Why do all the experience vapers out there seem to all use mods?

[AlmightyGod]

I'm a recovering mod ......

Lately I've been enjoying a Crystal (aka Stardust) on an 1100mAh 808 auto batt.

The beauty of vaping is that there is something for everyone.

 

[MickeyRat]

I'm a recovering Mod ......

Lately I've been enjoying a Crystal (aka Stardust) on an 1100mAh 808 auto batt.

The beauty of vaping is that there is something for everyone.

SHEESH!!! And you gave me a hard time for getting a Reo??? My sympathies dude!

 

[Forkeh]

Battery life is definitely a plus. And they are big, but not ridiculously so, I mean most fit in the hand pretty nicely. Anyway, you have to understand that most vapers are coming from something like a pack a day habit, if not more. The big battery and variable voltage mods, pack more of a punch, and allow us to vape much longer between charges. This makes our experience a lot better. Plus, it's my opinion that the more volts you have available, the better the vape, but that's just me

I also really like that I've been able to get away from the look of a cigarette. It's a bit stigmatized, even though you're not really smoking. Quite honestly, it makes me think about cigs less too, and coming from someone who does have the occasional desire to smoke an analog, just purely out of habit, two months later, that's a big deal for me.

But for someone like you, who is only a social smoker, and who won't blow through one small 510 battery in less than an hour, a small basic model and smart pack may be a good decision. If you only vaporize every once in a while, there's really no reason to get a big batt mod or VV unless you really want one.

 

[John D in CT]

Lots of different answers. Lots of different people.

I started with the 808. I didn't want to try anything fancy or with super long battery life, I wanted to buy and electronic cigarette to help me quit smoking. The "mods" or "APV" as they are now referred to here (advanced personal vaporizer), did not appeal to me and if anything looked like more work. I wanted to quit smoking as painlessly as possible, and that didn't include a lot of battery maintenance. Charging an 808 I can handle, dealing with multiple batteries and big battery chargers, and dealing more with all that electrical/engineering jibberish - I didn't need in my darkest hours of tobacco. Don't get me wrong, I didn't base my decisions upon anyone's recommendations. I didn't know ECF or any other ecig forum existed. I call them electronic cigarettes because that's what the 808 is. Hell, I didn't even know the term "808" until I had to figure out the difference between it and a 510 when determining what brand/company I wanted to try. Both made to look like cigarettes. Two-piece or three-piece, no brainer for me. I just wanted to quit smoking.

I quit quickly, I didn't have faith in myself that it would be that easy or that fast. The electronic cigarette made it very easy on me. I had more than one battery, I had several, and I had a couple of chargers so I wasn't lacking for a charged battery in my transition to vaping.

I'm still here, because I'm still vaping. I just wanted to quit smoking, but found I like vaping. I like having the ritual still. After 39 years smoking, the lack of the ritual was probably what kept me from succeeding with other methods (patch, gum, cold turkey). I'm still using 808's. I like the Volts from Smokeless Image, I like a little variety and subtle "bling." I like their cartomizer flavors. They just came out with their own big battery in the last month or so - but the same, basically, and the Volt in the battery department, no multiple batteries with big chargers, but it is a very nice big battery. I use it, the X2, as well as my 808's. I still like my 808's. The new clearomizers for the X2 can be used on the Volts, and the cartomizers can be used on the X2. I see no need to switch from these styles in favor of bigger mods and more vapor and more power.

I recommend 808's to new persons, because most people just want to quit and get it over with. ECF is full of those of us who quit, but never moved on from vaping - at least not yet. Many will recommend the eGo or Kgo or even jump right into mods/APVs because they no longer believe anyone should start with such underpowered batteries like the 808's or anything that looks like a cigarette because they themselves no longer want to be associated with "cigarette." I can understand that, but with someone brand new to the idea of quitting smoking - and regardless of what the FDA or any of us here say - I'm going to recommend a device that I know works, and looks like a cigarette, 1) for familiarity, and 2) for ritual. After they've been in the arena for a bit, then their curiosity can take them to the "higher levels" of mods/APVs if they want to try them, but if they just wanted to quit smoking, then they had the least expensive and fastest track to do so. That's what my cousin wanted when I gave him an 808 kit. He wanted to stop, and then get away from any aids or devices all together. He didn't want to replace habit with hobby.
That's why I recommend 808's. I won't tell folks not to look at mods/APVs or "bigger and better" eGo's or whatever, but I won't recommend them to a person just starting who just wants to quit smoking. Until I know you better and what you want, I'm not going to make recommendations for liquids or other devices or accessories until you've declared yourself a vaper, and not just an ex-smoker. I've replaced one habit with another, albeit much healthier, but where you go from there is up to you to get curious and ask about, and not for me to push up front.

