Really a Noob (Haven't purchased ANYTHING yet, overwhelmed)

[shuggaloaf]

***UPDATE***

Thanks everyone for all your replies and advice. Seems like this is a great community here. Due to one post regarding the age of the technology and battery life, I am currently leaning towards an Innokin iTaste MVP 2.0. I like the fact that the battery lasts at least a day (and in some cases up to 5!). Although it IS a built in battery, for the cost and reliability I've read in many reviews I feel I'm ok with that. The price is also not bad at all compared to the others listed.

So, I'm looking at fastech to purchase from which I've seen positive reviews from in other threads. If anyone has any conflicting stories please let me know. I can currently get it for $45 w/ shipping.

Now here's where I need a little more advice. For the same price I can get 3 different options, mainly on the atomizer(s) it seems. So basically I can get the starter kit with the MVP 2.0, charger, a decorative ring (?), and one of these three options:
(1) iClear30 atomizer
(2) iClear16 atomizers
(2) CE5 clearomizer atomizers

I've found that the iclears are made by innokin, not sure about the CE5's. Any recommendations for iClear vs. CE5? If I go with the iClear would you guys recommend (2) iClear16's or the (1) iClear30?

Also for anyone with experience with the MVP's are there any spare parts or consumable parts that I need to buy as well? I seen mention of some heads with other models, not sure if I need that with these. I'd rather order this stuff all at once, even if it's something I won't need to replace for a few months.

Again thanks to everyone for posting and trying to help me sort through this mountain of info/options out there!



********
(Orig Post)

Hi everyone, I'm considering quitting "analogs" (see I already learned something from this site) and switching to e-cigs. I've read through numerous post titled similar to 'I'm a noob' but what I'm finding is these people have already purchased supplies. I REALLY am a noob. I've bought nothing. I don't know where to start. I don't know anything about the actual e-cigs or batteries or tanks or anything really. I don't really understand how these work. I see people recommending all different types and models. I've seen EVO quite a bit but I'm lost when people start mentioning different tanks and variable voltage, etc.

What I'm hoping is that someone can recommend a decent rig for a newbie as well as all the various components. I don't want something overly complicated or overly expensive but I don't want something cheap that is going to fall apart either.

If someone can give me some explanations on:
1) What is a decent brand to start with?
2) Do I buy tanks separately or do they come as a set? Do I need more than 1?
3) Do I need to buy a battery/batteries separately? If so recommendations?
4) Recommendations for juice based on my info below as well as reputable companies, mg (explain please), etc.
5) Anything else I'm missing or not considering?
6) PLEASE keep it simple. I really want to give this a shot but a ton of choices and overly complicated setups are going to turn me off.

I hope I'm not asking too much and I do realize not everyone is obviously going to give the same recommendations. I just ask that anyone who replies please try to keep simplicity in mind when replying.

About my smoking history - I started smoking when I was about 14 and I'm 36 now so 20+ years smoking. I've always smoked menthol cigs. Newports for about the first 5 or so years and Marlboro menthols pretty much steadily since then. I did smoke a "natural" native brand for a while before the gov messed with taxing them. I also have a top-o-matic and rolled my own for a while (still do occasionally) but have not been able to find a decent tasting tobacco/tube combo. So I don't have much of a problem switching to another brand and I'm hoping that will help with the transition. I prefer a strong flavor, something that I can FEEL when I'm inhaling. I can't stand a very light cigs that make me feel like I have to inhale deeper to feel it. As far as menthol flavor for the juice I don't like a very "minty" menthol (if that makes sense). Those who smoke marlboro menthol/newport should understand what I mean.

Thanks in advance! I'm looking forward to kicking the analog habit and being able to breathe again!

