New New Newb looking to get started

[JmeMcG]

Hi all,
So glad I found this forum. What a huge amount of info and help. I want to start vaping now, but have not decided on my first set up. I have spent many many days reading this forum and finally joined yesterday... yea! Unfortunately, I am feeling a little overwhelmed and can't seem to decide which unit to go for. I will totally admit my reason for this post...I am looking for a little help from you awesome experienced vapers, because I don't want to make a lot of mistakes buying equipment that is not going to do it for me.
Just a short bit of info to get started. I smoke, my husband smokes. We have both been smokers for 25 plus years. We spend a ridiculous amount of $$ a month on regular cigs (like $550 or so a month.... YIKES!). I want to quit, he is not commenting... so I am going to go for it and hope he will want to switch too.
I know my reasons for wanting to quit, but will mostly focus on keeping this short so I can get an order placed and get going here.
I think this is what I am looking for to start:
1. Something that is closer in size/shape as a analog, but does not look like a cigarette per se. No white, with the tan end. Sorry, I just don't think I would like the boxy ones or the ones that look like a duck call at this point... no offense.
2. High quality equipment. I don't want to buy anything that I am going to have a lot of problems, or is going to quit working after a short time.
3. Fill my own cartridges... I think I will get into flavors. Plus this seems like a more economical way to go ( I think?)
4. Long life. Probably will need this as we are avid outdoors people and will spend all day out on the boat fishing.

That is the basics I guess. Seriously, until a week ago I had no idea there were as many different options and types of units as there are out there. I pretty much had the idea that they looked like a cig, you sucked on the end and the tip glowed... (thats pretty exaggerated, but I hope you get the idea that I seriously have a lot to learn)
Thanks to all in advance. Heading out for work now... Hope you all have a great day! Jamie

 

[TopCookie]

Hi jmemcg, and welcome to the forum...

If you want to avoid all those purchases that inevitably end up stuck in a draw, then go for one of the best quality units such as the Provari or the Provape-1 as this will save you a small fortune in the long term...

Hope that whets your appetite to investigate them at least...

 

[brandontrjn]

Welcome to ECF! First, You'll have a little trouble finding something that lasts all day but is still the size and shape of an analog. Most "slim" style ecigs will last for about an hour or 2 of vaping. If you're both smoking 2 packs a day (about $550/month) you probably have the budget to invest in a few different styles.

I would recommend an ego style for "heavy vaping sessions" to stay as small as possible but still have decent battery life.

If you reallllly want to stick with "slim" style I recommend the vapeshot brand. They come with a Charge Pack and plenty of charging options for a reasonable price. They are also "510" style so they would be mostly interchangeable with larger style batteries down the road.

If you go with any slim style, with what you described above, you're going to need a PCC (charge pack) to make sure you have enough battery to last all day. You might want to start with 2 kits for yourself (like carrying 2 packs of cigs basically).

Your first point is a difficult one to address. If you want something the size and shape of an analog it's going to look like one lol.

You can try V4L as well, they have a decent starter kit with a PCC but it costs more than the other suggestion above.

Good Luck!

 

[Retriever]

Welcome to ECF! You probably would want to go with a Riva or eGo if you want something that does not look like a traditional cigarette. Having said that, you might take a look at the REO Grand. It will last you an entire day and has a very loyal following here. Good luck!

 

[brandontrjn]

Welcome to ECF! You probably would want to go with a Riva or eGo if you want something that does not look like a traditional cigarette. Having said that, you might take a look at the REO Grand. It will last you an entire day and has a very loyal following here. Good luck!

I agree with this. OP doesn't want the "duck call" look though. OP's post is a hard one to answer lol.

 

[TamiP]

Speaking as a fellow "newbie" to vaping, I recognize those desires well... but trust me if you will, you will change your mind quickly, so start out smart and just accept that the "duck call" styles are going to be a better fit for you in the long run (actually in the short run as you'll get tired of constantly charging batteries fast). I started with a KR808D-1 style (slim battery) and do like it, it's a very good vape, BUT it only lasts about 2 hours and they take 2 hours to charge, so unless you want to charge 4 or 5 a night to have enough for an entire day the next day, go with one larger battery (or two).

