Noob to E Cigs - Need Advice

[Baditude]

The clearomizers, or 'tanks' (the part that hold the juice) needs cleaning/replacing. The juice itself, obviously, needs replacing. What are 'atomizers', and do they need cleaning/replacing?

I think i'd want the clearomizer/tank to be the same width as the battery that i end up going with. Example - if i end up with a ego (mah doesn't matter, as they're all the same width), than i'd want the tank to be the same width so it appears as one single unit if that makes sense.

The 3.5 ml DCT tank sold by My Vapor Store is the same diameter as an eGo battery. 510 Pro DCTank Combo

3.5 ml DCT on an eGo battery

The tube and caps need only be cleaned with each cartomizer change. Cartomizers can last for 1-3 weeks depending upon how heavily it is used and how dark the juice is - darker & thicker juices will eventually cause the polyfill in the carto to become clogged, resulting in flavor loss and a stiff pull when vaping. A cartotank can be refilled multiple times with the same carto in place. Spent cartos are discarded.



____

atomizer

An atomizer is essentually a cartomizer that has no polyfill in it. Since it has no filling, it can only accomodate a few drops of e-liquid at a time. That is vaped, and then a few more drops is added again. This ritual continues as long as you decide to vape. These do need cleaning frequently as unvaped juice accumulates and becomes gummy. This is the preferred method of many vapors, as the juice flavor is at it's purest without any possible alteration of flavor from the polyfill in a cartomizer.


Clearomizers can simply be rinsed when changing flavors. They are considered to be disposable, lasting 2-4 weeks. They can be rather inconsistant and sometimes leak, and certain flavors can cause the clear plastic to crack or melt.

 

[CowDog]

If you are only 5 years into smoking, I would say try your best to quit.

I expect most of the people here wish they never met nicotine. Vaping is the less harmful alternative to cigarettes, but quitting is better than addiction.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Example - if i end up with a ego (mah doesn't matter, as they're all the same width), than i'd want the tank to be the same width so it appears as one single unit if that makes sense.

For eGo class PVs you can buy accessories that are the same width or smaller than the PV. Cones can also be bought to hide the threads where the cartomizer or tank meets the battery.
Remember if/ when choosing from the eGo Class- all come in 650 or 1100 mah and are 510 threading- the most common and easiest to find.
JoyTech eGo fires at 3.4 volts
Kgo fires at 3.7 volts
SmokTek eGo fires at 3.7
All the above PVs are manufactured by large and reputable companies.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

A Kgo review by highly regarded PBusardo. A starter kit will cost anywhere from $43- $60 depending on what "accessories" you add to it. On my Kgo I use the Mini Vivi Nova Tank but....still enjoy the occasional carto+ tank= more flavor and "hit".

 

[Aheadatime]

Ok so a tank involves a 'hollowed out' atomizer with a hole punched in it, while a clearomizer IS the atomizer, but its just clear and refillable?

If thats true, then the reason people choose the tank is to get more juice while refilling less often, and people use the clearomizer for the convenience?

Starting to understand i hope. Now when you guys say Ego, is there a specific model that fits the bill? For example, would the Volt X2 650 mah be considered an ego? Is an ego a mod? Sorry but this stuff is still new and confusing to me. Lets say i go with the 650mah X2. Are there 'mini tank' systems that are the same width as the battery? Or would i just be better off going with a clearomizer?

Maybe i'm being impossible here, but i'm looking for a rather powerful sleek unit (regardless of the amount of 'pieces') that holds ~a days worth of juice and hits very nice. I don't necessarily mean cig-sized when i say sleek, but some of the giant mods/tanks are just way too large for my tastes.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Here's a glossary of "most" terms:
E-Cig Glossary. Definitions, abbreviations, and meanings. | eCigology

Ok so a tank involves a 'hollowed out' atomizer with a hole punched in it, while a clearomizer IS the atomizer, but its just clear and refillable?

Different delivery systems:- note bolded Atty, Carto, etc is the abbreviated form

Atomizer/ Atty- an element on to which 3-4 drops of juice is dripped- usually used for testing new juices because Attys are easy to clean. There are some diehard Atty users because it’s the best vape possible but very time consuming.

Cartridge/ Cart- a container with sponge (filled with juice) that is used with the Atty- juice drips on to Atty from filled cart and is vaporized- older outdated first “tank” system and prone to leaks unless the user is willing to buy extra seals and “fiddle” with them.

