What's up guys?

[SimpleGuy]

Hey, what's up everyone? I'm an off-and-on smoker and I've just gotten fed up with trying to balance my addiction (gah) with trying to be healthy and physically active. I'm the type of self-hating smoker that is constantly judging myself for my own smoking, as opposed to someone who has acquiesced to the role of "smoker." Enough of my background and on to the tired discussion about what to do next...

I've done a lot of reading (read: a lot) on threads that are meant to help newbies, and I confess that I'm no closer to reaching a decision. I seem to be getting a lot of information I just don't need, and I'm at the point where I just want someone to explicitly tell me which site and what to buy. In terms of what I want/would prefer:

First, I want something with the general shape and size of a cigarette; I'm not trying to buy an e-Cuban cigar here.. Second, I just want to be able to whip it out of my pocket and take a drag now and then...which I think translates to: I don't want to worry about the battery dying three times a day, and I don't want to be worried about some "e-juice" "dripping" onto the "atomizer." (Told you I'm a newb...) I'd say I smoke about 1-2 cigarettes a day, and then up to 10 or more if I'm drinking, if that helps you with the battery component of my dilemma.

One final thing (I think final, at least) is that I'm a broke (read: DESTITUTE) college student, so I'd be willing to explore any options that would help to mitigate costs in my search for the perfect e-cig. Options I'd be willing to skimp on: the battery (I think my use would be low enough on a regular day to not warrant something heavy-duty) and I'd also be willing to get a big ol' vat and mix my own e-juice (that's how I imagine it occurs, anyways..) I don't want a crappy one that'll just break, y'know? This is an investment, to a degree, in not only my health, but also my wallet, as I'm sure you guys know (cool counters in your sigs btw. kinda like cig-sigs. I digress)

If anyone actually made it through all of this without becoming too annoyed at my ignorance, please know that it wasn't for lack of trying; I just felt so encumbered by all the different newby guides that I just need a guiding hand. That being said, thank you all for your helpful hints/guides; I hope ya'll know that your help could actually really help someone's health, and through hyperbole, save lives. You guys rock.

 

[Raynen]

My first piece of advice is this: patience and determination will help a lot. E-cigs can be a bit of a hassle, but it's worth it if you're quitting analogs. I went through some trouble, but now I vape all day with little fuss or annoyance. You just have to play around a bit to really understand how they work, but trust me it really is worth it! I now "vape" Snickerdoodle flavored e-liquid with my morning coffee, instead of lighting up!

Secondly, I have two batteries I carry around. I always have one charged and ready. I own a 510 Joye. It's a pretty decent PV (Personal Vaporizer - E-Cig) that works well with me and my budget (I'm also a college student). I have a manual battery, which means I push a button when I want a drag; I've heard iffy things about automatic batteries.

At cignot.com they have the 510 Joye that has two batteries and two atomizers in the starter pack. I know you want something that will last "all day", but you'll have to understand that it really depends on how much you'd smoke it. If you want something bigger in size, they have the 510 Mega, or the eGo. But, for starters, you might try the 510 instead. It's pretty simple.

Now here's the 510/eGo/other PVs taken "apart": I use cartridges, with polyester filler. (I make mine cone shape to add more juice). They work well for me, but other PV owners don't use them. I also have an atomizer. The atomizer is the heart and soul of the PV. It makes the vapor. If you DON'T want to fuss with atomizers, try cartomizers. They're a "combination" of atomizers and cartridges. "Dripping" is taking the juice and dripping a few drops on the atomizer (and is accompanied by a drip tip).

E-Liquid: I haven't done any Do It Yourself e-liquid yet. I do my shopping at Vaporbomb.com, which has pretty awesome flavors at a great price. I also shop at gourmetvapor.com. They're a bit expensive but always have sales going on. I've also hear great things about backwoodsbrew.com, and others like Tasty Vapor, MadVapes, and Vaperite. It's a matter of preference.

Sorry for writing a novel But let's re-cap: I think you're looking for something with at LEAST the battery life and nothing lower than the 510 Joye. Remember, though I have TWO batteries on me, one fully charged at all times (I have a Personal Charging Case, which is my portable charger for my batteries). If you want something with bigger battery life, try a 510 Mega or an eGo. (There are other models, and hopefully other members will give other pointers). Since you don't want to drip, and using cartridges and atomizers probably wouldn't fit what you're looking for, try Cartomizers. You can find all of these things at cignot.com. The starter kits come with e-liquid, but I'm not a big fan of any tobacco flavors, just to give you a heads up.

