New to ECF / Vaping - Feeling overwhelmed!

[loft]

Allow me to introduce myself... I am William, a long time smoker for my age... started smoking at the age of 13 and that was with Lucky Strikes... and now, being 28 and was completely hooked on Newports... well - I decided to try an ecig and see how it worked. The biggest reason is my health, and second being cost of analog cigarettes. I smoke roughly two packs a day - or should say used to... anyhow...

A co-worker of mine was using a SmokeTip ecig and explained how awesome it was, etc... so I nabbed their starter kit. I am still using it... (Mind you, I've only had it since the evening of 1/26/11) and well, while it kills the "craving", I find myself not completely pleased/satisfied. I still run back to my Newports after I eat a meal, or when I first wake up... but I find the less of them I smoke, the more they taste HORRIBLE! But... the menthol for SmokeTip just doesn't cut it. So I did a little googling and stumbled on V4L and ordered two packs of Nuports... one pack being 36mg and the other being 24mg. I am waiting for them to show up but I have a feeling that I'm still going to be turned off by the burning taste.

As far as what I need... I am hoping to be harassed as little as possible while using the device. I don't mind explaining what it is to people at work, but when I am out in public or at a bar I really don't want to go into a long discussion of explaining what it is to non-smokers. I think that is why SmokeTip appealed to me so much. But I really am looking for low hassle, longer lasting (for cartridges - I think they're called, or cartomizers?), decent vapor, decent "throat hit" (I want to feel it but not choke/vomit from it)... Charging it isn't an issue as I always have access to a USB port and/or AC to USB. I work for Comcast (please, hold off on the jokes) so I also want as little criticism from the workplace as well.

I did a little more research on here and just generally browsing other websites and here is where I'm getting overwhelmed. So what would you guys recommend? I really don't want to touch another analog but right now I feel as though I need to it compensate for the lack of satisfaction from the SmokeTip...

tl;dr - New to vaping, need low hassle/high efficiency alternative to SmokeTip that also looks "acceptable" in public.

 

[toddos]

The SmokeTip is a good place for you to start. It's a KR808D-1 PV, which is one of the more powerful/longer lasting mini-cig styles. You've already found V4L, so you're off to a good start in terms of using decent vendors. When your V4L order arrives, you'll get a stack of business cards that you can carry and hand out if people ask you about it so that you don't have to go into a 5 minute spiel every time. Also, you might consider a longer battery (V4L's Vapor King XL, for example) or a PCC if you find yourself away from a charging source for too long.

Congrats, and stick with it. Don't be surprised if you end up liking the attention and/or deciding that looks aren't so important and moving on to crazy big battery mods and such

 

[loft]

I was also looking at NHaler but the thought of dripping/topping off seems like a lot of extra work... lol. If V4L comes with cards for me to hand out then that's fantastic, but I'm not really the type for attention. I mind my business and do what I need to do.

I forgot to mention that I did order a PCC from SmokeTip and it should be here tomorrow, along with a black battery from them.

 

[Rosa]

I'm with toddos, you probably just need a PCC. Also, do you know what mg nicotine you are currently vaping? Because the 24mg should do wonders for you. The KR808D-1 cartomizers come in tons of flavors so you should shop around, don't just stick with one vendor lots of vendors carry cartos for the 808.

 

[Rosa]

I was also looking at NHaler but the thought of dripping/topping off seems like a lot of extra work... lol. If V4L comes with cards for me to hand out then that's fantastic, but I'm not really the type for attention. I mind my business and do what I need to do.

I forgot to mention that I did order a PCC from SmokeTip and it should be here tomorrow, along with a black battery from them.

You will want to start paying attention to mAh when you investigate new e-cigs. You don't want to get something with less mAh's then you currently have.

 

[loft]

I ordered the 16mg starter kit and ordered both 24mg & 36mg strengths from V4L to experiment in case one wasn't enough.

 

[toddos]

One more recommendation -- if you're currently using an automatic battery, consider getting a manual as well. Assuming you don't require the ability to just dangle the PV from your lips and take a toke every now and then (which isn't going to work well with PVs anyway, since batteries are a lot heavier than paper and tobacco), you'll quickly get used to hitting a button before vaping and you'll find that the draw and vapor is generally better from a manual than an automatic. It looks like the SmokeTip batteries are auto-only.

