One Unhappy New User

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Chillyb7

Full Member
Feb 4, 2012
8
8
Parts Unknown
I am trying desperately to like my new e-cig, but right now I am super PO'ed.Background: I am not and have not ever been a heavy smoker. Worse case I will smoke 2-3 cigarettes depending upon on how stressful it is at the office that day. On the weekends I have no cravings, and when I take vacations, I usually go most of the time without a cigarette.I have tried for many years to give up the habit, but when I get stressed at work there is something about going out for a few minutes and puffing on a smoke. About 2 weeks ago I got tired of beating myself up for not being able to quit and bought a disposable blu cig from Walgreens. It was a pretty good deal $10 and lasted about 1 1/2 weeks. Well after giving blue a try and deciding it was worth pursuing further, I did a bunch of research and went to a local store in the DFW area and bought a 510-T kit. Battery life was not a concern for me as I don't smoke much to begin with.Well now after putting down $70 dollars on the kit plus another $10 in juice and a syringe, I have had nothing but nightmares after the first 7 days. I have smoked a total of 2 tank through my kit and now everything started to taste like burnt metal/soap. I have never let the tank dry out and even with a full tank what I am getting is not vapor but actual smoke!!!! Did some research and looks like my atomizer has fried, but really after a total 2 tank changes? I was told this atomizer would last at least a week under my use conditions. So I change out the atomizer with the second one in the kit, and this one doesn't even work. I have puffed on the thing for well over 10 minutes trying to get vapor and NOTHING!. I primed just like I was told with 2-3 drops of liquid at the battery end. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then put on the tank and let it sit for another 5 minutes and NOTHING!!!!!So here I sit ready to go to a poker game, knowing I am most likely going to want 1 or 2 smokes and my $80 buck was basically flushed down the drain from what I can tell. I bought this thing at a store that specializes in this stuff, not some shopping mall kiosk, thinking I would be dealt with honestly. Maybe I was and the quality of this stuff just isn't where it needs to be, but either way my guess is that the store is going to tell me thank you for the $80, but that they will not warranty the atomizers. If that conversation goes, as I expect it will, than back to cigarettes I go. I did hours and hours of research on this forum and others and thought I had really educated myself, but it looks like I was just kidding myself. Just like all the other stuff that comes from China, the quality control is non-existent. I bought genuine Joye products from a local vendor who is listed on their website to ensure I was getting something that would last. HA! What really sucks is that in the last 1 1/2 of using this thing I have turned on no less than 5 smokers to the local store and told them that I would highly recommend looking into the change. Since I had the e-cig I had no cravings to go back. Guess I will have some crow to eat next week at work. I just hope I didn't cost someone a bunch of money with my recommendation. Sorry for my first post being a rant, but I really feel the need to vent. For any new members looking into this I would strongly recommend you make sure you buy from someone who is willing to back up the product with at least a 30 day warranty. Otherwise you may end on the wrong end of your purchase like I have.
 

brandontrjn

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Oct 16, 2011
322
77
Tampa!
Welcome to ECF. Looks like you've had a few problems...

Many members here recommend the more "difficult to use" kits for new vapers. The simple fact is that with too many parts, things are more likely to break or not work. These multi-part systems in my opinion are better for people that have been vaping for a little while. It sounds to me like you may be happier with a 2 piece system to start and upgrade later.

Don't worry too much about not being happy with your first system. It usually takes 2 or 3 to figure out what exactly you like as far as the larger multi-piece kits are concerned.

Where do you want to go from here?
 

vap0rz

Full Member
Feb 3, 2012
15
13
Oregon
I went the two-piece (KR808D-1 style) route, and I've not experienced any equipment malfunctions. It seems a very simple direct replacement for analogs, and I have no regrets with the platform. A certain company I found has disgusting cartos, but I've since remedied that. I was very lucky to find an entry-level system that "just worked" to make the switch.

Maybe my story will give you some hope?

