Wanted to say Howdy and ask for help....

[Big Mac]

Howdy folks, this is my first post! Been lurking for a few weeks now, and it's time to post.

I'm a retired, 56 yrs old, living just outside of Sacramento, Ca. I smoke 1 to 1.5 packs of Marlboro Menthol Lights a day. Wife quit about 3 years ago, and I haven't had success for more than a few months when quitting.

A few weeks ago, I picked up 2 disposable Blu's on a whim. Not bad, not great....but enough to make me rethink e-cigs and my health. Decided I was going to try vaping and to try it with the correct equipment and juices (I know“correct equipment” is subjective).

I knew making the choice of what equipment to get was not going to be simple....but I didn’t think it was going to be this tough either. The more I read, the tougher this seems to get, so as to not make this into a dreaded chore, and to make it a happy thing;I picked one to order this coming week.
http://www.awesomevapor.com/eGo-ecigarette-kit-by-Joyetech.html#
I know myself well enough that I will be DIYing my own juices in short time so I will be using one of the Clearomizers to lengthen the time between adding juice. The kit seems to be well price. According to the info provided, batts (2) should last a good amount of time and seems to have all the things I would need for a good start. Comments, suggestions? Is there something else ya’ll think I should include with this kit?
Then I started reading about the VV’s. Do I need a VV instead? Started thinking about smoking in my truck (is this unit too big and bulky to be safely used while driving?). Should I be using the minis while driving? Is this going to work better for me than say one of the Volt starter kits? The voices in my head have abandoned me as they don’t have any answers except “Smoke something and smoke it NOW!”
I smoke on and off all day. I’ll be vaping on and off all day. I’m out and about regularly so I need portability. I like the idea of cutting down recurring costs, so I will be DIYing where possible (I enjoy doing that kind of stuff).
I read about “alls I cans stand and I cants stands no more”....except to listen to your suggestions.

Thanks folks.
Big Mac

 

[Renolizzie]

I think you did the right thing by jumping in and buying something. Only time will tell if you are happy with your choice but there are people that have a couple of set ups. It isn't really either the ego or the Volt mini cigalike. Could end up being some of both.

 

[Perpetualsharon]

I don't have any experience with the VV or volts, but e-Go yes.. Yes
My suggestion would be: ask if they have a starter kit with the passthrough option or maybe find someone who offers the passthrough in a kit for a tad bit more $. The passthrough allows you to plug it in to a USB car charger and you can vape while it's is charging. Although, I would be careful with the cord and driving. I have the passthrough e-Go C because I drive a lot with work and I want my battery to be there when the SMOKE SOMETHING NOW hits me.

 

[lotsoffish]

That seems VERY expensive to me.

You could start up with this kit and you would be receiving basically the exact same stuff only your batteries would be a lot more powerful, last way longer, and you would be only coughing up 43.99.

KGO kit1100mAh by SLB

If you then add on enough stuff to get the total cost of the order up to at least 55 bucks shipping ends up free too.

I have these batteries and they really do ROCK!

 

[18SixFifty]

Howdy and Happy Vaping.

It's a very good choice VV is not a necessity but it is really nice. I vape different flavors at different volts. I also prefer lower voltage when I first wake up. As the day goes on I tend to like it hotter. It's really not much bigger than the mini so it will not be a problem while driving.

I would probably have gone with the twist. However, yes this will work better than any of the mini's actually by a long shot. I remember when they first came out and they were a huge step up from the 510 kit. I have been vaping for 3 years now and I don't intend to quit either. For now I vape with two big battery mods. 18650 batteries rock. All day and no need to change. On VV mod I keep a Vivi nova. On the 3.7 volt mod I use a low resistance atty and drip.

 

[alffalvo]

Good luck and welcome to ECF

 

[dwsizme]

Good luck, Big Mac!
Hang out here at ECF and keep reading. You'll figure out what you like. And the people here will help you.
Alot of us are still feeling our way around, too.

