WHEN GIVING NEW USER ADVISE- Redo

[mom2-7girls]

Yea I have taken my tops off to fill them. It has the top ring that pops off then a rubber ring inside. Then the cloth ( poly ) around a smaller tubish looking that with a metal hook over it touching the cloth. So how do I pull the cloth out to check to see if it is burned or not. I think some of them are but want to check.

 

[markfm]

I never pull the filler out. I just rinse/dry with the filler in place.

The one time I absolutely just toss the carto is if it develops a hot spot on the outside, uncomfortably warm. I think that's happened on about 2 out of 20. If that's happened, and you want to see what it's like, probably just yank the filler out with tweezers (given that you're okay with treating that carto as a throwaway.) Grab the filler along the wall -- if you put the tweezers down the middle, you will also be grabbing the atomizer (the heating element that gets power from the battery)

(End of the day they are designed to be disposable. A 5 pack of blanks costs between $5 (bought in a PIF coop) and $8 (standard bought from US vendors), and I use up less than a carto per day.)

Whenever the carto starts to draw a bit dryer, or less vapor, or a faintly off taste, it's time to refill, clean, or throw. It'll become pretty automatic, pretty quickly -- I don't even think about it, and I've only been vaping a couple months. (I do top off my car passthrough's carto each morning, since I don't want to worry about it while driving.)

 

[mom2-7girls]

hmmmm gets a hot spot or warm. you mean it is not suppose to do that...hahaha

All 5 of mine get hot with each pull always has. Did not know it was NOT suppose to do that.

 

[Automaton]

Thanks so much for this, Big Chief. I get so frustrated watching the mod brigade sometimes, and the way they handle newbies.

For a new vaper, it's really very simple - 510 or Kr8, or if they have a PV already, try to trouble-shoot what they've got before you suggest something else. Spell out all terms before going to short hand - "atomizer (atty)," "Kr808D-1 (Kr8)," etc. Simple answers, simple pro/con's, just simple. The whole point is for them to get started, and then they can worry about "upgrading" and fiddling with toys if they want to.

They just want something that works, for not a lot of money, that will help them reduce or get off cigs. Easy peasy. Easy peasy answers.

 

[markfm]

Mom -- They all definitely get warm. By hot spot I mean burning hot, literally. I've had two that did that after a bit, just tossed them. Then again, that happened right when I first started, I probably ran them totally dry -- a wet carto is a happy carto

(The stuff I just sent you will give you practice with the plastic end caps and condom fills -- I included two blanks with the menthol and tobacco. These EM cartos really seem quite nice, they tend not to warm up much at all, other than for having to do the hot water bit to first remove the caps.)

Also, if you have cartos with the soft rubber mouthpiece ends, the ones that pop out easily, you can reuse those parts on cartos that have the plastic ends.

 

[ShannonS]

Interesting that you would endorse a single model. I can argue against the Ego on two fronts, cost and battery life.

1.) If I'd been told that the only good unit to start with is the Ego, I would still be smoking Camels right now because I can't afford the $60 that an average Ego kit costs. I got everything I needed in my first order for $53, and that includes a $35 510 unit, and it vapes like a dream. Maybe in a month or so I can "upgrade" to a "better" unit if I have the desire to, but right now, I'm still on a budget.

2.) Battery life sucks is just as you said... your OPINION. New people come on here wanting facts, not opinions. Here's a fact... my 510 batteries are lasting me a full day on a single charge, and I vape at least once every 5-10 minutes. Just because you've had bad experiences, and seen others who have, doesn't mean that everyone will.

Bottom line is this, veteran folks should not be telling the newcomers that they need a Lincoln when they can barely afford a Schwinn. You guys should know better, and that's the entire point the OP is making.

Even if the Lincoln only costs 7 dollars more than the Schwinn?

You haven't used an eGo before have you? I've used both. eGo is a 510 with a fat battery that has an extended life. It is not more complicated to use than a standard 510 and it performs much so much better. The extra battery power makes the actual vapor more satisfying, IMO. I wish I had skipped my 510 and went straight to the eGo and that is why I suggest the eGo to new people. Most people end up upgrading within a month or so anyway, which means a partial loss on the initial investment.