Cartomizer/ Carto- metal tube with stuffing and element. Holds anywhere from 1- 4 ml of juice. Carto is fully saturated and must be occasionally refilled when juice runs out. My Cartos last 1-2 weeks. Best Cartomizer I’ve found is the Smok Tech XL 1.7 single coil. Boge 2.0 ohm cartos will give a cooler vape. Always use single coil cartos with 3.3- 3.7 PVs for the best vape.

Carto+Tank- a Carto with 1 or 2 holes punched in it. Carto is than placed in a glass, metal or plastic tank which is filled with juice- juice saturates Carto by way of hole in Carto. My Cartos with a tank last, before tight draw occurs: light juices- 80-90 ml. dark juices- 50-60 ml. Cartos can be bought pre punched or a punching tool can be purchased.

Clearomizer (includes the Stardust and the Vivi Nova Tank)- a plastic or metal tank with a wick and element. A glass clearomizer is just about to be released. Contains NO stuffing. The rebuildable clearos come with heads (coil+ wick) that can be cheaply ($2.00) and easily (10 secs) replaced. When the head burns out simply unscrew the old head out and screw in new head- takes 10 secs. My Vivi Nova heads are lasting about 6-8 weeks BUT I wash the heads every few days and dry burn them. I've found the Vivi Nova to give the best draw. Some love them while others hate them.

If thats true, then the reason people choose the tank is to get more juice while refilling less often, and people use the clearomizer for the convenience?

Very well put except the head in Vivi Nova lasts about 8+ weeks depending on the type of juice- dark and/ or VG heavy juice requires more cleaning of the head. As I said though some love em while others don't.

For example, would the Volt X2 650 mah be considered an ego?

Not really because the Volt and all PVs from Smokeless Image use 808 threaded accessories.

Is an ego a mod?

No.
"Mod – Dual usage – Can be used to describe modifications to a device or accessory (such as getting more vapor production out of your cartridges) or a design variation of a commonly manufactured electronic cigarette. In the latter context, mods typically use larger rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries and allow the user longer battery life and increased vapor production but at the cost of the device looking like a traditional cigarette. Many mods will also allow the user to increase or decrease the voltage of their device to achieve optimal performance."

Are there 'mini tank' systems that are the same width as the battery?

Yes you can buy tanks that are pretty well the same width of the eGo Class. There are also cones that "smooth out" the transition from the battery to the tank. I have used both clearomizers and Vivi Nova Tanks and the Vivi is of far superior build quality.

My reco would be the Kgo 1100- 3.7 volts.
The next step up would be to Mini VV/ variable voltage. They fire from 3.3- 4.8 volts and are 510 threading. I own both Spinners and Twists and prefer the Spinner.
Vision Spinner comes in 400, 650, 900, 1100 and 1300 mah. Wide knurled voltage dial easy to turn and easy to read voltage markings. 1300 mah Spinner is the same size as 1000 Twist.
Both variable voltage PVs above fire from 3.3-4.8 volts.
I owned the Twists and now use them as backups because the dial was hard to turn and I could not clearly see the voltage markings.
1300 Vision Spinner- 113mm or ~4.4 inches long; 16MM WIDE, 2MM WIDER THAN A STANDARD EGO
1100 Vision Spinner- 119mm or ~4.75 inches long
1000 Twist- Length 120mm(4.75")/Diameter 14mm

 

[Baditude]

Ego is really a catch-all term for a mid-level class rechargable battery that is in of itself the battery (with a fire switch and connector for the juice delivery device (ie a clearo or carto). As opposed to the mini-cigarette sized battery class and the "mods" which really just means a battery holder with the switch, connector...and uses removeable, rechargeable batteries.

The eGo class of batteries come in either a 510-connector thread (Vision Spinner or Joyetech Twist or Joyetech eGo) or an 808 thread (Smokeless Image Volt X2 or Volt Spinner - a rebranded Vision Spinner with the 808-thread) that Smokeless Image prefers.

As I pointed out earlier, there are cartotanks the same diameter an eGo class battery. Any traditional diameter cartomizer will fit all cartotanks, no matter the thread type (510 or 808). Also, the term DCT means dual coil tank, but a single coil cartomizer can also be used in a DCT. There is no difference in the dimensions of a single or dual coil cartomizer. The only difference between the two is the number of heating coils (atomizers) in the carto.

