Where do I start?

[Kryptik319]

I'm looking to start vaping and honestly have no idea where to start. I've read through a few threads here and that added to the confusion. I figured it would be easiest for me to simply start my own thread to get some personalized insight.

I currently smoke a pack every 1-2 days and would like to eventually quit completely. A friend of mine had a vape that he let me try and I really liked (no idea what brand or anything). I'd like to start out cheap (always room to upgrade later) and not spend more than ~$60. I'm typically out of my house from around 7am-6pm and sometimes later, so I'd like a battery that will hold a charge for that. I don't really care what it looks, as long as it's not too bulky.

So what do you guys recommend?

Thanks in advance for the help,
Bryton

 

[2muffins]

I was exactly like you at one time and I'll give you my hindsight.

First of all, with the cigarette habit you have, I'd guess you're spending $100 or more on cigarettes a month. Keep that in perspective while you think about how much you're willing to spend.

When I started, I started off cheap and thought I would upgrade later. I ended up with a cheap set up which I was unsatisfied with in about a month and ended up buying the good gear anyway. If I had it all to do over again, I would have bought an iTaste MVP 2.0 battery and (if they don't sell it as a combo) an iClear 30s tank. It's a GREAT set up. Not just for someone who is new but for anyone! It's a little bulky but without a pack of cigarettes and lighter in your pocket, there should be plenty of room.

 

[Kryptik319]

I don't usually keep a pack in my pocket, it bothers me to have something that bulky in there. I'll keep them in my house, car, work locker, etc. and grab one when I need it. I was looking at the KGO and I would like something similar in size.

 

[Tinkiegrrl]

I quit smoking with a $14.95, ego style, variable volt, 650 mah, passthrough, ego kit that came with a bottom coil. Now, to explain what that is:

Ego battery - This is a device that houses the power source needed to heat resistance wire in your toppers to creat vapor. Ego's are typically the size and shape of a sharpie marker. Larger then the devices that resemble cigarettes, but that means better performance and a longer time between charges. Typically have one button to press to make it work. Many have a dial to turn at the end to adjust the level of power the battery puts out, which leads me to...

Variable voltage: This is exactly what it sounds like. You adjust the power settings to taste. If the vapor feels too weak, you can increase the power. If it's too strong, or you get a burnt taste, you can lower the power.

Passthrough: Means you can vape it while it's charging. Many variable volt egos with the dials on the bottom can't do this, because you need to charger them through the top, where you connect your topper. There are some exceptions to the rule, like the iTaste VVv3, which lets you control the power level through additional buttons and an LCD screen, rather then a dial. This frees up to bottom for charging and the top for vaping at the same time. My ego kit had a fire button you had to press five times rapidly in a row to change the setting.

Clearomizer: This is a topper that holds the liquid and a heating coil. Most have replaceable coils as they do collect gunk and die over time. A bottom coil tank means the coil is by the base of the tank. A top coil means it's by the mouth piece. This is a matter of personal preference, and I recommend getting one of each to determine which you like.

Cartomizer: this mostly refers to a different type of topper. The kind you find on kits that resemble a cigarette. They aren't tanks, they carry mush less liquid in a metal tube with a heating coil surrounded by absorbent filler. Some sites do call clearomizers this though, so I feel it's worth mentioning.

Get two devices. One for vaping and the other to charge or act as pack up should something go wriong.

 

[soulcatcher]

If you wanna stick w/ the smaller form factor I would def consider getting any of the variable voltage ego-style batteries. Being able to turn the power up or down will make a big diff in your enjoyment and ultimate success. There are many different brands, but most makers offer a variable voltage version ex. Kanger Evod VV, Vision Spinner, Joytech ego-twist.

For tanks I here many people say good things about the iclear 30's, I have had good luck with Kanger Evod tanks, as well as Kanger's Protank mini. Make sure to buy a pack of replacement coils for whichever you decide and you will be good to go.

 

[2muffins]

For a newbie, essentially you're going to want to look for two things: variable voltage/variable wattage on your battery, and dual coil for your tank.

