Total Newbie and taking the plunge - ordering today! Assistance needed with a few ?s though - Thanks!

[jlazarus]

The hubby and I have decided to give e-cigs a try!

I was all set to order the Green Smokes when I remembered I had found this forum a couple years ago but never really read much (until today). I've now spent the last 2 hours browsing and trying to understand what I am about to purchase.

I've read tons of reviews (other places - not this site, lol) that say that green smokes are fantastic - especially the "new and improved flavormax" - but what I've read here sounds like they aren't really that great. I think the main consensus, if I've interpreted it correctly, is that GS is expensive ("highway robbery" is what one poster used to describe them), not flexible (can't use other batteries with them, etc.) and the batteries don't last, etc...These were older posts though, so not sure if they still hold as much value, but I think I've been convinced to not buy them.

To be honest, the ONLY experience I've had with an e-cig is with an NJOY (about 2 years ago) - which wasn't that great. Novel at first, yet, but difficult to draw, very little vapor, and just didn't satisfy me at all.

I'm hoping that I'll have a much better experience this time around (which is how I almost purchased the GS starter kit today - I'd read a lot of sites that said GS would be a totally different - and good - experience for me).

However, after reading this forum this morning, I'm thinking I'd be better off buying the eGo. BUT I'M VERY CONFUSED ON SOME THINGS, LOL! So hoping for some help in clearing a few things up for me:

1.) I'd like to buy both an automatic and manual battery - and I right in thinking I can switch these around on an eGo?

2.) Also, I assume (could be wrong?) that the eGO a model and not a brand? If so, anyone recommend a particular brand for a newbie?

3.) If I choose the eGo, does this mean I have to fill carts up myself or can I also buy prefilled ones until I "get the hang of things"?

4.) When comparing against the KR8, it appears that the KR8 will allow me to switch between manual and auto batteries as well as use prefilled or filling myself - BUT, I also got the filling that the "hit" isn't as strong with the KR8 - hence why I was looking at the eGo - is this assumption correct? The reason this is important to me is that while I am a light to moderate smoker, my husband is a HEAVY smoker and I really want this experience to help sway him off analogs and if what I buy doesn't "hit" well, I know he'll never use it!! So that's pretty important to me - although convenience of prefilled carts may be important (at first anyway) to getting him to adopt ecigs as well.....I really want to make the right decision here, even though I know I may buy something else later, THIS round has to "work" in order to convert from analogs to e-cigs....

Thanks for your input!!!!!

 

[MajorRocker]

Welcome to the forums. I wish I could answer your questions better, but I went right from the Nebula to a Silver Bullet and Alpha. I'm positive you'll receive answers to all of your questions and then some from the members on here. I can tell you that filling your own cartomizers may sound daunting, but I assure you, after 1 time you'll be a pro. There are sooooo many different e-juice flavors out there to try.

On a side note, check out GrimmGreen's channel on YouTube. Watching his videos is the sole reason I made the switch. He has 300+ video's from reviews to how-to's.

Here's a vid from him about the eGo-T.

http://www.youtube.com/user/GrimmGreen#p/search/3/AbyO4pPaoSY

 

[denali_41]

if ya want to switch between with batteries\atty\carto's ???? ego and the riva are both 510 threads which means the batteries can be switched around ...there are other brands out there with 510 threads also
i would strongly suggest manual batteries until you get the hang of re-filling

 

[HeadLikeOrange]

1.) I'd like to buy both an automatic and manual battery - and I right in thinking I can switch these around on an eGo?

If you can find an automatic battery for the eGo, then yes, the automatic and manual would be the same size and interchangeable.

2.) Also, I assume (could be wrong?) that the eGO a model and not a brand? If so, anyone recommend a particular brand for a newbie?
Joyetech makes the eGo and lots of people make clones. Some are good (the Riva 510) and some aren't.

3.) If I choose the eGo, does this mean I have to fill carts up myself or can I also buy prefilled ones until I "get the hang of things"?

The eGo is a "510" system, which refers to the threading size on the battery/atomizer/cartomizer. 510 is the most common sizing and you'll be able to find all sorts of cartridges, cartos, etc., both blank and pre-filled.

 

[swedishfish]

An automatic battery is something that many people think they want until they vape. You get a much better vape when you and not the ecig controls the inhale. Not only that, automatic batteries are extremely easy to be ruined with leaking juice. Juice leaks into the battery, it's pretty much dead.

Don't get a green smoke.

If you don't care about the size, I'd get the Riva from Liberty Flights for $30.00. They also have a kit with cartomizers that you fill yourself. Batteries will last you 7+ hours. Cartomizers are extremely easy to use- just drop juice inside. Juice that comes with the kits is usually pretty bad IMO, although some people like them.

