A cat amongst the pidgeons

[HeadHunter]

Now I know that I am a very, very recent convert to the 'wonderful world of Vaping' and could be classed as a mere infant to other more veteran vapers but I have something that I wish to share with the forum members and a couple of suggestions to make regarding this forum. Please remember that the thoughts that I express in the following thread is obviously my own opinion, I do not mean any harm or insult by it, after all we are all different and we all have differing needs too.

Firstly let me explain myself, I am a 47yr old male who had smoked for about 33yrs until I discovered Vaping, which was only 18 days ago ! Once I had commited myself to making the change I set about finding a forum on the internet that I could use to bolster myself up in times of stress and discuss all things 'Vapourial', I did indeed search, searched high and low, trawling the internet for a forum that could fulfill this need. I found US Forums that obviously were all American; products and slang, then there was the Euro-forums, where speaking multiple languages helps and products differed again, then there was the UK forums, some I found a little 'clicky' and did not seem very friendly to newbies. Then I was lucky enough to find this forum, small, friendly, funny, supportive and well moderated too, I quickly became a member, not wanting to miss this opportunity to become part of something that is growing bigger by the day and I feel that I have made a really good decision, checking back to the other UK forums has made me realise that I was right to choose this Forum over all the rest, especially in friendliness and fun !

As a Newbie in the world of Vaping I have noticed a few things that I cannot totally understand (and this could be just one of those many things that make each and every one of us so different), one is why are we using such differing equipment ? I seem to be missing something here, I cannot fathom the pratical purpose of using super MaH batteries ? Is this just a case of 'bigger is better'? Or is there something more that I cannot deduce ? Surely the old chestnut,"The battery lasts longer" cannot be taken seriously as there are a huge amount of PCC (portable charging case) for most superminis and minis alike on the market today and most, if not all, are the exact same size as a standard packet of cigarettes and will hold enough charge to keep a 180MaH battery topped up 3-4 times ! Failing that you could always carry a spare charged battery with you when you are out and about. Surely we should be concentrating on having an industrial standard so that prospective vapers will not be as confused as we were when we first thought about Vaping, all the different types available, limited compatibility, cartridges vs cartomisers vs tanks etc. Plus, and this is very important, I sat and watched VT-TV (re:Doctor Hiliary Jones, Pub vaping BBc & ITV coverage) which I am sure you are aware of or have even seen, I was astounded by the fact that not one single vaper in the pub had a super-mini or a mini, they were all holding overly large, odd shaped devices that any non vaper would have baulked at ! Not one single standard 510 tank, cartridge or cartomiser to be seen, not one mini anywhere and VT-TV pronounced it a great success, lol, I personaly do not think that it would of attracted any smokers to go over to vaping, did any of the products look like a ciggie ? I think not. Most Vapers started off with a mini or super-mini despite whatever else they bought later and as an introduction to vaping for the general public (through the media coverage it got) it stank, it struck me as a 'click' that had got together in a pub to show off their monstrously oversized mods and have there face on the telly, shame cos it could of been so much more.

Which brings me neatly to my final and most important thought about this vaping forum, during the course of researching e-liquids and watching/reading reviews, I noticed that a few good reviewers actually use multiple voltages for their reviews of e-liquids (eg. liquid 'x' at 3.7v had good flavour, vapour and throat hit, at 5v increased vapour, throat hit and flavour, at 6v the flavour and throat hit was harsh, vapour immense), which made me think.....I would like to see a sub forum for all US 3.7v users (RN4081, DSE103, 510, etc) giving product reviews limited to just 3.7v 180-300mah PVs (mini to super-mini models), this would allow us to test e-liquids/flavourings at a 'standardised' level, which would benefit all vapers alike. We could then have discussions about the effect of cartomisers on flavours and wether the flavourings would need to be increased for use and wether certain flavours even work in cartomisers at all. I feel that this would be of quite some benefit to new users as well as the old 'lags' and could even attract much more new vapers to the forum. I personally would like to see a dedicated 3.7v forum as I am a 3.7v user myself and cannot see any point in upgrading to other high voltage systems complete with their oversized bits and bobs, I make my own flavoured e-juices and if, at 3.7v, the flavour is lacking I will be simply adding more flavouring, if it lacks vapour I will simply alter the VG-PG ratio in the base mix.