I hope this helps

 

[Raynen]

Oh and welcome to ECF

 

[Hrtbrkr1965]

Hi and Welcome to ECF! You may do a search on youtube under joye 510 for reviews and demonstrations! Also Search Ego and Riva 510 to see the size and if that agrees with you! I do understand the budget thing for sure! If you go the slightly bigger battery size you may look at Liberty flights as there Riva kits are $30!(if you do buy from LF make sure and click the 20% off button as everything there is eligible for 20% off) If you go with the joye 510 someone could probably point you to a company with a good price! Ive had both and the battery life was a factor for me and wanted longer life and the bigger size didn't really effect me much as the tip is the same size as a cig!
Youtube will help you see what you will be getting!
Whatever you decide on you came to the right place for information and some people with more experience should be chiming in soon! Good luck to you!

 

[Jmitchelliv]

Welcome, Simpleguy!

There are numerous vendors you can pick stuff up from, and everyone has their favorites. One of my favorites is Liberty-Flights. They have great pricing, great customer service, and (now especially that the Christmas season is over) lightning fast shipping. They currently have a 20% off sale going on their entire inventory, just be sure to click on the button on the upper left hand side of the page.

Raynen suggested you purchase the basic 510 kit (shown at Liberty Flights here: Electronic Cigarette - Starter Kits - Joye 510 ) It's a solid kit with advantages and disadvantages. You mentioned you want something that looks like a traditional cigarette... this is about as close (with functionality in mind) as they get. There are some that look closer to a traditional smoke, but they're very limited as far as battery life goes, and you'd find yourself spending more time recharging than vaping, and that would probably just leave you frustrated. The other advantage to this kit is that all of the gear you get with it (atomizers, cartomizers -- which are the carts and atomizers built into one, but we'll get to all of that in a minute -- all of that stuff works with the eGo, Riva, or Tornado, or any number of PVs which might be your next upgrade. The 510 gear I just mentioned is also readily available at many, many vendors, so it's very easy to find what you need.

The 510 kit mentioned above does have it's limitations though, namely it's battery life. So far as I can figure, you'll get about 3-4 hours of use out of the standard 510 battery before you need a recharge. Maybe that's enough for you... maybe it's not. If you progress like many of us here at ECF have, you'll find that you end up vaping a lot more than you thought you were going to... err go, battery life is now a major problem with the regular 510 kit.

With that in mind, most people would suggest you purchase either the Riva or the eGo.

Riva: Electronic Cigarette - Starter Kits - Riva 510

eGo: Electronic Cigarette - Starter Kits - Joye eGo

They're essentially the same device. They're also very similar to basic 510 kit, but with these batteries, generally you'll get about 6-8 hours out of a battery before you need a recharge. Less time on the charger equals more time in your face.

On Liberty-Flights right now, they're all relatively close to the same price just so you have a frame of reference. The only drawback I can see for the Riva/eGo solution is that you wanted something that doesn't look like a "fat Cuban cigar." These are a little stubby, but believe it or not they're not as big as they look if you watch any youtube videos. They fit very comfortably in your hand, but I understand that many people starting out want something that looks like what they're used to.

You pretty much just have to decide at this point if you want functionality, or you want form.

That's pretty oversimplified as both are great devices, but IMHO, if you can get past the aesthetics, the Riva/eGo will better suit you, AND will save you from wanting to make another purchase in 1-2 months. Being that they're all around the same price right now makes it all the more tough, right?

At any rate, I'm sure I've confused you more than I've helped you. lol. If that's the case (and even if it's not), make sure you check out Mistress Nomad's videos here: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-videos-newbies-particular-broke-newbies.html before you make any buying decisions.

Good luck, and welcome to ECF!

 

[swt_silhouette]

It really is an individual choice. I started on the Riva, bigger batt, lasts longer before needing a recharge, but (oddly I guess), I found I prefer a smaller battery. (Joye 510, kr808, 4081). I like the way they taste and how they vape. + I am just more comfortable using these, + I don't chain-vape, (that often! =>). I like that I can be discreet, and not look like I'm sucking on a crack pipe.

 

[mlinky]

Great advice already here...the question is battery life vs. size. +1 in the eGo(Riva) not being as big as it looks...I use one and have small hands (and I don't even have an iPhone because they are too darned big).

Welcome!

 

[cskent]

Since you don't smoke much even on your worst day a small battery will probably serve you well. Either a KR808 or a 510 would likely fit the bill. I'm a college student too and went through a bunch of PV's before I found what works for me so I've got lots of extra units around. If you get 5 posts PM me and we can work something out on a bunch of 510 gear if you're interested.

 

[closetsmokr]

Welcome to ECF! Based on what you wrote in the opening post, I recommend going to the place where I bought my Riva eGos (they carry Janty now, but same basic thing), and my 510's. Thevaporroom.net. check out their Vaping 101 vid also. They are a great company, with very fast shipping. Discount code is thankyou. They have great juices, too. Sometimes, you can catch them online and you can chat live. I still buy from them, too!
Good luck!

