Ask DaBoom & Wolf
Even after (or during) reading our guides and exploring the links, we know that you will have questions and need clarification on various issues. Perhaps you’ve even checked out our FAQ, but don’t see your question answered there. Ask away! That’s what we’re here for.
Don and Eric are pretty knowledgeable, but we’re not know-it-all’s. If we’re not sure, we’ll point you in the right direction.
Enter your question in the Leave a Reply box below and we’ll post our answer. [NOTE: This is not live chat. We check in here frequently, but expect some delay in receiving your answer.]
Sorry in advance to be pinging your web site so often but your experience helps me make informed decisions.. You use a KR8 batt on your favorite mod (I think with an adapter to a 901 atty and drip tip) which leads me to believe you have tried lots of KR8 batts.. are there any vendors you recommend for their batteries? I find some I have tried stay strong right up to their recharge point (Smoke Tip) and some seem to die quickly and I would like to find a supplier that has consistent battery product.. is there a point where I should just go to a Riva or Elegant and quit messing with the KR8 (my first hardware)?
Also with some controversy in the forums about cartos burning and potential inhaling of toxins (from the cartos) does the simple act of dripping directly onto the atty make more sense in your opinion? I know you drip most often.. is this why or is it elimination of the refilling, spinning, cleaning, evaluation of “is this carto done” process?
Bud,
With one exception, I’ve not used Kr8 batteries much during the past year. My first love has always been the penstyle (e.g., 801) atomizer, which I used to stick on Kr8 batteries (using a 901-to-801 adapter, e.g., from Good Prophets). These days, those penstyle attys go on my ProVape-1 mod (also with that adapter), but any good 3.7V or variable voltage mod would work as well. Transcending even that great combo is the Boge Leo fat batt, which uses its own fantastic proprietary 801-type atomizer. See my review in the “Breaking News” section of our website.
The one exception is the new Bloog MaxX Fusion, which I recently reviewed on ECF. The cartomizers are far superior to any others and perfectly matched to high quality automatic batteries (which deliver a steady 3.6V, rather than dropping from 4.2V down to 3.2V). It ain’t cheap, but worth it IMO. [Discount code VGDTEN will get you 10% off and help defray the $8 shipping cost.]
Bud,
I acknowledge the concern about burning cartomizer filler, but have never been overly concerned about it. My personal feeling is that the terrible taste when the cartomizer is too dry would not allow me to vape it that way for very long.
The reason that I mainly drip instead of using cartomizers is solely related to the perfect hit I get from an LR atomizer at 3.2v. I have not found a cartomizer that satisfies the way that does. Cleaning and refilling have never been a big issue, particularly since I found the syringe method of cleaning them (detailed in Quick Hits). I do still use cartomizers when I’m driving, and variable voltage has made them much more enjoyable.
I do have to agree with Don regarding the MaxX Fusion. I have always been impressed with the KR808 flavor, but the MaxX Fusion cartos are some of the best I’ve had. And I have had the same experience with batteries. It seems to be the luck of the draw in terms of how long they perform.
I was wondering If you could help with elementary e-juice thinking.
I bought my first batch of 10ml 18mg MFS in chocolate, apple pie, dreamcycle, menthol in addition to the “reds” carts that came with the 302d (kr8) kit. The “reds” were ok, nothing special. The chocolate, apple pie, and dreamcycle were flavorless. The menthol I did enjoy. vapor production was a little light for me at 85/15 blend.
I seem to be happy with about 10-15 drops per day, don’t reach for a drag as often as analog smokes. Total usage in 5 weeks is under 7 ml? I know this is light by the standards of others I read about. I am thinking of abandoning the flavors I don’t like and purchase a menthol base.
My goal is to reduce and quit nicotine but in a not so scary time-frame in the distant future.
My reasoning;
1. buy 30ml 75pg/25vg 18mg menthol flavored juice
2. add 10ml 0mg menthol to 2/3 of first bottle making 12mg juice.
3. add 15ml 0mg menthol to 1/2 of 12mg juice to make 6mg juice.
4. add 15ml 0mg menthol to 1/2 of 6mg juice to make 3mg juice.
Maybe I should be considering no flavors and add menthol?
Maybe I should be considering experimenting with more flavors?
Maybe flavor strength should be adjusted because I just don’t taste much?
How many drops in a ml?
Please comment and mention what I’m not considering and any ideas you have for me. Thanks.
Steb,
Your math looks good to me and stepping down the nicotine the way you mentioned is not a bad idea – as long as you don’t get tired of menthol. The amount of juice that you are using is quite low by most standards. You are already taking in a relatively low amount of nicotine on a daily basis. Cutting it out altogether should not be that difficult. You may also want to look into some inexpensive flavors like The Flavor Apprentice flavors at OneStopDIYShop. That way you could add a little something extra to your menthol whenever you feel like it. Keep in mind that these are concentrated flavors and it will only take a drop or two to flavor a ml of juice, especially if you are adding it to juice that’s already flavored.
