Return to Vaping... so much information to digest! Need help on where to start.

[baconstrip]

Hello!

So I'm a longtime smoker and I'm looking to get back into smoking an e-cig as an alternative to my pack a day habit. I've wanted to quit smoking for some time, but I also DONT want to quit. I'm certain all of you know exactly where I am. I just moved from Milwaukee to San Jose CA, which has a completely different attitude towards smokers (IE, I feel like a criminal here!)

About 2 years ago (when I registered for this forum) I was using a DSE901. The thing was pretty awesome, but I'm sure that e-cig technology has advanced quite a bit since then.

I don't know where to start. Everyone throws around their opinions with model numbers and stuff that I just don't really know how to decipher.

If someone could point me towards a particular brand that may fit my needs, that would be wonderful! I'm not looking for a "starter" brand to eventually move up to something more "advanced", I want advanced right now! I know what it's like to smoke an e-cig and I know that I'm going to want to spend a hundred or more on my initial setup.

Here's what I desire:

*Hard hits with throat burn. I want to feel it. This is the MOST important thing.
*Something I can add my own liquids to
*Something reliable and rechargable.. that I don't have to constantly buy parts for every couple of weeks. I'd like the battery to last a couple months. USB charging a plus!
*Possibly something cool looking, but this is a novelty really, not necessary. My DSE901 was black with a blue light, which I thought looked pretty neat!
*Something that doesn't get "cloggy". I had this problem with my DSE901's and it was very annoying!

So basically, something like the DSE901, but more reliable. Money isn't going to be an object, so if something more expensive is significantly better, I want to know about it!

Thank you so much in advance, and I'm looking forward to being a part of this community.

 

[Flyer]

As you are already finding, there are a world of choices available today that meet a wide range of needs and preferences. Without knowing your preference in terms of size or form factor, it's kind of difficult to make specific recommendations. That said, the most commonly recommended system for those that are ready to move beyond the cig look-alike are the Kgo and E Power. You can get them in very complete kits that give a sample of the different juice systems available (another very broad topic). If you are open to larger devices that give all day battery power, the best liked systems seem to Silver Bullets and the like. Then there is the world of variable voltage (not a must at all for satisfying vaping), that gives you more control in how the juices are vaporized.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Here's what I desire:

*Hard hits with throat burn. I want to feel it. This is the MOST important thing.
*Something I can add my own liquids to

Much of this has to do with the delivery system and juice and not so much the PV.

*Something reliable and rechargable.. that I don't have to constantly buy parts for every couple of weeks. I'd like the battery to last a couple months. USB charging a plus!

Most PV batts will last a long time.

*Possibly something cool looking, but this is a novelty really, not necessary. My DSE901 was black with a blue light, which I thought looked pretty neat!

The Volt is the best cig sized PV out there but again batt life could be better.

*Something that doesn't get "cloggy". I had this problem with my DSE901's and it was very annoying!

Again this has to do with the delivery system.
Cig sized= Volt
True 3.7 PV the size of a sharpie= Kgo/ Riva or E-Power.
Variable Volt Tube Mod at a decent price- VTube- delivered approx $72.00
Realize, when shopping, regarding batteries 100 mah= 1 hr normal vaping before recharge
Good Luck.

 

[X P3 Flight Engineer]

Greetings from Canada! Welcome to ECF!

It's Great to be able to vape and smoke until you don't want to smoke anymore! You will know when that time comes.

If you check Flyers signature box you will find the most popular PV's and they each fill a particular niche. Check them out!

Relax, Enjoy!

 

[sailorman]

.....
Here's what I desire:

*Hard hits with throat burn. I want to feel it. This is the MOST important thing.
*Something I can add my own liquids to
*Something reliable and rechargable.. that I don't have to constantly buy parts for every couple of weeks. I'd like the battery to last a couple months. USB charging a plus!
*Possibly something cool looking, but this is a novelty really, not necessary. My DSE901 was black with a blue light, which I thought looked pretty neat!
*Something that doesn't get "cloggy". I had this problem with my DSE901's and it was very annoying!

So basically, something like the DSE901, but more reliable. Money isn't going to be an object, so if something more expensive is significantly better, I want to know about it!

Thank you so much in advance, and I'm looking forward to being a part of this community.

There are a million kits and models that fit all your specifications. There are a couple things that will narrow your choices considerably though.

Hard hits with throat burn depends more on what you put your juice in, and the juice itself, than the battery. So it's a given that any good e-cig or PV will provide that, if you use the right device (cartomizer, clearomizer, atomizer) on the end of it.

All of the better PVs use juice delivery systems that are re-fillable. So, again, you're covered there.