 

[wonderland]

Congrats on your decision to vape! I started three weeks ago with an eGo-T starter kit (650 batts). It was a good setup to start with for me, but I picked up an eGo twist two weeks ago and now the 650s just don't do it for me. In hindsight I wish I had skipped the starter kit and just gone with what I'm loving now:
2 eGo twist 900 batts
2 Vivi Nova mini tanks (Got Vapes has them for around $9)
5 or so Vivi Nova replacement heads (2.4 or 2.8 ohms)
1 Dripper's Dream atomizer (or similar) for sampling juices when I don't know what I want to vape at the moment
1 USB charger w/ AC adapter
1 carrying case for your stuff if you're on the go a lot
you could also get a passthrough like a previous poster mentioned if you think you might vape often near a USB port and want to just plug in.
there are probably as many choices as there are vapers out there! whatever you decide to start with, much good luck to you!


Sent from down a rabbit hole using Tapatalk.

 

[Syav]

That seems VERY expensive to me.

You could start up with this kit and you would be receiving basically the exact same stuff only your batteries would be a lot more powerful, last way longer, and you would be only coughing up 43.99.

KGO kit1100mAh by SLB


If you then add on enough stuff to get the total cost of the order up to at least 55 bucks shipping ends up free too.

I have these batteries and they really do ROCK!

That's what just I got, and I think it is more than enough for a beginner like myself and yeah they ROCK! I also have 2 mini from the local tobacco shop but the pre-filled cartos that comes with it are crappy. Standard 510 BOGE cartos are so much better. Now I use my mini as a backup, they're light and easy to carry around. If I were to replace my mini I would get a cheaper 510 for $30 like this one:
Electronic Cigarette - Starter Kits - Auto 510

 

[illiniguy1970]

An ego is always a good place to start, at least that is what I was told. I started vaping 6 weeks ago with a Mistic e-cig from Wal-Mart but quickly moved up to a 650mah ego passthrough. I work in an office so I liked the idea of being able to vape while the batt is charging. I use smok tech 1.7 ohm cartos on mine and it makes for a very easy vape while driving, I vape pretty much non-stop on 40 min drive to and from work.
I have also wondered about the twist, but I like the passthrough too much to switch to one. I did see a ego vv passthrough recently and that will probably be my next purchase...someday. I'm far from an experienced vaper, but that is what works for me.
Like someone already said, you will probably get many different opinions as everyone likes something different...but that is the great thing about vaping...there is something for everyone.

 

[John D in CT]

Howdy folks, this is my first post! Been lurking for a few weeks now, and it's time to post.

I'm a retired, 56 yrs old, living just outside of Sacramento, Ca. I smoke 1 to 1.5 packs of Marlboro Menthol Lights a day. Wife quit about 3 years ago, and I haven't had success for more than a few months when quitting.

A few weeks ago, I picked up 2 disposable Blu's on a whim. Not bad, not great....but enough to make me rethink e-cigs and my health. Decided I was going to try vaping and to try it with the correct equipment and juices (I know“correct equipment” is subjective).

I knew making the choice of what equipment to get was not going to be simple....but I didn’t think it was going to be this tough either. The more I read, the tougher this seems to get, so as to not make this into a dreaded chore, and to make it a happy thing;I picked one to order this coming week.
http://www.awesomevapor.com/eGo-ecigarette-kit-by-Joyetech.html#
I know myself well enough that I will be DIYing my own juices in short time so I will be using one of the Clearomizers to lengthen the time between adding juice. The kit seems to be well price. According to the info provided, batts (2) should last a good amount of time and seems to have all the things I would need for a good start. Comments, suggestions? Is there something else ya’ll think I should include with this kit?
Then I started reading about the VV’s. Do I need a VV instead? Started thinking about smoking in my truck (is this unit too big and bulky to be safely used while driving?). Should I be using the minis while driving? Is this going to work better for me than say one of the Volt starter kits? The voices in my head have abandoned me as they don’t have any answers except “Smoke something and smoke it NOW!”
I smoke on and off all day. I’ll be vaping on and off all day. I’m out and about regularly so I need portability. I like the idea of cutting down recurring costs, so I will be DIYing where possible (I enjoy doing that kind of stuff).
I read about “alls I cans stand and I cants stands no more”....except to listen to your suggestions.

