Newb here with some questions. :]

[SummerDawn]

Hey all! Chemicalette here. I quit smoking analogs a little over a month ago as a birthday present to myself. My mom purchased me a Cig2o starter kit at the time, which I believe is considered a KR808D-1? Anyways, I've lurked this forum quite a bit in the interim and thanks to you wonderful folks I have gone about buying a full force of Vapor Kings/Titans (both manuals and autos) from Vapor4Life as well as several e-juices from them and Ms. T's Bakery. I recently purchased a passthrough and just ordered a PCC today. :]

So here are my questions. Like I said I'm very new with all this, so please bare with me.

1) At first, I loved the KR808D-1 because they were so similar to analogs, but I'm over that little bit in my transitioning process and am now looking for a few other models. I'd like to hear what works best for you folks and why, as well as your suggestions for the best battery life. I have heard good things about the eGo-T / Tornado Tank?

2) I'm having some issues re-filling my cartos. :[ This is absolutely devastating for me as I haven't been able to use any of my Ms. T's e-juice and wasted a bit of my V4L juice. I cleaned my cartos using the boiling method (Nilius17's tutorial on YouTube) and then attempted two methods I had seen on this forum: removing the white caps and dropping in the mouthpiece end, and dropping in the opposite end where the carto connects to the battery. When I dropped the e-juice in the mouthpiece end, it didn't vape very well at all. I could barely taste it and there was almost no plume whatsoever. Using the same amount in the opposite end, I had an immediate headrush after my very first hit. Can someone please share with me your version of your exact process of re-filling cartos? Because I'm obviously doing something wrong.

Thank you all for your time and assistance.

 

[vapbear]

Congrats on quitting the analogs and welcome to the wonderful world of vaping! I started out with a basic kit like yours and it was ok for the first few weeks, but like you I got to a point when I knew it was time to step up to the next level. If you don't want to shell out too much cash just yet and don't feel ready for one of the "big time" mods I would suggest getting yourself an ego manual kit with at least two batts and also get a few boxes of 510 dual coil cartomizers with the soft caps. I've tried several methods of cleaning my cartos and none ever really worked for me. I've decided to just accept that cartos are not meant to last forever. One inexpensive mod that I would also recommend is the rough stack...it's a hard hitter and very durable...has a 510 connection so you can also use dc cartos on it. In terms of juice vendors I love Backwoods Brew, Nite Lite Vapor (bounty hunter is so yummy), and Kick Bass Vapors....I've also heard great things about AVE but haven't tried them out yet. I hope some of this is of help to you.

Oh and in terms of refilling cartos...you can use the condom method (easy to find on youtube) or my prefered method which is to simply drip along the sides of the top of the carto (with the end cap off of course) and after every few drops shake the carto like down like you going to throw it (don't really throw it though) to get the juice down to the bottom and keep repeating this until it leaks a drop then blow through the top(onto a papertowel) and then blow through the bottom end....let it sit for a few minutes and you're good to go.

 

[swedishfish]

How much do you want to spend?

I posted some suggestions in this thread in the $50 price range for ego type pvs. I wouldn't suggest a tank. You can always pick one up sometime. But a big battery and big cartos like the dual coil cartos or the echo-e cartos are great. Hold over 3 ml of juce.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo.../214182-help-me-choose-e-cig.html#post3874306

I fill my cartos with a syringe. No other reason than I sort of like to do it and it's a little faster. Condom method works as well.

Usually I drip about 10 drops into the top (avoiding the center) shake like a thermometer, add 5 more drops, keep repeating until full.

If your using something like the clear dual coil cartos, it's easy to see how much juice to add. You can also see the little dry spots. This is when a syringe comes in handy.

 

[hittman]

I haven't had any experience with the ego but can tell you that the riva which is very similar but operates at 3.7v rather than the 3.2 that the ego does is a good unit. I've had different mods and still use some but I picked up a riva carto deluxe kit from liberty flights a few weeks ago and it works very well with the boge 2.0 ohm cartos. Like vapbear I have had very little luck cleaning cartos. They seem to never taste right after being cleaned. I don't vape as much as some people do but have had the boge cartos last for two to three weeks each. The kit I got came with a nice carrying case too which is pretty handy. It looks like a zip up sunglass case. If you want to skip the ego/riva type pv's then there are mods galore out there these days. I wouldn't even begin to recommend a specific one since there are so many good ones out now compared to when I first started.

 

[QBass]

Hi SD! Congrats on dropping analogs and welcome to ECF! It sounds like you are taking the exact same route I took a few months ago! Cig2O... grab a few e-liquids... look around. You are right that the Cig2O (same thing I started with) is a KR808D-1. I still love my 808, but have purchased a few adapters which makes the connection types kind of a moot point. I use dual and triple coil 510 cartos on my 808 box mod with an 808/510 adapter. I've also recently received an Eastmall Indulgence, which includes connections for 808, 901, 510, 801 and the 40x series. I highly suggest grabbing a mid-level mod next, as you will likely eventually grab one anyhoot. The roughstack mentioned by vapbear is one such, as is the Indulgence. You may want to shop around for a bit while enjoying what you have.

If you aren't getting much from your cartos after refilling from the top, you may not be drying them completely after cleaning. I know if the filler still contains water, they will not vape worth a . I assume you have V4L and Cig2O 808d-1 cartos at this time; they both hold about 18 to 20 drops each. When you drip refill through the top, be sure not to get any in the center hole and also allow each drop to soak in before the dropping the next. I would also suggest grabbing a drip tip for them, not to refill through, but because it's easier to take off of the cartos than those little white caps for refilling (and it just feels better).

One more thing... 901 atomizers fit on your 808d-1 batteries and are a GREAT way to check out now flavors! This way, you can also experience the joys of filler-free flavors. Good luck, and if there are any more questions, ask away. Tonnes of helpful peeps here!

 

[crk0756]

First off, Howdy and welcome!!! I prefer a mod, usually sticking with my provape-1 at home(roughly 6hrs on a 900mah 14500), and my evercool mods during the day at work (2 to 2 1/2 days on two 3000mah 18650's)... All are 510 connection, started out with with an 801 on a Janty stick V3, but didn't like the carts which never seemed to draw properly or got that buring flavor.. So I switched to direct dripping which I enjoyed..... Then the liquinator came out, so I purchased three of them. Instantly refills your cartos, and you can use both lr, and regular cartos. I have used my Liquinators on my Mega T-Rex (eGO-Riva compatible) with LR cartos, and works great usually lasting me all day on one batt (1100mah)..

 

[SummerDawn]

Thank you all for your very helpful answers thusfar! It's very refreshing to find a forum where everyone is so helpful and knowledgable. swedishfish, I'll go look into that thread right now and try to discern what will work for me. Can anyone recommend some sites to me where I might be able to purchase some of the suggested kids, mods, batteries, etc? Thanks again!

 

[swedishfish]

I posted some links for the ego type (what I'm familiar with). I leave it to the experts with the mods. And I do learn a lot reading these threads myself! Excellent advice here!

 

[swedishfish]

First off, Howdy and welcome!!! I prefer a mod, usually sticking with my provape-1 at home(roughly 6hrs on a 900mah 14500), and my evercool mods during the day at work (2 to 2 1/2 days on two 3000mah 18650's)... All are 510 connection, started out with with an 801 on a Janty stick V3, but didn't like the carts which never seemed to draw properly or got that buring flavor.. So I switched to direct dripping which I enjoyed..... Then the liquinator came out, so I purchased three of them. Instantly refills your cartos, and you can use both lr, and regular cartos. I have used my Liquinators on my Mega T-Rex (eGO-Riva compatible) with LR cartos, and works great usually lasting me all day on one batt (1100mah)..

Wow! 2 1/2 days on a 18650!! I'm considering the liquinator- for home use! It's a little odd looking. I am going to try these
GotVapes VISION Clear Giant 3.5ml 510 Cartomizer 1 Piece [gv-visionclearomizer-3.5ml] - $5.95 : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more

Sorry for the hijack SummerDawn!

 

[SummerDawn]

Oh no worries! I'm very interested to hear everything that anyone has to say. I looked into your links and I am interested in both the E-Power Starter Kit with the 510 atomizers and 14650 batteries.. And the eGo 1100 mAh 2 battery kit. I don't really have a spending limit at the present time... I just want to find what works and I was planning on having to invest a bit. ;] Does anyone have experience with either of those who could tell me a bit more?

 

[wv2win]

Oh no worries! I'm very interested to hear everything that anyone has to say. I looked into your links and I am interested in both the E-Power Starter Kit with the 510 atomizers and 14650 batteries.. And the eGo 1100 mAh 2 battery kit. I don't really have a spending limit at the present time... I just want to find what works and I was planning on having to invest a bit. ;] Does anyone have experience with either of those who could tell me a bit more?

The E-Power, is the best logical next step. A better and much more economical option than the RIVA and definitely better than the eGo. Why pay on average $15 for a battery when the E-Power's are $4 for the same performance. Plus the batteries can be recharged many more times.

 

[CGlassford]

I learned a great way to make sure all the water is out of my cartos before refilling with juice.

Lay down a double layer of paper towels on the counter. Then tear another paper towel into square peices about 2"x2". Roll these pieces up and stuff them into the open mouth end of the carto. Then lay it down on the double layers.

The rolls will wick the water out of the filler in the carto and the flat paper towel will wick the water from those. The cartos will be completely dry within a few hours as opposed to 24 to 48 hours. You also don't have to worry that you'll forget they are in the oven with the "low and slow" method. LOL

 

[cyberwolf]

Like QBass said, you may still have some water in your cleaned cartomizers, which will really ruin the flavor and vape. By far the best way I've found is using an oral syringe as described here. Using an inexpensive oral syringe available at Walmart or a drugstore, you draw hot water through the cartomizer and then force it back out again. The syringe I got at Walmart has a rubber stopper for use with medicine bottles that fits pretty securely onto a cartomizer.

The other great part is that after you've flushed it with water a few times, you can then pump the syringe 40 times or so to force air in and out of the carto to get most of the remaining liquid out. They'll work as soon as you're done, but I usually put the cartos in the oven at 200 degrees for half an hour or so to completely dry them.

Regardless of what method you use, you still need to make sure they are completely dry. I put them in the oven at 200 degrees for about a half hour and that seems to dry them pretty well. Wrapping a piece of wire around the thread so that you can hang them from the racks is the next step

The E-Power and the eGO/Riva are great next steps. I prefer the slimmer size of the eGo and Riva and also am in the routine of keeping a USB charger at home and at work. The value of the E-Power is that the replaceable batteries are cheap enough that you can just carry a couple with you. In either case, you will be quite happy with how long the batteries last compared to the KR808D-1.

 

[wv2win]

.............The value of the E-Power is that the replaceable batteries are cheap enough that you can just carry a couple with you. In either case, you will be quite happy with how long the batteries last compared to the KR808D-1.

Good points. Nothing wrong with the RIVA's performance for a 3.7 volt PV (better than the eGo's 3.2 volt) but why pay all that money for batteries when you can get equal and possibly better performance with the E-Power on batteries that cost 3-4 times less and can be recharged considerably more often.

 

[swedishfish]

Good points. Nothing wrong with the RIVA's performance for a 3.7 volt PV (better than the eGo's 3.2 volt) but why pay all that money for batteries when you can get equal and possibly better performance with the E-Power on batteries that cost 3-4 times less and can be recharged considerably more often.

That's true. They didn't have them for an ego when I purchased them for my kit. I have gotten 7 months out of some of my batteries so I can't complain.

Question about the ego batteries- you say the joye ego batteries are 3.2 volts. Is that the case for every size ego battery or just the 650's? How about different brands like the smoke tech?

 

[hawkizefan]

I totally agree with Vapbear....for the next step between a "starter" unit and a full blown overpriced unit, you just can't
go wrong with the Maxi Roughstack. $45 bucks...built like a tank and yet still a good looker...very versatile(3.7--5ish volts--6 or 7.4 scorching volts depending on what batts you feed it) and the switch is very easily replaceable at $12 or so.

I started with an Ego and knew almost immediately that I wanted something more. A lot of mods are pretty pricey so I went with the Maxi RS. best move I ever made. I now own 2 (because they are just that good and dependable---my everyday take to work, hit the yard, hit the woods...etc....) and I don't have to worry about dropping it or scratching up a bit because the RS thrives on that kind of abuse. In fact legend has it that the RS doesn't live up to its potential until it has a good dent/nick/scratch on it.

I'm currently looking for a new "sexy" mod for out and about or when I'm at home and feeling very regal, but I know my Roughstacks will probably always be my main go to.

 

[vapbear]

Hey Hawk you may want to look into the Prodigy v3.1 if you're looking for another mod...it's sexy and not too expensive. I love mine!

I totally agree with Vapbear....for the next step between a "starter" unit and a full blown overpriced unit, you just can't
go wrong with the Maxi Roughstack. $45 bucks...built like a tank and yet still a good looker...very versatile(3.7--5ish volts--6 or 7.4 scorching volts depending on what batts you feed it) and the switch is very easily replaceable at $12 or so.

I started with an Ego and knew almost immediately that I wanted something more. A lot of mods are pretty pricey so I went with the Maxi RS. best move I ever made. I now own 2 (because they are just that good and dependable---my everyday take to work, hit the yard, hit the woods...etc....) and I don't have to worry about dropping it or scratching up a bit because the RS thrives on that kind of abuse. In fact legend has it that the RS doesn't live up to its potential until it has a good dent/nick/scratch on it.

I'm currently looking for a new "sexy" mod for out and about or when I'm at home and feeling very regal, but I know my Roughstacks will probably always be my main go to.

 

[hawkizefan]

Hey Hawk you may want to look into the Prodigy v3.1 if you're looking for another mod...it's sexy and not too expensive. I love mine!

Thanks Vapbear, and I have checked that one out and it's very nice. Actually I think (know) where I'm going from here and it's pretty easy knowing I have a great "backup" like the Rough Stack.

 

[wv2win]

That's true. They didn't have them for an ego when I purchased them for my kit. I have gotten 7 months out of some of my batteries so I can't complain.

Question about the ego batteries- you say the joye ego batteries are 3.2 volts. Is that the case for every size ego battery or just the 650's? How about different brands like the smoke tech?

3.2 volts under load. Without a load they are supposidly 3.7v. The Riva and E-Power batteries perform better under load.

 

[swedishfish]

Ok, thanks!