wanting to take the next step from my metro ecig...

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bigpman

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So happy that i finally picked up my first ecig. It has only been a few days, but I finally feel that i do not need another analog cigarette. I started off buying metro menthol disposables from my local Winks Dixie and was surprised to how realistic the sensation was and how it actually filled my nicotine needs. This prompted me to spend most of the weekend studying up on ecigs and I must say I am highly confused (as most noobs are) on all the selection.

I want to take the next step and get something better than the metro. I'm sure that won't be too hard, as it is at the bottom of all the ecigs...LOL... With that said, i think I want to start with a unit that uses cartomizers, as I like the idea of use and toss. I thought I was set on getting a joyetech 510 express cartomizer kit, but then I saw the SLB kGo... I wanted to poll you guys on what i should get and where. I would like some variety on flavors as well. I don't want to spend an ARM and a leg, but still get something decent. Thanks for anyone who wants to put their 2 cents in:)

P.S. so happy to not smell like a .... laying next to my nonsmoker wife tonight:)
 

Huffelpuff

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I'm sure that your wife is glad that you don't smell like a .... too. :oops:

Welcome! There are as many opinions as there are APVs and Ecigs to choose from. My suggestion is to tell everyone a bit about what your looking for as far as size, battery life, price or any other features that rock your socks. It'll help everyone to come up w/ a good solution for you.

1st "step up" - my recommendation is a Reo Mini. Easy, pocketable, rechargable batteries and it's a feeder.

That being said there are a number of quality APVs and Ecigs out there so feel free to try 'em out.

Have fun, be healthy and enjoy your new hobby. You've got extra cash from quitting so don't feel guilty reinvesting in something that you like. JMHO...
 

MattyT

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Hi and Welcome!!!

I think going to a Kgo setup as your next step is a great idea. I personally do not have a Kgo battery but have seen many great things about them. As for as cartomizers I would recommend either Boge 2.0 ohm LR cartomizers or the Smoke Tech 1.7 ohm cartos also know as resurrectors. I get mine here at Crystal Clear Vaping, go with the 15 carto bundle because you get a syringe for filling and a drip tip as well as free shipping.

Based on your post I am not sure if your aware that you can refill cartos until they eventually go bad. Dont just fill once and then throw away because all your doing is throwing money out the window :)
 

imsoenthused

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The kgo is generally considered to be the best of the sealed disposable ego style batteries. Disposable doesn't mean bad, it just means when the kgo no longer holds a charge you throw it away and buy a new one. Personally, I think the e-power is a better choice because it's not disposable. Replacement batteries are generic and very cheap. Performance wise, pretty similar though. These two are some of the most common reccomendations for new people coming to these forums who have never vaped, as well as the common stock answers to anyone asking what to upgrade to from any of the cigarette like super mini and mini PVs.
 

X P3 Flight Engineer

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I started with Metro and they got me down to 2 - 4 smokes a day. My main complaint was that a battery would go dead before the other was charged. I considered buying more batteries since the price was quite reasonable but I checked around ECF (once I found it) and found exactly what I was looking for as far as battery life, not waiting for batteries to charge, reasonable price, and ease of use.

I got the 1100mah kGo pass-through battery (2) and the LR (low resistance 2.1 ohm) Star Dust (aka. Vision eGo clearomizer). The battery lasts me all day (100mah is considered to last 1 hour for most vapers, so approx. 11 hours) and the USB cable plugs into the bottom end so I can still vape even while charging (full charge 2 hours or a little less, shuts off automatically when fully charged).

The Star Dust is almost the only thing that is leak-proof on the market. It has a screw top that doesn't leak, a clear tank to see the level, can be filled straight from a bottle, and looks good on the battery because it was designed to work on an eGo at the 3.7 volts it produces. This voltage is an advantage that the genuine Joye eGos do not have since they are regulated at 3.2 - 3.4 volts to conserve battery life (a through back to when 650mah was a huge battery!).

The pass-through batteries are $20 - $25 each (come with a usb charging cable, that's all you need for a charger). They can be charged from a computer USB2 port, a wall adapter, or a car adapter. The Star Dusts are $5 - $6 each and are easily maintained by rinsing with water and drying. They last for a month or more for me and they are rebuild-able and repairable if you are so inclined.