Both cartotanks and cartomizers are available in two lengths. It's important to match both together. A standard tank needs a standard length cartomizer; and an XL length tank needs an XL length cartomizer.

 

[Aheadatime]

The next step up would be to Mini VV/ variable voltage. They fire from 3.3- 4.8 volts and are 510 threading. I own both Spinners and Twists and prefer the Spinner.

Thank you, that was all very useful. I'm looking at the Vision Spinner VV 900mah and it's a good price. I was looking through some of the Vivi Novas at various websites, but its rather confusing for me to zero in on one that is the exact diameter of the Spinner. Could you link me to a Nova of the correct diameter? And do you know of any cartotanks that would look 'sleek' (same diameter) with the Spinner?

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

You're welcome...In regards to the Spinner a MINI Vivi Nova (2.0 or 2.5 ml) with LONG wicks works best and looks great. There's also a cone that transitions from the Vivi to the battery- about $3- $5.00 but adds a really nice finished touch. I'll find a pic and a vendor that's selling the Vivi Nova.
Here's pic of a cutaway of a cartomizer

View attachment 180489

Here's a tutorial on the Vivi Nova by PB- kinda long but lottsa great info- LOVE his vids and here's his website:
TasteYourJuice.com





I removed the links as you would have had to buy from 2 diff vendors- Also great prices at the links below. MANY vendors are sold out because they're popular and Chinese New Years.

Final Edit
Here's a vendor that carries both the cone/ sleeve and Vision Mini Vivi Nova (always get the Vision brand)
http://www.myvaporstore.com/MINI_Vision_Vivi_Nova_Tank_System_Plastic_Tube_p/vs-mvnp.htm
http://www.myvaporstore.com/eGo_Cone_Cover_for_DCTank_p/ego-cdct.htm

Thank you, that was all very useful. I'm looking at the Vision Spinner VV 900mah and it's a good price. I was looking through some of the Vivi Novas at various websites, but its rather confusing for me to zero in on one that is the exact diameter of the Spinner. Could you link me to a Nova of the correct diameter? And do you know of any cartotanks that would look 'sleek' (same diameter) with the Spinner?

 

[Baditude]

Mini Vivi Nova on an eGo Twist.

 

[Aheadatime]

Thank you guys so much. Very cool feeling to get personal help like this. I noticed that both of you have pictures with the mini Viva Nova. Do either of you have pictures of a piece that has the full-sized Viva Nova attached? I watched the video, and that guy has one, but i dunno how his piece (battery part) compares in size to either the eGo or the Vision.

Edit - And does the full-sized metal Viva Nova on that website you linked me to have a sort of 'window' to see your juice amount in it?

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Thank you guys so much. Very cool feeling to get personal help like this.

You're welcome. Someone did the exact same for us and we're just happy to share our passion...helping others with a viable alternative to smoking.

Do either of you have pictures of a piece that has the full-sized Viva Nova attached? I watched the video, and that guy has one, but i dunno how his piece (battery part) compares in size to either the eGo or the Vision.

I'll try and find one.

And does the full-sized metal Viva Nova on that website you linked me to have a sort of 'window' to see your juice amount in it?

Unfortunately no window however there's a pre order going on for a clearomizer that is all glass. Let me find the link. When I was vaping flavors I would use the Vivi Nova for reg flavors and a carto for acidic flavors.

Edit: Here's the glass tank:
Kanger Protank clearomizer - Kangertech ecig shop - electronic cigarette iDrink by brother union

Bottom PV in the pic is a Twist with a 3.5 ml Vivi Nova:
View attachment 180500

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

If you're really wanting the 3.5 ml Vivi Nova there's this flanged cone that's made for the larger tank. Pic is at website:
WIDE eGo Cone Cover for DCTank

I had some 3.5 ml tanks from when I used Mods and tried them on my Kgo and Spinner, Twists and even with the sleeve it still looked off balance/ top heavy. "Some" have reported juice issues when they switched from the Mini Vivi to the larger Vivi Nova tanks. I know when I was using larger tanks near the end of the tank the juice wasn't as strong. Sitting in a tank there's bound to be some settling/ separation. With my Mini I occasionally "roll" the PV/ tank to keep it evenly mixed. Also did this with carto tanks.

