New to the Forum - Looking for Assistance

[The Sloth]

Hello,

I’ve been browsing this forum for the last couple days and have read some great information, so, I thought I would register. I’m sure my thread type has been posted many times before, but, with all the people that seem willing to help and share information on here, I thought I’d try and get some responses personalized to my situation.

I apologize in advance for the length of this post. I like to get a lot of information out in the open to start off with. I know it will deter some people from reading, but thank you to those who do.

I don’t vape or smoke cigarettes myself. However, I am in the process of helping a family member get off cigarettes and onto vaping and I am doing the research for them.

The person I am buying a setup for is a heavy smoker at about 2 packs a day and has been smoking for over thirty years.

I’ve read a lot about people starting out with cheap starter kits and then upgrade onto better builds. Preferably, I’d like to bypass the starter route and go for something of better quality and more customizable (unless that’s not recommended.)

What I am looking for is:

-Something for a heavy smoker (1-2 packs a day).

-A more moderately advanced option, so that the device is customizable and not just a starter set. I wanted to bypass the starter approach (unless you'd argue otherwise). I'm not sure if it's possible to start off with simulating the actual smoking experience as close as possible and then customizing the device to slowly move away from that. Such as starting with harder hits and then lowering them.

-Something that will last at least 8+ hours without needing to be charged.

-Reliability.

For the box, I was looking at either the MVP 3 or the iStick 50W.

For the tanks, some suggestions I had got from other people who vape are; The Aspire Atlantis, the Kanger Subtank, the Delta II, or the Nautilus Mini.

Could I get any suggestions on this? Whether the MVP 3 or the iStick 50W is recommended for a person new to vaping with the situation I mentioned above, or if a different box is recommended. As well as any information about the tanks.

Thank you very much.

 

[DaniB]

Welcome Sloth !

I think you have a pretty good handle on the situation. I think the iStick 50W is a great choice and any of the tanks you mentioned would be great. My personal preference would be the Kanger Subtank and for a newbie buy the prebuilt coils. I love the Delta II but it can be difficult to see the juice level in the tank and might frustrate a new vaper.

I was a 2 pack a day smoker when I quit in 2009. I started with the cigalikes and have worked my way up through all the new technology since then. I agree with skipping the cheap starter kits if at all possible. An iStick 50W and a subtank will provide a more satisfying experience than most of the starter kits or cigalike products. Just make sure they have a backup (2 batteries and 2 tanks at least).

 

[Treeburner1983]

Is the person you're buying it for up for switching from smoking to vaping? I know it's a healthier alternative, but as a recovering addict I can tell you that a person will not quit until THEY want to, even if they'd like to make someone else happy. Also, without having invested personally in the purchase they are more likely to go back to analogs without feeling like they've wasted money, which can be a strong motivator.

That being said, skipping the basic starter gear is a good idea, and will give the user a better experience than the cheap gear. However, even with a higher end setup you'll still need to have at least one backup, so two isticks and two tanks would be needed, in addition to replacement atomizer heads and ejuice.

-Treeburner

 

[Jockamo]

Most people follow a progression from cigalikes to replaceable coil atomizers then finally to the build your on coil systems.

You would want something with a tighter draw for mouth to lung inhales. I started with the Logic brand "power series" and their 2.4% nicotine strength. It was close to replicating smoking for me as a pack a day smoker. Get two kits and you can have one charging while the other is being used. Not ideal but maybe a better chance for the smoker to want to continue on the vaping journey. They cartomizers can be refilled a few times allowing you to try some off the shelf liquids.

The Nautilus Mini and the istick 50w would be a good pair. You probably won't need 50w but it does have a long lasting battery. Just have the logic around to use as a backup while figuring out the other, more advanced options.

 

[Metal Storm]

I wish I had started out with gear like you mention! He could probably quit with Aspire ETS tanks and a stick battery. I was a compulsive smoker for nearly as long as him and that's what I used. I might go with the smaller, less expensive iStick 30w and something that will hold a lot of juice like the Nautilus. The big Subtank looks nice too, though.

Most important is finding a few juices that he likes to vape. If he can do that, there is potential for him to forget about cigs entirely, like I have. You could drop $200 on gear but if he doesn't really enjoy vaping the juice he has, quitting will be more difficult, IMO. Have him go to some local shops and try some different flavors.

Welcome to the forum and good luck!

