sad noob (DISCLAIMER: this is just a 'vent' really)

[Twist]

I'll add my experiences with the PVs I've had. I hope it helps you decide.

Super-mini unknown thread type - Loved it! It was my first PV and with it I quit smoking. What more could I ask for? Well, after a few weeks it turns out there were a few things, but the 2 biggest issues were battery life and inconsistent hits. I was swapping the battery every 1-1 1/2 hours, and sometimes my other battery wasn't even done charging when the one I had died. The battery voltage also dropped very quickly as it drained and once it got down to about 30% the vapes were poor. Not much vapor, flavor etc.

510 mega battery cartomizer kit - Got this from MadVapes as my second PV. It's much better then my super mini. It's still cigarette shaped, but longer. I'd estimate it around 4 1/2" long with a cartomizer. The battery life is easily 3x that of my mini. Was very happy with it until I made my mod, and this kit is in use by my wife, mother, father, sister, and brother. Has same issue as the mini regarding poor vaping before the battery is fully drained, but it takes a lot longer to get to that point.

510 tube mod with a 14500 battery - This is what I use now, performs about the same as the 510 mega but with much better battery life. It does vape better at full charge because of higher voltage output. Looks like I'm sucking on a .. "personal massager" when I put it to my mouth so I usually take a 510 mega with me when I go out

I recommend the 510 mega batteries for new vapers that don't want to jump straight to a mod. I understand the apprehension towards buying a device that doesn't appear or feel like a cigarette. They are longer then any reasonable cigarette will be, but still light and inconspicuous.

 

[guitardedmark]

As someone who bought two models early on that I was very very very unhappy with my suggestion is to go with either the 510or an ego which has a longer battery life. Works for me.

me2! I bought 2 kr808d-1 from vapor4life and honestly the whole is experience has been hellish. I did not like the products, and their customer service has been dispicable.

 

[tj1100cl]

wow!

thanx for all the feed back to my OP. it seems clear that a lot of experienced people here like the Ego, the 510, and the KR808-1.

BUT -

i can see the "next generation" of super mini technology is being released RIGHT NOW. there are PCC's popping up everywhere. The PCC should eliminate the concerns of a super mini, because you have a spare batt, plus the PCC should recharge them each twice. With 4 carts ready in it, that should cover me for a day of vaping.

1. does anyone disagree with this so far?


SO -

2. what are the super mini models with PCC's? Of those, what are the battery mAh? Which holds an assembled e-cig? Which use refillable cartomizers?

from what i've read, the blue fish filter medium is a good choice for restuffing. I'd like to rinse empty cartos, replace the stuffing, then fill with my own juice. Or just buy new cartos.

3. Which super minis will allow me to do this, or have improved carts that don't leak? (yes, i understand i am switching between nicknames- cart/atty and carto. i've heard praise for both so i don't have a preference without trying them)


4. There are new "soft" carts. I've even seen PAPER wrapped cartos to feel like an analog ..... do any super minis fit these?

5. I'm still confused over the interchangeability. The chart at the ecig wiki is not complete enough. do some things screw together even though their overall diameter may be different?

SUMMARY AFTER RESEARCHING E-CIGS FOR 4 WEEKS NOW.

as a "noob", what i believe is most important is virtual duplication of an analog. so the size and feel IS critical. some people do NOT want to "stand out". i don't want a cop at a traffic lite to look over and think i'm hitting a pot pipe or something.

there must be a super mini with a PCC that will allow me to use leak free carts, and has the size i want, with over 150mAh. i just need to identify it. DSE 084? DSE 097? DSE103? are these all the same diameter but different length? 306A? RN4081? Revolver Elite? =(

(p.s. i must also disclose i have a real problem with decisions. i've been known to get "stuck" in front of the cereal aisle for a half hour. so, apologies for sounding so flaky. i deal with it ok)

THANX AGAIN FOR REPLIES TO THIS THREAD! i really appreciate being able to discuss this stuff with yas!

Tj

 

[DC2]

5. I'm still confused over the interchangeability. The chart at the ecig wiki is not complete enough. do some things screw together even though their overall diameter may be different?

Yes, and as an example, the 306 is slimmer than the 510 but they are compatible.