 

[Baditude]

Thank you guys so much. Very cool feeling to get personal help like this. I noticed that both of you have pictures with the mini Viva Nova. Do either of you have pictures of a piece that has the full-sized Viva Nova attached? I watched the video, and that guy has one, but i dunno how his piece (battery part) compares in size to either the eGo or the Vision.

Edit - And does the full-sized metal Viva Nova on that website you linked me to have a sort of 'window' to see your juice amount in it?

I find most of the images that I post in my comments on Google Images. Just type in exactly what you are looking for in the search window, such as "Mini Vivi Nova on Ego". https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi

Now everyone knows my secret. I don't own 10% of the gear that I post images of.

 

[Aheadatime]

If you're really wanting the 3.5 ml Vivi Nova there's this flanged cone that's made for the larger tank. Pic is at website:
WIDE eGo Cone Cover for DCTank

I had some 3.5 ml tanks from when I used Mods and tried them on my Kgo and Spinner, Twists and even with the sleeve it still looked off balance/ top heavy. "Some" have reported juice issues when they switched from the Mini Vivi to the larger Vivi Nova tanks. I know when I was using larger tanks near the end of the tank the juice wasn't as strong. Sitting in a tank there's bound to be some settling/ separation. With my Mini I occasionally "roll" the PV/ tank to keep it evenly mixed. Also did this with carto tanks.

About how many hours would you say your mini lasts before needing to refill it? Or to better word that question, how heavy of a smoker were you, and how many times per day do you refill your mini?

I find most of the images that I post in my comments on Google Images. Just type in exactly what you are looking for in the search window, such as "Mini Vivi Nova on Ego". https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi

Now everyone knows my secret. I don't own 10% of the gear that I post images of.

haha and here i thought you guys all just owned a million different units, some of them happening to be exactly what i'm curious about.

 

[The Ocelot]

Good morning Aheadatime! I knew the guys would chime in and give you the info you needed. As far as how long the mini lasts, it's difficult to say, it depends on a number of factors, especially how many systems you are using at the same time. I have on average 3 tanks and a mini filled with different flavors that I rotate during the day.

You will probably discover that you don't vape the way you smoked. With a cigarette, you light it and are pretty much committed to finishing the whole thing or put it down in an ashtray where it burns up. Whereas with vaping, you can take a drag or two, then let it sit for awhile. I never paid any attention to how I smoked, so I don't know how many cigarettes were smoked and how many burned up in an ashtray, but I can say I smoked for 40 years and for the last 10 or so at least I lit 1.5 packs a day.

Between all of the systems I rotate, I go though roughly 3-5ml per day, which I think is about average. One of the most important things to remember is to get a juice with a nicotine level high enough to address your cravings, you can lower it later.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

I smoked between 15-20 a day and there were 'roll-your-owns', which saved me an incredible amount of money.

I also smoked RYO with tobacco from the Reservation= no taxes. Don't know about yours but mine were very strong- so strong that when someone ran out they'd rather go without than smoke mine

About how many hours would you say your mini lasts before needing to refill it? Or to better word that question, how heavy of a smoker were you, and how many times per day do you refill your mini?

Mine pretty well lasts most of the day but you don't want it to go completely empty= dry hits. Realize though I've been cutting down on my nic and juice. Began at 36 mg X 40 ml per week but I smoked 1 1/2 PAD. As The Ocelot pointed out the norm is 3-5 ml per day BUT many of us have a higher nic juice available and ready for those stressful times. I'm now down to 2 mg X 15 ml per week BUT still occasionally/ rarely vape 8 mg when needed.
I can't remember the countless times I've read of new vapers not having a high enuff mg to start and end up non stop vaping...first 2 weeks expect to vape LOTS, it's normal. Then there's the flip side of the coin where someone's getting headaches from too high a nic level. I would suggest either 18 and/ or 24 mg to start.

haha and here i thought you guys all just owned a million different units, some of them happening to be exactly what i'm curious about.

LOLLLL I own a few PVs but nowhere close to what some vapers have. I'm fortunate enuff though to have wide circle of friends/ converts that are willing to temporarily trade for one of my PVs. With the vast # of PVs I've tried there's really only a few that I was impressed with.

 

[Aheadatime]

Good morning Aheadatime! I knew the guys would chime in and give you the info you needed. As far as how long the mini lasts, it's difficult to say, it depends on a number of factors, especially how many systems you are using at the same time. I have on average 3 tanks and a mini filled with different flavors that I rotate during the day.

