Well, I'm back from the dead

funkyZero

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Mar 11, 2009
485
736
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
I'm glad I had my account login saved from this place, but now I remember what I went through last time I started new. SO much information my head is spinning.
I quit smoking about 10-12? years ago by vaping, was off the smokes for 3 whole years, then fell off the wagon (don't worry, I kick myself plenty every day). I've decided this has to be done so... here I am again.
I don't even know what to try first. I've copped a couple of those throw-aways at the vape shop and they are just terrible.
My go-to years back was a Provari (which I still have) with a Kanger pro tank using Apollo Ry4 (thats the only one I purchased and liked, but could never replicate well). Now it looks like their website is gone, right along with Provari... what a bummer.
I've done some reading and sounds like salt nic (this is a new thing since I disappeared) isn't really for me. I'm more of a mechanical addict than anything else. So my game is volume, not strength.
Anyway, do any of you old heads who remember the Kanger Pro tanks (the original) have a recommendation on something that hits about like that with roughly the same draw? I like lightly restricted airflow... and I don't do direct lung hits. And what about a comparable juice to the old Apollo Ry4?
I also used to have my own overgrown lab with hundreds of flavors, but I don't think I want to get that deep into the weeds again, I have too many other hobbies.
I'm thinking a pod type rig is probably best for me, I don't want to go back to the big tanks and mods, I don't want to fight building coils anymore either. I would prefer something with a button trigger instead of draw activated, but I'm not finding anything with just wild googling.
And what a terrible thing to find that fasttech is gone as well. Maybe thats a good thing though, I spent way too much money at that website.

anyway... my first step toward quitting was this post, I just need to gather supplies and get that sorted out so I can take the leap. Suggestions are warmly welcomed!
 

gotch23

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Jan 27, 2011
501
644
Fukuoka, Japan
wb! :vapor:

This post certainly takes me back... and yes, I do remember the Kanger Pro tank. It was a nice vape.
If you want something similar, the closest you are going to get... imho,,, is a device using the Aspire Nautilus coils... specifically the BVC coils, not the newer mesh coils. Similar, but better I think. The pro tank still used silica wicks.

Idk... if you don't want a mod + tank, maybe take a look at the Aspire Nautilus Prime X pod kit?
It's a cool and flexible AIO/pod mod with changeable 18650 batteries... and it has a fire button.

If you want smaller, maybe take a look at the Vaporesso xros 3 line of pods. A nice leakfree mtl vape, though for me it doesn't have that oldschool feeling like the Nautilus BVC coils.... the regular xros 3 also has a fire button... so there's that.

As for RY4, no i am not familiar with Apollo's RY4, but I am vaping on a RY4 variant right now... King KSTR from dashvapes. It is decent enough... a caramelly, nutty, vanilla-y affair with the tobacco aspect turned down and only a mild sweetness. But there is still so many RY4 variants around, so maybe try a couple of the best reviewed ones?

As for oldschool RY4 maybe go for Hangsen or Hiliq,,, or lepetitvapoteur's own brand.... but yeah... which RY4 is the best has always been a divise question hasn't it? ;-)
 

tj99959

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
  • Aug 13, 2011
    15,116
    39,600
    utah
    Welcome back FunkyZ

    I still use my Provari's,. They work fine for MTL vaping, and so what!! if they're 10 years old.
    You can get button top 18500 IMR batteries at Amazon, but we lost AW batteries from a flood years ago.

    Everyone likes what they like for atomizers/tanks, and everything I use is so out of date that it doesn't need mentioning. Innokin makes a lot of MTL stuff, including pods.

    I DIY my juice, so I can't help you there
     

    funkyZero

    Super Member
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    Mar 11, 2009
    485
    736
    Indianapolis, Indiana USA
    Thanks everyone.
    I went to a local vape shop today and got talked into a sort-a-mod, SMOK RPM5. So far, I totally hate it. The draw is too open, and it hits like a train, way too much for me.
    I was trying to look for some of the above mentioned suggestions, but they didn't have any of those. this shop is a total ripoff too, juice is ridiculously expensive and they don't have any samplers; 60mg min, and I just can't spent a grand trying to find a flavor.
    Argh.
    Looks like I can still buy Kanger Pro tanks, so I may just get a few of those and go old-school.
    Can you guys post any recommended/trusted US vendors in this sub? right about now I'm jonesin' for FastTech, but alas... I'm left wanting. All of the old vendors in my list are long gone.
     

    Mordacai

    Vaping Master
    ECF Veteran
    Jan 16, 2019
    4,235
    7,639
    UK
    Here's some etailers still going.

    Healthcabin

    2fdeal

    Hopefully more will add to the list, because there the only 2 that really come to mind at the moment @funkyZero.

    And as for liquids it may be an idea to ask around in the DIY threads, specifically if there's any good one shot flavour packs that may interest you. As they're just base liquid, flavour pack, Nicotine and done.
     
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    gotch23

    Super Member
    ECF Veteran
    Jan 27, 2011
    501
    644
    Fukuoka, Japan
    oh dear... i am sorry to hear about your bad experience at the brick-and-mortar.

    I'd suggest to not get a pro tank. Though it was a nice for the time, basically everything else vapes better nowadays. And the coil life was pretty short as well. Cotton wicking was really a huge step forward.