Thanks folks.
Big Mac

But "it" is simple, as long as by "it" you don't mean determining and purchasing the exact equipment that you will ever need or want, or will suit your fancy for every particular use, need, or desire you will ever have. There's a great song by Tom Waits called "Step Right Up"; a slam on every huckster, pitchman, and snake oil salesman who ever lived, where the thing being sold is described as "the last product you will ever need". There is no such product, and there is no such set of vaping equipment.

That said; as Wonderland (above) said, an absolute slam-dunk no-brainer is IMO (and that of MANY others) is three Joyetech eGo-C 650mah (milli-amp hour; a modest-sized battery capacity) Twists, two chargers in case one craps out (backup, backup, backup), at least three Vivi Nova 3.5ml version 2.5 (accept no substitutes) tank/atomizers, and about a month's supply of juice; any juice. If you're feeling frisky, get a lanyard and a trim ring. The vendor will know what you mean.

From earlier today, in another thread:

"As I said earlier in this thread: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...m-feed-juice-box-mods-available-links-60.html

"I'm getting quite a list going now [of "cool" stuff to buy]; JBox, stainless steel Reo Grand VV, Provari V2, GG Odysseus tank, Bulli A2-TM atomizer, Darwin, Buzz Pro 2 (non-compliant), ten more Vivi Novas, and about fifty juices that everyone loves and I've never tried. [And now, Zen stuff, Orion stuff (especially when/if it comes in VV/VW), I Hybrid stuff (ditto) ....]

Do I need any of this stuff? Not really. While my VMax, Woo, Joyetech 18650 mod, kGos, and (constant voltage) eGos sit unused, I'm getting a stellar vape from my Twists and Vivi Nova tanks. I went a full month on the first Vivi atomizer without touching it. Popped in a new one, and YEAH BABY!

This is exactly why I get in trouble around here for suggesting to beginners that while they sort through ALLLLLL of the options, just get yourself three 650mah Twists, three Vivi Novas, two chargers (in case one craps out), a trim ring (looks count), a lanyard maybe, some juice, and then vape your face off as you explore all the other equipment in the entire vaposphere".

*****

I encourage you to read that thread from Post #561 on; it's not very long from that post to the end. (Of course, play very close attention to my posts - LMAO!!)

Along the way, don't worry if you don't know right now what is a box mod, an evolv "Kick", an 18650, a bottom feeder, a Reo VV, an Orion V2, a Zenisis, a ProVari V2, and I-Hybrid, "splonking", or any other damn thing.

As I say toward the end of that thread, in Post #594:

"The basic idea here is to cost-effectively and according to the laws of physics deliver juice to a coil (or ... ugh ... coils), and warm the coil(s) to a temperature that gives the vaper a vape that he or she likes. It's not rocket surgery".

The Joyetech eGo-C Twist and Vivi Nova tank/atomizer do that very, very well and are very, very easy to use.

I'll leave you with these; PLEASE watch them and take them to heart, especially the Grimm Green review of the eGo-C Twist.

*****

Just came across this again, as I was searching for the url's for the video reviews; might as well just post it. It's something I posted a month or more ago, before I got a little frustrated with people who kept recommending fixed-voltage devices over variable voltage for no reason that I found satisfactory:

*****

"That said, I would like you to order the following items:

Three Joyetch eGo-C 650mah Twists. They come mainly in chrome, black, chrome, and blue.
A spare charger in case the one you already have craps out.
At least two Vivi Nova 3.5ml Version 2.5 tank/atomizers.
A lot of juice.

You will have a very, very good vape while you figure out the ins and outs of all the gear out there, including the very cool, but slightly quirky Joyetech tank systems that I will always have a very warm place in my heart for, and which I use from time to time.

The Twists are about $22 each, the Vivi Novas are about $14 each, and the charger (2 pcs.) is about $13

I seriously doubt that you will regret having this equipment in your "arsenal".

