Turn-Key Solution for a Former Vaper

[Jeff M.]

My name is Jeff and I'm a current analog smoker. Years ago (maybe circa 2009) I did tons of research into available electronic cigarettes and finally settled on a Ken's Box Mods "Big Brother". I used it with success for several months. I bought a bunch of juice samples and found that I really liked mixing Vapor Station's apple and mint flavored juices. My first mod melted down after I failed to remove the batteries prior to packing it into a backpack pocket. I replaced it with another Ken's Box Mods, his new Variable Voltage "Big Brother" (one of the very first VV mods on the market IIRC) that also had a kill-switch. Again, it worked great for me for several months. I'm a klutz and dropped it once too many times I suppose and it quit working. At that time there were few, if any, "tanks" or other options besides cartomizers and atomizers. I preferred direct-dripping. After breaking my second Box Mod I gave up and went back to analogs. When my son was born I used cheep gas-station disposable e-cigs while in the hospital, but they don't last long enough for the cost and weren't nearly as satisfying to use as the mods.

Taking a brief look through the forums I feel like I'm trying to take a sip from a fire hose. There seems to be months of research to figure out what's out there now. I'm ready to quit smoking but life is insanely busy between work, family, and going back to school to finish my college degree. I'm not thrilled at the prospect of spending hours and hours researching. I'm looking for recommendations for a turn-key setup, that is proven quality, that I can purchase from one source, or piece together from as few sources as possible. I have a small list of requirements.

1. Durability. Like I said, I'm a klutz. I can't have nice things. It's gotta be tough.

2. Variable or otherwise able to be tuned to whatever vapor volume/throat hit I decide I want. I don't want to buy a bunch of different e-cigs to find one I like.

3. Common rechargeable battery (eg 18650, etc). Nothing oddball/proprietary. I'd like to have a several days worth of spare charged batteries on hand for activities like camping etc.

4. tank or some other setup that produces similar results to direct-dripping, but easier to use while driving. There have been so many advances in this area, that it is intimidating. Clearomizers, cartomizers, atomizers. It gives me a headache. I have no problem getting a few different add-ons to try out, but I don't know anything about ohms/resistance/etc or how any of this stuff works. As far as I'm concerned it's all just voodoo and magic.

5. While I understand the concept of "Buy once, cry once" I can't honestly say that money is no object. I respect a good value, but I'm willing to pay for quality.

If you have recommendations for a complete setup that works well and is a proven performer, I'm all ears and appreciate the help.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[Steelgirl]

I'm sure you will get a hundred suggestions, but one I like and actually just bought thru ECF Classies is the Smok XPRO M50. I will never need 50 watts. Didn't buy it for that. Bought it mostly for the great form factor. It's small, yet holds 22mm atty (clearomizor) perfectly. Speaking of tank, I'm a Kanger fan. I've beem using the SubTanks recently. Yes, they are glass, so there is that klutzy issue to deal with. I've bust a few, but they do sell replacements. I now have thick hair band things wrapped around my tanks, so if they do fall over, they are fairly well protected. You can get the sub ohm coils or the 1.2 ohm coils if you prefer. My last name literally rhymes with klutz, and I still use glass tanks and glass bottles for my DIY eliquid

 

[Ohm Gnome]

Hi . I use a Smok M80 Plus. I love it but can't speak on its ruggedness because I baby It. I've heard many people say that the Sig 150 is tough. I've seen with my own eyes people drop them on tile and they kept on vaping. They use standard batteries. My Smok just charges with a sub cable like Android phones. So does the Eleaf Istick. If 50 watts is enough the Istick could be your answer. As for tanks I personally love the Herakles and it has factory coils. Basically any newer sub ohm tanks are similar to dripping. If you would like to build your own coils I'd suggest the Goliath . Everyone here will vary what they would suggest because it's a big market now but there's my suggestions. Good luck on the journey

 

[Ohm Gnome]

Tanks like Delta 2 are shielded so if you dropped it it's cool. You can buy coils or build your own with ?

 

[supertrunker]

Reo Grand. 18650 battery. RM2.

Bulletproof, reliable, and you are to blame for a crap vape!