I'd like to rinse empty cartos, replace the stuffing, then fill with my own juice. Or just buy new cartos.

You can't change or replace the filler in a cartomizer, only in a cartridge.
But you can still clean the cartomizer as needed.

 

[tj1100cl]

thanx, DC. both of these bits of information are very handy!

 

[guitardedmark]

I personally think either a 4081 or 510 auto would be what you want. I have tried both. I prefer the 510 auto. If I was going to buy something for you, according to what you want, this is what I would buy. I would also put in the notes to include joye 510 cartomizers instead of the atomizer and cartridge. Cartridges suck and the only people I know that like them are people who haven't tried good cartos. I drip straight onto an atomizer when it's convenient and I use 510 cartos otherwise. The PCC is AWESOME! In response to your first question in your last post TJ, no technically one couldn't disagree unless they did not want to have a PCC.

When placing your order, you might want to get 1 manual and 1 auto battery. There are times I like the manual and times I like the auto. 1 of each may be a good idea, because if you spill liquid into the auto you will ruin in. Until you get the whole refilling process down, I would stick with a manual for testing out juices after refills and such.

Also, I'm not affiliated with them at all but FreedomsmokeUSA has the best juices/customer service I've experienced yet and if your looking for cartos or replacement parts (other than 510 batteries, which i get from cignot) hit up litecig.com. They have tons of parts and their shipping is incredibly cheap and fast.

Good luck!

 

[tj1100cl]

all great tips, Mark. I appreciate your input to this thread so far. it's also nice to get referrals to vendors with good CS.

 

[RBommer]

Don’t get discouraged. You don’t have to act right now. Step back and take a breather (a few more weeks of analogs isn’t going to kill you any faster).

That being said, if I were you this is what I’d do (It’s what I’d do if I could do it all over again): Get a Riva 510 starter kit; Get a manual and automatic Joye 510 battery; Get some ejuice.

Right now, Liberty Flights is having a sale for ECF members (20% off and $2.99 shipping). So you could get everything (but the auto Joye 510) for only $51.36:
-- Riva 510 starter kit ($29.99)
-- Joye 510 battery ($10.39)
-- 30ml of ejuice ($7.99)

This (along with a Joye auto batt) is the ideal starter kit, to me, because it is a very cheap buy-in to a proven, expandable system that will educate you to all of the major vaping systems and the compromises you have to make between looks, appearance, performance, and convenience:

While the Riva 510 does NOT “look” or “feel” like smoking an analog, it will “perform” like an analog (one drag, no primer puffs; good throat hit; lots of vapor); and while the Joye 510 WILL feel and look like smoking an analog, it will not perform like one (primer puffing to get vapor and TH; inconsistent hits); The RIVA is convenient (small, long lasting battery, easy to fill cartridges); The Joye 510 auto will look and feel most like an analog, but have the worst performance of them all (poor TH and vapor; most inconsistent; shortest life; and first to die).

With these two systems, you will have the option of just getting a good vape on, or “acting” like you are smoking in a social situation. Also, both systems are expandable, so you can try cartomizers and drip tips as money becomes available. Both systems are also compatible, so you only need to buy one thing to try and you can try it on both to see the differences in performance. This guarantees the system will give you flexibility as you evolve along your journey.

One last bit of advice is to stop thinking of what you get now as the be all and end all of your equipment. I hate to tell you this, but everything in vaping is disposable: it will not last forever. Depending on your luck, you will need to buy new equipment in one month, three months, six months, etc. But you will have to replace this stuff at some point—more likely, sooner rather than later. So, don’t feel like you are going to get “stuck” with something outdated when the perfect solution comes along.

Well, that’s my advice. Keep in mind I just started vaping myself (9/12/10). In the short time between then and now, I figured out one thing: Switching from smoking to vaping is a journey. You start off at point A (smoking) and want to move to point B (not smoking). You study the available options and plot a course based on what you think you need and want.

The catch is, with each step along the journey, your needs and wants change. What you thought was important doesn’t seem so important later; what seemed unimportant becomes essential. What you were told this would do, it doesn’t; what you thought that wouldn’t do, it does. Then it all changes again.

