Traps to avoid?

[Cloud Wizard]

++++=10 on the DID

 

[zuzette]

I would not really change a thing. "mistakes" were not mistakes at all but rather experience that pointed me in the right direction. No matter how much research you do - you dont actually know anything until you try out your idea. For every post on how great something is - there actually are posts with the opposite opinion. If you miss those contrary posts its simply because you are not looking for them.

Now lets say you heed the advice of other users and right off the bat, for your first purchase, you jump in with both feet and get a provari or other tube mod. they are "the best" right? Maybe not if you feel foolish using it in public. Or that dang old baton just wont fit in your pocket.
Then you think "ah ok, i might need something different for around town" and so you are off to purchase some other gizmo.

Or maybe you decided to get a bottom feeder box mod like the reo grand. Its small enough for your pocket...its modestly priced (comparitively) and is highly recommended. yeah - it is good and all that. No one complains that it does not produce good hits. but you cant dangle it from your lips, looks like you are sipping from a high tech juice box and raises eye brows at the bus stop....

the point is - no matter what you buy you will discover some need or want or have some experience that suggests you did not buy the "right thing" and make you second guess your original logic.

the real truth is - you will have new ideas and experience that lead you down a different path than the one you started on. Its no big deal. Its just life and there is no way to ever get it "right" the first time around. No matter how "right" your choice was at the time of purchase - you WILL simply come to know your own needs and wants better than you did before.

 

[jtoms101]

++++=10 on the DID

Excuse my ignorance, but I cannot locate what the 3 letter acronym "DID" stands for... Any help?

 

[Cloud Wizard]

DID are the initials of the guy in Greece who makes the "DID" rebuildable atomizers.http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/euro-suppliers/296166-new-genesis-type-atomizer-did.html

 

[muffluvin]

stop trolling the classies or you'll end up broke lol

 

[juicejunky]

I started on an overpriced KR-808D1 system which sold me on the concept of ecigs and got me off cigarettes. Within a month or two I got off the prefilleds and found a favorite juice or 10 to fill blanks. Not sorry for that stage except for the overpriced part. The cig size was all I could handle at the time and I learned messing with cartomizers was not for me. Too much work and fussy.

Ego-t tanks were my biggest mistake, because of the muted flavor and constant leaking. They were new at the time. I quickly bagged the tank sytem (again too much work and fussy). Not sorry for that stage because I loved the larger eGo batteries and discovered dripping on LR atomizers for better flavor and more vapor. Cisco 306 LRs were my atty of choice and no more cartomizers. I used my eGo setup for about 3-4 months before I discovered....

Bottom feeders, REOmods. I used my mini REO and REO Grand for 18 months happy as a clam. The simplicity of filling a bottle and separate batteries made vaping even easier. Indestructible and the box mod shape works well with my vaping style. I almost exclusively vape at home in my office or driving with the rare bathroom or stealth vape in public. Atty wise I graduated to new fangled HH.357 LR 1.5s to go with the 3.7 batteries.

I resisted all the VV mods coming out, patiently waiting for the VV REO Grand that I am currently using. Love VV for consistency of the vape and I don't have to clean my attys as often. It's like vaping the sweet spot of the Grand or Mini all the time. A bottom feeder is a deal breaker for me. I don't like the concept of tanks with the liquid stored above the atomizer.

My next try is the rebuildable atomizers (vape mail is on the way) where I may end up letting go of the HH.357s if they vape as well and the fussing isn't too much for me.

It's a process and I got my money's worth out of everything I've tried even if just for the lessons learned. At over $10 a pack in NJ, I've saved tons and happily PIF anything I no longer use. Everyone's style is different so luckily we have many paths and options on our vaping journeys. Cigarettes were not nearly as interesting.

Enjoy the journey and welcome to the forum.

 

[denali_41]

i would have bought a provari right from the start and stuck with cartos.,,,,.rta's and all the other fancy smancy stuff is just too much hype=expensive

 

[XoloX]

If youre in it for the long haul like I hope most of us are, then replacement Ego Twist batteries can add up quick. 6 of those at 24.99 over a one year period is almost equal to the price of a Provari.You still have to buy batteries for that but at 10.99 for an 18650 from RTDvapor or another supplier that Provari actually starts saving you money after a year or two.

Looks like I am down the same road...
I have start off with a Ego Twist.
So, how long will it start to disappoint?

 

[napdog]

Hate to sound like a broken record..., but I would have got straight to the ProVari.

 

[meloyo]

I know we all have started vaping with different set ups, but if you had to to it all over again, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently? What traps, or mistakes would you have avoided. I enjoy vaping, but it is getting expensive trying to learn as I go along. I want to learn from the more experienced vapors and want to see if I can avoid some of their mistakes.

Great question. I'd like to save money in the long term as well.

