Steer me in the right direction please

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2Irish4u

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Feb 13, 2016
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Hello all, I am new to this site and to vaping as a whole. I recently made the switch from a pack a day to a vaporizer, I love vaping!. I never knew I would like it so much. I started with an e cig, bought an upgraded e cig kit, still wanted more so I went to my local vape store and they had me but an Innokin starter kit. About a day after using that p.o.s. I was tired of it and still wanted more clouds and better satisfaction. Went back to the same store and they hooked me up with a Kanger 1650 battery and Aspire bvc tanks. This is what I am currently using and once again it's not performing like I want. I guess everyone goes thru this when they start but after 3 weeks of constant frustration, I want to purchase my last and final kit. They recommended a Kanger Top box mini and before I spend the 130 bucks (in their store) I want to see what more experienced vapors think of the kit. I know nothing, it took me a week to figure out I wasn't inhaling hard enough on the last one so I wanted to get some direction. Is this a good kit for an ex smoker looking for satisfaction ? What is the difference between this and the top box nano? Thanks so much for anyone who can help me.
 

suprtrkr

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The Topbox kit(s) are quite good gear. Not super-primo top of the line, but quite serviceable and with a good reputation. They are everyday workhorses, not diamond plated extreme gear. The difference between the Mini and the Nano is the Nano has 15 watts less power and a smaller, bottom fill tank. If I were choosing between them, I would pick the Mini over the Nano. Either one should offer good service to a smoker looking to quit. Remember that satisfaction with vape gear depends on more than just what gear. You also have to know how to adjust and use it, and you need good juice as well.
 

Sir2fyablyNutz

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Online you can spend $130 and almost get top of the line gear. The top box mini is about 60 but I'd have to check current prices. The issues with the Kanger mods is the 510 pin (pin in mod that connects to the bottom of the tank) is fixed and NOT spring loaded. While it may work great with Kanger tanks it has had some issues with other brands of tanks.

There are literally hundreds of options available.

I've used these U.S. vendors with no issues, and usual shipping is 4 days to hand:
www.myvaporstore.com
www.originvape.com
www.vapesupersaver.com
www.sweet-vapes.com
www.mtbakervapor.com
www.myfreedomsmokes.com
www.madvapes.com
www.gotvapes.com
www.vapeNW.com

You might also desire to check here:
DEALS and STEALS - Deals and Steals (go to last couple pages)
FORUM SUPPLIERS - ECF Forum Suppliers
COUPONS - http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/coupons/stores/

There are two main choices in picking out a mod (the battery part).
One is to get a mod with an internal battery where you recharge with a usb cable plugged into a wall plug or pc. On most of these you can vape while it charges (but you are tethered to a cable while it does).
The other choice is to get a mod with replaceable batteries (usually 18650 size). When it needs recharged you just swap out the battery and put the old/used one in a separate battery charger (like the Nitecore Intellicharger i2-$15). The plus side is you aren't tethered by a cable, BUT you'll have to spend more money to begin for extra batteries (around $7 each online plus a charger).

Battery safety is important. LG HG2's, Samsung 25r's and SonyVTC4's are the most recommended batteries.

https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...safe-battery-to-vape-with.7447/#comment-13198
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...ch-test-results-which-battery-is-best.689876/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/baditude.88498/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/mooch.256958/

Where to buy in USA
http://www.illumn.com/
http://www.rtdvapor.com/
http://liionwholesale.com/
http://www.orbtronic.com/
https://www.imrbatteries.com/
 

2Irish4u

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Feb 13, 2016
105
74
PA
Thank you for your response, I believe I am buying good quality juice but what do I know lol. It took me a week to figure out that I wasn't inhaling hard enough, I feel so stupid when I walk into the store and I asked them to start with the basics and I've been at the mercy of emails and random people so I am so glad I found this site with good info. I don't know anything about adjusting watts or airflow, I am just so lost, it looked so simple but I found out it's not.
 

2Irish4u

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Feb 13, 2016
105
74
PA
Online you can spend $130 and almost get top of the line gear. The top box mini is about 60 but I'd have to check current prices. The issues with the Kanger mods is the 510 pin (pin in mod that connects to the bottom of the tank) is fixed and NOT spring loaded. While it may work great with Kanger tanks it has had some issues with other brands of tanks.

