OK - After my first BAD EXPERIENCE with V2 Starter Kit I'm Going with Riva 510 Starter But Have Some Questions

[monnie788]

Hi - First of all thanks so much to the nice people who responded to my initial post regarding my first Starter Kit and the frustrating experience I had. I am sending that back tomorrow (the company has 30 day Money Back Guarantee) and I've decided to take the advice of a few repliers and get the Riva 510. It seems like a good, reliable product. One thing I have learned (and I am beginning to realize this IS a "trial and error" experience) is that I HATE pre-filled cartridges!! It's juice for me from now on. However just need a little bit of clarification on a couple of things. Cartos, atomizers, cartridges. There are 3 Riva 510 Kits on Liberty Flights that vary just a little in what you get and price. Keep in mind I want the best vape with the least amount of hassle (that's why I thought those stupid pre-filled cartridges would be ideal) but I don't mind filling cartridges/cartos if I can get a good vape all day filling a 1ml or 2ml carto/cartridges. Here are the choices:

ALL RIVA 510 STARTER KITS AT LIBERTY FLIGHTS

510 Carto Deluxe: (2) 650 Batteries (3 click on/off switch); the chargers; carrying case; (5) SMK LR Cartos; (2) Carto Deluxe Cones

510 Carto Deluxe Dual Coil: Same batteries, chargers, etc; (5) SMK 510 XL Dual Coil Cartomizers 1.5 ohm (and it says if you're unsure if cartridges and atomizers are right for you)

510 Special Edition: Same batteries, yada, yada; (2) Atomizers 2 ohm; (10) blank cartridges

Those are the 3 kits I was looking at and as I said the price between each one is minimal and are basically the same except for the cartos/carts/atomizers. They also have a "lite bundle" but I think I'd like one of the above better. Ok, which one would probably be the best for a newbie? To be honest, I went almost 2 weeks WITHOUT an analog and was thoroughly disgusted that those 20 pre-filled cartridges with atomizer built into the cartridge only lasted a week (1 cart = 1 pack cigs - yeah, right! Then I went from a pack/day or less to 3 packs a day in that one week) AND now I've resorted back to the #@! analogs and I feel like I've been licking an ashtray - nasty things! I didn't realize how quickly vaping can become the new "fix" and I really enjoyed the flavor. I'm counting on you guys to help me make a decision! Also saw the Riva 510 kit on a website "Stormy's" and their price was cheaper, had availability because Liberty Flights is out of everything in the kit I want except for "black". I'll be ordering this by the end of the week. Can't wait to give the cigs 'da boot! Thanks

 

[boneshark187]

I would go for the Riva 510 lite bundle and get some boge LR cartomizers....

 

[BluSwatch]

If they all have the same batteries, I would go for what you think you'd be most likely to use - cartos or atty/carts.
Cartos, attys, carts, tanks .... all that stuff you can get at different places with sales, better deals, etc., especially if you don't know yet what or what brand you like.

 

[monnie788]

If they all have the same batteries, I would go for what you think you'd be most likely to use - cartos or atty/carts.
Cartos, attys, carts, tanks .... all that stuff you can get at different places with sales, better deals, etc., especially if you don't know yet what or what brand you like.

Thanks for your input, however, the purpose of my post is to kind of find out what the DIFFERENCE is usage wise between the cartomizers, cartridges, etc. I've got a lot to learn and I've heard Boge cartos are really good but I'm new to all this and kind of relying on more experienced vapors to explain to me the differences and effects of these devices. Thanks again!!

 

[swedishfish]

I only use cartomizers, so I'd probably go with the kit with cartomizers. But, I pretty much know what juice I like. If your still in the juice testing phase, get the kit with an atomizer and buy some cartomizers. Highly recommend cartomizers over the cart/atty.

You're not making a bad decision with any of the kits mentioned. You can always add to or try out new things with this pv. You can try dual coil cartomizers, clearomizers, pick up a bigger battery, a pass-through, etc. Get juice but not from there.
If they're in stock, order a couple of drip tips as well.

Within the next few weeks, pick up another battery -they are always on sale. Also an extra charger. If your charger dies you will be SOL.

 

[swedishfish]

**BTW, the two carto kits don't come with the wall outlet. You will need to pick one up.

 

[Shilo]

If you're not set on liberty flights highdesertecigs has some kits on great sale plus add turkey10 for ten percent more off plus free shipping for over twenty order. If money wasn't the main issue I'd go with higher MAH batteries wherever I bought from but thats just me--it gets old charging incessantly.

 

[tippyclubb]

Hi I used Liberty Flights for my order of Riva 510 Carto Deluxe kit. I ordered that one because it came with a very nice case that holds both batteries, charger, cartos, and juice. Its nice to have everything organized in the case, instead of digging around looking for things in my purse. I did order some blank cartridges too and I am very happy with the entire purchase.

My experience with LF has been great and my kit came 3 days after ordering. One of the batteries was not working properly and I sent it back and they replaced it without question.

I also ordered eight different juices and only like three of them. If you like menthol they have one called Luxury Tobacco Menthol which is wonderful. Stay away from the Smooth Menthol because it is awful. Yuck. The Apple Pie is also good.

 

[tippyclubb]

Thanks for your input, however, the purpose of my post is to kind of find out what the DIFFERENCE is usage wise between the cartomizers, cartridges, etc. I've got a lot to learn and I've heard Boge cartos are really good but I'm new to all this and kind of relying on more experienced vapors to explain to me the differences and effects of these devices. Thanks again!!

I am kind of new to all of this too so I really can't explain the difference. I find the cartomizers to taste good but they are a hassle to fill up and I just can't seem to get it right, when to top off, etc. Cartridges are messy and leak a lot. My favorite is dripping directly on the atty and using a drip tip.

Dripping is wonderful and seems to be the best flavor out of the three, but its something you can't do while your on the go, driving, etc. During the day is where cartos come in handy because you pre fill them in the morning or evening before and can vape while your away from home. The trick is filling the darn carto. You can go on You Tube and do a search and there are videos explaing how to do it.

Make sure you order some drip tips and clic on the 20% discount on the LF web page.

 

[cement]

Hi monnie check out the ego passthru saves on batteries and you can use it in the car with a 12 volt adapter. Also makes a great backup. Good luck.

 

[mavaks]

I have the Riva 510 SE kit you listed there and it has worked very well as a starter kit. The batteries are great, which was one of my concerns starting out because everyone complains about battery life. Each battery lasts me a full two days, so even a very heavy vaper could get a full day out of them. Having the atty is good for testing juices since you can just drip right onto the atty and use an empty cartridge to vape without having to fill the cartridge with a juice you might not like. Once you do find a juice you like, filling the cartridges isn't tough and once you get the poly-fill good and saturated it gives good consistent flavor and vape. One filled cartridge usually gets me through the work day.

Once you're settled on a juice or two you really like, cartomizers seem like the way to go for more long-term usage. They hold more and are cheaper in the long run. You still have to fill them, just less often, and you'll still have the empty cartridges and attys from the starter kit as a backup or for experimenting along the way.

 

[monnie788]

Thanks swedenfish! I already feel SOL without my pv - I can smell cigarette smoke, tar and ash seeping from the pores of my body as we speak after only smoking them again for 2 days! Your input was extremely helpful and thanks again!

 

[monnie788]

I have the Riva 510 SE kit you listed there and it has worked very well as a starter kit. The batteries are great, which was one of my concerns starting out because everyone complains about battery life. Each battery lasts me a full two days, so even a very heavy vaper could get a full day out of them. Having the atty is good for testing juices since you can just drip right onto the atty and use an empty cartridge to vape without having to fill the cartridge with a juice you might not like. Once you do find a juice you like, filling the cartridges isn't tough and once you get the poly-fill good and saturated it gives good consistent flavor and vape. One filled cartridge usually gets me through the work day.

Once you're settled on a juice or two you really like, cartomizers seem like the way to go for more long-term usage. They hold more and are cheaper in the long run. You still have to fill them, just less often, and you'll still have the empty cartridges and attys from the starter kit as a backup or for experimenting along the way.

Thanks so much mavacks! That makes sense. Shoot - it's Christmas (almost) - I'm just going to treat myself to the kit and all kinds of goodies. I'm so glad I found this forum. Feel like I've joined kind of a CA (CigarettesAnonymous)! LOL! I will take your advice. Merry Christmas and any other info you can pass my way will be greatly appreciated. Always good to hear from someone who is actually using a product that you're thinking about buying!

 

[monnie788]

I am kind of new to all of this too so I really can't explain the difference. I find the cartomizers to taste good but they are a hassle to fill up and I just can't seem to get it right, when to top off, etc. Cartridges are messy and leak a lot. My favorite is dripping directly on the atty and using a drip tip.

Dripping is wonderful and seems to be the best flavor out of the three, but its something you can't do while your on the go, driving, etc. During the day is where cartos come in handy because you pre fill them in the morning or evening before and can vape while your away from home. The trick is filling the darn carto. You can go on You Tube and do a search and there are videos explaing how to do it.

Make sure you order some drip tips and clic on the 20% discount on the LF web page.

Thanks tippyclubb! That's the kind of info I'm looking for. I think I'm going to just get the kit and then some extras and I'll feel my way along. The way you do it sounds more like me - the less hassle the better. But I do like the idea of having one filled to the brim to take with me so it sounds like I'm going to need to "accessorize". Glad to hear of your experience with LF - that also makes a big difference when buying something online. Good customer service is very important. Thanks so much for your input!

 

[monnie788]

Hi monnie check out the ego passthru saves on batteries and you can use it in the car with a 12 volt adapter. Also makes a great backup. Good luck.

Thanks! I had seen a passthrough and it looked like it might be a good idea to have. By the way, I LOVE your Smokin' Kitty Avatar! Take care and thanks again.

 

[Balthezar]

Hi and welcome monnie.
Topping off cartos isn't as bad as it seems. After the first fill, which will take a lot, I usually top mine off after 20-30 hits, just to make sure I don't dry it out. I just pop the cap off, tilt, add a drop, turn about 1/3 add a drop, turn 1/3, add a drop, and I'm good to go for another 20-30 hits. You can wait longer if you need to, I may be overly cautious, but I've been getting about 3 weeks to a carto before I have to clean or throw away (except when I sit on a clear one ).

 

[JasonInTN]

Get juice but not from there.

Don't mean to hijack this thread but just curious why you don't recommend juice from LF. I myself don't like the fact that you can't select the PG/VG ratios. I really respect your opinion so I would like to know if you think the quality is lacking, if the flavors aren't good, or if you own a juice company Thanks

 

[monnie788]

Hi and welcome monnie.
Topping off cartos isn't as bad as it seems. After the first fill, which will take a lot, I usually top mine off after 20-30 hits, just to make sure I don't dry it out. I just pop the cap off, tilt, add a drop, turn about 1/3 add a drop, turn 1/3, add a drop, and I'm good to go for another 20-30 hits. You can wait longer if you need to, I may be overly cautious, but I've been getting about 3 weeks to a carto before I have to clean or throw away (except when I sit on a clear one ).

Hi Balthezar - thanks for your info. I've heard that dripping directly onto an atty is not advised (one of the juice companies highly advises against this and all they sell is juice, no hardware) so I'm almost leary about doing this. I think I'm going to get the 510 Riva SE kit which comes with blank cartridges and attys and then order some cartos to experiment with. All these bells and whistles can be a little confusing but I'll get the hang of it. I believe cartos are supposed to last longer and someone said you can fill one of these and take it when you go out. Anyway just wanted to say thanks. I'm sure alot of this sounds much more complicated than what it actually is but having tried "pre-filled" cartridges I'd fill a carto standing on my head before I'd use another pre-fill - LOL!! Take care and congrats on being smoke free for over a month!!

 

[Balthezar]

Thank you monnie It's been a great learning experience for me, and I'm sure you will be here before you know it.
Soon you may be asking about DIY e-juice, which is fun for me and saves $$ and you can create your own special flavors.
Oh and if you want a counter on your signature, just click on one you like and you will go to that site to create your own, copy the BBC code and edit your signature, paste it into the box and presto, your own counter. Just FYI.

Balth

 

[MsTick]

Monnie, I don't know who said that dripping directly on an atty isn't a good idea, but they're just plain wrong. It's the best way to test new juices, and the best overall flavor and vapor experience. It's just a bit cumbersome, and a noob is likely to need to keep tissues handy for overenthusiastic dripping issues, but it certainly won't hurt anything as long as you're not using an auto battery (the Rivas are manual). I only drip when I'm testing juices, but a lot of experienced vapers direct drip almost exclusively.