New To Vaping With Lots of Questions

Status
Not open for further replies.

Thangor713

Full Member
Jun 19, 2012
7
0
Texas
My wife and I are new to vaping. I am starting a new job here in a few months and smoking the real deal would be counter productive. So I was looking for an alternative and found E-cigs. We purchased 2 Vapor king starter kits and they have helped wonderfully to curb the smoking cravings, BUT their performance leaves a bit to be desired. Can anyone suggest better performing "entry level" type e-cigs.

Thanks
 

Mrsoutlaw

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
May 31, 2012
86
20
48
Broward country, Florida
Are you looking for a "mini" or a larger battery? The best "mini" on the market is the Volt from Smokeless Image. They have a great product. The batteries last between 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours depending on whether you get the 65mm or 78mm. Their cartomizers last a long time and produce a lot of vapor and are refillable. The best thing about them is their customer service though. They take care of problems right away and ship very fast. Every order I have made has been at my door within 2-3 days. They also have a great promotion for a free battery, bottle of juice or pack of cartomizers if you post a picture of yourself with your volt.

They also have the X2 line, which is the same as the kgo. The x2 is a larger battery, about the size of a sharpie marker.
 
Last edited:

jnnfrlsw

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Dec 28, 2009
1,306
459
East Central Ind
The ecig I usually suggest for new vapors is the KGO. Its about the size of a sharpi marker. The battery will last you 8+ hours of heavy use. I recomend Brent over at Hoosierecig KGO kit1100mAh by SLB His phone number is listed on his site and he is great to call with any questions. Make sure and get yourself some cartomizers with your KGO. You just refill a couple times a day. You can also use a tank system with the cartomizers and only refill it every 6-8 hours, depending on how much you vape.

If your wanting to stick with a cig size ecig than I would look at the Volt. The problem with the cig size is the battery only lasts 60-90 minutes. If you go that route get yourself extra batteries to hold you thru the day. The Volt also uses cartomizers. Best of luck to you.
 

Mrsoutlaw

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
May 31, 2012
86
20
48
Broward country, Florida
As far as a delivery system, if you want to stay away from the poly filled cartomizers, you can use the Phoenix from GotVapes. They sell it in both top and bottom coil. Both are nice. They are the same size as a traditional cartomizer, but use wicks instead of poly fill. This allows you to clean them easier, you can see how much juice you have left and can change flavors with them
 

John D in CT

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Feb 27, 2012
1,576
860
Connecticut
* Disclaimer: This is a shameless cut-and-paste of another post I just made to another beginner *

I am not going to recommend any one particular setup as being patently, universally superior to any other, for all users, for all purposes.

That said, I'm going to recommend to you a setup that is arguably a no-brainer, slam dunk, practically must-have setup for almost any vaper, regardless of experience level, perceived wants, existing equipment, or skill level.

It is the Joyetech eGo-C Twist, an arguably game-changing "battery"/PV/APV/power source - call it what you will. It is being called by many a "game changer" because it provides variable voltage - a near-necessity for anyone who wants a really, really good vape IMO - in the eGo form factor, for not much money. It uses standard 510 threads, can be used with almost any "attachment" on the planet, and costs about $25. You will really need two for best results in keeping the ciggies away.

Grimm Green and Phil Busardo are two of the best reviewers in the "vaposphere" in my opinion. They both own and have used more vaping hardware than I ever will in my life, an their words will probably speak much more effectively to you than mine. Please watch these two videos, and please take to heart what they have to say. Grimm Green just said that he is getting just about the best vape he has ever had by using the Twist with the eact same setup - right down to the little trim piece between the Twist and the Smoktech 3.5ml DCT tank that is fitted with a 2.0 ohm single-coil cartomizer - that I just bought thirty of as my current preferred starter kit for beginners.