That has been my experience. You can check out these items on the threads and decide for yourself what best fits your requirements and budget.

I forgot to say, "Greetings from Canada! and welcome to ECF!
Congratulations on your success so far! You've come a long way, Baby!

Relax!

Enjoy!
 

Warren D. Lockaby

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Welcome to ECF & congratulations on the switch from ....-burning! I'm partial to the E-Power 14650 but must confess I haven't tried any of the others, this is what I moved up with & I love the replaceable batteries & switch (batts, $4 - 6, switch $9 - 11). Here's a link: E-Power For these I'd recommend getting a carto kit and I'd opt for low resistance, *single coil* cartos (I'd do that on any of the kits mentioned, but that's just me). Sweet-Vapes also has the KGO kits & the Riva, I believe, but as for the KGO I think Dark City has a better deal here: http://www.darkcityvapor.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=51

I've never actually seen either the KGO or Riva PVs but both have been highly praised here for some time, and I expect you'd be delighted with any of those three kits. All are similar in function, all (including the Riva, I think) have 510 threading & can use just about anything you'd care to run on it - cartos, attys, tanks, all that fun stuff in LR or SR.

Hope this helps... Blessings from my cave, & Happy Vaping! :vapor:
 

Warren D. Lockaby

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Welcome to ECF & congratulations on the switch from ....-burning! I'm partial to the E-Power 14650 but must confess I haven't tried any of the others, this is what I moved up with & I love the replaceable batteries & switch (batts, $4 - 6, switch $9 - 11). Here's a link: E-Power For these I'd recommend getting a carto kit and I'd opt for low resistance, *single coil* cartos (I'd do that on any of the kits mentioned, but that's just me). Sweet-Vapes also has the KGO kits & the Riva, I believe, but as for the KGO I think Dark City has a better deal here: http://www.darkcityvapor.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=51

I've never actually seen either the KGO or Riva PVs but both have been highly praised here for some time, and I expect you'd be delighted with any of those three kits. All are similar in function, all (including the Riva, I think) have 510 threading & can use just about anything you'd care to run on it - cartos, attys, tanks, all that fun stuff in LR or SR.

Hope this helps... Blessings from my cave, & Happy Vaping! :vapor:
 

Catfishy

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There is more that enough help here. However I thought I would add my :2c:. First off I want to apologize for giving you yet another decision to make, but here it goes.
I used my eGo for about 9 months. I love it, I still have it for a backup for times that I need to be low profile (i.e.; Girl Scout functions with my daughter). My absolute favorite is my ProVari! It was pricey but there are a few other dependable VV devices out there that don't cost as much. The trend seems to be that we seem to advance toward the VV devices. If you think you are going to venture down the same path maybe you may want to consider a VV as well. You can make a VV function just like a regular SV device until you are ready. This is just my thought on the thread.
I hope this helped and I am glad to see yet another person has left "Big Tobacco."
 

John D in CT

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Shameless cut-and-paste of one of my last posts, and exactly what Warren Lockaby said:

A great choice would be a Smoktech e-Power 14650 with two replaceable batteries and a charger, some 1.5 ohm single-coil cartomizers, a Smoktech 3.5ml DCT tank, and a couple of stainless steel 1.5 ohm XL cartomizers to go in it. Great bare-bones way to start.

Then get to variable voltage as soon as you can.

***

Get this kit right here, from Sweetvapes:

http://www.sweet-vapes.com/shop?pag..._color_plus.tpl&product_id=285&category_id=22

For $41.95 you get everything you need but the (optional) DCT tank and juice. It includes 5 stainless steel XL 1.7 ohm (close enough) single coil cartos. No-brainer. And they have in in stock, which is not always the case.

Don't get dual coil cartomizers because singles will give you more flavor; the coils will get warmer at 3.7 volts than will those of a dual coil.

If you don't like it, which you will, I'll buy it off you for what you paid for it. This is the kit I buy for friends just starting out, and I can always use more.

It's 3.7 volts as opposed to Joyetech eGo's which are 3.4. kGo's are 3.7, but the battery is not replaceable. With an e-Power you can use different battery chemistries, and you don't have to replace the whole unit when a battery goes bad. Same with the switch.

Fill the cartomizers slowly and repeatedly until juice starts dripping out of the bottom, and always keep them moist while you're vaping. Do not let them dry out or the polyfill will get scorched and they will taste like crap.
 
