Noob E-Cig Buying Guide

Snarkyone · 09-24-2009, 12:05 AM

Everyday I see post asking what to get when ordering a E-Cig kit. There are so many things for a new person to learn that it can be a dizzying experience just deciding on where to purchase your E-Cig to get the best deal and the best E-Cig as well. There are three main models that people are buying as their first and in many cases only E-Cig.

The m401 - This is the auto style with a long battery life between charges and gives a great vapor. I used this style to stop smoking it was my first E-Cig. I would not have gone any further if this had failed so I have nothing but good to say about it. Some people don't like auto batteries I like them. I don't drip, I dip do juice running into the battery is just not a real concern for me.

The 510 - This is manual style with a short battery life between charges and give a great vapor. This was the 2nd one I purchased just because the price I found was too good to pass up, then a few days later I found it $10 cheaper, lol! This style is not conducive to dipping but it is tailor made for dripping juice onto the atomizer because the battery is sealed unlike the auto battery on the m401 model and since it's sealed you won't ruin it with liquid. You can flood the atomizer fairly easily but it's remedied easy enough.

The 901 - I can't really say a whole lot about this model since I don't own one nor have I tried it. I do see it recommended and used by many members at this and other forums so it does have it's fans and it is in the top three models sold. I do know that it can be filled by hand as do all the models listed which is important for the DIY or for those on a budget and don't want to spend a small fortune on carts.

All of the above models are a great choice for the average smoker to get started into the wonderful world of E-Cigs and quitting smoking tobacco products even if they can't claim it, I sure as hell can because I had no problem quitting when I got my E-Cig. You can't go wrong with any of those models and everyone has their favorite choice. Once you get started you may find that you want a heavy hitter E-cig mod or something in the 6v range and then you get to see how expensive this can be, lol!

Another thing that new people ask in every post is what they should get with their kits. I would tell anyone who is ordering a kit in order to quit smoking to be sure to order at least one bottle of juice with their initial order, and perhaps a spare atomizer depending on if your kit comes with 2 or not, most do anymore. The extra juice is the big thing because despite what the claims to the contrary the carts don't last anywhere near a pack or two it is closer to about 5 cigarettes depending on your smoking habits, some I would swear weren't the equal of one tobacco cigarette. You don't want to be smoke free for 3 or 4 days then find that your out of carts and now have to wait a couple of days if your lucky, longer if your not until new juice arrives.

One kit and a 10ml bottle of juice should be enough to get you started and to hold you over until more juice can be ordered once you find that you like the E-Cig and plan on keeping with it. Once you get rolling along there are plenty of other items that will find their way to your personal kit that you won't leave home without. I keep fresh Fluval pads and scissors along with bottles of juice, atomizers, carts, spare 510, Dragon case with spare Dragon, USB Charger, Passthrough, metal stir stick like used with my EasyVape Digital vaporizer. Those are just a few of the things that I use just about every day or want within easy reach every day. Good luck and don't think this list is totally complete it's just a guide to get you started. I would imagine you would get the same advice from any member here. I tried to keep any personal bias out of this as far as models go, I don't want to influence someones decision and then have them not like the model they bought.

Loki · 10-11-2009, 12:13 PM

It's been almost a month with no analogs whohooo! But now I find my self wanting more E-cigs. So I started out with a 510 love it great vapor and I thot the taste was good till I got my RN4081. Now don't get me wrong the 510 puts out alot more vapor but it seems to not produce as much taste. So I have been carrying both of them with me 100% of the time. Now I came across a RN4072 starter kit for $50.00 and my thinking is maybe just maybe it could be my at home sitting at the computer e-cig if it could produce the vapor and taste. So my ? here is what should I expect from the RN4072 if I were to buy it? Does it compare to the 510 for making vapor? Does it compare to the taste of the RN4081? If not what should I be looking into getting for a larger home run winner for at home use for around the same price?

