New Vaper Here! Big Thanks to sbdivemaster!

[OldSchoolYoungin]

Hello all.

Some of you may also recognize my name from Badger & Blade. I've been referred here by my acquaintance sbdivemaster, whom I know outside of this forum. Huge thanks to him as he's been instrumental in my effort to begin a new life as a tobacco free vaper!

For some background, I'm a 28 year old male that's been smoking since it was legal for me to do so; ten years, give or take. A bad habit turned worse to the tune of 1+ packs a day, easily two if I was around smoking friends and the beer started flowing. Blood pressure spiked to borderline hypertensive levels and I found myself short of breath often. I have a history of heart problems in my family, but thankfully, nothing other than the pre-hypertension showed up after being evaluated. That was that; the analogs had to go.

Advertisement is an SOB, so my first venture into a tobacco free lifestyle was via the infamous Blu e-cig. To say my experience was unsatisfactory is an understatement; however, it opened a few more doors and led me to start doing some research on personal vapes. SBdivemaster knew that I was trying to quit and turned me onto this site and several reputable vendors.

So, like it or not, here I am!

I try to do a bit of research before asking many questions so that I don't sound like an idiot, but here's one quickie: Are all eGo batteries compatible with all eGo carts/clears? Compatibility is my biggest concern and can become confusing with all the different numbers, model names, etc.

For instance, here's my first set-up that I'm about to place an order for, so I'd like some input before I spend the money:

Clearo: (a few) EgO T2 Clearomizer 2.4ohm

Battery: EgO T tank Battery 650mAh

Are some replacement coils a good idea to add onto this?

A couple chargers, etc., of course.

Obviously a budget beginner's kit to test the waters, but I'm just an overly cautious type

Thanks, everyone! I'm very excited about all this!

 

[spaceballsrules]

Welcome aboard!

Oh, you may want to wait before placing that order. We will most definitely find you a better place to start and really get you on the right path. What's your intended budget? Once we know that, we can help.

Also, what is your favorite razor? Cream? Aftershave? I never got into the whole DE razor or cut-throat scene, as I have an easy face to shave, so any ole thing does me just fine.

 

[freeatlast!]

Welcome and congrats for wanting to make the switch - you won't be sorry!

I'll let the more experienced advise you, for the most part, but it would be good to let people know something about how much you want to spend starting out. I quit using a 650mah eGo and have a bunch of them (eGo batts) , although prefer more battery power and would advise you, at the least, to get a 900 or larger capacity; also, more than one so you have a backup. If you get clearos of some kind (I use those too) it would be good to get extra replacement coils. Good luck and happy vaping!

 

[OldSchoolYoungin]

Welcome aboard!

Oh, you may want to wait before placing that order. We will most definitely find you a better place to start and really get you on the right path. What's your intended budget? Once we know that, we can help.

Also, what is your favorite razor? Cream? Aftershave? I never got into the whole DE razor or cut-throat scene, as I have an easy face to shave, so any ole thing does me just fine.

Thanks for the welcome!

Wow, I never figured that was a bad place to start! I have a lot to learn, apparently.

As for my budget, not including juice, I'd like to spend less than $60 or so for my first setup. Then again, my first budget included multiples of each: x2 batteries, x3-4 clearos, etc. Lots of beginner's guides suggest going that route, but I'm at you guys' mercy now! I'd love to hear anyone's input to the contrary.

Favorite razor? That's a tough one! It seemed as soon as I was fully enveloped into the cut-throat world, I went right back to DEs for convenience's sake. Merkur Barberpole Slant, aka the Sledgehammer. Not suggested for new guys until they get the gist of wetshaving.

Cream/soap suggestions are even more troubling. I ended up being a hard cream/soft soap user, for the most part, with Cella or RazoRock being my main ones. For aftershave, my absolute favorite is Musgo Real. Don't bother wearing any cologne if you splash this stuff on, though.

Again, thanks and I definitely look forward to participating.

 

[OldSchoolYoungin]

By the way, what am I looking at in terms of juice usage?

Like I said earlier, I was between 1-2 packs a day. I could go hours without smoking (like that's something to be proud of, eh?), then smoke analogs back to back to back. Frankly, I was a chain/session smoker; especially in social situations.

For now, I'm ordering an assortment of 5ml samples, but how long would just one of those last considering my previous smoking habits?

 

[RubyRoo]

Well, here are a few kits that I recommend, and I'd expect that you'll be vaping 1-3ml's per day to start. More or less depending on how much you like it!
Kanger Evod Starter Kit
Kanger Mini Protank 2 Starter Kit -VV
http://www.myvaporstore.com/Vision_Spinner_Joye_Ego_C_Twist_Combo_p/vvs-c.htm

 

[nobreak1970]

Welcome and try the CE5 kit.