There are approximately 20-30 drops in a milliliter, depending on the bottle type. Most of the bottles that I have average about 30.
January tenth I received a 302d starter kit kr808d-1 style cartomizer and ordered 4 10 ml bottles of 18mg ejuice in different flavors as suggested by a few novice blogs. The My Freedom Smokes flavors had no impact except the menthol which I find I can taste while the other flavors were mild to the extreme.
In the intervening 5 or 6 weeks having had no analog smokes, I’ve used maybe 5 to 7 ml total. My procedure is to add 10-15 drops every night to a cartomizer, charge up and I am good to go for the whole next day.
OK, I’m supposed to study up and enjoy the process of finding out about my new vaping experience but I just want to get on with it. My goal now is to make the right decision on e-juice going forward.
Suppose
steb,
I believe that My Freedom Smokes carries DeKang (China-made) e-liquid … and has a huge selection of flavors of it.
E-liquid flavors are the most subject aspect of vaping … and you really do need to do your own exploration. Most vapers do agree that cinnamon (often with words like “atomic” or “bomb” in the name) is the most intense flavor, followed by menthol. [Personally, I prefer the tobacco flavors.] And many of us prefer US-made (or UK-made) e-liquid over China-made. I mention some of the popular mixologists/suppliers in this article.
Enjoy the adventure!
Don:
Are there any KR8s or cartos that have a tighter draw? I am currently using a mini auto and so far all of the cartos I have tried are like sucking air through a straw.. I took the condom and cut off the end making a sleve and slip this over the air holes where the carto joins the batt.. this seems to add resistance and tighten the draw.. but I would really like something that doesn’t need such fiddling with.. are all KR8s and cartos going to have low drag resistance? If so will this be the same for the RIVA or the Elegant or the Leo?
Thanks for all you do and answering all these questions .. it helps in making informed decisions
Bud,
I think you need to experiment with cartos from different suppliers to see which works best for you. My favorite Kr8 carto to date is Bloog’s MaxX Fusion: fantastic vapor and pretty good taste and throat hit. I like the draw, but whether you would find it to be too airy, I don’t know.
Three other Kr8 carto suppliers with clearly different cartomizers (rather than Kanger stock) are Vapor4Life (Premium and WOW), NHaler (many different choices), and CigEasy (Gold Label Deluxe).
Enjoy the adventure!
Wow! I just found this site by following a link on ECF. I have alot of reading to do now. But my pressing question is this:
I am ready to purchase the Easy Elegant from CigEasy, the full kit with 2 batteries. One for me one for my husband. Unfortunately the kit only comes with one “cone”. On the cigeasy website it says cones can be purchased separately – but I’ll be darned if I can find them. I left a message for their customer support – no reply. I also left a private message on ECF – no response.
Don, I think you mentioned that you use the Elegant – do you know where I can buy Elegant cones or do I even really need one?
Linda,
Yeah, I see what you mean about the cone not being shown as a purchasable separate item … although I don’t see a statement that “cones can be purchased separately.” And I know that Frank sometimes can be slow replying to e-mails. [You used SUPPORT@CIGEASY.COM, right?]
However, the cone is primarily for aesthetic reasons (just like on the eGO). It does tighten the draw, but many find that they don’t want a tighter draw. So you don’t “even really need one.” The odds are good that you or your husband would prefer to use the Elegant without the cone.
FYI: There is a downside to the two of you sharing one kit. If you are light to moderate vapers, one battery should last each of you all day. But you’ll have a bottleneck at the one charger (e.g., for charging both batts overnight). You might want to consider supplementing your kit order with an $8 Elegant USB Turbo Charger – providing you, in a sense, with two one-battery kits (minus one cone).
I’m sure you realize that you will need to order additional cartomizers. You know from my review that I have been impressed by the Elegant (and CigEasy is one of my favorite suppliers). My favorite KR808D-1 cartos, however, are the Bloog MaxX Fusion (which I just reviewed on ECF. They’re more expensive, but the 10% off VGDTEN coupon code softens blow.
A few questions, if that is okay…
First, some background: me and the wife are big 801 fans. She runs the EastMall atty all day long with regular batteries and one RN4072 battery. As for me, I experiment and vary a lot, with adapters and 808 and 901 batteries and my “Indulgence”. The 801 and RN4072 batteries are used by the wife only. My questions regard the fact that she has noticed a difference between the 801 and the RN4072 batteries. The only place to get RN4072 batteries appears to be “myPVshop”. They list the RN4072 battery at 360mah. Suppliers generally list 801 batteries at 280mah.
So, have either of you tried the RN4072 batteries? Could they really be that close to an XL KR808 battery (at 380mah)?