Just highlighted a few things that stood out to me. That doesn't mean I'm criticizing any of it (in the more negative of the meaning of the word), or saying that its "wrong". Your post just got me thinking about how incredibly complicated it can get when assisting someone who wants to eliminate smoking from their lives. The technical aspects of providing someone with a PV or PV's that will provide the "best" quality of vape that they can get is really the simple part. What is really complicated is the human psychology involved in arriving at a "form factor" that balances that "optimum" performance with the expressed desires, often inherently arrived at at least in part due to a limited amount of knowledge of this complex subject, and always involving a wide range of selection criteria that I have seen run the gamut from the keenly perspicacious to the mind-numbingly irrational.

I think that a huge wild card in this equation is the amount of mentoring you can give someone, and how hands-on and personal it is. I have about five friends now that have gone from Joyetech eGo tank systems directly to the most advanced of the VV APV's, fitted with DCT tanks and well-slotted, high resistance single coil cartos that give the kind of vaping experience that one might expect from such a setup. They have all had the advantage of being able to see, try, or hear about all of the available options in great detail, and I haven't come across anyone yet who insisted on having a ciggie look-alike in order to successfully quit. That said, I'll be getting some Volts in the very near future, and will definitely be offering them as a possible choice, the extent to which will depend on my own personal experience with them, which at the present time is zero. From what I've heard, they are very slick indeed, and I'm looking forward to having them in the arsenal of recommendations for those who really, really want to have that form factor as part of their gear.

So complicated, this whole thing, yet oddly relatively simple at the same time. Press a button, or not, which warms a coil or coils, which vaporizes some liquid, which you inhale.

And one real "Catch-22" of the whole process of helping someone choose gear is that what they think they want is often different from what they really do want, or at least might actually want in a relatively short time. The most striking example of that is probably the typically rapid reduction in the average number of daily hits that are tobacco-flavored as a vaping career evolves. Ask the typical beginner what flavors they would like, and you'll very likely hear "I want something that tastes just like a [major cigarette brand].

Then add to this whole mix something that appears to me to be a common among purchasers of anything, and that is an extreme aversion to acquiring something that is not the absolute best, end-all and be-all thing that they could possibly have chosen, accompanied by a tendency to devote borderline insane amounts of time analyzing and researching every last possible detail of every option for fear of "wasting" fifty or eighty bucks on something that, while maybe "just exactly right" for them, would very likely do the job just fine, and at the very least could be passed along/sold to a friend or acquaintance who would like to stop smoking and thinks that the device is the cat's meow.

To any beginners reading this: when in doubt, do something.

There are so many fine, solid options out there, virtually none of which would be a significant waste of money. The more often you see them recommended, the smaller the chance that your money would indeed be wasted.

Some of the biggest no-brainers:

The Volt. Any Volt. Any color, any size battery, any flavor of cartridge, or get empty cartos and stick some juice in them yourself. Just do it. I have a boatload of PV's/APV's, and I still want a Volt because they are wicked cool, work great, have that slick little PCC (personal charging case?) thing that you can get for it, and they are just a must-have for anyone, IMO.

A "must-have"? Wow, that's pretty strong, you might say. Yes, a "must-have", if you give a sufficient crap about your fellow man. "Wow, again pretty strong", you might say. Yeah, maybe so, maybe not. But stop and consider how many people you know, or will encounter, who are desperate to stop smoking, and for whom a great-performing ciggie-look-alike like the Volt would do just fine for getting them immediately into vaping just as fast as you can hand it to them. "Here, push this button (or not), and inhale. Keep doing that, and if you like it, you can buy it off me". How much more simple can it get for someone?

Similarly, I just loaned out my Smoktech VMax yesterday, with a perfectly-slotted carto DCT tank filled with Tasty Vapor "Kretek" clove to a friend of mine who has never vaped in her life. "Just push the button and inhale". Nice intro to vaping, really. Please keep this in mind as a very valid rationale for just going ahead and buying something that you see recommended repeatedly on this site or others. You won't go far wrong, and if it doesn't end up being a good fit for you, not even as part of the eventual array of PV's that you'll likely acquire in your vaping career, you can always just hang on to it and possibly save someone's life with it.

Ok, this is way too long. Wrapping it up; other no-brainers:

Joyetech eGo-C starter kit. Total no-brainer.

