Too darn confusing...

[Tori]

I have to say... IMO all of the ones you listed are CRAP and should be avoided at all costs. Very few people actually like them and continue using them once they realize how bad they are. I know as I have several of them The cartomisers are wayyy too expensive. They claim to last for a full pack however truth be told you may get 4-5 worth out of each cartomiser... and they taste, well.... AWFUL The 2 piece seems like the easy way but seriously, the 510 is awesome. Tons of vapor and throat hit and so many flavors of juice to fill your own carts. You will be disappointed in a 2 piece I do believe. I have 3 of them, all different and all disappointing... not good vapor, no throat hit and I already told ya about the taste. Seriously, if you want to vape you need a REAL PV and IMO the 510 is seriously awesome

 

[Vince1]

Some debate about atomizers - http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/joye-510/29026-vendors-genuine-510-hardware.html
This is the first I have seen of atomizers not made by Joyetech, and this may not be true so lets see how this thread goes, who knows, at this point, they may be better.

Lets see,

 

[DuneBuggy]

My Npro was spotty.About every third or forth drag she had a GREAT hit.Arguably even better than what my 510 gives concerning flavor.
But its the CONSISTANCY of the 510 I like.
Almost every hit is a winner.
I prefer to be "exclusive" with my PV.IE I only want to buy spares and such for one model.Cheaper and simpler that way.
I dont want to sound like im bashing the RN4081 to no end,I just feel there are better models to choose from.

I can agree. I've just been comparing the two of them lately, and with the exception of a few minor differences, they're brothers. Now they have the double cart for the 4081. The last thing they need is a 4081 manual battery. When that comes along, I don't see the difference in preferring either one over the other.

When I'm at home, I use my 401 passthrough. Great hit, & vapor.

I used my 4081 all day today. Now, I'm sitting at the puter in the hotel with the passthrough. In a few hours, I'll lay down with my 510 to watch TV. And I know, I'll get the same hit & vapor with all of them.

Love em all

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

...I am looking for a good quality (if such a thing) e-cig, that emits good vapor (I know the 510), and a decent to great "throat/lung hit"

I have looked in the following so far, and hope some responses are from users of these:

Green Smoke
Luci
Red Dragon
Dragon M401
Blu (whenever they get back in stock, who knows... 10 yrs maybe)
NJOY (Kinda looked cheap to me, and cartridges looked cheaply made)

Thanks for your replies , but if it has to come to it, I might try the 510, I prefer a 2 piece system w/ the atomizer built in the cart. Heard horror stories of crap atomizers. The screwdriver is out of the question (for now)

I couldn't believe that list of yours - virtually identical (other than the M401) to what my next-door neighbor had come up with prior to talking with me about it. I pretty much echo Tori's thoughts, other than the 401 (which, I believe, many ECF members use and enjoy).

I guess it's the extensive advertising/marketing those companies conduct that puts those products in your face as a non-initiate tries to find out about these "e-cigs" mentioned on the TV news. Fortunately, ECF (e-cigarette-forum) also places high on Google searches, so that you (and I) found our way here.

And this is the place to be for good (albeit not infallible) information, good fellowship, and advice. Take everything with a grain of salt. At least 99% of the posters are good folks, but we all (including me) can get caught up in our own enthusiasms and personal preferences.

Obviously (from the replies you've already received and throughout ECF) the 510 has become hugely popular and it may be right for you. That is, for your first device. I don't think I know of anyone who's been into this for a month or more who doesn't have at least two different devices. From what I've heard about the 510, its only real weakness is the battery life (i.e., time between charges), but that PCC (portable charging case) helps prop that up. I've not tried the 510, so I'll comment no further on it.

The following are the units and vendors, with which I have had experience. I will be mentioning names and including links ... for your convenience, not because I get some kind of kickback (I don't).