If you want a big battery pv that's automatic, the echo is a large battery KR808. Many people really like it.

For smaller pv's with prefilled cartridges, there is the Vapor 4 Life, Volt from Smokeless Image, Halo. All make reliable small sized pvs that come with prefilled cartridges.

 

[jj2]

An automatic battery is something that many people think they want until they vape. You get a much better vape when you and not the ecig controls the inhale. Not only that, automatic batteries are extremely easy to be ruined with leaking juice. Juice leaks into the battery, it's pretty much dead.

Don't get a green smoke.

If you don't care about the size, I'd get the Riva from Liberty Flights for $30.00. They also have a kit with cartomizers that you fill yourself. Batteries will last you 7+ hours. Cartomizers are extremely easy to use- just drop juice inside. Juice that comes with the kits is usually pretty bad IMO, although some people like them.

If you want a big battery pv that's automatic, the echo is a large battery KR808. Many people really like it.

For smaller pv's with prefilled cartridges, there is the Vapor 4 Life, Volt from Smokeless Image, Halo. All make reliable small sized pvs that come with prefilled cartridges.

Good advice but, just in case you don't know, the Riva is pretty much the same as an eGo.
And welcome to the forum.

 

[mynameisrob]

I really would not get a auto battery. It is very easy to ruin them by getting juice into the little hole. Manual batteries are sealed and also allow you to have a greater control over your vaping since the cutoff is much longer than auto batteries. You wil get used to the manual battery very quickly.

As far as what to get, I wouldnt get the Green Smokes. Its really not a good PV and I dont think it will satify your needs.
The eGo is a great PV to start with and works well. A lot of people love them. What I dont like about the eGo though is that it is a 3.4V PV. It doesnt work as well with LR cartos and attys.

I HIGHLY recommend you go with a 3.7V PV like a Riva or an E-Power. The 3.7V will allow you to use a wide array or cartod and attys and they are both 510 connections, so youll have a LOT of choices.
Personally I would go with the E-Power 14650. Its a great starter PV that uses non-proprietary batteries instead. E-Power batteries cost $4 compared to eGo/Riva batteries that cost $14-20. You get 2 batteries with the kit so youd be set. One battery for me lasts about a day and a half. Also everything is replaceable on the E-Power so it really keeps costs down. That one thing I dont like about the Riva/eGo's. If your switch dies, you have to replace the entire unit, because they tube, switch, and battery are all one piece. With the E-Power its all seperate. The switch can be replaced seperately as well as the battery.

Read this about the E-Power : http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ne-considering-buying-e-power-14650-read.html

This will show why you might like the E-Power better than an eGo or a Riva.

Also It will show you where to get it for the best deal. (Crystal Clear Vaping)
Youll get a FREE 5-pack of "Ressurector" Cartomizers, a FREE 30ml juice of your choice, and FREE shipping
Put "ecf5off" and youll get 5% off your order.

I think this would be a great starter kit for you. The ressurector cartos are incredible and will allow you to try cartomizers for free, which is nice. I have the same E-Power and absolutely love it.
If you decide not to go for the E-Power than I would get the Riva. I think you will really like a 3.7V

Also, I recommend filling your own carts/cartos. It will allow you to try a lot of different juices. Plus prefilled ones are more expensive and have less of a variety.

Goodluck!

 

[dotma]

I have an ego system and I would also highly highly recommend you get the manual battery instead of auto, for all the reasons listed above. Most people dont like cartridges and quickly switch to something different (which you can easily do as long as it has 510 threading). Like you could get LR atomizers, or cartomizers, or 306 atomizers or whatever suits you. If your husband wants a really strong hit, maybe a mod would be best for him? They have variable voltage mods (that I have been drooling over and wanting), so you can go to higher voltage -- it really kicks you in the ....!

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Welcome to ECF.
+1 for the Riva- LibertyFlights also has a 20% off coupon code on their website.
Auto batts
Autos batts allow you no control over your vape.
They sometimes go off if loud sounds occur.
May sustain damage from juice.
Manual batts
Won't activate unless you push the button= no accidents. Riva also has a safety lock.
Puts you in complete control of your vaping experience.
Won't sustain damage from juice.
Batts
100 mah= 1 hour of vaping time before recharge. Charge them when they reach 25% and they will last longer.
Remember to drink lots of water otherwise you may have issues. I drink 2 large glasses first thing in the a.m. and a total of 3+ litres per day. The vapor comes from our bodies not from the juice and dehydration can be an issue taking away from the vaping experience.
Make absolute sure you have checked and rechecked your order and that have everything you'll need. Not only the extra shipping charge but worse is the wait.
Good Luck, Vapoor.

