Your typical newb "I got ripped off at the mall because I didn't know about this forum" post

[GernBlanston]

Like the title, I went on an impulse and bought a starter kit at the mall for entirely too much money. It's a Smoke Free branded (I know, re-branded, branded, it's all really the same stuff with a different label and different threads/contacts on the carto when it comes to these) Duet plus. I'm kinda embarassed to say what I paid for it (2 batteries, a USB and wall charger, and some cartomizer packs). While I did pay too much, I'm really, really impressed by what little I got, and would like to explore my options...

My research seems to indicate that this is an m4081 cartomizer...what are you guys' suggestions on moving to something that offers options on liquids, perhaps better battery life, cheaper supplies, more "bang for the buck" etc? But first, a little background: I'm what you call an accomplished smoker, been smoking since age 16 and I'm 38 now. I like the feel of the cigarette-shaped thing in my hand, due to the psychological factor. The only real complaints, besides cost, about what I've got is that the batteries don't last a day, the draw is a little too easy, and the cartomizers seem to run out a little bit more often then I'd like. I'd like whatever replacement/adaptation I get to...

1. ...be button free.
2. ...offer flexibility in liquids to use, and be re-fillable from a bottle.
3. ...have a similar shape and draw to an analogue cigarette
4. ...have an inexpensive battery solution that lasts the day (I'm not really averse to changing batteries mid-day, but I'd like one to last a full day, and they shouldn't be $50 batteries, imho).
5. ...have at least one means of charging be USB.

So, any suggestions? I have five packs of five carto's already, so I'm thinking perhaps I should start with a battery adapter, say a 510/m4081 while I go through the rest of the cartomizers I have, then move to a re-fillable solution in a 510 carto so I can start experimenting with different liquids. I know I have the option of paper-clip hacking my used carto's and re-filling them...is this a decent suggestion? I really wouldn't mind a spicier/more full-bodied flavor to go well with 10 or 12 yo. scotch...

 

[Dandafixr]

i too got one of those free trials before i found this site and after reading the fine print they were going to charge me 150 bucks plus a monthly charge for cartridges it was a 14 day trial i didnt get it till 8 days into the trial i immediately returned it and bought a KGO kit, been happy ever since

 

[Dandafixr]

oh and go for a button, especially as a noob, you run the chance of ruining a auto batt flooding it

 

[Cameron182]

I think you should go with a 1100mah ego kit I think you can normally get one for around 70 bucks if not less. One battery should last you all day if not almost 2 days. Now you wont have the button free option with these. You can get low resistance Cartomizers or Dual Coil Cartomizers. I would defiantly go with something 510 threaded you will have so many more options.
One of my fav spicy flavors is cinnamon its not the best for you because of the cinnamon oil and it is really hard on your Cartomizers but its so good.

You can find ego kits just about anywhere, My Freedom Smokes sells them and I know there genuine, I have purchased some from there.

Or you could always go with a mod, The lavatube is Variable voltage that uses a 18650 battery those will defiantly last you all day.
A kit from Buy E-Cigarette | Safety Electronic Cigarette | Electronic Cigarettes is 99.99.

I hope that helped a little and welcome to ECF

 

[ctourtelot]

You might want check into the Volt by Smokeless Image. The batteries run at a higher voltage and the 78mm manual that I got gets me about 3hrs of steady vaping, compared to the 45min that the 4081 batts used to last me. The cartomizers perform very well and have a bit stiffer draw.

They also offer sealed auto batteries which are harder to flood that standard autos as well as blank cartomizers which you can fill with whatever juice suits you. I haven't really tried their liquids other than what came prefilled in my kit.

I'm an Ego user the majority of the time, but I wanted something small to take out for short trips or when I wanted to be less conspicuous and I've been really impressed by this unit.

 

[Dandafixr]

i do believe low resistance and duel coil cartomisers are NOT recommended for the ego or kgo or any other go, the lowest resistance i go is the 1.7 ressurector http://www.crystalclearvaping.com/CCV-Mega-LR-17-THE-RESURRECTOR_p_46.html
but the 2.0 boge works wonders on it i also personally like the GotVapes VISION Stone II 5ml Tank 2.1-2.3ohms - BLACK Drip Tip [gv-VISIONStoneII-5mlBLACK] - $12.95 : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more and the GotVapes VISION eGo Stardust™ 1.6ml Top Coil Carto 2.2-2.5 ohm [gv-visionstardust-2.2] - $6.45 : GotVapes.com, E-cigarette Supplies - Atomizers Cartomizers Mods Juice and more

 

[Dandafixr]

oh and i got my kgo kit here KGO (Riva) 1100mAh Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit - $54.95 55 bucks

 

[Zer0Kewl]

Honestly, after you kill 3 or 4 batteries you will go with the button anyway, so you should probably skip that headache.

The buttons aren't bad at all, you will find that it is being pressed naturally by the way you draw on it.


I'd say any ego type battery will get the job done just fine

 

[Mud Stuffin]

This is the kit I started with, and still use for my LR cartos:

eGo Passthrough Cartomizer Kit

Vape while it charges!

