Trying to calculate cost of vaping for Sister/Brother in law.. Cartos or Atomizers??

[THE]

I'm wondering if KR808 is the best route to go. I want performance. I also want to make it inexpensive enough for my sister and brother in law to not go back to smoking. They're spending $150+ every month smoking.

I'd like to calculate what the cost will be and offer to subsidize it for them. They have been very good to me this year, taking me out on their boat, buying me or making me nice meals, inviting me to BBQs they have and whatever else. I want to make it up to them, but I don't think I can fully afford to supply them 100%.

I could if I would because frankly my sister not smoking would mean the world to me. I want her to quit so badly I'd give my and I can't think of anything else I feel that strongly about.

Initially I had figured 1 carto per day for both of them.. but that would be $120/mo just in carts.. which seems like a stupid way to go.. I know that Joye 510s are as inexpensive as $7, let's say $10.

So a new atomizer, how often? Once per week? That'd still be $80/mo just in atomizers.. Are 901s available at the same price? They better? Worse? Same thing with different threads? I get lost in the 500 model numbers.. Are most of them essentially the same? What's the best bang for the buck?

Maybe I'm way off, too, maybe an atomizer will last two weeks.. But is there any cartridge worth trying to use? I don't think they'll want to drip...

The cost of the liquid should be insignificant since I'll be making my own.. Also have to consider a battery replacement 2-3 times per year..

I want to make this cost well under $100 per month for them and try to pay half of that. If that is at all possible.. Sorry for all of the questions, pick one and answer it please

 

[oatt]

For me... 15 analogs / day
I'm using dura mega 510

- A normal atomizer works about 3 weeks. (cost $5 to $7 )
- LR atomizer works about 2-3 weeks. (cost $4 to $5 )
- 10ml e-liquid / week. (cost $4 to $6 USD)
So I pay around $30 - $40 monthly.

I think the mainly cost is the initial cost for starter kits.
And also the batteries when they dies.

I've got one starter kit and 1 MOD, and now it already 7 months vaporing.
the total I paid until now is about $380 - $400.

 

[CaptJay]

I think I get new atties around every 2 months - I buy a 3 pack from cignot at $25
Juice I tend to spend on erratically - some months nothing, other months I go hog wild and spent about $50 (mostly at TV and DIYFS lol)
I drip, and use juice not pre-filled carts/cartos so I dont have cart filler costs or cartos costs, but even if I did I doubt they'd be huge. I wouldnt buy prefilled cartos because they limit my juice flavor choices, simple as that.
I did treat myself this month as Ive made it to 7 months without cigs so I got a BUZZ which wasnt cheap but Ive saved way more than I used to spend on smokes ($25 per week on a carton).

Not sure if that was helpful but hopefully it was

 

[willbeein2003]

I can answer a couple of your questions. An atomizer can last about 3-4 months. If it is cleaned weekly it will help it last. A cartomizer can last for a few days, but some say as long as a month. I would suggest using an atomizer and carts instead of a cartomizer because many people find a burnt taste with the cartomizer.

It is cheaper to buy blank carts and flavors and make your own. I don't think I can name websites, but the place I use is only 4.95 for 10ml of flavor. I can fill about 20 carts with that. I smoked 2 packs a day, and use about 5 carts a day. So, basically it costs me about $40 a month to vape. If you are going to DIY, then it would be even cheaper.

I use Magna 510 and Joye 510. I found that I like the throat hit with the Magna better, but you can only buy atomizers and cartridges for them at one site. That is a problem if that company is out of stock.

Initially, make sure that they have at least two batteries and two automizers for each. You want an extra battery so one is available when the other one needs charging. You should always make sure there is an extra automizer because if it dies you can't vape. Many kits come with 2 batteries, one automizer, wall charger, UBS charger, and some carts to start off with.

Other things I learned after the fact. If you use a cartomizer you don't need an atomizer. The cartomizer is an atomizer and cart combined. That is why they cost more than just cartridges. Also, if you use blank cartridges you can get blue foam from a pet store. Many people like that better and you can rinse and reuse it easily.

There is an initial cost of at least a couple hundred dollars, but after that it is much cheaper than cigarettes. And with all the flavors available, your sister can vape so much more than just tobacco.

Feel free to PM me if you need any more details about what I wrote.

