New to E-Cigs... Introduction and a few questions

[Tyler Adams]

I am currently a smoker and my #1 brand of choice is Camel lights 99's. My second brand of choice is Marlbro lights 100's. I only smoke the Marlbro's if I can't get my Camels. Usually I hate Marlbro. I really havent tried other cigarette brands except for a few of the cheap brands (liggets, Pall Mall, & GPC). I've been an off and on smoker pretty much since I was 18 and I am now 31 going on 32 in August. I have decided to try the E-Cigs and see what all the hype is. I have had friends who have tried them but I never really took much of an interest till now. I have looked all over the web at different models, brands and whatnot. I found some I initially like (based on the packaging, price and what you get for the price and the look of the E-Cig) and others that just don't seem all that great. I have looked through most of the newbie sticky notes and learned that in choosing my first E-cig I basically should just put up a list of e-cigs and throw a dart at it and whichever one the dart lands on is the one I start with. I, like a lot of E-cig users will probably end up trying several different brands until I find one that suites my needs and tastes. But quite honestly, how do I go about that cheaply? Many of these brands only offer disposable e-cigs in one flavor or a few flavors and not for their whole lineup and then sometimes some brands don't offer disposable e-cigs and some brands aren't found at my local kwiki mart, ect so I guess I just have to dive in head first and buy one and see what happens.

After looking through some of the different brands a few questions came to mind:

1. Are the "mini's" interchangable? Meaning are the cartridges interchangable? Can I take a cartridge from a Bu E-Cig and use it with a Bull Smoke E-Cig? From what I have seen on this forum indicates that for the most part yes it can be done.

2. Some brands I have seen are no nicotine E-Cigs and other brands have various levels of nicotine. I know each user has his or her own preferred level but Isn't E-Cigs supposed to help you get off real cigs? and if so, wouldn't you want an E-Cig with no nicotine? explain the use of nicotine vs. no nicotine in an E-Cig

3. Some brands do not have or make carrying cases or a portable charger case. Can I just use any portable charger case with any E-Cig so long as the E-Cig fits the portable charger? Also how do I find a case for my E-cig so it doesn't break as I have read on here that the mini's can break easily.

4. Also some brands do not Tel you what brands of cigarettes compare to their tobacco flavored cartridges. For example, the Bull SMoke E-cig has a tobacco flavor called "American Ranger" which compares to Single Leaf Virginia Tobacco Brands. Another one is the "Refined Blend" which compares to Multi-leaf tobacco blend brands. They do not specifically state which brands of cigarrettes like Marlbro or Camel that these tobacco flavors compare too. I, like probably a majority of people do not really know my tobacco leaf, well except for the turkish blend only cause its on the Camels packs. Many people don't pay attention to that sort of detail. I just would like to know what the Tobacco flavors compare to in cigarette brands so I know what kind of flavor I am getting. If this makes any sense.


I didn't want to take the time to weed through the hundreds of threads to find questions to my answers but if there is a thread that answers my questions Your welcome to post it instead of just answering my question cause I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had these questions.

~Tyler

 

[Baditude]

The cigarette size batteries and their juice cartridges may or may not be compatible. I believe someone has compiled a list of what works with what.

You can use any case for your gear that you find suitable to your needs. There are often threads here on the forum that asks specifically what other people use. Use the search function at the top right of this page.

You will not find any e-juice flavors that come close to duplicating the actual taste of a cigarette, tobacco or menthol. Some juice vendors will claim that they have done it, but the vast majority of experienced vapors will advise you that they do not exist. My advice is to not waste your money chasing different juices trying to find it. Better to focus on finding ANY flavor that you will like....there are literally hundreds to choose from, and it will be a trial by error to find what you will like.

We can advise you what WE like, but YOU may not like it. Taste is extremely subjective individual to individual. Try many flavors in smaller quantities to find what you like (sampler packs) from vendors that offer them. Once you find a winner, order more in a larger quantity.

 

[tyancey00]

i would find a brick amd mortor store and go try different juices. I know it is a pain, but you will be happier. get yourself an eGo battery and a kanger bottom feed clearomizer and go for it.

 

[peraspera]

Welcome to ECF!