 

[DetraMental]

I'd recommend anything along the eGo line at 1100mAh. You'll want 2 batteries to begin with, one for back-up as you'll be using one the other will be charging, later on you'll want to get back-ups to these. If you purchase a "kit" with said batteries in them you'll find they come with clearomizers. Depending on what they come with you may want to invest in something better. As far as juice you'll be looking for a menthol flavor I presume? That is very subjective meaning only you will know what taste good to you. The first thing you need to do is look for a kit. Look at several, youtube them, ask here what people think of them. They'll give you sound advice, especially on price and where to go. You can type in eGo starter kit and google it and there will be many vendors that come up. Start your research. There is alot out there so we need to know what you like of those that are out there. Happy hunting and hurry back.

 

[rob33]

check out bevapehappy.com he has some great starter videos. First you have to determine how much you smoke to figure out what nicotine level you need to quit analogs today. That would determine what equipment and eliquid to start out with.

 

[shuggaloaf]

Thanks for the reply DetraMental. Once I get a few recommendations I will start the narrowing down process. So far I've got your recommendation of eGo as well as EVO brands. When I have 1 or 2 more (or no more if more people recommend these) I'll start checking into them.

Question for you (again I know nada about this) what is a clearomizer?

As far as the eGo do you have a recommended vendor as far as price and reputability?

I kinda figured the juice would be subjective. I would probably like to start with menthol and I realize I'll probably want to try several different flavors/brands. I'm not opposed to another non-menthol flavor but I see a lot of stuff that sounds kinda childish or girlie to me (no offense to the ladies ), like mocha shake, strawberry, banana cream pie, etc. That just doesn't appeal to me. Although the coffee flavors might be nice as I do smoke cigars from time to time and enjoy the nutty, coffee-esque type flavors of those.

Again, thanks for your response. Every bit of info helps!

 

[shuggaloaf]

. (oops) .

 

[shuggaloaf]

check out bevapehappy.com he has some great starter videos. First you have to determine how much you smoke to figure out what nicotine level you need to quit analogs today. That would determine what equipment and eliquid to start out with.

Thanks Rob I'll check the site. Appreciate the info.

Guess I forgot to mention in my original post. I smoke a pack a day of Marlboro Menthol 100's.

 

[mR.blinG]

Lots of vape stores (out here, anyways) have samplers for pretty much anything they sell, so you're set there.

As for the fruity/girlie flavors - they're not, really, once you get over that barrier. Don't be afraid to try everything you can - you might be surprised at what you like.

 

[klynnn]

http://www.myvaporstore.com/Vision_Spinner_Joye_Ego_C_Twist_Combo_p/vvs-c.htm
Will need to buy juice separate. This is a good starter kit.

 

[Mrs C]

Nice basic Evod kit Kanger Evod Starter Kit
use code 10off or 10 off at check out for a 10% discount brings it to about $36 + shipping.

I don't care for menthol but plenty here do. You should get some recommendations.
Taste is a very individual subject. I would suggest visiting a local shop or 2 that have tasting bars so you can find what you like. This site can help you locate some near you.
Electric Cigarette|Eliquid|Supplies|Electronic Cigarette|Ejuice|Smokeless|Vapor Search USA

 

[aldreis]

(see I already learned something from this site)

So be sure to take a look at our Library. Lots more on there.

And welcome to ECF!

 

[MR. Mad]

Hi everyone, I'm considering quitting "analogs" (see I already learned something from this site) and switching to e-cigs. I've read through numerous post titled similar to 'I'm a noob' but what I'm finding is these people have already purchased supplies. I REALLY am a noob. I've bought nothing. I don't know where to start. I don't know anything about the actual e-cigs or batteries or tanks or anything really. I don't really understand how these work. I see people recommending all different types and models. I've seen EVO quite a bit but I'm lost when people start mentioning different tanks and variable voltage, etc.

What I'm hoping is that someone can recommend a decent rig for a newbie as well as all the various components. I don't want something overly complicated or overly expensive but I don't want something cheap that is going to fall apart either.