Here is Grimm Green's video:

THE EGO TWIST IS A GAME CHANGER - YouTube Grimm Green Twist Game changer

And here is Phil Busardo's review:

A PBusardo Review - eGo Twist - OvaleUSA - YouTube Phil Busardo Twist review

There are many form factors, for many different occasions and uses, for many different mindsets, many of which change over time. Some people want something that looks and feels as much like a cigarette as possible, like the very capable Volt. That said, I think it's safe to say that the vast majority of people who stick with vaping will add additional hardware to their "arsenal", while always having warm spot in their hearts for, and often still using, what they started on. For me, that just happens to be an eGo-class battery/PV, the Joyetech (constant 3.4 volt) battery. I will probably also get a [ciggie-sized] 510-style setup - or many of them, for those people I start out who absolutely must have a cigarette look-alike, as well as for myself - just to have, and become familiar with, and maybe even to use more than I think I might right now. They will likely be the Volt which seems to be the most universally-recommended PV in that form factor.

This is exactly what I would get, and what I think you should get, if and when you can "swing" it. If you have about 85 bucks to spare I'd just go ahead and order it all tomorrow.

Two Joyetch eGo-C Twist 650 mah (milliamp/hour) batteries. They come in black, chrome, blue, white, and pink, wih the first three far easier to find in stock anywhere but at Health Cabin (in China - delivery takes a while). About (Two x $25) = $50.

One or more Smoktech 3.5ml (milliliter) "DCT" tanks - I like the chrome ones. $8.55 each.

A box of five - or better yet, two boxes - of Boge 2.0 ohm single coil "XL" sized (50mm overall) stainless steel cartomizers. About $1.45 each, although you can get them for $0.92 each if you buy 25 of them from a particular vendor that I'll link to below.

A wall charger and a USB charger that plugs into it. Standard fare at any Joyetech vendor. About $13.

A little chrome trim piece that goes between the tank and the battery that serves two purposes; makes the setup look much more finished, sleek, and damn fine-looking, and keeps the tank from sliding down the non-flanged cartomizers and onto the outside of the 510 connector. Simpler than it sounds. About $1.49

A drip tip. Just a plain, clear "Delrin" (plastic) one will look great. About $3.

That's about $85.50 plus shipping if you get one tank and five cartomizers. In Connecticut, that's about ten days of smoking a pack a day (high taxes).

****

Links:

Joyetech eGo-C Twist: Joye eGo-C Twist Variable Voltage 650mAh Battery (MyVaporStore)

Smoktech 3.5ml DCT tank: Pro DCTank Tube (MyVaporStore)

USB charger: eGo Rapid USB Charger 6.75 (MyVaporStore)

Wall charger: Mini AC Wall to USB Converter 6.25 (MyVaporStore)

eGo trim piece: eGo Cone Cover for DCTank (MyVaporStore)

Plain drip tip: Colored Drip Tip - 510/901 (MyVaporStore)

Cartomizers: Crystal Clear Vaping CrystalClearVaping

Cartomizers: Boge Mix n Match (5 Boxes) SureVapes - $0.92 each

*** For clickable links, go here: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...7252-am-i-missing-somthing-2.html#post6435964 ***


No, I do not own, work for, or am in any way affiliated with MyVaporStore.com.

If you don't like this setup, you can PM me and I will buy it from you fr what you paid for it. For you, I will reimburse you for shipping. For anyone else reading this, same deal except the shipping to me is on you.

You will like it, and you wll like it very much. You will have to slot the cartomizers; either per Phil Busardo's YouTube video:

A PBusardo Tutorial - How I slot my cartos!.wmv - YouTube - or PM me and I will call you and tell you how to do it. You'll need to own or borrow a Dremel tool for someone, and you'll need some Dremel cut-off wheels, # 409. Or you can buy a cartomizr punch. It's hard to find pre-punched cartomizers that will work well with lower-voltage devices, even ones that go up to 4.8 volts like the Twist. Some people - including MyVaporStore - will say that dual coil cartomizers work fine on lower-voltage devices - but they do not.

From the MyVaporStore website:

These cartomizers were designed specifically for use with Dual Coil Tank (DCTank) Tubes. A 510 drip tip and DCTank tube is needed in order to use these cartomizers. There is a hole punch on the side of them so may leak if used without a DCTank Tube.

All of our eLiquid will work with the DCTank (full PG or 50/50 PG/VG). Full VG eliquid is too thick and will not work well in theDCTank. [VG will work much better in a carto slotted for it].

These new cartomizers contain two heating coils instead of one to produce more vapor than your standard cartomizer [if you can put enough volts/watts to them]. They have been designed to work great with 3.7V batteries [Not IMO] or a HV (high voltage) setup. Available in 1.5ohm or 2.5ohm. Please allow +/- 0.3 variation. We recommend 1.5ohm for Ego batteries [why?] or 3.0V-4.2V batteries and 2.5ohm for 5V or higher. These cartomizers must be used with batteries of 650mAh capacity or higher and are known to discharge batteries much quicker than single coil cartomizers.

This is nowhere near as complicated as it might seem, and will be well worth the modest learning curve to figure out. This thread:

Why the ego c twist is a game changer

contains a thorough discussion of why single coil cartomizers are far superior (IMO) to dual coils for use in a Joyetech Twist (or any eGo-class battery/PV).

If you do nothing else, please at least watch the Grimm Green review of the Twist, and feel free to ask any questions that you might have. Good luck, and happy vaping, whatever it's on.

*****

Others might recommend other things, and I encourage them to do so without making direct comparisons to what I have recommended if those other devices are of a different form factor. I would hate to see anyone get into any sort of fuss with the moderators.

*****

Final notes:

I have always found the term DCT[ank] to be a misnomer, since "DCT" stands for Dual Coil Tank, potentially leading one to believe that single coil cartomizers are somehow not well-suited to them, which IMO they very much are. Some people like dual coils, and IMO they have their place, but not in lower-voltage devices; not even a 1.5 ohm dual coil in a Twist, due to the marginal wattage per coil, and the greatly increased amp draw of say a 1.5 ohm dual coil cartomizer over a 3.0 ohm single coil.

Lastly, the full name of the Twist is the "Joyetech eGo-C Twist", where the "C" refers to the Joyetech "C" (for "changeable") 3-piece cone, base, and atomizer head that, when used with Joyetech "A" or "B-sized tanks comprise the Joytech system of juice storage, delivery, and atomization that they sell in their starter kits along with their batteries. (The Twist is not currently available in kit form). The Joyetech tank/atomizer system is not what I, or many others, would recommend as the most hassle-free and satisfactory method for getting an optimum vape on a Joyetech battery. The setup that Grimm Green uses in his review of the Twist, identical to what I have just recommended, is IMO very, very good.
 
Last edited:

sailorman

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Jun 5, 2010
4,305
2,840
Podunk, FLA
For a small cigarette sized, the Volt is the best on the market, for all the reasons previously described.

If you can handle something a bit larger, the 1100mah kGo is the most recommended and succesful entry level e-cig on this forum. A full kit with charger and everything you need, except the liquid, will cost you less than $50. You won't have to piece together parts and pieces to make it work and one kit will include two 1100mah batteries, charger and atomizers or cartomizers to get you started.

It's relatively small, especially for it's battery capacity. The 1100mah kGo will last a solid 8-10 hours between charges compared to the similarly sized 650mah Twist or 380mah Volt which will last about 3-4 hours. You won't need to charge it at work, bring two of the everywhere or carry a charging case around with you. It accepts all the variety of juice delivery systems available, including all the cartomizers, clearomizers and tanks designed for either 510 or eGo type e-cigs.

Larger batteries also last longer than smaller batteries before they wear out for good. A 1100mah fixed voltage battery will have three times the lifespan of a 380mah Volt and over twice the lifespan of a variable voltage 650mah Twist. The kGo is probably the smallest high capacity battery available and a tried and true, long term performer with a very good track record of success.
 

Glock Rock

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Feb 28, 2012
194
97
Indiana
As I'm sure it has become painfully obvious to you at this point, you're going to get several different responses in here. The best place to start is by giving us a little more information, such as what it is that you're looking for in a PV. Do you want it to last and last and last all day long without recharging? Do you need it to be small and stealthy? Do you want to take a "No Fuss" approach? Is cost a major concern? Do you want something you can tinker and play with? Etc. etc. Give us a better understanding of what you're looking for and you'll find that people will be able to really narrow it down to a couple of really good choices for you.
 