I’ve wasted a lot of money in two months changing systems as my wants and needs changed (started on Greencig g300; went to Kr808; then dse601 pipe; then Joye 510; finally Riva 510). It’s a journey I had to make and could afford to make, so no big deal.

I only wish someone had told me to do what I just told you: would have saved me a lot of time and money.

(Wait a minute, people did tell me: I remember reading many a post from veterans saying, “just get an eGo and be done with it!” I just didn’t listen!)

 

[DC2]

Great post RBommer.

 

[deback]

hit up litecig.com. They have tons of parts and their shipping is incredibly cheap and fast.

It's litecigusa.net. litecig.com won't work.

By the way, most people (after they try them) prefer manual batteries. It's easy for liquid to leak into the hole in automatic batteries and kill the batteries. This won't happen with manual batteries. It's also easy to get used to pushing the button when ready to vape.

 

[deback]

(Wait a minute, people did tell me: I remember reading many a post from veterans saying, “just get an eGo and be done with it!” I just didn’t listen!)

Yup, some people have to do it their way (or they lack the information to know any better. That is, they haven't discovered ECF yet). The learning curve is different for everyone. They have to experience the cheap, high-priced e-cigs before they realize what they shoulda bought. I wish I had started out with a 1000mAh eGo on day one, but then I would have missed out on the experience of having to recharge batteries every 1/2 hour, watching (and waiting impatiently) for the red light to turn green, and having to smoke cigs while waiting for the battery to finish charging. I don't regret going through all of that, even though my life would have been much simpler if I had just bought an eGo at the beginning. Oh, and all that fiddling and messing around I did trying to figure out the best and quickest way to refill and clean cartomizers. I knew that, some day, I'd come up with a perfect way to do all of this. And I finally did, posted about it in a couple of blogs, and life was back to normal after about a month (except I finally accomplished what I've wanted to do for over 42 years -- quit smoking, even though I feel like I still smoke).

 

[sooperdrave]

Also forget the E8, E9, Blu, L88, and all similar "mall" type ecigs, in my view... waste of money.

this!

I'd watch http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/120044-i-made-videos-newbies-particular-broke-newbies.html when you can. Personally I'd recommend the KR808 or the 510. Both are similar in size to a 100 analog. The KR808 uses a battery and a cartomizer and is a 2 piece. The 510 is a 3 piece with a battery, atomizer and cartridges. Cartomizers hold more liquid so you can vape longer between fills. Cartomizers are also available for the 510's though so you can make it a 2 piece if you want. It gives a little more flexibility. A lot of people swear by both and they're both good solid performers so you can't go wrong with either. The problem is that battery life is kind of short, that's why people go for larger units. An eGo with a couple of Mega cartomizers will last all day. But if you want the feel of an analog and want a good unit that will last stick with the KR808 or 510. That's my opinion.

Edit: If you're at a computer a lot a cheap alternative is a passthrough. For about $12, $8 for a five pack of cartomizers, a bottle or 2 of juice, and shipping you can try out either a 510 or a KR808. ~$30 total.

this!

do yourself a favor and get a kr808d1. if i would have gotten the ego first i never would have kept vaping because of the hassle of 3 piece models.

 

[ShannonS]

Which Electronic Cigarette is right for me?

See if this helps any? Use ID 1234

 

[BiancaMontgomery]

I think you're looking for something like this: KR808D-1 Starter Kit - White KR808D-1 Starter Kit [KR808D-1-KITWHITE] - $34.95 : Analog Alternative, The Smoking Alternative From what I understand, the PCC for the 808 is easy to find and effective. The cartos come in many colors, including white and yellow...so they could easily pass for a cigarette filter when on the white battery. Best of luck to you!

 

[deback]

do yourself a favor and get a kr808d1. if i would have gotten the ego first i never would have kept vaping because of the hassle of 3 piece models.

FYI, cartomizers (the 1-piece cartridge with a built-in atomizer) screw into eGo batteries just fine, hold more liquid than cartridges, and can be refilled many times. I never use the 3 pieces...just 2 pieces (the battery and a cartomizer). The manual eGo battery is currently the best battery, because the life of the battery is longer than the others (before needing to be recharged). It's a little thicker than the others, is available at some suppliers in several different colors, and is well-constructed and very durable. My 1000mAh eGo batteries last 12 hours, and that's with almost constant vaping. They would last about 16 hours, if I didn't vape constantly.