 

[teabagger]

I had a very expensive learning curve, that is still worth it in my mind... you have to take into consideration what their personal tastes are. I would try some inexpensive sets, like Kr808 cartomizer kits, the battery life is passable and results are vavorable, and very inexpensive for a couple of batterys and cartomizers to start. As it has been said cartomizers are refillable, and reusable. i have never had cartomizer die completly on me. Plus its closer looking to a real analog, cost effective and gives a good representation of what a satisfying vape can be. once you plant a healthy seed of vaping, the rest will follow on their part. the pv experience is personal and i feel that my time researching, browsing buying and trying differant equipment/juices, is part of the reason i remain smoke free. so lets say kr909 price dependant
$25(china)-$50(america) for startup kit wells say 30 bucks on juice, and thats all you will probably need to spend to start and have a satisfying vape.
55-85 per person, to get a good idea of vaping experience.

 

[quasimod]

The most expensive part is buying all the stuff that doesn't work for you. Since you already have a kit, see how she likes yours, and go from there.

I think of the people I've helped get started (successfully), the one that spent the least amount of money on stuff they no longer use is the one that went straight for the big battery mod, 2 18650 batts w/charger, 3 pack of 510 attys, and a handfull of small tobacco liquids (1 coffee). Also a drip tip: I taught him how to drip, so the re-filling wasn't an issue. He's not an Internet guy, so I knew he wasn't coming here to learn all of that stuff.

He probably spent about $175 to get started, but after that it was just a matter of buying juice and expanding his "back-up supplies". I eventually talked him into getting an iPhone, and showed him how to find Cignot and Tasty Vapor.

Done!

 

[Hellen A. Handbasket]

Buying a model that most suppliers carry parts for (510, 801, 901, KR808) and that will work with most mods (or adapters) makes all the difference. You can shop for sales this way for atomizers and aren't stuck with one or two sellers with high replacement part prices.

Also, eventually you'll probably be like most of us and move to a battery mod, (better vapor, slightly higher voltage and longer battery life) so it is good advise to start off with one if you can afford it.

I have a pile of the stock batteries that come with the kits that I'll never use. Back when I started (16 months ago) mods weren't anything like they are today and you can get an inexpensive box mod today for around $25 or spend around $100 for an adjustable voltage (I just bought the Buzz and it is a great unit). I was lucky since I started with the 801 penstyle and bought a 510 kit a few months later. I bought lots of stock batteries and some pretty blech liquid p oh well) before I found my go to flavors that I love. I also tried several models (901, 401 and KR808D cartomizers) but they didn't' come close to the vapor of the 510 and 801/302 (penstyle) atomizers for me.

My just starting DO OVER would be with a 510 or penstyle kit (to use in public until you get comfortable with vaping), a 3.7v mod with an 18650 li-ion battery (lasts for 2 days), pack of 6 atomizers (each lasts at least 3 weeks most last 2-3 months with a simple cleaning by soaking with PGA and they are less expensive if you buy at least 5 or 6 from most suppliers), a 30ml bottle of Tobacco flavored liquid, a 30ml of menthol liquid to start out (great throat hit and I never smoked menthol ciggys) and buying sample size liquids from several suppliers to find my favorites.

By the way, most people consume 3ml of liquid a day so a 30ml bottle will last someone around 10 days or so.

Watch the Classified section of the forum for kits, atomizers, mods and liquid. Great way to get things inexpensive or try something new. Here is the link: Classifieds and swaps - E-Cigarette Forum

 

[j21blackjack]

I'm still kind of new at e-cigs, only been using them for a few months. I origianlly started with a 510 kit from cignot. Then I bought an eGo kit from them after I realized the 510 batteries only last a couple of hours per charge. I still use my eGos to this day, the batteries last me a couple of days sometimes on a single charge. I started using attys and dripping, and I still do on occasion. I actually still have 3 of my my original attys from the 510 kit and the eGo kit that still work just fine after 3 months. I am also a huge fan of cartomizers. I have some that I've been using for about 2 months. They are cheap compared to attys ($8 for 5 instead of just one atty). I just keep mine full of liquid, and I've never had any burning (except when using them at 5v). I recently bought a Mr. Puffer, and a variable voltage mod, and I think I'll be set for a while now. Right now, as I type this, I'm using my Mr. Puffer with just a cartomizer. So calculation wise, after getting initially set up, I figure my monthly cost to be around $30, maybe. That's to cover replacing cartos and an atty or two if I need to. Honestly, I think the cheapest way to get started would be to buy a battery mod (box mods are the cheapest), a couple sets of batteries, a charger, some good liquids, a couple of attys, and a few packs of empty cartos. That would pretty much cover you for at least a month or two. Probably the least expensive you could do it would be around $100 to $150, then you'd be looking at $30 to $50 a month after that. Like others have said, the expensive part of it is when it becomes a hobby instead of a habit and you start buying all kinds of new toys and trying new things.