Reliablility and rechargeability narrows things down a bit. Virtually all PVs are rechargeable. The most reliable ones take separate rechargeable batteries. The longest lasting batteries are separate cylindrical batteries. These can be charged in a regular lithium battery charger that may, or may not, have a connection that will work with a USB port. Models that are charged strictly by USB are the least reliable and long lasting. They are generally sealed batteries in a disposable e-cig that typically last from 4-6 months. The eGo and kGo are this type of battery. E-cigs that take replaceable separate batteries like the e-Power or Silver Bullet do not rely on the life of a battery sealed in side. To use in this type of e-cig, you can get the highest quality battery you want for maximum life.

The best e-cigs do NOT look anything like a cigarette. Some look pretty cool, but none look like your DSE901.

Cloggyness is not something inherent to any e-cig. That is a function of the juice delivery device (cartridge, cartomizer, etc.). Cartomizers and atomizers always get clogged after some use. Clearomizers do not. Again, that has nothing to do with the e-cig and everything to do with what you put on the end of the e-cig.

There are many, many choices in both fixed voltage (like your DSE901) and variable voltage models. It depends on what size you prefer and your budget. I would suggest staying away from the sealed battery disposable models like the eGo/kGo/Twist/Riva, etc. Choose something that takes separate rechargeable lithium batteries.

Some choices you might want to look at are the Silver Bullet, Legacy or the "BB" from Altsmoke.com
The e-Power from CrystalClearVaping.
These are fixed voltage devices and operate at 3.7V

Variable Voltage models include the Vtube from Apolloecigs.com (30% off discount code Vtube30) and the Buzzpro from Notcig.com or the Provari from Provape.com

There are many more, in both fixed and variable voltage configurations, but those will give you an idea of what's available in good quality e-cigs that are not designed to be disposable.

 

[baconstrip]

Thank you -so- much for all the information everyone.

As far as size goes, I do think I would probably prefer something cig-sized. I will check out the Volt on the recommendations. I'm not opposed to something bigger, but it seems like cig-sized would be easier to handle/carry. I'm not overly worried about battery, my DSE901 wasn't too bad, I just bought a spare battery and kept that charged with me. Either way, I'll start with the cig-sized ones and keep researching.

Appreciate all the information. It's still quite an overload and definitely not as easy as it was back when I was vaping. DSE901 was pretty clearly the best thing on the market at the time!

 

[Flyer]

Might also want to look at this - Products / iTaste VV - Best Electronic Cigarette | New Ecig Starter Kit| E Cig Manufacturer

 

[Jedipapa]

I would suggest getting a 1300mah battery like a kgo, some ce3 cartomizers and juice. This would get you set up right away. The kgo would last you about 13 hours with a good vape. It's not very big, about the size if a sharpie marker. The ce3 give you the advantage of a cartomizer, but they don't clog and are easy to clean

 

[IronHorse]

Welcome!!! If you're looking for great battery life and versatility...the ability to refill the IGO is a nice option... IGO Electronic Cigarette Kit - Complete - from VFast If however you want to stay with something cig sized and more compact the 808's are nice..this starter kit is well priced and there's also one for a bit less than this one. Deluxe Beginners Electronic Cigarette Complete Kit - KR808D1 There are alot of options out there..and eventually we all upgrade..I know I did...but to start out with..go with your gut..you can always always upgrade to the IGO and PIF your smaller kit to a friend or keep it. My rule is have back-ups for your back-ups..LOL

 

[eatdrums]

Thank you -so- much for all the information everyone.

As far as size goes, I do think I would probably prefer something cig-sized. I will check out the Volt on the recommendations. I'm not opposed to something bigger, but it seems like cig-sized would be easier to handle/carry. I'm not overly worried about battery, my DSE901 wasn't too bad, I just bought a spare battery and kept that charged with me. Either way, I'll start with the cig-sized ones and keep researching.

Appreciate all the information. It's still quite an overload and definitely not as easy as it was back when I was vaping. DSE901 was pretty clearly the best thing on the market at the time!

To keep it simpler, if you want a mini, the Volt is THE only way to go. Forget all the crap that's out there, such as ProSmoke, V2, Blu, ect. The volt is superior in every way! Throat hit, vape, and quality.

I will second what everyone else has said. If you do decide a larger unit is ok, go with the KGO. Huge vape, throat hit, and a batter that will get you through at least a day of vaping, depending on how heavily you vape. A Volt probably will not.

Sailorman's advice on the juice you use is critical. As a smoker, you'll want the high nic. stuff for a satisfying TH. Without
the the right Juice, the price, & battery power of your PV becomes irrelevant.

Either way, happy vaping. Keep it simple on your first kit. Make sure you get a kit with 2 batteries, and get a high nic. juice.

Happy Vaping!! It's VERY worth the research. without the folks on this forum, I'd have tried some crap brand, and been back on analogs.