How many posts do you see that say "damn, I wish I hadn't wasted my money on this eGo. I regret buying it so much, I"m going back to my mini ecig starter kit!" You don't see them. This is my point.

I have 2 SE starter kits, and NJoy penstyle, a 901, a 510, a KR808 and eGo and a Reo mod. I've had the experience to use and compare all the starter kits. As far as combined value, performance and ease of use are concerned, it is one of the best possible deals for a person new to vaping and that is why I recommend it.

I agree that new people that have already bought a kit should be able to get advice about making theirs work. However, when you can tell that they are getting ripped off by a mall kiosk, I usually tell them to stop giving them money ASAP.

I don't use my eGo much these days in favor of my sweet Reo mod, but I will not stop suggesting it to someone who wants to start vaping, because I know personally what a nice little starter it is.

 

[SimpleSins]

Even if the Lincoln only costs 7 dollars more than the Schwinn?

While I agree the eGo or Riva is a great starter, the difference between the two models (510 and eGo) is more than $7 unless you compare the single most expensive 510 starter kit out there to a bare bones eGo knockoff. My own approach is to find out something about the person's lifestyle before I just randomly suggest something. And, while you may have a hard time believing it, the difference between a $35 510 starter kit and a $60 eGo starter can be significant, especially if they've still got to get juice and any of the extras. By the time a lot of people make it here to these boards, they have tried everything out there to quit smoking, all of which have hit their wallets pretty big, and they are of course a little leery of one more "magical" cure, and having them spend hundreds of dollars right off the bat is just the thing to send them running to the mall kiosks; marketing being what it is, if I'm going to spend that much, I might as well get the one that I can see and touch and try before I buy. And I don't think any of us particularly want that.

 

[Automaton]

Shannon - For some of us, that $7 makes a difference. My Kr8 kit cost $35. I could barely even afford that. And guess what? I'm totally happy with the vaping experience, the battery life, and everything else.

Although, let's be fair - it's kind of difficult to come by an eGo kit that's only $7 more than a 510, unless you're paying the extra money for shipping from China.

If he is getting satisfactory battery life, and is within budget, and likes his vaping experience, then what exactly is wrong with what he has?

Some of us don't need or want more. I've tried 5v. Don't like it. I've tried an eGo - it's good, but I prefer my Kr8, and I don't see a huge difference between that and my 510 honestly. There is a difference, but not enough for me to want to spend the extra money. I also don't like LR atties.

And I don't see the point in buying a 3.7v mod, when I am perfectly happy with the battery life on my current batts. I have a PCC and a pass-thru. There's no issue to me.

I like my stock batteries. They do what I want them to do. I'm happy.

Some of us are content to find what works and stick with it.

 

[ShannonS]

I was using the figures he gave as an example.

When people tell me they are on an extremely tight budget and want to try vaping, I always send them to a 27 dollar 510 that I know to be of consistent quality. I buy cheap 510 starter kits for friends I want to introduce eCigs to all the time. I'm definitely not knocking the 510, but I have seen that the majority of people who get it are upgrading within a month or two to the eGo/Riva because they want longer battery life and better performance. Why put them through that when you can avoid it?

I've been vaping about two years now and I've gotten pretty good at matching models to people's needs in real life. I've converted over 30 people to ecigs.

When it is an person that isn't tech savvy, I usually suggest a KR808 with prefilled cartos because they are the ones my senior friends have the least amount of trouble figuring out how to use. I got both of my parents vapor kings and they are both analog free now. I have a lot of contact with senior smokers through my work and it seems like the 808 works best for them.

People with smoker hacks seem to do better with the softer throat hit/cooler vape of the 901. Maybe I should make a little questionnaire to help people determine which eCig fits them and their lifestyle better.

I still stand by that the eGo/Riva is the best all around value performer for a new vaper.

 

[7thCabal]

Aren't there model specific sub-forums out there? Posting newb questions there should cut down on the # of super-techno-babble answers people get when posting elsewhere-- right?

I understand that MOST newbs need encouragement & reassurance that their PVs work-- & most do to a degree... but ask an open ended question to a room full of maniacs... then be prepared to get some maniacal answers. CHOOSE the posts you wanna read & let the opinions fly.
Aloha!

 

[Java_Az]

Maybe I should make a little questionnaire to help people determine which eCig fits them and their lifestyle better.

I believe thats a brilliant idea there Sannon. You got my vote to make one up. If you need any help let me know.

 

[hushedpuppy]

Maybe I should make a little questionnaire to help people determine which eCig fits them and their lifestyle better.

I love this idea! When I bought my first equipment, it had to be right the first time and my eyeballs were bleeding before I figured out which model to buy. Something like a flowchart decision making process would have helped a lot.

I skipped the 510 starter kit and went straight to the eGo and I'm glad I did. We live on a fixed income and cost was important to me but, when I read about 510 battery life, I looked ahead and figured I would need more batteries or a PCC, so why not just get longer lasting batteries?

I agree with KISS advice but I don't think it is too confusing to counsel about basic kits and point out options for longer battery life. It's just a battery... it's not LR or HR or BFD or PTB. There's nothing exceedingly difficult about deciding between (e.g.):
Kr8 <-> 510
regular battery <-> elegant or ego

The newcomer can figure out from there what their budget allows.

 

[ShannonS]

I believe thats a brilliant idea there Sannon. You got my vote to make one up. If you need any help let me know.

Can you make it into a simple computer program? LOL. Oh hey I know.. I think I can make a quiz on facebook that would work. Stuff like price, does it need to look like a real cigarette, battery life. Hmmm.

 

[Java_Az]

That would work also maybe something like how much do you smoke and what kind. To find out a general idea on what juice to try first. Maybe something too for throat hit. From reading threads seems like people smoke one of two ways directly into the lung or into the mouth then into the lungs. With the latter one they might need more PG to get a better throat hit. Just a couple ideas dont want to make this too difficult

 

[The Big Chief]

Its pretty simple and just common sense. Something simple with that look and feel of a ciggy is what most new ppl look for. And looking at my signature, I got a LOTTA toys...but 510 on a mega battery is STILL the go to after 10 months +(Im a 2 padder). Now If someone says they dont care about that ciggy feel, then by all means show them the ropes, options and value of the egos or mods (in simple english), but majority of ppl NEED that first month of simplicity to kick tobacco, and decide what they want from EXPERIENCE to continue their travels on the winding road of vaping. They are saving money regardless using ANY e cig model (except super mini from kiosk clowns), so lets not get greedy. Just keeping it simple, allowing them to become a pro at their first PV, will allow them to grow, and help others. 10 different models to start is not only expensive, but doesnt allow time to LEARN about what you have in hand, instead your constantly saying "well, my 510 isn't working, it must not be good, so lets try a 901", When most every problem is a simple, sometimes WAY to easy to even cross your mind fix. The vets are here to help ppl take their first steps in e-cigs, not explain our PERSONAL autobiography, taking someone from first page to last in one paragraph, expecting new ppl to understand. We all have our knowledge and know what we like/don't because we've experienced both. Sooo, in short, I'll say thanks to all that have taken the time to read this thread today, and chime in. To bring it home, I'll quote Garth Brooks.
" I could have missed the pain, but I would've had to miss the dance"..its SO true. Happy Vaping all

 

[Java_Az]

I would have to disagree i will almost always recommend a eGo as a starter kit. After reading at least 2 to 3 posts a day of people that get the regular 510's and have to upgrade to more battery life after a month or so, i see no reason not to recommend it. Also when they get it and it is not cutting it for them they can try a LR atty with out worrying about killing the battery prematurely. But this is my opinion on a starter kit i really dont expect anyone else to see eye to eye with me and the OP can take the advise or leave it. Really whos to say the OP wont take the advise of the guy that we might consider rambling. Maybe thats closer to how that person is or how that person learns or understands. I think one of the great things about this forum is the diversity of the people in here. But with that, we wont always see eye to eye. I really dont see anything wrong with the way things are right now. Personally if i ever have to refrain from giving my true opinion by following some guide in what i can or cant recommend for someone asking a question. Then that will be the day you wont see me on these forums anymore.

 

[SimpleSins]

I would have to disagree i will almost always recommend a eGo as a starter kit. After reading at least 2 to 3 posts a day of people that get the regular 510's and have to upgrade to more battery life after a month or so, i see no reason not to recommend it.

It depends on how much money they have to spend. To get an eGo kit and enough juices to give it a try, you're looking at around $75. They can do the same thing for $50 with a 510 kit. Now to you and I, $25 may not be much of a difference. But to someone who has already thrown away good money after bad on Chantix, patches, Wellbutrin, inhalers, etc., that $25 is a nice chunk of change, especially considering they don't "know" if they're going to be able to quit cigs and have to keep money for them, too, just in case.

I also don't see the need to start chiming in about LR atts, cart mods, battery mods, etc., unless specifically asked. Let them try the PV that fits both their lifestyle AND budget most comfortably, and then, if there is still something missing, then we can start trying to "fix" it, and that's when to start tossing some more advanced level stuff their way.

 

[PoliticallyIncorrect]

...this is not the place to debate over which e-cig is the best. Keep in mind also that the Ego is a great starter for new users...Advice to Newbys should be to get an Ego Kit and go from there...I see ppl recommending 510s all the time. Ego is the way to go as the 510s starter kits are a waste of money. IMHO Batty life sucks...Interesting that you would endorse a single model. I can argue against the Ego on two fronts, cost and battery life...Battery life sucks is just as you said, your OPINION. New people come on here wanting facts, not opinions. Here's a fact... my 510 batteries are lasting me a full day on a single charge...Even if the Lincoln only costs 7 dollars more than the Schwinn?...You haven't used an eGo before have you?

It simply isn't possible that I'm alone in noticing how quickly this devolved into a Ford vs. Chevy (i.e., 510 vs. eGo) debate.

At around 2 months into vaping, I suppose I still qualify as a newbie, and I well remember that kind of sniping that went on. Oh, I got the information I needed--everyone was helping me--but the division into PV camps was a distraction.

I think also ppl need to remember that newbies do not know the abbrev. yet and if they use them to also put the "english" term in ( ) so that new ppl will be able to follow so to speak.

Now there's a valid point. For a long time, I avoided asking people what some of these acronyms meant, for fear I'd expose myself for the hopeless ..... that I am. The forum operators might think about compiling a dictionary, so to speak. That would have helpd me quite a bit, anyway...

 

[Java_Az]

Really i was not trying to make this a ego 510 thing. To me it is more a trying to regulate my opinion or trying to put rules on what you can or cant recommend to people. Personally i believe everyone in here has the right to recommend what ever kit they want whether i agree with it or not. I don't believe there is a wrong or right way to do it. But that's just my opinion. Not trying to make waves or piss anyone off just stating what i think about the topic.

 

[xg4bx]

This is SUPER-GREAT advice!
I will say, that I have some experience with vaping. But, my experience is very limited to just one type. The Kr8. Now, I am in the market for something new, and have found myself asking a lot of newb questions, and the responses are exactly like Big Chief said. I don't have any idea what some of the folks are suggesting, so it may as well be just like starting over.
My Kr8 just isn't doing it for me, but I want this to work. That's why I am open to trying something new. But all the atty, lr atty, mod's, etc, etc talk is just too confusing.
I may have experience, but it is only with ONE type and I know NOTHING about the others.
And to hear xg4bx, we're talking about saving lives, here. Well, you are spot on my friend, and for being a stranger, I want to say "Thank You" for caring about me!

No problem lol. It's true though, we're not here to keep people from blowing $10 going to see a bad movie. We're here to help and support people who, to put it bluntly, want to avoid a horrible death from lung cancer and a myriad of other smoking related diseases. The least we can do is help those who decided they want "better" for themselves and their health.

Being able to quit smoking through the support of people here has given me a sense of empathy I never had before. I showed my mom my pv and she ordered a kit for herself. She's smoked for easily 40 years or so and I pray it works for her. Who am I to belittle the PV somebody purchases? It may not be my choice but when it comes to things like this, they made the only choice that really matters: coming here in the first place. If somebody uses a PV they built out of twigs and grass, awesome, I'll do my best to help them use it. As long as they're not smoking cigarettes that's all that matters.