 

[swedishfish]

Majic Vapor is having a buy one get one free sale until Thanksgiving. Mention ecf in the comments.

Majic Vapor Electronic Cigarettes - Majic Vapor Electronic Cigarettes

I don't think it's a Joye ego brand, but the kits do have a 6 month warranty which is pretty outstanding.

 

[Balthezar]

Welcome. I have both a joye 510 auto with a PCC, and an eGo Passthru manual. I really like them both, the 510 is just about cig size, and I use it mostly with my high nic juice when I get a craving, and the eGo I use the most, sitting at my comp, because you can use it connected and it doesn't use battery power until you unplug and go, which is a feature not all passthroughs have. I use the Joytech 1.5 dual cartos on both, they are interchangeable between the 510 and the eGo, so anything I have on one I can use on the other. Total cost for both (and I have limited funds, so this was important to me) was less than $50, and after getting cartos, drip tip, exrta atty (just in case of emergency, and tasting) DIY supplies, I have enough to last me well over a month and have spent less than $100 total (so far ), and I'm satisfied with that setup, nothing fancy, just the basics. It works for me, but not for everyone. Just my 2c

Balth

 

[Stef64]

Welcome to ECF.

Like other posters I too would recommend you look into "fat" battery PV's such as the eGo, Riva, KGo or ePower. They are all threaded for 510 (probably the most popular thread size). In addition they will all allow you to use low resistance atomizers and cartomizers. Low resistance atomizers/carto's will give a warmer vape with a greater amount of vapor and more throat hit.

In addition to a PV (most come with one or two atomizers) I would recommend you get a box or two of cartomizers. They hold more juice and provide a better experience than the atomizer/cart combo. Also you should get several different types of juices to find the right one for you - most vendors sell small trial size bottle of juice.

Good luck!

 

[txtumbleweed]

I know I'm the minority but I like an auto much better than the manual. I have an echo 1300 with 3ml carto. If you use the echo carto there isn't any danger of leaking any juice into the battery if you refill them properly. They do not turn on due to noise or vibrations like some claim.
For me it is much more relaxing to use the auto plus I like to vape hands free on occasion. I also get tired of pushing the button 1,000 times a day. I have many PV's to choose from and I normally use my Echo as my main PV.
You can get them here Echo 650-1300mAh Complete Kit or here 1300 Chrome - $44.95 : Cropduster901!, Home of the B-52 They are both very good suppliers.

 

[jlazarus]

Wow - what wonderful responses!

@ MajorRocker (love the nic!) - Thanks for the youtube link GrimmGreen!

@denali_41 - you and pretty much everyone else make a strong case for manual batteries. I'll do that!

@HeadlikeOrange - Thanks for your specific answers - and for the tip about the Riva 510.

@swedishfish - I don't care about size, and thanks for the tip about the juices that come with the kits. Is there a particular juice you like? Being a newb, the idea of flavored juice seems odd to me, but everyone seems to like them so I'm sure I'll understand why soon. I just don't like cool/menthol type stuff. Chocolate/Hazelnut/Coffee types of flavors sound interesting to me, perhaps because I love an analog with a nice hazelnut latte (my favorite morning get-up-and-go)....

Also, you mentioned using the sale at Majic Vapor - Thanks!!

@jj2 - Thanks - y'all have certainly made me feel welcome!!

@BarryGrimes - Another great argument for manual!

@mynameisrob - Thank you so much for giving me so much detail! I will def review the E-Power14650. If I understand correctly, you're saying that the E-Power is less costly to maintain, correct? Also, you mentioned the Riva 3.7 because the 3.4 doesn't work well with LR cartos and attys - I'm a little lost on this one (probably because I don't have the terminology just intuitive yet) - LR cartos are associated with more vapor? Stronger hit? Which? I'm confused on that I think. Thanks!!

@dotma - I thought about getting my husband a mod, but the main page of this site that explains the different types suggested *not* to do that as a newbie - which is the only reason I discarded that idea. Is it really that hard to get the hang of? 'Cause I think that's what he'll end up with eventually if I am understanding everything I've read today, lol! ;-)

@ Vapor eyes er - Thanks for the link to the coupon and for the tip about drinking water - I would have never thought of that!!!

@Balthezar - Interesting - you said "510 is just about cig size, and I use it mostly with my high nic juice when I get a craving" - can you not use the "high nic juice" with the eGo? I'm just trying to understand why you have both? Thanks!

@Stef64 - So you are suggesting using separate atomizer/cartomizers instead of the combo. I'll be sure and order separates as well!!