One more question: any recommendations for an 801-type mod? I know I could use adapters and such with any mod. And, I already have the “Indulgence”. But, I would like to know if there is something outstanding with an 801 fitting. The only thing I can find is the “DSE Stick”, but it does not pack much punch. Also, cost and compatibility are big issues. I do not want to spend a lot of cash, plus I would like to continue using the EastMall 801 atties (although I have a shipment coming from Ikenvape: thanks Don!)
Sorry to be so windy. Thanks for any info.
Eric,
This is the first I’ve heard of a 360 mAh RN4072 battery or any skinny battery of that length. I doubt the veracity of the claim. The new Bloog MaxX Fusion battery (Standard 78mm size) pushes the envelope at 320 mAh. And I didn’t fully believe that until I got Leaford to personally confirm it.
I do think it is time for you to move up to a fat batt or mod. There is no fat batt with an 801 fitting, although virtually all would work using an adapter. For an 801 man, in the world of fat batts, I strongly recommend the 800 mAh Leo: its own proprietary atty is 801-like and delivers the most satisfying vape I have ever experienced. See my review. [FYI: Like you, the EastMall 801 is my favorite 801/4072/112/302 atomizer.]
There are very few mods that come with an 801 fitting. In addition to the DSE808 Stick, there is: the 320 mAh Joye/Janty Stick (comes with Joye 302 atty) … the 800 mAh Steampunk Sparkplug (comes with BE112 atty), which Eric reviewed on YouTube back in Nov. 2009 … and, especially, all Vaprlife’s various mods.
However, I regard the mod’s fitting as a secondary consideration. With a small, inexpensive 901-801 adapter from GoodProphets, I am able to use my ProVape-1 (with 901 fitting) very effectively, which is what I’m planning to do with the Infinity, due to arrive today(?).
And the Infinity is an example of the type of mod, which I urge you to give serious consideration: variable voltage. Frankly, fixed voltage mods don’t make much sense any more IMO. Why struggle to find an atty with just the right resistance, when you can reach your optimum vaping intensity using any atty (e.g., your EastMall 801), just by tweaking the voltage?
Learn more about mods, including VV, in my Mods Buyers Guide.
And see … you’re not the only one who is long-winded! 😉
Don:
Thanks for the reply. A lot of time has passed, and I am still learning.
RE the RN4072 battery power: I am right with you. I have used ours enough to know they don’t compare to the KR808 XL’s. But, still, they seem to out-muscle the 801 batteries.
RE a fat batt or mod: I don’t think I was clear enough. I mentioned my “Indulgence”, but should have pointed out that it is the EastMall mod by that name, with the various fittings, etc. Still, I thought long and hard about a “Leo”, but avoided it due to the proprietary atomizer. Also, the “Steampunk Sparkplug” looked appealing. But, how much different is if from my “Indulgence” with the 801 fitting? Well, the “Indulgence” did not do too well. At least, not consistently. I looked at it this evening. Even with an EastMall 801 atomizer, the “Indulgence” 801 “adapter cap” resulted in the atomizer sitting flush with the base of that “cap”. There does not seem to be much airflow. I thought to myself, “there must be a way to fix this…”
Which leads to your next point: adapters! Tonight, I swapped that 801 “Indulgence” cap with the 901 cap. Then, I used an 801/901 adapter to put my EastMall 801 atomizer back on. Jackpot! It vapes like it should: great airflow, business as usual.
From your final point: a VV mod sounds wonderful. But, my thrifty side hesitates. As long as the wife is happy with skinny batts and my “Indulgence” doesn’t bore me, I will hold off. However, you have convinced me not to upgrade my “Indulgence” to 6V. From what I understand at this time, I must agree that the ability to tweak the voltage would have to be better than the simple jump from 3.7V to 6. And, the longer I wait, maybe there will be more VV choices. Time will tell.
Thanks for the advice. I have learned a great deal from your posts and really appreciate your assistance.
Eric Thompson
Who knew? My MD gave me a brochure on the 51 in hopes I’d get off cigs.. I started researching the e-cig and went to a site called ecigarettes 365 for reviews and based on reviews ordered a Smoke Tip.. then I read your very good 6 part guide on the E cigarette forum and did further research on vaping..that’s where the “who knew” comes in.. so my question is what did I buy? With all the bits and pieces out there and 801s and 401s etc, do companies like Smoke Tip and South Beach just take standard batteries and carts and sell them under their own name?
I think that if I had read your great tome (what a great effort on your part and thanks) I think I would have purchased a 501 or Ego or maybe a Penstyle to open up greater options for juice selection and technique. Can I mod the Smoke Tip down the road as the parts are generic or am I stuck with their carts and batteries?
