nana

Put it down? Stop vaping? What is this of which you speak?

I love vaping. I vape as much as I can. I don't think it affects the nic amount at all. I started out at 36mg nic, but found out I did just fine on the 24mg that I had, so I quit buying the 36mg. Later I had some 18mg nic in sample bottles and I did just fine on that, so I quit buying the 24mg. I worked my way right on down to 0 nic in no time at all. I still use 0 nic most of the time, but I also have a bunch of nic left, so I mix some up now and then and use it. When I try a new juice, for some reason I tend to buy it in the 11-12mg range, but when I mix I tend to go with 3 or 6. But even vaping at 0 for several days or weeks in a row doesn't bother me at all. And going back to the nic doesn't seem to make a difference either. I've found it's a lot easier to not vape than it was to not smoke. If I had to go very long without smoking, it would drive me crazy. Not vaping for long periods of time doesn't bother me at all. But I still vape as much as I can or as much as I want without any worries at all. But that's just me.

Nope, not stupid at all. I don't add much nic, so for me it doesn't change the flavor at all. But, if you do find it changes the flavor for you, just a few more drops of the same flavorings you started with in the proportion you started with. It's not hard at all. So, yes, you are right. See, not stupid at all.

After a couple days of vaping here's what I've discovered.

First of all, I don't know why this never occurred to me, but people rant and rave about battery life for a GOOD reason. Battery life is of the up-most importance if you want to quit (and make your purchase worth while). Because if you're battery dies, you will go back to smoking those "analogs". Guaranteed.

Second, while I do not believe that the automatic batteries have a serious disadvantage on starting up etc. many of them do have cutoff times of 5 seconds, which is REALLY annoying. You'll want to take a nice long drag, and get a real burn in the back of your throat... but often times you can't go as long as you'd want.

Third, I'll reiterate this, any "tobacco" flavor you get will be vastly inferior to actually smoking tobacco. It's like making a popcorn jelly bean. Think about it, it's hard for companies to replicate tastes exactly, especially from something like smoke to a flavor suspended in air. Try menthols, or even cloves if you have to. I tried my friends carts with flavors like vanilla and cherry, and honestly when you first take a drag it feels like a cigarette and you don't notice a taste until you exhale. Vanilla is oddly satisfying, even for stubborn me, who refused to buy any for himself. Tobacco will just make you long for a real cigarette that tastes less like crap.

Lastly, you will vape more than you smoke, particularly if you don't smoke much. Vaping is fun, you can do it anywhere, and you won't worry about your health. I'd recommend people starting with lower nicotine liquid than they'd think. If you're a heavy smoker try "medium", if you smoke less than a pack a day, definitely opt for "light" or no nicotine liquid.

If you get a smaller e-cig definitely get the PCC. That way you can constantly be charging one battery, and hopefully have another battery out and loaded. Think about it, vaping is a good alternative, but I often still crave a cigarette, and if you're battery EVER dies and you're having a nic fit, you won't hesitate to go back to tar.

These points should be written in red all over the site. :-P I don't want ANYBODY to think i'm at all dissatisfied with my purchase, these things are unbelievably close to a real cigarette, and may one day save my life. I love vaping, and I'm definitely happy with my Bloog and everything I bought - they're just important considerations to make with any purchase.

I don't think it matters which you add first, but I have a suggestion...when you first start mixing your own flavors, use the 3ml bottles and don't add any nic at all. If you like the flavor you mixed, then you can add some nic. If you don't like the flavor, you haven't wasted any of the nic juice. If you use the 3ml bottle, you haven't wasted much of the flavoring either. Once you find a mix you really like, then you can use the bigger bottles and make more of it. Keep notes on which flavors you have used and how much you have used. Make a "recipe". That way you'll know which ones are good and which ones aren't good. It's horrible to make something really great and then not remember exactly how you made it. Don't ask me how I know that...it's sad. LOL

Happy mixing!!!