Thanx

Löki

Snarkyone · 10-11-2009, 09:42 PM

Loki, One thing I have found with the 510 is that it performs much better and taste better at 5-6v, it's a huge difference. As for the RN4072 I can't really say since I have never tried them. When doing my research for my first E-Cig purchase a while back I eliminated it from the hunt fairly early for one reason or the other and I have not revisited it since. I was looking for something that was the size of a regular cigarette but didn't look like a regular cigarette, and it had to give good taste and good throat hit. I decided to go with the Dragon from Truesmoker.com which is a m401 model. I am glad I did since it is superior to the 510 in taste, and to be honest the vapor is not as thick as the 510 but it's not weak either. In fact I prefer the taste so much more that I know if I had gotten the 510 first I would not have had the success I did with the m401. I was able to stop the very day it arrived. Many others will tell you the same thing, as I did. It's not that the 510 is a bad product because it's not, it's a good vapor producer and gives a good throat hit but is a bit on the harsh side.

If your looking for something with more taste than the 510 I would look at the m401 style like the Dragon or to be honest I would love to try out a Sidesho from ModernVapor.com I saw one for sale for $45 on another forum site today, it may be gone by now though. The Sidesho is a the latest generation of the m401 and has been totally re-engineered, in fact none of the parts are interchangeable which is kind of a negative for the Sidesho at this point. I have also seen a model called the Hybrid m601 that looks promising. Here is some info on that:

Now Accepting Pre-Orders on:

M401v2 Ultra Manual battery kits
M601 Ultra kits
M602 Ultra Manual battery kits

All three kits come in the following optional colors:

Black with Green LED
Black with Blue LED
Stainless with Blue LED
White with Red LED

After testing the M601/M602 Ultra, we are extremely pleased with the quality and performance of these new Ultra's . These are all new Ultra's with higher performance batteries and a new larger atomizer; also larger capacity cartridges.
The M601 Ultra is the new high performance mini vaporizer (104mm L and 9.2mm D)
The M602 Ultra is the manual button version of the M601 (104mm L and 9.2mm D)

The M401 Manual Battery is also a new addition to our Ultra line. It's compatible with all of your M401/M402 components/ accessories
__________________
electronic-cigz.com - Premium E-Cigarettes, Cartridges and Supplies USA

They are a bit more than what you want to spend though so judging by what you have said I would recommend you grab a m401 or even a KR808D-1 if you want to check out the two piece cartomizers, I have on arriving this week myself and I am pretty geeked waiting for it. They are supposed to be a bit better than the 510 and m401 but I can't say yet, trust me when I find out the truth will be known! Never again will you have to wonder if a cart will really equal a pack of cigarettes like they claim. I should know by Wednesday at the latest. Hope this helps rather than confuses. If your really big on the vapor that you see, add a drop or three of VG to your juices it will help boost the vapor output but don't go overboard or you will really cut the nic and the taste, a few drops go a long way with this stuff.

aveciggman · 10-17-2009, 12:05 AM

Hi i just got into e smoking and now im going to sell them to locals in my area. i just got a message from my supplier(shenzhen china) that my shippment has been "handed over to customs" is there something i should do or am i hosed

damunster · 10-17-2009, 01:29 AM

I believe they all go through customs. I know everything I have bought from China does

anonymous · 10-17-2009, 09:46 AM

So here's how it works:

Every shipment is subject to inspection by US customs. On average, a normal shipment has a 1 in 9 chance of being searched, give or take. So your package has been searched and possible seized by US customs. The next step IF it is seized is that they will send you a "love letter" explaining why it was seized and the proper recourse. You are always free to appeal this decision but it's an extremely difficult process. PM me if you have any more question.

Stehle · 10-17-2009, 02:00 PM

"...you guys just hijacked a thread intended to help the confused noob get a understanding on the basics. "

Your right Snarkyone I totally got caught up in my emotions and wanted to reply to anonymous's FDA and US Customs post without any regard to or remembering what this thread was about originally.

My apology's to the starter of the thread and to all the forum members.

(Moderator please delete this post when deemed appropriate.)

Loki · 10-17-2009, 02:46 PM

Sorry.

sweett4rt · 10-17-2009, 03:55 PM

hi Loki,
Totally wicked has some mega manual batteries that fit the 510 and I am very pleased with mine since they last up to and maybe over 8 hours and I am not a light smoker but this is just my opinion. You could have a mod made but I have seen them run up to and over $80.00

Snarkyone · 10-17-2009, 09:55 PM

Not to be a dick but you guys just hijacked a thread intended to help the confused noob get a understanding on the basics. Please start your own threads if you have questions outside the scope of the original post. Loki's questions were on target and not a problem along with the answers.