I know that it is a lot to take in one go, but I hope you understand that I mean no disrespect in regard to the already sterling work that has gone into making this forum one of my favourite online sites in the last couple of years, but nonetheless I feel the need to 'air' these points and of course any answers to the questions I have made would be greatly recieved.

If needed, I would be prepared to moderate the new forum/sub-forum, under guidance from more experienced members and moderators but only if it could be made strictly a 3.7v mini to supermini only forum.

[Gordy]

gosh award for the longest post as with everything in life we humans love choice as no human is totally alike (cept twins etc) suppliers therefore offer choice to either fit our needs or to make their product more desirable and stand out in the market... some people are happy with an ego ford focus e-cig while others prefer a provari aston martin e-cig..... its all personal preference

I as a vaper use numerous attomisers, cartomisers, clearomisers etc they all produce slightly different experience

why people move to mods as they are called and not just stick with a cig-a-like are for many reasons...
not to look like smoking a cigarette
cheaper rechargable batteries that last long without the need to carry around or buy PCC's or spare batteries
greater reliability
variable voltage
aesthetics
better/different vape experience
and many more...

taste is also subjective and will depend on quipment and juice type flavour... reviews in a way are totally pointless

the forum idea would never work as there are so many variations ...many of us would fit into quite a few sub forums it would become a mess... plus why just restrict yourself to one experience...when they whole world of vaping is open to you??

i hope this helps in some way

[HeadHunter]

Hi Gordy, thanks for the reply. Just a couple of things though

What is the point of variable voltage ?

A black 510 c/w blue led doesn't look much like a real ciggie and carrying a spare battery is probably much the same as walking around with a provari in ya pocket, lol.
PCC's are roughly the same size as a fag packet and we all carried them round for years b4 getting into vaping

But I do get what ya saying about freedom of choice, I remember when we had a choice of formats for videos (vhs & betamax) and look what happened there, we ended up with the worst one as a standard ! I am just saying that we (forum members) should really be setting standards rather than following commercial trends. afterall, if we cannot decide on whats best how can we expect a newbie to decide ?

[Perpetua]

Thanks for the compliments about the forum Heady, we do work very hard behind the scenes ( Chris especially ) to provide a happy & safe corner of the internet for all our lovely members, without whom the forum would be nothing.

I can't agree with you that it's a good idea to have a 3.7v sub forum, you'll probably find that's the voltage that most vapers use anyway, so it would be a pointless & divisive exercise.

Similarly, you're on a hiding to nothing with your Super Mini mission . . . whilst many of us started off with a Ciggy look alike, we swiftly found that there were, thanks to the advances in ecig technology, far better and more satisfying Vaping options available . . . so I'm not remotely surprised that you saw no one using a Mini Ecig on VVTV . . . I'd have been gobsmacked if you had seen someone with one.

As with all things in life, if it works for you then that's cool . . . but there are far better devices out there . . . and until you try them, it's maybe not that wise to dismiss them really.

Just for you, a few of my toys . . . although I need to update the photo as there have been a few additions since I took this.

[HeadHunter]

maybe it's because I have not tried any of these other types that I have such a blinkered out look, lol.
I should really try some out..........just 2 see wot everyone is going on about

[Jemima]

i think I can see where Headhunter is coming form here, and please do correct me if I'm wrong.

A lot of people start off using the lookalikes, once they get the hang of it and over the inital "but they don't look like ciggys" aspect of things they move along to more battery power, shineys, etc. But some people (people being the crazy things we are) prefer to keep using the lookalikes, it does what they need it to do for them.

Once you come along to a forum, most of the conversation leads to bigger and better, long lasting, shiney PV's and reccomends movign away from the lookalikes. This isn't for everyones taste.

Maybe a small sub forum specifically for minicigs could be very beneficial to people who wish to stay on the smaller versions. We do have some users who still use a lookalike for their reasons. So maybe not all information should be to push people away from these but point out some of the benifits and best pratice to using these devices also, and then moving along to something "bigger and better" if and when they feel the time is right for them.