Or hell, a Joyetech twist for $29, a charger, and some cartos or a Joyetech eGo-C 3-piece atty kit for it. Bam.

Or a kGo kit and some cartos. Some juice, and you're done.

Feeling frisky? Know how to follow simple directions? A rebranded Lavatube kit. VV for $70. VA Variable Volt Mod Version 1.5

Undecided? Well just close your eyes and pick one. Flip a coin. Ask your Magic 8-Ball. Just stop reading, stop over-analyzing, pick up the phone, and order any one of them.

Juice? Get a bunch of 10ml samples from any one of the vendors and flavors from this insanely long thread:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo.../215923-what-flavor-you-vaping-right-now.html

590 opinions. Pick some that sound good and order them today. Can't try 'em if you don't order them. And they don't have to be perfect either. Do it, do it, do it. Less thinking, more vaping.

 

[AlmightyGod]

SHEESH!!! And you gave me a hard time for getting a Reo??? My sympathies dude!

You used to be all about the cheap box mods! I was in shock when I saw you tell someone to try something expensive that does the same thing as a device that costs a lot less!

 

[bnrkwest]

It is sort of like the difference between a bicycle and a Ferrari LOL I still use my 808's tho when out and about, you can't beat them for ease of use, light weight and they can be so pretty and fun to decorate for us girls But for performance APV VV does it. bnrk

 

[theWayISshut]

Bottom line is these are all just basically flashlights. That's what you should bear in mind first. Most of the batteries inside the device are manufactured in China. The PV can be assembled by individuals who have time and basic knowledge to assemble a flashlight. This is not about assembling a hair trimmer or a wristwatch.

The one you have has a switch with probably additional electronic cicuitry that regulates the voltage, adds safety features such as over current protection, etc. All of which can be purchased in any electronic shop. If a device's battery lasts longer than another device, then credit that to the battery, not the device.

Long story short, learn to appreciate what you have as long as it keeps you away from analogs. I'm satisfied with the 14650 batts housed in E-Power units, for example. The vapor production and throat hit I get far surpasses what I get from smoking a real cigarette. 14650's are neither small nor big. They're just right. I don't need any other mod. Like in many things man will never be content in anything. I'm satisfied with my 50 inch LCD tv. Hehe...

 

[bnrkwest]

I'm a recovering Mod ......

Lately I've been enjoying a Crystal (aka Stardust) on an 1100mAh 808 auto batt.

The beauty of vaping is that there is something for everyone.

Where did you get that batt? bnrk

 

[yzer]

Bottom line is these are all just basically flashlights. That's what you should bear in mind first. Most of the batteries inside the device are manufactured in China. The PV can be assembled by individuals who have time and basic knowledge to assemble a flashlight. This is not about assembling a hair trimmer or a wristwatch.

The one you have has a switch with probably additional electronic cicuitry that regulates the voltage, adds safety features such as over current protection, etc. All of which can be purchased in any electronic shop. If a device's battery lasts longer than another device, then credit that to the battery, not the device.

Long story short, learn to appreciate what you have as long as it keeps you away from analogs. I'm satisfied with the 14650 batts housed in E-Power units, for example. The vapor production and throat hit I get far surpasses what I get from smoking a real cigarette. 14650's are neither small nor big. They're just right. I don't need any other mod. Like in many things man will never be content in anything. I'm satisfied with my 50 inch LCD tv. Hehe...

Your post echoes my opinion of the E-Power 14650 exactly. Perfect size: fits a pocket and the battery lasts me all day long. All of the vapor and TH I could possibly want with low resistance cartomizers. The thing just rocks and doesn't quit. Right now I've got five 14650 batteries charging at the workbench. It's nice not to have to charge batteries every day. When good protected 14650 batteries cost as low as $4 apiece, why not have a bunch and use a big multi-batt charger?

 

[Karla Lyle]

For me is just comes down to satisfaction. Like many others I started with an Ego T, then a KGO only to find I was still feeling like it just wasn't enough. I was still having major cravings for something that made me feel more like I was smoking and for something with enough Power to fill my lungs. So my first Mod was a Lavatube. Loved, loved loved it and a great price. After time I wanted to not have to drip so I have now moved onto Reos and am quite happy with them. My newest edition is the VV Reo Woodvil and could not be happier. If I felt like I got enough from an Ego I may have never moved on. Now i can't seem to stop. All the new things coming out are just so cool looking and I want to try them all. It has become a hobby now instead of just trying to satisfy my need for nicotine and I love it.

