This is harder then I thought!

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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.

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.

How does a USB charger work?

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.
 

frequentflyer

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Apr 1, 2010
134
0
Houston
Manual vs Automatic - one responds to you sucking on the cart vs pushing the button. I like the manual bc of the versatility, being sealed if you want to drip, and that it can't accidentally trigger unless you push the button. The main difference is the "realism" but manual is generally agreed to have a better vape and flavor.

So far I have used the original fluid (not that good) and gone with e-cigarettes of Houston (great) and Viking Vapors (great). There is whole forums on fluids, so good luck. A lot of that depends on taste so just order small bottles or sample packs. Any fluid works with any e-cig as far as I know.

All 510 parts are interchangeable as far as I know, so you aren't stuck with a single supplier. Some offer better things than others.

18 mg seems to be a good starting level, but I would order several different strengths to try out. If you start to get dizzy, just stop - lol

The 510 seems to be the fave around here to start with and I couldn't agree more. Cheap, easy, and good.

USB chargers plug into the computer to charge there or in any wall usb converter. They are just convenient.

I have now exhausted my limited knowledge....
 

mini_art

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Mar 2, 2010
4,438
589
Florida USA
Joye 510 from cignot 3 piece carto style
kr808 from vapor4life 2 piece cartridge style
Ms Ts bakery for juice or Tasty Vapor for juice

I know all of the above to have great customer service and outstanding products.
All cartridges and cartos can be refilled, all have their advantages and disadvantages,
they are all reasonably priced. Take a look around and see what type you like.

Basically with the exception of mods these 2 styles are the norm.
 

Rosa

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Mar 18, 2010
4,947
210
Beaverton, Oregon!
Joye 510 from cignot 3 piece carto style
kr808 from vapor4life 2 piece cartridge style
Ms Ts bakery for juice or Tasty Vapor for juice

I know all of the above to have great customer service and outstanding products.
All cartridges and cartos can be refilled, all have their advantages and disadvantages,
they are all reasonably priced. Take a look around and see what type you like.

Basically with the exception of mods these 2 styles are the norm.

yep, that's about the gist of it.:)
 

DC2

Tootie Puffer
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jun 21, 2009
24,161
40,974
San Diego
What is a good nicotine level to start out with?
What and how much do you currently smoke?

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.
In general, size and battery life go in opposite directions.


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 resistance of the atomizer, therefore leading to differences in wattage, and also the size of the cartridges (how much juice they hold) that you use with that type of model.

Does cleaning extend the life of atomizers, if so how do I clean them?
You may as well ask where the Holy Grail is stored.

:D

I would recommend the following method to clean atomizers as needed...
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/tips-tricks/69834-my-atty-resurrection-method.html
 

UberDuper

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Dec 18, 2009
369
10
No place like ~/
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?

Makes me think of that X Files episode with the guy using experimental cigs that were contaminated with tobacco beetle eggs. He'd smoke them around people and the eggs would be carried by the smoke and into the lungs of the people around him where they would hatch and kill people in a very grotesque manner. But they didn't harm this guy cause he was like a 5 pack a day smoker and nicotine is an insecticide that killed the eggs.

I'm guessing (hoping!) that's not what you have.

UD.
 

CaptJay

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Jan 3, 2010
4,192
115
A Brit, abroad, (USA)
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?

Personal preference plays a big part but I like the manual as I have complete control over the length and amount of vaping time. In GENERAL the manuals are easier because you can't flood a battery and an auto battery it is possible to flood it and therefore ruin it.

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?

So many flavors, so many suppliers; I could tell you MY faves (Tasty vapor, DIYFlavorshack, cignot - yes they do juice - BASIC is their best line imo, and MSTSBakery are a few I use) but that doesn't help YOU much :) Best best it to go thru the E Liquid reviews pages (look at at least 3 pages worth) and see who gets a bunch of decent reviews. Just because its popular doesn't mean YOU will like it, remember taste is subjective. Most liquids fit in most attys (even cartos) but they DO taste different - for example my fruity flavors prefer my 901 attys as they dont get so hot and everything else likes my 510.

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

Start with 18 or 24mg but also get some lower ones like 6mg or so. If you buy the same flavors you can mix it up to get a higher nic for juices you buy that turn out too low or cut too high ones. The ONLY way you can find 'your' level is to experiment

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 a 510 because its a fairly easy 'get to know' device. They are also pretty cheap - I get almost all my hardware from cignot (www.cignot.com) and they do starter kits (very basic) for $35. There are lots of vendors though and varying price ranges.

How does a USB charger work?

You shove one end in your PC USB port (although Id recommend using a USB/AC plug, rather than risk your PC ports) and the other end is attached to your PV. It 'replaces' the battery while you are stationary at the PC (or office or just around the house).

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.

Yes they are interchangeable
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?

Someone has already given you the best answer for this - its all about resistances!

