Noobie to e-cigs, which one of these is the best for me?

[mattjns93]

I've smoked cigars and some Djarum Cloves for the past year now, but I want to move to some e-cigs. Beyond the nicotine buzz, I just enjoy the act of smoking.

I've read that the Joye 510 is one of the best for a noobie. I see that Liberty-Flights has a kit for $36. Electronic Cigarette - Starter Kits - Joye 510

Then I also found the Riva 510 kit for $35.
Electronic Cigarette - Starter Kits - Riva 510

Are these two good to start with? Also, do the carts that come with it need to be refilled, or do I have to buy different carts for that?

I've been reading for the past hour and my head is just spinning!

I also don't mind building my own kit if it's going to get me more for my money. I don't really have a need for more than 1 e-cig since I don't smoke large quantities a day. 1 or 2 cigs a day is enough for me.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[DivisionMatrix]

If you're not concerned with it being the same size as a cig I would recommend the Riva, it has a much larger battery (750 mah vs. 180 mah) so you won't be recharging after an hour. Don't forget to use the coupon code ecf for 20% off at LF. The carts come empty so you'll need to order some juice and fill them yourself. I also recommend getting a drip tip and trying direct dripping, it's the only way I vape anymore.

 

[D.L.]

I agree the Riva will work much better for you if you are not needing a smaller one. It looks very similar to a ego which I've been using. They work really well with cartomizers, which is my preference to dripping or reg cartridges.
I started out with a joye 510, battery charge life is really short. I then purchased an ego, which worked great. I then purchased the ego mega batteries which last a long time.
D.L.

 

[mattjns93]

Whats the difference between the Riva and the ego? Anything major? Also, any advantages to carts vs dripping vs cartomizers? I like the dripping technique from what I see on youtube. Plus, that cone that comes with the Riva 510, what's that for?

 

[Rosa]

Whats the difference between the Riva and the ego? Anything major? Also, any advantages to carts vs dripping vs cartomizers? I like the dripping technique from what I see on youtube. Plus, that cone that comes with the Riva 510, what's that for?

eGo and Riva are basically the same:

•Riva is 750mah (unless you upgrade to 900mah), eGo is 650mah (unless you upgrade to 1000mah or more)
•Riva has a rubbery button, eGo has a plastic one

Advantages of carts? hmmmm.... can't think of any.

Advantages of dripping? easy to taste all your different juices without committing a cartomizer to the flavor -- don't want to fill a carto only to find you don't like the flavor. Also: less hardware to buy; all you need is the atomizer and drip tip (drip tip optional), no more buying box after box of cartos, no trying to mod your cart to get the best results. Easy to do if you are sitting around at home, easy to switch flavors. Also, no more waiting for the atomizer to wick... if it's dry add more drops.

Advantages of cartomizers? Easy to carry with you, switch them out throughout the day, cleaner, less hassle, less leaking.

And what's that cone for? Most people say it keeps the vapor warmer and prevents leaks. I don't think it really does either from what I could tell... IMO it's just for looks. I don't use it.

 

[UntamedRose]

They are just made by different companies..no major differences really. Riva's where kinda the knock off eGo's
Riva's have a rubber button, gold trim, and a 750mah battery
eGo's have a plastic button, silver trim and a 650mah battery I believe eGo's come in more colors if you being picky on colors.

The 100mah isnt big enough to make a real difference IMO.

They are both good units.

 

[mattjns93]

I want a black one, so I don't need fancy colors. Whichever is cheaper is the one I'll go with, since they are so similar.

I like the dripping better. Seems to be easier. Should I just piece my own together so that way I can get a LR atomizer, or should I just start with the kit? If I'm dripping, seems like the kit is a waste of money.

 

[DivisionMatrix]

The Riva 510 and the eGo are basically the same thing, just from different manufacturers. I actually like the button on the Riva better, but I use an eGo all day, they are both excellent big battery PV's.
I quit using carts because they were a pain. They're notorious for leaking, the standard filler melts to the bridge and ruins the flavor. I have heard good things about the blue foam but I tossed my carts before trying it.
I don't use cartos so I can't help there, but a lot of people seem to like them.
Direct dripping, for me, was the way to go. Much better/cleaner flavor, great vapor production, and no more work than using a lighter to light a cig. If you drip you should definitely try de-bridged atty's ( you can buy them already done, or do it yourself. there are some you-tube videos to show you how, it takes about 30 seconds to diy)
You might also look into some of the Tank systems, they hold lots of juice and are supposed to be the next best thing to dripping.

 

[D.L.]

It looks almost the same as a ego, maybe just a different brand name?? I personally like cartomizers because they last a good bit before having to refill them, some folks have complained that they have a "bad taste" I haven't experienced this. As for dripping, I tried a few times but I had trouble with the atomizers not working well and flooding them, leakage, a sticky mess for me. I'm sure it was the way I was doing it. I see the new tank systems out and they have raised my curiosity with dripping. I may order one to test to see what I'm missing.

 

[Rosco]

I don't smoke large quantities a day. 1 or 2 cigs a day is enough for me.

Thanks,
Matt

Really? Geez.................................................`

 

[mattjns93]

Alright. Thanks everyone! I'm ordering the Riva 510 kit with some drip tips. Another question... should I go 100% PG/VG, or should I do a blend? I can't decide. Same with nicotine content, not sure for that either.

 

[DivisionMatrix]

It's just personal preference, I vape a 60/40 or 50/50 mix. PG has more throat hit and carries flavor better, but produces very little vapor. VG is slightly sweet and makes lots of vapor. I'd probably start at about 80/20 and see where you want to go from there. On nicotine, with as little as you say you smoke you probably don't want to go over 18 mg/ml, you might even want to try 12 (or even 6). If you get some juice thats too strong you can always order the same flavor in a lower nic and mix them to cut it down.

note: you'll know if you're getting to much nic, high heart rate, jittery feeling, etc...

 

[Gonzo562]

I'd get at an ego-t battery with 510 atty's. When your ready to step up your game you can buy the Ego-t tank atty and carts. Or just get the Ego-t Starter Kit. No need to constantly refill the atty with a tank system.

 

[mattjns93]

It's just personal preference, I vape a 60/40 or 50/50 mix. PG has more throat hit and carries flavor better, but produces very little vapor. VG is slightly sweet and makes lots of vapor. I'd probably start at about 80/20 and see where you want to go from there. On nicotine, with as little as you say you smoke you probably don't want to go over 18 mg/ml, you might even want to try 12 (or even 6). If you get some juice thats too strong you can always order the same flavor in a lower nic and mix them to cut it down.

note: you'll know if you're getting to much nic, high heart rate, jittery feeling, etc...

I know the feeling of too much nicotine, so that's not an issue. I assume you mean 80PG/20VG?

Also, I'll probably go with 18mg for the nicotine. Forgot to mention, I've smoked some hookah and done a bit of chew and dip lately.

 

[Numevexo]

Hi mattjns,
I'll put in my 2 cents worth.
The blend of PG/VG that's right for you is something you'll have to find out for yourself with experience, really.
Basically, most vapers will agree with the following statements:
The more PG, the more the throat hit(TH), or the tingly feeling you get from inhalation of smoke from an analog.
VG is known to produce larger amounts of vapor, or clouds of "smoke". To many vapers, the production of clouds of vapor is as satisfying as the TH itself.
My advice is to order a variety if budget allows. Get some 100% PG, some 100% VG, and a combo of the two. 50/50 if you find it, or a 70/30 PG/VG.

Also, regarding the nic content. Sounds like you are not a heavy smoker, so maybe 12mg is a good middle point to start with. I smoked menthol analogs for 30+ years and started with 24mg & 36mg. Now I mix my own e-juice and find that right around 15mg-18mg is a good place for me.
Again, nic strength is one of those things you'll learn as you become more experienced and find out what works best for you. What works for me, may not work well for you.

Good luck in your future vaping endeavors.

 

[mattjns93]

Thanks for the input, Numevexo. I don't have a ton of cash to drop at the moment, so I may just get 1 100%VG and 1 100%PG of the same flavor, and test out my own proportions. Do the proportions change at all with dripping vs. carts? I planned on skipping the carts all together and going straight to the dripping; seems much easier.

 

[Numevexo]

It's certainly best to mix them together in a small container(dropper bottle if you can) before you drip.
The plastic bottles are cheap and you should have a couple 3ml size to carry with you when you're out and about. Drops are not exact measurements as they vary a bit between bottles, but it's a good place to start.

After you try some 100%PG, try some 100%VG, and finally try a mix of your own. Easy fractions will help measuring.
7 drops of PG and 3 drops of VG gives you approx a 70%/30% mix;
8 dropsPG & 2dropsVG = 80%20%;
9 dropsPG & 1 dropVG gives you 90%/10%;
and so on. Makes sense, right?

 

[mattjns93]

It's certainly best to mix them together in a small container(dropper bottle if you can) before you drip.
The plastic bottles are cheap and you should have a couple 3ml size to carry with you when you're out and about. Drops are not exact measurements as they vary a bit between bottles, but it's a good place to start.

After you try some 100%PG, try some 100%VG, and finally try a mix of your own. Easy fractions will help measuring.
7 drops of PG and 3 drops of VG gives you approx a 70%/30% mix;
8 dropsPG & 2dropsVG = 80%20%;
9 dropsPG & 1 dropVG gives you 90%/10%;
and so on. Makes sense, right?

That makes perfect sense actually. I'm probably going to go for something simple like menthol or mint or something. Any suggested sites to order from? I'm ordering my Riva 510 kit from Liberty Flights, so should I just order the e liquid from there?

 

[Numevexo]

Yeh,
LF is as good a place to start as any. Especially since you can place your first order all from them and save a shipping charge from someone else.
In the future you might try the following:
Viking Vapor Hawaiian Mesquite prices and variety, plus they custom blend for you.
##NicVape## - Online Store tasty e-juice IMHO
http://www.gourmetvapor.com/index.php variety and customer submitted recipes

All of the above are reliable and popular among ECF members and advertise regularly on the forum.
Here's a page you will probably find useful:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...iscussion/146219-coupon-code-master-list.html
It lists many vendors and the discounts they offer. Many of the discounts are for ECF members only.


As you go along, you'll find your favorites.

 

[mknkt]

I'm also a noob here and so far from what I've found in my researching, the ego-T is the one to go with. I bought a No.7 Stealth starter kit and had to modify the cartridge to get more vapor, but it works awesome now. It looks to me like a liquid resivoir will always be better than polyfil. My resivoir holds about 10 drips. I've only been using it for the last 24 hours so far, but it looks like a full resivoir will last me a full day. Thats anywhere from 120 - 180 hits a day. I say good job No. 7 on the Stealth design and thanks to all the modders out there, without you I would have never thought of modding mine!

In any case, I would go with a liquid resivoir vs a polyfil/lipton pouch/anything else