Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on May 30, 2014, 07:45:05 AM

Quote from: BockinBboy on February 25, 2014, 06:17:07 AM
Knew it wouldn't be long for the aussie squatters to settle in 

LOL Janxy, quite the imagination.  It is interesting though the subculture that has developed so quickly around it.

- Bboy

today its vaping, tomorrow? who knows. im in at times. BUUUUUUT wjhy the need for some to modify the things?

bBoy ... you welcome!! 

yama .... it exists .. so must be modified! 

Okay, I've got a few questions about getting started....

I've been trying to get away from cigarettes for a while now and started vaping with Blu cigs. I'm sure anybody else has tried them can agree.....their products.....um....leave a lot to be desired. I started buying their disposables to just try ecigs and was pretty happy, so then bought one of their variety starter packs and that's when it all went down hill.

After looking around online, there are just so many choices and it gets a little confusing to me. So can anybody here recommend a decent starter kit? I'm not trying to break the bank with crazy features, I just want a dependable system that won't leave me hanging out to dry.

I went with the Joyetech E-Go CC kit. I have 2 1000mAh variable voltage batteries, and I couldn't be happier. There are a lot of other products out there, though. I've heard good things about Kanger products, so that may be something to look into as well. I've also found that it's not just the device. You have to choose the right liquid as well. I had an 80/20 mix that was fantastic. I now have a 60/40 that I'm running through, but it doesn't produce the amount of vapor that I personally like.

Whatever you choose, I'd spring for a variable voltage. It allows you to "tune" the flavor. Some flavors taste and feel better than others at different wattages, so a VV system will keep you happy no matter the flavor. Also, an extra battery might not be a bad idea. If your battery dies while you're out, having another one can curb the desire to buy a pack of analogs.

If you want, send me a PM and I'll give you a few websites and link you to my kit.

That's about all I got lol.

Gotta say that Joyetech E-go kit is an excellent starter kit.  If you aren't sold on the Variable Voltage (VV), they do have batteries without that feature for a little cheaper as well.  The E-go CC kit is pretty versatile for a starter kit, and is a good value for the dollar when you compare it to other similar starter kits. There are alotta cheap knock-offs out there, where the batteries are a safety issue - so do buy name brand from reputable sources.  Joyetech is a decent name brand.

I'm quickly coming up on my year since quitting, and have only vaped since.  I know many people who have quit using e-cigs, and it really does work to get off tobacco smokes.  I realize its hard to put a bunch of money into something you aren't sure will work for you. Its really helpful to be able to try a few different devices before you make the plunge.  Trying Blu, though cheap, does give you and idea of the different feel and what to expect from more 'equipped' devices - they are just the starting line, and the experience only gets better.  I would buy a pack of Blu if I were caught in a situation without my regular setup, just to keep from buyin a cigar. 

Just consider what you spend on smokes, and try to make some equivalents.  I often notice people don't consider their smokes much of a cost, like they do vaping until you outline it for them... If you smoke a pack a day at $5 a pack, and buy a 'starter kit' for $15 bucks - I wouldn't expect you to spend more than three days on it.  If you spend $70 on a starter kit - I would expect you to give it at least two weeks, and have a better chance at actually sticking with it. Of course, price isn't the whole picture, but you can see my point.

Many folks try the simpler devices first and are able to cut down the smokes.  Use the money they save on less smokes, and upgrade... continue to do that till you land on a device that gets off you off them completely.  For some that's sooner than others.  I believe there are enough different devices out there, that anyone can find one that meets their needs.  The kit JAS mentioned, that has adjustable power, is simply able to cover a wider range of preferences...which might help you find that perfect vape sooner.

- Bboy

Jas & Bboy, thank you both. You guys are quick to share a wealth of information, and it is appreciated.

No problem, Rich. 

Interestingly enough, I glanced back through the thread and a few things have changed as far as my setup - and it appears I have followed the same path as Mach. 

I now vape on a mechanical and build my own coils too - I also vape my own juice that I mix at 3mg nic - mostly unflavoured (which does have a taste btw!)  My mechanical is a bottomfed dripper, LP REO Grand (by Reosmods), and my atomizer is an Atomic (single or dual coil with AirFlow Control (AFC)).  I was actually able to purchase this setup by selling my 'old' juices, now that I make my own.