Finally, a video review that I take a lot of heat for posting, but I do not care in the slightest. It says it all.

THE EGO TWIST IS A GAME CHANGER - YouTube Grimm Green Twist Game changer

Another very favorable review from PBusardo:

A PBusardo Review - eGo Twist - OvaleUSA - YouTube Phil Busardo Twist review

Joyetech eGo-C Twist: Joye eGo-C Twist Variable Voltage 650mAh Battery

How to change out your Vivi Nova tank - YouTube Vivi Nova tank - Filling, changing heads 1:38

GotVapes VISION ViVi NOVA™ 3.5ml V2.5 REBUILDABLE TANK [gv-VIVINOVA-TANKV2.5] - $12.95 : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more GotVapes - Vivi Nova tank - $13.95

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/320973-first-post-thanks-all-posters-2.html

*****

A variable voltage device lets you be "Goldilocks" and have you porridge whatever temperature you want. In the case of vaping, "porridge temperature" is the amount of heat (watts) at the coil that vaporizes the juice. With the Twist, or any other variable voltage (or variable wattage, but forget that for now) device, you can adjust the temperature at the coil (or coils, but forget that for now too) so you can have an optimum vape regardless of juice flavor, PG/VG ratio ((the two main "base" liquids used in e-liquid to which nicotine (if desired) and flavorings are added)), resistance of the coil or coils (forget about that too), or your mood.

Watts are achieved by applying volts to an atomizer coil or coils of different resistances. Ohm's law states that Watts = Volts times Volts divided by Resistance (in ohms). (Forget that too if you feel like it). Varying the voltage to the coil or coils is what variable voltage is all about. By turning a simple knob on the bottom of the Twist, you can adjust the output voltage from 3.2 to 4.8, allowing you to achieve almost any reasonable amount of desired watts on any of the three atomizer coils that come with the ($14) Vivi Nova tank. (There's also a Vivi Nova Mini tank that comes with just one atomizer coil (forget about that too for now).

I strongly urge you to just get this setup so you can have a great vape going as you explore any or all of the dizzying array of equipment currently on the market.

*****

DISCLAIMER: I am not saying that the Joyetech eGo-C Twist with Vivi Nova tank/atomizer is the best vaping system on the planet. What I AM saying is that after doing a hell of a lot of research, it's the setup that makes the most sense for me to recommend to anyone just starting out. I think it makes more sense than ANY constant voltage battery/PV/APV on the market - including the Volt - unless the beginner is absolutely, positively sold on the notion that they MUST have a look-alike, in which case i say go ahead and get the (excellent) Volt, as long as you're clear on what you're sacrificing in doing so.

And it just happens to be what I'm vaping on right now, while, as I say, all of my "fancy" stuff sits unused.

 

[Big Mac]

Howdy folks,

Let me start by saying thank you folks for providing me with replies so quickly. With your answers, I think I have come up with my own "Noobie Kit" that should last me until I spot something else to try. I am taking the advice to just get started, vape my face off, and continue to look around. Once I place the order, I'll let ya'll know what I got and how things are working.

Thanks again for the fast responses and the support.
Big Mac

 

[John D in CT]

Big -

That's good news, and I think you'll be very happy with your vape. if you feel like it, I'd be interested in knowing exactly what you ordered, with the sole intent of making sure that you will be successful in keeping off of the killer ciggies. It's really important IMO that you don't experience a failure that will cause you to be vapeless at any time. (If your Blu can serve as a backup, then "never mind").

I don't think I posted this trick in this thread; I put a little dab of the cheapest, gaudiest red nail polish I can find on the "4.0" volts mark on the dial on the bottom of the Twist. That's right in the middle of its 3.2v to 4.8v range, and lets you see at a glance where you are relative to "medium". The numbers are VERY difficult to read, but I have never cared one iota EXACTLY what voltage I'm at, as long as I'm enjoying the vape. Similarly, when I adjust a dimmer switch, I don't care how many watts the light bulb or bulbs are putting out; I just turn the knob until I like the result.

Feel free to PM me if you have any trouble at all, and if it comes to it, I can give you my phone number so we can talk about any problems or questions you might have.