 

[Sir2fyablyNutz]

Hello Sloth and welcome to the forum. I have the iStick 50W and Nautilus Mini, and absolutely love it. With the IStick 50 the batteries don't need to be removed and placed on a charge. I was smoking heavier than you explained and the 4400 mah is more than enough for me.They take very little learning to use. The nicotine level is the most critical issue to success in quitting, in my experience. I started too low and struggled until I hit my level, the cravings disappeared and I am under a month cig free. If he is smoking marlboro red or similar you may want to start with a 2.4 (24) level. It's easy to lower nic level in juice by adding the same amount of lower, or VG from a drug store or walmart ($4). If he was smoking lights, you may want to try a 1.2 (12) level. Good luck.

 

[Susan~S]

Hello and welcome to the forum TheSloth. Glad to have you here!

For the box, I was looking at either the MVP 3 or the iStick 50W.

Either of those would be great. Both have comparable battery life. iStick is smaller and not as heavy.

For the tanks, some suggestions I had got from other people who vape are; The Aspire Atlantis, the Kanger Subtank, the Delta II, or the Nautilus Mini.

Most smokers are mouth-to-lunger inhailers they do not take the smoke directly into the lungs. Find out how your friend inhales, this will impact your decision. All but the Nautilus have very airy draws and produce a lot of vapor.

Watch these reviews by PBusardo & GrimmGreen for all the pros/cons of each.

I love the Nautilus (with the BVC's). The Atlantis I find mutes my flavors. No experience with the others YET.

1. The Aspire Atlantis
2. The Kanger SubTank
3. Mini & Nano Subtanks
4. The Joyetech Delta II
5. Nautilus Mini is HEAVENLY Also available in a larger size as well.

There is some concern about the wicking materials in the Nautilus, the Atlantis & the Delta II. Aspire has started making new coils for the Atlantis with 100% Cotton as the wick. These are not widely available yet. No confirmation yet from JoyeTech regarding the wicking material in the Delta II.

Aspire official statement on Atlantis coils material

 

[Jim Beam]

Greetings and welcome to the forums.
I been a long time heavy smoker and can relate to your friends needs.
Guys above given some sound advice.
But I'll put my two cent in.
Being his first time and it works pretty close to what your requesting.
Sigelei v5 is a excellent starter.
It a regulated box mod that either or 18350 or 18650 battery.
It only goes up to 6v or up to 15w.
More than enough to run a tank.
Far as tanks go, get one with adjustable airflow.
That way your friend can adjust it to his likings.
I started out with one & still use it.
I like using Panasonic 18650 10A batteries.
Being a heavy smoke they last 16 to 20hrs or more before recharging.
Easily can slip in another battery if needed.
Adjustable protank I can get coils for under eighty cents each and one last couple to three weeks.
If he a heavy hitter like me and buys too thick of juice and the wick runs dry to quick.
He can add a few drops of distilled water.
Vapes great all days.
Nic level 18m is a good level.
I tried 12 and went back to 18.
Sigelei v5,tank and batteries can be had for bout fifty buxs.
Not out of pocket much huh?
I also have twist batteries etc.
Dont use them anymore.

Jb

 

[Frenchfry1942]

8+ hours on a charge...MVP 3.0. Great power management.

 

[Hitmetwice]

You've received excellent advice so far and I'll just reinforce it and offer a couple suggestions.

Yes, he does need to be highly motivated to quit, he must be invested in it himself, at least with his time.
Ideally he should do his own research at some point because none of us knew what we really needed
until we found it for the most part. It is costly trying things until we find what works best, or "good enough" for each of us.

It is a gamble to "do this" for someone, they don't know their vaping needs so you most certainly won't.
It could be a big waste of money and cause resentment in the relationship, if you can accept all that
then.....

Take him to a vape shop, he may want a cigalike, most of us did in the begining at least until we researched and found them to be a very weak product. We wanted something that looked like and replicated smoking, right down to the flavour. This route is costly and most unsatisfying. Advize against it!
You are buying.

The most important part of your vape shop visit is the juice bar, finding a flavour or flavours is most important. Because if he can find at least one he truly likes then it's just a matter of finding what equipment it really shines on. (or the optimum power setting to use.)

For this reason I'd have him test flavours first to see what he likes, if any.

For hardware, you do have some great suggestions already but I have to add the ego one tank(2.5ml) to the list. It's relatively small(slim) at 19mm. but it packs a lot of punch for it's size and is under 20 bucks.
It uses either 1 ohm or 0.5 ohm coils and operates best between 20-35 watts. It is grab and go easy and is quite satisfying imo. Like the Delta 2 turning it upside down makes it easier to see if it needs topped up with juice...not hard. Adjustable airflow is important, this has it too.