 

[loft]

One more recommendation -- if you're currently using an automatic battery, consider getting a manual as well. Assuming you don't require the ability to just dangle the PV from your lips and take a toke every now and then (which isn't going to work well with PVs anyway, since batteries are a lot heavier than paper and tobacco), you'll quickly get used to hitting a button before vaping and you'll find that the draw and vapor is generally better from a manual than an automatic. It looks like the SmokeTip batteries are auto-only.

With a manual will I have to time button press with my inhaling so I don't burn out the atomizer? I actually can't stand dangling anything from my lip and always have the PV in my hand. Yes, SmokeTip batteries are auto.

 

[Rosa]

yes, manual batteries are the way to go. And it's ok to press it for a second before or after inhaling - as long as you don't hold it pressed for long periods of time. Most vapers prefer manual batteries. There's a poll around here somewhere....

 

[Renro]

Hi and welcome.

I know just how you feel about being overwhelmed. I would recommend reading through the Ask a Vet page and also the PV (mouse over the PV) specific page and of course all the "stickies" on the New Forum page - there are some really great videos and user guides - well worth the time and effort to explore.

I started with and am still using a SmokeTip and am adding a fat bat model soon.

Use the 30 day warranty and return it. Just contact customer service for the details Help. I've found their customer service to be extremely competent and they honor their warranties.

You might need a higher nicotine level than you can purchase through ST. For some reason they can't import levels higher than 16mg? And then read through all the "Menthol" threads. It's going to take some time for you to find what works best for you, but it is SO worth it.

Keep in mind also that your taste is going to change. The less you smoke tobacco, the more you will be able to taste.

A suggestion. If you work in the call centers, you don't need an ultra long lasting battery, but if you are a field tech, you might want to explore those models as an option. BUT the long lasting the battery, the less they are going to look like cigarettes.

Best of luck to you. I hope you quickly find what works for you, Vaping is a beautiful thing.

 

[toddos]

With a manual will I have to time button press with my inhaling so I don't burn out the atomizer? I actually can't stand dangling anything from my lip and always have the PV in my hand. Yes, SmokeTip batteries are auto.

You'll quickly get the hang of timing the button press with your inhale. It's also more like, "press the button, wait a second, start inhale, let go of button a second or so before finishing the inhale, done." It sounds complicated, but after an hour or so it'll become second nature and if you have another analog you'll wonder where the button is that you need to press before inhaling

 

[Rosa]

Here it is:

Manual or Automatic batteries? - View Poll Results

 

[loft]

Use the 30 day warranty and return it. Just contact customer service for the details Help. I've found their customer service to be extremely competent and they honor their warranties.

A suggestion. If you work in the call centers, you don't need an ultra long lasting battery, but if you are a field tech, you might want to explore those models as an option. BUT the long lasting the battery, the less they are going to look like cigarettes.

I'm not going to return it. My girlfriend has expressed a pretty good interest in wanting to try the SmokeTip so I ordered her some cartridges for 'Cowboy', since she smokes Marlboro's. If she likes it, then it will be worth it to keep. And yes, I work in the call center so thankfully I won't need a foot long battery hanging out of my mouth.

You'll quickly get the hang of timing the button press with your inhale. It's also more like, "press the button, wait a second, start inhale, let go of button a second or so before finishing the inhale, done." It sounds complicated, but after an hour or so it'll become second nature and if you have another analog you'll wonder where the button is that you need to press before inhaling

I can just picture myself squeezing the analog and probably burning a hole in my shirt or something... lmao

Here it is:

Manual or Automatic batteries? - View Poll Results

Thank you!

 

[dormouse]

Do you know you can refill cartomizers? Cartomizers need refills less often than carts (carts are what is used on a 3-piece ecig). And there are some new Clearomizers which might hold more liquid but need a special filling kit syringe to fit (I think).