 

[mini_art]

Heres a set up I use daily and am quite happy with,

http://www.madvapes.com/2xAA-Box-Mod-with-Green-LED-and-901808-connector_p_2526.html
23.00 each you would want 2= 46.00

Protected 14500 Battery, 900 mAH You would want 4 at 4.79 each about 20.00

AG-126 Lithium Ion Battery Charger

You would need 1 at 11.00

LR Low Resistance atomizer

You would need 4 to start at 8.00 each = 32.00

One battery should last almost all day on a full charge for them.
If you are making the juice then like you said it doesnt count for much.

This is a cheap set up for 2 people with good equipment , the lr atty is great from Ikanvape.

So for a little over 110 you can set them both up with a good little box
mod and good attys and a charger.

They wont need any more then that. The atty can use carts that you can fill with your own juice.

I have tried a lot of different kits. And spent a lot of money doing it. But I've learned a bit along the way.
Voltage is still voltage no matter how you package it. This is a 3.7 volt set up that will last a long time for the battery life. The cig style battery cant compete with that.

You can use kr808 cartomizers on this set up too without an adaptor because it has the
808 /901 connection built in .

so if they find they prefer cartomizers they can still do it.

I find cartomizers more expensive to use for me . An atty can last 2 weeks to months
there is no defined life time for them. A cartomizer is really the same way, but after a week they start to taste funky even if you go the cleaning route with them. The batting in them starts to break down, it is just fabric exposed to heat after all.
It is going to deteriorate.

All of this is just my experience, others will vary in their opinions. Thats good! Vaping is a personal experience and choice. In the end they will discover what they like.

 

[THE]

Thank you for the information filled replies.. I appreciate it.
I can see that you've all put time into what you're writing!

I plan on reading this a couple of times.. the whole thread, because you all have good points...

I need to get over my fear of 510s

My father was going to order a "True Joye 510" but he never did.. And they look just like his "Unknown Origin" 510 which just absolutely sucks at vapor production. I mean, it is bad. But I'm thinking, hey can't be THAT bad, with millions of everyone loving them so much.. So I am going to order him one soon just because I want to cure my fear of them.

I can't find any posts 901 vs. 510 .. I really do like the KR808 carts, and from what I've read the 901 will interchange with them, AND the 901 is just as good as the 510??..

So many model numbers for no apparent reason, everything looking exactly the same, and having no idea who actually makes what or anything else is very frustrating, to me. I read and read and read and it all runs together. FOREX IS LESS COMPLICATED. I can find the best deal on ANYTHING that IS my THING. I find the best deal and the BEST MERCHANDISE. That's what I AM.

These things just outright confuse me and I DON'T like that feeling. It's not something I'm accustomed or plan on becoming accustomed to. So with your help, I WILL be an e-cig expert. And I appreciate you all very much. If you only knew.

You folks have really made me think more about atomizers. I was starting to come around a little when I realized that they could be more economical and the vapor might be as good. Heck, it sounds like most people are saying it's better..... right?

I think I have atomizer phobia because the atomizers I've seen (and this isn't many) have all been ridiculous. I got a pretty good experience out of the N-Pro atomizers when they were new, but they don't stay good for long at all. The atomizers I got from e-cig.com SUCKED. The unknown origin 510 my father has SUCKS. So I'm very gunshy about atomizers!!

However, if I saw some idiot shy away from something for LIFE because he had a very very LIMITED bad experience with whatever it was... I'd want to break his face. So I should not act like one of those types. Stubborn/Ignorant. Especially when I have 1000's of people on here singing the praises of these newer atomizers

I've never used a drip tip, so I'm not sure what it's like... but I can tell you this much, I bet I'll love them. Dripping is nice. Dripping is the ONLY way I enjoyed my Npro and the ONLY way those e-cig.com cigs EVER DID ANYTHING. And NOTHING makes my fathers fake 510 worth even trying to use.

I showed him how to do the straw mod to the carts and he's thrilled, loves it. Even though there's no vapor or noticable nicotine fix. Go figure. *shrug*

 

[THE]

[/B]

I think the box mod is definitely more my speed than theirs.. but sure looks interesting
Can I put different batteries in it to up the voltage?
That'd be really nice..

By the way I'd to be in Florida today... you lucky devil.. I was supposed to be in Miami earlier this month, and should still be...... You lucky devil

 

[THE]

I've definitely read what you're all saying, and I will again.. Keep posting information for me, looks like I'll be ordering it all on the third .... YaY

The goal is a difficult one, I know, I've budgeted $200 and need to set them up and I'm in desperate need of vaping supplies, too.... I'm going to try to bump it to $250 if I can but things are tight thanks to me .. Happens to the best of us, and to the worst

And my brother in law, he admitted that he's very pleased to be trying e-cigs again now that they've evolved so very nicely

Every time I see a cigarette in my sisters hands it's like a tiny needle in my old heart.. so her being willing to not smoke is the best gift I've ever been given. You know I am not the type who knows a-lot of people. I don't believe in having "friends" or anyone close that does not have to be. I like it that way. But the very few who are close mean the world to me. I'm so very grateful to you all for all of the information I've gotten here. Thank you for all of your help and for helping me help people I care about!!

 

[CaptJay]

901 vs 510 - I use both types of atties but I do NOT own a 901 body so I have no idea what kind of performance that gives out.
I find the 901 is a good performer, can give out slightly cooler vapor and is really good for my lighter flavor vapes which the 510's heat can ruin.
OTOH the 510 does very well with the strong flavors (tobacco coffee chocolate etc) but it does put out a whole lot of heat (mine get too hot to touch with bare skin but then again I have a tendency to chain vape)
The thing Ive found about atties in general is that they can be inconssistent and fussy - and I dont want fussy so instead of going through all the resurrection methods I just chuck out any underperformers and replace them. Ive found it freed me from stressing over the whole issue if I looked at atties as disposable items, not unlike cigarettes themselves. If I broke a cig at the filter then unless it was my LAST one I just threw it out, I didnt try and tape it or hold it 'in a special way so it worked'. If my atty is being a huge pain, into the trash it goes and on goes a new one.
I have tried cartos btw but found them even more of a pain than atties lol
I also dont bother with cart filler (another area that could get fussy) and jsut drip.

 

[THE]

That is how my fathers fake 510 is.. gets HOT. And still no decent vapor..

 

[CaptJay]

Genuine JOYE510s get hot too so its normal for them in general. Mine all give good vapor though, maybe his was jsut a bum one, Ive heard the non JOYE are decent performers in general although Ive not used any myself.

 

[THE]

Genuine JOYE510s get hot too so its normal for them in general. Mine all give good vapor though, maybe his was jsut a bum one, Ive heard the non JOYE are decent performers in general although Ive not used any myself.

Whatever these are, they're bad.. He got two atomizers with the "kit" and they've replaced one for him.... I seem to be the ONLY person who's seen a 510 as bad as these happen to be.. I can even make the worst atomizer in the world (from e-cig.com ) to work "good enough" but not these

 

[mini_art]

Get dad a couple of joye 510 attys. They do work.

I cant go back from my lr 901s but mine are 2.0 oms instead of the standard 1.5 or something like that.
Lr attys like that make things taste burnt to me.
Yes you can get really good vapor and taste on an atty.

I live in Naples .FL The. Right now the temps are 95 and the humidity is 98 LOL
so it is hot and sticky. It will be this way every day until November at which time we have absolutely perfect weather until about May again.

Be careful what you wish for LOL> Come in October, thats the best time to be here.
Not too many visitors yet and the weather is great

 

[THE]

Get dad a couple of joye 510 attys. They do work.

I cant go back from my lr 901s but mine are 2.0 oms instead of the standard 1.5 or something like that.
Lr attys like that make things taste burnt to me.
Yes you can get really good vapor and taste on an atty.

I live in Naples .FL The. Right now the temps are 95 and the humidity is 98 LOL
so it is hot and sticky. It will be this way every day until November at which time we have absolutely perfect weather until about May again.

Be careful what you wish for LOL> Come in October, thats the best time to be here.
Not too many visitors yet and the weather is great

Everyone just HATED me when it was -4 here and I was out on LA
I called them and was telling them about the palm trees and 78 degrees and they all wanted to knife me in my
LoL over here

NOTHING worse than being in that weather and 3 hours later step off a plane and it's 10 degrees... jesus ... weather lag

I miss Florida. Humidity is a but I still miss it
Lived in Orlando back when it wasn't so HUGE and COMMERCIALIZED