Want to switch to Vaping is this a good choice? Clueless newbie here :D

[RyanRed]

I'm real happy I found this forum. Get info here! But its all a little overwhelming, and I have a hard time following the terminology everyone uses.

I've been trying to figure out what a good kit to start with would be. From what I have read from other posts on here it can be a bit back and forth of people recommend. I don't want anything that is going to be crap, but I dont think I need the high end stuff either. So would this be a good starter kit?

THE EASY STARTER KIT- KR808D-1

It looked like a good price, and a lot of you seem to talk about "808", and Im still a bit clueless to what that means h. A battery maybe?

Why does the battery matter so much? Does it have to do with how strong the actual hit will be? Or is it simply just how long the battery will last?

If I do go with the above link's starter kit, what flavors do you recommend? Im a menthol smoker, but have always gone back and forth between brands never really having a preference.

My last question is. If I got the above start kit would I need anything else to refill them with? In other words, does it come with everything I need so that I can just buy the e-liquid from here on out? Oh, I'm also wondering how long do cartomizers last compared to a pack of cigarettes? The above kit states it comes with a 10mL additional e-liquid. Is that about 1 refill?

hahaha Im sorry, im just full of questions, but if any of you would be kind enough to relay some information it would be MUCH APPRECIATED!!!

Thanks in advance everyone!

-Ryan

P.S. Any money saving tips would be appreciated too. Where to buy, promo codes maybe. Anything that I can save a buck or two

 

[denali_41]

i would get this starter kit before i got the one you are looking at
they have 20% off code you can use get it a little cheaper too

Electronic Cigarette - Starter Kits - Riva 510 - Carto Deluxe

 

[cyberwolf]

Welcome to the ECF! Glad to see you've done some research and that is not a bad kit you've chosen.

The most important thing about batteries is how long they will last between charges. The KR808D-1 will have reasonable battery life, but bigger batteries would go longer. Larger batteries would also allow you to use a wider variety of cartomizers and atomizers because they can deliver more constant power.

If you are a menthol smoker, start out with menthol. The 10ml bottle will be enough to fill many catridges, 10-20 at the minimum. You should be preoared to buy juice immediately, though, because it will likely only last you for a week or so. The liquid is all you really need to refill them.

 

[denali_41]

one other thing,,try to stick with 510 devices,,choices are a lot better and more readily available then the other threading sizes

 

[Clovery]

I'm not familiar with that kit that you posted, but having used cartridges, I think they are a PITA and generally taste bad (in my limited experience). I really love my KGO, but it might not be right for you if want something that looks and feels similar to a cigarette. If "looks and feels like a cigarette" is less important to you than "satisfying vapor"...

I'd recommend this KGO kit from sweet vapes. I bought one for my husband after using my KGO for a week and he loves it too. The clearomizers (the clear thing that you put the juice into) are very easy to use and refill. When I was new to this (just a few weeks ago) I was totally confused and had a million questions too. It gets easier and makes a lot more sense once you actually have the supplies in your hands.

As a (former) menthol smoker I prefer mint, menthol, and vanilla flavors or any combination of those. I was smoking a pack a day of camel menthol lights and I started with 12 mg strength liquid and that was just right for me.

Sweet vapes (the vendor linked above) as well as many other vendors are having sales this weekend, so definitely check for codes. The code for sweet vapes is MEMORIAL15 for 15% off. If you decide to order the KGO from there, I'd recommend the 1100 mah battery option - it's a bit longer but will last you all day and then some, plus the extra length makes for a more comfortable grip for me.

edited to add: with that kit I linked, you will need to buy e-liquid separately. Sweet vapes isn't the cheapest place for liquids, so I'd recommend http://altcig.3dcartstores.com/ they have a code for 25% off this weekend. It might be best to buy smaller bottles of varying strengths until you find what works best for you. Get about 30 ml total to start with. Both of these vendors have fast shipping.

