New to this... with a few questions on a good setup

[Mitey F]

I'm only a few days into vaping (and "quitting" smokes), but I'm already hooked. Partially because I can smoke inside, partially because it's better for my health, partially because it's "cheaper" than smokes, and partially because I love gadgets.

I started with the regular ego-c setup, and within a day or two had picked up some other bits from local shops (it's SO nice not having to order online!), and now find myself with more than 3 complete PV's already. Being the gear ..... that I am, I'm looking to set up the "perfect" (I know it won't be the first time around, but looking to work my way there) setup for me.

Right now I'm primarily using the ego-V LCD battery, with a CE4 topper. The ego V is great. Simple, cheap and useful. The CE4 is working well, but a bit of a hassle to fill (compared to the stock ego-C cartridges), and I'm not a huge wick fan. I'd like a regular carto-gutted piece.

Here's what I'm looking for
Battery - nice, not ridiculously expensive, VV, (perhaps VW?), preferably with an LCD instead of a "twist" function
Carto/clearo/tank - I'd like something with a carto (no wicks!), less than (or near) 2ml, that is very durable (glass is preferred over plastic), and prefer clear. I like the tube/endcap setup of a tank, but want something much smaller than the huge 6ml tanks

I'm a fabricator/installer by trade, so this will spend a lot of time in the pocket of my carharts/jeans, so I need something hefty, without being super bulky. Obviously the buttons must have a locking feature (as it seems most do). I prefer the topper threads to be female (unlike the tanks that have the small, male threads, and seem a bit fragile to me).

I have no problem spending $100 or just a bit more to get a really nice setup that is unlikely to leave me "wanting" in the near future.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Links to possible products?

 

[drewbalicious]

The most advanced variable voltage electronic cigarette Not the cheapest kit out there. But definitely a good starting point. Should keep you happy for awhile.

 

[Baditude]

It might be tough finding a really tough, durable variable voltage mod in your price range. The Provari http://www.provape.com/# is one of the toughest mods made, but it will put you back $165, and that's with no batteries or charger. Many of the foreign variable voltage mods have a history of rather flimsy bodies that won't likely survive a drop without damage like the Provari can. Be mindful that many of the foreign made mods can not be repaired after warranty.

Maybe consider the Silver Bullet as a starting point. It's not variable voltage, but you can add a Kick later on to be able to adjust your voltage (see bottom of this post). The Silver Bullet is an extremely tough, durable mod that is also highly manufacted. The threads on the battery cap are smoothly machined. The connector pin is solid. The switch is one of the best in the trade. It is available in a wide variety of colors. Made in the USA - Altsmoke will continue to service it at cost after the warranty expires. It uses an 18650 battery that will last all day.

$85 for the tube only - AltSmoke.com | Personal Vaporizers | Electronic Cigarette | Ecigs | Silver Bullet - Silver Bullet - Starter Kits.

Xtar single bay battery charger $11 Battery Chargers : Xtar MP1S.

18650 batteries - Genuine AW Batteries at RTD Vapor

click to enlarge

Silver Bullet showing a Kick in the battery tube. Silver Bullet showing a 3.5ml Smoktech dct polypropylene tank.
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For a cartotank with the capacity that you desired, I recommend the following two:



Smoktech polypropylene plastic DCT tank
510 Pro DCTank Combo These are available in a 3.5ml and 6ml liquid capacity. Both use a 45mm XL carto. The kit from this vendor comes with metal caps, drip tip, and 5 pre-punched cartos of your choice of single/dual coil, ohm resistance, and number of holes for $21.35.




IBTanked - Get Tanked With Us! These pyrex glass cartotanks are available in a standard size (1.5ml capacity using a 35mm standard length carto) and an XL size (2.0ml capacity using a 45mm XL carto). Either acrylic or stainless steel endcaps are available. Prices start at under $20.

Above pic shows the 19mm diameter XL and standard size tanks on Provari's. Second pic shows the XL 19mm tanks on a Silver Bullet, Provari, and BB.
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For a "Kicked Silver Bullet", you will need an extender sleeve $25 AltSmoke.com | Personal Vaporizers | Electronic Cigarette | Ecigs | Silver Bullet - Kick Sleeve - Mod Accessories - Accessories and the Kick $45 Super T Manufacturing, Innovative manufacturer of electronic cigarette products.

 

[Mitey F]

Thanks! Very helpful. Sounds like I may need to up my ante on the battery front. Or maybe I'll wait until my ego-v kicks the can, and then upgrade. I think I'll try one of the IBTanked setups, they seem high quality at a reasonable price.

One other question... what's the difference between the single/dual coil? Advantages/disadvantages?

 

[Baditude]

double post - deleted

 

[Baditude]

One other question... what's the difference between the single/dual coil? Advantages/disadvantages?

One has one heating coil, the other has two. Preference is subjective. I advise trying both out to see which YOU prefer.

Dual coils were allegedly created to allow fixed voltage batteries to produce more vapor. More coils = more vapor, right? Well, there are those experienced vapors who will argue that for dual coil cartos to truly shine, they need at least 4.5v of power to get both coils to function properly. So, do they work? Again, I say it depends upon each individuals experience and preference.

I happen to prefer a "cooler" vape. I found the dual coil cartos to be on the harsh side and occassionally make my flavors taste burnt. I theorize (not confirmed by science) that the upper heating coil doesn't stay as moist as the lower coil, as the holes in cartos are place in the lower end of the carto near the connector pin to the battery. If the upper coil doesn't get enough juice, it will burn the little sock that it is enclosed in and possibly the polyfill itself, resulting in the burnt taste. And once a carto gets that burnt taste, its trashed. There's no way to remove it.

Since I switched to single coil cartos I've rarely experienced that burnt taste again. And since my battery is only firing a single coil instead of two, it is enjoying a longer time between charges. So that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ego-type-models/242243-anatomy-dual-coil-cartomizer-pics-inside.html#post4634685


click images to enlarge

Edit: Oh, I forgot to mention. You can put either single coil or dual coil cartos in any cartotank. Just be certain that the length of the tank and carto match up. Short tanks use a 35mm carto, longer tanks use a 45mm carto.

 

[Tonytiger1]

I know I'm going to get blasted here. But you say no wicks. But I find the genisis atty to be the best. Also a 1865o mod. Not sure how much you smoked or what. But I couldn't completely quit until I got one.
See if you can try one. It will make you a believer.

Tony

 

[Baditude]

...this will spend a lot of time in the pocket of my carharts/jeans

I know I'm going to get blasted here. But you say no wicks. But I find the genisis atty to be the best. Also a 1865o mod. Not sure how much you smoked or what. But I couldn't completely quit until I got one.
See if you can try one. It will make you a believer.

Tony

Is this a pocket-worthy device"? Original poster is looking for something durable to carry in his pocket at work.

Consider yourself blasted.

 

[Tonytiger1]

Is this a pocket-worthy device"? Original poster is looking for something durable to carry in his pocket at work.

Consider yourself blasted.

You can fling it across the room. I carry it in my shirt pocket all the time at work or in back pocket with jeans switch can be locked but no need.

Tony

 

[Mitey F]

I had always heard bad things about the wick systems... but now that I've been vaping on my CE4, compared to the tank I've got (very little use) and my stock ego-c tips, it's becoming my favorite very quickly...