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bigpman

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Guys, please disregard that last post, it was for the first responded, but somehow it ended up on the bottom. I am really liking the e-power and looks that sweet-vapes is the way to go. I will look at some YouTube videos to he sure, my only concern is size. I want to be able to carry it in my pocket.
 

bigpman

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John,

I am going to order the e-power kit, but now need some help on the eliquid. I am looking at the differences between PG and VG and not sure what is the best for me. I was a light cigarette smoker (as in Parliament lights), and I think the Metro is a good TH for me. So, I just want to get a similar TH, but better taste (for example I am looking to try the Mountain Dew). What ratio should I do on the PG/VG, or should I go straight PG?

Also, I think the 18mg is a good amount for someone who smoked lights?

Lastly, what are the Cold Shots? Do you know?

Thanks again for your help!

Shameless cut-and-paste of one of my last posts, and exactly what Warren Lockaby said:

A great choice would be a Smoktech e-Power 14650 with two replaceable batteries and a charger, some 1.5 ohm single-coil cartomizers, a Smoktech 3.5ml DCT tank, and a couple of stainless steel 1.5 ohm XL cartomizers to go in it. Great bare-bones way to start.

Then get to variable voltage as soon as you can.

***

Get this kit right here, from Sweetvapes:

14650 Black Carto Kit

For $41.95 you get everything you need but the (optional) DCT tank and juice. It includes 5 stainless steel XL 1.7 ohm (close enough) single coil cartos. No-brainer. And they have in in stock, which is not always the case.

Don't get dual coil cartomizers because singles will give you more flavor; the coils will get warmer at 3.7 volts than will those of a dual coil.

If you don't like it, which you will, I'll buy it off you for what you paid for it. This is the kit I buy for friends just starting out, and I can always use more.

It's 3.7 volts as opposed to Joyetech eGo's which are 3.4. kGo's are 3.7, but the battery is not replaceable. With an e-Power you can use different battery chemistries, and you don't have to replace the whole unit when a battery goes bad. Same with the switch.

Fill the cartomizers slowly and repeatedly until juice starts dripping out of the bottom, and always keep them moist while you're vaping. Do not let them dry out or the polyfill will get scorched and they will taste like crap.
 

Warren D. Lockaby

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John,

I am going to order the e-power kit, but now need some help on the eliquid. I am looking at the differences between PG and VG and not sure what is the best for me. I was a light cigarette smoker (as in Parliament lights), and I think the Metro is a good TH for me. So, I just want to get a similar TH, but better taste (for example I am looking to try the Mountain Dew). What ratio should I do on the PG/VG, or should I go straight PG?

Also, I think the 18mg is a good amount for someone who smoked lights?

Lastly, what are the Cold Shots? Do you know?

Thanks again for your help!

I'm not John but maybe I can fill in a blank or two here: first of all, I'd strongly suggest getting a variety of flavors in small bottles to see what you prefer. I'd also suggest getting a variety of nic levels and a few variations on PG/VG ratios if possible, keeping a few things in mind: first, nicotine is what actually provides the throat hit. However, PG is what carries it; PG also carries most of the flavor, but it can be an irritant, especially to folks who are particularly sensitive to it. OTOH VG provides most of the vapor, and smooths out the feel of it (remember, it's a main ingredient in most hand lotions).

I don't know what the nic level or PG/VG ratio run with the Metro you've been using - perhaps the nic level is listed on the package. Generally 18mg is considered a bit high for a "light" cig smoker but personally I don't put much stock in that. Also the consensus here seems to be (& I concur) it's better to start high & come down than start too low. As to TH I'd suggest around 70PG/30VG, then leaning more heavily toward the VG as needed. BTW, if needed you can pick up some pure VG at a pharmacy for $4 or so & add a few drops as needed. This will cut the nic, TH, flavor, and increase the vapor. Hope this helps.

Oh, almost forgot... if you like chocolate and are ordering any juice from Sweet-Vapes, I highly recommend their Fudge Brownie. I don't know if that stuff is as good to many other folks as it is to me but since I've been mixing my own juice that's my target. I love that stuff! (You may *not* so if you try it, just get a little bottle until you know :) )

Best of luck & Happy Vaping! :vapor:
 
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