 

[Stormlark]

Just a tip. Don't buy large bottles of e-liquid just yet. I was also a menthol smoker so I figured I'd definitely like menthol juices, but I hated most of the ones I ordered. My suggestion would be to hold off on buying any bottles larger than 10ml until you know for certain you like the vendor, pg/vg ratio, nicotine level, and flavor.

I've only been vaping for 12 days and have sampled four vendors, but my absolute favorite so far is Vapedudes.com . Use the promotional code fbfree for a free 10ml bottle with your purchase and the code vapedudes will give you an additional 40% off your total price (the fbfree only works for a certain number of people per day so if it doesn't work try again later). For my last order, I got 5 10ml bottles for about $12. But this is a personal recommendation. Don't let all the different vendor recommendations get you down. If you have the cash to spare, sample a few different sites.

Some of the terms I used may have been confusing. PG and VG are acronyms for the two optional chemicals that create vapor. Higher PG ratios seem to have more of a throat hit (basically harsher vapor), but the flavors are more noticeable. Higher VG ratios are smoother and taste sweeter. Vapedudes also offers "Extra Flavor" which I love. I tend to enjoy 30% PG / 70% VG, at 12 mg nicotine (or lower). I highly recommend the spearmint from Vapedudes if you like minty flavors.

 

[blkhwk07]

Hello and Welcome,that kit doesn't look bad.
But if you could do with a little larger battery,you would find your not charging as much.I started with that style but changed soon after for reason given.I purchased this kit.

SLB KGO Starter Kit
You also get a pack of Boge cartos,I'd get the 2ohm.
A drip tip,and I believe a sample of juice.
5% off with ECFDCV (last time I ordered that code worked.

 

[RyanRed]

denali_41: Looks like they are sold out

Ive seen a lot of you posting about KSO, so Ill go ahead and give it a shot. Is there any main difference in the kit Clovery posted to the one blkhwk07 posted? is one a better deal?

-Ryan

 

[RyanRed]

Awesime info Stormlark! Sounds like an awesome deal!

 

[RyanRed]

Between
http://www.sweet-vapes.com/shop?pag...color_plus.tpl&product_id=1033&category_id=31
That Clovery Posted

and
http://www.sweet-vapes.com/shop?pag..._color_plus.tpl&product_id=438&category_id=31
this one

Whats the main difference here? The one that Clovery posted I would have to upgrade to the 1100 battery adding 6 dollars while the second one seems to already come with it. The one that Clovery posted is clear, is that the main difference?

 

[Clovery]

denali_41: Looks like they are sold out

Ive seen a lot of you posting about KSO, so Ill go ahead and give it a shot. Is there any main difference in the kit Clovery posted to the one blkhwk07 posted? is one a better deal?

-Ryan

the one blkhwk07 posted comes with atomizers and cartridges and cones.

I originally bought a KGO kit like that one, but the cartridge + atomizer combo really tastes bad. The cartridges are full of a cotton wicking material and that is placed over the atomizer to vaporize the liquid. The cartridges need to be kept wet, and in my experience, always taste off or burnt anyway. The atomizers can also be used for dripping - this is when you drip a few drops of liquid onto the atomizer, which lasts a few puffs. I tried this method with the KGO atomizers but only the first puff tasted okay, then it would give a burnt taste. I think most would recommend purchasing a different atomizer if the drip method sounds preferable to you. The KGO battery has the 510 connection threads, so you will be able to try many different types of atomizers and cartomizers without purchasing a different battery. The cones are not necessary, they are just a cosmetic addition to make the battery and atomizer look nicer, as one complete unit. They will also fit over some smaller cartomizers and can be bought separately for a few dollars a piece.

The kit I posted comes with 2 vision ego aka "stardust" cartomizers.