T

 

[Bradinpenn]

My name is Jeff and I'm a current analog smoker. Years ago (maybe circa 2009) I did tons of research into available electronic cigarettes and finally settled on a Ken's Box Mods "Big Brother". I used it with success for several months. I bought a bunch of juice samples and found that I really liked mixing Vapor Station's apple and mint flavored juices. My first mod melted down after I failed to remove the batteries prior to packing it into a backpack pocket. I replaced it with another Ken's Box Mods, his new Variable Voltage "Big Brother" (one of the very first VV mods on the market IIRC) that also had a kill-switch. Again, it worked great for me for several months. I'm a klutz and dropped it once too many times I suppose and it quit working. At that time there were few, if any, "tanks" or other options besides cartomizers and atomizers. I preferred direct-dripping. After breaking my second Box Mod I gave up and went back to analogs. When my son was born I used cheep gas-station disposable e-cigs while in the hospital, but they don't last long enough for the cost and weren't nearly as satisfying to use as the mods.

Taking a brief look through the forums I feel like I'm trying to take a sip from a fire hose. There seems to be months of research to figure out what's out there now. I'm ready to quit smoking but life is insanely busy between work, family, and going back to school to finish my college degree. I'm not thrilled at the prospect of spending hours and hours researching. I'm looking for recommendations for a turn-key setup, that is proven quality, that I can purchase from one source, or piece together from as few sources as possible. I have a small list of requirements.

1. Durability. Like I said, I'm a klutz. I can't have nice things. It's gotta be tough.

2. Variable or otherwise able to be tuned to whatever vapor volume/throat hit I decide I want. I don't want to buy a bunch of different e-cigs to find one I like.

3. Common rechargeable battery (eg 18650, etc). Nothing oddball/proprietary. I'd like to have a several days worth of spare charged batteries on hand for activities like camping etc.

4. Tank or some other setup that produces similar results to direct-dripping, but easier to use while driving. There have been so many advances in this area, that it is intimidating. Clearomizers, cartomizers, atomizers. It gives me a headache. I have no problem getting a few different add-ons to try out, but I don't know anything about ohms/resistance/etc or how any of this stuff works. As far as I'm concerned it's all just voodoo and magic.

5. While I understand the concept of "Buy once, cry once" I can't honestly say that money is no object. I respect a good value, but I'm willing to pay for quality.

If you have recommendations for a complete setup that works well and is a proven performer, I'm all ears and appreciate the help.

Thanks,

Jeff

Once you get suggestions( fairly new myself) check out vapecrawler.com for best pricing on equipment

 

[gandymarsh]

For a low price, an MVP 20w or MVP 3 (30w) is a good investment. The 20w has a 2600 mah battery, enough for 2-3 days depending on your vaping style. Very rugged.

A glass tank like the Aspire Nautilus or Nautilus mini with BVC coils is a good buy. Yes they can break if dropped but replacement glass is available.

The Eleaf GS Air is a cheaper but good alternative to the Nautilus but the glass is not replaceable.

The Eleaf iStick 30w seems to have a good track record so far. Maybe not as durable as the MVP. I won't recommend the iStick 50w at this time since some serious problems with some of them are surfacing lately.

 

[ChuckB]

Segelei Mini 30w - good VV/VW box mod. Uses 18650 flat top IMR battery.
MPV - Solid VV/VW but has proprietary battery, so basically disposable. Virtually indestructible.

Trophy Tank - coils can be purchased and/or rebuilt easily.

These are what I carry all the time. Check out MadVapes.com. They carry a lot of different mods, the site is fairly easy to get around on and the prices aren't too bad at all.

IF there's a B&M local to you, you should probably go there too even if you purchase on-line. At least try some of their juices. Most B&M are also helpful with advice and most will let you test their juice.

 

[ElevenEleven]

A Provari seems to fit your needs. Its a little pricey but it is built to last. I've heard stories of people dropping their Provari's and have them function without any problems. Its made in America, is covered by a great warranty, and, if something does get damaged, replacement parts are readily available. An Aspire Nautilus is a great match for it, and you can get stainless steel tank sections to help protect it.

ProVape E-Cigarettes: Buy Electronic Cigarettes & Vapor Smokeless Cigs

Edit: I should say this. There is no tank that will give you the same flavor quality as dripping. The only thing that offers a dripper and a tank in the same device is ReosMods, but that is a mechanical and you'll have to build to preference. If longevity of your PV is the most important thing, and you aren't interested in a Provari, then a Reo should be your second option.

 

[kaahn]

For a low price, an MVP 20w or MVP 3 (30w) is a good investment. The 20w has a 2600 mah battery, enough for 2-3 days depending on your vaping style. Very rugged.

A glass tank like the Aspire Nautilus or Nautilus mini with BVC coils is a good buy. Yes they can break if dropped but replacement glass is available.

The Eleaf GS Air is a cheaper but good alternative to the Nautilus but the glass is not replaceable.

The Eleaf iStick 30w seems to have a good track record so far. Maybe not as durable as the MVP. I won't recommend the iStick 50w at this time since some serious problems with some of them are surfacing lately.

I have to second this recommendation especially just starting out again. An MVP 20W has awesome battery life and offers a perfect wattage range for the nautilus aspire not to mention the durability you are looking for. Also you can purchase a metal sleeve to slip over the nautilus glass section for added durability for a fairly resonable price. Replacement coils will run you about $2 a pop but they last on average a week and a half to two weeks. All around great option, great flavor and versatility.

If replaceable batteries is a sticking point you can't go wrong with something like an ipv mini 30w. I use Samsung 18650 25R's with mine and love it. You can get the batteries for $6 a piece from illumin supply. Batteries last about 12 hours or so on a full charge.

Good luck in finding your way.

 

[Frenchfry1942]

MVP series; not to say it can be thrown around. Just having one in my hand, I can feel the solidness. Current is the MVP3.

 

[kaahn]

MVP series; not to say it can be thrown around. Just having one in my hand, I can feel the solidness. Current is the MVP3.

Yeah I can't wait for the MVP3.0 Pro. Ima have to splurge for it!

 

[sucram]

Im not going to suggest a particular mod, but i will suggest you also buy a smaller/cheaper back up so if you break one you still have something to vape instead of smoke. Or you can rotate them but having atleast a back up is essential.

Im not a collector, or a hobbist so i dont buy buy buy, vaping is a means to an end for me but having 2 is ideal for worst case situation

 

[TFL!]

Right know the ProVari P3 starter kit is $260. mod, 2 batteries, Charger, tank and free juice 10 ml. The ones they are shipping now .5 ohm 6.5 amps 20 watts. Go check it out on their web site.

 

[Capt.shay]

For a device, I would echo others and say that at ~$25 the MVP20 is a tough and reliable mod that you can grow with. Built in battery is a big bonus to me. Just plug in to an USB to charge

 

[Ohm Gnome]

If you're looking for something any where near a dripper like you originally said then don't even think about a Nautilas. You will be disappointed

 

[MasteroftheVape]

If you were happy with your old "big brother" don't start crazy. The cheapest 20 watt istick for 20 bucks and cheap clearomizer will be superior to what you had before. Go to a vape shop or 2 and see what catches your eye. Do some window shopping.

 

[Asbestos4004]

I agree with supertrunker.....a REO. Almost indestructible, standard 18650 battery and it IS direct dripping.. Only without the direct dripping!

 

[Frenchfry1942]

For a device, I would echo others and say that at ~$25 the MVP20 is a tough and reliable mod that you can grow with. Built in battery is a big bonus to me. Just plug in to an USB to charge

Yes, when price/simplicity is wanted, a mod like the MVPs just plug in like a phone. No batteries, no charger. Some, upper end mods are coming out with replaceable batteries, but they still charge via USB. Those 18650 batteries aren't as large as the internal batteries, though. Just a consideration.

 

[Stringplucker]

There are a number of custom box mod builders out there. Single or dual battery, 18650 or 26650, parallel or serial, vw or mechanical, etc. Many that I've seen are solid and rugged...very hard to destroy under normal usage. You may want to check with your local vape shop for those that are made near you.