New Vaper Seeking Beginner Advice

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jimbothigpen

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Sep 28, 2013
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Hi all,

Just started vaping about two weeks ago, trying to get a handle on the lingo. I'd been smoking for about 30 years before quitting cold-turkey 3 years ago. Did well for 2 1/2 years not smoking, but started bumming one or two after having a couple of drinks, and next thing I knew, I was back to about where I was when I quit. Smoked American Spirit rollies, a package of the blue lasted me 4 days or so by the time I switched to vaping.

Got a V2 starter kit with 2 batteries & 10 2.4mg "Red" cartridges; then ordered a 50ml bottle of the e-juice and 3 refillable cartridges, which arrived today. Figured out I can pop the little caps off the cartridges I already had and refill those, too.

I've been browsing through some posts, and it seems I have quite a bit of studying to do before I'm able to make reasonable decisions about what to buy next -- kind of makes my head spin a bit trying to decipher all the acronyms. I'll probably decide to try going purely DIY soonish, as that's how I tend to do things (I make my own wine, brew my own beer, smoke my own bacon, bake my own bread, etc., so DIY is kind of inevitable, I'd say). So far, I haven't had a battery need to be charged during the day (I plug 'em in when I go to bed), so the V2 batteries seem to be OK for the time being. Having smoked filterless most of my life, I'm looking for the biggest "throat hit" I can get. Does equipment make a difference there, or is it all about your juice? I've noticed people talk about different voltages -- how much of a difference does that make in the feel of the vapor?

Ideally, when I buy new equipment (which I'm sure I will -- can't help tinkering) and more e juice, I'd want the following:

- A short e-cigarette, if possible (V2 seems a bit long to me, but I don't have anything else to compare with)
- A day's charge for someone who'd smoke 1/2 to 1 pack of real cigarettes per day
- Biggest throat hit I can get
- As near as possible to a rich tobacco flavor, but not a sweet pipe tobacco taste (and certainly no chocolate or vanilla or menthol or papaya)
- Refillable cartridges that'll last a while without needing to be replaced

If anyone has advice on any of those items I'd be grateful. Also, any noob's glossary of acronyms the vets can reccommend?

Thanks!
 

Lucky1127

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Jun 16, 2013
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DIY you will want to get into RBAs (rebuild able atomizers) they can provide a great throat hit some are like lung hits. Microcoils are the new general consensus on the type of build with cotton wicks. The type of juice you vape will provide you with the desired results you seek the higher the vg content the more clouds you will blow. DIY juice is a bit tricky till you get the hang of it trying new recipes till you get it just right
 

quiter

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As you list it being small and lasting long as your requirement and want as much Throat hit as possible I would suggest the ego-twist with a Ce4. It's not small and it's still going to be rather longish. But for long lasting, not having to refill all the time and giving you extra power for throat hit I think it would do the trick for you. Buy a bunch of extra heads. On the juice there is really only one way to find your vape and that is trial and error. People can direct you in the right direction but only you know what taste you enjoy. So I would suggest getting your devices first and then ordering samples of juice until you find one or two you really like. I say buy the twists first because juice tastes different with each setup you put together. Change the voltage or the atomizer/tank/topper and the taste and throat hit changes as well.

If you are not in a huge hurry this is a good kit. But you can always shop around. This is the shortest one. So it's still a trade off though. Shorter = less battery time with these and if you crank it up high for the better throat hit it's not going to last as long. Of course you could always buy two kits.

$32.24 EGO-CE4+ 6-in-1 Variable Voltage Rechargeable 650mAh Electronic Cigarettes Set - silver / double e-cigarettes / 1.6ml / 2.5ohm / UK plug adapter at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

You will probably get a ton of suggestions but this is a tried and true one for someone who is trying to keep it smaller.
 

StarDose

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Mar 28, 2013
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I wish smaller devices worked and lasted better but alas they don't. You may think ego batteries are big but they are actually small compared to allot of devices. Variable voltage ego batteries are about the smallest device worth getting.

https://www.fasttech.com/products/1431300

This is the one I would suggest and have bought it for a friend aswell. For what you smoked 12mg liquid should give you decent throat hit without overkill on the nic. I know you want just tobacco as we all did when we started but there are allot of great flavors out there. I preferred ry4 when I started which is a vanilla caramel tobacco kinda thing. For you maybe dk tab or 555 probably the latter.

There is a ton of info around here to absorb so have fun with your new hobby ;-)
 

Baditude

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Innokin_iTaste_MVP.jpgMVP V2.jpg

Above is the Innokin iTaste MVP. $50 for the kit that includes what you see, charging cord, and iClear clearomizer. Powerful built-in battery stays charged for up to 3 days; passthru ability to vape while it charges. Powerful enough to charge your cell phone or iPod.

Sturdy metal build, comfortable to hold and vape, small enough to be pocket-worthy, doesn't look like something from a head shop or a woman's sex toy. Looks like a remote or cell phone. Variable voltage to adjust vapor to each flavor you use. What's not to like about this?

Face it. You're not a smoker anymore. Your device doesn't need to look like a cigarette. You're not smoking. Your vaping. Everyone eventually gets frustrated with cigalikes and moves up to the eGos or big battery mods. Save yourself a step up the ladder and some money along with it. This is what you need.
 
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Poesy

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Sep 28, 2013
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I just bought my first electronic cigarette September 16. I think I read all sorts of things for 6 months before getting the courage to finally give it a try and I still needed to go talk to someone in person at a local vape shop to be sure. I paid a little more than I could have this way, but I felt better having some support in the purchase.
I ended up getting the 900mah kanger evod battery and an mt3 clearomizer. This battery lasts me all day, I just plug it in at night when I go to bed. I'm really happy with it to start.

Finally registered at this site just a few minutes ago, since I've read so much information here I thought it might be useful to be able to ask questions. Good luck and congratulations on your start. :D
 

WarHawk-AVG

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Jul 27, 2013
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View attachment 256005View attachment 256006

Above is the Innokin iTaste MVP. $50 for the kit that includes what you see, charging cord, and iClear clearomizer. Powerful built-in battery stays charged for up to 3 days; passthru ability to vape while it charges. Powerful enough to charge your cell phone or iPod.

Sturdy metal build, comfortable to hold and vape, small enough to be pocket-worthy, doesn't look like something from a head shop or a woman's sex toy. Looks like a remote or cell phone. Variable voltage to adjust vapor to each flavor you use. What's not to like about this?

Face it. You're not a smoker anymore. Your device doesn't need to look like a cigarette. You're not smoking. Your vaping. Everyone eventually gets frustrated with cigalikes and moves up to the eGos or big battery mods. Save yourself a step up the ladder and some money along with it. This is what you need.

MVP 2.0...honestly this is the culmination of ALOT of trial and error

VV/VW, USB passhthru, volt and resistance checker, even has USB output power, MASSIVE batteries, and a small form factor, no need for removable or eternal chargers (only thing it could use would be a ring to put a neck lanyard on), AND it doesn't cost over $50 (at some places)!!!!!

Honestly...If I wasn't rocking my Vamo V3...I would be on the MVP 2.0 like white on rice on a paper plate in a snow storm!
 
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Train2

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Based on your good detailed description of what you want, here are some thoughts:
1 - you MAY end up building coils, and may want a big Mod battery - but at LEAST get something with variable voltage. I'd recommend something like this (get the EVOD or MiniProTank for juice) as a great step up - it's still easy and not expensive... The variable voltage WILL make a difference - some juice just won't give you the full flavor unless you can "turn it up" a little. It also lets you get the vapor you want whether you have a 1.8 ohm cart or coil, or a 2.4 ohm.

2- For rich tobacco, there are a LOT of threads describing them! I go for lighter stuff, like a mild Turkish, but I've HAD some stronger flavors - especially from Copper Creek and Heather's Heavenly.

Or go right ahead into the DIY, and I'd recommend you look for Hangsen tobacco flavorings to work with.

Finally - if you do get an EGO type battery, you may want to see about an 808 to 510 adapter for a couple bucks. This would let you attach your V2 carts to the new battery too (An EGO battery has EGO threads, that are bigger, and 510 threads ALSO, that are CLOSE to the size of your V2, but not the same).

Good Vaping!!
 

jimbothigpen

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Sep 28, 2013
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Thanks, everyone! Once I get tired of my V2s (which everyone in these forums insists I will), I think I've been convinced to go with the eGo Twist 650mAh recommended by quiter and StarDose. WarHawk-AVG and Sugar_and_Spice -- thanks for forum links, good info to get me started!

As far as my DIY inclinations go, they're tempered by my miserliness. If it costs me more to make my own bacon than to buy it at WalMart, I'd buy it at WalMart even if my own tastes better. What about RBAs, Lucky1127? Is that a cheaper route than buying C4 clearomizers in the long run? And in the realm of DIY juice -- entropy1049, do you have a recipe you can share?

Again, thanks everyone!
 

WarHawk-AVG

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Thanks, everyone! Once I get tired of my V2s (which everyone in these forums insists I will), I think I've been convinced to go with the eGo Twist 650mAh recommended by quiter and StarDose. WarHawk-AVG and Sugar_and_Spice -- thanks for forum links, good info to get me started!

As far as my DIY inclinations go, they're tempered by my miserliness. If it costs me more to make my own bacon than to buy it at WalMart, I'd buy it at WalMart even if my own tastes better. What about RBAs, Lucky1127? Is that a cheaper route than buying C4 clearomizers in the long run? And in the realm of DIY juice -- entropy1049, do you have a recipe you can share?

Again, thanks everyone!

don't forget Baditude!
$45.16 INNOKIN iTaste MVP 5-in-1 Voltage Adjustable Rechargeable 2600mAh Mechanical LCD Electronic Cigarettes Set - black / with iClear 16 atomizers at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

Oh and when you do go eGo..and you will...get a backup for your backup ;)
http://www.fasttech.com/products/1411/10001733/1292300
I recommend CE4S or higher clearomizers (they are serviceable as in you can replace the heads if they get burned or whatever)
 
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quiter

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If you want to go really cheap on the heads you can just replace the wire and the wick. It's a bit of a pain but not too bad. Some people wrap their own coils around a wick. That is pretty advanced though this is a easier way to do it. You can replace the entire head for about 80cents each or you can replace just the wick and coil for 28 cents each or even go and buy fifty of these wicks with coils for under $10. You can find video's on youtube on how to use them. Prewrapped wicks are pretty slick.

$2.79 Replacement Wicks and Wires for Rebuildable Atomizer (10-Pack) 10-pack - 1.8ohm / multi wicks at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
 

Katya

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Thanks, everyone! Once I get tired of my V2s (which everyone in these forums insists I will), I think I've been convinced to go with the eGo Twist 650mAh recommended by quiter and StarDose. WarHawk-AVG and Sugar_and_Spice -- thanks for forum links, good info to get me started!

If you prefer the smaller form of the eGo-class batteries, this kit is a great value and is fully customizable. I recommend getting One Twist, one Spinner, and an eVod and a T3 (and extra coils.) This kit will introduce you to the best hardware (including variable voltage) available currently in this category.

http://www.myvaporstore.com/Vision_Spinner_Joye_Ego_C_Twist_Combo_p/vvs-c.htm

If you want to go cheaper, try an eVod starter kit--half the price but no variable voltage, but a solid 3.7v (not 3.3 like other eGos).

ElectronicStix.Com · Kanger EVOD 650mAh Starter Kit
 
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OlDogNewTricks

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Aug 21, 2013
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Venice, FL
Hi, welcome and congratulations. I agree with War-hawk's two posts, good info. I have a Smoktech RSST, rebuildable atomizer. They are very easy to work with (I have HUGE ham hands and yes, the old saying is true, LOL!!!). There are great videos on Youtube on how to make coils, search for microcoils, a guy that goes by RIP-trippers is a good place to start. Batteries? I have some Smoktech twists that are working fine so far. Started with them and keep them as backups. My current main battery is a Joyetech eVic, but am thinking about the Innokin iTaste MVP 2 as an alternate 'Out among 'em' battery. My wife wont let me DIY juice, the is afraid of the house becoming a lab <sigh>. Good luck and have fun!
 

DasBluCig

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Got the MVS Starter Kit that Katya posted a link.....and I couldn't be happier!!!:D
I went with TWO eGo Twist 650's --- had I to do over, I'd probably opt for ONE Twist and ONE Spinner, and go 1100mAh or 1300 mAh...
The T3's aren't the greatest clearos, but they'll do the job - just keep 'em clean and be careful of spicy/citrus juices that MAY dissolve plastic/glue and cause leaking (I've since gone with Kanger Protank 2's, but my T3's are still in service!!)
Good Luck with whatever you choose!!
Happy (vaping) Trails!
 
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