All devices out there have their place in the vapeing world, either as an introduction to vapeing or as a staple through the day. Why push people in one specific direction if thats not the way they wish to go.

As for myself, I'm very happy with my Riva and what it delivers for me. But sometimes I feel that a lookalike would also be a useful tool in my vapeing arsenal, for those occasions when you do need to be more descret and maybe blend in a little more. For exampe when driving, its not always easy to hold and push the button, a mini may be more convienient for this situation, or if attendign a very formal event it's easier to fit in your handbag or jacket pocket. I have contemplated a mini for those very reasons and as yet havent found the one I would be happiest with going by the reviews. But maybe a sub forum could point me in the direction I need to go.

To me vapeing is vapeing, the device is just the tool we use to do it, does it really matter that yours has a bigger battery then mine? And as with all humans we all liek somethign different. Thats why theres more than just one flavour of juice and one cartomiser and one PV. Maybe we should include the mini group more than we do already?

[steve386]

Headhunter, I was the same during the first month or so of vaping. I had several PCC case kits and could not understand all the fuss with larger batteries and mods.

I soon discovered that there is much better kit out there. I now use some really good mods when I'm at home. Mostly because they perform much better and the batteries can last a couple of days between charges.

It's also a lot cheaper to buy replacement batteries for them.

I still use a 510 or ego battery if I'm out of the house for short trips. The main reason is that I wouldn't be too upset if I lost them.

As for VV, you really need to try it before making a judgement. I like to vape at around 4.5 and I find I get a much fuller vaping experience at that level.

If you want a really good entry level option for VV, there are some nice ego size batteries that allow you to adjust the output up to about 4.3. I got one from e-cig wizard and that is now my preffered battery for use outside. They only cost £20 (less with the discount codes).

www.ecigwizard.com/shop/en/batteries/308-ego-variable-voltage.html

Also, the bigger batteries are better designed for some of the newer tech atomizers/cartomizers that are about.

[jerryrm]

Headhunter, I started with a mini as most vapers did. I found it to be ok, but I wanted better vapor and hit and not have to recharge the batteries every hour or two. I moved on to the eGo/Riva and that has been perfect for me.

You are still new to vaping, but don't be surprised if that a year from now, you find yourself using a Riva or maybe even a mod.

[Perpetua]

Oct 8, 2011 18:13:06 GMT HeadHunter said:

maybe it's because I have not tried any of these other types that I have such a blinkered out look, lol.
I should really try some out..........just 2 see wot everyone is going on about

Shame you don't live my way Heady, else you'd be very welcome to come round to my place and road test some of my widgets.

I do take yours & Jem's point though . . . forums by definition do tend to lean towards the 'Enthusiast' . . . big and shiny is not for everyone I fully admit, nor does it have to be.

My best friend who I converted to Vaping, is perfectly happy with their Mega Tornado set up and has absolutely no desire to change to anything else. Which is fine, it works for them.

But, there are happy mediums available, which would be a vast improvement on your vaping experience, should you wish to explore them.

[HeadHunter]

Oct 8, 2011 18:30:06 GMT @jerryrm said:

Headhunter, I started with a mini as most vapers did. I found it to be ok, but I wanted better vapor and hit and not have to recharge the batteries every hour or two. I moved on to the eGo/Riva and that has been perfect for me.

You are still new to vaping, but don't be surprised if that a year from now, you find yourself using a Riva or maybe even a mod.

Thanks for the input BUT I do have a 510-T system already lol, I only use the look-alike during the day, it was just an open question about why we have such an amount of variations....it all seems bewildering to me with the vast array of different units available.
???

[HeadHunter]

Oct 8, 2011 18:14:21 GMT Jemima said:

i think I can see where Headhunter is coming form here, and please do correct me if I'm wrong.

A lot of people start off using the lookalikes, once they get the hang of it and over the inital "but they don't look like ciggys" aspect of things they move along to more battery power, shineys, etc. But some people (people being the crazy things we are) prefer to keep using the lookalikes, it does what they need it to do for them.

Once you come along to a forum, most of the conversation leads to bigger and better, long lasting, shiney PV's and reccomends movign away from the lookalikes. This isn't for everyones taste.