1. Are the "mini's" interchangable? Meaning are the cartridges interchangable? Can I take a cartridge from a Bu E-Cig and use it with a Bull Smoke E-Cig? From what I have seen on this forum indicates that for the most part yes it can be done.

There are several different "standard" sizes such as 808 and 510 threading as well as proprietary stuff. Don't count on things being interchangeable between brands as a general rule.

2. Some brands I have seen are no nicotine E-Cigs and other brands have various levels of nicotine. I know each user has his or her own preferred level but Isn't E-Cigs supposed to help you get off real cigs? and if so, wouldn't you want an E-Cig with no nicotine? explain the use of nicotine vs. no nicotine in an E-Cig

Some people use e-cigs as a much less harmful substitute for smoking and some use e-cigs with the intention to quit smoking as well as vaping eventually.

You can taper down the nicotine levels of the e-liquid (juice) you use over time to prevent nicotine withdrawal. Very few people seem to start with 0 nicotine level juice unless there is an absolute medical necessity of doing so.

3. Some brands do not have or make carrying cases or a portable charger case. Can I just use any portable charger case with any E-Cig so long as the E-Cig fits the portable charger? Also how do I find a case for my E-cig so it doesn't break as I have read on here that the mini's can break easily.

There are many, many sites that sell cases so don't worry about whether or not the e-cig you are considering comes with a case. It would be best to ask specifically whether or not a particular charging case will work with a specific type of e-cig battery.

4. Also some brands do not Tel you what brands of cigarettes compare to their tobacco flavored cartridges. For example, the Bull SMoke E-cig has a tobacco flavor called "American Ranger" which compares to Single Leaf Virginia Tobacco Brands. Another one is the "Refined Blend" which compares to Multi-leaf tobacco blend brands. They do not specifically state which brands of cigarrettes like Marlbro or Camel that these tobacco flavors compare too. I, like probably a majority of people do not really know my tobacco leaf, well except for the turkish blend only cause its on the Camels packs. Many people don't pay attention to that sort of detail. I just would like to know what the Tobacco flavors compare to in cigarette brands so I know what kind of flavor I am getting. If this makes any sense.

No juices taste like burning dried leaves and paper so trying to find a juice that tastes like a cigarette is an exercise in futility. Instead, try a couple of tobacco flavors as well as a sampling of the other myriad of flavors that are available. Many vapors are surprised to find that they prefer non-tobacco flavors. This thread, Sample Packs - A listing for those seeking a favorite juice, lists some juice sellers that offer sample sizes.

If you absolutely must have an e-cig the size of a cigarette I would suggest you get the Joye eRoll. It packs a respectable punch despite its small cig-alike form factor. The stylish iPhone-type PCC case that houses the battery is only 4 1/4" x 1 7/8" x 1/2". It is 1000 mAh that is good for about 10 hours of average vaping before needing to be recharged.

The cig-alike battery is 80 mAh but you use it by taking a few vapes and putting the battery back in the case fully assembled—very handy and easy. In practical terms that means that the eRoll battery will last as long as the PCC is charged. You can ask in the eRoll forum for a reliable vendor who is currently selling the eRoll for a good price.

These reviews cover how the eRoll works. The eMini is identical to the eRoll but sold by Ovale.
eMini E-Cigarette Review (aka eRoll)
Joyetech eRoll Review. This little eCig is AWESOME!

If you don't mind something the size of a magic marker variable voltage batteries such as the Twist and Spinner provide more power than and flexibility than cig-alikes as far as choosing the amount of power you prefer in a vape. The variable voltage means that you can adjust the balance of taste/throat hit/vapor production with a simple twist of a dial.

This video is a review of the Twist but the Spinners work the same way.
THE EGO TWIST IS A GAME CHANGER

I've purchased eight Twist type batteries and the ones personally I prefer are the ones in this kit, EGO Twist Ultra Kit. The vendor, Vapor Beast, also provides outstanding customer service including telephone support.

To try out vaping cheaply you can send away for an Free Sample of disposable NJOY King. which will only cost you $3 for shipping. It comes about as close to mimicking cigarette smoking as you can come with vaping. Despite the package claims they are really only equivalent to less than ten cigarettes and they are prohibitively expensive to use long-term. However, trying one can give you a feel for vaping although there are many better tasting flavors available for rechargeable battery e-cigs.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Hi Tyler and welcome to ECF.

