NOOB needs advice

[gthompson]

You don't have to be an Electrical Engineer to vape. We're all impressed by your knowledge and all that, but the guy just wants to quit smoking. A Twist and a Vivi Nova aren't the keys to saving his life. He doesn't have to know ohms law yet, he just needs to get started. Simple is better to start with.

I mean, let's carry it a step further since we want him to get "the best vape", let's advise him to get a ProVari and an rba. Those will be a much better "vape" than a Twist and a Vivi Nova.

 

[Petej]

I started with a DSE cigar and then moved on to a joye 510 and then a joye eGo.

I moved on from regular 510 atty's to a Smok redux (ce5) clearomizer with 1.8 ohm resistance.

My juices are 80/20 vg/pg. PG didn't give me enough vapor and I am sensitive to PG, so the pg/vg mix give my mix enough vapor without getting to thick when cold and the vapor i desire.

Just my 0.02¢

Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G using Tapatalk 2

 

[Bronze]

digesting... the reason I was looking at the $20 starters is 1. $$$ 2. will I like it? 3. if they are expandable I can upgrade or even spend more $$ in it down the road. But my option is to quit 100% or go with the E Cig.

Skip

Nothing wrong with your thinking. I can't comment on the $20 starter kit. Seems a bitlow for anything of quality. I think that's what John was trying to say (albeit a bit overboard IMO). You can get a Volt starter kit for around $50 (or a Joyetech 510 starter kit or similar). And it will include two batteries, a charger and some cartos. That's a good way to start Skip. If you want more advice, ask me and I will lead you directly to a fine starter kit. But I subscribe in keeping it simple and not discouraging you. So I will shut my trap if you think you have a grasp on it.

 

[MiamiMom63]

If you get the $20 kit, just keep in mind if/when you are done using it and it doesn't satisfy you, the Volts are still out there and there are tons of people that use them forever and never change to another brand.

I always recommend either the Volt or KGO's for new people, but since someone else already said the Volt (plus I'm assuming if Skip has COPD then he's not in his 20's or something), he would probably prefer the Volt. If you look at Smokeless Image's forum in here you will see how so many people love it. I personally started on a cig look-alike as well but it wasn't as good as the Volt and it made me very frustrated, however I could tell the concept was good if I found a better one. Luckily I didn't quit and I got online and hunted for something better.

You came to the right spot for help. If you want to buy one for $20, go for it. Many people have bought those and quit smoking. However, it led them to come in here hunting a better one eventually. On the down side, it led some to say e-cigs are a load of crock. But to try it out, it won't kill ya! lol.

 

[Bronze]

"But let's let Skip start out with something simple".

The Twist and Vivi Nova are very simple.

"They need it simple, small, and look-a-like".

I don't think that it can be categorically stated that that is what they "need"; especially the look-alike part.

"We'd serve Skip better by supporting the first replier's suggestion".

It's my opinion that Skip would be best served by being presented with a good understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the basic options available to him, and I would be remiss if I didn't suggest the option of going with a nice, simple VV setup like a Twist (or kGo VV, or Vision Spinner) and the Vivi Nova.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/337650-ego-twist-viva-nova-startup-kit.html

If when I started vaping, someone handed me a Twist with a Min Nova on top, I wouldn't be vaping today. You might. Others might. But most wouldn't. It would have been too intimidating and would not have transitioned me properly. That's why minicig starter kits exist. Most people do not want to go from a 4", .01 ounce cigarette to a 10", 1/2 pound electrical device.

 

[gthompson]

If when I started vaping, someone handed me a Twist with a Min Nova on top, I wouldn't be vaping today. You might. Others might. But most wouldn't. It would have been too intimidating and would not have transitioned me properly. That's why minicig starter kits exist. Most people do not want to go from a 4", .01 ounce cigarette to a 10", 1/2 pound electrical device.

At least not for vaping.

 

[John D in CT]

digesting... the reason I was looking at the $20 starters is 1. $$$ 2. will I like it? 3. if they are expandable I can upgrade or even spend more $$ in it down the road. But my option is to quit 100% or go with the E Cig.

Skip

Skip -

Now that there's vaping, I wouldn't ask my worst enemy to just quit smoking cold turkey. That is cruel and unusual punishment for the human mind and body. Your brain has now been rewired to accept nicotine as the primary satisfier of your dopamine receptors, and that is a key reason that quitting cold turkey is such long-term misery, and so difficult. There's nicotine replacement therapy, but that's largely a joke; it doesn't address the other factors that make it so hard to quir; the hand-to-mouth thing, the oral fixation thing, the ritual thing, the throat hit thing, and all of the other psychological factors involved.