If someone can give me some explanations on:
1) What is a decent brand to start with?
2) Do I buy tanks separately or do they come as a set? Do I need more than 1?
3) Do I need to buy a battery/batteries separately? If so recommendations?
4) Recommendations for juice based on my info below as well as reputable companies, mg (explain please), etc.
5) Anything else I'm missing or not considering?
6) PLEASE keep it simple. I really want to give this a shot but a ton of choices and overly complicated setups are going to turn me off.

I hope I'm not asking too much and I do realize not everyone is obviously going to give the same recommendations. I just ask that anyone who replies please try to keep simplicity in mind when replying.

About my smoking history - I started smoking when I was about 14 and I'm 36 now so 20+ years smoking. I've always smoked menthol cigs. Newports for about the first 5 or so years and Marlboro menthols pretty much steadily since then. I did smoke a "natural" native brand for a while before the gov messed with taxing them. I also have a top-o-matic and rolled my own for a while (still do occasionally) but have not been able to find a decent tasting tobacco/tube combo. So I don't have much of a problem switching to another brand and I'm hoping that will help with the transition. I prefer a strong flavor, something that I can FEEL when I'm inhaling. I can't stand a very light cigs that make me feel like I have to inhale deeper to feel it. As far as menthol flavor for the juice I don't like a very "minty" menthol (if that makes sense). Those who smoke marlboro menthol/newport should understand what I mean.

Thanks in advance! I'm looking forward to kicking the analog habit and being able to breathe again!

1.i think the first step would actually be to come up with some sort of budget for a device and then choosing the most bang for your buck in that price range as there are literally hundreds of devices to choose from and they all have pros and cons.also if money is a bit short and you are willing to wait there are cheaper vendors .like http://www.fasttech.com/category/1411/electronic-cigarettes but shippping will take a long time just be warned.
2. tanks can be bought separately or as part of a kit but be warned certain juices will crack plastic tanks and also tanks are the heart and soul of a setup so this is not the place to go in blind on. i started with protanks and they work fine for me but some folks seem to have issues with them
3. that would depend on the mod the more advanced ones have separate batteries a good place to buy ElectronicStix.Com · Welcome but before you do read up on here on the different types and understand what you are buying before you do it will save you money in the long run.short answer imr is recommended
4 . way to many to get into really but being a newport ex-smoker myself i can recommend nhalers nuport and 555 menthol.
5. yes lol i learn something new everyday.
be warned tobacco flavor as you know it will be imposible to find. but the taste from juice can be better than you think possible

 

[lansens]

If I had to start over again (knowing what I know now) I would have started with an Innokin VV and two Kanger PtoTank Mini's or iClear 16's. This IMO will give you the most mileage for your dollar.

As an example here is a link for you to take a look at. iTaste VV Starter Kit

 

[DetraMental]

A place to start to find vendors would be up on the light blue bar where it says "Forum, Live Chat......" click on "Forum Suppliers." This shows the vendors who participate in ECF. It's a great place to start. All reputable. I like Discount Vapers, VaporBeast,Madvapes, Gotvapes, etc....most can be found where I directed ya! A clearomizer is a clear tank on an attymizer. They have wicks, the best are the bcc type also known as Bottom Coil Clearomizers and I would highly suggest these to most anyone. Some like a warmer vape and like what is called a top coil clearomizer where the coil is at the top and gives a warmer vape. Then there are dual coil clearomizers for those who want it all, LoL. I hope this helps.

 

[Fisheeboy]

howdy shuggalaof I've been vaping for a lil over a year now and still very new to it, the lingo, the devices etc... I spent a few hundred bucks trying to find a set up that I felt good about. I keep it really simple still because that's what's working for me for now. I plan to go to more advanced PVs in the future but for now I use and love my Kgo 1100. I think when I got mine it was around $80. I see them now for less than $40. there are a few different starter kits. If I were to buy another one it would be one that came with 2 batteries a couple clear tanks and charging devices. simple. I see them around as I look at different sites. I think Kgo and ego are basically the same thing. someone correct me if I'm wrong. Guess what I'm trying to say is get a couple of good size batteries your tanks or whatever some juice and start vaping. just google kgo or ego starter kit. deinitely wise to start simple IMO, cheap and with discretion.