I would have skipped the Blu, the 510's and the eGo's and gone straight to the ProVari with the VV Gripper as my backup. I would never have bought the ridiculous eGo tank and cone crap. I would not have wasted money on Vivi Nova's and gone straight to the carto tanks and RBA's (though they are considered "advanced" I think with all the youtube videos and instructional advice here on ECF anyone can use a rebuildable atomizer if I can).

What carto tanks and RBAs would you recommend? After all of my reading, I'm pretty much convinced that the Provari will be a good investment so I'm willing to set aside money for it.

 

[Juice Journo]

1 week in on the ego twist with clearomizer. although I'm an infant vaper, i'm happy with my set up. i must say reading this thread has made me wonder what this provari is all about

 

[vsummer1]

What carto tanks and RBAs would you recommend? After all of my reading, I'm pretty much convinced that the Provari will be a good investment so I'm willing to set aside money for it.

As my signature says, I have Phiniacs, and Jonboy Lavatanks with bedazzle inserts. These are glass tanks so I don't have to worry about what I put in them ever damaging them like the plastic ones. I use Boge SR cartos in them and love them. If you want to save some money, you can get glass tanks from IBTanked.com.

As for the RBA's, if you are going to start rebuilding I wouldn't go for the DID like everyone else suggested as paying $100 isn't necessary anymore to start out. They are making chinese clones now. I have the DID clone (aka Chid, dud, or Griffen), and the Cobra clone (Chobra) as well as the AGA-T. I actually like the chobra the best of the 3 on my Provari. I like the clear tank and the size is perfect. The Chid/dud/griffen I find a little too small on the ProVari, so it holds less and is harder to master than the chobra. IBTanked makes glass inserts for these clones you can buy if you want to replace the plastic tank with glass (each replacement tank is $7 plus $3 shipping). I don't care for the AGA-T as it is just a bit "bulky" with the knurls it has, but it is easy to set up being so large. Of the 3, as I said, I think the chobra looks the best sizewise and I find I am using it more than the others.

After you get the clone, then if you feel you want to pay for the original one you can always spend the big money on one. If it isn't for you, it won't be as painful as if you had spent a c-note on one. I am quite happy for the moment fiddling with the clones. If you don't like to tinker, stay with the carto tanks as the RBA's do require practice and dealing with tiny coils and things.

If you go with the carto tanks, you will need either prepunched cartos or a carto punch. I also use a fill tool to make it really easy to fill them and to save my seals.

Sorry if too much information! Good luck!

 

[meloyo]

As my signature says, I have Phiniacs, and Jonboy Lavatanks with bedazzle inserts. These are glass tanks so I don't have to worry about what I put in them ever damaging them like the plastic ones. I use Boge SR cartos in them and love them. If you want to save some money, you can get glass tanks from IBTanked.com.

As for the RBA's, if you are going to start rebuilding I wouldn't go for the DID like everyone else suggested as paying $100 isn't necessary anymore to start out. They are making chinese clones now. I have the DID clone (aka Chid, dud, or Griffen), and the Cobra clone (Chobra) as well as the AGA-T. I actually like the chobra the best of the 3 on my Provari. I like the clear tank and the size is perfect. The Chid/dud/griffen I find a little too small on the ProVari, so it holds less and is harder to master than the chobra. IBTanked makes glass inserts for these clones you can buy if you want to replace the plastic tank with glass (each replacement tank is $7 plus $3 shipping). I don't care for the AGA-T as it is just a bit "bulky" with the knurls it has, but it is easy to set up being so large. Of the 3, as I said, I think the chobra looks the best sizewise and I find I am using it more than the others.

After you get the clone, then if you feel you want to pay for the original one you can always spend the big money on one. If it isn't for you, it won't be as painful as if you had spent a c-note on one. I am quite happy for the moment fiddling with the clones. If you don't like to tinker, stay with the carto tanks as the RBA's do require practice and dealing with tiny coils and things.

If you go with the carto tanks, you will need either prepunched cartos or a carto punch. I also use a fill tool to make it really easy to fill them and to save my seals.

Sorry if too much information! Good luck!

Thanks! All of this is great info. I'll try the Chinese clones then that I can source locally.

 

[Sweeperdk]

For me personally, I started with some cheap cig-a-like.... Just to try it.

Worked out decently, so got a Silver Bullet with some 510 attys. Worked a charm.

Since then I have been through Lavatubes (I have three in the cupboard) with different attachments, the Vivi Nova being the best, and am now on a Provari with either a Mini DID or a regular DID depending on flavor.

An Ikarus has been ordered, am keen on trying that one out.

However, my recommendation is and has been for a while: Get a Lavatube with a Vivi Nova tank. Decently priced, works an absolute charm, and definitely goes to show the true good vaping experience. Can always be PIF'ed if/when you step up and purchase something else.