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?
Atty: It varies. You can have one last months, and the same make from the same supplier last a few days. I don't clean mine, just blow them out. I don't think they like being cleaned - at least mine never have. The one I cleaned never worked right after. They are cheap though so I just buy new ones.
Batteries: I've not had to replace one yet, and I recharge them every day
for the last 4 months.
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.


I hope that was some help :)
 
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.

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 would recommend going with a manual battery. As stated above, they aren't susceptible to liquid (juice) getting into the battery itself and ruining it. Also more versatile as you can push the button a second or two before you draw to get a little extra vapor going. Automatic batteries sometimes require a little technique called a "primer puff" that engages the switch and heats the coil a little bit before you take a drag off of the eCig. Manual batteries are just simpler and more versatile.

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?

Glad to hear you going in that direction. One of my first mistakes (and this is just a personal opinion that applies to me) was focusing on completely replicating the smoking experience, including tobacco-flavored juice. As I started enjoying other flavors and as "analogs" started tasting worse and worse, I have no use for my tobacco flavors anymore. I would actually prefer NOT tasting tobacco all the time.

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

I was a pack-a-day Marlboro Reds smoker and I started out with 36mg/ml juice. It has worked well in terms of not having to worry about nic fits at all. However, I have found that pure nicotine without all the other stuff that is in analogs is much more of a stimulant that analogs ever were. For you, I would consider trying 12mg to 18mg to 24mg strengths while you're figuring out what works. For me, I am also finding that I need to lower the strength of the nic in my juice later in the day or I will be wired at 11:00 at night and will have trouble getting to sleep for a little while.

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 would HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend a Janty eGo or a Totally Wicked Tornado! They are the same unit, just branded differently. I don't vape like a fiend, and a single battery lasts me all day 90% of the time. This is MUCH better than the smaller batteries on the standard 510's. It reduces the amount of clutter you have to keep with you like chargers and extra batteries. Of course, your experience may vary. I have gotten as little as 6 hours out of an eGo/Tornado battery, and as long as 2 days, depending on how much I vape.

How does a USB charger work?

USB Chargers plug into a USB port on your computer or on a powered USB hub and recharge the battery. Most USB chargers also come with a wall-wart with a female USB port that the cable/charger plug into as well, so you don't need a computer handy to use them. For the car, any standard USB charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter will do the job. For an eGo/Tornado, make sure that it has a 500mA output.

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.

You can use 510 stuff on all 510 eCigs. The eGo/Tornado is basically a 510 atomizer and cartridge that screws onto the oversize eGo/Tornado battery. Standard 510 chargers are not directly compatible with the eGo/Tornado batteries. They can be charged with the standard 510 chargers but it requires an adapter and takes 4 times as long to charge. The Janty eGo comes with a fast USB charger that recharges a dead battery in less than two hours, and the TW Tornado comes with a standard charger that does the job in about 6 hours.

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?

This I will have to leave to someone else with more experience across the board. My first eCig was an eGo, and I have no desire to experiment with anything else. It does everything I want an eCig to do and I haven't had any desire or necessity to experiment around with other eCigs.

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.

There is some excellent info scattered around the forums on batteries and atomizer care. I hope that this info helps you a little.
 
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I want a 901 because flavor is more important than throat feel. I want a manual because I want to refill my juice and it will help save my battery. I also like that the parts are cheap and readily available. Now I am just searching through the supliers forum to decied where the best place to buy is. Thank you all for all your help!
 
Wish to point out that a USB charger and a USB pass-through are different.
Did you mean to say a pass-through?
Unless you are running out of available outlets, You probably don't need a USB charger.
The USB Pass-through is basically a battery connected by a wire and powered by your PC. There is a similar unit available for a car. Connects to the lighter.
You just add the atties and mouthpieces. The USB pass-through never needs to be charged. It's voltage and vapor are awesome. Close to the 6V Modifications.
A lot of value for the money. I recommend one as a backup.
 

Onceupon

Full Member
Mar 16, 2010
43
3
Bolton, England
Makes me think of that X Files episode with the guy using experimental cigs that were contaminated with tobacco beetle eggs. He'd smoke them around people and the eggs would be carried by the smoke and into the lungs of the people around him where they would hatch and kill people in a very grotesque manner. But they didn't harm this guy cause he was like a 5 pack a day smoker and nicotine is an insecticide that killed the eggs.

I'm guessing (hoping!) that's not what you have.
You need to get out more.
 

AlexTM

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Dec 7, 2009
1,514
23
Cologne, Germany
www.dampfzeichen.de
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.

Let's say they are mostly compatible. There are different producers of 510s out there, and the 510 in particular has one thing you need to know: The Joye 510s run on 3.1 volts, the copies on 3.7. That makes a noticeable difference, and when you run a clone part with a Joye part, that does produce vapour, but in less than perfect form; it's either quite hot or not enough of it.
So for 510s, I'd stick with Joye, unless one has a good reason to buy a clone and knows what one's doing.
 
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