 

[Rancor0681]

My recommendation is to kill the barrier of flavor. You are quiting a habit and starting a new habit.

Wouldn't it be more beneficial to not replicate any of it to kill the old passion you once had for it completely

 

[rob33]

Thanks Rob I'll check the site. Appreciate the info.

Guess I forgot to mention in my original post. I smoke a pack a day of Marlboro Menthol 100's.

I can't help you with the menthol but 18mg eliquid should keep you off analogs. I'm not a ego fan thats 2010 technogy lots of better equipment out there. Do your research get something where the battery will last all day to keep life simple a 2000 mah battery(start with the Innokin MVP, I've never used one) madvapes.com is budget friendly with the other site I gave you, should have a good starting point

 

[Fisheeboy]

I wish I would have known about the ECF when I decided to start vaping. You're bound to get some excellent and solid advice. good luk to you and remember you have a ton of support here at the ECF

 

[Buggainok]

Thanks for the reply DetraMental. Once I get a few recommendations I will start the narrowing down process. So far I've got your recommendation of eGo as well as EVO brands. When I have 1 or 2 more (or no more if more people recommend these) I'll start checking into them.

Question for you (again I know nada about this) what is a clearomizer?

As far as the eGo do you have a recommended vendor as far as price and reputability?

I kinda figured the juice would be subjective. I would probably like to start with menthol and I realize I'll probably want to try several different flavors/brands. I'm not opposed to another non-menthol flavor but I see a lot of stuff that sounds kinda childish or girlie to me (no offense to the ladies ), like mocha shake, strawberry, banana cream pie, etc. That just doesn't appeal to me. Although the coffee flavors might be nice as I do smoke cigars from time to time and enjoy the nutty, coffee-esque type flavors of those.

Again, thanks for your response. Every bit of info helps!

I just started this about 2 weeks ago, and I agree - it can be overwhelming. I did a lot of research and read tons of posts. Here is a very good beginner evod kit that will give you everything you need to get started, except for the e juice. Someone here already mentioned this same kit, but with a different vendor. I think this is probably the best price on it. You can use the code ECF at checkout and get 10% off, and then it's free shipping over $30.

The kit comes with 2 batteries, so you can use one, and have one charging, ready to go. Here is a link:

Kanger EVOD eGo Full Kit - Vaping Me

About the juice, that is such a personal thing. Everyone has their own idea of what tastes good. If you have any vape shops in your town, a lot of them have "tasting bars" and will let you try out the juice with their equipment before you buy. That's what I did, and ended up getting some flavors I never would have ordered online, if I was just going by the names, which can be pretty creative, lol.

Good luck. There are so many choices, but I have a kit similar to the one I linked to, and I really like it. It is easy to use, not complicated and does the job. I haven't smoked since I got mine a couple of weeks ago, and I smoked for over 40 years.

P.S. I was so new at all this, I had never even seen one of these in person and had no idea about the size. This type is larger than the Blu-type e cigarettes, but about the size of a Sharpie marker, so it is easy to carry around if you need to.

 

[Ray D]

What I'm hoping is that someone can recommend a decent rig for a newbie as well as all the various components. I don't want something overly complicated or overly expensive but I don't want something cheap that is going to fall apart either.

If someone can give me some explanations on:
1) What is a decent brand to start with?
2) Do I buy tanks separately or do they come as a set? Do I need more than 1?
3) Do I need to buy a battery/batteries separately? If so recommendations?
4) Recommendations for juice based on my info below as well as reputable companies, mg (explain please), etc.
5) Anything else I'm missing or not considering?
6) PLEASE keep it simple. I really want to give this a shot but a ton of choices and overly complicated setups are going to turn me off.