By “Smoke Tip”, do you mean this product? I’m not 100% sure what it is; probably an E9, which I don’t recommend and which is not compatible with the KR808D-1 (which I do recommend). If it is an E9, cartomizers of other mass marketed brands like Smoke51, Green Smoke, etc. should work on its batteries … as will the “KR808D-2” cartomizers sold by LeCig.
However, I suggest that you cut your losses and start fresh with a good model. If you like the prefilled cartomizer concept, the KR808D-1 model may be the best way to go. If those cartomizers don’t have to be prefilled, then 510-based fat batts may be the best option: there are myriad choices. Check out my “The ‘Best’ E-Cig” article for more information about both.
Thanks for your reply.. I asked smoketip.com if their batteries were kr808d-1 and this was their reply:
The707bakers, Feb-10 13:26 (EST):
Hi.. are the batteries used in the Smoke Tip kits model KR808d-1 or some other model?
Customer Service, Feb-10 13:31 (EST):
YES – but we may have variations in ours due to we are not affiliated with any other company.
Kristi
Now I am not sure what “variations” may mean.. if they use a kr808d-1 I would think cartomizers from companies like Vapor4life would fit the threads and battery diameter.. Smoketip.com has some available alt flavors, but no where near what other kr808d-1 suppliers have to offer.. and thanks for your guides.. they have been most helpful tho I seem to be on info overload.. I did read all or your 6 part guide and what’s best for the first timer.. good stuff
Follow up: I looked at the specs on the charging port (USB) provided with the Smoletip.com batts and the label says kr8081 and kr8081-d so I would assume the batts this company uses are as above.. they are short (alalog cig length) and I believe around 180 mAh and Specifications 63.5mm (2.5in) long x 9mm diameter .. it would seem that lots of the minor players and majors as well use the same basic components.. so perhaps I can use these batteries with other carts or cartomizers .. this is all too confusing but the smoke is clearing.. pun intended.. again thanks for giving us and me a venue to ask questions, no matter how silly they seem.. life is an adventure
Well … I guess they are KR808D-1 batts. Get some KR808D-1 cartomizers (I recommend Bloog’s MaxX Fusion or Vapor4Life’s Premium or WOW) and try em out.
Discovered 50 & 60 ml bottles of e-juice available from http://madvapes.com Their shipping is very reasonable too. I’ll let you know about the taste, vapor, etc when it arrives in the next few days.
Maybe this could be added to the ECF Library – it really help me when I started a few months ago.
Thanks for all you do!
MadVapes certainly has great prices. It is all China (DeKang) juice, of course … which I still enjoy.
Not sure that a comment about MadVape’s low prices on DeKang e-liquid belongs in the ECF Library however. That’s reserved for an opus like The Wonderful World of Vaping V1. 😉
i noticed more & more ‘fat batt’ ego type batteries coming out, some are not compatible with joye ego usb chargers (2 1/2 hours to charge). Can you list which batteries are compatible with the joye ego usb charger?
I’m not sure of a complete list. I know that the Riva is. Some of the other 510-based fat batts may be as well.
But even if it is not, a particular model battery may come with its own fast charger. For example, my KR808D-1/901-based Elegant does.
To me, the more pressing question is whether a fat batt is compatible with eGO parts and enhancements, e.g., mega eGO cartridges/atomizers and cartomizers. [Again, I know that the Riva is.]
If you are dealing with a trustworthy supplier (and you should only deal with such), ask them.
I don’t know if this is the right place to post this, however I really feel that it is important information for vapers. The American Association of Public Health Physicians has submitted a petition to the FDA to classify electronic cigarettes as an alternative tobacco product, this petition is available for comment at
http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#docketDetail?R=FDA-2010-P-0095.
Please pass this along as this may be the best chance to minimize the FDA actions on e cigarettes.
If this is in the wrong place please remove it, I am also posting it in the ECF library.
Tim, this particular page of our site might not be optimum, but your post certainly belongs on VapingGuides.
Thanks!
Dear Don,
I think I made a big mistake…I purchased an e-cig starter kit (for couples) for $89.95. I thought it seemed like a good deal. It came with 8 cartridges + 1 as a free gift. I really like the vapor cigarettes, and did not smoke a regular cigarette until the cartridges ran out. My mistake wasn’t switching to the vapor cig, it was in my not researching the different types. Each of these cartridges are supposed to be equivalent to a pack and a half of cigarettes, they aren’t…and so I ran out much sooner than I would have ever expected. The cost of a 4-pk. of cartridges, from this supplier is about $10.00, and would last me about 31/2 days. Furthermore, if I order less than $75.00 worth of product, I’ll be adding the S+H to my cost. Hey, I smoked less than a pack of cigs/per day.
Anyway…I was wondering if is it possible to refill these types of cartridges with the liquid? I hope so because I may have made my second mistake regarding this matter…I ordered the liquid yesterday.
Thank You , I will appreciate any advice that you can offer.