I understand that a lot of people that find these forums are not savvy to the etiquette of forum boards, so for the record it's not considered good form to hijack another thread. There is plenty of room for everyone to start a thread if they want to talk about a topic. Good luck in your quest to quit. Once again I am not trying to be a jerk about it but one of the big "complaints/excuses" at another forum for people not bothering to do the research was because it was too confusing for new people to find the answers. I am trying to keep this thread as simple and as on target for the noob to get a basic education on the E-Cigs. Thanks for understanding.

Big props to the people for their acknowledgment of things and apologies, it's all good fellers!

LeCig · 10-18-2009, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snarkyone

Loki, One thing I have found with the 510 is that it performs much better and taste better at 5-6v, it's a huge difference. As for the RN4072 I can't really say since I have never tried them. When doing my research for my first E-Cig purchase a while back I eliminated it from the hunt fairly early for one reason or the other and I have not revisited it since. I was looking for something that was the size of a regular cigarette but didn't look like a regular cigarette, and it had to give good taste and good throat hit. I decided to go with the Dragon from Truesmoker.com which is a m401 model. I am glad I did since it is superior to the 510 in taste, and to be honest the vapor is not as thick as the 510 but it's not weak either. In fact I prefer the taste so much more that I know if I had gotten the 510 first I would not have had the success I did with the m401. I was able to stop the very day it arrived. Many others will tell you the same thing, as I did. It's not that the 510 is a bad product because it's not, it's a good vapor producer and gives a good throat hit but is a bit on the harsh side.

If your looking for something with more taste than the 510 I would look at the m401 style like the Dragon or to be honest I would love to try out a Sidesho from ModernVapor.com I saw one for sale for $45 on another forum site today, it may be gone by now though. The Sidesho is a the latest generation of the m401 and has been totally re-engineered, in fact none of the parts are interchangeable which is kind of a negative for the Sidesho at this point. I have also seen a model called the Hybrid m601 that looks promising. Here is some info on that:

Now Accepting Pre-Orders on:

M401v2 Ultra Manual battery kits
M601 Ultra kits
M602 Ultra Manual battery kits

All three kits come in the following optional colors:

Black with Green LED
Black with Blue LED
Stainless with Blue LED
White with Red LED

After testing the M601/M602 Ultra, we are extremely pleased with the quality and performance of these new Ultra's . These are all new Ultra's with higher performance batteries and a new larger atomizer; also larger capacity cartridges.
The M601 Ultra is the new high performance mini vaporizer (104mm L and 9.2mm D)
The M602 Ultra is the manual button version of the M601 (104mm L and 9.2mm D)

The M401 Manual Battery is also a new addition to our Ultra line. It's compatible with all of your M401/M402 components/ accessories
__________________
electronic-cigz.com - Premium E-Cigarettes, Cartridges and Supplies USA

They are a bit more than what you want to spend though so judging by what you have said I would recommend you grab a m401 or even a KR808D-1 if you want to check out the two piece cartomizers, I have on arriving this week myself and I am pretty geeked waiting for it. They are supposed to be a bit better than the 510 and m401 but I can't say yet, trust me when I find out the truth will be known! Never again will you have to wonder if a cart will really equal a pack of cigarettes like they claim. I should know by Wednesday at the latest. Hope this helps rather than confuses. If your really big on the vapor that you see, add a drop or three of VG to your juices it will help boost the vapor output but don't go overboard or you will really cut the nic and the taste, a few drops go a long way with this stuff.

I really really really DIG the 808D. Let me know what you think when you get yours.

Snarkyone · 10-18-2009, 11:29 AM

I love the taste of it, I love the ease of the refilling of the carts, quick and easy with no where near the mess or trouble of other style. The cart lasted me just about 24 hours of regular vaping so that should be pretty close to a pack of tobacco smokes. They produce a nice vapor and it's warm and tasty. No complaints about the taste, or the carts.

Did someone ask me about the battery? Oh well that part I am less than friggin thrilled with. I like to think that it's just my bad luck that the first 2 batteries sent to me were crap one would not charge at all and one only charged one time and now won't charge at all! I am not a happy camper right now and it's a damn good thing I have my Dragon passthrough and my 510's or I would be screaming bloody murder.