Last edited:

MaxUT

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Jul 4, 2009
2,668
1,073
Ogden, UT, US
Thangor, I would pretty much agree with what John D said above-- the eGo Twist is an excellent unit for anyone, whether a new user or a experienced vaper who wants a compact PV. The variable voltage feature is a must-have for me, because it's the only way to get the best balance of taste and performance from a particular carto/juice combination.

My wife and I have been vaping for 3 years and I'm going to order a couple of Twists for us soon; she likes the eGo size for everyday use and I want something that's comfortable to carry in my shirt pocket.

Here's a place with a good selection of Twists: joyetech-ego-twist-and-more

It's cheaper to get the eGo chargers from another site when you also buy eliquid and/or cartos, such as here: nitelitevapor.

I would recommend using just plain cartos to start with, then purchasing tanks later. Reason is, it's best to keep it simple so you don't have to deal with several new things at once.
 

John D in CT

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Feb 27, 2012
1,576
860
Connecticut

Vapoor eyes er

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Sep 13, 2011
11,028
8,945
Toronto, Ont.

John D in CT

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Feb 27, 2012
1,576
860
Connecticut
Actually compared to the Kgo Starter Kit a comparable Twist Starter Kit is close to 50% higher in price.

Just to keep things in perspective:

At Hoosier, an 1100-mah kGo battery is $17.99 - cheaper than I thought.

http://www.hoosierecig.com/KGO-batteries-1100mAh_p_18.html

A 650 mah Twist battery is $24.99 at MyVaporStore.

A beginner with nothing is going to need two batteries and a charger, so we're pretty much talking about an extra $14 to have variable voltage. Yes, you will be swapping batteries more often with the Twist, no doubt about it. But you will be vaping with variable voltage as opposed to constant voltage. IMO the added cost and decreased battery life are well worth it. Others are certainly entitled to opinions to the contrary, although I'd be interested in hearing (in a dispassionate fashion) the reasoning behind those opinions.
 

sailorman

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Jun 5, 2010
4,305
2,840
Podunk, FLA
First of all, this is NOT a copy and paste that I stick in every new vapers' thread. I don't believe that there is one "must-have" PV that's a slam dunk no-brainer for every one. If that was the case, things would be easy and half the threads in this forum would be unnecessary.

I still believe that the kGo is suitable and a great entry level battery for someone who doesn't mind something larger than a cigarette and wants a reasonable run time between charges.
But before you get swept away by the hype surrounding the "Flavor of the month", that just came out a month ago, there are some things you should be aware of.

I think it makes little sense to spend $60 or more on a disposable VV battery when, for the same or less money, you can get a permanent and durable e-cig without a scheduled expiration date.
If you feel that Variable Voltage is important. Here are a few facts that you should know, but that continually get glossed over in all the fanfare about the newest, shiny PV on the vaping scene.

Compare the Specifications of the Twist to the comparably priced Vtube

* The 650mah Twist has an expected lifespan of something under 4-6 months before it dies permanently and you throw it away.
The Vtube carries a One Year Warranty and a 30 day money back guarantee

* The 650mah Twist is as large as a 1100mah kGo.
The Mini Vtube is slightly larger in diameter and about the same height and has a 700-800mah capacity

* The 1000mah Twist is as long as a Full Sized 1600-2200mah Lavatube.
The Full Sized Vtube takes replaceable 1600-2250mah batteries for over 2X the run time between charges.

* The Twist must be bought in pairs, which results in a cost virtually the same as a Full Sized Permanent lavatube.
The cost of the Vtube, including charger, atomizer, and two 1600mah batteries is $61 shipped, less than a pair of 1000mah Twists with one charger.

* The voltage range of the Twist is 3V to 4.8V. (1.6V in total)
Vtube voltage range 3V to 6V (3V total)

* Practical Useful voltage range of the Twist is 3.4V to 4.8V (1.4 Volts)
Vtube useful range 3.4 to 6V (2.6V)

* The Twist has a virtually unreadable voltage indicator with tiny marking on the edge of a knob.
The Vtube has a digital LED voltage readout

* The Twist has no battery charge indicator
The Vtube has a digital LED battery charge indicator

* The 650mah Twist has an approximately 3.5 hour run time between charges.
The Vtube Mini has 4-6 hour run time between charges, depending on the battery chosen.

