This Pace is Going to Break Me

[Compose]

Several weeks ago, a conversation with my sister about how illogical it was for the both of us to smoke has developed into a rather remarkable (in my eyes) situation. While I was telling her how idiotic it was to continue to smoke she mentioned e-cigarettes. I clearly remember thinking, "I wouldn't have to give up nicotine," and that thought has lead to a "problem" that I will get to right after, what I'm sure will be, an exceedingly long explanation.

Almost immediately after getting off of the phone I conducted a research at a level that would embarrass every teacher and professor I have ever had. The research ended when I purchased a starter kit and prefilled carts from V2cigs. While it took a while for them to actually ship, the product was nothing short of amazing. I went from smoking a pack and half a day to smoking zero packs a day. So while that part has been tremendous, here's where the trouble starts to develop.

So despite a complete lack of an actual problem with the product that was bought and paid for, I began to look at other sellers...for the same batteries. This led me to Myvaporstore and their starter kit that was cheaper and more robust than V2's. So I bought that because I figured I would need the extra batteries plus I'd get a PCC, a USB (passthrough?), and another charger. While MVS has an exceptional turn-around from order confirmation to shipping of product, the product doesn't actually pass muster (RMA'ed a battery and the passthrough...the other battery blows). So lesson #8 learned.

Naturally, I continued my post-purchase(s) research and therefore I'm currently awaiting the arrival of the PigCig from Lecig. (Anyone that tells me that I won't be disappointed will be my new best friend).

To bolster my contribution to a sick economy, I've also thrown a few bucks here and there at different carts for said batteries...again, nothing seems to quite be at the level of the V2 prefilleds at this point. With all of that said...

I think I've managed to establish that I'm a "Shoot first ask questions later" kinda consumer, so it's time for some of those questions. While the "quitting smoking" part of this was the primary reason for the switch, I'm also looking forward to the "Save some f'ing money" part of it as well (failing miserably in that area at this point). So right now, I think I'm happy with the V2's...I'm under the impression that I'll be happy/happier with the Pigcigs but, for the life of me, I have no idea what I'm looking for in a cart.

Do I stick with the V2 carts or is there somewhere else I should look? Naturally, I have juices ordered and en route and a good thirty or so empty prefilleds that I can clean.
Should I order blanks?
If I order blanks do I just top those off, sticking with a single flavor or do I wash those every time I finish one?
If I should order blanks, V2, LeCig, or somewhere else?
Should I adjust my accounting to apply credit now for the very real possibility of lower medical expenses in twenty years or simply note the outgoing at this point and attempt to focus more on education and less on purchasing?

In all seriousness any help on any one or more of these questions (with the exception of the last) is without a doubt, most definitely appreciated. I would also anticipate that any answer will likely produce additional questions...(full disclosure and all).

Thanks guys.

 

[ianlm]

if you're happy with your current setup, and it's keeping you off of analogs - sit on it for a while. read a bunch here, talk to people, browse the supplier sites. you will probably end up wanting something entirely different than anything you've seen yet, better to wait and purchase that than buy 2 or 3 things in between as well.

welcome to the site!

 

[Bawn]

never heard of the pig cig but looks like a ego clone. should be better then the V2. what size battery did you get? however 75$ for two 650mah batteries and a 5 pack of cartos and charger.
http://www.ecigexpress.com/joye-ego-ego-starter-kits-c-58_59/super-joye-ego-select-color-p-673

and i am sure they are cheaper elsewhere as well. at least with the attomizer they will last longer then a cartomizer and you can drip. i would assume you will eventually switch to cartos for the ease of things. but a 5 pack of blank LR cartos are $6.25.the pig cig charges $9.99 for prefilled cartos which you cant refill because they already have juice in them when you get them. unless you buy a bottle of juice they use. plus this kit comes with the 900mah batteries instead of the 650mah the pig cig comes with if you dont upgrade to the bigger batteries. my

if you upgrade to the 900mah batteries its $79 1300mah batteries is $83.

you cant reuse those cartos so your pretty much paying $75 for two batteries 2 cones and a charger.

 

[Compose]

I upgraded the PigCig batteries and I think the whole thing came to $70 with Google-searched coupon code and free shipping. I was running through a carton a week at $70 so in a lot of respects, the orders aren't killing me...but I'm certainly looking forward to the part where I'm not ordering more.

 

[jdub411]

I also started with v2 and they are good quality batteries etc however it's very expensive. I think your best bet now is to research filling your own carts. The blanks v2 sells are pretty good. Make sure you look at your connection type, 808v510 or you might find yourself not being able to use all your old 808 carts in a new mod.