Juice flavour will change at higher wattages however so be aware that if he tested flavours on a low wattage device the flavour at higher wattages may not be to his liking. Test flavours one more time using the hardware you're buying before purchasing the liquid.

I recommend NOT getting back-ups at the start because you may just end up with two units he won't use.
Unless you get a different item for back-up.

So to sum up I'd say an istick 30 or 50, and a ego one tank with a 1 ohm coil and a 0.5 ohm coil to start,
he will like one coil over the other, then go back and grab a few replacements.

That is my 2 cents on this, it's what I 'd do if possible.

Hope you can find what HE is looking for. Cheers.

 

[dhood]

Welcome Sloth. Nice to see someone interested enough to do research for someone else. Of the two batteries, either one would be and excellent starting point. Both would be guaranteed to last more than a day. Of the tanks, I'm not sure if the Atlantis, the Subtank, or the Delta would be a good starter tank. Most smokers do it mouth to lung and those tanks are more for inhaling directly into the lungs. I own both a Subtank and a Nautilus mini and the Nautilus is definitely easier to replicate the "feel" of smoking. The major difference in the move to vaping is that he is used to inhaling hot, dry air from something burning. Vaping involves inhaling something considerably more moist. For me, it initially felt like I was inhaling water/steam. Kind of like walking into a steam room - it takes your lungs a bit to adapt. And he has to want to quit. It's impossible to replicate the flavor of a burning cigarette. So, flavors will be a big factor in the transition. A trip to a local vape shop to test flavors might be in order. If he wants to quit and can find two flavors he enjoys, chances are he will be successful.

 

[ElevenEleven]

Either the Delta II or the Nautilus mini. You can tighten up the draw with the Delta II for mouth to lung hits. The Nautilus mini can do mouth to lung on any air flow setting.

I cannot recommend the Subtank or Atlantis, and no one here should be recommending these to a beginner. No beginning vaper will enjoy that due to it being so different from the real deal.

 

[mizunoboy]

Virtually anything you get will be better than smoking,I was 30+ a day and the best thing I did was start vaping and then the fun really begins,doing different coils and set ups and then making your own juices.I dont want another cancer stick EVER and feel gr8t that I have found another passion after my golf!ha,good luck.

 

[edyle]

Hello,

I’ve been browsing this forum for the last couple days and have read some great information, so, I thought I would register. I’m sure my thread type has been posted many times before, but, with all the people that seem willing to help and share information on here, I thought I’d try and get some responses personalized to my situation.

I apologize in advance for the length of this post. I like to get a lot of information out in the open to start off with. I know it will deter some people from reading, but thank you to those who do.

I don’t vape or smoke cigarettes myself. However, I am in the process of helping a family member get off cigarettes and onto vaping and I am doing the research for them.

The person I am buying a setup for is a heavy smoker at about 2 packs a day and has been smoking for over thirty years.

I’ve read a lot about people starting out with cheap starter kits and then upgrade onto better builds. Preferably, I’d like to bypass the starter route and go for something of better quality and more customizable (unless that’s not recommended.)

What I am looking for is:

-Something for a heavy smoker (1-2 packs a day).

-A more moderately advanced option, so that the device is customizable and not just a starter set. I wanted to bypass the starter approach (unless you'd argue otherwise). I'm not sure if it's possible to start off with simulating the actual smoking experience as close as possible and then customizing the device to slowly move away from that. Such as starting with harder hits and then lowering them.

-Something that will last at least 8+ hours without needing to be charged.

-Reliability.

For the box, I was looking at either the MVP 3 or the iStick 50W.

For the tanks, some suggestions I had got from other people who vape are; The Aspire Atlantis, the Kanger Subtank, the Delta II, or the Nautilus Mini.
Could I get any suggestions on this? Whether the MVP 3 or the iStick 50W is recommended for a person new to vaping with the situation I mentioned above, or if a different box is recommended. As well as any information about the tanks.

Thank you very much.

Those suggestions sound good.
Also, for an easy to use setup with the option to customize later is the subtank, because it comes with an optional rebuildable head.

 

[The Sloth]

Thank you very much to everyone who has responded. All the information has been a tremendous help and was much more than I was originally expecting to receive.

There were a couple posts with concerns about me doing the research for someone else – they are motivated to attempt the switch over to vaping, and I am just conducting most of the research to pass onto them as I’m a lot savvier when it comes to navigating around looking for this stuff on the internet.

