Newbie here, need help making decisions.

[Mavyrk]

Hello all. I'm a mid-20s smoker of some years. Around a pack a day smoker (full flavored 100s).

I've tried free samples in malls (lookalikes) and have sampled a couple from friends who own PVs (mid-sized); only tried menthol and tobacco flavors, generally stronger juices in terms of nicotine (beggars can't be choosers). I like the experience, and I'm interested in getting my own PV and saying goodbye to ashtrays.

I've done a fair amount of research but I'd like a little help in answering some of my questions. I have a fair idea of what I want and just want some confirmation and guidance.

I work between 10-12 hours a day and have access to a car charger almost all day. If possible, I'd like to have a battery that will last me the whole workday with minimal recharging; sometimes the majority of the day is driving, sometimes it's a lot of working away from the car for several hour stretches.

I've got large hands and am used to cigars, so the size of large batteries and mid-sized units isn't an issue. I'd like to be able to leave most of the equipment in a single carrying case in the car and just leave the unit in my pocket when I'm doing work, so I'd like to not need to carry around tons of batteries and converters and liquids and carts and whatnot.

So, for my first question: what would give me that 10-14 hour stretch with some recharging, and with enough liquid to make it through the day, without being bogged down with more than a single carrying case? Will the 1000 mAh battery, an eGo, and a car charger (with the USB cable) manage to all fit in one carrying case and do the job? I'm pretty much completely un-interested in lookalikes and minis and small batteries since I work long hours. I may eventually get a lookalike as a backup or something, but to start out I just want something that will last me the whole day with little fuss.

My second question is this: I've recently (within the past couple weeks) switched from smoking full-flavored 100s to smoking light 100s. The nicotine level is not a problem in full-flavored cigarettes, but the smoke (i.e. the tar/carcinogens/etc) of full-flavored has just been a bit too heavy for my lungs with a recent respiratory illness. Given this, what level of e-liquid juice do you think would be a good starting fluid? I plan to buy several different flavors, but I'd like to not be stuck with any nicotine level that's too light since you can't really make it stronger I'm told. I've smoked my friend's 24mg (I believe) juice and had no headache problems and it's been pretty satisfying.

Thanks for any responses! Also, any tips/recommendations on where to purchase would be awesome. I'm really lost with the sheer amount of suppliers and websites and all the scams I've heard about that I'm kind of frozen on picking a store. Plus the whole "don't buy from China" thing.

 

[TomCatt]

The eGo/Riva/Kgo (etc) mid-size PV sounds like a good choice to start with. Shop around, most kits come with two batteries. A rough estimate is ~1 hour vaping time per 100mAh of battery capacity - a 1000mAh eGo should last ~8-10 hours; but as they say 'Your Mileage May Vary' . I'd try cartomizers to start with, you can load up a few to carry with you. And speaking of carrying, lots of eGo cases available to keep your stuff together.
Nic level - sounds like you can handle the 24mg, so go with it. I was a 1.5 ppd of lights and started with 18mg. Here again, YMMV. Some people need to start off with 36mg, others (like me) were fine with much less. You may want to get some eliquid in 24 and 18 mg just to test.

 

[vampiir]

Hello all. I'm a mid-20s smoker of some years. Around a pack a day smoker (full flavored 100s).

I've tried free samples in malls (lookalikes) and have sampled a couple from friends who own PVs (mid-sized); only tried menthol and tobacco flavors, generally stronger juices in terms of nicotine (beggars can't be choosers). I like the experience, and I'm interested in getting my own PV and saying goodbye to ashtrays.

I've done a fair amount of research but I'd like a little help in answering some of my questions. I have a fair idea of what I want and just want some confirmation and guidance.

I work between 10-12 hours a day and have access to a car charger almost all day. If possible, I'd like to have a battery that will last me the whole workday with minimal recharging; sometimes the majority of the day is driving, sometimes it's a lot of working away from the car for several hour stretches.

I've got large hands and am used to cigars, so the size of large batteries and mid-sized units isn't an issue. I'd like to be able to leave most of the equipment in a single carrying case in the car and just leave the unit in my pocket when I'm doing work, so I'd like to not need to carry around tons of batteries and converters and liquids and carts and whatnot.

So, for my first question: what would give me that 10-14 hour stretch with some recharging, and with enough liquid to make it through the day, without being bogged down with more than a single carrying case? Will the 1000 mAh battery, an eGo, and a car charger (with the USB cable) manage to all fit in one carrying case and do the job? I'm pretty much completely un-interested in lookalikes and minis and small batteries since I work long hours. I may eventually get a lookalike as a backup or something, but to start out I just want something that will last me the whole day with little fuss.

My second question is this: I've recently (within the past couple weeks) switched from smoking full-flavored 100s to smoking light 100s. The nicotine level is not a problem in full-flavored cigarettes, but the smoke (i.e. the tar/carcinogens/etc) of full-flavored has just been a bit too heavy for my lungs with a recent respiratory illness. Given this, what level of e-liquid juice do you think would be a good starting fluid? I plan to buy several different flavors, but I'd like to not be stuck with any nicotine level that's too light since you can't really make it stronger I'm told. I've smoked my friend's 24mg (I believe) juice and had no headache problems and it's been pretty satisfying.

Thanks for any responses! Also, any tips/recommendations on where to purchase would be awesome. I'm really lost with the sheer amount of suppliers and websites and all the scams I've heard about that I'm kind of frozen on picking a store. Plus the whole "don't buy from China" thing.

Silver bullet with a tank and 18mg would be where I would likely start. Juice wise you will probably make it a day or two on 6ml. Batt will at least last you all day. 18650 AW IMR (2000 mAh) would be my battery suggestion. All of this should be available from altsmoke.com.

 

[kia2]

Well, I'm going to peek into the car with an additional suggestion.

Try a place like my admitted favorite vendor, Smokeless Image (shameless plug, but I am not affiliated with them except as a customer). http://smokelessimage.com/accessories.html

They have mainly the 808 style battery; however, they have two other batteries in the same line that you may want to look at, and both are called passthrough batteries. You will need a 1.5A car charger, also available. The "standard" Volt passthrough battery has a permanent "charging" cable that you plug into a USB adapter, the car charger works just fine. Add your cartomizer/cartridge and you're set to go. They are available in manual (push button to activate). The second passthrough battery, though, has a few more options. It is the X2, which is a big battery. It has a good feel for larger hands (I have large hands as well). The battery charges off the USB port by way of the charging cable, but this one is not permanently attached. The battery will last up to a few days, depending upon how much you vape against it. It too can be plugged into the car adapter, but also has the freedom of going with you when you leave the car. The X2 also has the manual or automatic choice available. The X2 is best charged using the 1.5A wall adapter and usb charger, but it will also charge as you are using it in the car, just maybe not charge full as you're vaping against it. Regardless, a highly convenient "critter," to say the least. It also will use the standard Volt cartomizers as well as their new clearomizers. Smokeless Image also carries their flavors in liquids for refilling carts or using the in clearos. You can learn about both here at ECF, and about the Volt and X2 specifically in Smokeless Image's sub forum.

A note on passthrough batteries: Although they can be plugged into a computer's USB port for use, you really, probably, shouldn't do this, as the passthrough needs a little more power than the computer USB is willing to give up. You don't want to fry any innards.

As for nicotine, I did read somewhere that the reason that many folks go back to tobacco cigarettes is because they didn't start with a high enough mg strength of nicotine. Now, I smoked over a pack a day, usually, and I smoked lights 100's. The 24mg nicotine strength was way too much for me and made me feel a bit woozy and nauseous. I went with 12mg. In hindsight, I maybe should have tried 18mg. Regardless, pay attention to your body. If you're not feeling satisfied when vaping, move the nicotine strength up a notch, and likewise if you are feeling ill affects like I did, move it down a notch.

Good luck with whichever method and device you decide to try, and congratulations for looking for the alternatives to smoking.

Oh, and don't forget to drink water. Drink plenty of water, as vaping will dehydrate.

 

[AttyPops]

I pretty much agree with the above. An eGo style PT PV of your choice will allow you to keep it plugged into the cig-lighter (with car->USB adapter) while vaping. If it's isn't a PT, you have to unscrew the atty/carto and screw it on a charger.

Another option is to use a mod (APV) with replaceable batteries. Then, it's a 10 second battery swap (Keep a few sets charged). Some have juice feeders (like bottom fed APVs) and other options. You really have to research a bit to know what you like. There's so many options that a lot of them will "fit" for you.

PT batteries are OK on a computer ... they draw less than 500ma (Even USB 1.0 will work). It's the 5 volt, no battery, PTs that draw too much current. But why tie up a computer USB port, and risk a short (that any USB device could get) when you can get an adapter for $5.00?

 

[Andy Thatcher]

I work similar hours.

There are a couple of solutions that will work for you.