Side note the v2 blanks range from 2.3ohm to 2.8, they are kinda inconsistent.

 

[MTV]

I'd try a REO...but that is just me

 

[ianlm]

i'm currently in the mod-shopping phase, looking to upgrade my ego-t (even though i'm totally satisfied with it), and it seems like every day i've found a new PV that I want more than the previous day's champion. from reading around here, it seems like this phase never ends for some folks lol. hoping I can settle on something, but for now i'm just reading and browsing and waiting until my brain comes to terms with the truly INSANE amount of equipment and information that's out there.

 

[studio52]

Ecig today is very much subjective to your vaping needs. I found myself buying every new mod on the market for months in a row. In the end many were great some just ok for my needs, but it all boils down to staying off analogs and having decent vapor production and some nic content.

After buying more than 50 devices and tanks etc. I really like vaping dual coil cartomizers 1.5ohm at 3.7 to 4.5 volts, I get great vapor and they just work every tiem I want to ake a puff.

 

[Chevello]

snip...

Do I stick with the V2 carts or is there somewhere else I should look? Naturally, I have juices ordered and en route and a good thirty or so empty prefilleds that I can clean.
Should I order blanks?
If I order blanks do I just top those off, sticking with a single flavor or do I wash those every time I finish one?
If I should order blanks, V2, LeCig, or somewhere else?
Should I adjust my accounting to apply credit now for the very real possibility of lower medical expenses in twenty years or simply note the outgoing at this point and attempt to focus more on education and less on purchasing?

In all seriousness any help on any one or more of these questions (with the exception of the last) is without a doubt, most definitely appreciated. I would also anticipate that any answer will likely produce additional questions...(full disclosure and all).

Thanks guys.

At first glance, the V2 looks like an 808. You can get new blank cartos at any of a dozen or so vendors listed here in the ECF. If you stick with prefilled, you may be limited as to the flavors you can get.

You can reuse cartos without washing, but it will take a few fills to get the old flavor out. Some strong flavors (Menthol, mint, things like that) may not ever come out. You won't get the REAL flavor of whatever juice you put into them. I had one last week where I accidentally mixed bubblegum and tobacco flavors and ended up with a cheap whiskey flavor. Yuck.

I really liked what ianmassey said. Sit on it a bit if it's working, read and see what you might want different before you jump on anything.

I don't know about the accounting thing. I can't make 8 quarters add up to two dollars more than once in a row.

 

[EMatic550]

its tough finding the perfect set up. And its all subjective, I finally found it with a 510 de briged atty with my Lavatube at 4.0 - 4.4v and my green Ming drip tip

 

[ChrispyCritter]

I upgraded the PigCig batteries and I think the whole thing came to $70 with Google-searched coupon code and free shipping. I was running through a carton a week at $70 so in a lot of respects, the orders aren't killing me...but I'm certainly looking forward to the part where I'm not ordering more.

I suggest you checkout MadVapes with all the orders I have got from there since last June I've spent around $622 and I've got enough stuff to go at least another month (probably 2 and if it lasts 2 it's $69/month) so estimating that is around $77 a month..that includes trying things out and buying a couple things for my father that he used awhile but went back to smoking and now I use his stuff.

My monthly average is on it's way down too and until I have to replace batteries it will continue to go down. My target is to get and keep it below $70/a month as I was spending around $70/month plus gas (1hr drive each way) at the tax free reservation on native smokes and I think I will get there I'm vaping all kinds of there flavors and am happy with them.

I save a bit by cleaning and rebuilding CE2 cartomizers also. Anyways you are going to spend a bit at start up trying different things until you find something you stay with then you will save money. I'm using 6 different batteries also 3 eGo style with minor blems I got in there bargain bin for $10 each and 3 XL 510 autos..vaping 7 different flavors. I figure I'm spending around $40/month on e-juice at MadVapes mostly on there TopVapor USA E-Liquid and they have over 100 flavors in stock at very resonable prices..if you buy from there use the reviews as a guide to what might be good but tastes are personal you might like something that is rated low.

As you can see I'm spending about 1/4 you were a month on smokes so when you find something that works you can save at least half of what you were spending on smokes easy..I also try to order about every 2 months spending just over $75 to save on the shipping as it's free over that amount ($2.99 on all orders up to $75) plus you get points that add up to about 5% for future purchases..you have to look at this long term to save money plus you get the benefit of feeling better and it being better for you..good luck

 

[stephpd]

Wish you had come here first.

