Totally new. Need help with simple low-cost setup.

[mkbilbo]

CE5's are garbage. Even with the replacement heads, I wouldn't see you getting more than 2 weeks out of them. They are the most fiddly clearomizers ever.

Nah, can't agree there. I have a dozen CE5s and they've been running like champs. Still have the first couple I bought, still using them. CE4s are a waste of money definitely. Have one around here, tossed in a drawer somewhere.

Me, I prefer them for the silly reason they don't "bulk out" the way some of the others do. Have a Vivi Nova Mini that works great but that "barrel" shape on top of the battery just bugs me for some reason.

Though, Evods do seem to be recommended the most these days. I may have to get one just to see what all the hoopla is about...

 

[mkbilbo]

You have no idea how bad you smell!

Oof. Tell me about it. I smoked in my pickup alla time. Now? URK! I mean, the AC blows something foul I may never get out of the thing...

 

[nxus12]

Oof. Tell me about it. I smoked in my pickup alla time. Now? URK! I mean, the AC blows something foul I may never get out of the thing...

Not olny did I not smell the smoke, I didn't smell much of anything until I got of analogs.

 

[Gaspar74]

Go to vaporzhaven that's where I got my kit for 42 bux then added another battery. Very good customer service too.

 

[AttyPops]

Cheaper in the short run (initial outlay) or cheaper in the long run?

In the short run, all the advice above is good.

In the long run, you are better off with swappable battery systems. There's slightly more up-front costs (maybe) but the batteries are about $5 to $10 to replace. Each battery is a "spare" or a replacement. So...the long term costs go down.

Also check the DIY e-juice section for more $$$ savings.

 

[mkbilbo]

Cheaper in the short run (initial outlay) or cheaper in the long run?

In the short run, all the advice above is good.

In the long run, you are better off with swappable battery systems. There's slightly more up-front costs (maybe) but the batteries are about $5 to $10 to replace. Each battery is a "spare" or a replacement. So...the long term costs go down.

Funny thing about "cost". A basic, mid-range (non-APV) kit is in the range of what a carton of cigs costs these days. Less in some states (I've read NY a carton is up around $100 now!). Funny how as smokers we'd repeatedly buy stuff we plan on burning but worry about purchasing something that's going to last a while.

 

[AttyPops]

Yeah, but I understand cash flow too. So yeah, as long as you have the $$$ to save $$$.....

But when you account for the fact that he/she said 2 batteries at $27.00 each....(or was that kits?)...it starts adding up anyway.

Charger $11.00
2 batteries = $10.00 or even $20.00 depending
e-cig = ???
Cartos and syringe = <$ 10.00
+ juice

 

[mkbilbo]

Yeah, but I understand cash flow too. So yeah, as long as you have the $$$ to save $$$.....

True enough but smoking makes the cash flow like crazy these days.

I have to budget these days (I used to get contracts out of Spain... if you know anything about the economy over there, you know I are hurting). At the start, I sat down and figured, okay, long as I was spending no more than the smoking cost, I'd buy whatever I needed.

Since I saw such a big, big drop in smoking the first week (like two packs a day to maybe six cigs max per day), it didn't take long to hit break even. In fact, it started coming in considerably lower than smoking in about the second month. You can get a lotta juice samples for the money a carton of cigs cost.

I suspect it's because it's new and we notice the spending? Cigs (and other tobacco stuff) become such a habitual thing, the cost kind of fades into the background. Also, since I'd failed so many, many times to quit, I didn't really want to look at the amount I was spending on smoking. It was just depressing...

 

[sherbear]

this is the one i got not bad for under 40 bucks i think and it comes with 3 10ml e juice
https://www.vapedudes.com/Ego-O-CE4-System-1000-mah_p_41.html

 

[vjc0628]

Cheaper in the short run (initial outlay) or cheaper in the long run?

In the short run, all the advice above is good.

