The Best Electronic Cigarette for a First-time Vaper

[DonDaBoomVape]

[NOTE: This was my submittal to the recent ECF Review Writing contest. I've not been happy about the unformatted version without links and photos that currently appears in the contest forum. So here it is as it was intended.]

The Best Electronic Cigarette for a First-time Vaper

by DonDaBoomVape​

What is the best model for a new vaper to start with? Most ECF members have an opinion about this. Here is mine … and the reasons for it.


The Three Contenders: Joye 510, KR808D-1, and…

Even more than ranking the three contenders, a significant challenge for this review was choosing which three of the dozens of available models to be in contention.

The Joye 510 was easiest: it won the Vapy Award and is the most popular model among forum members (and for good reason). The KR808D-1 wasn’t too difficult either: the Kr8 (as some of us have nicknamed it) placed second in the Vapies, has been growing rapidly in popularity, and has its own strengths, different from the 510.

​

But that third contender?

The least controversial choice (and the traditional one) would be the DSE901: it is tried and true, placed third in the Vapies, and is one of the primary fittings for mods. However, I believe that its heyday has come and gone (or is in the process of going) … and has been surpassed by those two other models. The 901 has no distinguishing strengths. [NOTE: See my Afterword at the end of the review for my current thoughts on this.]

So … which model to include?

• I considered the super-minis. Because of their size, they certainly are appealing to current smokers: “It’s just like a ‘real’ cigarette!” But their performance doesn’t compare with those first two models selected … and I wouldn’t know which super-mini to pick.

• I seriously contemplated the new eGO/Tornado. It has all the virtues of the 510 (except size perhaps) combined with a high capacity battery. But the price of the starter kit is twice that of the others. [All things considered (e.g., PCC and extra batteries needed for the 510), it is equally cost-effective, but the 510 enables a more tentative testing of the waters.]

• I even thought about a 5–6V mod. It immediately delivers a “sweet spot” experience. But which of the dozens to choose? The mods have the same (or greater) cost disadvantage as the eGO/Tornado. And they’re all a bit weird looking to someone not of our world.

• I decided on the penstyle. It is clearly different from the other two – in appearance and in the feel of the vape. The penstyle has a loyal following, albeit not as large as the 510 or Kr8. And it is my favorite PV. This review provides me an opportunity to articulate why.

​

But “penstyle” is a category, not a model. The obvious model to select would be the DSE801, but in my experience with that model (which has been extensive), the 801 is not that reliable: 801 attys last me, on average, one week before dying. My experience with the RN4072 has been similar. The BE112 is well thought of, but I have not liked the few that I’ve tried, finding the TH and vapor to be relatively weak. The M201 is just not compatible with anything else … and each of two attys I tried, ordered separately, died in three days. My favorite (for reasons I will articulate shortly) is the Joye 302 – the atomizer for which is used in the popular Janty/Joye Stick – and my choice for the third contender.​

Starter kits for all three contenders – KR808D-1, Joye 510, and Joye 302 – can be had for around $40 from many of the suppliers that I will suggest.


And the Winner is … click here.

 

[David Bruno]

DonDaBoomVape,
The picks you made are good, but I would tell newbies to start with the best. EGO/TORNADO/RIVA. Starting with either one of these would possibly save them money buy not loading up on supplies on a PV that they might change later. I wish I would have started on one. I have started 3 couples on the Tornado. 2 have quit analogs. Good batting average.
Dave

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

If someone is willing to take a $75+ (not including e-liquid) plunge right off the bat, go for it! Most, however, want a less expensive (and skinnier) starter kit.

Speaking for myself, I don't love the 510 atty enough to invest that much of my limited funds in it. The basic model churns out tons of vapor and I can always stick the atty on my ProVape-1 to get even more. No improvement in TH for me, however.

If the new vaper does fall in love, s/he can always buy the eGO (kit or battery), although I would probably go with the Hello 016 (for mAh) or T-Rex (for voltage) ... or what I did do: a mod, for use with any atty.

 

[5cardstud]

I have to say if I had it to do all over again I think it would be the KR8. I love cartos.

 

[zelda]

After 9 months of vaping I have been looking at the 302 and it does look good. How is the battery life on this?

I think it is a great suggestion especially for someone starting out. I am trying a 306 battery now for the 1st time and though the battery life is very short I really like it.

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

The battery life is the best of the skinny batts: 280 mAh (same as all penstyles, the Kr8, and Mega 510, and a heck of a lot longer than the 306's 100 mAh). As I mentioned, I prefer the Joye 302 atty on the Kr8 battery (using an adapter), because of that battery's higher voltage (true 3.7V, starting at 4.2V fully charged).

I've had my eye on the copper 302 attys from Vapor Station. They would look great on the gold-plated ProVape-1 that I won for this review ... as they would with VS's copper battery. All Joye 302s are out of stock at VS right now, but I'm assured that they'll be in by the end of June. In the meantime, check out any of the other leads I provided (most of which I have used successfully).

BTW, I've been hearing good things (most recently from tribalmasters) about the 801s from EastMall. The atomizer resistance is lower than other penstyle attys (not including the "LR") so they provide a slightly greater kick. Might me just what I like, since the LR attys hit me too hard. And those marble ones are very handsome.

 

[Bjorn Toulouse]

I have advised in the past for new vapers to go down the 401 route.
a. because it looks like a cig
b. at the time it was more reliable than a 501
c. the auto battery was good. (you dont have a button on a ... do you?)

now I would point them at a 510 starter kit. If they liked it they could then get a tornado battery.

The pen style is too middle class for Glasgow, you would simply be beaten up for using it.

the Kr8 don't know enough about them, hopfully they are better than a 510 battery on 510 cartos.