Save those carto condoms (the clear covers shipped on the ends of the V4L cartos). One way to put juice in cartos is to shove it in with the carto condom. Two demos...
Carto condom filling and maximizing
YouTube - A double demo! The Cartomizer Condom Filling Method, and the Taryn Spin.
Removing the jucie from a carto and putting it in another
YouTube - Reverse Taryn Spin

And some standard cartos have an easy to remove soft-cap on the mouth end - then you can also pop that out and drip juice down the inner sides while rotating it. Take the carto off the battery first and I recommend holding a tissue against the hole in the threaded end. When done, if any has dripped out the threaded end then wipe dry well then I puff lightly into the threaded end of the carto to make sure the air channel is clear of juice. Then put the soft-cap back on.

I also recommend manual batteries for consistent hits and less work.

 

[PapaBloog]

Congrats on your decision and welcome to ECF!

First off, the SmokeTip what is commonly called a 'rebranded' KR808D-1 - and there are a large number of vendors that support this product line. It'll probably take a few months to sift thru all the data - the KR808D-1 has many loyal followers. It is, however, a 'cartomizer' system - you only have to plug to the carto into the battery to begin using it...

As far as getting more 'life' out of your cartos, if you stick with pre-fills, you'll find that they don't match with vendor claims that '1 carto=1 pack of cigs' - simply not the case for most e-cigarette users of any type, style, brand ... although, your mileage may vary. This is true of any 'prefilled' flavor available.

What you'll find, as I think most of us did, is that you will need to refill your cartos with some e-juice available from a large number of vendors - and - from what I found, menthol is really, really hard to imitate for the simple matter that combustable product versus steam or 'vapor' are different. I have heard, and I think I'll give these guys a try based on several recommendations, that FreedomSmokesUSA has the best 'nuport' and best 'kool' menthol available. By using juice, your carto performance and longevity will soon enough meet your needs ... and, if it doesn't, you may find yourself in the market for a larger unit called a 'juice feeder mod'... but, let's stick to the basics.

In addition to the equipment, the juice itself contributes to the throat hit (TH) - nic level is also a contributor - so, some experimentation is required on your part to find the juice, the nic level, and the TH that we call a vaper's 'sweet spot'. Once you find it, you'll never look back and will be free from analogs...

 

[loft]

dormouse I just watched those videos and I must say, I don't fear refilling now! Thank you SO much for providing those links to me! What I am wondering... how long will cartomizers last filling them like that?

PapaBloog, now I will have to do some testing. Generally I am averaging 1.5 cartomizers per day so I was feeling that SmokeTip's claims were pretty accurate.

 

[toddos]

I started filling using the condom technique, but now I just drip into the carto. Depending on the carto (I'm mostly using V4L CoolCarts), it'll take 30-35 drops for a complete fill using a modified spin technique (if you've ever packed a can of dip, I basically use that motion. Which is funny because I've never dipped, but I learned how to do that almost two decades ago in school and the skill never left me). I top up as soon as the flavor starts getting a little funky (it won't take you many tries to learn when that is), after which the cartos will take another 10-15 drops.

If I'm chain-vaping on my PT, I'll top up anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour of vaping. If I'm on the go and not vaping non-stop, I may not top up at all or only top up once in a day. But I make sure to have several cartos ready to go if I'm not going to be able to top up. Save the carboard box the 5-pack cartos come in, as it's very useful for carrying around a day's supply. Also save some clean condoms to cap your cartos for transport just in case there's any liquid spillage and to minimize whatever evaporation may happen.

Edit: I realized I didn't necessarily answer "how long will they last". I'm just finishing my third week of vaping, and so far I've only tossed out a handful of cartos. Most of those were before I started refilling, but some got tossed because they stopped producing good vapor after too many refills. If you're cleaning your cartos periodically (toss them in boiling water for ~15 minutes, rinse them with cold water, blow out any excess, and let them dry overnight), you should be able to make a single carto last weeks or even months.

 

[RubenX]

I was (am?) overwhelmed as well. The mayor concern was spending too much money on something that might or might not work. I hate buying something and then not using it because I got something better. But after seeing all the money I'm saving (not buying analogs anymore), I'm like who cares! lol I can buy a new model every month and still have money to spare.

Welcome...

 

[VapNfool]

Heya loft! Welcome to ECF. Renro had a similar situation and I posted a response that seemed to help....soooo...thought I'd drop the same one in here for you. Hope it helps!

You really have two basic choices from where you sit. Stay with a "slim line" ecig like the one you have or move to a big battery solution. Let's look at these two options

SLIM LINE - Right now, I use a VaporKing from V4L http://store.vapor4life.com/and I am VERY happy with it (though I'm adding a new variable voltage big battery mod...the ProVari...to my stable). The VaporKing uses what is known as a KR808D-1 battery. You will find this same battery marketed by different vendors on the web but the VaporKing is the one from VaporForLife. You can get various starter kits from V4L or just piece together the items you want to build your own kit. They have an assortment of battery colors and the "jewel" and "camo-stealth" batteries too. They also have a ton of flavors to choose from. You can get these in an automatic or manual battery styles. With an auto battery, you just put it to your mouth and pull like you would an analog (cigarette). With a manual battery, you do the same but they have a little button that you hold down as you pull. This button activates the battery to fire the atomizer in the cartomizer. The autos are no-hassle and convenient. The manuals give a bit better vapor and may last a bit longer. Anyhooo, here's the kit I bought that comes with everything:



V4L IS PROUD TO PRESENT:
THE ULTIMATE ULTIMATUM VAPOR KING KIT WITH PORTABLE CHARGING CASE
2 Automatic Batteries
1 USB Passthrough
1 Portable Charging Case
1 Carrying Case-Your choice of Color
1 VK USB Charger
1 VK Wall Charger
1 VK Car Adapter
1 BOX OF 5 VK CARTOMIZERS- Choose one Flavor/Strength

There are other starter kits as well for less money depending on what you want to begin with. Anyway, I highly recommend the VaporKing. One great thing about the KR808 is that is is a 2-piece unit...the battery and the cartomizer. NOTE: A cartomizer is simply an atomizer that is built-in to a cartridge (the part that holds the liquid). A 2-piece unit like the VaporKing is very easy and convenient to use obviously becasue there are only two pieces. You screw a cartomizer on and you're vaping! Another advantage is that you can simply screw one flavored carto on, vape it awhile, then take it off and screw another flavor on. These cartos are also disposable when they run dry but you can also refill them if you want to keep using them and save money (which I recommend). Just get some e-juice and refill them yourself. This is the way to go because it is MUCH cheaper to clean and refill your cartomizers. I even buy blanks and fill them up myself. Don't worry, there are plenty of YouTube videos out there that show you step-by-step how to clean and refill a carto. For example, here are two of them:

YouTube - Care and Feeding of Cartomizers Part 1

YouTube - Care And Feeding of Cartomizers Part 2

It's really very easy to do so don't worry about it. After you do it even one time, you'll get the hang of it.

The other popular model is any of the 510 stuff. These are basically the same as the 808 but the threads on the battery are different. There is one more major difference though...the 510s typically are 3-piece units (battery, atomizer, and cartridge). These do not have the atomizer buitl-in to the cartridge so they have one more piece than the 808s and you have to buy new atomizers and cartridegs separately. These are very good units too though and LOTS of people use them are are very pleased. It's a matter of preference. From what you posted though, it sounds like the 808 will be more suitable to your needs. In any case the Joye 510 or the Volcano Magma are good choices if you want a 510 unit. Here's the Joye 510 from Joye 510, Joye eGo, Electronic Cigarettes, Personal Vaporizer, E-Liquid Smoke Juice in a basic starter kit format:



The Joye 510 Starter Kit comes complete with the following:

(1) Instruction Manual
(2) JOYE 510 Atomizers
(2) Batteries
(1) Joye 510 Standard Charger
(5) Free Prefilled Cartridges (Type/Color dependent on availability)

And here's the Volcano Magma Deluxe Starter Kit:



The Deluxe kit includes:
(1) Gift Box
(2) M-Batteries
(1) M-Pack
(1) Atomizer
(1) Wall Charger
(1) USB Charger
(25) Cartridges in the strength and flavor of your choosing!