In the long run, you are better off with swappable battery systems. There's slightly more up-front costs (maybe) but the batteries are about $5 to $10 to replace. Each battery is a "spare" or a replacement. So...the long term costs go down.

Also check the DIY e-juice section for more $$$ savings.

couple VV ego's great place to start to find out what you like

when get a mod down the line still need back ups great to have around and for taking out when you don't want to take the mod

like if your going to be out in bad weather

however we are talking about a first set up don't you think diy is a little advanced for them

 

[chillwill]

Hi. I am totally new to this. Been a smoker for 8 years and want to try out personal vaporizers. I used a friend's for the first time last week and I am considering one now.

I am interested in the ego twist and was wondering if it cheaper to get a kit, which runs around $85 plus tax, or to build from scratch? Do I really need the extra battery that comes with the kit?

I see a ego c twist battery 1000mah runs an average $27 dollars, with a USB charging cord running $5.
Then do I only need clearomizers/vivitank/kanger tank with replacement heads to complete my kit?

Is there anything else I'm missing? Would it be cheaper to buy these parts individually or to purchase this kit from myfreedomsmokes? Are there any other cheap and reliable stores on the east coast (preferably in the northeast) that you would recommend? I need to order by tonight or tomorrow morning so I could receive it by Thursday before a long business trip (not smelling like cigarettes before a business meeting would be REALLY nice. That is why I am trying this out)

eGo-C Twist VV w/ CE5 eGo Clearomizer Starter Kit - MyFreedomSmokes.com

As someone who has gone through a few kits, I've finally arrived at the Kangertech EVOD and highly recommend it, at least over a Blu kit or Joyetech 510-T. It is an ego-like model; I'm a heavy vaper and the batt's last over a day for me. You can get it from Vape Dojo (just Google) for around $40 USD, which is cheaper than what you'll typically find for similar models.

 

[AttyPops]

couple VV ego's great place to start to find out what you like

when get a mod down the line still need back ups great to have around and for taking out when you don't want to take the mod

like if your going to be out in bad weather

however we are talking about a first set up don't you think diy is a little advanced for them

The OP was discussing low cost way of getting into e-cigs. Assuming cost is the driving factor, no.

DIY is very simple if you keep it simple. E.G. Pour double-strength PG base into bottle until 1/2 full, add a few drops of flavor (depends on flavor), fill to 3/4 mark with PG, add VG to top. 75/25 flavored e-juice at whatever nic level the user wanted. Easy. Saves tons.

In fact, many people including myself, start out with DIY.

Same with the e-cig. You can get an eGo style swappable battery device too. Not even vv. Or, you can move into VV. They work the same except you use an external charger. Again, long term savings.

I often recommend eGo type units (twist or spinner) to newbies, but if they are asking about cost savings and quoting eGo's as expensive, then we have to discuss options. Besides, I thought I'd throw in the long term vs short term aspects.

For example (and I cite this only as an example):
http://www.madvapes.com/e-power-replacable-battery-kit.html
that's 2 batteries, a charger, some atomizers (but they are 2.5 ohm atties not cartos or some such)
for 50 bucks. Add some cartos or a vivi nova and you're OK. I'd stay at 2.0 ohm and above though. It's 3.7 fixed voltage regulated. Reviews are a bit mixed. Additional 14650 batteries are 6.50 and are about 1300 mAh (supposedly)

Or a vamo kit with VV - http://www.discountvapers.com/vamo-v3-full-kit-black-chrome/

You have to shop around and check reviews. Having a backup unit or at least backup head is important though.

So the OP must do his/her own cost/benefit analysis.

 

[mkbilbo]

couple VV ego's great place to start to find out what you like

when get a mod down the line still need back ups great to have around and for taking out when you don't want to take the mod

like if your going to be out in bad weather

however we are talking about a first set up don't you think diy is a little advanced for them

I gotta agree with AttyPops, basic DIY is really easy. Sure you can, if you want, get into complex stuff but it's a bit like cooking. I can do basic stuff okay but don't expect "from scratch" fancy stuff.