After reading all the information, I had a few follow up questions:

1) I saw a couple posts recommending the iStick 30W over the 50W. What’s the difference between the two when it comes to the difference in wattage? Is it just the length of the battery of the two, or is there something more to the increase in wattage?

2) I saw a post or two about different coil sizes. How do you go about determining which coil size to use? Or is this something I shouldn’t be worrying about when new to all this?

3) I saw about having a backup battery. Does this just refer to having a backup iStick or is there an actually replaceable battery inside of it?

4) After reading through the posts, I was considering purchasing the iStick 30W or 50W, along with probably the nautilus mini. So, to complete my setup, what do I all need with my purchase? I would have to purchase the iStick, the Nautilus Mini, the juice, and I’m not sure what else, such as if I need replacement coils or any other parts.

Also, if there’s any other pieces of information that would aid me, feel free to let me know. I may be overlooking some things or getting in too much over my head as a beginner.

Thank you in advance for any answers.

 

[Susan~S]

My comments are in red.

1) I saw a couple posts recommending the iStick 30W over the 50W. What’s the difference between the two when it comes to the difference in wattage? Is it just the length of the battery of the two, or is there something more to the increase in wattage?
Some tanks/coils operate better at higher wattage. The mini nautilus won't need 50 watts (though the 50 watt iStick is a bigger battery -- longer lasting -- 2200mah vs 4400mah). My Nautilus runs best below 18 watts. Any higher, the coils/wicks can't feed the juice fast enough to keep up (i.e. I get dry hits/burnt taste).

Here is Matt [edited] vaping a Nautilus at 20 watts[/URL]<=video link

2) I saw a post or two about different coil sizes. How do you go about determining which coil size to use? Or is this something I shouldn’t be worrying about when new to all this?
With the Nautilus (and a 30 watt iStick) it doesn't really matter which ohm coil you use. Make sure to purchase the BVC's for Nautilus. (as long as you are ok with the wicking materials used in these coils - my previous post).

3) I saw about having a backup battery. Does this just refer to having a backup iStick or is there an actually replaceable battery inside of it?
The iStick has an internal battery. The comment regarding having a backup concern having a second devise in case something happens and your main APV is not working.

4) After reading through the posts, I was considering purchasing the iStick 30W or 50W, along with probably the nautilus mini. So, to complete my setup, what do I all need with my purchase? I would have to purchase the iStick, the Nautilus Mini, the juice, and I’m not sure what else, such as if I need replacement coils or any other parts.
You would be set EXCEPT for replacement coils. You would need to purchase these.

Also, if there’s any other pieces of information that would aid me, feel free to let me know. I may be overlooking some things or getting in too much over my head as a beginner.

Thank you in advance for any answers.

 

[torzonborz]

Greetings and welcome to the forums.

 

[Foggyroomz]

These guys are giving you outstanding advice now here's some more to add to it. I was 2.5 pack a day 30+ year smoker and quit using a SVD and a pro-tank2 with an airflow control base. I used 24mg e-juice and the thing is I never vaped a tobacco flavor it was something I did so that the taste of a cig became revolting, less chance of reverting back. My device choice was driven by a couple different things 1) I already had 18650 batteries because of the LED flashlight I used at work 2) I had a flashlight holder I could modify to carry the mod in. I work in a rail yard and always crawling in on and under the railcars so my mod needed secured 3) they didn't have as many options for devices like the I-Stick's and mini box mods like they do now. Things to consider what does this person do for work, secure carry abilities are paramount for a laborer. Will this person be able to carry spare batteries if need be or do they need something that will last a good bit and charge while they sleep? These were things I took into account when buying
my first setup now my all day carry is my Sigelei 150 watt box with a Kanger Sub-tank mini at 25.5 watts carried in an oversized cell phone case. If conditions allow I agree buy the 50 watt I-Stick and a Nautilus tank and if they want a different atomizer let him seek an upgrade when ready. Good luck and welcome to ECF family we're always willing to help where we can

 

[torzonborz]

Do you know the 20W iStick named EARL from Fasttech?
What do you think about its quality, because for me it worked one hour only.

 

[SteveDouglas]

like HitMeTwice said above, the Ego One would be a good chpice, but get the Ego One XL with 2200mah battery for longer usage, and start him off with the 1.0 ohm coil which has a tighter airflow for mouth to lung inhales....I was initially slightly skepticak as to whether vaoing would work for me, and next week I celebrate one year of vaping with 0 analogue cigarettes! Worth a shot I say!