@txtumbleweed - oh no - you like the auto, lol! Well, I do see where pushing a button may get a little redundant - which is why I had initially wondered about getting something that I could have both the auto and the manual. Food for thought!!

THANK YOU, Everyone!!

 

[swedishfish]

How long and how much do you smoke?

 

[swedishfish]

I'm only an expert on myself so I'll tell you what I did. Everyone has a different experience. I was a long time smoker, almost 30 years. Started very young and could never stop. I tried everything- patches, pills, etc. Smoked about 1 1/2 pks a day of Newport.

Purchased a Joye Ego, cartomizers, and nuport juice from nhaler. Purchased 12 and 24 mg juice thinking I'd mix them for the correct strength for me. 24 worked for me. That's pretty much it- Slowly I just stopped smoking.

My Mom smoked 60 years. Started with KR808 and 36 mg nicotine. She also got an ego. Vaped that for two weeks until she was off cigs, and decreased her nicotine. Each time I ordered her nicotine, I'd order a bit lower. But don't worry about that when you start, just concentrate on getting off cigs at first.

Don't spend a lot on a kit because you'll probably spend a lot on finding a juice you like. I got lucky and liked my first juice.

A good place for tobacco juice is Vapor Station and Backwood Brew. There are others but I'm familiar with both suppliers. I purchase my juice from nhaler (nuport & 555 menthol) and Vapor Bomb for fruity flavors.

 

[jlazarus]

How long and how much do you smoke?

Started smoking when I was 16. I'm now 43, so 27 years. I average probably a little over half a pack a day - about 12 or so - but, if really busy, maybe only 5, or, conversely, if drinking a beer at the beach all day or beside the pool or on the deck (in other words, in social settings with alcohol) then I can easily put away a pack in a day, or more if it's a reallllllly looong day.

But a normal day is about 12 cigs.

Hubby on the other hand smokes about 1.5 packs a day, and in those same social settings can easily put away 2 packs (or more). He doesn't drink often, but when he does, he will smoke the entire time without stopping.

 

[chatter97]

Note, that if you are buying for two any 510 threaded device will allow you both to use the same stuff. The Ego,Kgo whatever entry models are a great way to get started and to figure out what you like before plungiing into the mod world. My wife started on a 510 as she did not like the size of the Ego, I started on an ego. Both can use the same 510 threaded cartomizers. After you experiment a little you will have a better idea of what you like and dont like, ie more heat, better throat hit, longer battery life, ect. So starting with a basic ego kits for both(or any competitive brand listed here) is a great first step. Also, down the road it provides a great secondary or back up device.

Regarding Juice, this is a very fun aspect of vaping, as there is so much to try. I often order from no less than 5 vendors at any given time. My flavors are never the same either. I have found a vendor or two that are my go to vendors, but there are so many different flavors to try out there, don't limit yourself just because you dont think you will like something. Vaping flavors is very different than you think.

 

[jlazarus]

I'm only an expert on myself so I'll tell you what I did. Everyone has a different experience. I was a long time smoker, almost 30 years. Started very young and could never stop. I tried everything- patches, pills, etc. Smoked about 1 1/2 pks a day of Newport.

Purchased a Joye Ego, cartomizers, and nuport juice from nhaler. Purchased 12 and 24 mg juice thinking I'd mix them for the correct strength for me. 24 worked for me. That's pretty much it- Slowly I just stopped smoking.

My Mom smoked 60 years. Started with KR808 and 36 mg nicotine. She also got an ego. Vaped that for two weeks until she was off cigs, and decreased her nicotine. Each time I ordered her nicotine, I'd order a bit lower. But don't worry about that when you start, just concentrate on getting off cigs at first.

Don't spend a lot on a kit because you'll probably spend a lot on finding a juice you like. I got lucky and liked my first juice.

A good place for tobacco juice is Vapor Station and Backwood Brew. There are others but I'm familiar with both suppliers. I purchase my juice from nhaler (nuport & 555 menthol) and Vapor Bomb for fruity flavors.

Oh, thank you for this. I think I will order 12 and 24 mg - and I'll use the 12 and give the hubby the 24...? Hmmm...or maybe I should start him off with the 36 just in case?

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Sorry to interject between you and swedishfish but before filling shake the bottle of juice really well to mix the PG, VG and Nic juice otherwise you'll get an imbalance of ingredients in your vape.
Good luck and Happy Vaping.

Edit: you may want to also order some PG in case you or hubby are not completely happy with the mixture. VG can be bought easily and cheaply at any drugstore. Make sure it's USP grade.
VG= Vapor
PG= TH
Nic= TH