If you are driving a lot I would get a 510 5 volt pass through. These can be picked up for under $15 and can either be used in the car or at home plugged in. Can't be used without being plugged in but gives a bang for your buck with a 3 ohm carto.

For the times when you are tether free I would go for an 18650 mod that gives you 3.7 volts. There are any options in this range. From LavaTubes to the Bolt from VMod XL to .... well choice isn't a problem any of these with a low resistance cartizer or atomizer will work well for you for longer than your working day.

I take 2 out of the following for my working day. VMod XL, ProVari, Altoids Variable Voltage Box, ProVari Mini. I also have a passthrough in my car, just in case lol

Was once stuck vapeless and so ensure that never ever ever happens.

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Mavyrk]

Thanks for all the responses folks! I have a couple comments and I think only one question.

While I do drive around a lot some days, it's not incredibly predictable or regular; so I don't feel like I'd get a great amount of bang for my buck getting anything that lacks a battery. I do expect myself to be vaporizing untethered quite frequently. I'm also kind of leery about getting an APV or silver bullet, they're a bit intimidating and I don't want to wind up breaking anything; and the initial cost is a bit pricy at the moment (although I do expect I'll eventually step up to those).

My only question is regarding the lifetime of a battery. If I get a cheap lookalike (small battery etc) and just keep it mostly charged on my person for emergencies, since I'm not likely to be vaping on it the charge will stay until I need it, right? When people say an hour of vaping time, is that saying an hour of the ritual (inhale, set it down for a bit, inhale, set it down for a bit, etc), a solid hour of just drawing on it continuously, or it sitting there doing nothing for an hour, is basically what I'm clarifying.

 

[proudlion]

Welcome Mavyrk - I have to totally agree on every detail with kia2's post (#4) regarding the X2 from smokelessimage.com. To address your most recent question about a "small battery" - I'd suggest one of the Volt 65mm or 78mm which are available in both manual and automatic. Yes, if you have it on your person and are not vaping it will not lose any significant charge should you need to pull it out as a back-up.

Wishing you the best and know we are all here to support you and address your questions.

 

[kia2]

I'll marathon vape a small battery like the 808 Volt for an hour. The X2, which is the big battery (similar in appearance to the eGo), I can marathon for several hours. (Marathon = constant.) However, it still will depend upon your own vaping style. However, I can kill a carto in less than half an hour when I'm really riled up (fortunately this does not happen often). The X2, is a darn good battery. I use it in the car, at work, and home, though I prefer to leave it home. I take six Volts with me everywhere I go simply because I have six different flavors going. I've also got the pcc (personal charging case) for my Volts. It will charge up to 3 or 4 of my Volts before it needs recharging itself. Can't go wrong, no matter what way you choose.

 

[AttyPops]

The battery will stay charged. The common household "rechargeable" battery (NiMH) doesn't hold a charge long (and is lower in volts)...there are hybrids (and box APVs) that use NiMH, but mostly not the same type of things as the Li-Ion battery that most e-cigs use. Li-Ion doesn't have a memory, and keeps a charge well. It has a high storage density and higher voltage, which is why it is common in e-cigs. They do have some dangers tho, so use protected batteries or a PV with protection built in (such as the eGo style stuff).

The "one hour" thing is a very rough average of "average vaping style" and varies depending on atty/carto ohms and such so...basically the more mAh the longer it will last you.

 

[TomCatt]

Thanks for all the responses folks! I have a couple comments and I think only one question.

While I do drive around a lot some days, it's not incredibly predictable or regular; so I don't feel like I'd get a great amount of bang for my buck getting anything that lacks a battery. I do expect myself to be vaporizing untethered quite frequently. I'm also kind of leery about getting an APV or silver bullet, they're a bit intimidating and I don't want to wind up breaking anything; and the initial cost is a bit pricy at the moment (although I do expect I'll eventually step up to those).

My only question is regarding the lifetime of a battery. If I get a cheap lookalike (small battery etc) and just keep it mostly charged on my person for emergencies, since I'm not likely to be vaping on it the charge will stay until I need it, right? When people say an hour of vaping time, is that saying an hour of the ritual (inhale, set it down for a bit, inhale, set it down for a bit, etc), a solid hour of just drawing on it continuously, or it sitting there doing nothing for an hour, is basically what I'm clarifying.

Basically an hour of the "ritual".

A lithium-ion battery has a relatively long 'shelf life'; at room temperature a fully charged li-ion battery will still have ~80% of it's charge after 3 months.

 

[thepassionofchad]

The eGo style battery sounds perfect for you. I vape moderately and it lasts me all day.

 

[undeadzombie47]

I went from a 510 to a eGo and the battery lasted me all day vs charging a regular battery 5-6 times a day.

 

[wv2win]

Considering the OP stated they are looking for something that will provide them 10 - 12 hours of battery life and really doesn't want to be tethered, suggesting a mini battery like the Volt is just leading him down the path to disapointment. I really don't understand this thinking other than "fanboyism".

I regularly suggest the Kgo or E-Power for new vapers over the eGo because it has a higher volt and higher mAh battery than the ego. But even with the Kgo, 6 - 8 hours is the most you will get for an average vaper. And with all these size batteries, and much more so with mini-sized ones like the Volt, the last half of the charge life will provide less vaping pleasure due to "battery drain". But if you carry one extra battery, you should be fine, as whatever power it loses in your pocket over the course of a day should be minimal overall.

There is one of the top of the line models that gets 21 - 35 hours on a charge and doubles as a pass-through if needed. Plus it has no battery drain issues, either. But I would not recommend it to a new person due to it's cost until they are sure vaping is for them.

Good Luck whatever you decide.

 

[AttyPops]

Another issue with Li-Ion is battery longevity. They degrade a little every time you recharge them (I think the exact #'s are relative to battery chem and quality, the charger, ect. but the general idea is true). The little cig-sized batteries need to be recharged often (and get quite a workout) so they don't tend to hold up very long term. Seems like I was swapping 2 or 3 510 180 mAh batteries and they lasted me about 3 months before they gave up. YMMV. The 14500's I use... have lasted a year or so per set of two.

Which reminds me... have a "backup" or spare. Not bad to have a spare charger too.

 

[kia2]

Considering the OP stated they are looking for something that will provide them 10 - 12 hours of battery life and really doesn't want to be tethered, suggesting a mini battery like the Volt is just leading him down the path to disapointment. I really don't understand this thinking other than "fanboyism".

I think I'm the only one here who specifically said "Volt," and yeah, I am a fan.

As a rule, I recommend the Volt. However, I also recommend the X2, which is the Volt "big battery" with a couple of days worth of life of "normal" use (depending upon how one vapes). I recommended the X2 as it can also be used as a passthrough. Nice big battery and easy maintenance, as it can use both cartomizers and clearomizers. Volt X2 Passthrough

Choice is the key word here, and the more choices given with why works pretty well.

 

[fitz4492]

silver bullet with a 8 ml liquidnator tank. With a HUGE tank like that you wont need to refill it for a few days (varies between user frequency) the silver bullet is a durable, reliable pv with a big battery that will last you a full day and into tomorrow.

 

[fitz4492]

or check out cloudsofvapor.com

look at the big ego style batteries and check out the tanks they have there. Any thing from COV is quality.

 

[wv2win]

I think I'm the only one here who specifically said "Volt," and yeah, I am a fan.

As a rule, I recommend the Volt. However, I also recommend the X2, which is the Volt "big battery" with a couple of days worth of life of "normal" use (depending upon how one vapes). I recommended the X2 as it can also be used as a passthrough. Nice big battery and easy maintenance, as it can use both cartomizers and clearomizers. Volt X2 Passthrough

Choice is the key word here, and the more choices given with why works pretty well.

Rereading your post, I agree that you did mention the X2 which pushes the standard Volt into the Kgo range of PV's. I agree that is a much better option than the "mini" sized Volt. However, based on the OP's comments, I would have told him to forget the 650 & 900 mAh options and gone right to the 1300 mAh option. That would get him close to his 10 - 12 hour battery life need as well as manual batteries for better control and performance.

But I still believe that E-Power is a better overall value than the Volt X2. The 900 mah Volt battery costs $25 and the 1300 mAh battery costs an amazingly expensive $30. The E-Power (which is no bigger size wise) comes standard with 1050 mAh batteries that cost $4.00 to replace.

 

[hellerhighwater]

In my opinion, the best way to go is the Joye Ego-C. It's simple to use, easy to maintain, the parts for it are reasonably priced, and the size is perfect (a great compromise between battery life and form factor). I personally shop at cignot.com. You can find a starter kit there for a solid price and the customer service is excellent. Also, check out their passthrough battery options. While a fully charged battery usually lasts me a full day, I find the ability to connect my ecig to any usb based power source to be a real life saver in a pinch.

Best of luck on your decision!