Just bought a Crown 7 ... help!

[NewB1]

Hi Everyone,

So, I decided to give the e-cig thing a try and went to a local smoke shop, asking for guidance on "what's the best they've got?" I ended up with a Crown Seven starter kit, which wasn't cheap. He also sold me some liquid that he says can be added directly into the cartridge for flavoring, in addition to some extra cartridges.

So, I excitedly got home and tried it out. The first couple puffs I was actually really impressed. I "felt it" ... felt the sensation in my throat and lungs, and thought, yeah, I could totally get used to this!

Then ... it kind of stopped working. I charged the battery up. Now, it honestly feels like I'm just sucking air. There is a decent bit of vapor that comes out, but it's nothing like that first drag that I felt what I suppose is called the "throat hit". Maybe you guys can help me out?

1. Did I make a mistake with the Crown Seven?
2. Is it possible it's defective?
3. Is this normal, pretty week throat hit/feeling of actually smoking?
4. Is there something better I should consider?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. A little frustrated with the $100 I spent today. Thanks in advance.

 

[The Ocelot]

Hi - can you return it? That isn't a very good kit for the money.

 

[dialx7]

I started with a Crown 7, since my local shop only carries those. The first couple of drags were great, enough to make me stop smoking. But, as time went on, I yearned for more. You can "try" to refill the cartridge, but that only works for a bit before they won't pull right. I have also found if I chain vape, the effect gets weaker, almost like I'm used to it. I don't think it's defective, but it's kind of like that first cigarette of the day, the first drag is always strongest, because you've not done it for a while.

The elders of the forum would be best to lead you along the vaping journey as to a set up to consider. Me, I jumped from Crown 7 to a 510 kit, and before it even came in the mail, I had ordered my ProVari.

Good luck on your journey, welcome to the forum, and read read and read some more before your next purchase! These people in here are ahhmazing, and will go above and beyond to help!

 

[Trick]

The Crown 7 is a cig-alike, right? One about the same size and shape as a cigarette?

I've got some good news and some bad news.

The good news is that it's probably not defective. The bad news is that cig-alikes are almost always pretty weak. The tiny battery just doesn't have the umph to really give you a good vape. Some people love 'em, but if you're looking for a really good, strong draw, they're probably going to let you down.

My advice for people starting out is generally to go with something a little bigger, like an eGo (preferably a Twist, to give you a little control over the vape) or a Vision Spinner. It's a somewhat bigger battery, but much more powerful.

Oh, and please don't tell me you spent $100 for the kit on sale here for $30. That'd just be depressing.

 

[The Ocelot]

There are good cig-a-likes available, which some people prefer. it's just that you can do better than Crown 7.

 

[dialx7]

There are good cig-a-likes available, which some people prefer. it's just that you can do better than Crown 7.

No offense meant, I think I was composing my reply as you answered. Agreed on there are better kits than that one.

 

[NewB1]

Quick and thoughtful responses ... thanks guys!

The set I purchased came with additional cartridges and another atomizer, but it's otherwise similar to the one you referenced. I was probably a little overzealous with the purchase, hoping the guy would steer me in the right direction. I'd like to think I can return it, but realistically I've taken it apart and used it. I'll just mark it up as a learning experience.

With regard to the eGo Twist... I've been trying to read up as much as I can before posting, but to verify I'm on the right track; I'll need the eGo Twist battery, Clearomizer, charger and some liquid, correct? That would be the entire setup? Also, two more questions, if you don't mind:

1. I'm sure it varies, but in general, is this something many stores carry locally or would I need to purchase online?
2. Is it relatively small? Can it fit easily in your pocket? I don't need it to look like a traditional cigarette, but I'd prefer not to carry around something obnoxiously large if possible.

Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it and hope that I can find a more satisfactory setup.

 

[NewB1]

And since you two are hashing it out ... if I did try another cig-a-like, what would be the brand of choice?

 

[The Ocelot]

No offense meant, I think I was composing my reply as you answered. Agreed on there are better kits than that one.

I was composing as you were composing no offense taken or meant. I posted that because the first thing members are going to recommend are VV/VW/Vivi Novas, etc., and I would rather see new people quit smoking than get confused, grab a cigarette and keep smoking while they try to figure out what we are talking about.