I started with buying plain nic from Mount Baker and some basic flavors. They have what I've come to call the "easy bake" version. You pick the PG/VG mix and nic level and don't have to do mixing from high concentrate stuff. You can do some simple mixes pretty easily and save a decent chunk of change. I just placed my first order in, oh, a good six weeks. Mostly because I'm outta banana! Been "coasting along" on about a $50 order way back in early June? Maybe late May come to think.

Next round, I'm going to get the big honking bottles of PG and VG (which are really cheap) and some higher nic to dilute down (not the "so high if you look at it, you'll go mad" but, you know, higher than I use normally). Figure I can bring the price of the plain nic down below half what I was paying.

(Also, I saw something fly by that the FDA may be waking up in October and started thinking in terms of ordering in liters not milliliters.)

 

[Kanyin]

I vote a Vamo with a couple evod or iclear clearomizers. That's what really got me into vaping.

 

[retic1959]

Hi. I am totally new to this. Been a smoker for 8 years and want to try out personal vaporizers. I used a friend's for the first time last week and I am considering one now. I am interested in the ego twist and was wondering if it cheaper to get a kit, which runs around $85 plus tax, or to build from scratch? Do I really need the extra battery that comes with the kit? I see a ego c twist battery 1000mah runs an average $27 dollars, with a USB charging cord running $5. Then do I only need clearomizers/vivitank/kanger tank with replacement heads to complete my kit? Is there anything else I'm missing? Would it be cheaper to buy these parts individually or to purchase this kit from myfreedomsmokes? Are there any other cheap and reliable stores on the east coast (preferably in the northeast) that you would recommend? I need to order by tonight or tomorrow morning so I could receive it by Thursday before a long business trip (not smelling like cigarettes before a business meeting would be REALLY nice. That is why I am trying this out) eGo-C Twist VV w/ CE5 eGo Clearomizer Starter Kit - MyFreedomSmokes.com

Hindsight being the best sight , I can tell you that you're getting a good start here . I think that any of the ego style vv devices along with an evod is the way to go. I would also suggest that you should probably make one of your batteries a pass through such as an ego mega vv 2 that way even if you forget to charge you can still plug in and vape.

 

[charly1954]

I am also rather new, vaping since last Nov with V2 cigs. Thinking about going to a ego something but not sure yet. At the V2 forum someone posted this chart. Is it a good thing to go by when picking a setup?

 

[charly1954]

Cheaper in the short run (initial outlay) or cheaper in the long run?

In the short run, all the advice above is good.

In the long run, you are better off with swappable battery systems. There's slightly more up-front costs (maybe) but the batteries are about $5 to $10 to replace. Each battery is a "spare" or a replacement. So...the long term costs go down.

Also check the DIY e-juice section for more $$$ savings.

Thats what I forgot about, I am wanting a ego bat setup where I can take a battery out of the case and replace. That has to be allot cheaper to replace than the whole ego bat, then I would only need one case and have spare batteries to put into the case.
BTW, with that type do they take regular rechargeble A or AA batteries or do they take a special EXPENSIVE battery.

I already make my juice, cost me about $1 to make 10ml. I start with 60mg Nic and cut it with PG,VG, and flavor. If kids are around and you go with higher than 30MG NIC, make sure you cut it down right away so its not poisonious. When I get my 60mg, first thing I do is cut it down to 30NIC so its safe and wear plastic gloves, 60mg NIC on the skin is poisonious.

 

[charly1954]

Funny thing about "cost". A basic, mid-range (non-APV) kit is in the range of what a carton of cigs costs these days. Less in some states (I've read NY a carton is up around $100 now!). Funny how as smokers we'd repeatedly buy stuff we plan on burning but worry about purchasing something that's going to last a while.

Not me, I was a RYO smoker. No way I was gona pay those big bucks for smokes. When they got up over $20/carton I went to making my own.