 

[gregamite]

its really hard to say how long it will last you. just about everyone i know vapes more than they smoked. its just the way it is. as far as kits go. thats an alright kit to start out with. but i would suggest an ego twist/vision spinner or 2 and a protank or an evod with a couple of replaceable heads. that would be my starting point. and it will probably run you like $80 or something like that. but its worth the investment. it will introduce you to the world of variable voltage and be tons better than a blu or any other cig a like ever thought about being. hope this helps and let us know if you have anymore questions.

and welcome to ecf by the way!

 

[spaceballsrules]

Thanks for the welcome!

Wow, I never figured that was a bad place to start! I have a lot to learn, apparently.

As for my budget, not including juice, I'd like to spend less than $60 or so for my first setup. Then again, my first budget included multiples of each: x2 batteries, x3-4 clearos, etc. Lots of beginner's guides suggest going that route, but I'm at you guys' mercy now! I'd love to hear anyone's input to the contrary.

Favorite razor? That's a tough one! It seemed as soon as I was fully enveloped into the cut-throat world, I went right back to DEs for convenience's sake. Merkur Barberpole Slant, aka the Sledgehammer. Not suggested for new guys until they get the gist of wetshaving.

Cream/soap suggestions are even more troubling. I ended up being a hard cream/soft soap user, for the most part, with Cella or RazoRock being my main ones. For aftershave, my absolute favorite is Musgo Real. Don't bother wearing any cologne if you splash this stuff on, though.

Again, thanks and I definitely look forward to participating.

Nice setup for shaving, and not overzealous like some of the stuff I see other people using on B&B. Like I said, I am easy when it comes to shaving, so anything works fine for me. I am also one of the weird ones that shaves BEFORE showering, so aftershave isn't really necessary. I usually just finish with a dab of Thayer's witch hazel just to tone and tighten. Works great for me.

Now onto why you are really here. The setup you have listed isn't bad, but you can do better. The eGo-T battery is OK, but the T2 clearos are an old design and they don't perform as well as a lot of the newer stuff. They are also a top coil, so dry hits happen more often. I would suggest getting a Kanger EVOD kit. The battery is regulated at 3.7V and works very well with the included clearos, which are 2.5 ohms. If you feel you want a warmer vape, you can always opt for some 2.2 ohm coils. Here is a kit for a very nice $35. Kanger Evod Starter Kit

If you can swing an extra $10 over your budget, what you really want to start with is an eGo Twist kit. http://www.myvaporstore.com/Vision_Spinner_Joye_Ego_C_Twist_Combo_p/vvs-c.htm
Opt for 2 eGo-C Twist 1000mah batteries, which will typically last all day on a charge, and opt for the Kanger EVOD clearos to go with the Twist batts. If you feel that the 1000mah will be to big, you can certainly opt for the smaller 650mah, but you'll be sorry later on, as you get used to the size in due time. The reason I suggest starting with this is because of the variable voltage feature. It allows to tailor your vape to suit your personal taste. If you want a sweeter cooler vape, you turn the voltage down, or if you want a warmer throatier vape, you turn the voltage up. Different juice flavors will react differently, and some taste better at lower voltages, while others are better at higher voltages. It just gives you more control. Better to have and not need than need and not have, and it's worth the extra $$ in the end.

One more option, and this one is phenomenal for what you get, take a look at the Innokin MVP 2.0. It's only $40 here - Innokin iTaste MVP V2.0 - 101 Vape It has every bell and whistle you could imagine, including variable voltage AND variable wattage, and it is a complete kit as it includes an iClear 30 clearo. You can even use it while it is charging. The battery is 2600mah, so you will probably be able to go 2 days before it needs to be charged. With the low cost, you can buy a few different clearos, such as the aforementioned Kanger EVOD, or a Protank 2, or a Smoktech ARO,....just to see which you prefer. Ego Cartomizers IMHO The MVP 2.0 is the best choice I have given you, if you are comfortable with using a box mod.

The reviews that you are reading are probably a little dated, and in the vaping industry, even 6 months can make a huge difference.

If you any questions, just ask. That's what we are here for. There are truly no stupid questions, and ECF is as friendly as forums get.

I suggest watching reviews on Youtube for all the stuff I mentioned. My favorite reviewer would be Phil Busardo. Here is his review of the MVP.

 

[03FXDWG]

I think your original choices are ok for a beginner setup however, if you intend to use a citrus, cinnamon, licorice or banana liquid; you're going to want a glass tank. Those types of liquids have been known to do bad things to the plastic clearomizers. The advantage of the eGo-T batteries over the eGo-C variable voltage batteries is the pass-through ability but, I believe you can buy a separate pass thru if being hooked to a usb port while you vape is on your "must have" list and they are cheaper.

Here is a link for a Kanger starter kit with mini Protank 2 tanks & variable voltage batteries:
Kanger Mini Protank 2 Starter Kit -VV

And another for the more basic EVOD tanks and non-variable batteries:
Kanger Evod Starter Kit

Welcome to the forum!