 

[dialx7]

No hashing here, and thank you The Ocelot! I'm sure the others can recommend a better cig a like than I can, as I'm oh so new to this too!

 

[The Ocelot]

And since you two are hashing it out ... if I did try another cig-a-like, what would be the brand of choice?

We're not hashing it out at all I have everything from cig-a-likes to a Provari and use them all. The two cig-a-likes that seem to get the highest rating are Volt by Smokeless Image and the eRoll by Joyetech. I'll post some links in a minute (btw, the cig-a-likes I use are the ones from the gas station)

ETA: http://smokelessimage.com/starter-kits/voltpro.html
This is just an example of the eRoll, there may be better prices available: http://www.litecigusa.net/joye_eroll_electronic_cigarette_s/251.htm

 

[The Ocelot]

Quick and thoughtful responses ... thanks guys!

The set I purchased came with additional cartridges and another atomizer, but it's otherwise similar to the one you referenced. I was probably a little overzealous with the purchase, hoping the guy would steer me in the right direction. I'd like to think I can return it, but realistically I've taken it apart and used it. I'll just mark it up as a learning experience.

The "over-zealous" was the sales approach most likely. Check the fine print; the first kit I used I sent back because I didn't like it.

With regard to the eGo Twist... I've been trying to read up as much as I can before posting, but to verify I'm on the right track; I'll need the eGo Twist battery, Clearomizer, charger and some liquid, correct? That would be the entire setup?

No matter what you choose, you'll need 2 batteries, a charger, liquid and some kind of "delivery system." There are many different kinds of delivery systems, clearomizers are just one type.

1. I'm sure it varies, but in general, is this something many stores carry locally or would I need to purchase online?
2. Is it relatively small? Can it fit easily in your pocket? I don't need it to look like a traditional cigarette, but I'd prefer not to carry around something obnoxiously large if possible.

Online tends to be less expensive, but going to a local store can be helpful in the beginning so you can see the products up close. Twists are pretty long. I have two 1000mAh, but I only use them at home. I have a smaller set-up for when I go out.

 

[Trick]

With regard to the eGo Twist... I've been trying to read up as much as I can before posting, but to verify I'm on the right track; I'll need the eGo Twist battery, Clearomizer, charger and some liquid, correct? That would be the entire setup? Also, two more questions, if you don't mind:

That should get you going. Somewhere around here is a really good post laying out a recommended starter kit, but I can never find it when I need it. Basically, though, that's it (though I'd recommend two batteries to eliminate downtime). A lot of places will sell them as a bundle, though you can usually save a bit of money buying stuff one piece at a time.

1. I'm sure it varies, but in general, is this something many stores carry locally or would I need to purchase online?

Yeah, it varies a lot. I couldn't say whether it's something you could pick up locally. The local shop I hit occasionally does carry them, but that may not mean much.

2. Is it relatively small? Can it fit easily in your pocket? I don't need it to look like a traditional cigarette, but I'd prefer not to carry around something obnoxiously large if possible.

Yeah, they're pretty small. Here's a quick comparison:

Yours is on the bottom ( or maybe the middle, depending on configuration). The one on top is about the same size as an eGo with a clearomizer would be. So, yeah, somewhat bigger, but not the size of things like the Vamo that a lot of people around here love, but is big enough to defend yourself with.

 

[NewB1]

You guys are absolutely fantastic. I thought I'd have to check back tomorrow to see if I got a single reply.

Size difference, check. Basic eGo setup, check. Two batteries, check. As far as the fluid goes, are there any brands you'd recommend? My main concern is just getting something reputable so that I don't ingest something toxic.

As far as the "better" cig-a-like options VS say, an eGo twist, would the "hit" be pretty similar, or is the difference night and day?

That's all the questions I can think of. Thanks again, I really appreciate your time.

 

[The Ocelot]

Okay, I'm jealous! You have a vape lounge in Tucson! Premier Tucson Provider of e-Cigarettes and e-Liquids in Tucson OPV You can probably meet all sorts of people who will show you their gear.