I started with the KR808D-1 and, if you do want a two-piece unit, you certainly should consider it. The vapor is good, strong throat hit, battery life is fair, but I didn't particularly like the taste of the prefilled cartomizers. And they do get expensive (although you can nurse them along by dripping into the battery end of the cartomizer). It's sold under myriad brand names, most of which are listed here on the Mist-Stix site. I'll mention two, for two different reasons:

1. The VaporKing is perhaps the best known (I guess it was one of the first). And we all owe a dept of gratitude to the vendor, Vapor4Life, for his participation in last week's NBC News story on e-cigs. Steve provided an effective counterbalance to the FDA report and hysteria.
2. The Easy E-Cigarette from CigEasy because it is one of the least expensive and, therefore, was the vendor I used. [NOTE: Mist-Stix mentioned above has very low prices on cartomizers, but no longer sells batteries or starter kits.]

After two weeks, I moved on to the DSE801 (penstyle), which I don't think has brand names. It's long and elegant looking (IMO), smooth drawing, excellent vapor, but not much throat hit. I got my starter kit from Drew at NHaler, a US vendor of KR808D-1's (and the similar, but different, Green Cig), who was getting rid of a supply of 801's (which he no longer carries). [BTW, he's one of the few sources for 48mg unflavored PG (for cutting only, please), if you decide to get into DIY (as I have).]

The Chinese may be your best source (certainly price-wise) for 801 kits and parts, e.g., Ruyan Direct (which also has super prices on e-liquid) and BestEcig. BestEcig actually sells their own BE112 penstyle, which others here have said is fully compatible with (and better than?) the 801. The RN4072 is another 801 clone, with which I have no experience (I think, sometimes you're not sure which of those two you're getting). The other penstyle I know of (but have no experience with) is the M201. I've heard good things about it, but it is not compatible with the 801 (or with devices, to which you may graduate that are 801 compatible).

My most recent (and final?) acquisition is the Prodigy from PureSmoker. Based on your comments about the Screwdriver, you're probably not yet open to this one. Looking into my crystal ball, however, I predict that you will be. The high-voltage fat boys (as I call them) are the ultimate vaping experience (at this time). [Actually, this is rivaled by the very good passthroughs, e.g., Puresmoker's, but those have limited mobility.] The reason I splurged $140 of my (very limited) budget was I was sick of charging batteries every hour. Well the Prodigy has solved that ... and delivers much more throat hit and even more vapor.

I know that the Prodigy and its kin look nothing like an analog cigarette. Those of us who use them just don't care. In fact, not being mistaken for a cigarette smoker can have its advantages.

Take in all of the comments you've received on this thread (and throughout ECF) ... view them in light of your lifestyle and personal preferences (and budget) ... and choose what is best for you. It almost certainly won't be your last vaping purchase. You just want it to be a pleasant one.

From a cold-blooded, planning for the future point of view, I suggest the 901 (with which I have no experience), the 801 (which I still love), or the 510 (which is so wildly popular today) - because their atomizers can all be used with the Prodigy (and, I believe, most of the other fat boys).

I hope you enjoy your adventure in vaping even half as much as I am enjoying mine!

 

[Jay9928]

Thanks for all the replies ! I think I am leaning towards the 510. When I first saw it, I was not that interested (like vaping a pen), but after all the reviews, it is looking more appealing.

If I do go with that, is it absolutely necessary to drip juice in the cart ? If it gives you better vapor, and hit, I will order a couple bottles. And if I do get some juice, I won't need to buy any more carts ?

 

[Vince1]

Buy the juice and a syringe (18ga)and refill your own carts, no need to buy carts all the time. I never drip my 510, it works great like it was intended to. Some drip because they like big clouds of vapor or they like to take back to back hits. As long as you allow a few seconds (10-15) between hits for the liquid to wick you will be fine.
Don't forget to dull the point of the needle with a nail file or sandpaper for safety.

Happy vaping.

 

[Symmetric]

I LOVE Greensmoke's tobacco flavor, and I've been hard pressed to find anything like it... thier cart's don't seem to burn and if you're going to go with an E9 style cig, I'd reccomend starting with the Greensmoke sampler pack. I don't like menthol, but I even liked the Menthol flavor. it's kinda a long story, but I'm using a KR808D1 now and, although liking it (thanks Steve), I'm still wrestling with trying to find carts similar to the Greensmoke.