I still use my Sigelei Zmax V5 and nautilus, but my main is definitely my REO.   I thoroughly enjoy vaping, and in more ways than cigars satisfied.  No chance of going back to analogues. 


As a side not to Yama (or anyone else interested), as I don't think it was ever clarified to you - but when we say 'mod' we are typically referring to the battery and tank holder.  A mod has a removable battery that you charge independently from the device.  Yes people do modify tanks and atomizers and just about anything, too.... but for most cases 'mod' simply means the battery holder.  Sometimes the mod has internal wiring and a chip board that regulates the power from the battery(known as a regulated mod), other mods are purely mechanical with no wires and just a mechanical switch that relies on battery performance alone (hence mechanical or 'mech' mod).  No worries regarding the lingo, as it is confusing to many who are even immersed in the 'hobby' themselves.  Just wanted to add that info since I know you have followed this thread, and it would help anyone's understanding - knowing just what that term 'mod' means makes it look less like some black art garage style thing, LOL!

- Bboy

Oh, good - something I can contribute to.

286 days since I had a cigarette.  I started with a Joyetech ego-t battery and Kanger ProTank.  On to mech mods and a Kayfun clone right now.  Still at 12mg nicotine, but I don't care.

Biggest things for getting started are to transition - vape and smoke, until you're used to it - and make sure you can find a juice you really like that will get you past the first while of not smoking.  And figure out the technique, because it is different than smoking a cigarette.  I found 24 mg wasn't enough at first, and then I figured out how to use it, and 24mg instantly became like a punch in the face.

There still isn't a lot of science to back them up, but it's coming.

Quote from: floatingLomas on September 08, 2014, 07:10:51 AM
Oh, good - something I can contribute to.

LoL - there's a place for everyone here! For some, that only means the farm though...

Good advice there, too!

- Bboy

Quote from: floatingLomas on September 08, 2014, 07:10:51 AM
...
and then I figured out how to use it
...

May I ask you to elucidate a bit? I currently use mine like an analog: draw, then breathe it in a bit, then exhale. Is there a better/different/more effective technique?

He might mean something different (or several things all in one), but this is my take on it and my experience. 

With cigarettes, nic abosorption is mainly though the lungs and isn't as effective through the mouth... BUT, its much more irritable (to say the least) to try to directly inhale a cigarette into the lungs, hence the mouth to lung (they do that as quickly as they can handle).  When most people begin smoking, they probably don't inhale... but as they adapt to the irritation, they learn to become more effective at their nic absorption - so to speak.

Now to translate some of that over to vaping... With what we know as of now (and at least that I have read), nic absorption is different with vaping.  The particles are larger is one of the main things with this (way too much to explain in depth with that, as absorption rate of larger said particles would be different too)... However, vaping also isn't nearly as irritable as smoking ever thought of being, so direct lung inhale can play in your game for a better nic delivery if you like it...  I won't make any specific statements saying that one way is truly more effective than the other. BUT in order to find what is more effective at nic absorption with vaping for YOU, you need to forget about a cigarette because the two ARE different.  Old habits die hard, I know... but the sooner you can disconnect the two, without going back to cigarettes, the better your experience will be... on the basis of the two being different specifically because the nic absorption is entirely different.

It was pretty hard for me to even mouth to lung inhale at first, because of my habits from cigars (no inhale).  But after I started mouth to lung, I dropped the nic from 18 to 12mg.  Later I started direct lung (and have come to prefer them) and dropped 12 to 6mg.  Then I got my bottom-fed 'dripper', aka Reo Grand, and further dropped to 3mg.  That's all it takes to satisfy me, and I haven't purposely done that really... I just found that I was getting more than I wanted otherwise, and didn't want to slow down the actual 'ritual' of vaping.  Granted I was taking more nic per hit as my clouds grew larger, but I believe I would have still dropped the levels had I stayed with the same amount of vapour production/devices/power/etc... but maybe not as drastically.

Sounds like you do mouth to lung inhales, JAS.  Nothing wrong with that.  For others, a direct lung hit is more effective or more satisfying.  I switch up, but I direct lung inhale mostly now.  I think most folks who direct lung inhale find that they can drop the nic lower.  But, if you do need it to feel more like a cig, by all means keep at the mouth to lung. 