I ended up finally with the KGO (1100mah). The starter kit is very reasonably priced from several places, and comes with two batteries and each one will last about 10 to 14 hours depending on how heavy you vape. Some users even report two days on each battery, but safe end is to probably count on about 1 hour per "mah" so 1100mah will last roughly 11 hours give or take.

 

[DietSalem]

Depends on your price range and just what exactly you say looks like a duck call.

The eGo or generic alternative is in my opinion the hands down best unit for low cost starting. You seem to imply that that would look like a duckcall, and if that's the case, your only real options are box mods (which you don't like) and 510 models. I know very little about 510s, because I don't like them, but you could research them to see which one fits your needs.

In the end, though. Everyone steps their game up eventually and gets a nice high powered unit or variable volt unit that just really fits their needs.

 

[brandontrjn]

I ended up finally with the KGO (1100mah). The starter kit is very reasonably priced from several places, and comes with two batteries and each one will last about 10 to 14 hours depending on how heavy you vape. Some users even report two days on each battery, but safe end is to probably count on about 1 hour per "mah" so 1100mah will last roughly 11 hours give or take.

This is definitely accurate if you vape consistently. The slim style batteries you (OP) are looking for are generally 180 mAh so they will last an hour or maybe 2. You will need several to make it through the day.

If you just want to have 1 unit to take with you you will need an 1100 mAh unit.

If you want the slim style, you will need to carry 4 or 5 batteries (being about the size of an analog cig this may still be pretty easy and may be easier than carrying 1 larger battery).

 

[Eddie.Willers]

Welcome to ECF, jmemcg, and congratulations for deciding to get off the stinkysticks.

With so many members here, and so many opinions, you may get conflicting advice. But, as a general rule of thumb, the more the e-cig resembles the 'real thing' (in size, shape or color) the poorer it will perform.

I would suggest you look at the Ego or its clones (such as the Kgo). You should look for a manual battery (have to press a button to make it work) with at least 650mAh capacity (still reasonably slim but should last 6 hours). Get something with the industry-standard 510 thread (so you can pick and choose for accessories) and look at getting cartomizers (not tank systems, like the Ego-T) as they offer an excellent compromise between capacity and performance.

All ECF Registered Suppliers have been vetted and are trustworthy and well-priced.

Enjoy the journey into the wonderful, wide world of vaping!

 

[dearme]

I'm sorry, but there is no such thing as what you asked for. That's what all new members want, but because of battery limitations, it's just not going to happen.

The is the way it usually plays out.........

The new members insist that they have to have a cigarette sized ecig and buy one for anywhere from 40 to 100 dollars, depending on where they get it. The small ecigs are basically all alike, except for the threading.

They fight with the 1 to 2 hour vape time and forever changing batteries. They buy more batteries to get thru their day which equals even more money spent.

They are also unhappy with the short vape time they get from cartridges and having to fill every 1/2 to 1 hour (if they are lucky to get that long). Prefilled cartridges are more expensive than ones you fill yourself.

The slim ecigs do not have enough power to get them off analogs.

They are very unhappy with the whole experience and the money spent.

Second step is that they either go back to analogs, or they decide to get something with more power and options.

They come back here and we suggest an option of several sharpie sized PVs that will get the job done for about 45.00, plus the extras of a Drip Tip, cartomizers, and eliquid.

We are trying to start you out with something that will work for you, will enable you to get off cigs, and will be the most cost effecient way to do that. In this instance, size not only counts, but is crucial.

 

[TamiP]

I agree with everything dearme said, and being that it hasn't been that long for me, please take my word for it. Within days you will forget the looks and want something that really performs. The only thing I disagree with is that all slim e-cig models won't be powerful enough to get you off analogs. The one I started with certainly wasn't, however, as soon as I got my KR808D-1 (Nebula in my case, but that's just a brand name) I was OFF analogs and haven't looked back.

However, within a week I was on the hunt for a more powerful, longer lasting battery that had more options. I went with the KGO and am completely pleased and have no intentions of looking further.

 

[Vap3Go4t]

Hello and welcome!
I too started out like you, I couldn't stand the look of some of these e cigs and couldn't imagine ever wanting one.