Shugga, I saw your location, misread it by a letter and thought you lived in the same town I do. I was going to offer you to come over and I'd sit you down at my PC and we'd hook you up. Or take you to the B&M not far away.

Answers to the best of my ability to your questions not knowing your budget or tastes:

1) I wouldn't concern yourself too much with "brands" as most things are rebranded and there's little difference between, say, eGo batteries provided you buy from a reputable store. This site has a very long list of approved suppliers. They've been vetted. Almost any of them would do.

2) Many stores will sell "starter" kits which will have 2 batteries and 2 clearos (or "tanks." But carto tank people bristle when we call clearos "tanks.") But yes. You'll want extras. A few extra clearos/tanks/cartos... whatever you decide to use. And it wouldn't hurt to have an extra battery (even if you get 2 in the kit).

3) For the smaller, "starter" type setups, your device IS the battery. I'm of the opinion that a starter should start with eGos or Variable Voltage eGos (Twists or Spinners) until they're comfortable with vaping and know it can work for them. But if I'm setting someone up, I'd suggest they get 3 batteries. 2 may come in a kit, but having a third may help prevent an emergency. If you buy a more advanced setup like a tube or box mod, then yes, you'll need to buy your batteries separately.

4) Hard to fully recommend juices as I don't know what flavors you want. I suspect you would want something menthol (at least at first) to replicate your old cigs. But please do experiment with other flavors. Some e-juice companies give you the option to add menthol to any juice they make. Some just offer flavors with Menthol already part of them. Companies to check out just off the top of my head: Heather's Heavenly Vapes, GoodEjuice, Halo, Mt Baker Vapor, Good Life Vapor, Hurricane Vapor, Johnson Creek, Ahlusion, N-E-T... and now my senior moment kicks in. But there's a lot of good ones out there. Others will offer even more choices.

I smoked almost 2 packs a day. I started with 24 mg. and it worked well for me. For you, I'd say at least 18 mg. You may find you need 24, but try 18 first. If it's enough, no need to buy something too strong. If the company asks you "ratio," they mean how much PG to VG. A good ratio is 70/30 (PG/VG). But some people are sensitive to PG and prefer 100% VG. Unfortunately, that's something you'll have to find out on your own. Just know that PG sensitivity isn't too common. PG carries flavor better and helps provide a better throat hit. VG produces more vapor, but at the risk of losing some flavor and TH. It also tends to be much thicker which can cause problems for some devices.

5) You'll want a charger if one isn't included. (No reason it wouldn't be. Just covering bases) Make sure the charger is one intended for your device! No substitutes. I would recommend you buy smaller bottles (maybe 15 mls) of several flavors or even brands of juice until you find the ones you like. Then buy them in larger bulk. If a juice tastes odd or not how you like, don't ditch it. Let it "steep" (age) a few weeks and come back to it. Many e-juices get better as they age (like chili sitting in the fridge gets better).

Keep in mind that e-juice has a potent amount of nicotine in it. Keep FAR out of reach of children! (And thoroughly clean up spills) They can absorb the nicotine through their skin and it can make them very ill or worse.

Do not charge batteries unattended. Don't go to sleep with one charging and don't leave the house. It's not e-cigarettes that are the problem. Any Li-ion battery carries some risk while charging (including laptops, cellphones, etc). And never just leave it on a charger. Don't overcharge. And don't leave in a hot car. Certainly don't charge in one.

Bottom line:

I'd suggest an eGo Spinner kit with either Kanger eVods or Aspire clearomizers. Make sure to buy extra heads (the replaceable parts that hold the coil) - maybe 10 to start out. They don't last forever (but should last a couple weeks). It's not mandatory, but consider buying a third battery and 1-3 extra clearos of the same type. That should get your feet wet. Then you'll be back asking different questions. But you'll be on your way.

 

[HDRock]

Here are some threads you might be interested in
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...n/512892-menthol-freaks-whats-your-juice.html

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ego-type-models/470972-best-starter-kit-i-ve-ever-seen.html