For what you're paying for the PigCig you could have gotten twice the product by getting something like a Kgo;
SLB KGO Starter Kit
KGO 1100 mAh 2 battery kit

I'm not sure if what you bought is compatible with all the 510 threading accessories or not. The two items I listed certainly are.

The difference is that with the PigCig you may be stuck having to purchase everything from that company if it's not comfortable with whats' out on the market. And that almost always means costing you more for parts and supplies.

But since I can't find any details on what threads the parts are I'll assume they're proprietary and not like most of what's recommended on this site. Maybe they are and you'll luck out. But it still costs more for that then what many here recommend.

Looked it up and it seems to be a Ego like battery with 808/901 threads for the cartos. So cartos should be easy to get but the batteries are certainly different from the Ego types.

 

[Eddie.Willers]

Whoo-Hoo! Just wait until you get into the wired, weird, wonderful world of mods! There's a potential wallet-emptier around every corner!

Welcome to ECF and congratulations for getting off the stinkysticks. Remember, the right device is what works for you and keeps you away from the coffin nails but there's a whole bunch of friendly, helpful folk here on this forum who can point you in the right direction to get the best bang for your buck!

 

[tbrinkley]

I went from a 510 to an ego-t to a copper, but at least I upgraded each time. Personally I love the copper (vaporalley.com) and wish I had started with it. Its a 6v mod but for alot cheaper than most 6v mods and it is well built. It takes regular rechargeable batteries which are cheaper than the rechargeable batteries found in most starter kits. Did I mention I am only 21days smokefree? I think there's alot of searching at first for what works for you.

 

[Skennard]

Gratz for kicking analogs! As far as your set up goes as long as your happy and it satisfies your craving and keeps you off of cigarettes then its a good fit for you. I went from a smoke anywhere to a 510 to an ego in a matter of weeks....however I stuck with the EGO for over a year. I'm now using a silver bullet with a low resistance dual coil cartomizer and it works for me. That's the key you have to find what works for you. when you do the pace will slow down maybe... unless you've been bitten by the "bug" and have to have the latest and greatest thing out there.

 

[PowerofParanoia]

I had a lot of trouble trying to break even with the e-cigarettes, also. You just have to push through and chain your bank account shut, but to do that, you're going to have to find an e-cig that you're completely satisfied with. It took me about 6 months before I actually found one I could settle on, which ended up being the eGo with 1000mAh batts. After I had found one that I liked, I started trying my hand at DIY, and since then I've been saving crap tons of money. I just buy 200ml's of 100mg nic, big bottles of PG and flavors, and I'm set for about 8 months.

Well, moral of my story is- find something you're completely comfortable with and you'll be able to start breaking even. If you're anything like me, you're probably buying so much stuff because the whole e-cigarette community is so new and fascinating, wanting to try everything out is totally normal. Just give yourself time, really.

 

[PaporPlas]

Well Compose, looks like I'm going to be your new best friend, sort of. : /

I bought a Pig Cig a couple of weeks ago - when I first started vaping (it's my one and only PV). Then I found this site, and I have to be honest I would have bought this guy - KGO 1100 mAh 2 battery kit - had I known about it.

But I didn't and don't regret the Pig Cig, actually I'm glad I got it, except one thing, other than the cost. Just realized it is a D1 (808D-1 battery?). Which means our options are limited, as one ECF'er pointed out earlier in this post; 510 is the thread of choice and has the most options.

That said, I really like the ease of use and everything is working as promised. Great vapor. The 2 batteries are more than enough to never run out of power. And, they fit in the hand well. I got the Mega Cartomizers, so don't have to refill them too often. I vape 2 cartomizers a day. I went with the kit 650 mAh batteries, and probably happier with that size battery since I'm a "stealth vape" and carry one in my pants front pocket. I have had no failures or problems. The batteries charge fast and keep their charge well. Get 3-4 hours from one battery, easy.

Here's the rub. Went to order a dual cartomizer tonight, and that is when I discovered that the Pig Cig is D1 thread, not 510. LiCig has CE2's (dual cartomizers) on their website for the Pig Cig. But, I was not able to use the Boge Cartomizers I keep reading about. I'm sure there is an adaptor that would let me use 510 stuff, but I never really like using "adaptors" on anything.

Here's the WIN WIN for me with LeCig. I ordered their Menthol with my Mega Cartomizers, and if I had to I could smoke nothing but that eLiquid forever. I smoked Marlboro Blue and I am very happy with LeCig's 24mg Menthol. I tried some other Menthols from other companies and did not like them. Another thing with LeCig is that their liquids are pure VG. I also experimented with a 70/30 VG/PG from another company and found out me and PG do not get along. Thus, the LeCig 100% VG is just right for me. Lucky accident, cuz I had no idea what VG or PG were when I got the Pig Cig.