I have at least 20 converts running about my city, all of them with a lavatube and a vivi nova tank, and they're absolutely happy

 

[Faylool]

It takes so much learning! I usually learn by just doing it. Learning that way costs extra but for me it's worth it to make sure I'm not missing anything if that makes sense. If I could have understood what everybody was talking about and used some patience I could have visited ecf daily but not bought anything. Then I would start with a vv mod, AW batteries, good charger, glass tanks ss cartos and some good atomizers and DIY. I'd still have a bunch of things to try so that I wouldn't feel like I was missing something! Single coil horizontal vertical, LR ,HR, 1 or 2 or 3 hole punch or pre punch or drilled. All the different mouth pieces ( rubber, ugh). I just never feel satisfied until ive tried for myself. Vaping is for cuious people! The batteries and charger would probable stay about the same Therefore...I conclude I would have skipped the ego type batteries. They do make for a pretty decent back up though.

 

[zapped]

It takes so much learning! I usually learn by just doing it. Learning that way costs extra but for me it's worth it to make sure I'm not missing anything if that makes sense. If I could have understood what everybody was talking about and used some patience I could have visited ecf daily but not bought anything. Then I would start with a vv mod, AW batteries, good charger, glass tanks ss cartos and some good atomizers and DIY. I'd still have a bunch of things to try so that I wouldn't feel like I was missing something! Single coil horizontal vertical, LR ,HR, 1 or 2 or 3 hole punch or pre punch or drilled. All the different mouth pieces ( rubber, ugh). I just never feel satisfied until ive tried for myself. Vaping is for cuious people! The batteries and charger would probable stay about the same Therefore...I conclude I would have skipped the ego type batteries. They do make for a pretty decent back up though.

I dont know if you have a local vapers meet but if not you could organize one or think about attending one of the larger Vapercons, bashes or fests .Not only are they great places to meet some awesome people but they are the perfect opportunity to try out devices and juices that are new to you. Im a kinesthetic learner as well so I really enjoy these.

 

[rem700]

For me I wished I had skipped straight to the Provari with cartos and tanks.
For the wife she probably would have stuck with the Ego and skipped the Provari.

She preferes the Ego I the Provari so she got my leftover Ego's and I got her Provari.

 

[Langdell]

romaniac's Jazz Cartopipe would have existed 5 years ago when I first looked into vaping. I'm a pipe smoker and was looking for a vaping experience that most closely simulated pipe smoking. Back then I spent a lot of money on the technology available at the time, which worked for a while but proved disappointing in the end. I abandoned vaping for the next 4 years. After recently renewing my interest and researching what's available now, I just got my Jazz yesterday and am already impressed that this is a well-crafted, well-functioning device that will probably last and be my vaping device of choice for the long haul.

And take advantage of the great resource that is this forum. In 2008, I was the 13th person to join this board; there wasn't much activity on it and information on gaping issues was scarce. By contrast, yesterday when I was initially having some issues getting my Jazz pipe to work properly, I posted a thread and got help within minutes. (Thank you, jinxt!) Had that kind of support been available 4 years ago, I might have worked through my earlier issues and stuck with vaping in the first place. (My problem btw turned out to be with my mistake in filling a cartomizer, NOT the Jazz Cartopipe itself. The pipe itself is working flawlessly so far.)

 

[kerswills]

(please read this with a smile as that is how I typed it ) I did the blu for a day, 510 for a month, then on to egos that were very pricey at the time. I do have a small mod collection and I have to tell you that right now I am vaping on 4 devices. Provari with a dripping carto, Kicked SB with a vision, Vision Spinner (VV eGo), and my Zmax. To be perfectly honest, I don't think there is a day that goes by with out picking up my eGo's. I still think a eGo and a vision are a GREAT set up for a new vaper. Yes, I know it mutes the flavor a bit, oh well. Yes, I know it doesn't allow you to boost the voltage. Yes, I know there are better things out there. BUT you can not argue that for a new vaper it is easy to use, easy to fill, has good battery life, and is pretty much no fuss no muss which is great for new people. Listen to what smokers tell you when you convert them. Most tell me they don't want all the work. Remember that all they are used to doing is taking one out of the pack and putting a lighter to it.

 

[Tanks]

I agree with the people saying they would ah ve bought a ProVari from the start. I would have skipped my kGo & kGo vv (purchased at the same time), vivi nova, smoktech cartos (I have not had a good experience with any smoktech cartos) and bought my ProVari earlier along with a J-Tank and Boge laser drilled cartos. Right now that's what I'm using (Provari and
J-Tank w/ Boge laser drill 3.0 ohm cartos) and it is amazing compared to a kGo/eGo/Riva/etc.

The only tube MOD I may still buy is a BOLT and get a kick for it. Other than that and the ProVari mini that I'm going to order the only PVs on my mind are Hybrids. Specifically Zenesis standard, mini or cobalt (I don't recommend these for first timers). Also, want 2 Z-Atty Pros for my ProVari and the ProVari mini I'm ordering after pay day.