 

[yzer]

I can understand the hobby appeal of mods (APVs). They look good, the gizmos are constantly changing and improving. There is always a better machine showing up on the market every couple of weeks.

Vaping isn't a hobby for me. If the mod works well enough to keep me off cigarettes (and it does), I don't feel a need to go further. My goal is continue vaping at gradually reduced nicotine until I can ease off completely.

With a cabin cruiser, a koi pond, a vegetable garden and a farm collie I'm already maxed out on hobbies.

 

[vampiir]

I can understand the hobby appeal of mods (APVs). They look good, the gizmos are constantly changing and improving. There is always a better machine showing up on the market every couple of weeks.

Vaping isn't a hobby for me. If the mod works well enough to keep me off cigarettes (and it does), I don't feel a need to go further. My goal is continue vaping at gradually reduced nicotine until I can ease off completely.

With a cabin cruiser, a koi pond, a vegetable garden and a farm collie I'm already maxed out on hobbies.

LOL - part of me wishes I could let my basic set up be *good enough*. I love the gadgets and my wife even lets me get away with it.. since it got me to stop smoking.

 

[VapingRulz]

I've been vaping since October 09 and I do not use a mod. My preferred e-cig is the KGO.

 

[mechanus]

Just highlighted a few things that stood out to me.....
<large snip>

John D in CT used Wall of Text!
Mechanus KO'ed!
It's super effective!


So joking aside, John D hits on the head. Regardless of what you personally think is the best "investment" - simply go out and try one. Pick one that is semi-agreable and go for it. You'll never "waste" the cash you spend, even if you don't like that model or move on to a different one. It'll still help you get off cigarettes, it can help someone else, and, all in all, you'll "recover" your "investment" soon enough.

So, go out there, pick a model that's been recommended, buy some juices, and run with it.

 

[theWayISshut]

Your post echoes my opinion of the E-Power 14650 exactly. Perfect size: fits a pocket and the battery lasts me all day long. All of the vapor and TH I could possibly want with low resistance cartomizers. The thing just rocks and doesn't quit. Right now I've got five 14650 batteries charging at the workbench. It's nice not to have to charge batteries every day. When good protected 14650 batteries cost as low as $4 apiece, why not have a bunch and use a big multi-batt charger?

Most of the time the reason why 3.7V devices lose their appeal to beginner folks is they likely started with standard or high resistance cartos. They're most likely never been tried with LR ones.

A 1.7 ohm carto on a 3.7V device, for example, will generate enough current to produce billowing clouds of vapor. (I use 2.0 ohm cartos, btw.) I almost never use my VV box mod because I don't set it to anything other than around 3.7V. With LR cartos I don't feel the need to set it to any other voltage. And isn't LR cartos designed to improve the 3.7V vaping experience? That's just me, anyway.

 

[yzer]

Most of the time the reason why 3.7V devices lose their appeal to beginner folks is they likely started with standard or high resistance cartos. They're most likely never been tried with LR ones.

A 1.7 ohm carto on a 3.7V device, for example, will generate enough current to produce billowing clouds of vapor. (I use 2.0 ohm cartos, btw.) I almost never use my VV box mod because I don't set it to anything other than around 3.7V. With LR cartos I don't feel the need to set it to any other voltage. And isn't LR cartos designed to improve the 3.7V vaping experience? That's just me, anyway.

Yep, the E-Power 14650 was the very first e-cigarette I ever used and I began with the Smoktech single coil 1.7 ohm LR XL. After several weeks with the 1.7 ohm LR I switched to Smoktech single coil 2.0 ohm LR XL. The 1.7 just hit too hard and the 2.0 was much closer to cigarette smoke for me. A smoother vaping experience. I've stayed with 2.0 LR for a couple of months now. The difference between the two cartos is 1.25 watts at 3.7V. As a plus, the 14650 battery lasts noticeably longer with the 2.0 ohm carto than the 1.7.

 

[kia2]

"...Some of the biggest no-brainers:

The Volt. Any Volt. Any color, any size battery, any flavor of cartridge, or get empty cartos and stick some juice in them yourself. Just do it. I have a boatload of PV's/APV's, and I still want a Volt because they are wicked cool, work great, have that slick little PCC (personal charging case?) thing that you can get for it, and they are just a must-have for anyone, IMO.

A "must-have"? Wow, that's pretty strong, you might say. Yes, a "must-have", if you give a sufficient crap about your fellow man. "Wow, again pretty strong", you might say. Yeah, maybe so, maybe not. But stop and consider how many people you know, or will encounter, who are desperate to stop smoking, and for whom a great-performing ciggie-look-alike like the Volt would do just fine for getting them immediately into vaping just as fast as you can hand it to them. "Here, push this button (or not), and inhale. Keep doing that, and if you like it, you can buy it off me". How much more simple can it get for someone?

Similarly, I just loaned out my Smoktech VMax yesterday, with a perfectly-slotted carto DCT tank filled with Tasty Vapor "Kretek" clove to a friend of mine who has never vaped in her life. "Just push the button and inhale". Nice intro to vaping, really. Please keep this in mind as a very valid rationale for just going ahead and buying something that you see recommended repeatedly on this site or others. You won't go far wrong, and if it doesn't end up being a good fit for you, not even as part of the eventual array of PV's that you'll likely acquire in your vaping career, you can always just hang on to it and possibly save someone's life with it...Less thinking, more vaping."

Yep, wall of text, but I read it and there are some very good points.

I "snipped" a little bit myself, here. I have four "loaner kits" I put together for folks who ask about electronic cigarettes. A Volt carry case (not a pcc), with two 65mm batteries (one white, one blue), three 18mg nic cartomizers (555, RY4, and Ice Menthol), and a USB charger. Basically, four of their cheapest kits, with a case and an added battery and a flavor selection instead of one flavor to try. I let the person keep the kit for a day or two or a weekend, and then let them decide if something like this could help them. I give them the ECF website, and the Smokeless Image website if they say they liked them, but let them know there are other options out there. I'll answer their questions to the best of my limited knowlege if they ask. Now, letting them buy the kit off me? Hadn't thought of that, but it's a good idea, really.

 

[LiveLongAndV'ape]

Even with the VV options on my ProVari I am settled in with a 1.5 Ohm HH.357 (been measuring 1.4 Ohm) and keep it at 3.7 volts. The solid construction of an APV, battery life, readings like Ohm and Battery level make it fun to use. Still use the V4L 808's too but not as keen on vaping through the filler in cartos since I've been dripping into atties. Try it all, you'll find your vaping style and even then it still may change. Happy Vapor Trails!

 

[John D in CT]

Yep, wall of text, but I read it and there are some very good points.

I "snipped" a little bit myself, here. I have four "loaner kits" I put together for folks who ask about electronic cigarettes. A Volt carry case (not a pcc), with two 65mm batteries (one white, one blue), three 18mg nic cartomizers (555, RY4, and Ice Menthol), and a USB charger. Basically, four of their cheapest kits, with a case and an added battery and a flavor selection instead of one flavor to try. I let the person keep the kit for a day or two or a weekend, and then let them decide if something like this could help them. I give them the ECF website, and the Smokeless Image website if they say they liked them, but let them know there are other options out there. I'll answer their questions to the best of my limited knowlege if they ask. Now, letting them buy the kit off me? Hadn't thought of that, but it's a good idea, really.

You read all that? What are you, nuts?? LOL Yeah, wall o' text for sure, but I do my damndest to make those big-uns worth reading. Good for you for having loaner kits made up; that says a lot of good things about you. yeah, what the heck, have people buy stuff right from you, at cost, and then replace it. You only have to lay out a little cash up front once, then it's just sell, and replace. Just being able to say "here you go" is huge.

John D in CT used Wall of Text!
Mechanus KO'ed!
It's super effective! [LOL!]


Regardless of what you personally think is the best "investment" - simply go out and try one. Pick one that is semi-agreable and go for it. You'll never "waste" the cash you spend, even if you don't like that model or move on to a different one. It'll still help you get off cigarettes, it can help someone else, and, all in all, you'll "recover" your "investment" soon enough.

So, go out there, pick a model that's been recommended, buy some juices, and run with it.

Hey, how did you manage to say exactly what I said, but use like 3,000 fewer words? You'll have to show me how to do that. LOL

(Fun Fact: Did you know that before the completion of the Great Wall of China during the Ming Dynasty in the 1460's, the country was actually protected by a Great Wall of Text? True story).

 

[DedTV]

But it seems that everyone who is really into vaping is all about the mods.

The term "mod" is used interchangeably with PV these days. Technically, anything that isn't a Ruyan (the "inventor" of the E-cig) is a mod. Most people tend to call anything that isn't made to emulate a Cigarette a "mod" but pretty much everyone has their own definition of what they consider a "mod". Terminology battles are a waste of time though. As far as I'm concerned, "Not a cigarette" is the only term that matters.

I had a big wall of text here about why people are crazy over mods. But Jabbathewocket hit the nail on the head very succinctly. It's about boys (and girls) and their toys.