There are literally hundreds of options available.

I've used these U.S. vendors with no issues, and usual shipping is 4 days to hand:
www.myvaporstore.com
www.originvape.com
www.vapesupersaver.com
www.sweet-vapes.com
www.mtbakervapor.com
www.myfreedomsmokes.com
www.madvapes.com
www.gotvapes.com
www.vapeNW.com

You might also desire to check here:
DEALS and STEALS - Deals and Steals (go to last couple pages)
FORUM SUPPLIERS - ECF Forum Suppliers
COUPONS - http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/coupons/stores/

There are two main choices in picking out a mod (the battery part).
One is to get a mod with an internal battery where you recharge with a usb cable plugged into a wall plug or pc. On most of these you can vape while it charges (but you are tethered to a cable while it does).
The other choice is to get a mod with replaceable batteries (usually 18650 size). When it needs recharged you just swap out the battery and put the old/used one in a separate battery charger (like the Nitecore Intellicharger i2-$15). The plus side is you aren't tethered by a cable, BUT you'll have to spend more money to begin for extra batteries (around $7 each online plus a charger).

Battery safety is important. LG HG2's, Samsung 25r's and SonyVTC4's are the most recommended batteries.

https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...safe-battery-to-vape-with.7447/#comment-13198
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...ch-test-results-which-battery-is-best.689876/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/baditude.88498/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/mooch.256958/

Where to buy in USA
Illumn.com - Flashlights, Batteries, Carry Gear, Intelligent LED Lighting, and More!
Authentic AW Batteries - RTD Vapor
Liion Wholesale Batteries | Li-ion battery distributor
18650 Batteries | Rechargeable Li-ion | Battery Chargers
Earth's #1 source for IMR 18650 Batteries, Chargers, Cases & Wraps | IMRbatteries.com
Wow, so much info, thank you so so much..I guess I should learn about the batteries too, I see that is really important.
 

Vesuvius

Moved On
ECF Veteran
Mar 14, 2010
368
429
43
Online you can spend $130 and almost get top of the line gear. The top box mini is about 60 but I'd have to check current prices. The issues with the Kanger mods is the 510 pin (pin in mod that connects to the bottom of the tank) is fixed and NOT spring loaded. While it may work great with Kanger tanks it has had some issues with other brands of tanks.

There are literally hundreds of options available.

I've used these U.S. vendors with no issues, and usual shipping is 4 days to hand:
www.myvaporstore.com
www.originvape.com
www.vapesupersaver.com
www.sweet-vapes.com
www.mtbakervapor.com
www.myfreedomsmokes.com
www.madvapes.com
www.gotvapes.com
www.vapeNW.com

You might also desire to check here:
DEALS and STEALS - Deals and Steals (go to last couple pages)
FORUM SUPPLIERS - ECF Forum Suppliers
COUPONS - http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/coupons/stores/

There are two main choices in picking out a mod (the battery part).
One is to get a mod with an internal battery where you recharge with a usb cable plugged into a wall plug or pc. On most of these you can vape while it charges (but you are tethered to a cable while it does).
The other choice is to get a mod with replaceable batteries (usually 18650 size). When it needs recharged you just swap out the battery and put the old/used one in a separate battery charger (like the Nitecore Intellicharger i2-$15). The plus side is you aren't tethered by a cable, BUT you'll have to spend more money to begin for extra batteries (around $7 each online plus a charger).

Battery safety is important. LG HG2's, Samsung 25r's and SonyVTC4's are the most recommended batteries.

18650 Safety Grades -- Picking a Safe Battery to Vape With | E-Cigarette Forum
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...ch-test-results-which-battery-is-best.689876/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/baditude.88498/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/mooch.256958/

Where to buy in USA
http://www.illumn.com/
http://www.rtdvapor.com/
http://liionwholesale.com/
http://www.orbtronic.com/
https://www.imrbatteries.com/
Yea, 60-70 bucks for a topbox mini. I wouldnt pay 130 for it.
 