You will probably discover that you don't vape the way you smoked. With a cigarette, you light it and are pretty much committed to finishing the whole thing or put it down in an ashtray where it burns up. Whereas with vaping, you can take a drag or two, then let it sit for awhile. I never paid any attention to how I smoked, so I don't know how many cigarettes were smoked and how many burned up in an ashtray, but I can say I smoked for 40 years and for the last 10 or so at least I lit 1.5 packs a day.

Between all of the systems I rotate, I go though roughly 3-5ml per day, which I think is about average. One of the most important things to remember is to get a juice with a nicotine level high enough to address your cravings, you can lower it later.

Thanks haha, yeah you were all incredibly helpful, i really appreciate it. Yeah ive been vaping the apollo standard with blu disposables in between and ive noticed that i loovvee the convenience of vaping when i want and how much i want, not dealing with ashtrays, and not dealing with the commitment. I smoked between 15-20 a day, so given that the mini is advertised at "at least" 2.5ml (not sure what 'at least' means in this context), would you say this would last all day?

 

[Aheadatime]

I also smoked RYO with tobacco from the Reservation= no taxes. Don't know about yours but mine were very strong- so strong that when someone ran out they'd rather go without than smoke mine


Mine pretty well lasts most of the day but you don't want it to go completely empty= dry hits. Realize though I've been cutting down on my nic and juice. Began at 36 mg X 40 ml per week but I smoked 1 1/2 PAD. As The Ocelot pointed out the norm is 3-5 ml per day BUT many of us have a higher nic juice available and ready for those stressful times. I'm now down to 2 mg X 15 ml per week BUT still occasionally/ rarely vape 8 mg when needed.
I can't remember the countless times I've read of new vapers not having a high enuff mg to start and end up non stop vaping...first 2 weeks expect to vape LOTS, it's normal. Then there's the flip side of the coin where someone's getting headaches from too high a nic level. I would suggest either 18 and/ or 24 mg to start.


LOLLLL I own a few PVs but nowhere close to what some vapers have. I'm fortunate enuff though to have wide circle of friends/ converts that are willing to temporarily trade for one of my PVs. With the vast # of PVs I've tried there's really only a few that I was impressed with.

Haha same here. My friends were either in love with or hated my RYO due to the throat hit it produced. I never understood their complaints though. I switched over to RYO's bc the fire safety crap was hurting my throat and giving me a headache. Can't see how someone would prefer that over the acquired taste of RYO.

Ive adjusted pretty well to my 'vape' habit after having been doing it for about 2 weeks now. Some days i vape more than others, but overall i have a pretty predictable schedule. I vape a bit in the morning with my tea, then stop for a good chunk of the day as i workout, play drums, etc. Later in the evening i head to the cafe/studio with the bandmates and i vape a bunch during recording and jams. Late night is contextual, sometimes a vape in bed while surfing the web or editing, other nights i'm satisfied enough from the intense vaping i partake in during the jam session. I'd say i'm getting about the same levels of nicotine as analogs, given that i'm vaping 18mg carts.

I'm going to compile a list of all the pieces that i decide upon after looking through all of your guys' suggestions and run it by you guys before actually going through with the purchase(s). Sound cool with you guys?

 

[The Ocelot]

Thanks haha, yeah you were all incredibly helpful, i really appreciate it. Yeah ive been vaping the apollo standard with blu disposables in between and ive noticed that i loovvee the convenience of vaping when i want and how much i want, not dealing with ashtrays, and not dealing with the commitment. I smoked between 15-20 a day, so given that the mini is advertised at "at least" 2.5ml (not sure what 'at least' means in this context), would you say this would last all day?

You may miss your ashtrays. I frequently pull a bit of lint off of my clothes and don't have anywhere to put it. With the novas and other systems that use wicks to get the liquid to the top coil, I don't fill them up all the way. I have a 2.0 mini that I fill to just below the cap, which is around 1.75ml (I just looked at the lines). I found that if I put anymore liquid into it, it may leak as liquid gets down into the center hole when you tip it around to keep the wicks wet. You also don't want to ever run them dry, so I fill them when the liquid gets to almost the bottom of the wicks. I think if I was only using the mini, I would add juice about 3-4 times a day.