A cartomizer is a container for the juice and an atomizer built into a single unit. What is nice about these particular cartomizers is that they are clear and very easy to fill, so imo they are very noob friendly. You just need to drip the liquid into the top, and you can see the level of liquid so you can know when it's time to refill, without getting a burnt or dry taste. These "Stardust" style cartomizers are very popular; there are tons of threads here dedicated to them. IMO they give great vapor and I enjoy the taste - it's never burnt and they won't leak into your mouth. There's one consideration about the stardust clearomizers - the plastic is known to crack with liquids containing cinnamon or citrus due to a chemical reaction. So avoid those flavors if you choose to use these. This kit comes with the vision cartomizers instead of the atomizer, cartridges, and cones. The cones are not needed with the clear cartomizers, and will not fit over them. Both kits contain the chargers and two batteries.

tl;dr version: I know all the terms are very overwhelming, which makes it difficult to even read a paragraph about it. For me personally, all of the stuff that came with the KGO atomizer + cartridge kit (the one blkhwk07 posted) has been sitting in the box since around day 3. I never had a pleasurable experience with it, and I wish I had just ordered the vision kit instead. I've been vaping on my KGO + vision cartomizers for almost a couple of weeks now and haven't even had a desire to touch a cigarette. If you decide to go with the atomizer kit, definitely pick up at least one vision cartomizer just to try.

 

[Ratchet]

Awesime info Stormlark! Sounds like an awesome deal!

It is.... I have an order coming from Vapedudes next week. Ordered 7 10ml bottles, all extra flavor at 16 mg to try and see if I like. Appletini, Choc Martini, Turtle Cheesecake, Chocolate Cheesecake, Smores, Vanilla Coffee, Peach Cobbler... With the 40% off coupon (Which will only work ONCE), I ended up paying $28... I didn't know about the fbfree coupon so I missed out on the free bottle (there's always a next time if this stuff is good...LOL!). But $28 for a total of 70 ml of juice - not too shabby! I hope the flavors are as good as they sound........... I ordered at a 50/50 mix (I like anywhere from 70/30 PG/VG to 50/50, straight PG doesn't give me enough vapor and too high on VG doesn't wick worth a darn in my tanks. 50/50 or lower seems to work for me. Good luck.......

If it doesn't HAVE to look just like a real cigi, I'd rather go with a KGO for a beginner. Manual battery that is sealed so you could use tanks, cartos, clearomizers, drip directly, whatever you end up liking. The kit is only $49 and comes with:
2 x Atomizers
2 x 1100mAh Batteries
1 x USB Charger
1 x Wall Plug for USB
6 x Cartridges (2x High, 2x Med, and 2x Low)
2 x Protective Cones
1 x Instruction Manual
1 x Gift Box

You might want to consider ordering at least one more battery in case one of the dies on you. You don't want to be caught without a replacement battery that you can use while the other is charging. THAT would b a major disaster for me. And some cartomizers, empty cartridges, tank,.... The possibilities are pretty endless with a 510 threading. ENJOY your vaping advenure. Here's the link to the KGO I found:

KGO (Riva) 1100mAh Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit - $49.95

 

[Clovery]

Between
http://www.sweet-vapes.com/shop?pag...color_plus.tpl&product_id=1033&category_id=31
That Clovery Posted

and
http://www.sweet-vapes.com/shop?pag..._color_plus.tpl&product_id=438&category_id=31
this one

Whats the main difference here? The one that Clovery posted I would have to upgrade to the 1100 battery adding 6 dollars while the second one seems to already come with it. The one that Clovery posted is clear, is that the main difference?

The first one is the same kit that blkhwk07 posted from darkcityvapor. It's also the first kit that I purchased and explained in my previous post.

going with sweet vapes' prices:

cost of (2) 1100 mah batteries, and usb + wall charger: $47.80
-both kits come with the above, so you might as well get a kit-
first kit: $43.95
- comes with 5 catridges, 2 atomizers, 2 cones, plus box. all pretty useless IMO
second kit: $49.75
- comes with 2 vision cartomizers, and a decent zipper carrying case

either one is a good deal. if you go with the first kit, you'll get some extra equipment to play with and have around for emergencies, but probably won't use otherwise. with the second kit, you get 2 good cartomizers which cost $4.95 each on their own, but you don't get the extra stuff. the difference in price is basically the cost of 1 vision cartomizer.