Now, about the big battery solutions. There are quite a few of these out there but basically, the most popular ones use either the 808 cartomizers or the 510 atomizer/cartridge setups but with much larger batteries. In truth, the 808s are more limited in the big battery arena and the go-to model if you want to use the 808 cartomizers is the PigCig from LeCig:



•(2) 650ma/H Batteries ( Black, Chrome or Gold finish* )
•(5) Pack of Mega Cartomizers 2.3 ohm (Available in Reds 16mg, Tobacco 16mg, Menthol 16mg and Blanks)
•(1) Cone
•(1) USB Rapid Charger
•(1) Wall Charger
•Instructions
•Gift Box
•Works with regular LeCig D1 and Vapriot Cartomizers as well! (Vapriot needs D1 to D2 Adaptors)

There are several 510 big battery versions such as the:

Volcano Inferno - Volcano Fine Electronic Cigarette...home of the best eCig


EGo - Joye 510, Joye eGo, Electronic Cigarettes, Personal Vaporizer, E-Liquid Smoke Juice


T-Rex - Buy E-Cigarette Kits, E-Liquid & Accessories online | Kingpincigs


Riva - VaporJunction.com


Leo - VaporJunction.com


Any of these units are quality items that will provide you with extended battery use. They are good choices if you want to carry one unit around with you and not have to carry other batteries or charge the batteries as often. These units do not look like a cigarette either so be aware of this as well.

As far as e-juice and nicotine levels go...you can buy cartomizers, cartridges, and bottles of juice in a variety of nicotine levels from many vendors. So, if you feel 16mg might be too much, try something around 12 or even 8. You can test these and find what's right for you. So, there you have some info that may be useful to you. Again, from what you have posted, I would recommend the VaporKing. I use it and it has performed very well for me. I have no complaints and the V4L customer servicce has been stellar for me. They even send me freebie stuff cartomizers, battery, etc.) each time I order something from them. I am going to get a big battery PV (personal vaporizer) too so that I have the best of both worlds but that is not a neccessity. I just want another option. You may not. It's up to you.

Hopefully, this will help you find what you're looking for in an e-cig. Also, I absolutely recommend that you read DonDaBoomVape's 6 part series on e-cigs here on ECF. It's a MUST read for anyone looking into the move to an e-cig. Very well-written and extremely informative. I recommend it heartily!

The ECF Library

Good luck to you and keep asking questions here on ECF. There are a TON of people are very willing annd able to help you!! VAPE ON AND ENJOY!!

 

[loft]

I started filling using the condom technique, but now I just drip into the carto. Depending on the carto (I'm mostly using V4L CoolCarts), it'll take 30-35 drops for a complete fill using a modified spin technique (if you've ever packed a can of dip, I basically use that motion. Which is funny because I've never dipped, but I learned how to do that almost two decades ago in school and the skill never left me). I top up as soon as the flavor starts getting a little funky (it won't take you many tries to learn when that is), after which the cartos will take another 10-15 drops.

If I'm chain-vaping on my PT, I'll top up anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour of vaping. If I'm on the go and not vaping non-stop, I may not top up at all or only top up once in a day. But I make sure to have several cartos ready to go if I'm not going to be able to top up. Save the carboard box the 5-pack cartos come in, as it's very useful for carrying around a day's supply. Also save some clean condoms to cap your cartos for transport just in case there's any liquid spillage and to minimize whatever evaporation may happen.

Edit: I realized I didn't necessarily answer "how long will they last". I'm just finishing my third week of vaping, and so far I've only tossed out a handful of cartos. Most of those were before I started refilling, but some got tossed because they stopped producing good vapor after too many refills. If you're cleaning your cartos periodically (toss them in boiling water for ~15 minutes, rinse them with cold water, blow out any excess, and let them dry overnight), you should be able to make a single carto last weeks or even months.

I am really interested in refilling instead of constantly purchasing cartomizers. I don't think I'll be chain vaping because I do get the occasional dry mouth from vaping but I am adjusting to that as well. How many times (average) can a cartomizer be refilled? And now to find some Nuport e-liquid I think...? Should I get blank cartomizers as well to start or just refill the SmokeTip & V4L's for now? And when cleaning do I need to disassemble the cartomizer or throw them in as a whole unit?