Too many options

[Virtual Life]

I am brand new to E-cigs and I have already spent 3 hours of surfing trying to get an education. Yeah, I can hear you laughing. But there really are so many options. I had just about settled on the Ego-c starter kit when I came across references to leaking. That is something I would very much prefer to avoid. Is it true? Do they leak?

Have smoked for 30+ years at 2+ packs a day and am very ready to try this vaping.
I was Marlboro Lights for most of those years, except the last 7 or so, Swisher Sweets Little Cigars. Which means harsh is what I am used to now.
I am way past what it looks like (therefore size either) in today's anti-smoking environment, I am the practical type. My attitude is, I am a smoker, get over it or goodbye. Looks mean nothing anymore.
Pretty sure the manual type is for me because I am a heavy smoker.
Long lasting batteries, sounds like the 650mah should be OK, don't mind switching batteries but am not against the 1300mah either.
I am trying to avoid getting something that will be replaced in a few months, as I read about so many that do.
I am flexible, just don't want to waste money. If that means spend more up front, so be it.
In short, reliable and productive is my desire. Lastly I get the idea of spares, in fact I expect to get more pieces after I have actually tried one, just trying to avoid replacing my first one. Yep, I still hear you laughing.
Any help would be very welcome. Thanks

 

[Flyer]

Yes, EGO-C tanks can leak. Mine never did, but plenty of reports here on leaking. I think if you are careful, always insert them completely, and replace them regularly, before the punched hole gets to big, you'll be fine. EGO-C's are not alone in leaking, everything can leak under the right conditions.

Based on your types of tobacco juice, you might want to start with juices with 24 mg/ml nicotine content. Wouldn't hurt to have some 18mg/ml juice in case the 24 proves too much.

A could of 650 mah devices would probably last you through a day. When the battery runs down on on, switch to the fresh and recharge the old one. Always ready!

I don't think spending a lot of many is needed at first. Find what you like in juice delivery systems and of course, juices. Start with single coil cartomizers and maybe try a clearomizer like the Stardust or Phoenix bottom coil.

For a PV (personal vaporizer), you have a choice of fixed voltage and variable voltage devices. Some will say forget fixed voltage and go straight to variable. Others will tell you variable voltage will just complicate things while you are starting. So, your choice as there is not a really big price difference for starter systems.

I think EGO C is a decent starting point.

For other fixed voltage, non cig-alike PV's, consider:

KGO KGO kit1100mAh by SLB

E Power Electronic Cigarette - Starter Kits - EGO E-Power

They are both excellent. The advantage of the E Power is that the batteries are replaceable, and cheap. When a KGO battery can no longer be charged, you toss it and buy a new unit.

For a good starting point in variable voltage AltSmoke.com | Personal Vaporizers | Electronic Cigarette | Ecigs | AltSmoke.com | eGo-C Twist Battery

It's available in 650 mah and 1000 mah. But, the 1000 mah is really long and kinda weird. I have one and never use it.

KGO and E Power are available as nice starter kits. The Twist is not, so you'll have to order charger, cartomizers etc ala cart.

Buy a dripping atomizer for any kit you get. The ones above may come with one. They are really important for testing juices. For juices, buy several sampler packs to try. Don't buy big bottles of juice until you are really sure.

Best of luck!

 

[Pappy]

. . . KGO and E Power are available as nice starter kits. The Twist is not, so you'll have to order charger, cartomizers etc ala cart. . . .

Flyer, I have found that sweet-vapes.com does sell a couple of Twist starter kits. Here: http://www.sweet-vapes.com/shop?page=shop.product_details&flypage=vmj_color_plus.tpl&product_id=1204&category_id=38

They are the only vendor I have found that sells it in a kit.

To the OP: That's great advice that Flyer has given you. Any of those choices are good ones. I bought the 1100mah KGO and like it a lot. I've since bought a variable voltage PV (the Apollo VTube), so I use my KGO now mainly when I'm out and about since the VTube is so big. But I can tell you that once you go to variable voltage, there's a high likelihood that you will like it. So, if I was starting over, I'd probably go with the Twist.

 

[Flyer]

Thanks Pappy! I wasn't aware of any Twist kits. I'll make note of that.

 

[kia2]

Well, everyone seems to offer up the eGo for the first move, I always offer up the 808 version from Smokeless Image in counter, and in this case, the X2. I started with 808's, stayed 808. Plenty of accessories in both categories. I also recommend Smokeless Image because I'm biased. Out of the 5 brands I tried, Smokeless Image's products were the ones that got me off the tobacco cigarettes. I'm not affiliated beyond my personal preferences, I don't get discounts for signing someone up.

The X2 is my recommendation. The X2 comes as 650, 900, or 1300 mah. They are fixed voltage, the last vape should be pretty close to the same as the first before charging.

Smokeless Image came out with a better version of the clearomizer recently, this one isn't cracking or melting under the acidic liquids that have been melting the first version, and it doesn't have an overwhelming plastic flavor. Good clearomizer, and properly filled and handled, can be refilled several times before casting to the heap. Fill method is drip.

