New To Vaping, New To Forum - Gear Questions

[TateJ]

Just heard of e-cigs yesterday and have been doing research ever since. I'm pretty excited about getting started, so have been reading in the forum here, watching equipment video reviews, etc and I think I've now learned enough to ask some (hopefully) semi-intelligent questions from those of you who are experienced.

First, I think that I'd like to bypass most of the "my-first-ecig-that-didn't-really-hit-the-spot" experiences that I've been reading alot of. I don't mind spending a little more right up front to get what I'm really after, which is:


1. Good nicotine delivery
2. A physically satisfying vape capable of initially substituting for the analogue experience. To me, that means:

• Throat Hit
• Flavor

3. Portability - need a bat that can handle the load. On most days, I won't be able to charge from 7am to 6pm, so will need some decent power.
4. At least initially, I don't really want to start out with a huge contraption that some of the higher-powered mods might require. But I'm willing to bend on this to get the portability I need with regard to 3 above.


I don't think 1 above will be too much of an issue, and is most likely determined more by juice than equipment. Leaning toward 18-24 mg to start with. So that leaves 2, 3 and 4, which are all kind of dependent on each other. Because of 3, I had been leaning toward an eGo kit. But I've also seen references to the eGo, the Riva and others being more or less the same. Number 2 above is more a function of the atty than anything. I've seen many recommending the LR306.

First question: What exactly is the difference between an eGo and a Riva? Are there others in the same "family"? How do they differ?

Second question: Is the LR306 all that it's cracked up to be? I've seen cisco spec pushed more than standard - Agree? Disagree?

Third question: Every video review I've seen on the LR306 shows the atty being used with a drip tip. Though I think I may end up dripping, I don't want to have to drip, especially early on as I'm adjusting to vaping vs. smoking. I'd like the flexibility to drip or not. Can it be used with a cart as well or no? If not, I think it may be a deal-breaker. Can you recommend any comparably performing atties that give me the cart/drip flexibility I'm after?

Fourth question: Are the eGo/Riva/etc directly compatible with the LR306, or would I need some sort of adapter? From what I can gather, the LR306 is 510-threaded. Is the eGo?

Fifth question: With regard to 3 and 4 above, I know that with the standard eGo setup, its bat will hold a good 5-6hr charge for a chain-vaper, 10-12hrs for someone like me, who would take periodic "vape-breaks" all day. That's fine for me, especially if I carry a backup bat to work. But it's my understanding that the LR306 is a power-hog. What kind of charge life should I expect with an eGo/Riva/etc running the 306? If it's significantly reduced (cut in half?), that brings up the possibility of 4 above...

Sixth question: Are there eGo bat upgrades? Or would I be better off foregoing the eGo (or any standard startup kit for that matter) and jumping straight into a larger mod with better bats? If so, any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your insights.

 

[JTman]

I don't have any personal experience with the 306 attys, but to drip with them you need a drip tip since they have an exposed bridge. I am fairly certain that you can use carts with a 306, but they will have their own carts that wouldn't be compatible with 510 attys.

The difference between eGos and Rivas are basically branding. They are essentially the same hardware with slight differences. I only have an eGo, but I have read that the Rivas have more of a rubbery button as opposed to the eGo's plastic button. Rivas tend to run a little cheaper but from what I have heard they both perform about the same. Some people prefer one over the other for various reasons, but most seem to agree they perform about the same.

They do make different MAH batteries for them. Standard ego/riva batts are 650mah i believe. I know you can get some that are up to 1000mah which will last much longer. There are also many different branded versions of the ego/riva.

I have been very happy with my standard ego kit. A single batt gets me through the work day and I sit at a desk and can vape about as often as I want. I find that a lot of what works for some people may not work for others. Much of this hobby is going to be trial and error. If you decide on an ego kit, most come with a couple standard 510 attys. If you like, order a 306 or two with your kit and try them out side by side.

Sorry I wasn't able to answer all your questions, but I figure I would chime in with what I do know. Hopefully other, more knowledgable, members will come along with more experienced advice. Oh, and Welcome to ECF!

 

[t9c]

The Cisco brand atties are "customized" to certain specs. They are made for dripping. They work well on an eGo, not as well as they do on my box mods, but I don't really know why. Cisco also makes LR510 atties. You might want to try one of those before the 306. That way you can get a good idea of the Cisco performance with all the usual 510 accessories-drip tip or carts.

edit: also, some folks say they've had problems with all LR atties on the eGo/Riva. They say with the increased temps these atties run at, the batteries' life is compromised. I haven't personally noticed. YMMV.

 

[-Linda]

LOL TateJ, you sound like I felt when I first heard of the e-cig. I found myself at ECF and one post helped more than all of the reading I'd done, sites I visited and videos I watched while trying to make some sort of a decision, the post read:
"Just start with the Vaper King because it's what you're going to end up with anyway."
So I ordered one a.k.a. kr808D-1 and I love it. Available from many vendors.

disclaimer though: I haven't used any other product to compare it to.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

Welcome to ECF! I'll see if I can answer at least some of your questions.

LR attys in general can be power hogs. I personally have never used a LR atty, but there are plenty of people here who have. Some have good luck with them, some people end up losing batteries after they've used LR.

The only "upgrade" to the Riva/eGo is battery size. I have a 900mah eGo batt that will last me from 5AM until I go to bed at around 10 or 11PM and still not be completely drained. My standard Riva batt will easily last 6 hours, sometimes longer.

Both of these batteries are good options for someone who wants an easy to use, long lasting device that delivers vapor and TH.

 

[dormouse]

I'm new and er dumb but isn't the Riva based on DSE901 and Ego based on a 510?

They look very similar but I thought they each were the large versions of two different PVs.

 

[TateJ]

I am fairly certain that you can use carts with a 306, but they will have their own carts that wouldn't be compatible with 510 attys.

Are you saying that you can get LR306 cartridges, but the eGo cartridges can't be used with the LR306?

Much of this hobby is going to be trial and error. If you decide on an ego kit, most come with a couple standard 510 attys. If you like, order a 306 or two with your kit and try them out side by side.

Sorry I wasn't able to answer all your questions, but I figure I would chime in with what I do know. Hopefully other, more knowledgable, members will come along with more experienced advice. Oh, and Welcome to ECF!

I've gathered as much on this ultimately being a game of trial and error. Good idea on ordering a couple of 306s along with the eGo/Riva kit. Was thinking about doing that. Thank you very much on the advice you were able to give - very much appreciated. And thanks much for the welcome!

 

[TateJ]

The Cisco brand atties are "customized" to certain specs. They are made for dripping. They work well on an eGo, not as well as they do on my box mods, but I don't really know why. Cisco also makes LR510 atties. You might want to try one of those before the 306. That way you can get a good idea of the Cisco performance with all the usual 510 accessories-drip tip or carts.

All Cisco atties are made for dripping, or just 306s? Am I to interpret by your statements that 306s cannot be fitted with carts? Are LR510s easier to fit with carts? If so, I may pick up a couple of each...

edit: also, some folks say they've had problems with all LR atties on the eGo/Riva. They say with the increased temps these atties run at, the batteries' life is compromised. I haven't personally noticed. YMMV.

Yes - that's what I was getting at with my question about bats. Namely, whether I should get the Mega option, or even just forget the eGo all together and build a mod with better bat capability right from the start.

 

[TateJ]

LOL TateJ, you sound like I felt when I first heard of the e-cig. I found myself at ECF and one post helped more than all of the reading I'd done, sites I visited and videos I watched while trying to make some sort of a decision, the post read:
"Just start with the Vaper King because it's what you're going to end up with anyway."
So I ordered one a.k.a. kr808D-1 and I love it. Available from many vendors.

disclaimer though: I haven't used any other product to compare it to.

At first, that was the conclusion I had come to also: just grab a kr808D-1 to start with. But after reading enough times from folks who started with either the 510 or kr8 and ended up moving to something with longer battery capability (i.e. eGo, etc), I decided I wanted to skip that first 510/kr8 stage that seems to last most folks anywhere from 1wk to 1mo.

 

[TateJ]

Welcome to ECF! I'll see if I can answer at least some of your questions.

LR attys in general can be power hogs. I personally have never used a LR atty, but there are plenty of people here who have. Some have good luck with them, some people end up losing batteries after they've used LR.

The only "upgrade" to the Riva/eGo is battery size. I have a 900mah eGo batt that will last me from 5AM until I go to bed at around 10 or 11PM and still not be completely drained. My standard Riva batt will easily last 6 hours, sometimes longer.

Both of these batteries are good options for someone who wants an easy to use, long lasting device that delivers vapor and TH.

Thanks for the welcome! I'll add your advice about the batteries to the others that all seem to confirm to me that I ought to get a mega option or "upgrade", especially if I plan on running a LR attie, either 306 or otherwise.

 

[TateJ]

I'm new and er dumb but isn't the Riva based on DSE901 and Ego based on a 510?

They look very similar but I thought they each were the large versions of two different PVs.

This is a great question, and gets to the heart of several of my questions in the original post. I've seen that the LR306 is 510. If I plan on marrying it to an eGo, will it be compatible, or would I need some sort of adapter? Bottom line on compatibility: if I want to use a 306, should I be thinking eGo or Riva or something else?

 

[Clinton]

There is another option I haven't seen mentioned in this thread, and that is a portable charging case. Everybody of course has there own opinions on what is better. Now I know that an eGo's batt will definitely outlast a KR808D-1 (Vapor King) batt. However, I'm quite happy with my KR808, and I use it WAY more than I use my eGo, however I seldom leave my home, and when I do it's only for a few hours.

I'm a VERY heavy vaper. The KR808 batts last me about 2 hours+. With my PCC, My other battery is recharged in time before my other one goes dead. My PCC will charge a battery 3 times. So, leave the house with 2 fully charged KR808's, and a PCC, that should keep you going for the day. Don't get me wrong, I like my eGo too. Also I haven't really gotten much for my eGo besides a drip tip (sweet) and an LR atty (which I'm afraid to use because I don't have the larger batteries that can handle it safely).

I know everybody LOVES the eGo, it's a damn fine piece of equipment, but I just adore my VK. And sometimes.. dripping is kind of a pain....
(Please... don't kill me eGo users and drippers!)

 

[JTman]

Are you saying that you can get LR306 cartridges, but the eGo cartridges can't be used with the LR306?

Right. The ego has a 510 connection and comes with standard 510 attys which uses their own 510 type cartridge. The 306 has "510 threads" but has a different design and needs 306 cartridges.

When I was looking for my 2nd pv (eventually decided on the eGo) I came across 510 and 901 rivas. I have only seen the eGo with 510 threading.

 

[Endweaver]

Regarding 901 attys, is there a specification for 901-501 adapters out there that will not recess the PV/ Mod's atty connector? This was the case the happened with my Black Chrome SB... Now I'm stuck with using an adapter for all eternity I guess if I decided to change to another atty... Unless there's a way to have it repaired by Chad at Altsmoke's.

 

[tj99959]

I'm new and er dumb but isn't the Riva based on DSE901 and Ego based on a 510?

They look very similar but I thought they each were the large versions of two different PVs.

NO, they are both 510, and everything that fits on an eGo fits on a Riva.
The only real difference is how the voltage is managed/regulated.
http://www.vaporjunction.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=42&products_id=100
Liberty-Flights is about the only supplier that I know of that has Riva's that are 901

In all honesty I can't recommend the 306 atty as a place to start. (or any atomizer for that matter) Dripping is a fun way to vape, but it's fussy, and cartridges are the epic fail of vaping. A cartomizer is a far easier form of vaping to master.

 

[B4DJ1N64N]

Cisco specs atties (both 306 & 510 LR) are not meant to be used with cartridges. They are built for dripping, or if you hate the fuss, try a bottom-feeder mod. I love my Reo Grand - 306LR combo.

Sent from my mind using my fingers.

 

[madjack]

WOW, there is enough dust on this thread to choke a horse...lolol...............

p.s. oldie-goldies always hold a certain charm...........mj