Wanting to return to vaping after 3 or 4 years

[johngeetar]

So I've been out of the game for a while. I was vaping quite a bit back in 2009 and was very happy with it. I had a 901 that I enjoyed and when some atomizers finally wore out I decided to buy some atomizers and batteries from totally wicked. They sent me a few that were DOA and I had nothing but problems with their products which eventually got me back on cigarettes.

How far has the technology come since then? Who are the reputable companies at this point? I'm a bit lost because I'm no longer familiar with all the lingo and new brands and types. Like I said I had the 901 before and when it worked I was happy with it. I do like the smaller PVs but I'm not opposed to a slightly bigger one if it means reliability headache free operation.

The problem is that at this point I'm not really sure where to start. I see there are variable voltage devices now and things that just simply werent around back in 09. What could you guys reccomend for someone who is essentially at this point a new vaper? I want something reliable but I also don't want to carry a light saber around with me and a gallon jug nicotine juice.

I posted in the "ask the vetrans" area but I suppose my question was not approved for whatever reason. Sorry for the double post but its been a couple days and I'm really looking to make a purchase sooner rather than later for my own health. Thanks a lot in advance!

jb

 

[Bullette the Cowdog]

Hi John
Welcome back.
Time to rethink vaping.

First, you will need a couple of 510-threaded batteries. They're the standard now.

Then you will need more voltage than that old 901 had. Look for at least 3.7 volts.

And mAh. That's how long the battery lasts between charges. At least 950 mAh. Lasts most of the day.

I will stop there. But you should be able to get a good kit & juice for $50-60 to start you off.

More folks will be along soon to get you fully confused.

Good luck. Keep coming back.

 

[peacepipe]

I lol'd hard at the light saber and gallon jug of nicotine line.

Believe it or not I recommend the eRoll. And juice that is compatible with a needle feed atomizer, which is going to be 50/50 pg/vg or even less vg if you can stomach it.

For flavors I STRONGLY recommend checking out the 2012 juice award winners from the fine folks on this forum. If you can't find a juice on that list that works you have a serious dilemma.

If someone suggests a juice not on that list they are most likely a DIY enthusiast, or a person that only like things nobody has heard of.

 

[eHuman]

I would recommend an eGo twist start up kit to get your feet re-wetted. They are bigger than a cig but smaller than most MODs, has a VV function, and more battery life than you are used to.

Atomizers are almost a thing of the past, now cartomizers and tanks, or clearomizers are the standard juice delivery.
Example carto/tank: eGo 510 Dual Coil Tank, 2.5ml - Blue
or Dual Coil 510 Chrome Tank - 5ml - RED

Example clearo: Vision 2.0 Clearomizer - Blue
or SmokTech ViVi Nova Tank - Clear

Example eGo twist kit: DV eGo Twist Starter Kit - 900mah Black
or eCig Starter Kit - 650mah

I used that website because I knew they had all of what I'm talking about and he has good prices. There are plenty of vendors though.

You can get your batteries in many colors too to customize:


You can get clearos in may color combos so the sky is the limit.


Tanks come in colors too .

 

[DancingHeretik]

You're best bet for getting started is:

• 2 Ego Twists or Vision Spinners
• charger and adapter
• lots of sample sized juices
• a sampling of different juice delivery systems to try

You might look here to get an overview of what's out there now and what you might want to try.

It doesn't cost very much to get one of each of several things to try before you invest on stocking up on anything (whether specific flavors or cartos, clearos, etc.). And, the variable voltage Twists/Spinners will give you the most options for testing.

ETA: Oops, looks like eHuman has already covered about everything! Faster, isn't he?

 

[The Ocelot]

Hi - I'm just to chime is that there are knock-offs everywhere, not a bad thing actually, sometimes they work better than the name brands, but I have become a battery snob. I like the idea that the vendor is ordering from a known manufacturer, rather than who had the best price that week. Joyetech makes the eGo/eGo Twist/eRoll/eVic - Vision makes the Spinner. You may have to pay a little more, but not much if you shop around.

 

[wv2win]

Stick batteries like the 901 (which I started with) have improved little. Probably the best of the tiny battery models that you are use to is the VOLT by Smokeless Image. If I was going to use a tiny battery model, this is the one I would get.