You will start saving money at some point. Well, for the most part. Some people (and don't worry Brian and Uma, I won't mention your names) keep buying and buying. LOL If anyone tells you that I'm one of those people who keep buying, don't listen to them. Just because I have more than one juice box mod on order means nothing. Nothing at all. LOL

Okay, seriously, I am on the saving end right now. When I started, I was probably spending more each month on vaping supplies than I was on smoking, but not by much. I started with an M401 unit (spent $70 on that and probably another $50 on cartridges). About a week later I ordered a 901 and some juice (spent $65 there). I used the first unit for two weeks, so that cost me about $40 more than I would have spent on smoking. First lesson learned. The second unit I used for two weeks which saved me about $15. over what I would have spent smoking during that time. I next ordered the 801 with the same results as the 901. Then I ordered the 510 and the VP2 on the same day. I used those units for a couple of months (and saved quite a bit over smoking) before getting the Spade and then a couple of weeks later, the VP/PT. At that time I ordered just over $100.00 worth of juice. But the juice lasted for several months, so although I spent a lot up front, you have to figure out how long it will last. After another month I had to try this new device called the eGo. Everyone was raving about it, so I got one. It was the device that was perfect for me. I was completely satisfied so I didn't buy anything else for 4 months - except for attys. I bought a Black Silver Bullet then because I'd heard so much good about it. Between my BSB and ego, I didn't feel the need for any other devices for the next 7 months. Then I realized that those really weren't enough backups and I ordered a Provape1. At that point I figured I was done. Until I heard about the new juice boxes available and ordered those. See what I mean? But I probably won't buy another unit for quite some time now. I know I've saved hundreds at this point, so even though I've spent quite a bit in the last two months (because I've also started stocking up on more attys lately), I'm still on the savings end of things. Once you find the perfect unit or units, all you really need to buy is attys and juice. If you start out with the right unit (unlike me), you can be saving within weeks. I never worried too much about what I was spending (although I did try to keep it at or below what I would have spent smoking) because I considered it an investment in my health. I still feel that way about it.

As far as backups go, it's a good idea to have at least 3 batteries on hand. If you only have two and one dies, then you don't have anything to vape while the one battery charges. That won't be the case if you have 3. Attys, I would recommend having at least 5 on hand at once. Juice...depends on how much you use. Figure out how much you'll use in a week, multiply that by four so you know how much you'll use in a month and then keep at least a months worth on hand. I kept 6 months worth on hand at first - more now. A backup charger is a really good idea. If your charger dies, then you have no way of vaping when a battery dies. I have a car charger, too. If the power goes out, I don't have to worry about not being able to charge a battery. And I have an adapter so I can plug in and vape in the car.

As far as all the, better, more powerful, variable voltage, cool, nifty, just gotta have them, new units...well, if you are like some people I know, you just won't be able to help yourself. But you can still be saving money.

Madvapes has a whole bunch of instructions on their site - under "how to" on their home page. Here's one to look at...
http://www.madvapemods.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10

Madvapes has a whole bunch of instructions on their site - under "how to" on their home page. Here's one to look at...
http://www.madvapemods.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10

The Joye 510 LR atty runs 1.5ohm. The Joye standard atty is 2.2ohm. For most other brands, the LR atty runs 1.8 to 2.0ohm, and the standard atty is around 2.8-3.0 ish.

So I got one of my salesman to order and Ego this morning from VT....he's excited. Then just a while ago, I had a set of customers in my office doing financial paperwork on thier new truck, when they spotted my Ego on my desk....asked a bunch of questions, I educated them...then the lady flips me her Mastercard and says "can you order me one of those from here, I'm not too computer smart!"...lol....I gladly ordered her Stainless Ego kit from my work comp and sent them on thier way.

What a great gift you got for him!! A variety of juices would probably be a big bonus for him - even if most of them are tobacco flavors. A lot of the fun of vaping is trying different flavors.

My advice would be to tell him to take long, slow drags...to fill his mouth with vapor before inhaling. Also, tell him not to give up if he feels like it isn't working. The best thing to do is to give it a chance. Even if he still smokes for awhile, every cigarette he doesn't have is a good thing. If every time he wants a cigarette he'll vape first, he might cut down on a lot of the cigarettes. If after vaping for awhile he still wants a cigarette, he can have one. That alone might help him not be anxious about it. If he just relaxes and gives the eGo a try, he'll soon be vaping more than he is smoking without working too hard at it and would probably completely replace the cigarettes with the eGo. He doesn't have to push himself at all. And he might even find (like I did) that he loves vaping more than smoking and he'll make the switch quickly. But he needs to know that he doesn't have to.

I smoked for 34 years and didn't have any problems whatsoever switching over...some people have taken longer. But from what I've seen, most people do eventually make the switch. There are quite a few of us here that have smoked for more than 20 years, so he would be in good company if he'd join the forum. We'll give him all the encouragement he could ever ask for. Let him know that we all wish him the best of luck and would love to have him here.