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...w-newly-converted-non-smoker.html#post5217384
 

Riciblake

Full Member
Verified Member
Jan 2, 2012
15
12
Brooklyn, NY
It's hard with the 510's. Even if it's a "Official Joye Product" there tends to be some duds. If people weren't so phobic about smoking we'd probably have a lot more options and there would be better quality control, but for most of us it's really a trial by fire (not really, these are electronic after all) situation. I started with Njoy for about a week, then switched to a 510 kit. I would always buy 4 or 5 boxes of cartomizers, just because I expected them to die/be duds. It's still a lot cheaper (short and long run) than smoking. If you can hang in there you'll find something reliable that works beautifully for you, but it tends to become kind of a hobby. Just look at how many people are on this forum. Good luck to you! I hope everything works out and I'm sorry about the frustrations (I've been there).
Cheers!
Michael
 

bruiser

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Nov 20, 2010
1,257
291
Louisville, KY
I suggest trying cartomizers. Forget the tank for awhile. Naturally, the 510 has 510 threading, which probably has more options than any other PV on the market, so there are lots of cartomizers to choose from. Cheaper than atomizers as well. A lot of people seem to like the Boge 2.0 ohm cartos. Any carto between 2 and 3 ohms should work, it's a matter of finding your personal preference. Do not use low resistance attys or cartos on the 510. That is, don't use anything below 2 ohms on it.
 

Avenara

Full Member
Verified Member
Jan 29, 2012
29
19
New York
Oh I am SO sorry about your absolutely dreadful experiences. I'll tell you how it goes with the new KGO I bought from Hoosier E-Cig Supply. Many people recommend that one, AND getting it from him specifically. I won't do any recommending without trying it first though so just passing on the message. Personally, I did not like the V2's so I'd advice steering clear. Hard to suck on, stale cartridges, easy to use yes, just not worth it in my mind.
 

Lex0r

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jan 23, 2012
447
114
Los Angeles
Sorry to hear about your problems. Toss the attys and tanks aside (keep as backup maybe), hang on to the batteries, and get yourself some Boge SR (standard resistance) cartomizers. The carto's are a lot easier to deal with, and cheaper than atomizers. Just pop the white cap off, fill with ~15 drops of juice (preferably higher PG than VG), let sit for a few minutes and vape away! I'm sure you can find a reputable vendor here on the vendors section of ECF. Don't give up yet!
 

VictoryNotVengence

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Nov 27, 2009
1,242
232
USA
first if your in DFW order from DFWvapor.com, they are awsome.
so spend just a little more and get
5 pack 510 cartomizers - $10
and if you want to try atties and cartridges you can get a regular 510 atomizer (no T or tank just 510) and a pack of blank 510 cartridges for $8-10.
You can use the batteries and chargers you already have.
 

Trucapri

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Dec 18, 2011
356
168
North Carolina
"I primed just like I was told with 2-3 drops of liquid at the battery end."

I'm truly sorry you've had such a bad experience with your 510. It's what I started with and I also had issues the first week, but different one than yours. It takes time to learn new electronics, even e-cigs.

Is the sentence I copied from your post a true statement of how you primed your atty? At the battery end?

Stick with ECF . . . there's a lot of experience here that can help you turn this bad experience around!!

Welcome!!!!!!! and best wishes!!!
 

Warren D. Lockaby

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Oct 19, 2011
913
785
South Carolina, USA
I am trying desperately to like my new e-cig, but right now I am super PO'ed.Background: I am not and have not ever been a heavy smoker. Worse case I will smoke 2-3 cigarettes depending upon on how stressful it is at the office that day. On the weekends I have no cravings, and when I take vacations, I usually go most of the time without a cigarette.I have tried for many years to give up the habit, but when I get stressed at work there is something about going out for a few minutes and puffing on a smoke. About 2 weeks ago I got tired of beating myself up for not being able to quit and bought a disposable blu cig from Walgreens. It was a pretty good deal $10 and lasted about 1 1/2 weeks. Well after giving blue a try and deciding it was worth pursuing further, I did a bunch of research and went to a local store in the DFW area and bought a 510-T kit. Battery life was not a concern for me as I don't smoke much to begin with.Well now after putting down $70 dollars on the kit plus another $10 in juice and a syringe, I have had nothing but nightmares after the first 7 days. I have smoked a total of 2 tank through my kit and now everything started to taste like burnt metal/soap. I have never let the tank dry out and even with a full tank what I am getting is not vapor but actual smoke!!!! Did some research and looks like my atomizer has fried, but really after a total 2 tank changes? I was told this atomizer would last at least a week under my use conditions. So I change out the atomizer with the second one in the kit, and this one doesn't even work. I have puffed on the thing for well over 10 minutes trying to get vapor and NOTHING!. I primed just like I was told with 2-3 drops of liquid at the battery end. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then put on the tank and let it sit for another 5 minutes and NOTHING!!!!!So here I sit ready to go to a poker game, knowing I am most likely going to want 1 or 2 smokes and my $80 buck was basically flushed down the drain from what I can tell. I bought this thing at a store that specializes in this stuff, not some shopping mall kiosk, thinking I would be dealt with honestly. Maybe I was and the quality of this stuff just isn't where it needs to be, but either way my guess is that the store is going to tell me thank you for the $80, but that they will not warranty the atomizers. If that conversation goes, as I expect it will, than back to cigarettes I go. I did hours and hours of research on this forum and others and thought I had really educated myself, but it looks like I was just kidding myself. Just like all the other stuff that comes from China, the quality control is non-existent. I bought genuine Joye products from a local vendor who is listed on their website to ensure I was getting something that would last. HA! What really sucks is that in the last 1 1/2 of using this thing I have turned on no less than 5 smokers to the local store and told them that I would highly recommend looking into the change. Since I had the e-cig I had no cravings to go back. Guess I will have some crow to eat next week at work. I just hope I didn't cost someone a bunch of money with my recommendation. Sorry for my first post being a rant, but I really feel the need to vent. For any new members looking into this I would strongly recommend you make sure you buy from someone who is willing to back up the product with at least a 30 day warranty. Otherwise you may end on the wrong end of your purchase like I have.