Happy vaping!

 

[Big Mac]

Thanks there John, appreciate the support.

As to the equipment...I've called AltSmoke 3 times today, left 1 message asking for a call back and emailed them once. No replies yet, so I may just order it directly online instead of trying to talk to a human. That is unless you or someone else has a diff supplier you rely on and you think I can get better service/prices from?

I'm going with 2 x EGo C 650 Twist, wall and usb charger, am gonna try their clearomizers v3 (x4), a few replacement heads, and a bunch of 10ml sampler juice. I'm also ordering 1 x Vivi Nova to compare and a few heads for it as well as some other juice from someone other than AltSmoke, wanna compare service also.

Figured based on all you and others have said in this post and in diff posts, it will be hard to go wrong with the Twist, and if I don't like it, or find something that suits me better, I'm sure I can find someone who would make good use of the equipment.

John, you or anyone else see anything I'm missing from the purchase list? Your opinions are welcome.

Big Mac

 

[MostlySunny]

I'm new too, and the responses you've gotten are so helpful to me! I bought the little Joye510 to get started with, and after just 3 weeks, I've definitely "grown out" of it. Lesson learned I suppose... It's small and portable, but it doesn't stay charged long, doesn't hold much, and overall sort of a pain to deal with it. I'm trying to get another week out of it (waiting for payday), but the twist and clearomizers are what I'll be going with next. best of luck to both of us as we muddle our way thru!

 

[KuroCz]

...if I don't like it, or find something that suits me better, I'm sure I can find someone who would make good use of the equipment.

John, you or anyone else see anything I'm missing from the purchase list? Your opinions are welcome.

Big Mac

Newp, that's your new backup device once you decide on something new. As far as your kit, and if you're going to get into DIY juicing, you'd want to consider some attys' I'd think, so you can sample and clean with the least hassle and get the best taste, lr306's or 510's, I wouldn't say to get a hh357 off the bat. One ego clearo and a vivi and some regluar cartos should give you plenty to experiment with. Except cartos and attys, I woudln't buy more than one of anything till I tried it personally. The ergonomics of a particular style tank might be fine for one person but not the next.

 

[John D in CT]

Big, I'm gonna give it to ya straight: I'd mos' def get three Twists, two chargers, and at least two, and better yet three Vivi Nova 3.5ml version 2.5 tanks. I'd also go ahead and get the lanyard and trim ring to go with it.

Why one more Twist and one more charger? Three words: backup, backup, backup.

If you get two Twists and you lose one or have a problem with one, you're in trouble. You cannot get by very well on one, unless you want to use your Blu, which IMO you will not really want to do so much after experiencing the vape you're going to be having.

Same with the extra charger; have a problem with the one, and you're back to the Blu. It's also great to be able to troubleshoot if necessary by ruling the charger in or out by trying the backup.

As for the Vivi Nova x 2 or 3 recommendation, please read through this thread that's going on now:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...n/333560-what-device-currently-your-hand.html

Almost half of these experienced vapers are running the Vivi Nova on their generally high-end APV's. I would go as far as to say that it is currently the most popular attachement in the vaposphere, and there is a very good reason for that. Please get at least two, and three would be better. They're about $14 each for the 3.5ml v2.5, and those come with three heads (1.8, 2.4, and 2.8 ohms, any of which will work great with the Twist), making them just a stupid good deal.

The lanyard and trim ring to secure it to the Twist are just great to have; I wish I'd gotten one months ago. No more fumbling around looking for my PV, or carrying it in my pocket. It's right around my damn neck; very nice. No - make that very, very nice.

Am I free with Other Peoples' Money? You betchum. Is this what I'd do with mine if I was just starting out and knew zilch? Knowing what I know now; ab-so-freaking-lutely. Not a doubt in my mind.

You might as well go ahead and get at least one five-pack of 2.0 ohm single coil unpunched XL-sized stainless steel Boge cartomizers for maybe 8 bucks, just to see what cartomizers are all about (good, but not great - you'll see), and a stand-alone atomizer for dripping, with "drip shield". Dripping is just what it sounds like; you drip juice right onto the atomizer and fire it up. It's very labor-intensive, but IMO the vast majority of people will tell you that you get the best flavor and vapor production that way.