Vaping is as close to magic as it gets; "smoking", yet not smoking. yes, you will almost undoubtedly like it - very, very much. Any flavor in the world, it costs less, and compared to cigarettes, it's relatively harmless. Want to get away from nicotine altogether? Great; but do that as you're vaping. Do most vapers do that? Probably not. If I had to guess, maybe 5% of vapers vape zero nicotine. But nicotine all by itself is not terribly harmful. Slight elevation of BP and heart rate, but IMO not much more so than caffeine. There is a recent study out of Brown University that indicates that it might be slightly harmful to blood vessels, but even if that turns out to be a factor, vaping is still infinitely superior to inhaling burning tobacco smoke, and you have the option of going with zero nicotine if you feel that the negatives of nicotine consumption outweigh the positives (elevated mood, improved memory, improved attention span and concentration, and possibly delaying the onset and/or severity of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's).

Please watch the Grimm Green video and tell me what you think. The Twist is insanely easy to use; as the name implies, "Twist" the knob on the bottom to adjust the voltage to anywhere between 3.2 to 4.8 volts. It's like having a dimmer switch on a light, or an adjustment dial on your toaster or electric stove. You can make the coil of the atomizer pretty much whatever heat you want. You cannot do that with a constant voltage device. With CV, you have to match the resistance (in ohms) of the coil to the (fixed) voltage of the device. That severely limits your chances of getting "just the right vape", especially given the variation of resistance among "identical" atomizers, and the fact that different flavors of juice often require different wattages to taste best.

VV is a very good way to go, and IMO should only be passed up if you fully understand what you're giving up, and have a compelling reason to do so.

 

[gthompson]

Spinners are better than Twists. You can actually see what you set them on.

Confused yet?

 

[John D in CT]

You don't have to be an Electrical Engineer to vape. We're all impressed by your knowledge and all that, but the guy just wants to quit smoking. A Twist and a Vivi Nova aren't the keys to saving his life. He doesn't have to know ohms law yet, he just needs to get started. Simple is better to start with.

I mean, let's carry it a step further since we want him to get "the best vape", let's advise him to get a ProVari and an RBA. Those will be a much better "vape" than a Twist and a Vivi Nova.

I've never been much for "slippery slope" arguments. if you read my previous posts carefully, I've said that I think the Twist (and now, similar eGo-class VV devices) offer IMO the best bang for the buck. Affordable, reliable VV. Parenthetically, I would never in a million years recommend a kGo CV now that these are available.

yes, the guy just wants to quit smoking. And I think that variable voltage will increase his chances of success. it seems to me that those who disagree are obligated to demonstrate that constant voltage increases the chances of success.

If when I started vaping, someone handed me a Twist with a Min Nova on top, I wouldn't be vaping today. You might. Others might. But most wouldn't. It would have been too intimidating and would not have transitioned me properly. That's why minicig starter kits exist. Most people do not want to go from a 4", .01 ounce cigarette to a 10", 1/2 pound electrical device.

Most wouldn't? i'd like to see the paperwork on that. And I still don't see what's so intimidating about an eGo-class battery with a Vivi Nova on it; especially a Mini. I think you're portraying that setup as being more terrifying than it actually might be.

 

[gthompson]

I still say he should buy a ProVari and an RBA.

 

[John D in CT]

Spinners are better than Twists. You can actually see what you set them on.

Confused yet?

Spinners just might be "better", and IMO either a Twist or a Spinner will be a fine choice. Pick one. The Twist has a proven track record, the Spinner has better battery life and an easier-to-read dial. With the Twist, I just put a dab of bright red nail polish on the middle setting of "4.0" volts, and problem solved. You can see at a glance where you are. Dimmer switches have no markings at all; you just turn it until you like the reult. For me, same with the Twist.

I still say he should buy a ProVari and an RBA.

Not me.

I say:

Two Joyetech eGo-C Twists; 650mah

Two chargers in case one craps out

Two Vivi Novas - 1 x 3.5ml "regular", and 1 x 2.0ml "Mini"

Juice

Done.

Joyetech eGo-C Twist: http://www.myvaporstore.com/Joye_eGo_C_Twist_Variable_Voltage_650mAh_Battery_p/ego-c-tst.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqZbrRDTjsw Vivi Nova tank - Filling, changing heads 1:38

http://www.gotvapes.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=740 GotVapes - Vivi Nova tank - $13.95

 

[gthompson]

Your overwhelming need to be right is admirable.