1. Are the "mini's" interchangable? Meaning are the cartridges interchangable? Can I take a cartridge from a Bu E-Cig and use it with a Bull Smoke E-Cig? From what I have seen on this forum indicates that for the most part yes it can be done.

The most popular threading/ style of Ecigs are 510 (most popular) and 808. "Sometimes" an adapter may be purchased to use other threading types. Realize also some mini ecig threading are proprietary meaning you're stuck using that companies accessories- Kit may seem inexpensive but the operating costs are very high. You're also limited to using whatever they choose to sell.

2. Some brands I have seen are no nicotine E-Cigs and other brands have various levels of nicotine. I know each user has his or her own preferred level but Isn't E-Cigs supposed to help you get off real cigs? and if so, wouldn't you want an E-Cig with no nicotine? explain the use of nicotine vs. no nicotine in an E-Cig

Some vapers eventually want to wean themselves of vaping and thus the zero nic. I had 1 convert that smoked 1 PAD and he went straight to zero nic and was successful. Most vapers also begin at a high level of nicotine and gradually lower their nic intake. I began at 36 mg and am now down to 2 mg.

3. Some brands do not have or make carrying cases or a portable charger case. Can I just use any portable charger case with any E-Cig so long as the E-Cig fits the portable charger? Also how do I find a case for my E-cig so it doesn't break as I have read on here that the mini's can break easily.

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. PCCs (Personal Charging Case) are made for specific models and are the most expensive portion of that type of kit. The main complaint of cig sized batteries are the battery life. Realize each battery is good for maybe 200? recharges.
Battery Info: 100 mah= 1 hr normal vaping before recharge is needed.

4. Also some brands do not Tel you what brands of cigarettes compare to their tobacco flavored cartridges. For example, the Bull SMoke E-cig has a tobacco flavor called "American Ranger" which compares to Single Leaf Virginia Tobacco Brands. Another one is the "Refined Blend" which compares to Multi-leaf tobacco blend brands. They do not specifically state which brands of cigarrettes like Marlbro or Camel that these tobacco flavors compare too. I, like probably a majority of people do not really know my tobacco leaf, well except for the turkish blend only cause its on the Camels packs. Many people don't pay attention to that sort of detail. I just would like to know what the Tobacco flavors compare to in cigarette brands so I know what kind of flavor I am getting. If this makes any sense.

None really and the best tobacco juices I've found are the popular ones or the juice I DIY.

Generally the PV you purchase will be dependent on the number of analogs you smoked per day.

Best of Luck Tyler.

 

[mrcoolbp]

1. Are the "mini's" interchangable? Meaning are the cartridges interchangable? Can I take a cartridge from a Bu E-Cig and use it with a Bull Smoke E-Cig?

Components should be interchangeable within specific models which refers to screw thread size (901, 510, 808) but usually not between them. Also model # does not equal brands (example Vapor King is 808, ego uses 510 threads)

...wouldn't you want an E-Cig with no nicotine? explain the use of nicotine vs. no nicotine in an E-Cig.

Most people use nicotine to get them off analogue cigs, many will step down their nicotine eventually too. You could start with 18-24mg (or less if you are a very light smoker)

3. Some brands do not have or make carrying cases or a portable charger case. Can I just use any portable charger case with any E-Cig so long as the E-Cig fits the portable charger? Also how do I find a case for my E-cig so it doesn't break as I have read on here that the mini's can break easily.

As long as the thread match the PCC should work, though I recommend getting a starter kit that includes one (or at least get them from the same company) so you know they will work together. If you are dead-set on a mini style ecig, some recommended models that have PCCs might be Volt from Smokeless image, emini from Ovale (nearly identical to the eroll posted above actually), elite 808 from cigeasy, or possibly vapor king (not sure if that has a PCC). Still many people end up getting a larger battery system as the minis do not last very long. A very popular model is the ego, and there are many types. I personally love my Go-Go from cig-easy, although it has proprietary threads (it won't work with other models). Nice fuss-free vaping all day long!