 

[madqatter]

As for my budget, not including juice, I'd like to spend less than $60 or so for my first setup.

If you want eGo-style batteries, my top recommendation is this (already mentioned by others above): 2 Kanger Mini Protanks & 2 variable voltage batteries with charger and some replacement coil heads. This is a great starter setup with everything you need except juice.

The glass tanks, as opposed to plastic, will mean no worries about tank-cracker juices such as wintergreen, clove, citrus, and cinnamon. The variable voltage will allow you more control over your vaping experience. And I think it's essential to have at least two batteries and two tanks starting out.

If you're ready to jump directly into the world of mods, I'd recommend getting an iTaste MVP v2 and a really basic single Evod kit (because everyone needs at least one backup). That would put you $5 over budget, but it would be a brilliant move. The only downside is that you would only have plastic tanks starting out and would have to be a little careful about your juice choices.

 

[spaceballsrules]

Scratch my earlier recommendation for the Twist/EVOD kit. The Kanger EVOD VV battery kit with the mini Protanks that everyone else recommended would be a better choice. Kanger Mini Protank 2 Starter Kit -VV

As for juice consumption, you are looking at anywhere from 2-5ml per day. When it comes to juice, always stay a couple weeks ahead with your supply.

 

[sbdivemaster]

Welcome to the party, OSY!

 

[OldSchoolYoungin]

And we're off!

Kanger Mini Protank 2 Starter Kit -VV

I thought about ordering juice separately but figured trying some of VapeDojo's offerings would be worth a shot, so I also included 5ml samples of the following:

- Emerald Buddha

- Ecto Cooler

- Berries and Cream

- Happy Ending

- Blueberry Vanilla Tobacco. Many vapers suggested against tobacco flavors, but figured it wouldn't hurt to try atleast one.

By the way, today marks the first two weeks of being analog free. Admittedly, I do sometimes take a few hits of pipe tobacco, but the amount I end up smoking only winds up being around 2-4 cigs a day; a far cry from my previous 1-2 pack a day habit. Within due time, I will be 100% tobacco free. I'll make sure of it

Big thanks to everyone on steering me in the right direction, and even bigger thanks to sbdivemaster for introducing me to vaping in the first place!

 

[ShariR]

Welcome to ECF. Looks like you found a good kit to start with. And a few juices to get a taste. What nic level did you start with? You need to come back and let us know how you are doing. Here is a link to introduce you to some current favorite juice vendors to get your stash started. These are all tried and proven good quality vendors.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...discussion/304212-top-5-vendors-e-liquid.html

Good luck and hope to see you around here posting.

 

[dice57]

Welcome and good luck on your gear of choice. Ego style batteries are a good place to get your feet wet. Top it with an Aspire BCD tank, they do come in glass now, and you'll be getting a pretty great vape. But anything you choose that gets you off the smokes is always a great choice!!!

 

[OldSchoolYoungin]

Well, this sucks. Since I can't post new threads, I guess I'll just put it here.

So, I finally received my Kanger Protank 2 Mini starter kit along with my first set of juice. I was VERY excited to start vaping and immediately started charging one of the batteries. As soon as I connected it to the charger, I notice that the green light turned on and stayed on even though no charge was taking place. After doing a little research, I learned this often meant that the battery wasn't fully in contact with the charger. Carefully, I raised the center pin contact points on both the battery and charger. This seemed to do something as the light turned red. Waited the recommended four hours. Nothing. Repeated the same process with the other battery. After five to six hours, nothing.

Needless to say, I'm a bit disappointed; especially considering this is my very first set up. Is there anything else I can possibly do to remedy the situation? Unfortunately, this is my only charger and I don't have a brick and mortar store close to me, so no chance of getting another charger right off the bat to see if that one works. I've contacted customer support and am awaiting their response, but it'd be great if I could save this somehow.

Oh, and I've read where others have a similar issue and they re-solder something or other inside the charger but sorry, I'm just not doing that :lol

 

[OldSchoolYoungin]

Forgot to mention that the charger is EVOD and the batteries are 650 mah Kanger EVOD variable voltage.

Also, I've tried using just the USB cord without the wall adapter. Same result.

 

[OldSchoolYoungin]

I hate bumping posts, but is there anything else I can do at this point?

 

[madqatter]

I've not had a similar issue, so I can't be much assistance. You said you contacted customer support, the vendor I assume? Vape Dojo? What's the response been? If you haven't called them on the phone, I would recommend it. They're supposed to have a 30 day warranty on all batteries.

If you think it could be the charger, you could test that by getting a new one (couldn't hurt to have another anyway). Discount Vapers should have one that works with your eGo-style Kanger starter kit (they're also an authorized Kanger distributor for the United States).