So confused!

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I have been a smoker for over 10 years. I have tried to quit so many times, but I always seem to get sucked back in. Recently I have been diagnosed with an illness that makes it almost impossible for me to quit, would you believe that nicotine is actually good for me? I have tried the gum and the patch, but I hate them, and they are expensive. I hate the taste, smell and feel of cigarettes, but now that I need the nicotine I want a new option. These e-cigarettes seem like they were the perfect fit. Now I have a headache from all the information and options out there. I am not a heavy smoker, less than a pack a day, more on the weekends. I have sampled these at my local mall, so far so good.

Here are the basic questions that I have:

What is the difference between an automatic and a manual draw? I know you have to push a button for the manual, but does one dry out faster, do you get better vapor from one vs. the other, or is just more realistic to not have to push a button?

I love the idea of flavors not tobacco, where are some good sites to get unique and tasty flavors? Can I use any liquid in any e cig, or do they react different with different atomizers?

What is a good nicotine level to start out with? I don't want to get light headed or make myself sick.

What is a good brand to start with, I do not want to throw away a lot of money on this until I am sure it is right for me. I want something small, portable, with long battery life. I want to be able to refill it so I can try different flavors. I would like for it to have a car charger as an optional accessory. I love the idea of it not looking like a cigarette, so I don't want a red tip, and I like the silver, black and colored ones.

Are parts between models interchangeable? Like can I use 510 stuff on all 510's or do I have to stick with the brand I own. I notice that some sites charge more for atomizers then other sites.

What is the difference between 801's, 510's and other models? Is it a size thing, or does it have to do with vape strength?

How long do the batteries and atomizers usually last? I know the batteries are rechargeable, but how many times can I recharge it before I need to replace it? Does cleaning extend the life of atomizers, if so how do I clean them?

Thank you all so much in advance for your help! I know this is a jumble of questions. I want to get my head around this before I commit, but there is just too much information to filter through. I just need some honest answers from some honest people.
 

Poeia

Bird Brain
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Start by reading The Wonderful World of Vaping in the ECF Library section.

Automatic batteries turn on when you inhale. Some do it by the suction and some by the sound. Some have been known to go off in noisy situations. Also, because the battery cannot be sealed off, it is possible to get liquid into the battery itself and kill it.

Manual batteries turn on when you push a button. The battery is sealed off so no liquid can get in. This is especially good for dripping (putting a couple of drops of liquid directly into the atomizer.)

Stock batteries, whether manual or automatic, don't last long between charges. You will constantly be putting a fresh one on and hooking the old one onto the charger. If you are near a USB port for long periods of time, a passthrough will help (you don't have to recharge them as they get their power from the computer.) Many (probably most) people eventually go to a "mod." These are essentially large battery casings that hold rechargeable batteries and will last hours (or days). Mods do send more heat to your atomizer so you will go through juice quicker. (ETA: There are many types of mods. You need to figure out for yourself which is best for you. I love my Little Chuck.)

For a juice supplier, I'm a Tasty Vapor fan.
 

laborer75

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Mar 25, 2010
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www.goodejuice.com
I like the manual batteries myself becuase no primer puff is needed. Plus they are sealed so no juice gets inside of them and ruins them. Simply press the button and puff away.

Theres alot of good sites that offer great flavors. Thats more of a personal preference question. Ms. T's, TastyVapor, TotallyWicked, etc.. all have good reviews. You just gotta jump in and try them out.

Since your a light smoker, I wouldn't go over 16mg nicotine to start out with. You might even get what you need on 12mg.

As for brands of vaporizers, the pen styles are all pretty similar. Some claim the throat hit on 501's is better. Some don't. I use a kr808d myself and love it. Cartomizers are cheap and easy to refill. They are sold as diposable but some carts last a month or longer if you keep them wet.

Most kits come with 2 batteries. Myself, I use the XL batteries. They last longer and seem to give me more heat which feels more like a cigarette. The batteries last alot longer than you'd think, especially since you are a light smoker. Get two batteries and always keep one on charge. Being a light smoker, a battery will probably last you most of the day.

Definately alot of info to get all at once. The main thing is keep it affordable. Don't go overboard and buy too much at once. Ease into it and you will find what works best for you in no time.
 

GoodDog

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Dec 31, 2009
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That's an awful lot of information for someone to post. I know there is a lot of reading to do before you can understand all the options but that's what you have to do. ECF has many threads discussing this in the New Members Section and you are the only one that can decide what works best for you. Everyone has their favorites and you can get as many opinions as there are PVs however most people start with a 510 (eGo has better battery life but cost more.)

You get use to the button on the manual battery quickly and it gives you more control. If I wasn't readdy for bed I would go look up some links to help you, but I can't stay awake. :) Maybe someone else will have them handy.

Welcome to the forum and I'm happy you decided to try vaping. Yes, I also need nicotine to help with a medical condition... many here do so you're not alone.

Added: Yeaaa... I was worried that no one would respond quickly but I should have known better. :)
 

KarrMcDebt

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Nov 30, 2009
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I have been a smoker for over 10 years. I have tried to quit so many times, but I always seem to get sucked back in. Recently I have been diagnosed with an illness that makes it almost impossible for me to quit, would you believe that nicotine is actually good for me? I have tried the gum and the patch, but I hate them, and they are expensive. I hate the taste, smell and feel of cigarettes, but now that I need the nicotine I want a new option. These e-cigarettes seem like they were the perfect fit. Now I have a headache from all the information and options out there. I am not a heavy smoker, less than a pack a day, more on the weekends. I have sampled these at my local mall, so far so good.

Here are the basic questions that I have:

What is the difference between an automatic and a manual draw? I know you have to push a button for the manual, but does one dry out faster, do you get better vapor from one vs. the other, or is just more realistic to not have to push a button?

With a manual battery you don't need to "primer puff" before you get vapor. If you work in a very noisy environment, (like a construction site or a rock venue) you want the manual since very loud noises can activate teh battery on a auto.

I love the idea of flavors not tobacco, where are some good sites to get unique and tasty flavors? Can I use any liquid in any e cig, or do they react different with different atomizers?

Its a bit more expensive, but Tasty Vapor specializes in flavors. You can mix and match your own.

What is a good nicotine level to start out with? I don't want to get light headed or make myself sick.

For a light smoker I'd recommend 12-15mg, I was a heavy smoker and I vape 25-30mg.

What is a good brand to start with, I do not want to throw away a lot of money on this until I am sure it is right for me. I want something small, portable, with long battery life. I want to be able to refill it so I can try different flavors. I would like for it to have a car charger as an optional accessory. I love the idea of it not looking like a cigarette, so I don't want a red tip, and I like the silver, black and colored ones.

I recommend either the joye 510 or the DSE 901/KR808D-1. The draw is a bit lighter with the 510, and the flavor a bit stronger with the 901. If you think that you might want to try a two piece system go with the KR808D-1, then you can use Cartos or 901 attys. Pick up a PCC with it, and a usb passthrough. You won't regret it.

Are parts between models interchangeable? Like can I use 510 stuff on all 510's or do I have to stick with the brand I own. I notice that some sites charge more for atomizers then other sites.

All joye 510 parts are interchangable, so are the DSE 901/KR808.

What is the difference between 801's, 510's and other models? Is it a size thing, or does it have to do with vape strength?

The 801 has the biggest cart, but has a reputation of being leaky. Its bigger arround than the 510/910, and is popular with direct drippers.
The joye 510 puts out good vapor but the 901 puts out better flavor.
Nicotine delivery is for the most part the same between the models.

How long do the batteries and atomizers usually last? I know the batteries are rechargeable, but how many times can I recharge it before I need to replace it? Does cleaning extend the life of atomizers, if so how do I clean them?

I'm still using my orriginal batteries, I've had them since Dec 10th and they are still going strong. My first two attys lasted almost a month, but I'm pretty sure that inexperience shortened their life. So far my average atty life has been between a month and three months. I'm pretty sure that my first attys life was shortened by inexperience.
I only clean my attys if I need to get a flavor out of them. Otherwise I just blow them out occasionaly. At any given time I have 2-3 attys going and rotate them. This MAY extend their life since you give them plenty of time to cool down that way, and aren't over using them. (Just my opinion, others have different beliefs.)

Thank you all so much in advance for your help! I know this is a jumble of questions. I want to get my head around this before I commit, but there is just too much information to filter through. I just need some honest answers from some honest people.


Its not a problem, we all start out a bit overwhelmed. You'll have it all figured out before long.

KarrMcDebt
 
Could you please tell me what type of "ILLNESS" that requires you have nicotine in order to be healthy. I never in my 23 years of being in the Medical Field heard of a Clinically Disorder that requires Nicotine to help a patient. Also, I am a E-Cig Retailer and whould benefit from knowing such a condition, so I could help others that "MIGHT NEED NICOTINE!" Thanks
 

DC2

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Jun 21, 2009
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Could you please tell me what type of "ILLNESS" that requires you have nicotine in order to be healthy. I never in my 23 years of being in the Medical Field heard of a Clinically Disorder that requires Nicotine to help a patient. Also, I am a E-Cig Retailer and whould benefit from knowing such a condition, so I could help others that "MIGHT NEED NICOTINE!" Thanks
This thread discusses many potential benefits of nicotine...
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...otine-helps-memory-alzheimers-parkinsons.html

There are many more potential benefits discussed in that thread than what is listed in the title...
-Ulcerative colitis
-Attention Deficit Disorder
-Schizophrenia
-Fibroids

Those are just off the top of my head.
 
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MickeyRat

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Mar 4, 2011
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On the nic level. You're just going to have to find it and using these things is different than smoking. You will probably at some point overdo it. Put it down for a while. If it happens too often, lower the nic in your juice. Tasty Vapor sell nic juice and doublers (no nic) in the same flavor. So, get high level nic juice an doublers in the same flavor and some empty bottles. Then you can adjust the nic level as needed.

510 stuff fits 510 batteries. However, LR 510 stuff will fry a 510 cigarette sized battery. I've read 808 (KR808D1) stuff fits 808 stuff. You can use a DSE901 atomizer on an 808 but, without modification, you cannot use 808 stuff on a DSE901.

As far as what to get, first get over the fixation that it needs to look like a cigarette. The battery life will drive you batty. A lot of people like the Riva 510 Lite bundle at Liberty Flights. There's a 20% off button on there. While you are there, get a 510 drip tip, some Boge 510 cartomizers, and one additional 510 atomizer. A similar but, less popular choice would be the e-power. This is similar to the Riva or eGo but, it uses a generic battery that's a lot cheaper to replace. Cheapest place to get it is hoosierecigsupply.com with the coupon code ECF15. Get the other stuff I recommended there. You might want to order another battery or 2 at madvapes if you go this route.

Atomizers can last months or they can pop in a day or two. Depends on several factors. They should last at least a couple weeks. Try to have 2 spares on hand. Figure 300 charges for batteries.
 
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