4. Also some brands do not Tel you what brands of cigarettes compare to their tobacco flavors

Again, as many will tell you, forget what brand you smoked and just try to find a new flavor you like. Try the eliquid forum for suggestions.

Good luck, vape on.

 

[Tyler Adams]

Thank you for all the reply's. This is very good information. Honestly, at first look of the E-cigs I had no clue about the different styles. I thought they all just looked like cigarettes. after checking everything out it seems like E-cigs can get very sophisticated. I know most of the experienced users don't really use the mini's anymore except maybe as a backup. Just to me personally, the more sophisticated units seems like mini personal hookahs. I own a hookah and I love it. But honestly, I really couldn't see using one of the more sophisticated systems out in public because of the fact that not many people know about them and people might think I'm smoking some kind of drug and might hassle me about it. but the mini's so long as they don't look like a real cigarette, I don't see too many people really bothering me about it and even if they did I have a better chance of convincing them it's an electronic cigarette. But I am sure over time and use of an E-cig I will see the benefit of the more sophisticated ones and will get over the awkwardness of them. They also remind me of smoking cigars as they are bulky like a cigar. Honestly at this point like most newbies to E-cigs I just want to stick to the look and feel of a cigarette and then maybe I will check out the other models.

I plan on going to my local store today to look at some stuff and see what appeals to me and what I can try. Honestly what really holds me back in buying E-cigs is the hefty price tag associated with them especially since I'm not a real heavy user and a pack of cigs can last me a week. But I'm willing to give it a go and see what happens. Since I'm not a heavy smoker I think I will start out on one of the light nicotine flavors. and adjust from there, that way I don't get too strong of nicotine and essentially waste the money if I wont smoke it. So again thanks for all the info. I will most definitely keep it in mind today when shopping for a E-cig!

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Thank you for all the reply's. This is very good information. Honestly, at first look of the E-cigs I had no clue about the different styles. I thought they all just looked like cigarettes. after checking everything out it seems like E-cigs can get very sophisticated. I know most of the experienced users don't really use the mini's anymore except maybe as a backup. Just to me personally, the more sophisticated units seems like mini personal hookahs. I own a hookah and I love it. But honestly, I really couldn't see using one of the more sophisticated systems out in public because of the fact that not many people know about them and people might think I'm smoking some kind of drug and might hassle me about it. but the mini's so long as they don't look like a real cigarette, I don't see too many people really bothering me about it and even if they did I have a better chance of convincing them it's an electronic cigarette. But I am sure over time and use of an E-cig I will see the benefit of the more sophisticated ones and will get over the awkwardness of them. They also remind me of smoking cigars as they are bulky like a cigar. Honestly at this point like most newbies to E-cigs I just want to stick to the look and feel of a cigarette and then maybe I will check out the other models.

I plan on going to my local store today to look at some stuff and see what appeals to me and what I can try. Honestly what really holds me back in buying E-cigs is the hefty price tag associated with them especially since I'm not a real heavy user and a pack of cigs can last me a week. But I'm willing to give it a go and see what happens. Since I'm not a heavy smoker I think I will start out on one of the light nicotine flavors. and adjust from there, that way I don't get too strong of nicotine and essentially waste the money if I wont smoke it. So again thanks for all the info. I will most definitely keep it in mind today when shopping for a E-cig!

If you're a light smoker but wish for a strong hit you may want to consider the eRoll:



My last bit of advice...take your time in choosing.

 

[Grimwald]

I was a 40 year heavy smoker and here is what I did. I went to a single company where everything was compatible. (In my case that was Smokeless Image). I started with their cig-like bats, cartos, and juice...one stop shopping. I have branched out some over 8 months, especially for juice, but still buy mostly from that single source. I was able to ask questions in their forum down below, so that helped.

Juice was my biggest problem. I started with tobacco type flavors, but they quickly began to taste bad. I also made the mistake of "stocking up" on juices that I could not palate later. Your tastes will change, often suddenly, so just be prepared for that. Nothing tastes like a cigarette...nothing...don't even try...you will end up chasing your tail.

I would advise against gas station brands except for experimental or emergency use. Whatever you chose, remember, in the end, it's all disposable, so mostly it's not a long term investment. Just getting started with an ego, or volt, or eroll will teach you more than you can ever learn by reading here...you will learn by doing.