 

[braxy29]

Because...

1. The amount of vapor and the strength of the hits will not be sufficient to satisfy a heavy smoker - like me.
2. The quality of hits from a super-mini rapidly decline because you are only puffing at full strength for a very short period of time.
3. The atomizers have too much drain on that size of a battery for it to last long.

Therefore, it is "possible" that a mini "might" work for a heavy smoker - BUT you better buy 2 starter kits and have 2 batteries charging at ALL times. Even then, I am a bit skeptical. or as the above poster just mentioned use of a passthrough.

Again, if smoke less than a pack a day, this is likely not a big issue.

i have read the first two pages on this thread; i want to chime in.

i guess tomorrow will be one week i have been using a kr808d1. i was around a pack a day smoker, camel filters. many days more than a pack. i like my nic and i want to hit it hard a couple times a day, and i also like chain smoking in the car (very stinky!). i currently have FOUR batteries and a pcc, and frankly i am going crazy. i already discovered i need higher nic than the prefilled cartos that i initially ordered, and i am so frustrated with inconsistent hits, inconsistent flavor, the need to constantly charge batteries and switch out carts to keep them from burning up.... ugh.

so, a week into this, i am just about to order an ego. like, probably, when i am done typing here. when it arrives, i will do my level best to return my minis to the supplier i ordered from. i have probably spent over 200 in a week between batts, cases, chargers, cartos and juice. the ego would have been cheaper and easier.

i guess it was nice to do the mini to start, as it is more like a cigarette, but it just does not satisfy, just TOO frustrating. i am too busy between work and kids to mess with topping and switching and charging all day long. i dont know whether to think i made a mistake, because lets face it, the similar appearance of the mini helps. but i wont stay with it.

i dont know if that helps. obviously other posters here are pleased with their minis, but i do think it is wise to consider how much and how often you smoke when making your decision.

 

[deback]

Your experience is what most new users experience, including me. If we had all just bought eGos and cartomizers in the first place, we could have avoided all the hassles of the learning curve. eGos and cartomizers are the perfect setup. The eGo battery will last for many hours (my two eGo 1000mah batteries last about 12 hours each), and cartomizers can be quickly refilled by dripping 10 to 12 drops into the filter (when you don't vape them completely dry until you get that burnt taste). Just rotate a few cartos each day (I go through about 12 each day or 6mL), and that's about it, other than mixing the juices you've ordered now and then and making sure you always have enough juice on hand.

 

[landonrzr]

Good info on here!

 

[sooperdrave]

FYI, cartomizers (the 1-piece cartridge with a built-in atomizer) screw into eGo batteries just fine, hold more liquid than cartridges, and can be refilled many times. I never use the 3 pieces...just 2 pieces (the battery and a cartomizer). The manual eGo battery is currently the best battery, because the life of the battery is longer than the others (before needing to be recharged). It's a little thicker than the others, is available at some suppliers in several different colors, and is well-constructed and very durable. My 1000mAh eGo batteries last 12 hours, and that's with almost constant vaping. They would last about 16 hours, if I didn't vape constantly.

FYI, i have an ego and unless you use a LR atty, it doesnt hit as hard as a KR808D1, and yes ive used a carto on the ego. 510 cartos hit even weaker than standard attys (imho) and do not hold as much liquid as 808s. as far as 808s cartos burning, use the 3.3-3.5 resistance cartos and unless you vape them dry, they wont burn. btw, 510 cartos can and do burn too. adapters for an 808 to 510 dont have proper air flow for use on an ego (at least not the 3 types that i have tried). ego batts are around 3.2volts and kr808d1 is true 3.7, so yes, the 808 does hit harder. the problem with a LR atty on a 510 is that fruity liquids just dont taste good on it (actually, LR attys seem to kill the flavor on a lot of liquids), and not everyone wants hot vapor. im glad your 1000mah batt lasts you that long. mine only lasts me about 8 hours (i think this is because i have to take much longer "drags" off of it to get a strong enough hit to suit me). i get 3 hours off my kr808d1 and always have an extra batt ready to go, so i never have any down time. i also have a glv2 mini, a 510, a 901, a smokestik 4081, and a wetbox with an 808 connection. now, next time you want to resond to me, maybe you can try not talking down to me like im some noob that doesnt know anything about vaping.