    I'd go for a US vendor any day, because of shipping time and actually getting a proper guarantee.
    I live in Europe and don't know much about US vendors... so, I do hope you get some better suggestions. But there's element vape... and vapor dna, two of the largerst. I ordered from element once,... huge selection... professional outfit.
     
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    rosesense

    15years and counting
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  • Jan 1, 2010
    17,693
    52,245
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    I suggest the Z coils and Zlide or Zenith tanks. I have actually never had a coil go bad, I toss them when the taste goes off or they gunk up. Mine lasts for months as a mtl user. This is the site where I get them (you will have to sign up and I can't quite remember the process but you don't have to be a wholesale person) @JCinFLA knows all about them. You will need the higher ohm if using on a Provari or those types.

    I also recommend you check the classifieds here on ecf where you can get good deals from trusted folk and often Provari's or other old school stuff.

    As for eliquid, as others said, it is best to buy a few supplies and make your own or again, check the classies on ecf. You might find a clone recipe for the one you are seeking.
     

    JCinFLA

    Vaping Master
    ECF Veteran
    Verified Member
    Oct 21, 2015
    9,391
    44,571
    anyway... my first step toward quitting was this post, I just need to gather supplies and get that sorted out so I can take the leap. Suggestions are warmly welcomed!

    I'll send a PM [private message] to start a conversation with you, sometime yet today. I can help you with the above, with who has the best deals on vape stuff that would likely match the preferences you mentioned, and info about KangerWholesaleUSA. When I've sent the PM you'll see a red circle with a white number in it, above the envelope graphic at the top of the page...letting you know you've got a message. Click on it and then select to go to the conversation.
     

    Slimk123

    Full Member
  • Sep 9, 2023
    31
    41
    Ireland
    I'm glad I had my account login saved from this place, but now I remember what I went through last time I started new. SO much information my head is spinning.
    I quit smoking about 10-12? years ago by vaping, was off the smokes for 3 whole years, then fell off the wagon (don't worry, I kick myself plenty every day). I've decided this has to be done so... here I am again.
    I don't even know what to try first. I've copped a couple of those throw-aways at the vape shop and they are just terrible.
    My go-to years back was a Provari (which I still have) with a Kanger pro tank using Apollo Ry4 (thats the only one I purchased and liked, but could never replicate well). Now it looks like their website is gone, right along with Provari... what a bummer.
    I've done some reading and sounds like salt nic (this is a new thing since I disappeared) isn't really for me. I'm more of a mechanical addict than anything else. So my game is volume, not strength.
    Anyway, do any of you old heads who remember the Kanger Pro tanks (the original) have a recommendation on something that hits about like that with roughly the same draw? I like lightly restricted airflow... and I don't do direct lung hits. And what about a comparable juice to the old Apollo Ry4?
    I also used to have my own overgrown lab with hundreds of flavors, but I don't think I want to get that deep into the weeds again, I have too many other hobbies.
    I'm thinking a pod type rig is probably best for me, I don't want to go back to the big tanks and mods, I don't want to fight building coils anymore either. I would prefer something with a button trigger instead of draw activated, but I'm not finding anything with just wild googling.
    And what a terrible thing to find that FastTech is gone as well. Maybe thats a good thing though, I spent way too much money at that website.

    anyway... my first step toward quitting was this post, I just need to gather supplies and get that sorted out so I can take the leap. Suggestions are warmly welcomed!
    Hi funkyZero, welcome back!

    My story is almost identical so I can relate. quit 5 years ago and fell of the wagon during the period that shall not be named........Covid lockdown! I quit about 4 weeks ago and back on the vapes.
    I originally used a Geekvape Aegis Legend with an Aspire Nautilus 2 tank. Worked brilliantly. I still have both and use. I treated myself to a new Aspire Nautilus 3 Tank for MTL and it's an awesome tank with great airflow control and 2ml resrvoir. I added the 4ml so I am not filling as much.

    Just before I fell of the wagon, I was getting into DIY and am doing so again. I am awaiting delivery of the Innokin Ares 2 & the Brunhilde MTL RTA's based on research and advice I received on here.
    I also wanted a single cell device as the Legend is a bit of a chunky for carrying around. I originally ordered the Voopoo Argus XT / UForce L kit but unfortunately it ceded to a common issue with the device, a faulty lock switch, so it was returned to the supplier 14 days later. I would recommend avoiding.

    I just ordered the YiHi SX Mini SL V2. A bit expensive for a newbie but I wanted to treat myself. I like the features as it will give me more options the further into the abyss I go.
    Good luck on your hunt and your journey!
     
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    funkyZero

    Super Member
    ECF Veteran
    Verified Member
    Mar 11, 2009
    485
    736
    Indianapolis, Indiana USA
    I wanted to chime back in since I went quiet on this thread... and thank all of you for the responses and help. Just like I remember it, ECF members are some of the most helpful people ever! I got a lot of private messages and a HUGE assist from JCinFLA and others !
    You guys have all saved me countless hours of reading and filtering out all of the ancient and irrelevant posts.
    Although I don't have all of my gear yet, it is all on the way and I think I have a solid path forward, even though I'm a week or two behind on my original schedule. It was worth waiting to do it right and hopefully increase the odds of success for me.
    Anyway, thank you all for the rec's, responses and information that will help me achieve a successful re-launch of my quest to stop smoking
     

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