What a great gift you got for him!! A variety of juices would probably be a big bonus for him - even if most of them are tobacco flavors. A lot of the fun of vaping is trying different flavors.

My advice would be to tell him to take long, slow drags...to fill his mouth with vapor before inhaling. Also, tell him not to give up if he feels like it isn't working. The best thing to do is to give it a chance. Even if he still smokes for awhile, every cigarette he doesn't have is a good thing. If every time he wants a cigarette he'll vape first, he might cut down on a lot of the cigarettes. If after vaping for awhile he still wants a cigarette, he can have one. That alone might help him not be anxious about it. If he just relaxes and gives the eGo a try, he'll soon be vaping more than he is smoking without working too hard at it and would probably completely replace the cigarettes with the eGo. He doesn't have to push himself at all. And he might even find (like I did) that he loves vaping more than smoking and he'll make the switch quickly. But he needs to know that he doesn't have to.

I smoked for 34 years and didn't have any problems whatsoever switching over...some people have taken longer. But from what I've seen, most people do eventually make the switch. There are quite a few of us here that have smoked for more than 20 years, so he would be in good company if he'd join the forum. We'll give him all the encouragement he could ever ask for. Let him know that we all wish him the best of luck and would love to have him here.

Well, Brian, I doubt Nanna wants to hear from me on this subject. But...here goes...

I couldn't taste any of the juices for the first 3 months. None. At all. Then I found Tasty Vapor and got the Atomic Fireball (which has apparently changed it's name to Atomic Cinnacide since then). I could taste that one!! And man did I love it!! I'd been on the forum, hearing all about all these wonderful tastes and I couldn't taste any of them, so it was great to finally taste something. It was so good that I ordered again and got enough to last me for 6 months. Later, I tried a few other flavors from Tasty Vapor and although I could taste them, they weren't as "flavorful" to me. I tried one that was a lemonade something or other that just seemed to have a chemical taste to me. I tried orange and cherry. Both were just okay to me. Although I was nervous about it, I did try the black licorice and I loved that one. I can't vape it much, but every once in awhile I do and it's always good. I have wondered if it's not just because both of those are such strong flavors.

I kept buying juices, trying from everywhere I could find, but I still couldn't taste any of them. Really. It wasn't that they were bad, I just couldn't taste anything. I was told that my taste buds would come back to life (that they were in bad shape because I had smoked for 34 years), but that really never happened for me. From what I've been able to tell, it does happen for everyone else, but not for me - for the most part. I have been able to barely taste a few, but it's so very light that it's pretty much nothing and after using them for a few days, I can't taste them at all.

After I'd been vaping 5 or 6 months, a friend mixed up some homemade juice and sent it to me. One of those was the Mr. Bean (flavoring) from Liquidxpress. I could taste them!! And they were good!! That got me into doing some of my own mixing. I bought some Lorann's flavorings (which is what they mostly use in the Tasty Vapor juices) and could finally taste it all. I don't care for some of the flavors, but at least I can taste them. I added the flavorings to all those other juices I'd ordered to "up" the flavor of them and was at least able to use up all the liquid I'd bought and couldn't taste - so it didn't go to waste. There are several people on this forum who can't stand the Lorann's flavors, but I've tried all the other flavorings, too, and I still can't taste them. We aren't supposed to discuss mixing except in the DIY forum, so I won't say any more about that here.

I've been vaping for 17 months now and I'm still at about the same place with tastes as I was when I started. I ordered a couple more juices just last week and although I do get a hint of some flavor, it's not enough to say what that flavor is. There just isn't much there. I've realized that I will probably never be able to taste the pre-made juices and I'm okay with that. I still love vaping and I'm happy with the flavors I can taste, so I just stick with them. I've got two flavors I use all the time (Atomic Cinnacide being my main vape - along with a coffe) and one I use every now and then. It's good enough for me.

I don't know of anyone else who has gone so long without really being able to taste liquids. A couple of people here do need stronger flavors though. I'm probably the only one who has had such a hard time tasting - after so long anyway. Your taste buds will probably perk up one of these days, like everyone else, so don't let my story scare you. As I said, I seem to be the only one with this problem.

Very funny, Brian, very funny.

LOL @ Uma!!

Okay, so I looked at the eclipse. But I'm still drooling over the Ali'i.

What was the topic of this thread? Oh yeah! The cost of vaping vs analogs. I think a person could buy a new device just about every month - along with needed supplies of attys, batteries, and juice - and still come out ahead in the long run. And that's only if there are that many devices a person would want to try. I had to try a lot of them out to begin with, but then that wore off. I always wanted a juice feeder, so that's why I ordered those now, but I really don't see me getting anything else for a long time. If the juice feeders turned out to not work for me, I'd go back to my BSB and eGo (and Mark Mod) and be perfectly happy. I've got my backups, I love vaping, I'm healthier, I'm breathing better, I'm happier, I've met a lot of great people, and I'm way ahead money-wise. What more could a person ask for?

You will start saving money at some point. Well, for the most part. Some people (and don't worry Brian and Uma, I won't mention your names) keep buying and buying. LOL If anyone tells you that I'm one of those people who keep buying, don't listen to them. Just because I have more than one juice box mod on order means nothing. Nothing at all. LOL

Okay, seriously, I am on the saving end right now. When I started, I was probably spending more each month on vaping supplies than I was on smoking, but not by much. I started with an M401 unit (spent $70 on that and probably another $50 on cartridges). About a week later I ordered a 901 and some juice (spent $65 there). I used the first unit for two weeks, so that cost me about $40 more than I would have spent on smoking. First lesson learned. The second unit I used for two weeks which saved me about $15. over what I would have spent smoking during that time. I next ordered the 801 with the same results as the 901. Then I ordered the 510 and the VP2 on the same day. I used those units for a couple of months (and saved quite a bit over smoking) before getting the Spade and then a couple of weeks later, the VP/PT. At that time I ordered just over $100.00 worth of juice. But the juice lasted for several months, so although I spent a lot up front, you have to figure out how long it will last. After another month I had to try this new device called the eGo. Everyone was raving about it, so I got one. It was the device that was perfect for me. I was completely satisfied so I didn't buy anything else for 4 months - except for attys. I bought a Black Silver Bullet then because I'd heard so much good about it. Between my BSB and ego, I didn't feel the need for any other devices for the next 7 months. Then I realized that those really weren't enough backups and I ordered a Provape1. At that point I figured I was done. Until I heard about the new juice boxes available and ordered those. See what I mean? But I probably won't buy another unit for quite some time now. I know I've saved hundreds at this point, so even though I've spent quite a bit in the last two months (because I've also started stocking up on more attys lately), I'm still on the savings end of things. Once you find the perfect unit or units, all you really need to buy is attys and juice. If you start out with the right unit (unlike me), you can be saving within weeks. I never worried too much about what I was spending (although I did try to keep it at or below what I would have spent smoking) because I considered it an investment in my health. I still feel that way about it.

As far as backups go, it's a good idea to have at least 3 batteries on hand. If you only have two and one dies, then you don't have anything to vape while the one battery charges. That won't be the case if you have 3. Attys, I would recommend having at least 5 on hand at once. Juice...depends on how much you use. Figure out how much you'll use in a week, multiply that by four so you know how much you'll use in a month and then keep at least a months worth on hand. I kept 6 months worth on hand at first - more now. A backup charger is a really good idea. If your charger dies, then you have no way of vaping when a battery dies. I have a car charger, too. If the power goes out, I don't have to worry about not being able to charge a battery. And I have an adapter so I can plug in and vape in the car.

As far as all the, better, more powerful, variable voltage, cool, nifty, just gotta have them, new units...well, if you are like some people I know, you just won't be able to help yourself. But you can still be saving money.

Great post Nana!!

I've been stocking up backups (on Nana's great advice!!) for a year now and I still am not even close to Jeffb, Nana, Brian, and Mark's stash... but I love trying!! lol. One of these days I'll be completely ready for the Zombie wars and sit back relaxed in my hideout for many years.

Hubby limited me to 20 bucks less per payday than I would have spent on analogs. When you're smoking 2 packs a day and craving 3 or 4, that really adds up to a lot of money burnt. The 20 bucks saved each payday during my first 8 months of vaping went towards a sweet little entry level laptop by Acer. True, it broke the first month, and is finally now in the repair shop, but even so, we were able to purchase one! That never would have happened had I of stayed with analogs.

My next "big" purchase will be an Ali'i or an eClipse. yeahhhhh

If it were analogs, it would be an extra carton in the freezer lol.