Welcome to ECF. First, I'd suggest taking your kit back to the vendor with the presumption he will be happy to help you with the problem, NOT that he's trying to rip you (or anyone else) off. There are lots of ripoff e-cig vendors online but from what I've seen most of them wouldn't want to be so easy to find as to have their own physical storefronts. I don't know who your vendor is but I expect he/she sees it as in his/her best interest to keep customers happy - and returning. Also I'd ditto the carto without tank idea... a lot less hassle as far as I can see. I've never used a tank - haven't wanted one - but it doesn't get much simpler (or cheaper) than cartos. Also I would be sure and use a thin enough liquid so it will wick properly, with a PG content of at least 70% (VG no more than 30%). If it's too thick it might not be able to get down to the coil and keep it moist enough. Best of luck & happy vaping! :vapor:
 

Slim Batz

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Jan 16, 2012
289
152
Edmonton, Alberta
I would second a couple of points put forth by other members ... DO NOT beat yourself up over a couple cigs a day ... and sounds like not every day ... habit. Go PAD for 20+ years like me before wallowing in self loathing. Cartomizers are probably the best way to go for you ... they are my favorite ... soak it and let is sit awhile before use and just keep topping it off ... I've used Boges and Kanger bottom coils .. both are good.
 

Rickajho

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Apr 23, 2011
11,841
21,763
Boston MA
Hi. And welcome.

First, relax BREATHE, and enjoy the poker game. When you get your first chance take your kit back to the local store you purchased from and give them a chance to help you. Consider yourself fortunate that you have a brick and mortar vape store you can actually walk into! Most stores like that are more than happy to help figure out a problem. Tanks systems can be fussy and you might be missing something that will be really obvious - once they get a chance to show you what's wrong and how to correct it.
 

Homedude

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Nov 12, 2011
258
99
Conroe, Texas
first if your in DFW order from DFWvapor.com, they are awsome.
so spend just a little more and get
5 pack 510 cartomizers - $10
and if you want to try atties and cartridges you can get a regular 510 atomizer (no T or tank just 510) and a pack of blank 510 cartridges for $8-10.
You can use the batteries and chargers you already have.

FYI - DFW has a storefront in Lewisville. It's small but he has all the hardware out on display and a huge selection of juices to sample. If you go, make sure to bring an atty and tip so that you test everything out. The prices are a little higher in the store but he gave me the web discount because I was repeat online customer. James and staff are good people and they seemed to honestly appreciate their customers.
 