 

[SimpleGuy]

Hey, lots of great info guys. I watched those videos for the newbs and I think that helped a lot, pretty awesome stuff. In regards to the battery usage, I figure since I'm not going to be "chain-vaping" that perhaps the small battery wouldn't be a problem? A lot of people say the 510 has a small battery comparative to the larger models such as the eGo and all that, but 2-4 hours seems alright to me, because that refers to 2-4 hours of actual USE right? Like, say I take a couple puffs before my class at 12, have five more puffs around 2, and then maybe 10 more after dinner; would the battery conk out under that use? And one more thing that I just thought of as I wrote that, in terms of usage, I was reading all about how to make e-juice concentrations and all that (don't think I want to be manufacturing it just yet), people were talking about the actual delivered nicotine dosage as a factor in how you use the cartridges. I think the way that I'd want to be using the e-cig would be similar to how I was using analog cigarettes, that is, I'd want to be able to take e-cig breaks for 10 or so minutes with maybe 10 puffs. I'm not sure if I'd be able to do this with an e-cig? It seems that they might be used more in terms of nicotine delivery via maybe 2 puffs or something? I'm sorry, this whole wall of text kinda doesn't make sense, if you know what I'm talking about though, drop me a line; I'm really open to any and all suggestions: they've been pretty helpful so far!

 

[lthaver]

Hi man, being a noob myself, i can tell you what i have found to be a good setup for myself. I take along my 2 kr808d-1 batts with me to work ( i have a PCC wich helps with the "relatively" low batt life). For the car i have a kr808 manual usb pass through attached to a usb car charger ( why drain my batts? ). and for those all day adventures i have my trusty pair of "elegant easy (750 MaH KR808d-1 style) batts. Works for me, however you might think about getting a hold of the new Elegant Easy 1300 MaH. The whole start-up kit is around $55 shipped.

Hope this was helpfull good luck and great vaping!!!

 

[cskent]

The absorption of nicotine from tobacco is much more efficient than from vaping. Therefore, most people vape more than they smoked in order to achieve the same nicotine level in their system. When chain vaping a 510 battery would last approximately an hour to hour and a half when I used them. With the convenience of vaping, and the ability to vape indoors, my usage increased drastically. Two batteries in rotation would not keep up with my needs most days, and I was a half pack a day smoker. I switched to a Mega eGo and this was no longer an issue.
Since you are a very light to moderate smoker I think a 510 would meet your needs, at least in the short term. Another thing to consider is the use of a PCC. This would ensure you have a fresh battery all day if you aren't vaping too much. As I said in an earlier response, PM me when you can and we'll get you set up with a 510 on the cheap.

 

[SimpleGuy]

To CSKent in particular and to everyone in general: as much as I want to use the e-cig idea to get myself off of analog cigs, the more I (have to) research and the more I find out about the e-cigs, it's becoming very appealing in its own right. And that's what I'm kind of getting afraid of: if I start to vape more, I'll actually be increasing my nicotine intake since I'm not already a huge smoker....but it would still keep me from smoking analog cigarettes. I suppose in the end my health will (probably) be better if I get an e-cig, it's just in the back of my mind that perhaps buying this will exacerbate my addiction to nicotine as I'll want to try out this cool new gadget that I've got. Can anyone, especially lighter smokers, since I feel like there are less barriers to entry into the e-cig world for heavier smokers (cost/health wise), shed some light on how the whole transition into the e-cig world has changed their usage/addiction/health/costs/whatever? I know I'm a bit over-cautious here, it's just that if I'm going to be investing a lot of money (and to me it's a lot.. =/ ) I want to make sure it's in my best interest economically and in terms of addiction/health. Thanks a lot for the speedy replies, guys.

 

[DC2]

I used to smoke on average around 3-10 cigarettes per day.

I was able to get through any and every day with just two 510 batteries, no problem whatsoever.
And every now and then I would even get through a whole day on just one 510 battery.

And no, I don't really vape anymore than I used to smoke.
In fact, I am pretty sure it is less.

Many days I don't even bother vaping until around 4pm.
I could never do that with cigarettes!!

 

[OB1J3D1]

If you haven't already, watch mistress nomad's videos for newbies. I'd suggest the 510 or KR808. Personally I use an eGo. But, I don't think you need that because you don't really smoke much.

 

[lthaver]

i think i vape less, but thats not saying much. I used to be a solid 3 pack a day smoker.

 

[swt_silhouette]

To CSKent in particular and to everyone in general: as much as I want to use the e-cig idea to get myself off of analog cigs, the more I (have to) research and the more I find out about the e-cigs, it's becoming very appealing in its own right. And that's what I'm kind of getting afraid of: if I start to vape more, I'll actually be increasing my nicotine intake since I'm not already a huge smoker....but it would still keep me from smoking analog cigarettes. I suppose in the end my health will (probably) be better if I get an e-cig, it's just in the back of my mind that perhaps buying this will exacerbate my addiction to nicotine as I'll want to try out this cool new gadget that I've got. Can anyone, especially lighter smokers, since I feel like there are less barriers to entry into the e-cig world for heavier smokers (cost/health wise), shed some light on how the whole transition into the e-cig world has changed their usage/addiction/health/costs/whatever? I know I'm a bit over-cautious here, it's just that if I'm going to be investing a lot of money (and to me it's a lot.. =/ ) I want to make sure it's in my best interest economically and in terms of addiction/health. Thanks a lot for the speedy replies, guys.

This is a great question.

I worried about this also, since we can alter the nic so easily. With smoking, it's pretty easy to tell if your addiction is increasing, by the number of ciggs your smoking. With vaping it seems less defined...

Also... I have a friend who smokes and uses egiggs. She claims to "miss", vaping, even though she also smokes. that made me wonder if she was now, somehow, addicted to both! o.0

I don't have the answer. I am just planning to vape at a level that *feels* right for me, and gradually try to decrease the nic.

 

[SimpleGuy]

So I think I'm set on the 510, the only question I think I still have after watching Mistress Nomad's is that I think I want to make my own e-juice (someone with more experience please advise) and I'm just wondering how much of the VG I should get. She said with all of the materials to make what seemed like a lot of e-juice was about $40, and while that isn't a lot in the long run, I think with the infrequency of my smoking habits I would be better suited to get a smaller amount of the VG. How much should I get to start off with? After hearing about the PG/VG argument, I think I'd prefer a larger amount of vapor vs. the throat hit, which I'm not too concerned with.

 

[cskent]

I started doing DIY juice making and bought my VG at Walmart in the pharmacy. This is an often recommended source and it seems to work just fine. I found it right above the rubbing alcohol. Here's what it looks like Walmart.com: Humco: Skin Protectant Glycerin USP, 6 Oz: Beauty. My six oz. bottle cost $2.87 or thereabouts. You can't beat that. I've been finding 2 packs of 1 dram (3.7ml) Lorann's flavorings at a local drug store for $1.99 and at Hobby Lobby for the same price. The major initial investment in DIY is the nic juice. If you buy in small quantities it's quite expensive. If you can afford to buy in larger quantities the cost comes down drastically.
Although PG does give less vapor, it still produces a considerable amount. Most of my premade juices are 100% PG and they do just fine in the vapor department. If you're looking for cheap juice try here 50ml China E-Liquids. You can hardly mix your own cheaper, although the variety isn't that great. Another option if you're trying to stretch juice further, buy a strong flavor such as RY4 at a high nic level and cut it down with VG to get a blend at a lower nic level.

 

[IOU]

I personally feel with the small amount you smoke you should really think about going with the KR808d-1. As far as pricing you can get a good starter kit at KR808D-1 cartomizer e-cigarette Heaven Gifts for $25.50 with the following:
KR808D-1 starter kit cartomizer e-cigarette
KR808D-1 starter kit with 2 280mAh manual batteries and 6 empty cartomizers with 2 color options.
*Rechargeable 280mAh battery for KR808D-1 e-cigarette 2pc
one full-charged new battery can support about 220 mouthfuls
*100-240V 500mA AC-USB adapter(Optional plugs: US plug, Euro plug) 1pc
*KR808D-1 USB Charger(no cord) 1pc
*Manual(English) 1pc
*Empty cartomizer (Non-exchangeable) 6pc
each cartomizer can be filled in about 1.1ml e-juice, which can support about 200 mouthfuls.
Size of e-cigarette
*Length(cartomizer installed): 115mm
*Diameter: 9.5mm
Guarantee(Please check Guarantee Policy)
Guarantee including: battery
Guarantee period: 6 months

The reason I say this is just due to the simple design and lack of leakage issues with the KR8's. Buy some prefilled cartomizers and go. If you are only smoking 1 or 2 cigarettes a day, there is no need to even buy a PCC (personal charging case) you can just alternate the batteries each day when you leave the house. Then if you want to save even more money by refilling your own cartomizers, just purchase a bottle of juice locally, there are many great videos her on ECF and youtube to show you how to refill cartos.

Later if you get the urge, you can always try out a 510 of your choice. I personally love the 510's, but if I am leaving the house, I take my KR8's.