if you order from there don't forget the code for 15% off: MEMORIAL15

 

[Iusedtoanalog]

Hi Ryan, To answer a couple of your questions in your bag of questions I will start with the numbers question. So most manufacturers use the numbers to refer to their thread type of the device. Meaning if you picked a KR808d-1 kit you would need the kr808d-1 cartomizers to use on that specific device. A 510 kit would require 510 cartomizers. Each of the device threading numbers identify what accessories you would need for that device, like chargers or personal charging cases( aka PCC) and anything else you may want to add to your arsenal.

The other number to keep in mind is mAh. This number refers to battery capacity. So a 200mAh unit will last half as long as a 400mAh unit if used on the same carto/atty in the same way.

Your next question eludes to voltage. The more voltage the quicker it can heat the coil to vaporize the liquid. The quicker it can vaporize liquid the more liquid is vaporized in the same overall amount of time, during the draw. Typically resulting in more vapor and usually better flavor and an overall better experience. Typically you will be in the 3.7 volt range with all the above kits so your variable will be the resistance of the attached cartomizer or atty.

The mAh will also determine what type of carto or atty ohm load the device is capable of running. The general rule of thumb is that a battery under 450mAh should not use cartos under 2.4ohms. Over the 450mAh size you expand your capability down to be able to run down to 1.7 ohm . Most folks agree that the sweet spot would be to have 900mAh or more and a carto that is in the range of 2-1.7ohms. This would allow you to be using your device in the 6.9-8watt range which will produce a good amount of vapor, flavor and feeling.

Once you decide on which device you would like to use you will want to make sure you have a supply of cartomizers( or any variation clearo,tank,atty,etc.) and a supply of liquid to fill them with. I typically use one Boge cartomizer per 5-7 days of all day vaping. I use alot of liquid because I vape heavy and all day. I typically use 4-7ml of liquid per day. Liquid advice is so subjecteive I would say just pick some that look interesting and also pick one or two that you dont think you will like. My second favorite flavor is one that I ordered just to hit that magic number for free shipping. Oh and this being your first device it most likely will not be your last one so learn what you can and you will find what you do and do not like about that device. So thats all I see that was not completely addressed in your first post. Keep us informed. Good Luck. Happy Vaping.

 

[sailorman]

Good choice going with the kGo over the Cigeasy. The Cigeasy is a decent e-cig if you have to have something the size of a cigarette, but no cig. sized e-cig performs like one with a larger battery.

I'm going to deviate from a couple opinions here regarding the difference between an atomizer kit and one that includes cartomizers or clearomizers.

As a new vaper, you'll be needing to try different juices. You will need an atomizer or two. You will probably be using cartomizers as you begin and you're looking for an "all day" flavor. Cartomizers can only be used with one flavor and you don't want to waste a cartomizer on a flavor you may not even like.

You need atomizer(s) to test juices before you commit a cartomizer to them. Theoretically, you could test a flavor with a clearomizer, but that isn't a very good way to do it. You'll also need drip tip(s) for your cartomizer, and an atomizer kit usually includes at least one of those.

If you get an atomizer kit (throw away those cartridges) you can buy cartomizers and clearomizers separately. The cartomizers that come with the kit may not be the ones you want, or as good a quality anyway.

Two atomizers will cost you about $15. A box of cartomizers typically costs 1/2 that much or less. You can buy cartomizers for as little as $20 for 3 boxes. Or, you can get 5 boxes for $23 shipped. A vision clearomizer costs about $5-6.

You will come out better off if you get the atomizer kit and buy separate cartomizers or clearomizers. That way, you'll have atomizers, probably a drip tip or two, and the right cartomizers, for a total cost of less than if you had to buy the atomizers separately.

With a kGo, or any 3.7V device, I strongly recommend the Smoketech 1.7ohm and the Boge 2.0ohm cartomizers. Do NOT fall for the dual coil hype. Dual coil cartomizers do not work well on a 3.7V e-cig, regardless of what any vendor may try to tell you.