 

[deback]

FYI, i have an ego and unless you use a LR atty, it doesnt hit as hard as a KR808D1, and yes ive used a carto on the ego. 510 cartos hit even weaker than standard attys (imho) and do not hold as much liquid as 808s. as far as 808s cartos burning, use the 3.3-3.5 resistance cartos and unless you vape them dry, they wont burn. btw, 510 cartos can and do burn too. adapters for an 808 to 510 dont have proper air flow for use on an ego (at least not the 3 types that i have tried). ego batts are around 3.2volts and kr808d1 is true 3.7, so yes, the 808 does hit harder. the problem with a LR atty on a 510 is that fruity liquids just dont taste good on it (actually, LR attys seem to kill the flavor on a lot of liquids), and not everyone wants hot vapor. im glad your 1000mah batt lasts you that long. mine only lasts me about 8 hours (i think this is because i have to take much longer "drags" off of it to get a strong enough hit to suit me). i get 3 hours off my kr808d1 and always have an extra batt ready to go, so i never have any down time. i also have a glv2 mini, a 510, a 901, a smokestik 4081, and a wetbox with an 808 connection. now, next time you want to resond to me, maybe you can try not talking down to me like im some noob that doesnt know anything about vaping.

You addressed several issues, so I'll respond to each one in a separate paragraph.

1) My response to you was because you said this: "if i would have gotten the ego first i never would have kept vaping because of the hassle of 3 piece models," which made it sound like you thought the eGo was a 3-piece model. When I respond to messages, I don't take the time to read through all of your prior posts to find out what level of "noob" you are. I just type out the facts, as I know them, while also considering the fact that other users (both new and experienced) might be reading. I don't see any reference in my reply to you that could be construed as "talking down to you like you're some noob that doesn't know anything about vaping." Sorry that you misunderstood the intention in my reply.

2) I haven't used LR atomizers yet, because what I've read here about them is they decrease the life of batteries. I also get good hits from my eGo battery, so I have no need or desire to use atomizers, since I love the hassle-free cartomizers. I actually have a life and don't have time to mess with atomizers, cartridges, dripping into bridges, dipping atomizers, cleaning atomizers, and all that extra fiddling.

3) I've read that adapters from goodprophets.com (808 to 510) work fine, compared to adapters bought from some of the other suppliers. I should be receiving several 808/510 adapters tomorrow (from goodprophets), so I'll know if that's true shortly.

4) I've only used the KR808D-1 passthroughs, which I really liked at first (due to more vapor and better flavor), but after a few days, they were causing a lot of mouth/throat pain due to the higher voltage. If I use only the eGo (and 18mg nicotine), I get very little mouth pain (while still getting good THs, flavor, and vapor), so I'm only using the PTs once in a while and not constantly.

5) I don't use any fruity liquids (except Apple that I mix with other flavors listed in my signature). Tried some from two different suppliers, didn't like any of them, so I decided to stick with the great juices from FSUSA and am now buying their 120mL bottles, which costs $10 per 30mL. Great deal, great juice, and great customer service.

6) I'll drag for a long time very often, and my eGo batteries still last 12 hours or so. Your eGo sounds like a 650 or 750mAh (of course, I don't know for sure, since you didn't say which size you have), and those will only last 4 to 9 hours. I should be receiving two 900mAh eGos tomorrow (from goodprophets) and two 1300mAh eGos (from vaporheads) on Saturday. Not that I needed them, but decided it would be a good idea to have several extras.

7) I have no interest in trying out some of the other models. Have already tried a couple of the cheap, highly over-priced kits. The eGos and the three kinds of passthroughs I have are enough for me for now. Some day, probably next year, I might try a wet box mod. I can't see wasting more money on all the different models, when I'm very satisfied with what I have.

8) I'm really not one to criticize, but reading your messages would be much easier if you would split up your different ideas into separate paragraphs. I'm used to reading messages without capital letters, but it would be easier for those of us reading if all your text (covering several different subjects) wasn't bunched up into one long paragraph.

Thanks!