This whole vaping deal is about A) good juices that you love and B) warming a coil or coils to just the right temperature for a given juice that has been put in good proximity to the coil by a variety of methods; dripping right onto the coil; "splonking" the juice right onto a coil with a bottom-feeder like the Reo; having it wicked UP into the coil as with the Vivi Nova, clearomizers (Stardust/eGo Vision, CE(x)'s); wicked DOWN into the coil (Joyetech eGo-C 3-pc atomizer, Bulli A2-TM. etc.); held in the absorbent filler of a cartomizer (cartridge + atomizer) so it contacts the coils that way; or my least favorite of all time - separate cartridges and atomizers, which, I must admit, and have never been able to coax so much as single puff out of. (I remember first looking at the two and saying to myself "how is THAT supposed to get into THAT??". My opinion; it doesn't!(?)).

*****

OK ... so there's obviously a lot more you could know (me too), but the important thing, and the great news, is that you don't need to right now. To summarize what I'm saying: "Do EXACTLY as I'm recommending and you'll be fine". (LMAO!)

***

Funny thing ... I was just about to bust on myself and say something like "Hey, I know I can get a little intense ... just get what you want, this ain't life and death ....."

But then I caught myself straight away. This IS life and death. Totally repeating myself -- 440,000 Americans DIE EVERY YEAR from smoking. That is a lot of people. This IS life and death. And it doesn't have to be death - or disfigurement - or emphysema - or a heart attack - or clogged arteries from the acetylaldehyde in cigarette smoke, just one of the hundreds (or thousands) of harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke. It doesn't have to be at all - if you have good juice and good gear. Done right, vaping is more enjoyable than smoking, can cost less (and usually does unless you're a shopaholic), and the biggie ..... it doesn't kill you. It's both odd and understandable
that because of the incredible addictiveness of cigarettes, that last reason is often the least compelling of the three. To me - given that I don't believe in an afterlife - it's very compelling indeed. That said, I might very well still be smoking if not for reason #1; almost everyone if ever talked to say that they find it more enjoyable - as long as you have good juice and good equipment.

That's why I encourage you not to skimp on either. Please just remember how much you were spending on cigarettes each year. And please don't let Big Tobacco doubly screw you by allowing the possible fact that they've made you a little short on cash by taking so much of it from you keep you from arming yourself properly in you War of Independence from them. In a just cause, it's OK to achieve victory through superior firepower.

Now go shoot Big Tobacco squarely in the ...., and good luck.

 

[Adfinite]

I just started vaping again close to a month ago (had tried Blu's three times in the past) and picked up the Ego Twist batteries, use them with Clearomizers and am extremely happy. I like the flexibility the twist offers, you can change the voltage which I have found very nice since I wasn't sure what would work for me. Actually Virgin Vapor has them on sale the 650s are 17.99 this week only which is the best deal I have seen, I just picked up 2 more yesterday =)

 

[Duker63]

Hi
Hope you do well
I'm posting becuase I lost track of how long it's been since I bought a pack of cigarettes and it should be in my sig

 

[steved5600]

I got a pretty good one but I learned after what I think will work for me. We all have to start somewhere. I started with a CE Clearmerizer/stardust. I like the wick system but when they go bad you have to toss the whole thing. I will be ordering a VV 2.5 soon because you can change the resistance (ohms) important for different voltages. You can clean that easier which I find to be important and when the Atty goes out you just replace that. The kit for that comes with 3 attys of different ohms and they replacements are reasonable. I have liked that wick system better than my Ego T or may Carty but my CE was not repairable or easy to clean as is. The T mod is way to much trouble to fill have to use a syringe. But some other folks may have better info. I'm still a nob with a lot of time on his hands to do research. LOL So I could be wrong.
Truth is we all have to start somewhere. If I had it to do over I would have gone with the VV 2.5 and a provary battery.