Smokeless Image also came out with their own version of the CE3. 808 threaded, of course. Hit or miss for some folk, so far so good for me. I'd been waiting for them. The first version I tried from another vendor was good, but I got an awful metallic solder taste with them. These from SI have a PG primer in them, but the flavor of the liquid overtook that quickly, within a dozen puffs. SI is also working on a CE3 type cartomizer that doesn't require the use of a syringe to fill. No leaking on mine at all so far.

The regular SI cartomizers work well, both regular and XL sizes. I prefer the XL, but with the new v2 clearomizers and the new SI CE3, I haven't been using many in the past week.

Colors, bling, yes, all that too.

SI also has a case for the X2 coming in the next week or 2. I think it's due next week, actually. They're also planning a starter kit revolving around the X2. In the meantime, for a heavy smoker, I think you would want to start with the X2 of your choice plus a couple of clearomizers and a box of CE3's, and maybe a box of XL cartomizers. The X2 is also a passthrough, so it comes with its own charging cable, no need to add a charger unless you want a wall adapter, which I'd actually recommend in 1.5amp - faster charging. Can't see needing much more - except the spare to use while charging the first. You can get a bottle of liquid or a 65mm or 78mm battery or a pack of cartos of choice free from SI as well, if you're willing to post your mugshot with the Volt logo visible (or they will put $14 to a gift certificate). Anyway, a free third battery isn't a bad idea at all.

The X2 is a good battery. Can't hurt to peek at it. I have them in 650, 900 and 1300, my overall preference is the 650 as it fits better in the palm of my hand.

Smokeless Image | Only The Best Electronic Cigarette | Volt X2 Battery Passthrough - Accessories

There is a coupon code thread around here somewhere. There is an ECF coupon code for use at Smokeless Image. The thread says it's 10%, but I've been getting 15% off the use. PM me when you're able if you want to use it and you can't find it.

 

[Teacup36]

To hit on a couple more points from Kias post.. Yourvolt00 gets you a 20% discount ( i have used it on 3 of my orders) so it still works i just used it this morning when i ordered my 2nd X2.
Customer service is outstanding and they have a 3 month warranty on parts and pieces ( i see 30 days on a lot of places)
I have only been vaping a month and 5 days Volt was my 3rd try at an ecig and I will be staying with them
Like Kia i don't work for smokeless image or recieve anything from them i am just 1 really really satisfied customer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JAY73]

all awesome advice but i would also recomend once you see a device that intrest's you go check it out on youtube see how it works and stuff remember ECF & YOUTUBE are your bff when getting started and also no one is laughing at yoh but with you lol...

 

[mostapha]

I also really like my Twist. I also liked my Mistic (a cheap 901-ish cig-look-a-like thing if that means anything to you) but I haven't used it since I got my Twist except while the Twist battery is charging. I really need to get around to more.

I second flyer's advice, except I'll say that the Twist's approach to variable voltage, while not perfect, is very simple…just twist it 'till it tastes right.

Also, it makes it more expensive, but I've learned the hard way to buy in pairs until you have something that you know works…then stock up on that some and start experimenting more. It's hard at the beginning–and I consider myself an educated n00b, nothing more–to tell when things are going to fail. And it's annoying when you find your "ideal" only to discover a day later that your stuff is wearing out and you have to wait for shipping.

Knowing what I know now, this is what I would buy:

2x Ego-C Twist 650mAh (or 1 and a 1000 mAh if you think the length won't bother you)
2x 510 atomizers as close to 2.2Ω resistance as you can find (I'll tell you why if you ask)
A 5-pack of Boge LR cartomizers.
A 5-pack of other cartomizers (I've been using Smoktech 1.7Ω single coil xl cartos…kangers are worth a try, or ikenvape's 510 cartos whenever they come back online come highly-recommended by grimmgreen, who's an amateur youtube reviewer I like)
2x clearomizers of some kind. I don't know what to recommend, honestly. I'm just trying my first one today and it seems very "meh" so far.

If that blew my budget, I'd drop the boges (they've apparently been having consistency issues lately that no one can figure out), then switch one of the Twists for a kgo or a normal ego, then drop the clearos. But that might be just because I haven't tried the clearos yet and kinda want to.

If you like it, start experimenting. There are a lot of good reviewers on youtube (grimmgreen, pbusardo, steeljan, vaping monkey, etc.). I'm weirdly geeky and love steeljan's videos, but I could see how they're really overwhelming for a beginner. Steeljan's video about the twist (it's like 30 minutes long and very technical) is what makes me feel safe recommending it despite the fact that I don't have much to compare it to. There are better things out there, but I feel like it's a very solid choice. I haven't seen a negative review yet excpet for people who have stuff that is already better.

 

[dcav]

Hello. I am new also and believe me, noone is laughing. I poured over this site for weeks for many hours/day before even vaping. There are alot of options and I don't have enough experience with any of them to advise you there, but I would say that when you price things, don't forget to include a gang of different juices. Since we don't know what we will like or not, that is where most of my money is going.