 

[peraspera]

If when I started vaping, someone handed me a Twist with a Min Nova on top, I wouldn't be vaping today. You might. Others might. But most wouldn't. It would have been too intimidating and would not have transitioned me properly. That's why minicig starter kits exist. Most people do not want to go from a 4", .01 ounce cigarette to a 10", 1/2 pound electrical device.

As a beginner who has both cig-alikes and Twists with Mini Vivi Novas I could not disagree more strongly. The cig-alikes are a royal pain in the patootie between futzing with batteries and cartomizers. The Twists with Mini Vivi Novas couldn't be easier to figure out how to use, require much less of my time to keep functioning properly and the vape quality blows the cig-alikes out of the water.

I put my money where my mouth is and bought my daughter Twists with Vivi Novas. She was up and running within ten minutes of the batteries being charged with most of that time taken up watching pbusardo's Vivi Nova video. My daughter's patience with gadgets is a whole lot less than zero which is why I got her the easier to use Twists and Vivi Novas.

 

[John D in CT]

Your overwhelming need to be right is admirable.

Right back at ya'.

***

But let's both do our best to stay on-topic, OK?

*****

As a beginner who has both cig-alikes and Twists with Mini Vivi Novas I could not disagree more strongly. The cig-alikes are a royal pain in the patootie between futzing with batteries and cartomizers. The Twists with Mini Vivi Novas couldn't be easier to figure out how to use, require much less of my time to keep functioning properly and the vape quality blows the cig-alikes out of the water.

I put my money where my mouth is and bought my daughter Twists with Vivi Novas. She was up and running within ten minutes of the batteries being charged with most of that time taken up watching pbusardo's Vivi Nova video. My daughter's patience with gadgets is a whole lot less than zero which is why I got her the easier to use Twists and Vivi Novas.

PBusardo Vivi Nova review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6u23ZX3gPg&list=PL538EE44EA9A83228&index=10&feature=plpp_video

 

[JENerationX]

Here's the deal..... if you MUST have something cig-like, Smokeless Image Volts hands down. Get 78mm batteries, they have about an hour longer life than the 65mms. From these, you can move up to the Volt X2 bigger batteries later. This are also threaded to take some of the eGo gear.

HOWEVER.....

If you can handle something cigar sized or bigger and know this off the bat, or if you want to experiment with different voltage options eGo twist or the Kgo vv. Personally, if you can get over it not being as small as a cigarette, I would jump to this step.


You NEED 2 batteries. You need a few cartomizers, clearomizers, vivi novas. You need juice. It really doesn't matter what your choice is. VERY few people buy something and find their be all end all experience off the bat. What's important is to get started.

2 batteries, 5 cartomizers and some juice
2 batteries, 5 clearomizers and some juice
2 batteries, 3 vivi novas and some juice

Make sure a charger is included, and add an atomizer or two if you're interested in dripping, and you're set.

DO not sit here for days, reading, and weighing answers, and researching the thing to death. Pick whatever appeals to you and get started.

 

[frankie1]

Skip...Just an opinion from one that is only moderately successful in switching completely to vaping (read...I still smoke some cigs)
Just know this:

1. You may or may NOT be able to quit smoking completely and immediately. Your motivation seems high and likely you will succeed, but don't kick yourself if you can't right away...keep TRYING and keep reducing your cigs ...you WILL notice an improvement in lung function.

2. Vaping IS different in some respects...well practically all respects! Do a LOT of reading on here after you order, but just get started with something. One important thing to note.... don't try to directly inhale right away or you will feel as though you are going to die and you will choke. LOL.....take the warm vape into your mouth and hold it. Nicotine particles are larger in vapor than in smoke and will absorb through your mouth more efficiently....At least that is my understanding.

3. Vaping is much cheaper than smoking but is still an investment over time. My opinion is to buy a starter kit of some sort so that you have everything you need to start.

Apollo offers a free disposable one, but, as with other things they are not as efficient as a starter kit costing about $50.00 for the complete kit..including juice. They're pretty good though and will only cost a couple of bucks shipping.

Link here: Electronic cigarette |Best Electronic cigarette |Apollo Electronic cigarettes. They are a good company, honest and willing to help as well. Most vendors are I have found.

I would go for a variable volt something because you can just wing it until you get something close to what you like. That is if you are willing to give it an honest try and you can afford it. Again, about $50.00 for a good starter kit.

Most importantly....this is all my opinion only and don't be fooled by how long I have been here....I ain't quit smoking yet bud. But MANY, MANY, MANY people have. Just don't give up if you don't succeed at first. I made that mistake 3 years ago and I could kick myself every day for it.