I second what everyone has said here about start ups costs, hardware, back ups, finding what works, etc. So far I have an ego kit (which I adore) and an ego tank kit (which I also adore and couldn't resist because everyone was raving about them). So that means I have two chargers (because if one went bad, I would be screwed without a charger!), um, 4 batteries, I bought some cartos (can't quite get the dang Taryn spin down right but I'm working on it), 6 attys, and some juice. And I want more juice.

BUT...I think of people who have other hobbies. Like I have a friend who is into wine, and she and her husband buy it by the case, just to try new flavors, etc. Other friends are into pipes, and they can't resist a beautifully made pipe, or some amazing tobacco for that special occasion.

For me, vaping is also a relaxing and fun HOBBY through which I've met some kind, intelligent, and creative people here. Had some relaxing times sitting with my cup of coffee and my shiny new ego Tank - you see what I mean?

Smoking analogs wasn't even a hobby or a pleasure for me anymore. It was a terrible, stinking, make-me-sick addiction - it was money that I HAD to spend. Vaping money is fun to spend. And hey - you can't take it with you, right?

Part of the reason I'm still here is to help people get started vaping - when I can. I never get tired of answering questions and I don't think anyone else does either...so no, we're not tired of you.

As far as removing the wick...that's all up to you. I've never tried it, but lots of other people have and love it. If you have several attys (backups), you could remove it from one and compare it to one you leave in. Then you'll know which way you like it best.

The 24mg may well be too much for you. If that's all you have, just vape lightly and not quite as often. Be sure to order some new juice in lower nic levels so you can compare those, too. It all takes time to figure out what works best for you, but you'll get there. I promise. Ripple was right on with the advice on how you vape. Slow, deep inhales into your mouth, then inhale into your lungs. It makes a big difference.

I can't help you with the urge to go outside. I always smoked in the house so I never had a problem vaping in the house. But I can tell you that my house smells a lot better now. I never knew how bad it smelled until I started vaping. Even months later, I'd open a box or tote that had something stored in it from when I did smoke and the smoke smell that would come out just about choked me. It's nice knowing that it will never smell like that again.

You will start saving money at some point. Well, for the most part. Some people (and don't worry Brian and Uma, I won't mention your names) keep buying and buying. LOL If anyone tells you that I'm one of those people who keep buying, don't listen to them. Just because I have more than one juice box mod on order means nothing. Nothing at all. LOL

Okay, seriously, I am on the saving end right now. When I started, I was probably spending more each month on vaping supplies than I was on smoking, but not by much. I started with an M401 unit (spent $70 on that and probably another $50 on cartridges). About a week later I ordered a 901 and some juice (spent $65 there). I used the first unit for two weeks, so that cost me about $40 more than I would have spent on smoking. First lesson learned. The second unit I used for two weeks which saved me about $15. over what I would have spent smoking during that time. I next ordered the 801 with the same results as the 901. Then I ordered the 510 and the VP2 on the same day. I used those units for a couple of months (and saved quite a bit over smoking) before getting the Spade and then a couple of weeks later, the VP/PT. At that time I ordered just over $100.00 worth of juice. But the juice lasted for several months, so although I spent a lot up front, you have to figure out how long it will last. After another month I had to try this new device called the eGo. Everyone was raving about it, so I got one. It was the device that was perfect for me. I was completely satisfied so I didn't buy anything else for 4 months - except for attys. I bought a Black Silver Bullet then because I'd heard so much good about it. Between my BSB and ego, I didn't feel the need for any other devices for the next 7 months. Then I realized that those really weren't enough backups and I ordered a Provape1. At that point I figured I was done. Until I heard about the new juice boxes available and ordered those. See what I mean? But I probably won't buy another unit for quite some time now. I know I've saved hundreds at this point, so even though I've spent quite a bit in the last two months (because I've also started stocking up on more attys lately), I'm still on the savings end of things. Once you find the perfect unit or units, all you really need to buy is attys and juice. If you start out with the right unit (unlike me), you can be saving within weeks. I never worried too much about what I was spending (although I did try to keep it at or below what I would have spent smoking) because I considered it an investment in my health. I still feel that way about it.

As far as backups go, it's a good idea to have at least 3 batteries on hand. If you only have two and one dies, then you don't have anything to vape while the one battery charges. That won't be the case if you have 3. Attys, I would recommend having at least 5 on hand at once. Juice...depends on how much you use. Figure out how much you'll use in a week, multiply that by four so you know how much you'll use in a month and then keep at least a months worth on hand. I kept 6 months worth on hand at first - more now. A backup charger is a really good idea. If your charger dies, then you have no way of vaping when a battery dies. I have a car charger, too. If the power goes out, I don't have to worry about not being able to charge a battery. And I have an adapter so I can plug in and vape in the car.

As far as all the, better, more powerful, variable voltage, cool, nifty, just gotta have them, new units...well, if you are like some people I know, you just won't be able to help yourself. But you can still be saving money.

Part of the reason I'm still here is to help people get started vaping - when I can. I never get tired of answering questions and I don't think anyone else does either...so no, we're not tired of you.

As far as removing the wick...that's all up to you. I've never tried it, but lots of other people have and love it. If you have several attys (backups), you could remove it from one and compare it to one you leave in. Then you'll know which way you like it best.

The 24mg may well be too much for you. If that's all you have, just vape lightly and not quite as often. Be sure to order some new juice in lower nic levels so you can compare those, too. It all takes time to figure out what works best for you, but you'll get there. I promise. Ripple was right on with the advice on how you vape. Slow, deep inhales into your mouth, then inhale into your lungs. It makes a big difference.

I can't help you with the urge to go outside. I always smoked in the house so I never had a problem vaping in the house. But I can tell you that my house smells a lot better now. I never knew how bad it smelled until I started vaping. Even months later, I'd open a box or tote that had something stored in it from when I did smoke and the smoke smell that would come out just about choked me. It's nice knowing that it will never smell like that again.

Nice! They should do a study of the people here. I think our success rate would be just a bit higher than what they found in that study. LOL The Blu doesn't work very well for most people, so image what the results they'd get if they polled eGo users.

It may not be the same for everyone (although I suspect it is), but for me, this statement is exactly why vaping has worked..."It is the fact that these devices simulate the smoking experience which appears to make them effective as a smoking cessation tool."

And for those "anti-smoking groups who have argued that electronic cigarettes should be removed from the market because they have not been shown to be effective for smoking cessation", they should go searching through the numerous forums because they are dead wrong on that one.

“Banning this product would invariably result in thousands of ex-smokers returning to cigarette smoking. Removing electronic cigarettes from the market would substantially harm the public’s health.” Absolutely!!! Except that I have a feeling the whole electronic cigarette market would go underground and we'd find a way to keep vaping instead of smoking.

I really don't want them labeled as a smoking cessation tool either. Smoking alternative sounds better because for most of us it's this or smoking. Although, I really don't ever want to go back to smoking. I'd like to say that if these were banned and there was no way I could get attys any more, I'd just have to quit all together. Realistically though, I don't know that I could do that. What I'd really like to see is for the FDA to shut up and leave the whole thing alone - don't "classify" vaping as anything.

Here goes:
Why? Backups, that's why? LOL And battery life. I went from the 510 to the eGo for battery life. One hour on the 510 battery to 4 to 6 hours on the eGo battery was a big deal for me. I love my Silver Bullet (it takes the 18650 battery) because I can go a day and a half with a battery in it. I can also use different batteries and vape at 6v if I want. Or use my PT and vape at 5v. Altsmoke is no longer selling the PT through for the SB though. The SB is a powerhouse/workhorse. It's heavy and very durable. Very high quality. I like that about it. And the batteries will always be available - even if batteries like the eGo are no longer available (as in the event of a ban). I know of people who have had a SB for about two years now, so yes, they do last. I've had mine for about 10 months and it's just as good today as the day I got it.

I bought the Provape 1 as a backup and because the batteries will always be available. It takes the 14500 - the same as the Mark Mod. The battery life and the availability of them is a big benefit, too. I've only had mine for about a month, so can say exactly how long it will last. But, since it has a lifetime warranty on it, I'd say it will probably last a good long time. You can see the Provape 1 here: http://www.provape.com/category-s/3.htm They also make the Provari and everyone who has one is raving about them. That's an adjustable voltage PV. With the turn of a dial you can go from 3.7v to 6v and everything in between. It's a bit more pricey, but I think it's worth the money.

Drawbacks? None that I know of - on either the SB or the Provape 1.

More cost effective? Yes, in my opinion, they are. Much more.

The only parts you would need with either the SB or the Provape 1 are batteries. And they both take the 510 attys. Or, if you prefer, you can buy an adapter and use the 901 attys on them. Oh! And you can use the 306 attys on them. Lots of options.

For something a bit different, you might want to look at something like the Ali'i. It's a handmade, wooden PV that is a juice box. That means it has a bottle of juice inside the box, which you squeeze to get the juice into the atty instead of dripping all the time. It's a beautiful mod and something I think would be very, very convenient. It's pretty pricey though. It also takes the 18650 battery and uses a 510 (or the others I mentioned above) atty. You can look at them here: http://www.rnrmanufacturing.com/Alii-Custom-Order_p_30.html I think I probably broke down and ordered one a couple of weeks ago. (if only Mark made something like this <big sigh>)

There is also the "Stu's Illuminated Juice Box". It's made of plastic, but is basically the same as the Ali'i - a juice box mod. Not nearly as pricey either. Ron does a wonderful paint job on them, too. You can get a hook added to the top of these and then get a lanyard for it so you can wear it around your neck. Nice. You'd never drop it that way and would always know right where it is. It takes the 14500 battery. Well, you can get other versions that take different sized batteries, too. See Uma's picture in the gallery to see the ones she has. Beautiful!!! I liked them so much, I ordered two.

How do you choose a mod? Hmmm. You ask other people what they have and what they like and what is good and what is not good. Oh wait!! You did that. LOL So now you go look at what they are talking about to see if you like them or not. Some things you will like, some you won't. Don't get anything you don't like the looks of. The SB is great, but it is really BIG. You might not want something that big and could rule that out. Otherwise, pay attention to all the features and decide what you need and what you don't. After much thought, you'll figure out what it is you want and need. I've gone through a lot of different PVs since I started vaping. I pretty much liked everything (except the DSE905 - yuck!). I just moved on to bigger and better things. After I got the eGo last February and the SB last May, I didn't feel the need for anything different at all. And until last month when I got the Provape 1 as a backup, I was still good. And then people started talking about the Ali'i and the Stu's Illuminated Juice Box. And they put up links to go look at them. And I fell in love! I couldn't help myself. Honestly, I've been waiting for a really good juice box mod to come out. It's what I've wanted all along. I just hope they live up to my expectations. If they don't? Well, I'm still happy with the others I have. But I think I'm going to be really and truly happy with the juice boxes. It's all about what you want and what works best for you.

Good luck!!

Welcome to Vapor Talk, Erika!

The cartridges are not usually interchangeable - depending on what you get. All 510s are the same no matter what the "brand name" is. But a 510 is not interchangeable with say a 801.

Refilling is easy. Direct dripping is easier and better all around.

You can buy the cheap one locally, but I wouldn't advise it. You probably wouldn't be happy with it at all. In my opinion, you'd be much better off starting with the eGo. It's the perfect starting device (and remains a favorite no matter what else you get later on), is easy to use, is small enough it's not "scary" for first time user, is a great fit in the hand, and lots of dealers carry it.

Keep asking questions and you'll know what you want to get soon enough. Everyone will do their best to answer your questions and help you out.

Good luck!!

This list is 3 pages long. The FDA and is trying to ban our eCigs and make us go back to regular tobacco which contains ingredients approved by them. It's quit cold turkey, or go back to cigs and die. Quit or die. I don't believe in banning cigs, ecigs, or lightbulbs. I believe in freedom of choice. Which would you rather choose? Not yet approved eCigs with 4-6 ingredients (PG or VG or both, flavoring, sweetener). or approved cigareetes with something like 4000 ingredients approved by the FDA....

Can't quite yet drop that lingering pack a week? Read this!

http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/nicotineinhaler/a/cigingredients.htm

The eGo and the tornado are the same thing - made by the same company. The tornado name is given to the product for TW. I'm sure the tank for each is also the same.

Oh Beans!! You are not going off the deep end. Not at all. I, on the other hand.... No, not really. I'm not going off the deep end. Not at all. It's much better to have too much vaping stuff (did I really just say "too much" - no such thing) than not enough. Imagine the horror of running out of something: attys, batteries, charger, liquid. You would not be able to vape. Hold on a second, I think I'm making myself sick just thinking of that possibility...gotta pull myself together. <deep breath> Okay, I'm better now. Nope. Being prepared is never going off the deep end. You're just fine. You really are. As a matter of fact, you probably need a few more things. Ever thought about a silver bullet? They are awesome!! The Provape 1 is really nice. Those juice box mods like Uma just got are probably a must, too. Yeah, a must. That would be why I'm seriously considering...oh never mind.


Uma!! Back me up on this one. Please!!!!