One thing I didn't like about the KR808D-1 is that it hits like an Ultra Light tobacco cigarette, the air flow is too much. The batts have a groove in the top for great airflow but that's just it, the airflow is too good resulting in a sucking on a straw feeling. The draw can be tightened up by just cutting off a little band from the cart condom and sliding it over the holes where the cart and battery meet. This makes the draw much closer to a regular cigarette.

All things considered when the vendor and I have a little chat over this I am going to insist on a greencig battery and charger or a refund and I will go elsewhere for it. I am done jacking with the KR808D-1 batteries, not when after playing with it and learning what I have. I have no confidence in the next KR item that would arrive.

LeCig · 10-18-2009, 12:09 PM

Snark, I wonder if you have the 1st generation battery ... here's how I figured out how to check them ... take the cart rubber cap and slide it over the top of the LED ... if it glows then it is a V1. The V1 has a silicone flap for a switch in it. The V2 has a magneto switch and does not glow when you put the cap on it.

I know that the V1 batteries do not last very long, however, its hard to keep track of the 300 charges you get out of one. We have not had a battery go bad yet with the V2s but the vendor I bought my V1 from replaced my faulty one. If your battery has failed right away ask for a replacement they'll give it to you, or they should at least.

Also read my thread about freezing the battery, I actually revived an old 808D V1 by doing that, the life is not what it was brand new, but it sure does hit well for the first 60% now. (I titled the thread 808D battery revival.)

Mike

LeCig · 10-18-2009, 12:15 PM

In regards to freezing, it will work with any battery really ...

Snarkyone · 10-18-2009, 07:00 PM

At this point I would be happy with one that charged to 10%! The place I got it at is one of the better suppliers out there and I have no doubt that he will make it right. The funny part is that I have sent him orders from another person who is new to all this that has been picking my brain for what model to get. I sent her to him and she bought about $175 worth of products from him, lol! I know he wants to treat me right he has a great rep and we have talked a few times on the phone. I just am really thankful I have my m401 passthrough and my 510 still or there would be a problem. I came real close to ordering another KR808D-1 kit from another vendor today just so to be safe but I can wait. I think at this point with what I have learned about the GreenCig compared to the KR808D-1 I will be getting that kit instead of another KR808D-1 since I believe the draw will be a bit heavier which is what I want instead of having to do little self mods with the condoms to decrease air flow for a better hit. I didn't see the post you talk about but these are V2 batteries the light does not come on with the condom on the end. It will stay stuck in the on position if you tighten it to much to the battery though. How long do I need to freeze these batteries to see if they work. I think it's possible the charger is whacked as well. I don't know at this point, I have a universal USB charger that is supposed to charge these as well and it don't charge them either.

lowwkeyy · 10-25-2009, 07:14 PM

it seems like the kits last about 2 months before parts start breaking
then again i smoked 2.5 packs aday . seems like a savings still

Snarkyone · 10-25-2009, 07:50 PM

What I have recommended for a long time for the three piece kits is to treat the atomizers as you would an oil filter on your car and just change it out every other month at the latest. They are cheap enough that you can order 6 to last you a year at one time to save on shipping. I don't clean them, I don't squat but swap them out when I feel they are degrading. I have since moved on to the GreenCig cartomizer and I will never go back to 3 piece units. Well, at least not a unmodded 3 piece let me clear on that since my Juice Box is on it's way and as far as I have seen that is the best mod around. I am putting them up for sale on a website within the next 48 hrs or so if there are any interested parties.

Hachiroku · 10-26-2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snarkyone

Did someone ask me about the battery? Oh well that part I am less than friggin thrilled with. I like to think that it's just my bad luck that the first 2 batteries sent to me were crap one would not charge at all and one only charged one time and now won't charge at all! I am not a happy camper right now and it's a damn good thing I have my Dragon passthrough and my 510's or I would be screaming bloody murder.

One thing I didn't like about the KR808D-1 is that it hits like an Ultra Light tobacco cigarette, the air flow is too much. The batts have a groove in the top for great airflow but that's just it, the airflow is too good resulting in a sucking on a straw feeling. The draw can be tightened up by just cutting off a little band from the cart condom and sliding it over the holes where the cart and battery meet. This makes the draw much closer to a regular cigarette.