If size is a serious factor for you, I'd go with iTaste VV (that's double V) for your battery and maybe an iClear 30 or 30s. The VV has variable wattage or voltage meaning that you can adjust how much power you're putting into the coils. With variable wattage/voltage, you can find whatever vapor production you're most comfortable with. Obviously, with a smaller battery, you'll have shorter battery life but the VV tells you how low it is by the color of the power button.

If you do end up getting an iClear 30(s), make sure you get the "beauty ring" to go with it. It'll make sure that the tank sits flush on the battery and wont break as easily.

 

[Warpigs]

If I were you I would go with Your Online Electronic Cigarette Store, a few AW 18650 Protected 3100 mAh Rechargeable Lithium Battery - AltSmoke, a few 5mL PBC Tanks, a few EH IMR 18650, 30amp, 1600mAh, Flat Top, a few Smok Tech Replacement Bottom Coils, TrustFire TR-001 Lithium Ion Battery Charger, Black. Grab some liquid and rock and roll.

 

[K_Tech]

I started with two Ego C-twists and two Kanger Protank 2's, my total cost (not including e-liquid or replacement coils) was around $80 or so.

If you like the form factor of the KGO, I would take a serious look at something the same size, but with variable voltage. I know that would bump that over your budget amount but I think the benefit of being able to tailor your vape to your tastes is worth the extra few dollars.

Unless you're a pretty light vaper, one 1100 mAh battery isn't going to get you through an 11 hour day. There is a rule of thumb that equates 100 mAh to one hour of vaping but I think that's really pushing it.

"Spinner" and "Twist" batteries run from $20-$35 depending on size, from 650 mAh to ~1600 mAh.

Two variable voltage batteries and two "mini" clearomizers (my current fave is the Kanger Mini Protank 3 for about $10) will set you back about $70 or so.

 

[Kryptik319]

Starting to lean towards the iTaste VV. Would I be better off buying the starter kit or piecing it together myself?

 

[soulcatcher]

If it were me I would get the express kit and choose the exact tank that you like. YMMV

 

[imsoenthused]

If longevity is of any concern to you, and don't feel like it has to be, you may want to keep in mind that anything with a built in battery, like the MVP 2.0 that was mentioned or the ego clones(like the kgo), is a disposable device that you will be throwing away once it stops holding a charge. I've seen Ego styles die after anywhere from 6 months to a year, and my friends MVP stopped holding a useful charge after about 14 months(although he is a heavy user). At that point you throw them away and buy a new one.

If you can find a decent starter kit that is a "mod" or "APV" that you don't mind the form of then all you'll ever have to dispose of is the generic, easily and cheaply replaced lithium ion batteries.

Again, I'm not saying one is a better choice than the other, and I honestly got my sister hooked on vaping using a variable voltage ego device because it was absolutely the largest thing she would even consider carrying around with her. I just feel like people should be informed, and most of the companies don't make a big production of just how completely disposable these sealed battery devices are.

 

[Tinkiegrrl]

Starting to lean towards the iTaste VV. Would I be better off buying the starter kit or piecing it together myself?

Check out 101vapes for an express kit for around $25. Then get a glass mini clearo. Some liquids react with plastic, causing it to crack or affect the state of the juice. Glass means no worries there. The mini Protank 2, 3, mini aero tank or aspire ET-S would all look great on the vvv3. The mini Protank 2 uses a single coil. The rest are dual.

 

[Kryptik319]

So I have iTaste VV v3 Express kit and a Kanger Mini Protank 3 in my cart. Anything else other than liquid?

And any voucher codes for 101Vape?

 

[Caffeine7]

Get a 5 pack of replacement coils for the mini protank. Better to have them on hand instead of running out.

 

[Kryptik319]

I'd rather get everything through the same order, so I may switch to the iClear 30s.

iTaste VV v3 Express Kit
iClear 30s and 3 replacement dual coil heads (1.5 ohm)
Two 5ml bottles to try

Look good?

