So how exactly do these things work? I looked at a couple of different products but there seems to be multiple components.
Cartomizers, liquid, atomizers, chargers, automatic and manual etc.
I just want to get a basic kit to try it out.
Also seems to be all sorts of silly ass liquids but I just want something to be as close to smoking a regular cig as possible.
I had this amazing post all typed out, then one wrong keystroke & it's all gone.
Automatic Vs. Manual
Auto batteries are just that, auto.
Just start drawing & they start working. Most newcomers tend to start here.
I don't like them & here is why,
1. Slow start up. It takes about a half second of drawing before the vaping actually starts.
2. Most of them have an auto shut off after 6 to 10 seconds of draw.
3. They are more susceptible to damage from a flooded atomizer.
I feel they use a little more battery power too, some disagree.
However, they are dead simple to use & can not be accidentally be activated in your pocket.
Manual batteries have a button that needs to be pressed & held to use them
It sounds cumbersome but after a few days it's second nature.
I like them as you decide how long the vape will last.
Like I mentioned, it is possible to activate one in your pocket, thus burning juice or ruining atomizers.
Some have a lockout feature to prevent this.
Almost all manual batteries are sealed so an atomizer flood won't kill it.
You will have to decide but I always vote for manual.
Cartomizer Vs. Atomizer
An atomizer is the part that creates the "smoke". It essentially boils the juice into the steam.
Other than the juice itself, this is the most costly part to replace at about $5 each.
I recommend buying extra with your kit & maybe another extra every/every other juice order.
I also don't recommend using one atty with multiple flavors, Use a clean one for each flavor.
They should be considered a consumable item, you will get months of use out of one & less than a week out of others.
This does not seem to be brand specific, read the reviews before you buy.
They require either a cartage tip, drip tip, or tank to function.
Cartridges are usually polyester filled & wick the juice into the atomizer. (like how a Zippo works)
They are probably the cleanest way to vape. they are re-usable unless the poly fill burns. (the poly fill can be replaced)
I don't like them as capacity sucks & when they become empty the poly fill can "burn", Permanently affecting taste.
They can also hold a flavor, which is bad if you switch flavors allot.
Tanks hold a large (5 Mil or more) of juice, Thus giving all day vaping with out refilling.
Some folks swear by them, I find them leak prone & cumbersome. (To be fair they all leak to some extent, But when a tank goes it ruins everything)
Drip tips, These work by directly dripping the juice onto the atomizer.
This are my preference.
They hold the least amount of juice but IMO yield the most consistent vape & best taste.
You can make one by gutting a poly filled cart or buy a pre made one.
I bought mine, anodized aluminum in different colors. This lets me keep track of what batteries are charged & which need charging.
Three drops of juice are roughly equal to one cigarette.
It can be slow & messy if you're not careful or someone bumps you while filling but the results are the best.
Cartomizer
These are basically an atomizer & cart in one piece.
They are convenient, But IMO still suffer from the same problems as an atty/poly filled cart combo.
I won't go into juice, it is far to personal a choice.
My only recommendation is to start with a cig flavor then start experimenting.
I would stay away from the ones you find in the quick marts or malls (crown7, Blu, ect) they are cheap & some have a proprietary connector on them, that locks you into their product.
Whatever you get I strongly recommend it have a 510 connector, it is the most common in the market so parts & accessories are easy to come by.
Every kit I have ever seen comes with a charger. Almost universally it is USB with a wall adapter.
You will eventually want a spare.
The "close to a real cig" comment is common.
I strongly suggest you DO NOT get into this looking for that experience.
You will never get it, vaping is not smoking.
I still want to smoke a real cig from time to time, but vaping keeps me "clean", if you will.
Vaping is an alternative or a succession tool.
Use it to quit smoking regular cigs or for when you can't smoke.
Other wise give it a real chance & you may find that it works for you.
It sure does for me!
THIS is pretty much the same kit I started with after I got serious.
Again, I recommend you get extra atomizers at the least.
I would throw a drip tip in as well.
Don't forget to add juice to whatever you decide to order as most kits do NOT come with any.
Any questions just ask, I'll try & answer if I can.