Knowing what I know now when I started, I would have avoided the cigarette-sized batteries altogether. I easily spent at least $60 that could have gone to an intermediate starters setup. I had only used the cigarette-sized batteries for 2 - 3 weeks when I was ready for something much better.
I think one of the variable voltage Ego batteries, like the Vision Spinner is a great battery for a beginner. It's not too small and not too big. The variable voltage function offers additional versatility to make adjustments in the vapor and to fine tune for flavors.
A clearomizer is the logical juice delivery device for a beginner. These are what goes on top of the battery, hold the liquid, and turn the liquid into vapor. They are simple to fill with liquid, offer decent flavor and vapor production, if not offering much in the consistancy department. Glass is preferred to plastic, but at this stage of the game it is not that important.
Vision Spinner with Kanger Protank
Finding a good flavor is just as important as finding the right gear. This can only be done by experimentation by trial and error. If a local vape shop offers free sampling of flavors can be found, this is the best solution for finding a flavored e-liquid. Sales staff can offer recommendations and suggest the right nicotine content for how heavy a smoker you are. Most new vapors try a tobacco or menthol flavor initially, but quickly branch out to fruit, desert, candy, or other flavors.
If a local vendor is not an option, try to find online vendors that offer small bottles of flavors in a sampler pack. Many of us have wasted money on larger size bottles only to find that we couldn't stand to vape them. Once one finds a flavor they like, they can order more in a larger size bottle.
Always have a backup for every thing you use in vaping. Batteries, charger, juice attachments, replacement coil heads, juice. Mechanical gear can break or stop working. You can't vape if you're missing just one of them, and once you've quit smoking you don't want an excuse to return to smoking. Some people quite cold turkey with vaping, some combine vaping with an occassional cigarette; there's no right way to do it. Just remember: It's not how many cigarettes you smoke that count, its the ones that you didn't.
A Good Starters Setup for a Beginning Vaper
Proper Terminology: Primer on Juice Attachments
Moving Up the Vaping Ladder with Ego's & Mods