But if you are serious about vaping, want it to be hassle free and consistent, then you need to move up to a variable watt model PV that insures that every vape is as good as the first one when the battery is fresh. Plus batteries that will last 10-15 hours of heavy vaping. To me this kind of set up gives you the best chance of sticking with it. To get a model like this for only $40, I would suggest the VAMO. I would also look at either a mega cartomizer or a tank cartomizer to start out so you don't have to keep refilling with eliquid. Here is a review (by a well established ECF member) and supplier on the VAMO:

A PBusardo Review - The Vamo - YouTube

VAMO Variable Volt/Watt APV V2

Good Luck

 

[eHuman]

Vamo is a good mod, but it isn't the answer to everyone's question. I didn't recommend a big mod b/c the OP requested small mod examples.

 

[VapingRulz]

I'd suggest that you keep it simple with either a KGO or Ego Twist/Spinner kit, some clearomizers and cartomizers (SmokTech 1.7ohm XL are fabulous) and some good juice. The juices have improved dramatically since I first started vaping in 2009!

 

[johngeetar]

Believe it or not? Would others disagree? Im not familiar with the eroll. Is the target market the rave scene?

 

[johngeetar]

I really appreciate all the responses. What does everyone mean when they say "mod"? Also, im still not clear on what a cartomizer is. I dont want to give the impression that im not willing to do my homework (I am) but many sites assume prior knowledge.

It sounds like a lot of people reccomend the ego twist. What company would you guys reccomend getting a starter kit and juice from? How long can I expect that to last as someone who smokes around a pack per day and will probably vape fairly heavily to replace the habbit?

I live in the mountains so a brick and mortar is out.

 

[Over_Stimulation]

yep, ego twist...a lot of us are saying same thing, research EHUMAN's post, it was great....

-"mod" just means the battery ie. ego twist, vision spinner

-cartomizer is a cartride that also contains a built in atty

-again research EHUMAN's thread

- I'd say ego twist starter kit with 2 batteries (mods) u should easily be able to get 9 months if u take care of em

 

[Over_Stimulation]

Atomizers are almost a thing of the past, now cartomizers and tanks, or clearomizers are the standard juice delivery.
View attachment 190914

so true, I'm new to vaping as well and when studied just skipped over the whole attomizer (atty) thing because now a days they are all built into the tanks/clearos/carto's etc

 

[wv2win]

Vamo is a good mod, but it isn't the answer to everyone's question. I didn't recommend a big mod b/c the OP requested small mod examples.

That's why I also mentioned the Volt.

Considering that the eGo Twist is similar in size as the VAMO but does not provide any where near the advantages of the VAMO I can't see any advantage to the Twist. The Twist has a limiting under-performing 2.5 amp switch whereas the VAMO has a 5 amp switch allowing the user to use any atty/carto/tank, etc on the market. The VAMO is Power Regulated (VW) whereas the Twist is only VV. The Twist's batteries cost 2 - 3 times more than the VAMO's. The VAMO's physical size can be made smaller by using one battery instead of two whereas the Twist cannot.

I would rather have recommendations based on features/performance/cost vs just ones that a person happens to own. Not that I am saying the Twist is a poor perfoming PV. It's definitely a good step up from what the OP has. Just that there are better performing options in the same relative cost/size range.

 

[eHuman]

That's why I also mentioned the Volt.

Considering that the eGo Twist is similar in size as the VAMO but does not provide any where near the advantages of the VAMO I can't see any advantage to the Twist. The Twist has a limiting under-performing 2.5 amp switch whereas the VAMO has a 5 amp switch allowing the user to use any atty/carto/tank, etc on the market. The VAMO is Power Regulated (VW) whereas the Twist is only VV. The Twist's batteries cost 2 - 3 times more than the VAMO's. The VAMO's physical size can be made smaller by using one battery instead of two whereas the Twist cannot.

I would rather have recommendations based on features/performance/cost vs just ones that a person happens to own. Not that I am saying the Twist is a poor perfoming PV. It's definitely a good step up from what the OP has. Just that there are better performing options in the same relative cost/size range.

I would rather give recommendations based on what the OP asked for, I don't own a twist, never have. You are right that there are better performing PVs for the price, but wanting to keep it small really limits the choices. All of my mods are better than a twist, but it is a good starter recommendation. I don't think a twist is anywhere near the size of a vamo. The vamo is bigger than my ZMax.

Do you realize that you can run a 1.5Ω coil at 3.7v for under that "crappy" 2.5A limit? It's fine. Are there better? You bet. Do I enjoy vaping at 10-18 watts? Sure, but it wouldn't be wise to suggest to a noob.

 

[wv2win]

I would rather give recommendations based on what the OP asked for, I don't own a twist, never have. You are right that there are better performing PVs for the price, but wanting to keep it small really limits the choices. All of my mods are better than a twist, but it is a good starter recommendation. I don't think a twist is anywhere near the size of a vamo. The vamo is bigger than my ZMax.

