I have visited/lurked here on and off for several years. I had been using various e-cigs as aptly described in the "stages of vaping" thread(s) here. Most of the subject matter here seemed far too complicated - I just wanted a cigarette substitute. I didn't do too badly, but never completely quit. The e-cigs just were not tasty and served as a poor substitute. I finally went to a vape shop, asked my stupid questions, and left with a Zelos Aspire and some random ejuices. I like it, but I have even more questions. I joined because I have some relevant questions to ask on this forum. I assume it will be a while before I can adequately contribute to the discussions. Glad to be aboard.
New member introduction
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Welcome aboard K-9s. Fell free to ask questions, even the ones you think might be stupid. Most people started about where you are now, including me. i asked plenty of "stupid" questions and I got answers without anyone talking down to me. So ask away and someone will have an answer for you. There are plenty of really smart and experienced people here.
Thanks, ExtremeDooty! I realized after a few days of vaping that I really need a backup device for when the primary device is recharging. I don't know how I will feel about this primary device in the long run. It might become my backup. It was recommended by the salesperson at the vape shop. I just don't want to run out and buy something that will be a waste of money. I am still trying to determine the VG/PG/Nicotine/flavor mixes that I will like. The juices I bought Saturday taste different than the testers in the store. I only really like one of them. So many questions... so little experience.
That's the problem with internal battery mods. You should probably get a starter kit with one or two replaceable battery bay. You'll need a battery charger and a couple ECF approved (Search "Mooch" for everything battery related) batteries. You will have to do some googling to find the setup you like. Myvaporstore, Directvapor and 101Vape are good places to look and Directvapor has free shipping. Two of my favorites are the Vaporesso Target Pro and Vaporesso Switcher.
You should also get some sample packs for juice. I use VapeWild and Ohmsvapes, good prices and good service.
I remember how overwhelming it seemed when I started vaping. Keep reading on here and maybe watch some youtube videos and it will eventually start making some sense.
You should also get some sample packs for juice. I use VapeWild and Ohmsvapes, good prices and good service.
I remember how overwhelming it seemed when I started vaping. Keep reading on here and maybe watch some youtube videos and it will eventually start making some sense.
Hi and welcome! It takes a bit of time to find juices and flavors you really like. Things probably taste different than at the vape bar as you're likely using a different tank. The tank and coil make a big difference in how a juice tastes. You should find lots of useful information here to help you along.
You've discovered one of the golden rules of vaping pretty early.
"Backups for your backups".It's highly recommended to have at least two complete setups. You can't vape if you don't have charged batteries, a tank that works, spare coils, or spare e-juice. Vaping isn't as simple as smoking was, where you could just run to the convenience store to buy a new pack. Vaping requires some forethought and planning ahead for the unforeseen.
As mentioned above, the same juice can taste different in different juice attachments. A vape shop which offers a tasting station may have zero-nicotine in their samples, or maybe a different nic concentration than what you are using. Nicotine often affects flavor, as it may impart a bit of peppery taste. The higher the nic concentration, the more it can affect the flavor.
It never hurts to learn more of the slang and terminology when new to vaping. Hope these help.
Good Starter Setups for a Beginner Vaper
Proper Terminology: Is it a carto, a tank, or what? A Guide to Juice Delivery Devices
Advancing Up the Vaping Ladder
Battery Basics for Mods: The Definative Battery Guide for Vaping
Guide to Choosing a Li-ion Battery Charger
Proper Terminology: Is it a carto, a tank, or what? A Guide to Juice Delivery Devices
Advancing Up the Vaping Ladder
Battery Basics for Mods: The Definative Battery Guide for Vaping
Guide to Choosing a Li-ion Battery Charger
By the way, welcome. And congrats on your quest to quit smoking.
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Hi, welcome to ECF, the only dumb questions to ask are the ones that aren't asked and later cause problems. I think one of my early questions had to do with nasal vaping (long story, and mouth surgery) so trust me, this board has seen its share of questions (and yes, I got useful answers on that one).
You have my quitting setup (now gifted to the husband) and I liked it a lot (but I am firmly in the MTL camp, not really the DL-- lower ohms, more wattage, more vapor per puff and draws less like a cigarette, and usually used with lower nicotine levels). You are correct that a backup device is really essential). If all your experience has been mouth to lung, you could choose your next device (or tank, or kit) based on the ability for it to do both. A dual battery mod of some sort (tons of options at various price points and varying options) with a more "sub0hm" tank like the Crown Uwell (ideally the original as it has the most options for various coil heads, up to I believe 1.2 ohms, but also much lower resistance option coils). It's a well liked tank, coils generally get good life, and they last a long time). If you wind up being more MTL, the worst thing that will happen with your bigger box mod is you will enjoy VAST battery life, etc. It would require buying an external charger and some batteries, and that is a whole topic in itself. But, you have many options moving forward, and it's really rare for someone to land on their "perfect" setup on their first try, although it does happen. Since backups are necessary in any case though, you have nothing to lose by branching out either.
But you maybe want to hang out a while, ask more questions, check out some ECF approved vendors and their offerings and etc.
Welcome to ECF, I'm glad you joined and I wish you much more success this time!
Anna
You have my quitting setup (now gifted to the husband) and I liked it a lot (but I am firmly in the MTL camp, not really the DL-- lower ohms, more wattage, more vapor per puff and draws less like a cigarette, and usually used with lower nicotine levels). You are correct that a backup device is really essential). If all your experience has been mouth to lung, you could choose your next device (or tank, or kit) based on the ability for it to do both. A dual battery mod of some sort (tons of options at various price points and varying options) with a more "sub0hm" tank like the Crown Uwell (ideally the original as it has the most options for various coil heads, up to I believe 1.2 ohms, but also much lower resistance option coils). It's a well liked tank, coils generally get good life, and they last a long time). If you wind up being more MTL, the worst thing that will happen with your bigger box mod is you will enjoy VAST battery life, etc. It would require buying an external charger and some batteries, and that is a whole topic in itself. But, you have many options moving forward, and it's really rare for someone to land on their "perfect" setup on their first try, although it does happen. Since backups are necessary in any case though, you have nothing to lose by branching out either.
But you maybe want to hang out a while, ask more questions, check out some ECF approved vendors and their offerings and etc.
Welcome to ECF, I'm glad you joined and I wish you much more success this time!
Anna
Welcome to the ECF community K-9. Tell what you do and don't like about your current set up and we can offer some suggestions.
I was surprised to see so many wonderful and helpful posts! THANK YOU for making me feel welcome!!
Letitia: I like it a LOT better than the Blu ecigs. It was a low bar for happiness. Much more enjoyable. I now know that I paid too much for it and these expensive juices may not be correct VG. If I use higher than 12w, they taste burnt. Nothing specifically wrong with the Zelos. I just feel a little like I was ripped off.
stols001: I am still learning how to use this thing LOL. It really is a learning curve to actually DO MTL hits vs using a cigarette. I want to charge ahead, but I have to be patient and learn to walk before I run. I am not a patient person. I don't want to be on the shinyitis list and try too many devices before I even know what juices I like. I am keeping a list of these devices, juices, and ideas for future reference. Thank you so much for your knowledge and detailed information.
Baditude: I found out about the need for a backup when I had to recharge. It was strange to realize that I liked the vape so much more than cigarettes only a day later. I have many questions about the information in your links. I will post them as I learn and understand. Thank you for that!
Eskie: I wish I had known about the taste differences! Live and learn. I also wonder if I will like these juices more in a few months? Maybe my tastes will change, device will change, and they will steep? I hope to some day get a better sense of what I like. How long before I experience vapers tongue?
ExtremeDooty: Thanks for that sample pack information! I had been looking and looking for sample packs recently. I ordered one! That really helps my morale! Of course, now I cannot wait for the juices to be delivered and keep checking for the delivery date like it is a Xmas present. OMG this is hilarious!
Letitia: I like it a LOT better than the Blu ecigs. It was a low bar for happiness. Much more enjoyable. I now know that I paid too much for it and these expensive juices may not be correct VG. If I use higher than 12w, they taste burnt. Nothing specifically wrong with the Zelos. I just feel a little like I was ripped off.
stols001: I am still learning how to use this thing LOL. It really is a learning curve to actually DO MTL hits vs using a cigarette. I want to charge ahead, but I have to be patient and learn to walk before I run. I am not a patient person. I don't want to be on the shinyitis list and try too many devices before I even know what juices I like. I am keeping a list of these devices, juices, and ideas for future reference. Thank you so much for your knowledge and detailed information.
Baditude: I found out about the need for a backup when I had to recharge. It was strange to realize that I liked the vape so much more than cigarettes only a day later. I have many questions about the information in your links. I will post them as I learn and understand. Thank you for that!
Eskie: I wish I had known about the taste differences! Live and learn. I also wonder if I will like these juices more in a few months? Maybe my tastes will change, device will change, and they will steep? I hope to some day get a better sense of what I like. How long before I experience vapers tongue?
ExtremeDooty: Thanks for that sample pack information! I had been looking and looking for sample packs recently. I ordered one! That really helps my morale! Of course, now I cannot wait for the juices to be delivered and keep checking for the delivery date like it is a Xmas present. OMG this is hilarious!
Alright try to keep things simple, Craigslist I go there to buy mods because there cheap, the procolor with batteries I vape right now cost me $25. The hexohm I just bought cost me $45. He wanted $60 but cash on hand can help. You need a good battery charger do some research but you can get one for $25. Also do not cheap out on batteries if your serious about vaping to quit smoking batteries are your number one friend..
Also welcome and have fun I been vaping for 4 years and I still ask stupid question..
Also welcome and have fun I been vaping for 4 years and I still ask stupid question..
I don't know what you mean by 'cheap out on batteries'. You mean if I buy one with removable & rechargeable batteries? I am seriously WAY too novice to consider that this month. I am still learning how to NOT smoke it like a cigarette. And I read the massive shinyitis thread, so I know I could fall into that easily.
We can help on the shiny thread. Give us a budget and we will do right by you. As for external batteries they are the way to go. I'm an idiot about understanding them but between Mooch and the fine people on ECF I know what I use is safe and fit the way I vape. I am proof you can vape safely and not understand every aspect. You just have to be willing to ask and listen and clear yourself of preconceived notions.I don't know what you mean by 'cheap out on batteries'. You mean if I buy one with removable & rechargeable batteries? I am seriously WAY too novice to consider that this month. I am still learning how to NOT smoke it like a cigarette. And I read the massive shinyitis thread, so I know I could fall into that easily.
Okay forget about batteries, this is something I tell all new vapors, you are just trying to quit..
Do buy a second device so you always have something ready to go..
And the number one thing, don't change your habits, I can't stress this enough, if you smoke while having coffee, vape while having coffee, if you smoke while watching TV vape. The second device is important so you don't reach for those cigarettes. When I leave my house I carry 3 separate devices because I'm so afraid if something happens, I might want a cigarette.. and I been cigarette free for 3 years.
Do buy a second device so you always have something ready to go..
And the number one thing, don't change your habits, I can't stress this enough, if you smoke while having coffee, vape while having coffee, if you smoke while watching TV vape. The second device is important so you don't reach for those cigarettes. When I leave my house I carry 3 separate devices because I'm so afraid if something happens, I might want a cigarette.. and I been cigarette free for 3 years.
"Cheap out on batteries" is slang for buying the cheapest batteries you can find (regardless of their quality) and end up with poor performing and possibly dangerous batteries, just to save a buck. Batteries are the MOST IMPORTANT piece of gear in your setup, hense don't "cheap out". The upper tier of batteries will be "safer", perform better and last longer, and therefore will be cheaper in the long run when all is said and done.
It's ok if your first mod uses internal batteries. For beginners, they are easier and more convenient to use.
However, as you gain more knowledge about batteries, external batteries are the way to go.
If you're using an internal battery mod, when the battery runs too low you can't continue to vape. You have to wait until battery recharges. If you use a mod using external batteries, you simply replace it with a previously charged battery and can continue to vape without waiting.
All the batteries we use (internal or external) have a life expectancy of about 250 - 300 charge cycles, between 1 - 2 years. When the internal battery in your mod dies, the entire mod becomes worthless and you'll have to buy another to replace it. When an external battery dies, you simply buy a new one for $5 - $6 and continue using the same mod.
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Welcome aboard
The aspire zelos is a pretty good kit for a starter - battery is decent and if you are enjoying using it - that is the key.
I started on an innokin endura t18, went up to the endura t22 and got thru two months of vaping with those two kits. The t22 is similar to the zelos, just has a bigger tank.
I agree as a beginner its better to have an uncomplicated kit that just works well. After 3 months I got an external battery mod - just means I charge individual batteries instead of the whole mod. Also means I don't have any downtime while a spare battery is charging. I'm now using that with the innokin t22 tank.
I'll let the other more experience members advise you on what to get Good luck with quitting
The aspire zelos is a pretty good kit for a starter - battery is decent and if you are enjoying using it - that is the key.
I started on an innokin endura t18, went up to the endura t22 and got thru two months of vaping with those two kits. The t22 is similar to the zelos, just has a bigger tank.
I agree as a beginner its better to have an uncomplicated kit that just works well. After 3 months I got an external battery mod - just means I charge individual batteries instead of the whole mod. Also means I don't have any downtime while a spare battery is charging. I'm now using that with the innokin t22 tank.
I'll let the other more experience members advise you on what to get
Good luck with quitting Welcome to ECF .... you're on the right track. Almost all of us experiment before finding the right device and juice. Don't worry about it because you'll save lots of money downstream. I have a Zelos but prefer the even simpler Innokin T18. Keep at it and you'll be glad you did!
Hi and welcome. I believe you're mistaken when you say it could be awhile before you contribute. Your first post was a contribution.
The salesperson told me to stay away from the ones with removable batteries.... I felt like she believed I might set myself on fire or something. She said something about them being dangerous and muttered about battery safety. I have used rechargeable batteries for years. I have no idea why these would be so much different if I observe limits and RTFM (read the fine manual).
I also just realized that she sold me the .7 ohm replacement coils. I feel pretty stupid now for not looking at them when I bought. I guess I am sub-ohm but didn't know it? Ugh.
I saw a thread here about the T22. I thought of getting one of those as a backup. It says it runs non-variable 14w. I seem to need to change wattage with every new juice I try.
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