Lastly, I refill the LeCig Mega Cartomizers very easily with the condom method. From everything I have seen their cartomizers are pretty standard, other than the threading being D1. They also sell blank cartomizers.

I think you'll be fine with the Pig Cig. There are better deals out there, and I plan on taking advantage of one of them sooner than later. Probably the unit I linked in this response. Then again, who knows what new units and deals will arrise in the next couple of weeks. : )

Here's to FRIENDS

 

[MarieElizabeth]

I use V2's and I love them I buy Ejuice from ivape.net and Ahlusion I refill my empty carts that I have from V2 if you stick to similar flavors you dont have to use a blank cart everytime and you can even mix flavors to get a new flavor I mix the cola and cherry alot. You will definetly save more money buy refilling yourself as opposed to using prefilled carts there are alot of threads here and videos on you tube to show you exactly how to refill and when to refill so you dont burn your cart Once you get the burned taste you might as well throw the cart away I know alot of ppl say you can clean the cartomizers by boiling them but I have ruined waaayyy more than I have been able to salvage. V2 also has coupon codes for 10 to 15% off your entire order each month you get the code from their forums (January's is staywarm) Now for my review of Ivape.net I absolutely Love this one I havent tried a flavor of thiers I havent liked yet and the quality is above excellent. The liquid is crystal clear and and the flavor in my opinion is the best. A 10 ml bottle gos for 5.85 and the 30ml 14.45. Also he throws in samples of his new flavors in your order from time to time. Ahlusions also has excellent product and they have a smaller size bottle called a sample bottle so you dont have to spend $14 to try a flavor and not like it they sell 3 ml bottles for $3 a piece so you dont go broke trying new flavors All of their flavors are reasonably priced for the quality of the product remember you get what you pay for cheaper is not always better They have a several sample packs of 5 bottles for $10 and their larger bottles run you about $8 for 10 ml they go up to a 60 ml bottle. They also let you choose what blend you want PG vs VG you go 100% either way 50/50, 90/10 etc..And both companies products are completely made in the USA From start to finish Check for reviews here and on you tube ppl do reviews of diffrent companies juices and their Ecigs you have to find what works for you. But the benifits of switching to vaping soo outway the negatives. After a while you will start to notice a big savings from analogs (especially if you refill yourself) Good Luck to you and Happy Vaping

 

[Doomed!]

I also started with V2 and I absolutely hated them. They are bottom shelf KR808D-1 batteries and cartos, they charge a fortune for them and their customer service was terrible. At least, that was my experience with them. There are a lot of choices out there for cartos. smoklessimage.com has some that will knock V2's name right out of your mouth. But, you can get those same cartos from a lot of different vendors. What you want is horizontal coil 808 cartomizers. Madvapes and NHaler both carry them. Halo carries them now too and they have some great juices to boot.

As for the pigcig, I've heard good things about it. It is over priced. You can get a riva kit from liberty flights for about half of what you paid for the pigcig. But the riva uses a 510 connection vs. an 808 connection.

I know the information can be overwhelming. Since you already bought the pigcig, try it out. It's a manual battery so it's probably sealed, which means that you could get a 901 atomizer (which has the same threading as an 808) and drip. But, you can only drip if the batteries are sealed. Maybe someone out there can tell us if that's the case.

 

[ChrispyCritter]

Whoo-Hoo! Just wait until you get into the wired, weird, wonderful world of mods! There's a potential wallet-emptier around every corner!

Welcome to ECF and congratulations for getting off the stinkysticks. Remember, the right device is what works for you and keeps you away from the coffin nails but there's a whole bunch of friendly, helpful folk here on this forum who can point you in the right direction to get the best bang for your buck!

Not everyone gets into using those insane looking devices..some of us just like something that works (I'm more about functional than looks)..eGo's work good..although I might build a mod sometime because I like to tinker..if I can get/build a variable voltage mod that was reliable and inexpensive I might and I think those $200 devices are way overpriced..(to each their own I say)..probably only cost about 10% what is being charged for them if that in most cases.

It most likely would be made mostly out of stuff I already have laying around (probably wouldn't be pretty) because I do some electronic repair/tinkering..I repaired well over 1,000 PS2's and other gaming systems for my friends game shop a few years ago..I made a decent amount and had a high success rate with 0 training