 

[rjeatkrconley]

As far as the "better" cig-a-like options VS say, an eGo twist, would the "hit" be pretty similar, or is the difference night and day?
.

night and day for sure. The twist has much better power output. With a bit if practice, you can easily cloud up a small room.
The throat hit alone will knock your socks off.
As far as juice, taste is really subjective. What I like you may not and vise versa. With that said, there are a multitude of juice venders to try. Check out the eff suppliers forum. Also check out the general eliquid forum. Tasteyourjuice.com is also a good starting point. Phil makes me laugh, he is such a dork!! Tons of useful info for many night (weeks) of reading and watching. Have fun and keep on vaping!!! Oh yeah, welcome to the start of a fantastic journey.
Sent from my SGH-i667 using Board Express

 

[Trick]

I'll be honest -- I don't have much experience with cigalikes other than having a similar experience to yours with a couple different types and upgrading right away (I went with a Provari, but they're big and expensive, and though I love mine I don't typically recommend them to people just starting out unless they drive at least a BMW). My fiancee, when she took an interest, started with eGos -- which I occasionally borrow -- and I've been really impressed with them. They won't hold a charge all day, but certainly for longer than what you've got now.

As far as the hit from them, though, I really couldn't say. Just that the difference between the ones I've tried (some mall kiosk brand I can't recall the name of at the moment, Blu, and Volt) and the eGos was like night and day.

Juice is a tough one. I could list my favorites, but you could hate them. It's just one of those things. It'd be like you telling me what your favorite kind of eggplant is. No matter how good your advice is and how much you love it, I'm going to hate it.

Still, here are a few, which may suck for you. Note that the categorization is purely my opinion; it's just what I go to these vendors for:

Tobaccos: Goodejuice, Heather's Heavenly Vapes
Candy: Alice in Vapeland
Fruit: Highbrow Vapors
Chocolate/Coffee: Velvet Cloud Vapors

There's some overlap between vendors, but I didn't want to get too complicated.

 

[Trick]

Baditude, I know you're here. Where's your post?

 

[NewB1]

The Ocelot, dialx7, Trick, rjeatkrconley, thank you for your guidance. I know I probably could have eventually found some of these answers on the forums, but after hours of trying to do so my head was about to split. You've really cleared this up for me, reduced my anxiety about it all, and I will definitely be giving the eGo a shot. And, apparently, there's a lounge right here in town I had no idea about. I will stop by tomorrow! Thank you

 

[Janusxvii]

Hi newb1. As far as the fluid (liquid, eliquid, juice, ejuice) goes, I would say that as long as you buy something that's made in the U.S. you should be fine from a safety standpoint. The China juice certainly isn't a deathwish or anything (i'm using some right now) but there is a little bit more peace of mind with the American companies. Halo is a very reputable brand www.halocigs.com though a little bit on the pricey side. As far as your question about cig-a-likes vs eGos and the matter of throat hit I can say that when I got my first eGo and took a drag off of it I did a double take and involuntarily got a huge grin on my face. I think you will notice a significant difference even if you don't start with a twist. At the risk of throwing all sorts of hardware suggestions at you I am inclined to suggest a plain-jane eGo kit like this one:
AltSmoke.com | Personal Vaporizers | Electronic Cigarette | Ecigs | Joye eGo Starter Kit
Alt-Smoke is a pretty good company. I buy most of my supplies from them. Now the reason I would suggest a kit like that is twofold. First, it isn't terribly expensive and has everything you need (minus the liquid). Second, with so many options for how you want to vape I think it's best to start simple and then try new things from there. That kit I linked to uses atomizers and cartridges which are kind of "old school" but are a decent starting point. From there you can experiment with clearomizers, cartomizers, and all sorts of other things that I'm sure would make your head spin at this point. If you haven't seen this yet you might want to check out:
New e-cigarette users Archives - ECF InfoZone
also YouTube has some decent videos posted.
Lastly, I see you are in the Tucson area. I'm getting this information from another part of the forum that you don't have access to yet but i guess there is a walk-in ecig shop down there called Freedom Smoke USA located at the following two addresses:
3805 W. River Rd. Suite 101
Tucson, AZ 85741
(520) 572-9254

4570 E. Broadway
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 396-3990

I live up around Phoenix and can't vouch for how accurate those addresses are or the business itself but you might want to check them out.

So yeah... welcome.