What should I buy?

[IndigoChild]

Hi there,

I've been using Blu for awhile now and, as most people know, there are quite a few issues with this manufacturer. Mine actually works quite well but I had to go through several defective products first in order to get one that functions properly. I'm new here and reading around and it appears that there are products out there that are a lot better. Which ones would people recommend? I keep hearing about the Halo G6… I'm looking at it on their website but there's no information on how long the battery life lasts. Also, how does this refilling concept work? If you buy empty cartomizers, how often can you refill them before they get old? Also, where do you guys buy the nicotine liquid (I know where the juice is sold - I've seen it). And what are "tanks," and how do they fit into all this? I've been reading the forums and I'm looking at product websites but I'm still confused. So far, with Blu, the cartomizers have been inefficient, monetarily, in the long run, however if it's a huge project to do this refilling thing, it might be worth it to just keep buying pre filled cartomizers. With Blu, if I chain-smoke as much as I'd like, I'm looking at about $300 a month in cartomizers. With tobacco cigarettes, I normally buy two cartons a month totaling (in my state and county with CRV tax and all that), roughly $97 dollars. Anyone have any advice or answers for me?

Thanks - especially to anyone who takes the time to write a detailed response to this… I know I've put a lot of questions out there in one single post!

 

[State O' Flux]

Welcome to ECF, Child...

I'll recommend the same thing I always recommend to vapists coming from cig-a-likes. An Innokin CLK or iTaste 3.0 and a Kanger Aerotank Mini.
The former has voltage control, the latter wattage as well... both are "stick" form factor, 800mAh self-contained battery APVs.
The Kanger is the latest, greatest and perhaps the very best small diameter form factor, replaceable coil-head, pressure differential, tank glassomizer/atomizer on the market... for now. ;-)

Either of the Innokin APVs and the Aerotank Mini can be bought for less than $60... perhaps less than $50. The coil heads last about 1-2 weeks depending on the juice blend, and are a few bucks a piece.

Cheers

 

[IndigoChild]

Thanks. But, wow! That's a lot of science and engineering to take in, lol. I must admit I mostly have no idea what you're talking about with some of those terms, but I'm college educated so I'll go do the research myself and figure out what all that is

 

[IndigoChild]

Ah, okay. I just looked it up and I see what you're saying now. You're referring to an actual "vapor pen." Those work well as I have friends that use them for medical issues, so to speak, but they sure are expensive. The website doesn't even list the prices.

 

[spewny]

The Innokin Itaste VV3 is a solid device that will allow you to adjust the power by either voltage or wattage. Voltage requires some math to determine power output based on the resistance (ohms) of the coils that you are using. Wattage is much easier as it will adjust the voltage for you to get a desired result. As for the tank, the aerotanks are very good and produce great flavor/vapor for a pre-made device. The protank 3 mini is also a good option if you are looking for something under $10. They do not have adjustable airflow, but should be good to get you off the blu. This is the kit that my sister and her boyfriend have both used to get off smoking so I would definitely recommend it. Below are some links that could get you both pieces plus a replacement set of heads for under $50 total.

As for juices...there is a world of options. I would recommend finding a vape store nearby that has a tasting bar to go and try out a few. This will let you try the different flavors, and they might also be able to help you try out nicotine strengths to find something that keeps cravings at bay but don't leave you shaking.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum

Innokin iTaste VV (V3) Express kit - 101 Vape
Kanger Mini Protank 3 - 101 Vape
http://101vape.com/clearomizers-gla...tank-3-aerotank-replacement-coils-5-pack.html

 

[Buggainok]

How about looking at a Kanger Evod ego starter kit? It is a pen style, about the size of a sharpie, so a little larger than a cigarette, but very manageable. You can get this kit very reasonably, it comes with 2 batteries, 2 toppers/tanks to hold the juice of your choice, in whatever flavor and nicotine strength you want. Everything you need to get started, (except the juice) including a charger.

I started with the Blu and it let me stop smoking, so I knew the concept of e cigarettes would work for me. I quickly realized, like you have, that the cost would be prohibitive, and I hated the short battery life also.

I got this starter kit, and did not smoke another cigarette after I got it. I was a heavy, 2 pack a day, smoker for over 40 years. If I did it, you can do it! Here is a link to a reliable vendor. If you use the code ECF at checkout, you get 10% off, and free shipping. The cost is only about $30 that way:

Kanger EVOD eGo Full Kit - Vaping Me

 

[2naphish]

second the EVOD KIT as a great all around introduction to vaping ... at a bargain.

 

[IndigoChild]

How about looking at a Kanger Evod ego starter kit? It is a pen style, about the size of a sharpie, so a little larger than a cigarette, but very manageable. You can get this kit very reasonably, it comes with 2 batteries, 2 toppers/tanks to hold the juice of your choice, in whatever flavor and nicotine strength you want. Everything you need to get started, (except the juice) including a charger.

I started with the Blu and it let me stop smoking, so I knew the concept of e cigarettes would work for me. I quickly realized, like you have, that the cost would be prohibitive, and I hated the short battery life also.

I got this starter kit, and did not smoke another cigarette after I got it. I was a heavy, 2 pack a day, smoker for over 40 years. If I did it, you can do it! Here is a link to a reliable vendor. If you use the code ECF at checkout, you get 10% off, and free shipping. The cost is only about $30 that way:

Kanger EVOD eGo Full Kit - Vaping Me

Thanks for the recommendation - and your story. I'm in the same boat, nearly. I'm 27 and I've smoked for about 13 years now and I sometimes smoke 30-40 cigarettes a day and used to use oral tobacco with it at the same time. I too got entirely off with the Blu's for several months but it wasn't cost efficient for such a heavy smoker. I will look at this setup you're recommending. Did you ever consider wearing the patch while switching? I'm thinking if I slap on a 21mg patch and do the whole patch program down to the 7mg, I'll have my tolerance considerably lowered so that I'll be more of the light smoker type that these products are intended for… It's all just a theory right now though.

 

[glointhedark]

Refilling cartos for cigalikes is not hard, nor is it time consuming. Just pop the little cap on the mouthpiece, shake your eliquid, and drip the eliquid onto the polyfil - about 30 drops or so should do it. Shake the carto like you are shaking down a thermometer to help the eliquid get distributed, put the cap back on the carto, and vape away. As to how many times you can refill a carto, it depends on your eliquids. If you are using a thicker eliquid, you will get less usage before you need to replace the carto. You can prefill several cartos to have on hand when you are out and about, or just take a small bottle of eliquid with you to refill your carto.

We just switched from cigalikes to Kanger Evod kits in March. Very simple system to use. They are not much longer than the cigalikes with jumbo batteries we were using, just a little wider, and the battery life is fantastic - all day vs. having to change to fresh batteries several times a day. A big plus is that the heads/coils can be cleaned to prolong their useful life - I have been managing to get at least a few extra uses out of most of our coils by cleaning them, rather than just throwing them out when taste and/or vapor production drops off.

If you decide to refill cartos, there are so many more options available. You will not be tied down to just the flavors, nicotine strengths and pg/vg ratios available from your carto distributor. We really started enjoying vaping when we started experimenting with different flavors and refilling our own cartos.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Vaping is all about what is satisfying and enjoyable to you, and very customizable to your individual taste and budget.

 

[IndigoChild]

Thank you for the info… Especially about what it's like to use and maintain one of these devices. Nice to see a local, too! I'm from the Sacramento/Davis area.

 

[herb]

I was about to go with an Evod kit but I kept hearing about the Itaste MVP 2.0 , not too sure about it I decided to read as many reviews as I could . Wow, very glad I did , literally every review I read was a five star affair , I tried to find negatives but it was very hard to find any.

Everybody I asked about the Evod kits told me I would shortly end up with an MVP 2.0 or Itaste vv3 anyway for the superior battery life (MVP) and vv/vw adjustability of both and I shouldn't make the mistake they did by starting with the lesser kits .

Boy were they right , I can now vape for days at a time on a single charge and the MVP has the ability to also charge your devices and phones. The MVP 2.0 can be had for between $35.00-$39.00 which comes in a kit , all you need is juice .

The Itaste vv3 also comes in a kit and can be had for $ 25.00 , you can use the MVP and vv3 while the battery charges . If you want something that you can take out and not have to worry about charging it later that day get the MVP.

101 Vape has both at a great price and will have them at your door with standard shipping in under three days anywhere in the U.S

Read the reviews on the 101 website
Innokin iTaste MVP V2.0 - 101 Vape

http://101vape.com/variable-voltagewattage-devices/183-innokin-itaste-vv-v3-express-kit.html

 

[GrandSam]

Being a new vapor (I presume) I normally wouldn't recommend this, but I believe that most of us are quick learners. That said...if you don't mind clones; pick up one of the following set-ups

Regulate: DNA 30 (Hana Modz) clone + Kayfun Clone + Any dripper of your choice (most clones form China go for $10 or less. I'd recommend the Omega or Stillare clones): Total price: $110.

Mechanical: Tons to chose from, but here's my set-up: Stingray clone + Kayfun Clone + Omega or Stillare clone: Total Price: $70.
You can also pick up a Nemesis

Buy a pack of cotton ($4), this will last you months, if not years, and 100ft of kanthal, of your choice (Flat ribbon is perfect, but since you're new, try 28 gauge round kanthal)

Check youtube for how builds are done, and more advice.

 

[Buggainok]

Thanks for the recommendation - and your story. I'm in the same boat, nearly. I'm 27 and I've smoked for about 13 years now and I sometimes smoke 30-40 cigarettes a day and used to use oral tobacco with it at the same time. I too got entirely off with the Blu's for several months but it wasn't cost efficient for such a heavy smoker. I will look at this setup you're recommending. Did you ever consider wearing the patch while switching? I'm thinking if I slap on a 21mg patch and do the whole patch program down to the 7mg, I'll have my tolerance considerably lowered so that I'll be more of the light smoker type that these products are intended for… It's all just a theory right now though.

I came into vaping with the mindset that I desperately wanted to quit smoking. I had never tried to quit in all those years, probably because I secretly was afraid I couldn't. I never even tried the patch or gum.

I was also determined that I would give vaping a fair try, and was willing to undergo a little discomfort if needed. I started with 18 mg. nic. juice, on the recommendation of a person at a local vape shop. That worked, but just barely. I didn't smoke, and didn't have anything I would call an irresistible craving for a cigarette, but I felt vaguely anxious and like things just were not right.

I went back and got some 24 mg. nic. juice, and the difference was amazing in only a couple of hours. I felt totally comfortable, and knew that vaping was the answer for me. I have not smoked a single cigarette in all this time since I started, and haven't really wanted to. I do not feel deprived, nervous or upset in any way.

I am still stunned and amazed at how painless this has been for me. And I was indeed a heavy smoker. I used to say, the only time I'm not smoking is when I'm asleep.

 

[v1k1ng1001]

Read the reviews on the 101 website
Innokin iTaste MVP V2.0 - 101 Vape

Innokin iTaste VV (V3) Express kit - 101 Vape

This man speaks the truth. Just get an MVP with a pair of protank IIs. It's a no-brainer, especially at that price.

 

[IndigoChild]

Awesome. I'm looking at it now. @Buggainok Yes, same here. The only time I'm not smoking is when I'm sleeping and I've actually fallen asleep smoking and burnt myself and my clothes on many occasions… Yikes!

 

[herb]

I came into vaping with the mindset that I desperately wanted to quit smoking. I had never tried to quit in all those years, probably because I secretly was afraid I couldn't. I never even tried the patch or gum.

I was also determined that I would give vaping a fair try, and was willing to undergo a little discomfort if needed. I started with 18 mg. nic. juice, on the recommendation of a person at a local vape shop. That worked, but just barely. I didn't smoke, and didn't have anything I would call an irresistible craving for a cigarette, but I felt vaguely anxious and like things just were not right.

I went back and got some 24 mg. nic. juice, and the difference was amazing in only a couple of hours. I felt totally comfortable, and knew that vaping was the answer for me. I have not smoked a single cigarette in all this time since I started, and haven't really wanted to. I do not feel deprived, nervous or upset in any way.

I am still stunned and amazed at how painless this has been for me. And I was indeed a heavy smoker. I used to say, the only time I'm not smoking is when I'm asleep.

I went through exactly what you went through maybe with the exception that I started with crappy gas station e cigs , I was always craving more , when I bought an MVP and some juice I was baffled , how does this thing work .

Within a half hour I was blowing clouds but I was still not feeling like I had hoped , went back to the B&M the next day and bought 24 mg juice and now I'm good , big difference .

If you start too low with the nic your probably going to not feel satisfied and I wasn't , had to puff on some Marlboro's the first few days until I got my hands on the 24.

 

[IndigoChild]

I'm feeling really excited and motivated… I KNOW this will work for me

 

[herb]

I'm feeling really excited and motivated… I KNOW this will work for me

Hey, 650+ reviews that are 4+ stars or better , that's a bet I would take any day and I did and couldn't be happier , and i new absolutely nothing about vaping two months ago , I think you will be very very pleased.

Regarding the juice , if you don't know what to get I would just go with something that you know you like the taste of . That's what I did , I went with watermelon/ bubblegum and it was very tasty , most places have a variety and if you have any vape shops near you most will let you sample the flavors .

I would get one in 24 mg and one in 18 and as you learn more you can expand your collection but the MVP or vv3 is a great start and will give you the type of experience you never thought possible , especially when compared to cigalike e cigs like Blu.

When I bought mine I was told to check out the MVP owners group thread which is here:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ussion/473345-itaste-mvp-v2-owners-group.html

There is also a vv3 owners group here:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...476013-innokin-itaste-vv-v3-owners-group.html

click on the last page of each forum and just introduce yourself and let everyone know you have just bought whatever model you decided on and they will welcome you with open arms.

 

[shorty70]

If you haven't yet,get the mvp v2....if not, you will be upgrading soon anyway (from an ego). It's a box, but, very solid.

 

[herb]

Here's a pic of the MVP and what it comes with :