or as house brands), thus managing to squeeze about a year's worth of experience (and cost!) into a month-and-a-half.
All of these systems were different. And all of these systems worked. But some worked better
for me than others.
I have to admit, had I known about the Bloog/Volt systems (relatively recently re-engineered 808 batteries and cartomizers) and happened to buy those first, I probably would have tried one mod just to see what it was like, but gone back, saved a LOT of money and not have so much gear floating around. Oh, I'll use up my remaining 510 cartomizers and use Bloog/Volt cartomizers with adapters for the 510 batteries until they're dead, and after that probably stick with Bloog/Volt for a while (or at least until the next greatest-vape-on-the-planet comes out). The gear won't go to waste and I don't really regret anything, but it's been a more expensive trip than it needed to be.
Since I've got your ear/eyes, here's my opinion: Start with a system like a Bloog or Volt kit. It may or may not be "the best" but it's very good and very simple. DO get a kit with a PCC (charging case for the batteries for when out & about), get a couple of spare batteries and extra sample packs of cartomizer flavors (tobacco and non-tobacco flavors).
Don't be in a rush to get off cigs just yet. Find the carto flavors you like first, then order at least a couple of carto 5-packs of each of your favorites. Once they arrive start your transition. Figure on going through 2 to 4 cartos a day at first, then tweak that based on
your actual use.
During the switch to vaping, filling cartos can seem labor-intensive compared to what you're used to (grabbing a pack & a lighter). If you start with just pre-filled cartos, you eliminate a big part of the learning curve -- just screw on a new carto as you use them up (but save old cartos in a zip-lock, don't throw them away, yet). That makes it bit more expensive perhaps, but probably no more than smoking is, and increasing ease-of-use and reducing the learning curve is critical, IMO.
After a couple of weeks or whenever you're nice and comfy with the concepts, you may have quit smoking cigs completely (!) and might become interested in saving a bit over pre-filled cartos and trying new flavors. At this point it's less overwhelming and you're ready to learn more... So look into some e-liquids and learn to clean and refill your old cartomizers (you did keep them, right?).
And really, if you're happy with your experience that may be as far as you have to go. Good, simple, well-engineered two-piece systems like Bloog/Volt may be your "good enough".
After that, if you want to get into vaping as bit more of a hobby, is the time to explore some "mods" and such. But trust me, not all mods guarantee anything better... Though to avoid seeming anti-mod, I MUST note that many can and do provide a great vaping experience,
when used properly (
see references to "learning curve" above).
Jumping from system to system early on can be exciting! But it can also make vaping more expensive and/or more difficult than it has to be. And it isn't
necessarily going to find the magic bullet right away... and it can end up as quite a hit to the wallet... But it's all up to you and how you manage it.
Regardless of which way you jump, the single real piece of advice I think we can
all agree on is to
jump! Seriously, just
do it -- any move is better than not moving at all. Be patient, give it time, do research THEN ask questions, and
don't give up. The switch to vaping is definitely worth it.
Welcome to the Vaptrix.
( i not saying that my next one will be when i start hitting ok^^)