Paid $35 for a machine and made my own smokes for about $1/pack. When the FED's added $23 for a lb of tobacco, everyone went to pipe tobacco. I am suprised the FED's haven't added the big tax onto Pipe tobacco. It's still about $18/Lb while cig tobacco is around $35-40/Lb.

 

[AttyPops]

Thats what I forgot about, I am wanting a ego bat setup where I can take a battery out of the case and replace. That has to be allot cheaper to replace than the whole ego bat, then I would only need one case and have spare batteries to put into the case.
BTW, with that type do they take regular rechargeble A or AA batteries or do they take a special EXPENSIVE battery.

I already make my juice, cost me about $1 to make 10ml. I start with 60mg Nic and cut it with PG,VG, and flavor. If kids are around and you go with higher than 30MG NIC, make sure you cut it down right away so its not poisonious. When I get my 60mg, first thing I do is cut it down to 30NIC so its safe and wear plastic gloves, 60mg NIC on the skin is poisonious.

Special. This is due to design needs as well as the watts needed. You have to be very careful with batteries and get the proper kind. All batteries are dangerous if stressed or damaged...in flashlights, cars, e-cigs, etc. But with e-cigs, you're putting them near your face all the time. Please do some reading in the info zone and check out battery information. Given the performance, the costs aren't that bad. There are some that use standard rechargeable NiMH batteries, but most use some variation of Li Ion (particularly IMR). Here's one link:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...9007-warning-rechargeable-batteries-apvs.html

And why you want to be careful, particularly with damaged batteries or shorts:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-battery-failure-imr-18650-a.html#post3265928

Although there are some e-cigs that use NiMH batteries (the 1.2 volt rechargeable ones)...search for "The Puck" for example...this is a DIY e-cig built by "modders" from two 4xAA boxes and uses 4 batteries in series to achieve 4.8 nominal volts.

Also, I suggest you start a thread and discuss YOUR particular needs so we don't sidetrack hellov...the original thread poster (OP).

 

[mkbilbo]

Not me, I was a RYO smoker. No way I was gona pay those big bucks for smokes. When they got up over $20/carton I went to making my own.

Paid $35 for a machine and made my own smokes for about $1/pack. When the FED's added $23 for a lb of tobacco, everyone went to pipe tobacco. I am suprised the FED's haven't added the big tax onto Pipe tobacco. It's still about $18/Lb while cig tobacco is around $35-40/Lb.

True, true. But most of us weren't doing RYO and were getting smacked around by the "sin tax" thing. So in the general case, a good, mid-range kit is about a carton worth of cash. Considering we're talking hardware that can last a decent amount of time, it's worth not skimping. At least not too much. A carton of cigs, you were just going to burn. A vape kit can be with you a while.

Kind of like if you'd bought a crappy RYO machine. It's not saving money if you buy something that breaks all the time and has to be fixed or replaced a lot.

But, also, kind of like RYO, with liquids you can cut cost a lot. The premade is nice. It's convenient. And can often be made by expert types who do really great stuff (lot of "boutique" flavors out there that are really, really good). But it's kind of like food. Can you afford to "dine out" or are you on a McDonald's budget? Or worse, is McDonald's the "splurge"? Me, I can't cook. No talent nor instincts for it. But I gotta drag myself to the grocery store and buy stuff I can make something tolerable out of. Work is glacial slow right now.

And you can do your own mixes with liquids and save a lot. I like some of Johnson Creek's stuff but figured it up and I can come in at a third what they cost. Plus got some recommendations in the DIY liquid section here and cut that even further. Found I can buy bulk nic juice for half or less what I was paying before.

So I suggest people "bite the bullet" and get a good, solid kit. Then focus on cutting liquid expense. That is where the long term cost is.

(And I just noticed you're already doing your own mixes so you know what I mean. I should try that "reading the whole thread before posting" thing. I hear it's all the rage. Ah well. Ima let the post stand. Somebody else might get something useful out of it. Maybe. Or not. Sometimes, I think I just type for the fun of it or something.)

(Why yes, I am weird. What makes you ask?)