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

Thanks for all the replies ! I think I am leaning towards the 510. When I first saw it, I was not that interested (like vaping a pen), but after all the reviews, it is looking more appealing.

If I do go with that, is it absolutely necessary to drip juice in the cart ? If it gives you better vapor, and hit, I will order a couple bottles. And if I do get some juice, I won't need to buy any more carts ?

Jay, the term "drip" has special meaning in the world of e-cigs: it refers to dripping 1-3 drops of e-liquid directly onto the atomizer. I believe you are talking about "filling" or "topping off" cartridges.

Certainly start with prefilled carts (typically five of them are included in most starter kits). But to save money and to open up to a much wider choice of flavors, almost certainly you will want to use e-liquid: either filling the carts and/or dripping on the atomizer (some of us do both simultaneously).

And using the e-liquid is no big deal. [The syringe is optimally efficient, but I think it may be a bit much to start with. You can just squirt the juice onto the cart filling until it soaks in.] Over time you can try "dripping" if you like. There's a fair amount of controversy about dripping: some warn against it, some swear by it. I gradually got into it (especially with the Prodigy, as recommended by the inventor).

So grandfather Don recommends that you order some blank carts and, yes, some e-liquid. Some of the suppliers offer fairly inexpensive samplers (e.g., 3 ml bottles). That's a great way to test out the flavors that appeal to you.

Take this all at your own pace (and budget). I think you've made a wise choice with the 510 (even though I've never tried it). From your current point of view, realize that it's only slightly longer than a 100's cigarette. The manual switch may take some getting used to, but it gives you control and is much more reliable (automatic batteries can have all sorts of problems).

Consider purchasing extra batteries*: ideally you'll want to have at least two fully charged batteries at the ready (in addition to the one you're vaping with). And have at least one spare atomizer. Both of these should be considered "disposible" items: not daily or even weekly, hopefully, but they will poop out, probably sooner than you might like.

* And that PCC, so you've got one battery charging in the wall/USB charger and one charging in the PCC.

The devices (and their replacement parts) are important, but the fun is in the flavors, which (to a great extent) means e-liquid. Once you've placed your 510 order, start hanging out at the E-liquid Reviews forum and visiting the websites of the Supporting Suppliers (looking at their liquid, rather than the hardware).

Anyway, that's how "grandfather Don" sees it, based on his extensive experience.*

* Years living maybe; but only 2 months vaping.

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

I LOVE Greensmoke's tobacco flavor, and I've been hard pressed to find anything like it... thier cart's don't seem to burn and if you're going to go with an E9 style cig, I'd reccomend starting with the Greensmoke sampler pack. I don't like menthol, but I even liked the Menthol flavor. it's kinda a long story, but I'm using a KR808D1 now and, although liking it (thanks Steve), I'm still wrestling with trying to find carts similar to the Greensmoke.

FYI: I don't think you will find that Greensmoke is very respected here at ECF. After browsing some of your other posts to determine whether you were a stealth vendor (you don't appear to be), I visited the Greensmoke website. OMG. Horribly overpriced. [No wonder you were complaining in one of your other posts about all the money you've been spending.] For that price, you could have gotten a Prodigy (or one of its similarly powerful competitors), which is worth $140. Even the Blu is less than half that price (and, no, I'm not recommending it ... although I do think its PCC looks neat).

I am so sorry that you (and others) were ripped off. I can't imagine that you spent anywhere near that for your KR808D-1. Most vendors of that model, I believe, participate in ECF, are trusted/respected, and charge less than half that amount for their starter kit.

And whenever you become disillusioned with the cartomizer concept (its expense, constrained refillablity, and limited choice of flavors), as I did, enter the exciting world of myriad-flavored e-liquids, via 3-piece models.

IM(not so H)O

 

[Jay9928]

Thanks for the info Don. Actually, I have no e-cigs, so the 510 will be my first. I am looking at Rocky Mtn Vapor, and they have decent prices. I am looking into this:

510 kit (46.00)
Extra Batt: 11.00
PCC: 23.00
Extra atty: (forgot price... cheap though)
And about 3 bottles of juice (16.00 a piece I think)

......Just waiting for the "green light" from the other half.