JCinFLA

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Oct 21, 2015
9,419
44,698
This one is still on sale for $19.99 and available in Black, is made by a good brand, and has replaceable batteries:
Sigelei 50 watt V2 Box Mod

Just need 2 batteries then and a 2-bay charger like from NiteCore or similar. I bought 2 of the mods from there 2 weeks ago to stash away for use later.
 

Sir2fyablyNutz

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jan 22, 2015
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West Virginia, USA
Wow, so much info, thank you so so much..I guess I should learn about the batteries too, I see that is really important.
Batteries are important. Starting out at the lower wattage vapes as you will be doing I would only suggest getting good name brand like the ones mentioned (LG HG2's 3000 mah are my current favorite).

If it were me starting over I would suggest getting a single or double battery mod where you can swap out when it needs recharged. An independent charger is recommended for safety. The single battery mods will be smaller.

Don't be afraid of temp control. With the mods made today you have the option to use it or run in straight power (wattage) mode. If you have a choice I'd go that way as it looks like the future. I have a few and still just run in power mode.
 

DingerCPA

Vaping Mistress
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Apr 9, 2014
9,020
61,413
Corn 'n' Cows
Welcome aboard @2Irish4u!

You've come to a great place. Sir2 has GREAT links. For every member you ask here about what the "best" gear is, you'll probably get 5 answers each. There are some who started with simple pens and still use them to this day; there are others who started with high-dollar setups and may or may not be pleased with their choices.

Personally, my gear has "matured" as I've learned more and more over the past couple of years. I actually started with a cigalike kit over 5 years ago, but realized that wasn't what *WORKED FOR ME*.

I now have an assortment of devices and toppers that can allow me a variety of vaping styles. If nothing else, remember that you should have some form of backup, in the event your primary gear gets lost/broken/whatever. It may not be your "favored" setup, but it's still something you can use until you can get your original setup replaced/repaired.

Keep asking questions - lots of great people here willing to help :)
 

zoiDman

My -0^10 = Nothing at All*
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ECF Veteran
Apr 16, 2010
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Hello all, I am new to this site and to vaping as a whole. I recently made the switch from a pack a day to a vaporizer, I love vaping!. I never knew I would like it so much. I started with an e cig, bought an upgraded e cig kit, still wanted more so I went to my local vape store and they had me but an Innokin starter kit. About a day after using that p.o.s. I was tired of it and still wanted more clouds and better satisfaction. Went back to the same store and they hooked me up with a Kanger 1650 battery and Aspire bvc tanks. This is what I am currently using and once again it's not performing like I want. I guess everyone goes thru this when they start but after 3 weeks of constant frustration, I want to purchase my last and final kit. They recommended a Kanger Top box mini and before I spend the 130 bucks (in their store) I want to see what more experienced vapors think of the kit. I know nothing, it took me a week to figure out I wasn't inhaling hard enough on the last one so I wanted to get some direction. Is this a good kit for an ex smoker looking for satisfaction ? What is the difference between this and the top box nano? Thanks so much for anyone who can help me.

Hi 2Irish4u.

First of all, Welcome to the ECF and Congratulations on Switching.

The Kanger Topbox Mini Starter Kit is a Very Good Kit. You can run the Pre-Made Coil Heads in it. So all you do is Replace the Coil Head when it starts to taste Bad. But the Kit also comes with the RBA Section. So if you want to try your hand at building your own Coils you can.


Not sure what your B&M charges for one, but I think $60 ~ $70 is about right.

Kangertech TOPBOX Mini Kit (SUBOX Mini Pro)

You would also need a Pair of 18650 IMR or INR Batteries. These are Good.

LG HG2 18650 LiMn 3000mAh Battery - 35 Amp

And if you don't have a Battery Charger, this is a Good Brand.

Nitecore Digicharger D2 Battery Charger
 
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2Irish4u

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ECF Veteran
Feb 13, 2016
105
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Ok so now you all have told me that the top box mini is a good buy, I will go for that one...so questions to start would be..What else is needed even I buy the kit? Looks like batteries, a battery charger and what else? I can buy the tanks and coils just like my bvc tanks? So Far I have only learned how to replace these properly. I fear with this new unit there is more I need to know, let's start with the basic info and items I'll need so I can use the day it arrives...some of you posted links, thank you so much I will go thru them and purchase thru one of your reputable sellers.man I wish I found you guys sooner, no doubt I wouldn't have all this crappy batteries and equipment lol the Kanger 1650 is ok for someone just using it here and there but I have many problems with it that I don't know how to fix, gurgling, barely any vapor, spitting e juice in my mouth, and after all that it's not a very big cloud it produces. I am excited to get this kit and at least stop spending for a little while.
 