All things considered when the vendor and I have a little chat over this I am going to insist on a greencig battery and charger or a refund and I will go elsewhere for it. I am done jacking with the KR808D-1 batteries, not when after playing with it and learning what I have. I have no confidence in the next KR item that would arrive.

Go to Radio Shack and get an 18650 battery and a battery box, drill a hole for the connector, attach the wiring and the atty...

!

Kaye · 10-26-2009, 02:57 PM

Okay, now that was funny.

Snarkyone · 10-26-2009, 05:17 PM

I already have mods I don't need another one, besides that defeats the purpose of seeing how well it works without the mod! As you can see I have gotten it taken care of and I am extremely pleased with the GreenCig, it pwns the rest hands down. I have had a m401, a 510, a magnum mod 6v, KR808D-1, and then finally I got the GreenCig what I looked at from the start but didn't believe the talk and now I know how wrong I was dammit! Oh and the fools at the Radio Shack in my town are doing good to find their way to the job each day. It's the lamest RS in history I believe, the sales people wanted to argue with me that there was no such thing as a CR2 rechargeable battery, I then took out my magnum mod unscrewed it and slammed the 2 CR2 rechargeable batteries on the counter and asked him what those are then? They don't have 18500 batteries they don't have 14500 batteries, they have aaa, aa, a, C, D, 9v, 5v, and any other battery but none that I needed.

Hachiroku · 10-26-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snarkyone

I already have mods I don't need another one, besides that defeats the purpose of seeing how well it works without the mod! As you can see I have gotten it taken care of and I am extremely pleased with the GreenCig, it pwns the rest hands down. I have had a m401, a 510, a magnum mod 6v, KR808D-1, and then finally I got the GreenCig what I looked at from the start but didn't believe the talk and now I know how wrong I was dammit! Oh and the fools at the Radio Shack in my town are doing good to find their way to the job each day. It's the lamest RS in history I believe, the sales people wanted to argue with me that there was no such thing as a CR2 rechargeable battery, I then took out my magnum mod unscrewed it and slammed the 2 CR2 rechargeable batteries on the counter and asked him what those are then? They don't have 18500 batteries they don't have 14500 batteries, they have aaa, aa, a, C, D, 9v, 5v, and any other battery but none that I needed.

No, I think *I* have the lamest RS in history! "I need a 1/4" phone jack with a third lug" for a VERY old bass I have (http://perso.wanadoo.es/tallent/gear...ale/BM2582.jpg ) and the guy goes and grabs a telephone jack!!! I'm always either building something or modifying something, and they can't deal with me, since I'm talking way over their head even on simple stuff!

Totally useless; not at all like it was ~20 years ago...

OK, end of rant! Back to smoke...

Snarkyone · 10-26-2009, 10:18 PM

Oh man I hear you dude, it ain't like it was 20 years ago when if you needed a geek you went to RS. Now the geeks don't even go there.

firhill · 10-26-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hachiroku

Go to Radio Shack and get an 18650 battery and a battery box, drill a hole for the connector, attach the wiring and the atty...

!

When you find the RS battery box that takes an 18650 battery..post the link to it.

Thanks

Hachiroku · 10-29-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firhill

When you find the RS battery box that takes an 18650 battery..post the link to it.

Thanks

Shoot. They didn't even have the 1.3mm DC connector I needed. However, they did have everything else, but since I wasn't sure I was going to find the connector, I put it back.

I found the connector from an elect. supply house and ordered 4 of them.

As for the battery holder...

http://www.made-in-china.com/image/2...2-L9-3AAA-.jpg

Some assembly required... :P

belowme · 11-06-2009, 03:30 AM

Hello

I just got the 510 with a PCC and a manual passthrough and am VERY HAPPY with it.

out of the 3 e-cigs the OP listed the 510 seems to be the one with the most ADD ons that you can get. plus, the Pass Through Gives MASSIVE VAPOR!!! and can even be unplugged used because it has a battery attacked to it which I think is pretty cool

The PCC is AWESOMEbecause you will never end up with another dead battery when you are outside, it can charge up to 5 dead batts which a full PCC charge.

I recommend the 510, and I own all three of the above posted e-cigs - the DSE901b, the M401, and the 510

Happy Vaping!!!