 

[dearme]

With slim ecigs because of size limitations, you will never be able to get a battery that will last you all day. The most you could hope for is one that will last 3 hrs of moderate vaping. As everyone has already said, if you want all day battery life, you will have to go to a larger PV.

 

[stephpd]

You'll find lots of folks here with far more 'experience' at smoking then you, myself in that club. What got most of us to quit wasn't a lookalike, though many of us got ripped off getting one of those. Again myself included.

You may think it has to be a cigarette size but if you actually try something just a bit larger you really don't seem to notice. For that reason many of us recommend an Ego/Kgo/ Riva type pv. It's not much bigger but the difference, once you get it working for you, is like night and day. My second pv was a Riva and I keep it as a backup. For the price, and using a good carto and juice it got me off analogs. The underpowered and overprices lookalike just wasn't going to cut it for me.

These slightly larger kits seem to work well for most folks as long as you don't use the 'tanks' that come with them. Far to many folks having problems with them to recommend. But the battery, or two, that come with the kit is a workhorse. Almost all day vaping on just one battery. They can be had for less then a carton of cigs so it's not that much compared to the results many have had from them.

For many it also becomes a hobby. Trying new pv's, different brands and flavors of juice, and different brands of cartos, atty's tanks, etc. These aren't really needed but many seem to want to try them. This site is full of folks doing just this. But they could, for the most part live with just the Ego/Kgo/Riva that finally got them off analogs for good.

I've moved up to the vv mods but could just as easily stayed with what worked for me from the, almost, beginning. But I got a new toy (Provari) and it's fun and somewhat better then the Riva.

 

[Cheechako]

I too fell victim to the dreaded "Mall Kiosk", Caveat Emptor. But it did lead me to this great forum and all
these helpful folks!
I was stuck with the cartos from my rip-off set, they thread right on my Ego and I just pop off the tips and
refill them with my juice of choice. Of course like most folks who go through the phases of vaping, my collection
of paraphenalia is growing and am waiting on my nic-juice and flavors to start mixing my own.
The button operation won't bother you as much as you might think, I got used to it real quick.
Just my as a newbie here and still learning a lot from the master-vapers here!
Good luck to you!

 

[GernBlanston]

Thanks for all the replies so far...the ego kit seems to be a common thread, as does the button...

A question: As I see it, I could get a cheap 510/4081 adapter...could I use such with the eGo passthrough kit until I exhaust my supply of 4081 cartos, then switch to the more user-friendly ones that come with the kit?

BTW, nice looking dog, stephpd, is that a malamute or a husky? Looks a little big in the face for a husky, but I could be distorting the perspective from the pic, it's hard to tell...

...oh, and danda, I didn't get the free trial offer or anything, just one expensive package I paid cash for.

 

[elfstone]

I was right where you are when I first discovered the forum, so no worries. My V2 kit was performing fairly well, I must admit, but nowhere close to the KGO I got after that.

I strongly recommend a KGO or an E-Power - these are regulated a little higher voltage and are a more consistent and high power vape than the regular eGo. The E-Power is a 'modular' unit in which everything is replaceable and it works with generic batteries, whereas the KGO is a sealed, proprietary battery. In hindsight, the E-power is probably a better choice, but I went with the KGO because I didn't want to mess with batteries and chargers and stuff at the time, and I don't regret it at all.

Oh, and yes you should be able to use the cartos with an adapter, but I'm guessing those are "standard resistance" cartos. You should definitely consider trying "low resistance" (2.0 Ohm, for instance) cartos on the eGo style because they allow a higher power output and you may like them more.

 

[sailorman]

Definitely shed the idea of a cigarette look-alike. Almost no one who started out with one of those stayed with it unless they just couldn't afford to upgrade. You'd end up spending more replacing batteries that go bad anyway.

Virtually all the better alternatives use a manual button. Believe me, it will take about 10 minutes before it become second nature and you don't even think of it. Meanwhile, you don't have to worry about the battery going off because of noise or vibration.

I'd also recommend something that takes generic batteries. The E-Power elfstone mentioned is a good option. Sealed batteries last a few months or so before you have to trashcan them. Unless you're set on a real mod in 4-6 months, you might as well get something that'll last for years before you are forced to upgrade. You can always resell your E-Power. I'd never buy a used unit with a sealed battery. There's no telling how much longer it'll last.

The common progression is.
1) a cig lookalike
2) something like an ego, kgo, Riva or E-Power
3) A REAL mod.

Almost no one stays at #1. Some people settle at #2, but most end up going to #3 sooner or later, be it in a month, six months or a year.
If you have the budget, I suggest doing some research and skipping #2 altogether.
Chances are, you'll end up at #3 anyway. I know I did and I don't regret skipping #2 for a minute.

 

[DaveP]

We all think we want something that looks like a cigarette, but what you get is low battery life, weak vapor and flavor, and a battery that won't drive the better atomizers and cartomizers that you will eventually want to use.

Look for a battery that is rated at 1000mah or better and a 510 thread. The rule of thumb is that 100mah equals about an hour of vaping on a charge. The best I know of in a slim, cigarette sized model is around 380mah, so that precludes your desire for an all day vape.

A mod that uses an 18650 battery, like the Provari will last you all day and into the next. Those are around $169, but are the Cadillac model. If you buy that, you will be in the elite group. The down side is that they are a fist full and much longer than most ecigs. The Provari is coat pocket sized, about the diameter of a roll of quarters and about as heavy, but not what you'd want to carry in your jeans pocket. Most people carry these in a holster on their belt.

The eGo, Riva, or Kgo will also give you excellent service and are just a little larger than what you are using. eGo batteries are a tad larger than a Sharpie marker and about the same length with the 650mah battery and an atomizer. Going to a 1000mah or 1100mah battery will lengthen it by an inch or so. The eGo and Riva or Kgo fit nicely in your hand and with the 5 click cutoff, you don't have to worry about them firing in your pocket. Add a couple of boxes of refillable Boge 2.0 ohm cartos and you are set.

You can get 10-12 hours of vaping from a 1100mah eGo or its similar models. That will get you to work and back home where you can change batteries. Some put another battery in their car and lots of people carry a spare charger that plugs into the convenience outlet.

 

[vanjo]

You might want check into the Volt by Smokeless Image. The batteries run at a higher voltage and the 78mm manual that I got gets me about 3hrs of steady vaping, compared to the 45min that the 4081 batts used to last me. The cartomizers perform very well and have a bit stiffer draw.

They also offer sealed auto batteries which are harder to flood that standard autos as well as blank cartomizers which you can fill with whatever juice suits you. I haven't really tried their liquids other than what came prefilled in my kit.

I also started out with smokeless image Volt : Smokeless Image | Only The Best Electronic Cigarette | Electronic Cigarettes | Wholesale Electronic Cigarettes | E-Cigarette | Best Electronic Cigarette | Electronic Cigarette which after trying for a day completely changed mu life for the better and I can also say that their juices are good ( I know taste are subjective) but I liked their vanilla, ry4 and chocolate. If you are a menthol user, sorry I do not have any suggestions for you. They do have a nice starter kit, premium Smokeless Image | Only The Best Electronic Cigarette | Volt - Premium Starter Kit - Starter Kits - which comes with a passthrough and a PCC (Personal Charging Case) which can charge a battery.

Hope this helps... And although I have the ego-t kit and a vv tube mod, I still use my volt for out n about. And also for show n tell to my friends and relatives that currently smoke which I am kinda like to brag that I have helped 3 people to totally quit smoking. Hope you'll find your kit.

Best of luck!

 

[midficollege]

I spent too much for a KR808 kit at the mall about half a year ago, and... you know what? I still use that same KR808 kit on occasion. It gives a better throat hit and flavor than a lot of the things that go on the Ego. If I were going to do it again, I'd probably end up buying a VV Tube Mod from Apollo ( Apollo VTube ) along with a spare ego battery from cignot or similar. The Ego battery really isn't that big at all, maybe 4" long for the 650mAh battery, and it will last maybe 5 hours of reasonably heavy vaping and will fit anyone's pocket, especially with something like a 501 cartomizer on it. Auto battery: https://www.cignot.com/product_p/ego-bat-all.htm charger: https://www.cignot.com/product_p/ego-usb-chg.htm However... I'm sure you'll be interested in trying out a VV mod at home at some point to "dial in" your juices (cheaper than trying every resistance carto/atomizer on the market), and having a button to press is something you get used to relatively quickly, especially sitting at home watching a movie or whatever. For what it's worth, you can get prefilled and unfilled cartos, and additional batteries (and a personal carrying case, and a passthrough, and etcetcetc) for decent prices at Vapor4Life

 

[vanjo]

The common progression is.
1) a cig lookalike
2) something like an ego, kgo, Riva or E-Power
3) A REAL mod.

That's me!

 

[sailorman]

I spent too much for a KR808 kit at the mall about half a year ago, and... you know what? I still use that same KR808 kit on occasion. It gives a better throat hit and flavor than a lot of the things that go on the Ego.

If I were going to do it again, I'd probably end up buying a VV Tube Mod from Apollo ( Apollo VTube ) along with a spare ego battery from cignot or similar.

The Ego battery really isn't that big at all, maybe 4" long for the 650mAh battery, and it will last maybe 5 hours of reasonably heavy vaping and will fit anyone's pocket, especially with something like a 501 cartomizer on it.
Auto battery: https://www.cignot.com/product_p/ego-bat-all.htm
charger: https://www.cignot.com/product_p/ego-usb-chg.htm

However... I'm sure you'll be interested in trying out a VV mod at home at some point to "dial in" your juices (cheaper than trying every resistance carto/atomizer on the market), and having a button to press is something you get used to relatively quickly, especially sitting at home watching a movie or whatever.

That V-tube doesn't look too bad. It has a standardized 510 connector and takes a generic battery. I don't know why you'd want a spare ego battery (??).
I know what you mean about the 808, I've used 808 cartos on a 510 with an adapter and they do give a kick, but I think part of the problem you've experienced with the ego 650 battery is simply due to the lower voltage. It's 3.4V isn't it?

I stand by my recommendations to get something with non-proprietary batteries, a common connector and a button. The rest is up to your budget.