 

[Suthrnbuckhunter]

Flyer, I have found that sweet-vapes.com does sell a couple of Twist starter kits. Here: http://www.sweet-vapes.com/shop?page=shop.product_details&flypage=vmj_color_plus.tpl&product_id=1204&category_id=38

They are the only vendor I have found that sells it in a kit.

To the OP: That's great advice that Flyer has given you. Any of those choices are good ones. I bought the 1100mah KGO and like it a lot. I've since bought a variable voltage PV (the Apollo VTube), so I use my KGO now mainly when I'm out and about since the VTube is so big. But I can tell you that once you go to variable voltage, there's a high likelihood that you will like it. So, if I was starting over, I'd probably go with the Twist.

That is a great price for this starter kit,as the twist batts are about 28.00 by themselves each.the charger is around 8 bucks and the case 10 bucks...not bad at all

 

[wv2win]

I would steer clear of any of the eGo's as they have the smallest voltage battery on the market.

The suggestions of the Kgo 510 or E-Power 510 are good starter kits. The E-Power also costs less to maintain. Both come standard with 1000+ mAh batteries unlike the the smaller powered eGo which comes standard with only a 650 mAh battery.

But as a heavy smoker, (I was also), I would strongly suggest you look at a good 5 volt or variable volt/watt model. They will give you warmer vapor than any of the 3.4 volt to 3.7 volt models such as the ego, Kgo, Volt, etc.

The best 5 volt model on the market and the only PV that comes with a lifetime warranty is the 5 volt GLV2. For variable volt, I would look at either the Provari or for much less money, the new Gripper because it has a 4 amp limit switch which means you can vape any atomizer or cartomizer on it unlike the ones that only have a 2.5 amp limit like the Lavatube.

Here is the sites for the GLV2 and the Gripper:

GLV-2 Electronic Cigarette [GLV-2] - $0.00 : Electronic Cigarettes and E-Liquid - Great Lakes Vapor

Variable Volt Gripper

Also, being a heavy smoker, I would start out with eliquid in the 24mg nicotine strength range. It is what most need to make the transition to vaping. You can always lower the strength of your eliquid, but you can't make it higher, so better to start a little higher than too low.

Good Luck

 

[Virtual Life]

Thank you all. I have decided on the KGO kit at Hoosier. It is not expensive, has great reviews everywhere and I recognized the page from my initial surfing and remember liking it then.
Thanks again.

 

[mullit]

i dont suppose you could show me a link to the purchase (or a pm) i admit im having the same problem and wanted to try and steer clear of cartridges and go straight to dripping have you done the same?

 

[amerirish44]

Welcome and Ego I think is a great way to start is what I am doing and although there are sometimes a leak for me it isn't the ego but the atty or carto....and is an easy fix..don't be scared and don't think you need the biggest shiniest things out there..I smoked for 30+ years andam quite satisfied for the most part with my EGO_t started with a 510..still use it too...keep it simple as I fel too many people end up spending countless dollars in their search to be like everyone else..LOOK WHAT I GOT...if you are looking to quit the analogs then keep it simple..no need for added stress..YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN?...have a great time learning as there is quite alot of info and I have not to date found a more supportive group EVER....good luck my friend and take care...KEEP IT SIMPLE

 

[amerirish44]

Aso there is this great gal who runs an e-cig storeLIttle Shop of Vapors ..her name is Annmarie and she will definitly help yo with anyhting you may need at a great price and the best customer service..really a trustworthy person with alot of know how...will derect youto get what you need if she doesn't have it..give her a shout ..yo will not be dissapointed..she likes to help us newbies

 

[Virtual Life]

i dont suppose you could show me a link to the purchase (or a pm) i admit im having the same problem and wanted to try and steer clear of cartridges and go straight to dripping have you done the same?

The first guy that replied, Flyer, put the link to the one I got.

http://www.hoosierecig.com/KGO-kit-1100mAh-by-SLB_p_10.html
It is post #2 in this thread.

Well, actually, I ordered 2 kits.

 

[mullit]

So am i right in saying i could purchase this -KGO kit 1100mAh by SLB and then ontop of that purchase some LR 306 1.8 attomizers, they would fit this kit and work ok, and then just drip my juice and away i go?

 

[Wabbeln]

The first guy that replied, Flyer, put the link to the one I got.

KGO kit1100mAh by SLB
It is post #2 in this thread.

Well, actually, I ordered 2 kits.

Hey VL. Looks like a good kit. I would also add a 5 pack of cartomisers (around 2 ohms), a drip tip, and some liquid in 24mg and 18mg. I smoked cigars before vaping, and started with 24mg juice, but quickly went to 18. Also, purchase your juice in smaller sizes until you know what you like. The drip tip is nice for keeping your lips away from the heat of the cartomiser. Good luck.

 

[Kheffner]

Being a new guy myself this post was very informative. Every day there is new information to gain

 

[mullit]

am i right in believing that the cartomizer wouldnt be used if you was going to self drip?