 

[Fir3b1rd]

When I was a new vapor I got 0 advice. It want until I had already several inexpensive egos that I found ECF.
While the inexpensive ego batteries have a purpose; using them as sn all day decide worked great for me; till 4 hours later and they weren't putting out enough vape to satisfy my nic addiction and I started reaching for cigs.
Enter the world do regulated variable voltage devices. Of which both the MVP2 and VV3 tend to top the pack for fixed battery units.
They are both accurate and fairly durable, they use the same chipset and controls; the difference being the VV3 is an 800 nah battery and the MVP is 3 times the size at 2600 mah and allows you to offload the charge to a phone or tablet(not a deal maker but a cool little caveat).
I used to drive a truck for PepsiCo so I used the MVP2 to get me through a long day at work, chain vaping behind the wheel.
After trying 2 cigalike kits and 3 ego kits the mvp2 got me to quit; then it got my wife to quit.
The starter kits for the MVP, comes with a tank and charger and runs about 40.00 at www.101vape.com.
I would also suggest picking up a kanger aerotank at 101vape for 20.00 dollars. It's a glass bottom coil glass tank; it's a bit more durable than the nautilus glass tank and both put out great flavor and can handle any juice without fear of cracking. The real bonus in that tank is the airflow control;which, let's you adjust the tightness of your draw. For 20 bucks it's a great addition.
Now, for 60.00 you just skipped the entry level ego gear and moved onto a setup that many people stuck with and don't really upgrade from. Some of us do; but then some, like my wife, absolutely love that setup, it's easy to use, durable and accurate. The only thing that a new vapor may have a learning curve with is the variable voltage/wattage settings on the MVP. It comes set at 7.5 watts which is a great setting for most tanks. I wouldn't mess with it right away; until you're ready to start playing with it. In which case there is a great MVP owners sub-forum here on ECF with some great people that will be more than happy to help you out. Or as you can see many of us try and help whenever we can.

Best of luck.
And so you can get an idea of size this is the MVP with aerotank on it

 

[Ar10shooter]

Ktyptik you last post looks perfect. I have a provari an mvp2 and a 134 mini as well as a few ego batts. I picked up a itaste vv v.3 the other day on a whim and haven't put it down since. Although the iclear 30s is my favorite tank, so far, I must admit that I keep a protank 3 mini on the v.3 it looks better, not so top heavy, and the taste is great. Good luck I was smoking about the same as you and started with 6mg nic now I'm down to 3 or zero.

ETA: I use the 2.1 coils on my 30s I think I get more flavor from them, but others disagree.

 

[Kryptik319]

Ended up ordering a iTaste VV and an iClear 30s. I have to say I'm completely happy with my purchase (it arrived today). I plan on picking up another tank in the near future so I can easily swap out juice.

I'm loving not having to step outside to have a "smoke" and even better is not smelling like an ashtray when I'm done. I don't see myself going back to cigarettes anytime soon.

The first flavor I tried was Gangsta's ParadICE from Hoosier and I love it. It's a little fruity and sweet but has a cool kick to it as well. Any suggestions on flavors to try out on my next order?

 

[dice57]

back up tanks and a backup batt is always a good idea, so one is never without a vape. This is also how all collections start. Looks like you have a good beginning, now go find your Vape Path.

Vape long and acquire Prosper.!!!!

 

[mkbilbo]

Ended up ordering a iTaste VV and an iClear 30s. I have to say I'm completely happy with my purchase (it arrived today). I plan on picking up another tank in the near future so I can easily swap out juice.

I'm loving not having to step outside to have a "smoke" and even better is not smelling like an ashtray when I'm done. I don't see myself going back to cigarettes anytime soon.

The first flavor I tried was Gangsta's ParadICE from Hoosier and I love it. It's a little fruity and sweet but has a cool kick to it as well. Any suggestions on flavors to try out on my next order?

I've become fond of Innokin. I have a VTR myself but also know a lot of folks around here who talk up the VV and MVP. The 30s tank? Absolutely. They're nice. One warning, they're dual coil and may chew on a VV battery. 101 Vapes has MVPs for around $40 which is a pretty great price. That's a 2600mAh battery. Lotta capacity that.

Definitely get some extra coils for the 30s. You'll want to rotate them frequently. Or at least I do. Then again, I tend to vape until it looks like a fog bank is rolling in...

(Also, the VTR? I is a fan. The start up is a bit steeper but batteries over the long haul are cheaper. And I can just about make the iPad disappear in a cloud while hunt and pecking a post )


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk