Buying my first ecig starter kit

[Pablo Pantalones]

Hi,

I was told by my doctor to start smoking ecigarettes. I would like some advice on which one to buy.

I figured I would go to a local "vape shop" and purchase a starter kit. I went to one yesterday and it looks like they had particular parts that they used, I figured I would talk to them and see what they recommend.

I think they use an iTazte battery and the atomizer is a "hydra" or "bottom coil tank 3.5". Are these good parts? The total cost would be about $35 plus the liquid. It appears like it would be fairly small, which is what I want.

I also want something that looks sleek, silver/metallic minimalist finish, discreet, simple and nothing too flashy, no skulls or anything, something that will not stick out at work or at social events. Does the above sound like a good buy or should I shop around at different stores?

Appreciate the help.

 

[MD_Boater]

That's a tricky question. I would skip a starter kit and buy the battery(ies) and tank(s) separately.

For around the house, I would recommend a regulated "mod" like an MVP2, an eLeaf iStick, or something similar with at least 2000mAh of battery. This will last you all day when you are home, or in the car. Nothing worse than needing a vape, and finding a dead battery. That equals smoking...

For the office, travelling, shopping, or just around town, I would pick up 2 name brand (Kanger, Vision, etc.) variable voltage EGO style batteries. These will fit nicely in your pocket, and will last 4-6 hours at a clip depending on how heavily you vape. They usually range in battery capacity from 650 mAh to 1300 mAh. More mAhs means more size, and longer life.

All you need after that is to find a tank that you like. I prefer the Kanger Mini Aerotanks because they are easy to clean, and the airflow adjustment is sufficient to allow you to get the right amount of vape for how you draw on it. There are plenty of other tanks that work just as well (or, as some will say, even better). Keep reading, and asking questions on VU. The answers you seek are here. I'd also recommend going to a couple of local vape shops and trying as many different tanks as you can until you find the one that floats your boat. No one here can tell you in advance which one you will like the best.

I'll add a thought to help you get beyond the initial cost. The equipment you buy will last at least a year with minimal additional cost if you take care of it. When you are making your purchases, consider that you buy X number of cartons of cigarettes per year at Y dollars per carton. In my area, $150 worth of vaping hardware costs the same as just about 2 cartons of cigarettes. I know for certain that my initial vape setup has lasted longer than 30 cartons of cigarettes would have lasted me. Buy quality gear the first time around, and you will have much better success staying off of the stinkies. Cheap gear that doesn't hit well, and batteries that are constantly dying, will prevent you from reaching your long term goal of quitting smoking.

Good luck!

 

[Pablo Pantalones]

Hi,

Thanks and I will definitely go to a vape shop and try a few different things out. However the most important thing is I get something quickly so that I can stop smoking, and try to whole vaping thing out. Then I can possibly upgrade from the cheaper kit later. Thanks for the info about getting the name brands, the vape shop "starter kits" basically let you choose from parts that you want, and the recommend ones that they think are good or not, and use the ones on the cheaper end. So I'll go and see what they have and try to get name brand parts.

Thanks!

 

[Browncoat]

The main thing to remember is that everyone is different. There's no right or wrong way to do this, so don't let anyone at the vape shop sell you something that you're not comfortable with.

The iTaste MVP or eLeaf iStick starter packs are great intros to vaping in my opinion. Both are inexpensive and will give you a good vape and battery life. Once you get the hang of it, you can determine what you like/don't like, and look at getting into a more customized setup.

 

[Whiskey]

Great advice MD & BC

 

[UncleRJ]

Glad you found us!

First of all what is your budget for a good kit?

All inclusive?

IMHO it is best to start of with decent gear rather than the cheap stuff/

 

[RMarcusY]

Welcome to the VU.
Wish you good luck with your new journey into vaping.
As you are all ready finding out , there is no perfect ,one size fits all, answer to what you should buy.
I think most of us advise that you get a back up unit. so many people fail at vaping because there unit broke, ran out of battery, ran out of juice, coil went out etc. and they bought a quick pack of smokes and gave up vaping.
Kanger, Smoktech, are both good tanks that are easy to clean, replacement coils cost less than a dollar and do the job and they don't cost much, usually under $8 each. E-go & Kanger stick type batteries are both good to start with. A battery charger and power supply are also must have items, but don't cost much. I recommend NOT using your computer usb port to charge your batteries.
Your local vape shop is going to charge you more for your gear, but a good one will be worth it if they are friendly, give you good advice, show you how to refill your tank, replace your coils and help you get started. Most will let you sit in there store and test, taste, the many different flavors that are available.
Craigslist if full of people that spent a couple hundred dollars and found that vaping was not for them and they are selling there high dollar stuff for pennies on the dollar because most people don't want to buy something that others have had in there mouth or will not be around if it breaks.
Some people quit smoking cold turkey, some of us quit a little at a time. I found the first thing in the morning and the after meal cigs were the hardest, so I smoked 3 a day and vaped for a couple of months until I quit smoking all together.
And always remember the friendly people here at VU are here to help.

 

[Pablo Pantalones]

Anyway, I ended up getting this. "eGo-C Upgrade" 1000 mAh battery, joytech tank. I don't really vape during the day, and only use it at night, so this seems sufficient for now.

It's a HUGE improvement over the disposable e-cigarette I was using previously. It still made me want to smoke, while with this the craving is much less.

However, I still feel the urge to have a cigarette sometimes. It's just not the same as "real smoking", even though it feels pretty close. Will this feeling go away, or is there a way to increase the volume of vapor that comes out? Does it help to switch to a lower nicotine fluid with lower nicotine percentage?

I can see it being easy to suck on this thing, and get a huge nicotine buzz, but still wanting a cigarette because the volume of vapor is lower.

Anyway, thanks for the help and I appreciate all the comments which helped me to select this model.

 

[dantefire]

As someone who has been through your trials relatively recently, I can tell you the urge will take a while to get past. Have courage, it will pass.

A few pieces of advice I can offer you. Spend some time in the shop sampling juices. Find ones you can truly taste and enjoy. I kept bouncing back to cigarettes because I was going with things recommended to me, as opposed to things I could really taste. the longer you stay away from smoking, the easier tasting juice will become.

Second, if that was the only battery you bought, go buy one or two more. What you've bought is a low level battery that will not last very long. The moment it dies, you'll go looking for a solution. It's what happened to me, and that solution was to buy a pack of cigarettes. If you're comfortable with that battery, get two more. Keep them with you, and be ready to rotate when one dies. I also strongly recommend you consider buying an eleaf istick 20 W starter kit. It's battery *should* last you most of your day, it's stealthy, works great with the tanks I'm about to talk about below, and honestly, is really probably the best "starter" battery you can buy for the money IMHO. I only recently upgraded from it.

If you're concerned with the volume of vapor, take a look at the Nautilus Mini tank from Aspire, and the Kanger Aerotank. These two tanks will produce more vapor than what you're using, and a better overall taste as well. Also, it would help to know what Pg/vg ratio juice you've bought, and what level nicotine is in it. A 50/50 ratio with 12-18 mg nicotine juice will hit well in one of the tanks I mentioned above.

Finally, hit up @UncleRJ 's profile and read some of his older posts. I lurked him for a month or so, and he's extraordinarily knowledgable and helpful.

Good luck to you! You've picked the perfect forum to come for help. These cats have helped me stay off smokes for over 4 months now.

D.

 

[Pablo Pantalones]

Hey,

So, I lost the unit above recently I think it fell out of my pocket, perhaps the 1000 mah battery making it stick out made it fall out when someone brushed past me or something. So, I need another battery, I'd like to know what you recommend, preferably 650 mah or at least smaller somehow to make it easier to carry, and I may get a larger one just for home use that I won't lose while walking around. I recently bought a kanger t-2 clearomizer, currently using 18 mg nicotine juice and it seems to be working OK, but I'm considering increasing the amount and making it higher.

Later on, I'll look into getting a more expensive unit once I settle on what would be best suited for home use. And getting a lanyard this time to hang it around my neck lol.

 

[dantefire]

I'll repeat my advice to look into the istick 20w and an Aspire Mini.

D.

 

[BoomStick]

Why the hell would you recommend a piece of shit 20w istick with it's crappy connector and 22mm device overhang when for $5 more you can get the 30w version that has a much better connector and stuff doesn't hang off the side. The 20w was always a piece of crap and getting one now makes no sense at all. I know I'm being an asshole, but that thing is junk. Especially since the improved version is so affordable.

 

[MD_Boater]

Why the hell would you recommend a piece of shit 20w istick with it's crappy connector and 22mm device overhang when for $5 more you can get the 30w version that has a much better connector and stuff doesn't hang off the side. The 20w was always a piece of crap and getting one now makes no sense at all. I know I'm being an asshole, but that thing is junk. Especially since the improved version is so affordable.

I prefer my MVP2s, but I like the iStick. Crappy connector? You mean the adapter? Its fine for what it is. I've had mine since November 1st. I use it every day. I switch tanks all the time. The connector seems to do its job perfectly. The threads on mine still look brand new. What do you want it to do besides hole the tank on?

 

[dantefire]

Why the hell would you recommend a piece of shit 20w istick with it's crappy connector and 22mm device overhang when for $5 more you can get the 30w version that has a much better connector and stuff doesn't hang off the side. The 20w was always a piece of crap and getting one now makes no sense at all. I know I'm being an asshole, but that thing is junk. Especially since the improved version is so affordable.

Since you asked so politely...

It's late, I'm sick with a cold, and simply didn't think about the 30w.

He's right of course.

About both buying the 30w and being an asshole...

 

[BoomStick]

I mean the soft 510 threads and the fixed pin.

 

[Neunerball]

I'd also look for a device that has the ability to be recharged (most of them via USB), as well as being able to adjust either voltage (VV) or wattage (VW), or both (VV/VW). Some liquids taste better at lower power, where others taste better with higher power. Therefore, having the ability to adjust the power, gives you the ability to find the sweet spot for whatever you prefer.

I personally had better clouds at the beginning of my "career" as a vapor utilizing bottom coil Kanger Clearomizers. After that, upgraded to Kanger Protank 2&3 on a ProVari. Another thing, that will increase vapor production is to increase the VG level in the juices you buy. Look for liquids, where you have the choice of selecting your VG/PG levels. Personally, I started with 12mg 60VG/40VG. Meanwhile, I'm using juice that's heavier on VG.

You'll have to experiment, what's best for you!

You'll hear people talk about throat hit, which is kind of how does it feel inhaling the vapor. The following are some pointers to adjust for your needs.
More PG increases throat hit, so does more Nicotine.
More VG smoothens throat hit.

Good luck on your journey! You'll not regret having switched to vaping, not just for your health, but also your wallet (once you got dialed in to your preferences).

 

[Pablo Pantalones]

I ended up just getting another Joyetech battery, this time 650 mah with a lanyard. I took a look at the boxmod recommended but was afraid I'd lose it.

Was thinking of getting some knock off batteries as backups if this battery runs out, is this a bad idea? I figure I probably won't use it much but carry it around in case I forget to charge this one.

Overall I'm pretty happy with the setup of Kanger T-2 + Joyetech Ego-C Upgrade battery. Pretty small and produces a good amount of vapor. Now I'm experimenting with eliquids because the increased vapor production makes the 18/24 mg liquid too strong.

I'm thinking of just adding some VG to the eliquid I've bought to weaken the throat hit and reduce the nicotine, so I can stretch the liquid. I'm getting a lot of nicotine but I want to keep sucking on this thing so I can get the placebo effect of smoking a cigarette, to help me transition to this thing. Plus, it looks cool when your blowing huge clouds at parties ;p

I'll also look into getting some flavorart flavoring so I can add adjust the flavor to my liking. I've heard that adding some distilled water makes the clouds of vapor appear bigger, is that true? If so, I'm all about it and that sounds awesome!

The only thing I want to avoid is making sure I get pure water, since I'm afraid of the minerals in water being unhealthy. Then again, I'm sure tobacco has huge amount of minerals and all kinds of weird stuff that is more unhealthy than the cheapest and jankiest of eliquids.

 

[MD_Boater]

During the winter, I add about 1% distilled water to my DIY juices just to help keep my sinuses moisturized. I can't say that I've noticed any differences in the amount of vapor, though. It does add a little bit of crackling noise to the vape when the water hits the hot coil.

You can buy a gallon of distilled water (no minerals) at almost any drug store, and some grocery stores. Just read the labels carefully. They will absolutely say "distilled" in a prominent location on the jug. Don't get "purified". Its not the same thing.

 

[Pablo Pantalones]

Cool that's helpful. I've also found that drinking water is pretty important too, as it helps with whatever effect the high nicotine in my liquid is having. Maybe adding some water will help with that as well.

 

[Pablo Pantalones]

I did add some campari to the ejuice and it has increased the vapor amount a bit, and loosened up the throat hit.

 

[Vshrtx]

I started with a KangerTech SUBVOD Starter Kit it is easy to understand and I personally really liked it.

 

[hotrod351]

agree with getting a device that you can swap batteries out in. that way you can have a battery on the charger ready to go. i like my provair p3, it tells me what percentage the battery is at. so if im going to be gone for a while and im at, say 20%, i can put in a fully charged battery and go.