Chillyb7

Full Member
Feb 4, 2012
8
8
Parts Unknown
"I primed just like I was told with 2-3 drops of liquid at the battery end."I'm truly sorry you've had such a bad experience with your 510. It's what I started with and I also had issues the first week, but different one than yours. It takes time to learn new electronics, even e-cigs.Is the sentence I copied from your post a true statement of how you primed your atty? At the battery end? Stick with ECF . . . there's a lot of experience here that can help you turn this bad experience around!!Welcome!!!!!!! and best wishes!!!
First off thank you all for putting up with my rant/vent. Just back got from my poker game and thought I would check in and see if anyone replied. After reading my rambling post, that was very poorly typed as I was heading out the door, I am surprised out how kind the responses were. Regarding the above question. When I bought the kit the salesperson showed me to take the end of the atty that screws into the battery and put 2 or 3 drops of liquid into the small opening for "new" addy and then let the it stand a few minutes. I was told this would prime the atty for the first use.I plan on heading back Monday, when they are open and hopefully they will help me out. Everyone is correct that I maybe jumping to conclusions about being stuck, but when I bought the kit it was made clear to me that only the batteries had a warranty, and I am generally no the type to push this issue as it will only add to my stress levels if they tell me I am SOL.I think my post was more out of frustration knowing I have gone close to 2 weeks now with out a real cigarette, and I also knew after having a few drinks at poker that I was going to end up breaking down and wanting a smoke. With my e-cig I gave in and bummed a Marlboro from my buddy. I just hate it every time I do that. I know the little bit I smoke is not as bad as A PAD smoker, but to be honest in some ways it is worse. As one poster indicated, I am clearly not addicted to the nicotene, with that level of smoking. You would think I could just quite and not look back with that small of a habit. Heck the juice I have is only 6mg of nic and I can honestly say, since I have been able to go out and take a few drags off the e-cig during the work day, I have had zero cravings for a cigarette. I thought I finally had this thing licked!!!! Nic gum, mints, and patches, have never worked for me, only made me nauseated. I think the reason behind that is because I don't crave the nicotine. What I crave is the act of puffing on a smoke away from my desk.I agree I need to give the vendor a chance on Monday, to help make things right. I hope they will. Even though I am frustrated, I need to give them a chance, instead of jumping to a conclusion. I am just super bummed that I thought I finally found the perfect thing to get me off the cigs, and know it appears that it is might actually be a bigger hassle. The idea behind this was to help relieve stress not add to it :).I will see if I can get the store to take back the 3 unused tanks and 2 atty's (the one that is burnt and then one that is DOA) and exchange it for some carto's. Hopefully that will make it easier for me going forward. I almost went this route to start, but after talking with them at the store we decided on the tank being a cheaper option for me. I was told the carto's would be more of a 1 time use were as the atty for the tank could be used for 5-10 tanks which would easily be 2+ weeks for me of use.
 

kumquat

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Jul 6, 2011
184
37
USA
As a rare smoker and someone looking for something simple, it sounds to me like you'd probably be happier with an 808 starter kit. You can buy these from Bloog and Smokeless Image, etc. You're neither a hard core addict nor a hobbyist so going for a complicated set up just sounds like a waste of money, time and a pain in the ..., to me. Hope you find something that scratches your itch.
 
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hmlessalky

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Feb 3, 2012
1,255
1,821
Imperial, MO
I picked up a 21st Century starter kt, and it has served well me and my wife. I grabbed another to assure a charged battery at any time. The flavor was wack, but a quick order from Chi-Town Vapers remedied that quickly. I know it is not a top-of-the-line kit, but it just works. Topping off the carts make the flavor much better, and I will start cleaning and filling them fresh this next week. And I haven't even opened the bottles of 'flavored' juices yet! Good luck and keep your head up!
 

TonyTT

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Dec 12, 2011
664
404
Ottawa
I also started with the 510-t system, and it was a terrible exp for me as well...keep the batteries and get some boge cartos, I also learned with the 510-t system you need higher pg then vg 70% PG at least, other wise the VG, makes it to thick and it won't drip down onto the atty (thus the burnt taste)...I've never tried this theory, because the same day I got new juice, was the same day I got new cartomizers, and I just haven't bothered, I hated the tanks so gosh darn much. Cartos are much better. Also 80$ for a kit seems a little ridiculous in my opinion. Sure it's great to have a real place to go to in emergency situations, but I'm sure if you come here first, someone can point you towards the same kit for cheaper...Please don't give up....
 

TonyTT

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Dec 12, 2011
664
404
Ottawa
Chillyb7, as a rare smoker and someone looking for something simple, it sounds to me liKe you'd probably be happier with an 808 starter kit. You can buy these from Bloog and Smokeless Image, etc. You're neither a hard core addict nor a hobbyist so going for a complicated set up just sounds like a waste of money, time and a pain in the ..., to me. Hope you find something that scratches your itch.

I think getting whole new starter kit seems like the 80 bucks was just a waste. His batteries and charger are still fine, and I'm pretty sure both his attys are still fine for dripping (they haven't popped or anything). I suggest just picking up a 6 pack of boge cartomizers for another 6-8 bucks, and salvaging the unit he's got. The 510-t batteries with a carto on it, actually is pretty great at mimicking the shape and size of an analog (they're shorter then regular 510 batts), and it also seems like a good fit for him since he's not looking for extreme battery life. Having used the 510-t starter kit, I think theres enough of a benefit of the battery size to be what you're looking for.
 
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