starter kits and DIY

[l0stm4n]

hello guys

i have lurked the forums a bit now and again trying to learn as much as i can but im afraid its not going that well. i read the "the best e-cig for a beginner" and i thought the 510 would be nice, but seems like they only have the 510xl and similar in stock on the page.
i figured i would ask the veterans about a sensible priced, good performance starter kit. the things i am mostly looking for would be:

-cartridge+atomizer
- at least 1 auto and 1 manual battery or 2 good auto batteries.
- the ability to fill my own cartridges over time. ( still dont know how to do this, but i figure i'll start with pre-packaged and fill my own by the time they run out)
- good battery life
-simplicity and reliability.

liquids:
-good nicotine percent ( im a heavy smoker so i guess 24mg is the rule of thumb)
-good vaporization
-price & quantity
and as far as the flavors go, i enjoy camels and lucky strikes the most. so i'd be looking for those flavors first.

i know that there might be some people that would say " there is a review section, go there" and im sorry but i've tried lurking around there but with the amount of information available its just overwhelming me.

and for those of you who happen to read this or post on the thread-
thank you.

 

[Caridwen]

The best way to decide what to get is to do exactly what you're doing. Post and ask.

No one is going to tell you to go read reviews. I read here for 6 months until I finally posted and asked for help.

Know that what you get probably won't be the last pv you ever get. Do you care about size? Do you have access to a charger during the day?

 

[kabonk]

they're not 510s but they are a descent cigarette style e-cig Smokeless Image | The Best Electronic Cigarette
and if you want something with a bigger battery Electronic Cigarette - Starter Kits - Smok Tech EGO
welcome to the forums I'm sure you'll get a lot of advice

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Hi l0stm4n and welcome to ECF.
Questions:
Do you want a cig sized or is "sharpie pen" size ok?
Realistically how much is your budget?

Manual batteries are less likely to be damaged by juice.
The 3 piece system (cartridge+ atomizer) is outdated and prone to leaks. I would suggest either cartomizers or a Vivi Nova Tank.

 

[Nurzrachit]

Go to tasteyourjuice.com, Phil Busardo has excellent tips for begginers, and tons of reviews.

 

[l0stm4n]

well, thanks for the fast replies and warm welcome guys.

@ caridwen:

i kinda care about size, since im always moving around something thats easy to carry with will be fine.
a friend got a starter kit from ecigsbrand.com and it came with its cigarette pack carrying case, its a two piece tho, but he just unscrews the parts puts them in the case and carries on. so a carrying case like that would be really convenient.
as far as the charger goes, thats the reason i'd like 2 batteries on the kit so if one dies i can just swap it out. usually i wont have time to recharge until after 2pm.

another thought about the type a friend got is the volume of the vapor, his is kind of thin. i know i'd want the most vapor possible, but i guess that's where a manual battery comes in.

@kabonk:

thanks for the suggestions,its like a real first step i think. i'll look into them and compare to what other members suggest throught today and tomorrow and then ill make a choice.

@Vapoor eyes er :

realistically i have a budget of 100usd, and as far as the size goes i know for now i'd prefer the closest to an analog for carrying convenience.

and if the 3 piece is outdated then obvoiusly ill go with cartridge+atomizer way.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

realistically i have a budget of 100usd, and as far as the size goes i know for now i'd prefer the closest to an analog for carrying convenience.

That's more than enough for a great PV Kit.

and if the 3 piece is outdated then obvoiusly ill go with cartridge+atomizer way.

Different delivery systems- (the part that holds and vaporizes the juice)
atomizer/ atty- an element on to which 3-4 drops of juice is dripped- usually used to test new juices as it's easy to clean.

cartridge/ cart- a container with sponge (filled with juice) that is used with the atty- juice drips on to atty from cart and is vaporized- old "tank system" that is prone to leaks- atomizer must also be regularly cleaned.

cartomizer/ carto- metal tube with stuffing and element.

carto+tank- a carto with a hole punched in it. Carto is than placed in a glass, metal or plastic tank which is filled with juice- juice saturates carto by way of hole in carto.

Clearomizer- a plastic or metal tank with a wick and element. Contains NO stuffing. The rebuildables come with heads (coil+ wick) that can be cheaply and easily replaced. When the head burns out simply unscrew the old head out and screw in new head- takes 10 secs. My heads are lasting about 4 weeks BUT I wash the heads every few days. I've found the Vivi Nova to give the best draw

You could always use cartomizers- prefill a bunch and put them in a Tic Tacs container.

As for vapor:
Juice Components
Flavoring usually about 15%
PG enhances flavor, TH and lung hit- water like
VG= vapor and can mute flavor- thick
Nicotine- TH, lung hit and our need for nicotine. The MOST important ingredient in regards to TH and lung hit.
Standards in the industry are 80/ 20 or 70/ 30 PG/ VG. I vape 70/ 30 PG/ VG.

The voltage of the PV also has an effect on the vapor.

When buying realize battery info:
100 mah= 1 hr normal vaping before recharge.

 

[bubbadreier]

That's more than enough for a great PV Kit.

Different delivery systems- (the part that holds and vaporizes the juice)
atomizer/ atty- an element on to which 3-4 drops of juice is dripped- usually used to test new juices as it's easy to clean.

cartridge/ cart- a container with sponge (filled with juice) that is used with the atty- juice drips on to atty from cart and is vaporized- old "tank system" that is prone to leaks- atomizer must also be regularly cleaned.

cartomizer/ carto- metal tube with stuffing and element.

carto+tank- a carto with a hole punched in it. Carto is than placed in a glass, metal or plastic tank which is filled with juice- juice saturates carto by way of hole in carto.

Clearomizer- a plastic or metal tank with a wick and element. Contains NO stuffing. The rebuildables come with heads (coil+ wick) that can be cheaply and easily replaced. When the head burns out simply unscrew the old head out and screw in new head- takes 10 secs. My heads are lasting about 4 weeks BUT I wash the heads every few days. I've found the Vivi Nova to give the best draw

You could always use cartomizers- prefill a bunch and put them in a Tic Tacs container.

As for vapor:
Juice Components
Flavoring usually about 15%
PG enhances flavor, TH and lung hit- water like
VG= vapor and can mute flavor- thick
Nicotine- TH, lung hit and our need for nicotine. The MOST important ingredient in regards to TH and lung hit.
Standards in the industry are 80/ 20 or 70/ 30 PG/ VG. I vape 70/ 30 PG/ VG.

The voltage of the PV also has an effect on the vapor.

When buying realize battery info:
100 mah= 1 hr normal vaping before recharge.

Great information right here!

 

[John D in CT]

It's a little-known fact that prior to the completion of the Great Wall of China during the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century AD that the country was actually protected by a Great Wall of Text. True story.

****


Hi Lost.

I have good news for you. You can get what I consider a very, very good vape going for very modest money, and you could order everything you need tomorrow, and be off to a flying start. You'd be using exactly what I'm using right now, while all of my other "fancier" stuff sits.

There's a pretty good consensus on this site that a very sensible and very satisfactory place to start - or stay with for quite a while, as you explore everything else - is a couple of the new variable-voltage eGo-class batteries - either the Joyetech eGo-C Twist or the Vision Spinner - 900mah would be fine; a couple of Vivi Nova tanks - either the 3.5ml or 2.0ml "Mini"; a box of five 2.0 or 3.0 ohm single coil unpunched stainless steel XL-size cartomizers (Boge if possible); two chargers in case one craps out; and a lot of juice - 18mg strength, 80% VG/20% PG should get you down the road, and I'd get at least two or three flavors, and a total of 5 30ml bottles or the equivalent in smaller sizes.

This is a great post from a great thread, by someone just "re"-starting out:

" .... I bought my ecig 2 years ago and used it for a week before going back to analogs.

3 days ago I bought a 1000 mah twist kit that came with a 1.6 tank. 2 days ago I went back and got the nova 3.5 tanks. I've smoked a drag off one cig the first day, and it tasted like ..... If you get quality equipment, the switch is easy.

I was a pack a day smoker. I am new to this, so I don't have links, but look for a eGo Twist. My 1000 mah lasts me 2 days and I vape at least 3.5 ml per day. Then get the vivi nova 3.5 tank. You won't have to fill it NEARLY as often.

Don't be afraid to indulge. I went all out and bought a kit with a ton of extra stuff and lots of juice. I have 2 twists, 2 vivi novas, 2 small tanks, 2 chargers, etc and only spent $150 USD. My wife started .....ing about how much I was spending, but then I asked her how much she would pay if I could stop smoking. She stopped complaining. Best of luck to you!"

IMO advice just doesn't get any better than that - unless of course someone insists on a ciggie-lookalike, in which case all bets are off.

The variable voltage eGo's let you adjust the warmth of the coil, and therefore the vape. It's like having a dimmer switch on a light. It's just that simple.

The Vivi Nova tank is simple to use, and gives you a lot of vapes before you have to refill. They can also be customized to perform even better, which I haven't bothered to do yet.

Right now, I'm vaping on a Joyetech eGo-C Twist 650mah with a stock 3.5ml Vivi Nova tank filled with Backwoods Brew Honey Flue Nut Tobacco. It works just fine, as my fancier stuff sits.

***

I would really like you to read these three threads:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/338444-noob-needs-advice.html

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ed-newbie-would-like-help-someone-philly.html

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...minis-crazy-confused-about-where-go-here.html

And watch this review (who said no one would ask you to look at reviews?) It just really says it all.

THE EGO TWIST IS A GAME CHANGER - YouTube Grimm Green Twist Game changer


***

Lastly, a post of mine from a while back:


"There are many, many different pieces of vaping equipment out there, to say the very least.

None are perfect. Many are very, very good, and many have very ardent supporters.

I've been at this for a while; not as long as many others, but about a year or so.

I've bought and used many, many different kinds of gear. Joyetech eGo-T, Joyetech eGo-C, kGo, e-Power, Smoktech VMax, Joyetech 18650 mod, Smoktech Woo, drip atomizers, cartomizers, cartomizers in a tank, Phoenix clearomizers, Smoktech EMDCC (Ego Mega Dual Coil Cartomizer), and more.

Right now, there is one particular setup that I consider a slam-dunk no-brainer as a must-have for just about any vaper, regardless of experience level or amount of gear. It just came out within the last two months, and it is the Joyetech eGo-C Twist [and now, also the Vision Spinner, and others I'm not recommending yet].

For the first time in an eGo-class battery, you can have variable voltage. That lets you achieve just about any coil temperature that you want on a wide variety of attachments of different resistances (ohms), and a wide variety of juices, each of which will taste better at a specific coil temperature. With constant voltage, the only way to adjust the coil temperature is to use a different resistance, which is a much more hit-or-miss proposition.

I am vaping with one as I type this, while my [fancy, big-battery, digital readot] VMax sits. I was just talking with my friend Dan tonight, who I got off of a 42-year cigarette habit 5 months ago, and he is vaping on a Twist while his ProVari V2 sits.

There are many cool devices out there - the Volt, the Apollo SS VTube, the VMax, the ProVari, the Buzz Pro 2, the Darwin, the e-Power, the Reo's, the Lavatube, and many, many more. None of them is "the only PV you will ever own, need, or want". Neither is the Joyetech eGo-C Twist/Vision Spinner.

That said, I would like you to order the following items:

Two or three Joyetch eGo-C 650mah (or 900mah) Twists, or Vision Spinners.
A spare charger in case the one you already have craps out.
At least two Vivi Nova 3.5ml Version 2.5 tank/atomizers [or the 2.0ml Mini].
A box of five 2.0 or 3.0 ohm singlew coil stainless steel unpunched XL-sized Boge cartomizers.
A lot of juice.

You will have a very, very good vape while you figure out the ins and outs of all the gear out there, including the very cool, but slightly quirky Joyetech tank systems that I will always have a very warm place in my heart for, and which I use from time to time.

The Twists are about $22 each, the Vivi Novas are about $14 each, and the charger (2 pcs.) is about $13.

I seriously doubt that you will regret having this equipment in your "arsenal".


Another very favorable Twist review from PBusardo:

A PBusardo Review - eGo Twist - OvaleUSA - YouTube Phil Busardo Twist review

Joyetech eGo-C Twist: Joye eGo-C Twist Variable Voltage 650mAh Battery

How to change out your Vivi Nova tank - YouTube Vivi Nova tank - Filling, changing heads 1:38

GotVapes VISION ViVi NOVA™ 3.5ml V2.5 REBUILDABLE TANK [gv-VIVINOVA-TANKV2.5] - $12.95 : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more GotVapes - Vivi Nova tank - $13.95

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ystems/295410-vivi-nova-rebuild-tutorial.html


*****


Copyright © 2012 by John D in CT
All rights reserved.


ISBN 978-0-8050-9125-0

 

[l0stm4n]

@ vapor eyes er

thanks for the info.

cartridge/ cart- a container with sponge (filled with juice) that is used with the atty- juice drips on to atty from cart and is vaporized- old "tank system" that is prone to leaks- atomizer must also be regularly cleaned.

carto+tank- a carto with a hole punched in it. Carto is than placed in a glass, metal or plastic tank which is filled with juice- juice saturates carto by way of hole in carto.

so as far as i gather, since the cartridge system, leaks id rather stick with cartomizer. and as far as tanks go i think i'd rather wait on that until i have some experience vaping.

you could always use cartomizers- prefill a bunch and put them in a Tic Tacs container.

thats a great idea.

also im looking around the links provided by kabonk, so i see that the ego types are bigger than the analog obvously, but from any experience you guys have, how cumbersome are they to carry?
im sure the vaping is better with the ego types than the 510, and if carrying isnt that complicated or/better yet if the kit has a carrying cases then i'll more than likely go for an ego type.

and if so then what brand starter kits would you guys personally recommend.

@ John D in CT

holy massive wall of text
but it does make sense. also do any kits come with a practical carrying case?
because from what ive seen the ego types vape way awesome, but my #1 priority is the carrying around.
any links from anyone to good reputable vendors, preferrably an ego type for a good price and carrying case?

edit:

also if you guys could give me some info about the tanks/cartridges for the ego types, specially the twist.
how long can these last with juice, and their actual lifetime. etc.

 

[Yves]

Hi and Welcome to ECF

I have found that a lot of new vapers like to start off with a mini cigarette lookalike, this is for many reasons but usually because they don't want to look different to other smokers. I can tell you this will change, usually about 1 month into vaping when they find out that this works well for them to get off the tobacco.

The advise you are being given above is very sound advise, the posters are trying to save you money and time and advising you to go to the next step of an sharpie size battery. So what you need to decide is.... can you miss out the mini e cig lookalike stage or not?

If you need to do that stage first then I would recommend:

Smokeless Image | Only The Best Electronic Cigarette | Smokeless Image Electronic Cigarettes - The Future is in your hands They are an ECF supplier and known for there good customer service

If you think you can go to something bigger to begin with then I would advise as above twist/spinner with clearomizers for ease of use.

 

[l0stm4n]

Hi and Welcome to ECF

I have found that a lot of new vapers like to start off with a mini cigarette lookalike, this is for many reasons but usually because they don't want to look different to other smokers. I can tell you this will change, usually about 1 month into vaping when they find out that this works well for them to get off the tobacco.

The advise you are being given above is very sound advise, the posters are trying to save you money and time and advising you to go to the next step of an sharpie size battery. So what you need to decide is.... can you miss out the mini e cig lookalike stage or not?

If you need to do that stage first then I would recommend:

Smokeless Image | Only The Best Electronic Cigarette | Smokeless Image Electronic Cigarettes - The Future is in your hands They are an ECF supplier and known for there good customer service

If you think you can go to something bigger to begin with then I would advise as above twist/spinner with clearomizers for ease of use.

definetly willing to skip the first step as long as carrying is not an issue(there are cases)

 

[Caridwen]

My first kit was an ego type pv 650 mah batteries and low resistance cartomizers. Got the kit for around $30, extra cartomizers drip tips and e-liquid and I spent around $70.

You get around an hour per 100 mah for batteries, so that battery lasted around 6 hours of continous vaping give or take. That's why I asked if you have access to a charger.

A friend started with a KR808 and the price was similiar or slightly more. It's thinner but battery doesn't last as long. My only drawback with a mini would be that you're unable to use low resistance cartomizers. Other than that, many start this way.

As time goes on, you can try a bigger battery or a clearomizers, tanks- things like that.

Wherever you purchase, check warranties. I think batteries have around 200-300 charge cycles (someone else may know exactly). I've never gotten less than 3 months on an ego type battery unless it was a dude and it was replaced.

If you have any questions, just post or send me a PM. We're all happy to help.

BTW, after 5 posts you should be able to Private Message other members if you like.

 

[John D in CT]

@ John D in CT

holy massive wall of text
but it does make sense. also do any kits come with a practical carrying case?
because from what ive seen the ego types vape way awesome, but my #1 priority is the carrying around.
any links from anyone to good reputable vendors, preferrably an ego type for a good price and carrying case?

edit:

also if you guys could give me some info about the tanks/cartridges for the ego types, specially the twist.
how long can these last with juice, and their actual lifetime. etc.

Yes, that was a lot of text, but please wade through it, and please read those three threads. Many of your questions are answered in them.

And please don't wait to get a tank or two. With the Vivi Nova, you unscrew the top cap, fill it with juice, swirl it around to get the wicks initially saturated, and vape. Cartomizers have their place - especially inside a DCT tank - but the learning curve for DCT tanks is worse than the nearly non-existent one for the Vivi Nova. They are insanely simple to use, as are the VV eGo batteries. cartos are simple to use, but require near-constant topping off. You can vape for hours with a tank like a Vivi Nova.

This really is very simple. You don't have to get the very best equipment to get a very good vape as you explore all of the other options.

Please don't try to get everything in a "kit".

For carrying around, all you'd need to carry with the setup I'm recommending is a spare battery, maybe a charger, maybe a spare cartomizer (if you're not using the Vivi Nova), and enough juice(s) to last the day. Just put it in anything. (Link to eGo carrying case below).

You can also get a lanyard (highly recommended) do you can wear your PV around your neck, like I do 16/7.

If you want you can PM me and I can give you my phone number so you can call me, and we can record the conversation and post it here for all to listen to. saves typing.

This really is not complicated.

Again, if I were just starting out, this is what I would have wanted to have, knowing what I know now:

Three Joyetech eGo-C Twists, or three Vision Spinners, or combination thereof.
Three Vivi Nova tanks; maybe 2- 3.5ml and 1-2.0 ml.
A box of five Boge 2.0 or 3.0 ohm single coil stainless steel XL-sized cartomizers
Two chargers.
Juice - At least 5 flavors, at least 150 ml total, 18mg, 80/20.
Lanyard.
Trim ring.

You're done.

I truly wish it had been this simple when I was just starting out.

*****

Joyetech eGo-C Twist: http://www.myvaporstore.com/Joye_eGo_C_Twist_Variable_Voltage_650mAh_Battery_p/ego-c-tst.htm

More Twists: http://www.myvaporstore.com/Batteries_E_Cigarette_s/24.htm

USB charger: http://www.myvaporstore.com/eGo_Rapid_USB_Charger_p/ego-char.htm 6.75

Wall charger: http://www.myvaporstore.com/Mini_AC_Wall_to_USB_Converter_p/mw2usb.htm 6.25

eGo trim piece: http://www.myvaporstore.com/eGo_Cone_Cover_for_DCTank_p/ego-cdct.htm

Lanyard: http://www.myvaporstore.com/Joye_eGo_Lanyard_p/ego-lan.htm

Joye eGo carrying case: http://www.myvaporstore.com/eGo_Leather_Carry_Case_p/ego-case.htm

Cartomizers: http://www.crystalclearvaping.com/3...ohm-STAINLESS-STEEL-15-CARTOMISERS_p_108.html

Cartomizers: http://www.surevapes.com/Boge-Mix-n-Match-5-Boxes_p_114.html Boge single coils .92 each

***

I'm not affiliated with any of these vendors, or profiting in any way from these recommendations (lord knows).

***

Juice?

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo.../242367-what-flavor-you-vaping-right-now.html

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/237068-name-your-fav-flavor.html

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-liquid-discussion/286680-throat-hit-chase.html

 

[l0stm4n]

does anyone know where i can find boba's bounty juice?
at tasteyourjuice.com and pretty much everywhere else they say its good......real good. but i cant find it.
tried the ave store but nothing.

 

[John D in CT]

does anyone know where i can find boba's bounty juice?
at tasteyourjuice.com and pretty much everywhere else they say its good......real good. but i cant find it.
tried the ave store but nothing.

This place (Rocky Top Vapor) seems to have 12mg only, for $20.99 for 30ml.

Boba's Bounty e-Liquid

 

[rzpooch]

I would have saved a lot of $$$$ if I had seen this thread 3 months ago!!! Great advice!!!

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

i kinda care about size, since im always moving around something thats easy to carry with will be fine.
a friend got a starter kit from ecigsbrand.com and it came with its cigarette pack carrying case, its a two piece tho, but he just unscrews the parts puts them in the case and carries on. so a carrying case like that would be really convenient.
as far as the charger goes, thats the reason i'd like 2 batteries on the kit so if one dies i can just swap it out. usually i wont have time to recharge until after 2pm.

There's a number of ways you can go and we ALWAYS strongly suggest new vapers own at least 2 batteries.
You could buy a PCC (Personal Charging Kit)- it's a large battery smaller than a cigarette package in which you can place your batteries and cartos. When the first battery dies you place it in the PCC and it starts charging. You use the 2nd batt while the first is charging.
Pros- can carry multiple batts and you have a portable charging source.
Cons- Batts are very small mah wise and the kits/ cases are not quality. Realistically cannot use low res cartos.
or
you can get a Volt Starter Kit. A cig sized PV but again battery life is not great.
or
you could buy some 400 mah Mini Egos
Weight:28g
Size:length 60mm(2.36in)- does not include carto-/diameter 14mm(0.55in)
Capacity:400mAh
Voltage:3.7v
Threading:510/eGo
510 Mini eGo Kit & Batteries : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more

or
The variable voltage Spinner- 3.3- 4.8 volts. Smaller than the Twists. has knurled voltage dial and voltage numbers easier to see. Check individual units for size:
VISION Spinner eGo VV : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more
As for carrying your PV around you could either get a lanyard or a belt holder:
Search results for: 'lanyard'

another thought about the type a friend got is the volume of the vapor, his is kind of thin. i know i'd want the most vapor possible, but i guess that's where a manual battery comes in.

The PV that your friend bought is no doubt very low mah and very low voltage. I would suggest buying at least a 3.7 volt PV. Your choice will also be dictated by how many analogs you presently smoke per day.

also if you guys could give me some info about the tanks/cartridges for the ego types, specially the twist.how long can these last with juice, and their actual lifetime. etc.

Cartomizers on their own last about 1 week.
Carto in a tank mine were lasting:
with dark juice- 50-60 ml...dark juice gunks up the heating coil quicker than light colored juice.
with light juice- 80-90 ml...reason being the cartomizer needs to be fully saturated all the time and the tank system makes sure of that- cumbersome though. Difference with the Vivi Nova is you can take it apart and clean the coil. You could always use cartos on the road and a Vivi Nova while at home...be forewarned though the Vivi will spoil you
Batteries will generally last approx. 300 charge cycles.
Best of Luck.

 

[John D in CT]

Lost, I have a feeling that you're overestimating the massiveness of an eGo-class VV battery fitted with an "attachment" (Vivi Nova, cartomizer w/trim cone, DCT tank, whatever).

If you haven't already seen it - or even if you have, please watch it again - and see what this guy has to say about this size/kind of setup. It's pocketable, transportable, and even somewhat stealthy VV vaping on the cheap. Any more pocketeable, transportable, or stealthy and you're into a constant-voltage ciggie-look-alike. It's just that simple.

THE EGO TWIST IS A GAME CHANGER - YouTube Grimm Green Twist Game changer

 

[BikerBob]

Please don't try to get everything in a "kit".

There is no need to get a kit, but if the kit contains what you want, go for it. The "kit" is someone's recommendation. It may be based on usability--give you what works well together, or it could be based on their preferences, or something else (such as kit is $5 less than buying individual pieces). Either way, if the contents/price is right for you, you win!

Example: compare this (last I checked, I think this deal was equivalent to getting a free case.)
to John D's recommendation (contents and prices). Add some carto's and a juice sampler, and you're pretty much matching John D's list, with backup battery and 2 different ways to feed the ejuice.

No need to go crazy to start either (that will come, sooner or later), just some setup that works without problems. Once you feel comfortable with that, you can contemplate where to go next. My starter was a basic 510 (came with 2 batteries), with a clearomizer (came with 3). I added another battery. My case was an old eyeglasses case. 2 flavors of ejuice. Was not ideal. Was not fancy. But it did give me a good starting point that worked! Each one was about the size of pen or Sharpie marker, and as such, was easy to carry, even without the eyeglass case. And today, as I've acquired more vaping gear, these are still part of my 'rotation': 510 with a carto currently in my shirt pocket. Lavatube with rebuildable atty (SS wick) alongside the mouse, and a few other pieces waiting their turn in my eGo case. That's where I've gone. Someone else I know started with 2 bottom feeders over a year ago, and is still happy with those. Another actually bought the over-priced 'kit' from the kiosk in the mall, and loves that.

If I were back at the beginning, an eGo twist kit, like has been described here, would probably been the best overall for me to start.