Do you realize that you can run a 1.5Ω coil at 3.7v for under that "crappy" 2.5A limit? It's fine. Are there better? You bet. Do I enjoy vaping at 10-18 watts? Sure, but it wouldn't be wise to suggest to a noob.

When using the VAMO with one 18350 battery it is NOT bigger than your Zmax. That is just plain false. Second, this person is not a "noob" and even if they were, why would that matter? This isn't rocket science. If someone can use a twist they sure as heck can use a VAMO. And what if I (like many who vape) like vaping a 1.5 ohm dual coil carto at say 4.3 volts to put forth just one of many examples? Forget being able to do that and many other options with the twist. Why do you want to limit how a person can vape? What if the person wants to expand and try new heads on their PV over time? Is it a good idea to force them to waste money on another model PV? And has it not been fairly well established that power regulation through variable wattage is better than variable voltage? And why pay 2-3 times more for your batteries? I give "noobs" more credit for common sense and their ability to learn and adapt.

 

[eHuman]

Diameter is what I was talking about and it is not false.

About your dribble, maybe you missed my point, "I would rather give recommendations based on what the OP asked for". I'm not forcing him to waste money by answering his question instead of ignoring it and recommending what he didn't ask for.

Vamo = cig-a-like size? Really?

Other than that; Loose the attitude and you might come off as respectable.

 

[four2109]

Hi John, I started in April '09 too. I loved the auto 901's and 401's when they were working right...even with the leaks. Hands free is a big plus for me.
Picked up analogs in early 2011 because the gadgetry got to be a pain, and I hit that "missing something" wall..
About a year ago, I got on here, and like you saw how much things had changed.

I found a local brick and mortar and picked up an Joye 650 Mah (smallest) EGO-C kit. Soon bought a Twist and a passthrough batt, and clearomizers for it. It uses a tank similar to one of the early cart mods some were doing for the 901. I thought I could deal with the bigger size...650-5.25", passthrough-5.75", twist-6.25" with atomizer and tank. There are now 400Mah minis- <4.75".

Still too big, gotta push a button, didn't get me off analogs. Resurected some old box mods. Tried a couple of disposables. They have improved. More on that later.

Then came the Joye EROLL. Small almost cig size. Under 3.75", think M402. It's auto and light weight so I can vape hands free and mindlessly. It uses a tank like the Ego-c but smaller of course, .5 ml, about like a 901 cart. You refill often but there is no poly to fish around with.
The batt is only 90Mah, but it comes with a slick 1000Mah PCC.

The PCC is smaller than an iphone, fits nicely in my pocket and I don't have to take the eroll apart to charge it! The charging contacts are on the LED end. The Ego-C and Eroll use the same replaceable atomizer head.
From dead it takes about 30 minutes to charge to full, if you use it like a pacifier like I do. If you use it like smoking 1-2 analogs and put it back in the pcc it tops the batt and it's ready to go when you reach for it again.
The PCC lasts most people all day and takes about 3.5 hours to charge.

The kit comes with 2 batteries, but only one cone. So if you buy another cone(<$3) you have 2 devices.
The kits are usually $40-$50. I caught a deal and bought two.
Replacement atomizer heads are usually 5 for $20

Bottom line. The Eroll got me back off analogs!

Disposables have come a long way too. If you really want an analog, pick up an NJOY KING. They are pretty amazing(size, feel, taste, nicotine) but thay don't last long for $8. We are waiting to see what they are going to do.
Some people like the Blu. I don't. I have tried the Mystic and Tsunami, they are OK. The NJOY KING Rocks, but isn't affordable for consistant use.

The Volt mentioned above gets good reviews and I considered getting one before the Eroll came out. Glad I waited.
I don't regret buying the Ego-C. I still use it around the house sometimes, but it wasn't the answer for me.

Good luck, I hope you find what works for you!

 

[thinkfastholsters]

I agree with the Ego Twist kit and some form of clearo (vivi nova or mini nova is my perference) I started out on an eRoll but after about 2 weeks it was time to upgrade so I got a 1000 mah Twist. I love it. I chain vape and it lasts me all day during the week and over 3/4 of the day on a weekend or day off. the Twist+Nova combo has given me 0 issues.

 

[GetVaked]

First off I would like to say, skip the chinese made bull---- and get an American made, quality mod. Like a Provari or a Silver Bullet. You will want to sooner or later, why not now. A nice RBA, and some of your favorite juice.


If you are dead set on something smaller than those beautiful machines. Than Id recommend a Twist or Spinner. But those are really just a major step down, still decent enough I guess.