Maybe a small sub forum specifically for minicigs could be very beneficial to people who wish to stay on the smaller versions. We do have some users who still use a lookalike for their reasons. So maybe not all information should be to push people away from these but point out some of the benifits and best pratice to using these devices also, and then moving along to something "bigger and better" if and when they feel the time is right for them.

All devices out there have their place in the vapeing world, either as an introduction to vapeing or as a staple through the day. Why push people in one specific direction if thats not the way they wish to go.

As for myself, I'm very happy with my Riva and what it delivers for me. But sometimes I feel that a lookalike would also be a useful tool in my vapeing arsenal, for those occasions when you do need to be more descret and maybe blend in a little more. For exampe when driving, its not always easy to hold and push the button, a mini may be more convienient for this situation, or if attendign a very formal event it's easier to fit in your handbag or jacket pocket. I have contemplated a mini for those very reasons and as yet havent found the one I would be happiest with going by the reviews. But maybe a sub forum could point me in the direction I need to go.

To me vapeing is vapeing, the device is just the tool we use to do it, does it really matter that yours has a bigger battery then mine? And as with all humans we all liek somethign different. Thats why theres more than just one flavour of juice and one cartomiser and one PV. Maybe we should include the mini group more than we do already?

Thanks for that Jem, probably more succinct than my effort and it's nice to have somebody understand my point about the lookalikes

[HeadHunter]

Oct 8, 2011 18:47:03 GMT Perpetua said:

Oct 8, 2011 18:13:06 GMT HeadHunter said:

maybe it's because I have not tried any of these other types that I have such a blinkered out look, lol.
I should really try some out..........just 2 see wot everyone is going on about

Shame you don't live my way Heady, else you'd be very welcome to come round to my place and road test some of my widgets.

I do take yours & Jem's point though . . . forums by definition do tend to lean towards the 'Enthusiast' . . . big and shiny is not for everyone I fully admit, nor does it have to be.

My best friend who I converted to Vaping, is perfectly happy with their Mega Tornado set up and has absolutely no desire to change to anything else. Which is fine, it works for them.

But, there are happy mediums available, which would be a vast improvement on your vaping experience, should you wish to explore them.

Thank You Perpy, that's a very nice offer - shame we are not closer as I would love to have tried some of your toys out

[Chrissie]

heady, I'm more than happy to start a super-mini- mini sub forum, but as others have said, most folks quickly move on to better performing e-cigs, so not sure how much contribution there would be. But if you really would like to test the water - where would you like me to place a super-mini/mini sub forum?

Even though I stick to 3.7v, the higher mAh of larger e-cigs is important to me as it means I can use lower resistance atomisers. My main aim when helping new vapers is to find the best deals - good price (not just for the starter kit but accessories as well), good customer service & an e-cig that is compatible with the majority of atomisers/cartos/tanks etc.

The biggest draw back with your RN4081 super-mini is incompatibility with most accessories & any lower mAh e-cig battery would be fried if anyone tried to use an LR attie on it. So I, like most folks tend to recommend the middle ground - a Riva/ego 3.7v @ a good price - less than what a VIP with 2 batteries is sold for

[Chrissie]

Just to give you an idea about how much participation a super-mini sub forum would get First page going back almost a year) -

www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/rn-4081-super-mini/

And that's on a forum with 71,384 members

[HeadHunter]

Oct 8, 2011 20:15:31 GMT Chrissie said:

heady, I'm more than happy to start a super-mini- mini sub forum, but as others have said, most folks quickly move on to better performing e-cigs, so not sure how much contribution there would be. But if you really would like to test the water - where would you like me to place a super-mini/mini sub forum?

a sub forum within the reviews forum would be great Chrissie, btw it would not just be limited to the RN4081, lol. I was thinking of listing compatibility amongst minis (like the question i asked a while back) and just helping newbies look for a product that suited them if they were looking at a ciggie lookalike. Also, it would encompass a lot of other models like the far superior and underrated standard 510, with it's ability to be a cartridge, cartomiser, drip tip and tank systems all in one very small neat package.
This is not a personal crusade to restore the super mini to it's former glory (lol) but rather a sensible place to start for newbies who would rather use a cig-a-like than progress straight away to the heady world of the super PVs.