2Irish4u

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Feb 13, 2016
105
74
PA
Hi 2Irish4u.

First of all, Welcome to the ECF and Congratulations on Switching.

The Kanger Topbox Mini Starter Kit is a Very Good Kit. You can run the Pre-Made Coil Heads in it. So all you do is Replace the Coil Head when it starts to taste Bad. But the Kit also comes with the RBA Section. So if you want to try your hand at building your own Coils you can.


Not sure what your B&M charges for one, but I think $60 ~ $70 is about right.

Kangertech TOPBOX Mini Kit (SUBOX Mini Pro)

You would also need a Pair of 18650 IMR or INR Batteries. These are Good.

LG HG2 18650 LiMn 3000mAh Battery - 35 Amp

And if you don't have a Battery Charger, this is a Good Brand.

Nitecore Digicharger D2 Battery Charger
What is an RBA section?
 

dcfluegel

Shenaniganator
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Apr 9, 2015
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Cleveland TN
Ok so now you all have told me that the top box mini is a good buy, I will go for that one...so questions to start would be..What else is needed even I buy the kit? Looks like batteries, a battery charger and what else? I can buy the tanks and coils just like my bvc tanks? So Far I have only learned how to replace these properly. I fear with this new unit there is more I need to know, let's start with the basic info and items I'll need so I can use the day it arrives...some of you posted links, thank you so much I will go thru them and purchase thru one of your reputable sellers.man I wish I found you guys sooner, no doubt I wouldn't have all this crappy batteries and equipment lol the Kanger 1650 is ok for someone just using it here and there but I have many problems with it that I don't know how to fix, gurgling, barely any vapor, spitting e juice in my mouth, and after all that it's not a very big cloud it produces. I am excited to get this kit and at least stop spending for a little while.
with the kanger topbox kit, i would recommend two samsung 30q batteries and a nitecore d2 charger (external charging is a safer/ more reliable option than onboard charging) - my preferred battery vendor is illumn.com... the samsung 30q is a 3000mah battery (long life) and plenty of amps for that device

18650 Samsung 3000mAh INR18650-30Q High Discharge Flat Top
Nitecore D2 Digicharger Li-ion, NiMH/NiCd Charger
 
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Sir2fyablyNutz

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Jan 22, 2015
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West Virginia, USA
Ok so now you all have told me that the top box mini is a good buy, I will go for that one...so questions to start would be..What else is needed even I buy the kit? Looks like batteries, a battery charger and what else? I can buy the tanks and coils just like my bvc tanks? So Far I have only learned how to replace these properly. I fear with this new unit there is more I need to know, let's start with the basic info and items I'll need so I can use the day it arrives...some of you posted links, thank you so much I will go thru them and purchase thru one of your reputable sellers.man I wish I found you guys sooner, no doubt I wouldn't have all this crappy batteries and equipment lol the Kanger 1650 is ok for someone just using it here and there but I have many problems with it that I don't know how to fix, gurgling, barely any vapor, spitting e juice in my mouth, and after all that it's not a very big cloud it produces. I am excited to get this kit and at least stop spending for a little while.
If thats the one you want then get a 5 pack of extra coils. They come in 1.5 or .5 ohm, Kanthal wire. I would suggest the LG HG2's for batteries (3000 mah 20 amp), and a nitecore or xtar battery charger (2 bay will be fine, for about $15). The charger and batteries will be less expensive online (www.liionwholesale.com), but Monday is a holiday so you'll probably be a day slower getting them as well as the mod.

The rba is the "rebuildable" part of the tank, if you decide to make your own coils the Kanger is excellent to work on to learn. Other than that you'll have the factory coils to use.

If you have any questions just post, there's many here to help. :)
 
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