 

[Bronze]

You can get a 400mah Twist, or a 650mah Twist, or a 900mah Twist, or an 1100mah Twist, or an 1100mah Spinner. One gets you 4 - 6 hours vaping, the other 5 - 7, another 7- 9, another 10 - 12. You can get purple, orange, pink, black, stainless, red, green, yellow, white. You can accessorize with lanyard collars and/or cones and support collars to ensure your Mini Nova doesn't break off. Then get your Ohm's Law calculator and determine what wattage your favorite vape is. Change out your heads when the resistance starts to drift on you (or just rebuild them..got some nice vids on that Skip). If that's not good enough, check out the E-Cabs in 450mah and 650mah and 900mag in all the colors listed above and if that's still not good enough, get a eGO tank... Oh, and you can get a 1.8ohm head on the Nova or a 2.4ohm, or a 2.8 ohm or a 3.2 ohm. Your choice.

Skip, skip the VV/Mini Nova for now. Get yourself a basic minicig starter kit. In 3 months, the batteries will crap out and you can move on to the next step. That will give you time to start simple and research other products that might suit you better for a second step.

 

[John D in CT]

You can get a 400mah Twist, or a 650mah Twist, or a 900mah Twist, or an 1100mah Twist, or an 1100mah Spinner. One gets you 4 - 6 hours vaping, the other 5 - 7, another 7- 9, another 10 - 12. You can get purple, orange, pink, black, stainless, red, green, yellow, white. You can accessorize with lanyard collars and/or cones and support collars to ensure your Mini Nova doesn't break off. Then get your Ohm's Law calculator and determine what wattage your favorite vape is. Change out your heads when the resistance starts to drift on you (or just rebuild them..got some nice vids on that Skip). If that's not good enough, check out the E-Cabs in 450mah and 650mah and 900mag in all the colors listed above and if that's still not good enough, get a eGO tank... Oh, and you can get a 1.8ohm head on the Nova or a 2.4ohm, or a 2.8 ohm or a 3.2 ohm. Your choice.

Skip, skip the VV/Mini Nova for now. Get yourself a basic minicig starter kit. In 3 months, the batteries will crap out and you can move on to the next step. That will give you time to start simple and research other products that might suit you better for a second step.

Why you're over-complicating this, I have little idea.

Skip -

When and if you get a couple of Twists (or equivalent) and a couple of Vivi Novas, screw the Vivi Nova onto a Twist - it doesn't matter which atomizer is in it - 1.8 ohm, 2.4 ohm, or 2.8 ohm - fill it with juice, swirl it around to get the wicks nice and saturated, then vape. If you want a little more heat/vapor, turn the knob clockwise. If you want less heat/vapor, turn it counter-clockwise.

In about a month or so, when the atomizer/wick starts to get clogged up, put either one of the other two into the Vivi Nova. Can you change a light bulb? If so, you're good to go.

***

"Get yourself a basic minicig starter kit. In 3 months, the batteries will crap out and you can move on to the next step. That will give you time to start simple and research other products that might suit you better for a second step."

Skip, "move on to the next step" right now. if you want to see what constant voltage would have been like, set your Twist/kGo VV/Vision Spinner to around 3.7 volts and leave it there. Then adjust it to a setting you like better, and be glad that you have that option.

***

I'm going to keep posting this link until you assure me that you've seen it:

Grimm Green; the Twist is a game changer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol-Ol8qWPic&feature=g-all-c

Another very favorable review from PBusardo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lLAVH_Lae0 Phil Busardo Twist review

 

[Bronze]

Skip....sorry, but I predicted this confusion on my first post. If you want my help, just hit the private messaging button and let me know. Meanwhile, I wish you the best of luck in trying to quit the ciggies. I smoked for 40 years myself and vaping has made me quit. And it wasn't hard. Again, best of luck to you.

Checking out.

 

[frankie1]

Skip....sorry, but I predicted this confusion on my first post. If you want my help, just hit the private messaging button and let me know. Meanwhile, I wish you the best of luck in trying to quit the ciggies. I smoked for 40 years myself and vaping has made me quit. And it wasn't hard. Again, best of luck to you.

Checking out.

You did Bronze and a new vaper is surely confused and intimidated! Skip can PM me if he'd like, but I don't know how much help I can give him. I truly don't mean to negate anything anyone has said.....I just think being new to these things is intimidating.

Apologies if I offended anyone, that was not my intention.