Seattle noob - need help getting the right TH/Vapor/method

[SugarBee]

Hi all -- I've been reading through the forums all week, and while I've found a wealth of information, it may be *too* much information -- I'm so overwhelmed!

I've been a PAD smoker of analogs for 21 years. 5 days ago, I went from a PAD to 5 per day, and have stayed at that level since.
BUT - I'm so frustrated with my e-cig(s) that I fear going back to analogs out of sheer desperation/frustration.

Backstory:

I started out on the dreaded free trial (ecigsbrand). The flavor is AMAZING, the initial TH is great (the first and 2nd hit -- after that, it all goes downhill), and the vapor is ok (goes downhill right away, also). The battery life is appalling -- I'm constantly charging my one battery.
I bought some e-juice (and have several more on the way from ECBlends and NLV), and they don't play well with my ecigsbrand cartomizers.
Then again, the e-liquid is thickish and dark. But it tastes amazing (Spokane Super Sauce in Vanilla). I'd really love to SOMEHOW effectively use this (and the others being shipped to me).


So yesterday, out of desperation, I got a BLU kit (model blu-D88?) at a brick & mortar shop with the sampler cartomizers.
Minimal TH, ok vapor, flavor is horrible (I just got it last night, and I've already tried the tobacco, cherry, mint, and java. I hate all 4 flavors (I'm definitely not a menthol fan).

I like the idea of a cigarette-like e-cig, but I suspect that if I do, I'll always have issues with battery life and cruddy cartomizers.

I'd like to find something that is user-friendly, can refill easily (hassle-free), has great TH and vapor.
I'm not far at all from the Provape store, and am considering a trip there tomorrow, but worry it'll be a little over my head, over-the-top appearance-wise -- not to mention expensive.

Thankfully, the shop-owner I bought the Blu kit from said I could return within a week if I didn't like it (it was $100 including tax, so the Provari wouldn't be THAT much more), but I'd be happiest if I could find something that works well with e-liquids and doesn't cost a fortune. I saw a kit with blank cartridges (are those tanks?) that you add e-liquid to, while I was at the B&M store -- maybe something like that? The cartomizers I've used thus far have been less than ideal.

If I order online, I'll likely stick with the cruddy ecigsbrand e-cig I have now (and return the Blu kit). Which will be a *very* trying time-period....

Any help would be tremendously appreciated.

 

[bnrkwest]

Hi and welcome! You have found the main problem with ecig shaped/sized ecigs, the battery life is less than desirable. You will want better battery life and a better performing ecig. I rarely ever tell new users to go to Provape but since you have a store nearby, I suggest you go there and learn about the Provari and do a test vape on one and see if you like it. I have one and love it, but you also need to do your homework about batteries. ONLY use what that Provari model uses and that is AW IMR rechargeable batteries. What I love about Provari is you can always test your battery in the unit so you know it's voltage.
As for $'s spent, you can easily waste alot of money on small ecig units that will cost way more than the Provari, I know I did. If you do get a Provari, you will be satisfied for a very long time and have a wonderful vape experience. It is definitely worth checking it out. bnrk

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Hi Suagrbee and welcome to ECF. The Kgo is a great PV and a starter kit is about $40.00. Going out right now but here's a review

 

[SugarBee]

Thank you for the helpful (friendly) replies -- I think I may end up going with a Provari, because I'm planning on returning hte Blu kit today, and fear losing the momentum I've gained in going from a PAD to 5 analogs/day -- I need a back-up NOW.
Unfortunately, Provape does not define their hours of operation, so I'm not even sure they're open today (tomorrow). I'd hate to waste 45 minutes of driving/gas, only to have to turn around empty-handed.
I may pick up some disposable e-cigs from a smoke shop, just to have *something*.
My ecigsbrand battery only seems to last for a decent few puffs... then nothing.
:-/

 

[TheMuppet]

Well i see your in seattle, you could always take a road trip too tacoma ,and check out "The Vaporium".. nice local shop, great people, and the ability to learn about the different pv's.. they got 100+ flavors too try out, and will make sure you are happy before you leave ..

if your interested in meeting other vapist's check out this forum post

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-smoking-discussion/284830-seattle-meet.html

 

[SugarBee]

So... I ended up up buying a TW Tornado Tank kit. The bigger size & manual button is going to take some getting used to, and after day 1, I'm finding that the throat hit and flavor isn't quite what I was hoping for... maybe I'll get used to it, but at this point, I'm a little frustrated. I would've got the Provari, BUT there's no Provape storefront, as it turns out, and I like
a) instant gratification, and
b) to see/touch before I buy.

I have some e-liquids on the way, so I'm *hoping* they may improve my experience with the TT.
I do like the tank concept -- cartomizers seem a bit dodgy (refilling = hit or miss), and I like being able to *see* the juice level.

Are there any modifications I can apply to the TT to allow for better TH/taste/vapor? The vapor seems more voluminous than with the ecigsbrand (is this a 510?) and Blu, but I can't feel it.

Ugh... back to the drawing board.

 

[NancyR]

Hi SugarBee,

First off congrats on getting down to 5 analogs a day. I can't be much help as I am just finding my way around everything too. You are right in there is a lot of information here, and there seems to be just as many experienced people to try to help us. I can't find the link now but there is a thread in here on technique, that helped me a lot.

When I find it again will post it here for you.

(Ok found it in the library section) http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ecf-library/85612-newbies-proper-inhalation-technique.html

 

[jodetoad]

"Too much information" - ain't it the truth! Do read the inhalation link Nancy put up, I've been vaping a year and never knew that! The other beginner info. is very useful.

I have something very similar to your Tornado (mine has no brand on it) and am pretty happy with it. Dependable, holds a charge all day for me. It sounds like once you find a flavor you like, you'll be up and running.

Don't make the mistake I did of expecting one e-cig to do the job - between charging and parts failures you will need backups. Good luck!