- Bboy

Quote from: JAS6377 on September 08, 2014, 11:58:12 AM
May I ask you to elucidate a bit? I currently use mine like an analog: draw, then breathe it in a bit, then exhale. Is there a better/different/more effective technique?

e·lu·ci·date
iˈlo͞osiˌdāt/Submit
verb
make (something) clear; explain.

Thanks for teaching me something.

I did the same, but I found that if you draw in more slowly (ie, longer) and then hold it in your mouth before you inhale it, it is substantially more effective.  Hope that's clearer.

I've only played around with the direct-to-lung (ie, breath it straight in) stuff; it makes me feel weird so I don't usually do it.  But that might help me drop nic levels, so that would be good.

Quote from: floatingLomas on September 08, 2014, 01:40:05 PM

I did the same, but I found that if you draw in more slowly (ie, longer) and then hold it in your mouth before you inhale it, it is substantially more effective.  Hope that's clearer.

Boom! and another way to make it more effective for YOU.  That's what I'm talkin' bout! 

Some people, after years of vaping still don't like to direct lung inhale.  That's okay!  But my point is that they do find ways that make the nic absorption more effective, especially when they stop treating it like their analogues. As Lomas pointed out how he did.

.. and now that I think about it... I kind of do that when I try to stealth vape  ^^ and that way is pretty effective too, as far as getting your nic!

- Bboy

Awesome! I'll have to experiment with different techniques, then. I really need to run through this juice, though... I've come to prefer more VG for some reason. Probably the vapor production and feel.

I <3 my provari mini / aspire nova bdc combo!

Been vaping off and on since 09, Quit analogs for good in march the same day my provari showed up.

Nice setup!  Provari, eh? You aren't one of those elitists are ya?!  Kidding!  Provaris are near indestructible and hold their value beyond most any other vape products out there (cept my REO  ).   Aspire truly has some of the best tanks out there, too.

Solid combo! 

- Bboy 

I tried vaping for a little bit. Seemed like no matter what I did I just wanted a real cigarette afterwards. I've been a lot better now on quitting, only bought 2 packs in the past month. I've been dipping as a ways to cope. 1 dip at work versus half a pack of smokes, I'd say I'm making progress 

Here's something I thought would be interesting: http://www.nature.com/srep/2014/140226/srep04133/full/srep04133.html

It's a study of nicotine absorption from vaping and analogs, in case anyone wanted a good (albeit rather technical) read.

Quote from: BockinBboy on September 09, 2014, 05:44:07 AM
Nice setup!  Provari, eh? You aren't one of those elitists are ya?! 

Lol no no definitely not.

I was just tired of other junk being junk and I already had a bunch of 18350's laying around from my vamo and mechanical, but it is THE best VV mod =P

The combo is perfect, I can chain vape the tank almost dry without any change in flavour or burning and I have zero desire for an analog.

Aspire's QC leaves to be desired, I've had about a 20% failure rate with atty's (burned within minutes at low voltage), but "good" ones last weeks at a time.

I still keep my mech with a kick around for backup.

Dear lord, Provari... If only I had the money lol.

Anyhoo, does anyone have any experience rewicking with SS mesh? I saw a video about replacing the wick in a Type A atomizer with SS mesh. I figure since this atty probably needs to be cleaned and/or replaced, I might give the SS a shot. Worst case scenario, I pop in one of my 6 new ones lol.

My experience with Stainless mesh wicks was frustrating...  Really tough to get it without hotspots. Wicking ability of stainless mesh is average, flavour is excellent, and life is excellent.  I just haven't touched it in quite awhile because its not really suitable for builds under 1.5 ohms.  I have an RSST atomizer that I liked to use them, but took me forever to get a decent setup going - and that's a much larger workspace to build on than a Type - A atty.  Although I'm sure the lesser surface are would make it easier to build without hotspots, just much smaller to work with.

Edit: This does make me think, I have seen builds with stainless mesh on protanks - that's probably pretty similar.  That was relatively popular when I was rebuilding those with cotton.  I just didn't bother because of my previous experience with the mesh.

- Bboy