BettyMettee
Betty,
First: Let me assure you that you are not alone in regretting the model or supplier of your first e-cig purchase. Most of us wasted some money starting out. There is an awful lot to learn about vaping: much more to it (and many more choices) than smoking analog cigarettes. That’s why we created VapingGuides.
Without knowing the e-cig model, I can’t answer your question about refillability with absolute assurance. But it is extremely likely that those cartridges can be refilled with e-liquid. Even if they can’t, do not regret purchasing that e-liquid. You will make good use of it (and of many more e-liquid purchases) during your vaping career.
Don’t hesitate to reply here with more specific information about your e-cig model and/or supplier (and any other questions you may have). We’ll then be able to advise with more specifics.
In the meantime, I suggest that you browse through our FAQ to zero in on topics of greatest interest to you … and our “Help!” page can point you to portions of VapingGuides that would be of greatest assistance. Also, since you probably will want to purchase a different model at some point, take a look at “The ‘Best’ Electronic Cigarette” article.
Enjoy the adventure!
Hello again Don,
I hasn’t been an easy two week start. Every combination of my basic unflavored supplies irritated my throat much the same as when I tried smoking a non-tobacco cigarette, Along with that the 510 cartridge was nearly useless for me until I learned how to drip which helped a great deal with my experimenting. Finally found a ECF thread that advised lots of water. That has helped and I’m ready to try for more vapor than my current 510 setup can produce. BTW I was surprised to find that tap water seems to work better against throat irritation than bottle water.
I’m never far from an outlet and am looking at 5v PTs, a 2 amp USB power supply and possibly some cartomizers. How did you like your 808 with cartomizers and how did it compare to your favorite dip/drip method? Is a 901 atomizer any better than my 510 atomizer for 5v use? I ask because a 808 PT is on my watch list.
The good news is that even with my problems I have decreased my tobacco use by about 50% and the percent is getting better every day.
Errol
Regarding your throat irritation: Have you tried 100% VG? If you are allergic to PG, that’s the only way to go. Otherwise, keep drinking lots of liquid (coffee-flavored water is my favorite 😉 ), never let your atomizer get dry, and avoid harsh flavors.
If you don’t mind being tethered, a 5V passthrough is, indeed, the least expensive way to get a higher watts experience. LR atomizers also will get you there, but they require a battery of at least 450 mAh (i.e., a fat batt or mod). An inexpensive way to check out the fat batts is with the $28 VGO-900 Sampler Kit from BreezEsmokes, although I’d probably spend a little more and get the two-battery, two-atty Riva Starter Kit for $42, again from BreezEsmokes. The Riva is more “tried and true” and fully compatible with all eGO parts and accessories.
The least expensive mod I know of is the SparkPlug, on sale until 12/20 for $40 full-kit.
Personally, I don’t like cartomizers that much, but they are very popular. I do respect that KR808D-1 battery however: 280 mAh and true 3.7V. The best cartomizers I’ve tried are Vapor4Life‘s Premium line and I understand that their WOW line is basically the same but with better prefilled e-liquid. See my The “Best” E-cig article for links to many other Kr8 suppliers.
The $28 VGO-900 Sampler Kit and SparkPlug for $40 are very appealing but after looking at and I believe understanding your Watts = Volts X Volts / Ohms chart I decided to stay with accessories compatible with my 510. GoodProphet has a pretty good price on a 650mah eCo battery that’s listed at 3.7v to 4.0v for $16. That along with a Joy 510 passthru with inline 3.7v battery, 510 Cartomizers, and a LR 510 atomizer for a total of $46 should keep me going at home and away for a while.
BTW I ordered 1000ml of unflavored 48mg Nicotine liquid from e-cig.com for $124 delivered. One of these days I’ll have to calculate my cost per day buying my liquids in bulk compared to what my cost would be with tobacco.
Errol
We have to stop meeting like this, Errol. 😉
That eCo battery is just that: a battery, period. You also will need their $5 USB FAST Charger for GP eCo 420mah to charge it (and, if you choose, a wall adapter). The cone that comes with the full kit is not necessary for performance, but it does complete the look. I’ll believe the 3.7-4.0V when I see it.
Are you aware that the VGO-900 Sampler is a complete e-cig (with atty, cone, charger, and wall adapter), has 250 more mAh, and is compatible with your 510? It’s not that I’m pushing VGO or that supplier; I just don’t want you to get blindsided.
Hello,
Do you guys know where/how I can get me hands on some of the Cisco 306 LR attys in bulk? I cant seem to find any wholesale info on these things at all.
Thanks in advance,
A.p.
Aaron,
Our “Breaking News” story, The Hottest “New” Atomizer: The 306, links to several (not all) of the suppliers who carry the Cisco LR 306 atty. Where they get it from, I’m not sure.
I suspect that Cisco would know. Perhaps you can reach him via PM on ECF or Vapers Forum. [I don’t know his e-mail address.]
-a 3.7v batt off the charger reads 4.2v, but puts out 3.7v under load. When the battery reads 3.7volts, is it 3.2volts under load? i think most batts cut off at 2.5volts, does that mean the loaded voltage goes all the way down to 2v?
-EGO type devices with PWM circuits somewhat regulate their batts to about 3.1volts until the batt goes dead, but ur site says they put out 3.4volts, so is it 3.1v or 3.4v?
-the HELLO 016 is said to give 3.7v under load, but is it PWM regulated to 3.7volts? or does the voltage drop like a normal 3.7v mod?
I’ve discussed this with Eric. Such technical information on batteries and voltage is beyond our knowledge. We suggest that you pose your questions in ECF’s Ask The Veterans forum, where it has the potential to be answered by many more than two people, some of whom (e.g., Kurt) are quite battery astute.
Sorry we couldn’t be of more direct help, JOE.
Hope I’m not abusing your forum by adding an additional thought that I forgot to mention this morning to my “Final Point”. IMO you provide a valuable service by mentioning free shipping or $5 for priority mail service provided by some vendors. If more reviewers did the same other vendors might see an advantage to listing their shipping cost on their home page like Rocky Mountain Vapor does. I for one will never pay more than $5 for anything that will fit in a $5 priority mail box or pouch.
Errol
Since I usually order relatively small quantities of e-liquid or parts at a time, I also prefer free or low-cost shipping. [BTW, add LiteCigUSA and Good Prophets to your list of free shippers.] And it is one attribute of a supplier that I regard highly.
It is not, however, the only attribute. Others include: price (of course) … exclusive items (e.g., mods or e-liquid brews) … broad selection … or simply carrying the particular item I want (e.g., Vapor Junction is the only U.S. supplier who carries my beloved EastMall 801 attys).
I don’t mention service, because all suppliers recommended here on VapingGuides (and there are scores, if not hundreds) deliver excellent service. Our community is fortunate to have so many providing customer service and personalized attention far above what is the norm outside the world of vaping.
You are my hero Don! -) The why and how is a fairly lengthy story of a naive beginner so bear with me.
I’ve been smoking for nearly 60 years and have never really wanted to quit but the cost has become prohibitive since I can no longer order from any of the various Indian reservation sites where I had been getting generic brands cheap for several years. At the end of 08 and early 09 they were running discount promotions and I stocked up a two year supply for $15 a carton delivered. Last month when I started running low I wanted to order some more but found out I couldn’t due to a new federal law. I now realize the promotions were to get in under the new law. In shopping around I was stunned to learn of the local cost of cigarettes so I started Googling in hopes of finding some less expensive generic brands on line. No luck but I came across an ad for E-Cigs. I had no idea what they were so I started the long and laborious search (for me at least) for some meaningful answers. I read many reviews and visited many sites but each seemed to add to the confusion but the idea that I might be able to eliminate the tar and Carcinogens from my habit plus the cost factor encouraged me to continue.
By now nearly two weeks had passed and I’m not much more confident than when I started so I decided to just jump in and buy a starter kit and go from there. I nearly bought a kit from one recommended site but when I was checking out I decided to add one more small inexpensive item and the shipping jumped from about $6.50 to over $11. I have a thing about shipping costs so I crossed that site off my list. Was ready to buy from another location that had been highly recommended but I had to fill in all my information before I could find out about shipping costs so I crossed them off my list too. Along the way I fell for a “Free trial offer” for just the cost of shipping. After a couple hours I realized this was “Too good to be true” and went back and read the fine print and of course it was, fortunately I was able to cancel the order with no hassle.
Another week and I’m starting to get a handle on things, had a rough idea about what I needed/wanted but then I read “Cartomizer” as opposed to “Atomizers!! What the H*** is this, something else to confuse me? I did a Google on Cartomizer which didn’t tell me much but I did find a site I liked “Vaporcountry”, probably because they stated up front that shipping was $6 on all orders. They had a Joye 510 Starter Kit for $39 with two batteries and two atomizers (some places sell the same thing with just one for a similar or higher price) and their various components seemed fairly priced so I placed an order. I continued my research which finally led me to ECF and finally to “The Wonderful World of Vaping” and Don DaBoom. -) The end of a long road with everything I needed to know in one place, hal-la-lu-ya!
Wasn’t long before I realized my choices of juice from Vaporcountry were suspect so I put my order on hold until I was sure, then canceled it (see a pattern?) as I could see it would lake longer to make up my mind than Rob Rioux (a very nice gentleman) was willing to hold the order. I went back a few days later but he had sold his last 510 starter kit so I finished reading your series and glad I did. Your section on “Tasty Vapor” hit home with the end cost of mixing his products. Turns out he had a 510 starter kit for $25, that with 1oz 48mg Tobacco E-Liquid, 1oz 48mg Butter Rum E-Liquid, one each 4oz VG and PG along with some dropper bottles and I had my start for $70 delivered.
My primary concern is a nicotine delivery device that isn’t so foreign ( I have never liked anything but plain unfiltered tobacco) that I might go back to cigarettes so I didn’t get any flavoring other than the 1oz of Butter Rum E-Liquid that was on sale that I’ll try later.
Finally to my question -). your article was vague on VG and PG with nothing I could find in the way of a starting point of percentages of each. Like you I would like to start out at around 11mg Tobacco E-Liquid strength and I’m wondering what percentage of VG/PG is a good starting point?
On a side note has anyone on ECG run a poll to see how many people stopped smoking, cold turkey or after some time or to what degree after they started E-Cigs? If not, what forum would be best to post a Poll like that?
One final point, I have never understood how online sellers can justify charging more than actual shipping cost or why we as buyers tolerate it, that’s like your main street discount store charging you extra because they had to help you find something or charging additional fee to check out.)
Feel free to trim this post to whatever size you feel is appropriate for your “Ask DaBoom & Wolf” forum.
Errol
Whew! Thank you, Errol! I’m leaving your saga here in its entirety (at least for now) for others to see one of the many interesting stories of how people found their way to vaping (often with some stumbles along the way). [Well, that “hero” comment may have influenced my decision. ;)]
Before I answer your questions, let me clarify that VaporCountry is one of the good guys. I have ordered from them, successfully. All their prices are reasonable and the sale prices they sometimes have on e-liquid are excellent.
Now to your questions:
Preferred proportions of PG to VG vary from vaper to vaper … and a significant minority of vapers are allergic to PG, so they use 100% VG. [NOTE: A few vapers are allergic to VG.] But something like 75% PG, 25% VG is very popular: optimizing the virtues of each. Those percents are of the base and do not take into account flavoring. For more information, do an Advanced Search on ECF for “PG VG” (without the quotes) in the title.
I see four polls on ECF with the word “quit” in the title. None are exactly what you are looking for. You can start your own poll on it. All polls on ECF are to posted in the Polls forum.
As for shipping costs, I believe that suppliers have a right to earn a profit. Selling vaping products may be a “labor of love” for many of them, but it is labor and they deserve to be paid for it. They certainly are providing a valuable service in the eyes of any vaper. Some suppliers make their profit with their prices, others make it up in volume, others supplement by building a margin into shipping costs, and some do a bit of all of those. [I’ve always viewed NHaler as an example of that last group: moderate but not rock bottom prices, high volume, and higher than average shipping cost. I use NHaler as an example because it is so obviously and deservedly one of the leading vaping suppliers.]
Which juice feeding mod is smaller ?
The kaji journeyman, the reo, the wetbox or the phisias woodimus
And which is best, one with electrical parts or the reo which is mechanical?
Thanks you
Sheila
Hi, Sheila!
The Wetbox and the Reo (Mini, not Grand), being based on the 14500 battery, are smaller than the Journeyman (and Ali’i), P Woodie Feedie, and Reo Grand (all based on the 18650 battery).
I’m not sure whether the Wetbox or Reo Mini is smallest. The main difference between them is price: the Reo is significantly more expensive (many would say that it is worth it). Also, the Reo is designed for 510 atomizers; the Wetbox for 510 cartomizers. Oh … another important difference right now is that the Reo Mini is out of stock. 😉
I’m going to have to pass on the mechanical vs. electrical issue. My limited understanding is that there is less that can go wrong with mechanical, but (as long as a device is well-made) either can be effective and reliable.
Read and watch reviews on ECF before making a decision. For example, within the Reviews forum, “Search Forum” (upper right, below the listing of all the page numbers) for: reo. And then go back and do the same thing for: wetbox.
Don, there seems to be so many e-cigarettes on the market now, many of which are undoubtedly rebranded models. Is it true that most of these are models from Chinese manufacturers such as E-Cigarette Technologies? The markup on these are considerable given you can buy them direct for a fraction of what US companies like GreenSmoke are charging. How does one even know if their e-cig manufactured by an asian-based supplier?
One final question I have is what brands have interchangeable cartomizers? There are websites that are dedicated to E-9 and E-8 type refills, and I’m assuming they’re talking about the E9 and E8 models from China. This leads me to believe many models have interchangeable cartomizers.. Can you please shed some light on these topics?
Thanks
Scott
Indeed, virtually all electronic cigarettes (other than mods) are manufactured in China (sometimes to US or European supplier specification). [See the bottom of http://www.e-cigarette-wiki.com/index.php?title=Brand_and_Model_Compatibility_Chart. ]
However, I am not familiar with a manufacturer (or distributor or supplier) named “E-Cigarette Technologies.” There is a “Shenzhen Electronic Cigarette Technology Co.” [see http://chinaruyan.en.ecplaza.net/%5D. It seems to make the same products as S’moore [ http://www.smoorecig.com ], one of the major players.
Yes, E9 models are sold at considerable markup under such names as Green Smoke, Smoke51, Vapure, Red Dragon, Loong Totem, Bloog, and ePuffer. LeCig’s “KR808D-2” is the only reasonably priced version I know of. But, if you want a cartomizer-based model, look at the KR808D-1 or cartomizers made for the Joye 510 and eGO. [See http://vapingguides.com/blog/?page_id=690 for more information, including the brand names under which the KR808D-1 is sold.]
Hello
Is there a good place on here or even a sticky posted somewhere on the different types of atty’s. What I really want to know is what they do differently besides having a different connection on it. Thanks A
Kind of. [How’s that for a definitive answer! 😉 ]
Parts IV (http://vapingguides.com/blog/?page_id=577) and V (http://vapingguides.com/blog/?page_id=813) of my WWV V2 describe the various e-cig models in some detail, but the focus is on the atomizer and battery as a combined package. The included video reviews will give you a better sense of the differences in feel and performance among attys than the text. [In retrospect, I think I shortchanged the Joye 306 atomizer: it is becoming increasingly popular for use on any battery (e.g., mod or eGO) with a 510 connection.]
Certain parameters of atomizers (e.g., resistance, exposed/unexposed, high-bridge/low-bridge) are explained on http://vapingguides.com/blog/?page_id=222 of Part II.
And see Eric’s “The subjectivity of vaping” Vapor Trails article: http://vapingguides.com/blog/?page_id=797.
[NOTE TO ERIC: We need a different interface (allowing embedded links) for our Q&A.]
I am new to vaping and I am finding that I am feeling anxious and the occasional mild headache sometimes. I only vape 8mg. nic. I was smoking 10-15 analogs a day and smoked only 2 a day since 10/13/10 (when my Ego arrived). Have you ever heard that before? I would appreciate your input.
Welcome Ella and glad to hear you are cutting down on the cigarettes. At 8mg, you should not be taking in much more nicotine than you were at 10-15 analogs, so I doubt that too much is the problem. It does depend, however, on how often you are vaping and how much vapor your equipment is actually producing. The fact that you mention anxiety makes me think that you may actually be experiencing some nicotine withdrawal and headaches are a part of that as well. Your body should get used to the change in habits soon. That said, please note that I am not a doctor, and am only speaking from my experience.
Eric, thanks loads for your input. I agree with your good reasoning. It’s getting better too.
i just bought an aurora e cig (ripped of through a vendor unfortunately, fool me once, shame on you…) What I am wondering is if you know if they are compatible to a generic like the 510 for parts?
Thanks for stopping by, David!
Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the Aurora. You might be able to make a good guess by measuring the length of the fully assemble e-cig (battery, atomizer, and cartridge) and comparing it with the stated lengths of the super-minis and minis on this page of my WWV guide. If you find a match, check out the suppliers shown for that model on my super-minis and minis buying guides pages. And notice whether the Aurora atomizer is exposed or unexposed and male or female … and compare that with the model of the same size.
Hope this helps!
David,
I apologize for the delay in reply, but I just took a look at the Aurora site. If yours is an “Aurora PV One” model, my guess is that it is similar to a 510. I’m basing the assumption on the size, thread and cartridge design information I could gather from the images, so it’s just a best guess. Let us know if you find out for sure! By the way, buying an atomizer or battery from a reputable supplier will be an inexpensive way to find out for sure.
Dan I have sort of followed your advise with the guides and posts on ecf, I had narrowed my choices to the precious, icon and the Provape which I bought. My question is: are there any/all stainless tube mods this heavy? and are there any comparable quality but lighter aluminiun available?
Congrats on site just found it.
val
Thanks, val!
I don’t know their exact weights, but I suspect that the ProVape is the heaviest (and largest). It’s the only one of the three I own and it certainly is heavy (and very well made).
The Precious (I assume you mean the Precious M, 14500-based like the others) is the smallest and probably the lightest. Based on what I could tell from GrimmGreen’s (Scott Bonner parody) review of Puresmoker’s ICON, it also is smaller than the ProVape and, I’m sure, lighter; may be about the same as the Precious M in weight. It is the least expensive.
Hope this helps!
Don [notice the o, rather than a 😉 ]
http://www.ecigunderground.com for forums
http://www.vapingvalerie.com for blogs
Thanks, Ryan! Sorry for the delay in acknowledging. [I’m still getting used to the system.]
As soon as I have a chance to explore those two sites (so that I can add pithy comments) ;), I’ll add in those two links. They certainly seem to be apt.
Don
Links added! [I’m not sure there is much pith in the remarks however. 😉 ]