 

[Switched]

Some very good valid points were raised here. The truly sad part is, unless the individual knows a vaper, he/she will fumble just like the rest of us. To many, the forums are only found after they have acquired a PV and/or start vaping.

From personal experience I went with a carto system that looked like a cigarette, because I wanted to mimick as closely as possible "the" smoking experience, that was a mistake. Unfortunately, marketing of carto systems is well ahead of any other game in town, as a no must no fuss kind of setup, AAMOF they marketed against the 3 part system. It wasn't until my 510 that I broke free from analogs. I research ecigs for a good solid two weeks prior to taking the plunge, trying to find the best deal/system etc...

Although, I introduced my neighbour to vaping with the Safe Cig, which he absolutely adores, my vote bar none would be the 510. He found the 510 a little harsh, but pleasant. I told him if he had any problems he knew where to find me.

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

The new Kr8 cartomizers are quite good. They rival the 510 in vapor production ... and, by using blank cartos and Doggsbody's carto cap fill technique, you can easily have them taste however you like. And the Kr8 battery is the best of the skinnies (i.e., non-mod, non-eGO). If I had started with a good Kr8 kit today, instead of a year ago, I might never have looked elsewhere.

As for my beloved penstyle: I have now tried my first EM (EastMall) 801: Wow! It's LR, even though it is not advertised as such. May not be quite as low resistance as the LR 801's that NHaler and a couple others sell, but it is impressive! I was fortunate to pick up an inexpensive kit from an ECF member in the Classifieds. [I hate those $15 shipping charges from China.] And I've lobbied VaporJunction (which carries EastMall products) to start offering them.

The pen style is too middle class for Glasgow, you would simply be beaten up for using it.

I'm visualizing my avatar walking around in the Glasgow you describe. Is there a doctor in the house?

I have advised in the past for new vapers to go down the 401 route.

I am embarassed to admit that I have never tried the M401 (or its kid brothers). [The same is true of the Joye 306.] I know that I (personally) don't like exposed atomizers. Dripping with them is messy. And, right or wrong, the vaping world is built on the 510 and 901/Kr8. There are 510-to-401 adapters (kind of clunky looking to my eye), but I've not seen any 901-to-401 adapters. I've made the 901/Kr8 my foundation (mods and the Kr8 batt) and just use my penstyle attys with $2.50 3/8" 901-to-801 adapters.

 

[SaltoftheEarth]

Overall, I would have to recommend the Ego/Tornado. I think the Ego, versus say a standard 510, could make the difference between someone being fully convinced and satisfied with vaping over smoking.

There is definitely a price difference, but that price difference is hardly more than half the cost of a carton of cigarettes.

Just my opinion, but of course all of the devices mentioned in this thread up to this point are quality devices.

 

[SaltoftheEarth]

Also, I want to thank DonDaBoomVape for taking the time to put reviews like this together. When I first started vaping I was lucky enough to find Don's Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Vaping (paraphrasing), which is unbelievably long and detailed. I don't know how many times I referred back to those threads to get the low down on vaping. Thanks Don.

Had to go back to my favorites and find the actual title, "The Wonderful World of Vaping."

 

[Blech]

510 with Cartomizers. Hands down, the best bang for the buck.

Nice clean vape compared to attys and the cartos are also refillable.

-C

 

[JustKryssi]

Thanks for all the information. Even if I had seen it before I made my purchase, I would still go with my KR8.

Why? For the same reason I drive an automatic car; I want to be able to drive but I just want to start it and go. Less performance? Maybe, but ease of use is more important to me. Especially since I have the same options for flavor.

 

[2ndChanceVapor]

Definitely happy with my first eGO. I had a KR808D1 super mini size and the battery life is awful on both batts. I have the 3 piece eGO but I did have a problem with my first cartridge. It went dry on juice in about 30 puffs. This may have been due to juice that leaked out as i took the cartridge on and off a couple times.

 

[Data4]

If someone is willing to take a $75+ (not including e-liquid) plunge right off the bat, go for it! Most, however, want a less expensive (and skinnier) starter kit.

Speaking for myself, I don't love the 510 atty enough to invest that much of my limited funds in it. The basic model churns out tons of vapor and I can always stick the atty on my ProVape-1 to get even more. No improvement in TH for me, however.

If the new vaper does fall in love, s/he can always buy the eGO (kit or battery), although I would probably go with the Hello 016 (for mAh) or T-Rex (for voltage) ... or what I did do: a mod, for use with any atty.

Tasty Vapor has eGo kits for $55. 2 batts, 2 attys, cone, and USB charger. It's not skinny, due to the battery size, but the battery is what the eGo is all about. Though I will continue to both actively and passively promote the Thag Built Chuck for a great piece of e-smoking art that works like a champ, I find the eGo fits my lifestyle a little better, and I get all-day battery life from it. $55 is a STEAL.

 

[Blech]

Looks like we have a price drop in progress. Pure Smoker has it posted for $59.99...

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

Looks like we have a price drop in progress. Pure Smoker has it posted for $59.99...

For the eGO? Not at the moment, they don't. Their website shows $75 (including two cones, a pouch, and a sample-sized bottle of e-liquid).

 

[warbdan]

I recommend newbies to start with a KR808 model just because cartomizers are easier to deal with when getting used to vaping.

 

[sanfordf]

Whichever unit is chosen/used the point is actually to be rid of burning butts! But, I do tend to steer newbies toward V4L cartomizers. For ease of use and simplicity. It is an acquired skill to handle juices, atomizers, refilling cartridges and modding carts. It fits right in with me though, since I have made it my 'hobby'.

 

[Blech]

For the eGO? Not at the moment, they don't. Their website shows $75 (including two cones, a pouch, and a sample-sized bottle of e-liquid).

My bad, the sale ended 6/22/2010...