 

[blkhwk07]

the one blkhwk07 posted comes with atomizers and cartridges and cones.

I originally bought a KGO kit like that one, but the cartridge + atomizer combo really tastes bad. The cartridges are full of a cotton wicking material and that is placed over the atomizer to vaporize the liquid. The cartridges need to be kept wet, and in my experience, always taste off or burnt anyway. The atomizers can also be used for dripping - this is when you drip a few drops of liquid onto the atomizer, which lasts a few puffs. I tried this method with the KGO atomizers but only the first puff tasted okay, then it would give a burnt taste. I think most would recommend purchasing a different atomizer if the drip method sounds preferable to you. The KGO battery has the 510 connection threads, so you will be able to try many different types of atomizers and cartomizers without purchasing a different battery. The cones are not necessary, they are just a cosmetic addition to make the battery and atomizer look nicer, as one complete unit. They will also fit over some smaller cartomizers and can be bought separately for a few dollars a piece.

The kit I posted comes with 2 vision ego aka "stardust" cartomizers.

A cartomizer is a container for the juice and an atomizer built into a single unit. What is nice about these particular cartomizers is that they are clear and very easy to fill, so imo they are very noob friendly. You just need to drip the liquid into the top, and you can see the level of liquid so you can know when it's time to refill, without getting a burnt or dry taste. These "Stardust" style cartomizers are very popular; there are tons of threads here dedicated to them. IMO they give great vapor and I enjoy the taste - it's never burnt and they won't leak into your mouth. There's one consideration about the stardust clearomizers - the plastic is known to crack with liquids containing cinnamon or citrus due to a chemical reaction. So avoid those flavors if you choose to use these. This kit comes with the vision cartomizers instead of the atomizer, cartridges, and cones. The cones are not needed with the clear cartomizers, and will not fit over them. Both kits contain the chargers and two batteries.

tl;dr version: I know all the terms are very overwhelming, which makes it difficult to even read a paragraph about it. For me personally, all of the stuff that came with the KGO atomizer + cartridge kit (the one blkhwk07 posted) has been sitting in the box since around day 3. I never had a pleasurable experience with it, and I wish I had just ordered the vision kit instead. I've been vaping on my KGO + vision cartomizers for almost a couple of weeks now and haven't even had a desire to touch a cigarette. If you decide to go with the atomizer kit, definitely pick up at least one vision cartomizer just to try.

I believe it now comes with blank cartos.
You can also get a box of Boge cartos for $4.00.
But I've ordered from Sweet-Vapes also (the 650mah Kgo).

 

[sailorman]

The first one is the same kit that blkhwk07 posted from darkcityvapor. It's also the first kit that I purchased and explained in my previous post.

going with sweet vapes' prices:

cost of (2) 1100 mah batteries, and usb + wall charger: $47.80
-both kits come with the above, so you might as well get a kit-
first kit: $43.95
- comes with 5 catridges, 2 atomizers, 2 cones, plus box. all pretty useless IMO
second kit: $49.75
- comes with 2 vision cartomizers, and a decent zipper carrying case

The atomizers and cones are NOT useless. The cartridges are though. The atomizers are only useless if you already know what juice you are going to use most all the time. The cones are only useless if you're never going to use cartomizers. If all you are ever going to do is vape with big clearomizers or cartomizers, and you already know what juice you like, then you are correct. But I don't think that's a very wise way for someone to begin and they will have to buy cartomizers anyway.

either one is a good deal. if you go with the first kit, you'll get some extra equipment to play with and have around for emergencies, but probably won't use otherwise. with the second kit, you get 2 good cartomizers which cost $4.95 each on their own, but you don't get the extra stuff. the difference in price is basically the cost of 1 vision cartomizer.

if you order from there don't forget the code for 15% off: MEMORIAL15

With the first kit, you get $15 worth of atomizers and $10 worth of cones. With the 2nd kit, you get $10 worth of cartomizers and still need additional cartomizers.

