New too vaping and feeling burned

[art83]

Good evening, new member here, with a total newbie question.

Ive been addicted to nicotine for over a decade going between gum, cigs, losenges, patches and even Chantex. I recently discovered vaping and its fast become my favorite vehicle of nicotine goodness.

Two months ago I bought a vape on a whim after feeling bad about hiding cigarettes from my wife/kids. Its been eye opening to realize that I never considered vaping before, its absolutely wonderful. Unfortunately though, I bought a Smoke 220 which turns out: is a total piece of ..... Its leaked since the first day. Im now getting low ohms errors even without a tank on it. Tried all the fixes and help videos - Im just tired of it frankly. Ive also reading a bunch of bad reviews on it after actually doing research. Its still under warranty so Im covered there. (only vaping 2 months)

Anyhow, I know this gets asked alot here probably, but Im experiencing research fatigue and hope a kind soul can point me in the right direction:

I would like to buy a good vaporizer that works. I dont want it to leak. I dont want to have to upgrade its firmware with confusing directions and broken download links. I would prefer it didnt short out constantly. And lastly, Id like it to actually ******* work.

Maybe its fancy, may it isnt fancy -- I just need it to work. Thanks in advance.

 

[Necrospecter]

Welcome I myself have a Joyetech eVic Primo 2.0 Kit with ProCore Aries -$55.32 Online Shopping| GearBest.com which I have had for almost a year now and the only leak I have had was when I screwed up and did not tighten the tank. As of today I have a TESLA CIGS Punk 220W TC Mod for E Cigarette -$55.99 Online Shopping| GearBest.com been running it for about 5 hours now and loving it but the Joyetech like I said has lasted a year and still kicking just like it did on day one.

 

[Frenchfry1942]

Vaping hardware is not very regulated, so their is a lot "crap" out there. To avoid the crap, avoid unusually inexpensive items, research here and ask questions.

Many people here want you to get away from cigs, just like they did. We made our mistakes and don't want you to make the same mistakes.

Once you decide on the model best for you, we will even help you search for the best current price. We want you to succeed.

 

[Chuck64]

Welcome to ECF!

 

[bombastinator]

Heh. The irony is that if you get a decent one smok hardware is ok. The problem is they have quality control issues. As a result there are by far more complaints about smok stuff here than any other brand. If It’s worth saving the cash you can try getting it replaced and see if you have better luck.

 

[MJCSD]

Hello and welcome to ecf

 

[NicotineRush]

You're going to get a lot of opinions on what to get.

From everything I've read, Smok is crap. Oh I'm sure some folks 'luck out' but it's not worth the time and or aggravation trying to find Smok stuff that works. Take/send back and move on.

Find a box mod that has good reviews, and them add a good tank. There are many out there that work properly. You should not have to 'fix' something you paid good money for. In my opinion, if it leaks, it's defective/poorly designed.

For a mod, I use Aspire Speeders. I learned early on to buy good stuff and Aspire equipment fits the bill for me. I've never had one issue with Aspire equipment.
Speeders might seem a bit advanced for newbies, but they work properly and are something you can 'grow' into as you advance.
I can't advise on a tank as I roll/wick my own coils and you are probably not ready for that.

 

[dyanaprajna]

I'm one of those who's lucked out with Smok products-all of them have never given me any real problems. With that being said, they don't have a great track record in the QA department, so I would say, with you being a beginner, it would be best to stay away from them. I've also heard a lot of complaints about Wismec as well. Kanger is hit and miss, all of my Kanger products have been decent. But for assured quality, I'd start with Aspire. All of my Aspire products have worked well, and they seem to be one of the best companies with fewest complaints. Innokin also seems to be a good company, but I've never used any of their products. The important thing to remwmber is to keep on until you find something that works for you and keeps you off the analogs. And we're always here to help.

 

[TonkaTough85]

I was thinking about my next tank being from the SMOK line... the more I read tho the less I want to try their brand....
As to your questions, I still consider myself a newb as well, as I seem to never stick around long (been off and on vaping for years, sticking with it this time!!!) Right now I am currently running a SVD2.0 (my father found it at a B+M for $4. great deal) and a Wisemec RX 2/3. I really like both Mods but their are some serious differences that will determine which route your journey will take.
The SVD2.0 isnt a box mod, its a cylinder, and with a 18650 battery its kinda long. Its range is 5w-20w but if you aren't planning on or don't like sub-ohm vaping something like this would be perfect for you. Cheap, proven, tons of help out there if you need it, and overall easy and a joy to use.
Now the Wisemec RX 2/3 is pretty muchh like your Alien 220. Much the same features, Temp Control and the like (so far I've only used VW) Major difference is with a quick change of the battery door it can take 2 or 3 18650 batteries which is pretty cool,(raises power limit, total battery life, etc) and the design and the way it's held is different. The latter is a matter of personal preference. I use a sub-ohm tank on this mod, Kanger TopTank with a 0.5ohm coil. The box mod is suited for this application with power up to 200w-250w (depending on cell configuration and firmware). I should mention I've come no where near using that amount of power so far.

Now with all that being said it depends where you plan to go in the future. Id recommend something along the lines of the SVD2.0 and an Aspire Nautilus Tank or Nautilus Mini. The lower power mods are generally cheaper and have "less" features making them "easier" to use. That last sentence open to interpretation, lol.

Final thought, find a low power mod that suits your design aesthetic , something around 40 or 50 watts should be more than enough if you are looking at NON sub-ohm tanks, like the Nautilus. That is where I'd start brother... Good luck in your future endeavors and I hope my ramblings were of some help!!

 

[Eskie]

Individual mods are tough to recommend. There are so many from each manufacturer that it's as much preference as the best. Brands known for decent reliability include Innokin, Aspire, and Smoant (yes there are others but got have to start somewhere). Tanks are harder to recommend. It depends on your vaping style. Do you prefer a mouth to lung cigarette type draw or a cloud producing direct lung style. That really needs to be known before going any further.

 

[ruet]

Friends don't let friends buy Smok. I recommend an Eleaf iStick kit of some kind. Pico, Pico Mega, Melo (upcoming), etc.

 

[Baditude]

I've been vaping for nearly 6 years. Owned over a dozen mods. Worked in a vape shop. Therefore, I feel somewhat qualified to offer advice.

Number one, try to refund your SMOK stuff. And don't buy another SMOK mod. As stated by others, they have lousy quality control. When I worked at the shop we could expect about 1/3 of the mods to act up or die. That's unacceptable.

You didn't give a price range, so I'll recommend what I am currently using. I guarantee you'll love this setup, because I do.

For the mod, I'm using a single battery JAC Vapour series b DNA75W. It's small and sexy, and pocket-friendly (if you remember to turn the mod off -- 5 clicks-- first; the fire button is sensitive). It gets rave reviews both on You Tube and here at ECF JAC Vapour Series-B DNA 75w. The Evolv DNA chip is one of the most reliable on the market. A Samsung 30Q 3000mAh 15 amp 18650 battery lasts me all day.

The Scotish company as been around a long time and is known to be very reputable. Everyone I know that has one loves their JACKIE.



For the tank, I'm using an original Uwell Crown clearomizer tank. Authentic Uwell Crown Sub Ohm Tank Clearomizer . Technically it is a sub-ohm tank, but you don't have to sub-ohm with it. It has 1.2 ohm coils available for it as well as a couple of different sub-ohm coils. It is an easy top fill (4ml capacity). It has a ratcheted air control ring which allows wide open direct lung draws down to a tight mouth-to-lung draw. It has a wide bore mouthpiece, but you can always replace it with any inexpensive small bore mouthpiece if you desire. Great flavor, a lot of vapor. Very versatile for just about any style of vaper. Never had a leaking issue. Available in silver SS and black finish.

Tip: About once a week, put a Q-tip through the mouthpiece down into the coil area. Coils naturally accumulate a bit of gunk from unvaporized sugars in the e-liquid, and removing this substance will prolong the life of the coils and sustain their flavor production. I get up to 4 weeks with my coils.

 

[Letitia]

Welcome to ECF Art. I agree with Eskie it would help to know what kind of draw attracts you most. There are many good mods and tanks on the market now. Just plain bad luck you bought a defective one. Don't let the frustration turn you away from vaping. My start down this journey was very frustrating as well, now I am 2.5 years smoke free.

 

[art83]

Thank you for the warm welcome, ladies and gentleman. Really appreciate you going out of your way to help me out.

I agree with Eskie it would help to know what kind of draw attracts you most.

It depends on your vaping style. Do you prefer a mouth to lung cigarette type draw or a cloud producing direct lung style. That really needs to be known before going any further.

Im really agnostic on this one. If I had to pick, I would prefer a vape a "cloud producing direct lung style". I like the cloud. However, Im also concerned with getting the most nicotine out of each drag. So if the latter isnt the best for nicotine absorption, I would go the first route.

For the mod, I'm using a single battery JAC Vapour series b DNA75W. It's small and sexy, and pocket-friendly (if you remember to turn the mod off -- 5 clicks-- first; the fire button is sensitive). It gets rave reviews both on You Tube and here at ECF JAC Vapour Series-B DNA 75w. The DNA chip is one of the most reliable on the market. A Samsung 30Q 2000mAh 15 amp 18650 battery lasts me all day.

The Scotish company as been around a long time and is known to be very reputable. Everyone I know that has one loves their JACKIE.

For the tank, I'm using an original Uwell Crown clearomizer tank. Authentic Uwell Crown Sub Ohm Tank Clearomizer . Technically it is a sub-ohm tank, but you don't have to sub-ohm with it. It has 1.2 ohm coils available for it as well as a couple of different sub-ohm coils. [/MEDIA]

You had me at Scottish. And this device certainly appears to be up my alley in terms of look, ease of use and support-ability (they have a nice website). Available to purchase in the states I presume?

Is it correct to assume that I can leverage both sub ohm and or non-sub OHM? I would really like that because again, the whole OHM thing kind of confuses me. TBH, any time I read OHM I get nervous. The smok I have gives OHM errors now on any tank I put on it. It even gives an OHM error even without a tank on it. Not cool.

Is it available in the states? Only seeing EU sites carrying it. Thats fine, Im jsut a bit impatient about shipping.

Good luck in your future endeavors and I hope my ramblings were of some help!!

Thank you sir, your ramblings were quite helpful as well.

 

[Baditude]

Is it correct to assume that I can leverage both sub ohm and or non-sub OHM? I would really like that because again, the whole OHM thing kind of confuses me. TBH, any time I read OHM I get nervous. The smok I have gives OHM errors now on any tank I put on it. It even gives an OHM error even without a tank on it. Not cool.

Is it available in the states? Only seeing EU sites carrying it. Thats fine, Im jsut a bit impatient about shipping.

I believe it is only available per the Jac Vapour website. I have purchased two, each purchase/delivery took approximately 2 weeks if I recall. I liked mine so much I bought a second one for my son for Christmas.

If you read thru the rather extensive ECF thread on the JACKIE JAC Vapour Series-B DNA 75w , there have been very few issues (a couple people had magnets in the battery door fall out) but JAC Vapour took care of them promptly.

Yes, you can use either standard or sub-ohm coils with the JAC. That's what's nice about the Crown tank, in that you can use either the 1.2 ohm coils or a variety of sub-ohm coils with it.

I use the 0.5 ohm coils, vaping around 30 watts. The coils last me at least 4 weeks. I would expect that the 1.2 ohm coils would take less wattage.

 

[stols001]

You can do a sub0hm and a non-sub0hm tank on the same box mod yes. I'd recommend an aspire speeder kit, it's a dual box battery mod that's gotten really good reviews for both usability and reliability (I am also a fan of aspire's products) and it won't break the bank. A good starter MTL tank would be a Nautilus 2, also a "tried and true" aspire product.

The crown tank is highly regarded and it is true you can get pretty widely different resistance coils. Another MTL tank I would highly recommend would be the Ego One Mega tank but using the Joytech CLR coils (the 1.0 resistance has great flavor and can be rewicked and rebuilt very easily although you don't have to get into that right away) but it gets great flavor and coil life.

I am a fan of Teslacigs mods for vape quality and price, but I will say all of them aren't for everyone. Very good, reliable products if you find one you like the look of..

Best of luck,

Anna

 

[Letitia]

@art83 If you go with the Jac I would advise you get the Series B Sandstorm rather than black. It has a better finish and larger diameter for tanks.
Ohms are a fact you cannot escape. Go to youtube and type in "what are ohms, vaping related" and watch a couple of videos. Don't let one defective mod make you fearful.

 

[Mike P]

after researching for weeks I decided on the voopoo drag. couldn't be happier, you can't beat it for the price.

 

[BrotherBob]

Is it correct to assume that I can leverage both sub ohm and or non-sub OHM? I would really like that because again, the whole OHM thing kind of confuses me. TBH, any time I read OHM I get nervous. The smok I have gives OHM errors now on any tank I put on it. It even gives an OHM error even without a tank on it. Not cool.

Welcome and glad you joined.
Here's some information on ohms and watts etc.
Might like to read:
What Ohms should I choose?
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/threads/how-is-sub-ohm-vaping-dangerous.462202/
https://spinfuel.com/new-vapers-start/
https://spinfuel.com/sub-ohm-vaping/

 

[JerL]

Count me lucky, I’ve never had any problems with my Smok gear. I’ve got a V8 Stick, an Alien 220 and a G-Priv 2. I’ve got a few tanks also. I noticed an immediate improvement in flavor with my Smok gear. I’ve got a Cloud Beast tank also.

I’ve also used Aspire and have an Atlantis and a Triton tank. And an e-leaf 50 watt battery that’s been going strong after 2 years.

I watch as many reviews as I can if I’m deciding to buy something. It helps to learn the features. Also just asking about something you see another person using helps.

One thing to remember is the threads on mods are thin and shallow, so it’s too easy to cross thread a coil. It will just feel like it’s tight, but you’re stripping the threads.

Finally ask about the return policy before you buy in case something is not right.