* The 1000mah Twist has approximately 8 hour run time between charges.
The Full Sized Vtube has a run time of 12-14 hours with standard battery, 18-20 hours with 2250mah battery.

* The Twist relies on internal circuits to prevent battery overcharging, overdischarging, venting and possible explosion.
The Vtube uses safer chemistry IMR batteries which are inherently safer than Lithium-Ion batteries

* Typical warranty periods for a Twist are 14-30 days.
The Vtube has a full One Year Warranty

* If any component, switch, adjustment knob fails on a Twist, the entire unit is thrown away.
The Vtube is not Disposable. If the battery wears out, you buy a new $8 battery, not a new e-cig.

* When the Twist no longer holds it's charge as long as it did when new, you either live with it, or buy a new one.
When a Vtube battery begins to show signs of wear, you pay $8 to restore it to new condition and keep the old battery for a back up.

If you feel that you'd like to try a VV PV, use code Vtube30 for 30% off an Aluminum, Chrome or Stainless Steel Vtube.
Apollo VTube Kit

The Vtubes are smaller than the pictures would suggest, about the diameter of a nickel.
Two sizes are available that correspond to the length of the 650 and 1000mah Twists.
Stainless Steel Vtube $73. Also in Aluminum $52.50 or Chrome $60. Free Shipping.
ATUBE-8.jpg
 
Last edited:

Vapoor eyes er

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Sep 13, 2011
11,028
8,945
Toronto, Ont.
I agree and I would never write off the Twist completely. I have a single friend on a small pension that needed/ wanted an inexpensive backup. Seeing as she already had the relevant eGo stuff I bought her a single Twist batt and she does love it. For the price, if one has eGo stuff, the Twist is a great buy.

Just to keep things in perspective:

At Hoosier, an 1100-mah kGo battery is $17.99 - cheaper than I thought.

KGO batteries 1100mAh

A 650 mah Twist battery is $24.99 at MyVaporStore.

A beginner with nothing is going to need two batteries and a charger, so we're pretty much talking about an extra $14 to have variable voltage. Yes, you will be swapping batteries more often with the Twist, no doubt about it. But you will be vaping with variable voltage as opposed to constant voltage. IMO the added cost and decreased battery life are well worth it. Others are certainly entitled to opinions to the contrary, although I'd be interested in hearing (in a dispassionate fashion) the reasoning behind those opinions.
 

John D in CT

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Feb 27, 2012
1,576
860
Connecticut

sailorman

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Jun 5, 2010
4,305
2,840
Podunk, FLA
Let me add one more consideration.
If you spend $60 on a pair of Twists, or $120 on two pairs of Twists and, in a week, or in month or two, decide to upgrade or get rid of them, you are stuck with them. You can't return them and their resale value is close to zero because there is no way to gauge the battery condition. Nobody wants to buy a used battery.

The Vtube is risk free. If you decide within 30 days that you don't like it, you get a full refund. Since it is not a sealed battery disposable e-cig, it also has some resale value if you decide to sell it and upgrade.
 

sailorman

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Jun 5, 2010
4,305
2,840
Podunk, FLA
"Others might recommend other things, and I encourage them to do so without making direct comparisons to what I have recommended if those other devices are of a different form factor. I would hate to see anyone get into any sort of fuss with the moderators".
Both the Vtube and the Twist are both of similar lengths. They both are 510 and eGo compatible. They are directly comparable devices.

I would wonder why anyone would discourage comparisons of this nature. It would be unfair to the OP if recommended e-cigs were not scrutinized by a direct comparison to other comparably priced e-cigs with similar features. If a device cannot withstand a full, fair and honest comparison with another comparably priced device, it is not worthy of recommendation.

This is known as "comparison shopping" and is a perfectly reasonable and intelligent way for any consumer to make purchasing decisions.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread