Hey TC076! Let me add my
here...
Once you are on a stable routine you will begin to notice the benefits and convenience of never having to rely on cigarettes (is that a bad word here?), lighters, and multiple trips to the store/gas station every week. Not smelling like an ash tray and the health and cost benefits are a bonus.
Being a broke, cheap, frugal SOB myself, the easiest way I have found to vaping nirvana comes in a few basic steps.
1. Purchase your initial batteries. This is a ONE TIME $40 investment (for 2 batteries) that will last you 6-12 months minimum. To negate costs/time and to eliminate down time between charges, I would stick with 1300mah Tritons ($20), or VV's ($30) if you can afford the difference and
if taste and voltage control is a concern or worth the premium to you. For $3 more than the 650mah ($17), you are getting DOUBLE the time between charges if you spring for the 1300mah. This cancels out the need for multiple charges in a daily cycle, even if you are a
heavy vaper. Worst case scenario you charge one of 1300mah batteries once a day, you will never be without a fresh battery in your pocket.
2. Find 2 of your favorite juices and STICK WITH THEM!! Don't feel overwhelmed with all the options and mods. Halo excels in one stop shopping, once you have your preferences nailed down. Don't feel bad going with a higher nicotine mg to start. Once you are set and comfy without the cigs, you can tone the nicotine down for next months order. I'm down to 12mg, NO cravings!
3. Once you have 2 high capacity batteries ($40), and 2 Triton tanks ($14)....the hardware purchases are done (minus the usb/wall charger, but you obviously have that). Now all you have to focus on is your 2 favorite flavors ($20x2 30ml's), and keeping spare coils on hand ($12.50 for 5 pack).
4. With heavy use, one coil lasts me at least a week. Some clearer juices allow a coil to last 2 months. That's $2.50 a week at the absolute worst, I was spending more than twice that for a pack of cigs that only lasted 1-2 days. Add in juice costs @1 tank a day (2.4ml), and I am spending a lot less than I was on analogs, and I never have to tote around more than 1 battery and 2 tanks.
5. From my experience, cleaning a coil only goes so far. I have tried Hot water, Vodka, PGA, etc. I have found it helps to pull the wicks out just enough to expose the "burnt" spot, and rub that bit out with alcohol until it stops putting brown spots on the paper towel or napkin or whatever you're using to clean. Coils are more or less disposable at $2.50.