 

[RyanRed]

Fantastic info everyone. Very helpful. A lot to take in, and I'm glad I just didn't jump the gun buying the first thing I saw. I will continue to educate myself here, and try and decrypt all this info to my best ability hahaha. I'm catching on though

 

[Clovery]

The atomizers and cones are NOT useless. The cartridges are though. The atomizers are only useless if you already know what juice you are going to use most all the time. The cones are only useless if you're never going to use cartomizers. If all you are ever going to do is vape with big clearomizers or cartomizers, and you already know what juice you like, then you are correct. But I don't think that's a very wise way for someone to begin and they will have to buy cartomizers anyway.

With the first kit, you get $15 worth of atomizers and $10 worth of cones. With the 2nd kit, you get $10 worth of cartomizers and still need additional cartomizers.

I guess you're right about that. The atomizers really aren't very good though. I've never even seen them for sale individually. I just test new flavors in my stardusts - they're easy to wash out and the old flavors vape away in a few puffs. But the cones are $3.50 each and that is something you may want, so the atomizer kit may be the way to go. I still strongly recommend the vision cartomizers as the most noob friendly.

 

[sailorman]

...The atomizers can also be used for dripping - this is when you drip a few drops of liquid onto the atomizer, which lasts a few puffs. I tried this method with the KGO atomizers but only the first puff tasted okay, then it would give a burnt taste.

That's because you didn't prime it right. 3 drops should give you 5 or 6 good puffs before the vapor gets thin. You shouldn't taste any burnt taste, even on a standard atomizer.

I think most would recommend purchasing a different atomizer if the drip method sounds preferable to you.

People dripped for years with a standard atomizer. I still do sometimes. A special dripping atty is nice, but not neccessary for good results.

....The cones are not necessary, they are just a cosmetic addition to make the battery and atomizer look nicer, as one complete unit. They will also fit over some smaller cartomizers and can be bought separately for a few dollars a piece.

The cones are not strictly cosmetic. They tighten up a loose draw, have a protective function when using cartomizers, prevent leaking juice when dripping, and increase the heat of the vapor, which can be helpful on a 3.7V device with anything higher than a LR coil.

the kit I posted comes with 2 vision ego aka "stardust" cartomizers.
A cartomizer is a container for the juice and an atomizer built into a single unit. What is nice about these particular cartomizers is that they are clear and very easy to fill, so imo they are very noob friendly. You just need to drip the liquid into the top, and you can see the level of liquid so you can know when it's time to refill, without getting a burnt or dry taste. These "Stardust" style cartomizers are very popular; there are tons of threads here dedicated to them. IMO they give great vapor and I enjoy the taste - it's never burnt and they won't leak into your mouth. There's one consideration about the stardust clearomizers - the plastic is known to crack with liquids containing cinnamon or citrus due to a chemical reaction. So avoid those flavors if you choose to use these. This kit comes with the vision cartomizers instead of the atomizer, cartridges, and cones. The cones are not needed with the clear cartomizers, and will not fit over them. Both kits contain the chargers and two batteries.

The "Stardust" aka "eGo Vision Clearomizer" or "CE4" are clearomizers, not cartomizers.
The Stardust clearomizers are fine. But they are not a substitue for an atomizer and cartomizers for a newbie. They should be purchased separately and use for juice that you know you want to vape a good quantity of. A newbie with only a couple Stardusts is setting himself up for disaster when one doesn't work right and/or cracks because he doesn't know if the juice he's using causes them to crack.

Also, I doubt if these are the new, upgraded Stardusts. Those are only $5 each and less than the cost of an atomizer or a box of cartomizers. This is not a good option unless you know in advance that you like them, and what juice you prefer.

.... If you decide to go with the atomizer kit, definitely pick up at least one vision cartomizer just to try.

I would agree with that, but I would get the updated version, the CE4+, with the crack resistant plastic construction.