I started vaping 3 months ago and started with a v2 standard kit which comes with 2 batteries that look like real cigarettes, you can refill the cartridges with whatever juice you like. I later bought another battery because the life of the slim style batteries last about 2-3 hours of constant vaping.
I just ended up buying a mod (silver bullet) because I was looking for a longer battery life and a better vaping experience.
I think you need to start off with what you're comfortable with and after a little time and researching you'll find that you WILL want to upgrade to a larger model.

Happy Vaping!

 

[TamiP]

I think members here are just trying to save the OP the hassle of upgrading almost immediately, but Vap3Go4t is probably right. We all need to make our own mistakes and trial and error.

 

[TheStopDoc]

There seems to be a progression once you start vaping. Most start with something that looks like a real cigarette like the 808, screw on the cardrige and vape. Then go to the eGo style, like the eGo-T, or KGo, then it's on to a mod of some type. Most don't start with ejuice, but progress to juice later. A lot of money is spent this way. You can save some and go straight to a Variable Voltage Mod or go through the progression, which is okay, as sometimes you have to go through it to learn and discover what you really like and want.

 

[JmeMcG]

First, I would like to sincerely say "Thank You" to all who have answered my post. I truly appreciate your time you took to reply and value your honest opinions because of your experience. I have once again spent several hours reading all the beginner info and tutorials, etc. I am trying to be a realist here and understand that it may take several different types before I find the fit for me. I was just trying to minimize the purchases and time spent in my quest to find "the one" I have never even seen an ecig in person before... except walking past the tool in the local mall who worked in one of the kiosks that sold "smoke51" (I think that was the brand, something like that anyway) His salesy sales pitch and the animated way he would puff away as you got near totally turned me off.
I have further educated myself this evening, read all the tutorials, beginners guides, etc. I also understand that the criteria I had set in my OP is what I envisioned in my head as my perfect "pseudo-cig-that-i-will-fall-in-love-with-and-never-smoke-an-analog-again-because-it-is-just-like-the-real-thing"... which, btw, I also now understand that they are indeed not "just like" the real thing. Even with that, my desire to quit the spendy stinkies makes me highly motivated to become a happy fellow vaper.
Anyway, I have spent several hours cheking out all of the suggestions and have decided on the KGO 1100mah (Thanks TamiP and others who agree) I like the look, the battery life (definately know I do not want to be charging every few hours) and thought the price was pretty reasonable at less than $45. Of course I will order some extra juice,carts, etc and hope to still come in for less than $100. Am I forgetting anything else???
Thank you all again so much! I am sure I will have more questions in the near future. In the mean time, I hope you all have a great evening!

 

[TamiP]

I'm so excited for you!!! You're going to love it. Good idea on the e-juice. If I were you I'd order cartomizers instead of carts. I haven't even used he carts that came pre-loaded with the kit. I bought blank cartos and put my favorite juices in them. I use the atomizers when I feel like dripping, or want to taste some new flavor before putting in a carto. The cartos last a lot longer, and are more hassle free than the carts.

 

[dearme]

Congratulations on a stellar choice. You will be very happy with it until you get a hankering for a mod. If you are lucky, that will not happen as it is a long, slippery, expensive slope......LOL.......Expensive, but worth it in the end.

You will also need Drip Tips and don't buy carts (cartridges), be sure to buy cartos (cartomizers). The Boge single coil 2.0 ohm would be the best choice to start with. Also, we always suggest that you buy sample packs of eliquid from different vendors. Your favorites will probably not be same as anyone else's. Also, your taste buds will be changing as you get off cigs, so don't buy any big bottles until they settle down. Be sure to drink lots of water when you start vaping to help flush the cig toxins out of your system and to get your taste buds back to normal. Vaping is dehydrating.

Ask any questions you have any time. We are always here.

Welcome to ECF.

 

[Myriad Dark]

Congratulations! From what you stated in your first post and the research you have done it looks like the KGO will work very well for you. Another aspect most people who start out with a slim model overlook is the fact that rechargeable batteries only have so many cycles before you notice severe diminishing returns. Most rechargeable batteries, regardless of what they are powering, only offer maximum life for 200-300 charging cycles. A standard slim PV would start slowing down within a couple of months at most for anyone who smoked 1+ packs a day, but the 1100 mAh batteries you have decided on will last you much longer since you will not have to charge them nearly as often. Enjoy your transition from the stinkies, you picked a setup that will make it considerably easier for you!

 

[TopCookie]

Enjoy your new adventure jmemcg