 

[Robert]

U got it!

I been here a month or so- IMHO

all e-cigs u mentioned suck

Old but good models are- 801, 901, 4081 maybe

New Great model- 510

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

Thanks for the info Don. Actually, I have no e-cigs, so the 510 will be my first. I am looking at Rocky Mtn Vapor, and they have decent prices. I am looking into this:

510 kit (46.00)
Extra Batt: 11.00
PCC: 23.00
Extra atty: (forgot price... cheap though)
And about 3 bottles of juice (16.00 a piece I think)

......Just waiting for the "green light" from the other half.

I (and many folks here) completely identify with "the other half" comment! See my title of this post ... and remind her how much healthier this is than analogs (no winking emoticon for that point; it is quite sincere).

As for what you're looking into: Sounds like a plan! Your selected supplier is not one of the "Supporting" Suppliers, but does have presence here ... has excellent prices* on e-liquid ... and free shipping (most charge $5 - $10 for orders under $100).

* I see that, at $15 (not $16) for 30ml, Rocky Mountain meets my personal benchmark of 50 cents per ml. Most suppliers exceed it. Some are double that.

I notice that their starter kit includes two attys, so you could get by without purchasing an extra (for $8) initially. I do think that third battery (for $12 actually) makes sense (i.e., one extra in addition to the two in the kit) for the reasons already mentioned.


I look at it this way: What would it be like if...[a very possible scenario occured]?

• If one of my batteries died: If I started with three, I can alternate between my two good ones (vaping one while the other charges).* Otherwise, if I started with only two...8-o

• If one of my attys died: If I just have the two from the starter kit, I can switch to the other atty.*

* While I'm waiting for the replacement(s) I just ordered (in a panic) to arrive.

I assume that those three bottles of juice will be three different flavors. Since the kit comes with five Marboro cartridges, you may want to consider juices other than Marboro (to increase your sampling). I'm really tempted to make specific recommendations, but I think it best if I stick with general principles, e.g., urge you try out as many different flavors as possible to find out what you like the best (it probably will be more than just one).

Have you decided on your nicotine level? There are all kinds of factors to consider. If you have been a fairly heavy smoker of non-light cigarettes, you may want to go with 24mg (which you could always cut down with 0mg liquid). If you smoke less than a pack per day of UltrLights, 11mg may be right for you. [That happens to describe me.] Or, in between.

Jay, as I review what I've written (in this post and in the others), I see that I have gone too far with this "grandfather" wisdom business. Rather than delete most of this post, how about if you just take from it whatever seems relevant and ignore the rest?

No more preaching. Just best wishes!

 

[kcr]

I see that I have gone too far with this "grandfather" wisdom business.

Ah, who couldn't use a spare grandfather now and again?

I can personally attest for Rocky Mountain Vapor--both times I have ordered from them, the shipments came promptly and in good condition. I think you will be pleased.

And I think you will really like the 510. I love mine!

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

Ah, who couldn't use a spare grandfather now and again?

Why thank you, kcr!

Not sure if our respective ages are right for it. I'm 63, but you have discretely omitted that information on your profile. Perhaps I am more like your spare daddy ... or your spare brother ... or even your spare son.

 

[phinneyk]

definately the dse801 from dietsmokes.com.. great and i mean GREAT throat hit. loooots of vapor. on top of that the service parker will give u is like a friend who owes you a favor.. im telling u... u wont regret it

 

[JohnR]

To add on - I've got the RN 4081, the only model I've tried thus far -I'm not as heavy a user as many others, by the sounds of it - for me it works fine. I'm going to get a 510 in a month or so and give that a shot and keep to a couple systems. I'm not prepared to go down the road of investing in everything to find the "right" one, but I think that goes to my level of use. After 40 plus years of smoking tobacco, I was surprised at how easy a fit this was for me with the 4081, to be honest.

All of the cart refilling, etc. etc - my take on that is - it's all DIY - we're all tinkering with this stuff, at a level that I hadn't with cigarettes for years (many moons ago I was the proud owner of a "Laredo" ciggie roller, but that was way back)
So the messy, spillage, easy/hard to refill - y'know - waddya want. It's a convoluted process IMO regardless, and there's a level of hands-on hassle to accept by going that route. (which I have too).

 

[Jay9928]

I (and many folks here) completely identify with "the other half" comment! See my title of this post ... and remind her how much healthier this is than analogs (no winking emoticon for that point; it is quite sincere).

As for what you're looking into: Sounds like a plan! Your selected supplier is not one of the "Supporting" Suppliers, but does have presence here ... has excellent prices* on e-liquid ... and free shipping (most charge $5 - $10 for orders under $100).

* I see that, at $15 (not $16) for 30ml, Rocky Mountain meets my personal benchmark of 50 cents per ml. Most suppliers exceed it. Some are double that.

I notice that their starter kit includes two attys, so you could get by without purchasing an extra (for $8) initially. I do think that third battery (for $12 actually) makes sense (i.e., one extra in addition to the two in the kit) for the reasons already mentioned.


I look at it this way: What would it be like if...[a very possible scenario occured]?

• If one of my batteries died: If I started with three, I can alternate between my two good ones (vaping one while the other charges).* Otherwise, if I started with only two...8-o

• If one of my attys died: If I just have the two from the starter kit, I can switch to the other atty.*

* While I'm waiting for the replacement(s) I just ordered (in a panic) to arrive.

I assume that those three bottles of juice will be three different flavors. Since the kit comes with five Marboro cartridges, you may want to consider juices other than Marboro (to increase your sampling). I'm really tempted to make specific recommendations, but I think it best if I stick with general principles, e.g., urge you try out as many different flavors as possible to find out what you like the best (it probably will be more than just one).

Have you decided on your nicotine level? There are all kinds of factors to consider. If you have been a fairly heavy smoker of non-light cigarettes, you may want to go with 24mg (which you could always cut down with 0mg liquid). If you smoke less than a pack per day of UltrLights, 11mg may be right for you. [That happens to describe me.] Or, in between.

Jay, as I review what I've written (in this post and in the others), I see that I have gone too far with this "grandfather" wisdom business. Rather than delete most of this post, how about if you just take from it whatever seems relevant and ignore the rest?

No more preaching. Just best wishes!

Hey Don, I am thinking of the 24 mg or a bit higher. When I smoke (A Pipe mainly), I inhale, and it is kind of strong. As for cigarettes, I smoke it when I can afford it, but usually it is either Pall Mall Red, Marlboro Red, Camel, etc. I don't buy lights, so something strong.

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

Hey Don, I am thinking of the 24 mg or a bit higher. When I smoke (A Pipe mainly), I inhale, and it is kind of strong. As for cigarettes, I smoke it when I can afford it, but usually it is either Pall Mall Red, Marlboro Red, Camel, etc. I don't buy lights, so something strong.

Yep, 24mg is probably right for you. I didn't mention anything higher because Rocky Mountain has nothing stronger than that. Some other places do, but they're becoming fewer and further between.

Bear in mind that an e-cig, which delivers good throat hit (like my Prodigy and the 510, from what I've read), delivers more effective kick per mg. And if you vape more than you smoked (as many of us do), your overall intake of nicotine will be higher.

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

definately the dse801 from dietsmokes.com.. great and i mean GREAT throat hit. loooots of vapor. on top of that the service parker will give u is like a friend who owes you a favor.. im telling u... u wont regret it

I love the 801: it's the atty I use with my Prodigy ... and I still use my 801 batteries on occasion. I'm surprised, however, that you find it has a great throat hit (unless connected to a high-volt battery like the Prodigy). I've found the throat hit to be fairly mild with the 801 atty + 801 battery package (aka penstyle).

BTW, did you know that they're just come out with an 801 manual battery? For example, at Ruyan Direct and perhaps others.

 

[KreeL]

Very good idea to start with the 510 first. You can always add other pvs or mods to your collection later (and you invariably will).