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HARDWARE RECOMMENDATIONS

How the hell am I supposed to keep this page up to date anymore, considering how fast devices come out these days?  It’s nearly impossible.

This page is simply a snapshot in time taken, last taken on 11/04/14 with some ideas of quality products to get you started or at least thinking.

This page is geared for the more mainstream vaper.

Keep in mind that I can only comment on or recommend things I’ve personally tried and tested.  I’m sure there would be debate over some of the things I’ve mentioned here, but remember…

TASTE IN JUICE AND DEVICES IS SUBJECTIVE!!!

Use any electronic cigarette device or accessory at your own risk!

 

[divider /]DEVICES

Rechargeable Analog Equivalent[divider /]

I can no longer recommend a analog equivalent as a beginning electronic cigarette.  Too many people I’ve talked to have tried them and failed.  Until one comes along with the potential for success this section will remain blank.

I want you to be successful.  I want you to quit smoking!

[divider /]Disposable Analog Equivalent[divider /]

  • The NJOY King – By far, the best disposable I’ve tried.  May not have very good battery life, but it has the ability to capture the interest of someone who is trying an electronic cigarette for the first time.

[divider /]eGo Style[divider /]

I can no longer recommend a fixed voltage eGo type battery.  The popularity of variable voltage & variable wattage (VV/VW) devices has exploded.  Varying your voltage or wattage allows you to tailor your vape to your attached device’s resistance whether it be a cartomizer, atomizer, clearomizer, etc, as well as the liquid you’re using.  If you need “a little more” you can pump up the volts/watts, if you need “a little less”, you can dial it down.  But remember…

Go too high and you could get a burnt taste… go too low and you won’t get a very satisfying vape.  You can check out THIS PAGE for more information.  But stop sweating the setting!  The only RIGHT setting is the setting that’s RIGHT for you!

  • The eGo Twist Battery – Easy to use, inexpensive, small form factor.  This is the battery that started the “Twist VV Craze”  You can also chose from batteries such as the Innokin CLK, the Aspire Carbon VV, or the Vision Spinner.  They will all get the job done for you.

[divider /]Variable Voltage/Wattage “Tube Mods”[divider /]

There are TONS-O-TUBES out there now.  Choose something that fits your likes, your vape style and your budget.  Here are some ideas…

  • The Innokin SVD 2.0 – If you can get past it’s looks and size, and it fits your vape style style, it’s a very well thought out kit and features an authentic Evolv DNA board.
  • The eVic Supreme – This is a mod that will give you a LOT to play with.  The included software will capture your vaping data, and control many aspects of the device.
  • The ProVari V2.5 – I’m not a “fanboy”… I just like what works.  This works.  Rock solid construction, high quality, accurate settings, and time tested reliability.  Dated at this point, but still a very good PV.

 

[divider /]Variable Voltage/Wattage “Box Mods”[divider /]

  • The VaporShark rDNA – A great box mod with a spring loaded 510 pin, “Shark Skins”, wireless charging options and authentic Evolv boards.

[divider /]Mechanical[divider /]

  • Tough call these days – How do you recommend a mech when there are sooo many out there now?  As I type this another 10 were released.  You need to ask yourself what you’re looking for in a mech? What kind of button do you want?  Do you want a sectional or telescoping mech?  Does it play nice with a Kick?  How important is conductivity to you?  … and of course, how much do you want to spend.  Here are two that I personally enjoy:
    • The JD Tech Stingray X
    • The D-Mass

[divider /]CARTOMIZERS

Filler Type[divider /]

  • The Boge LR or NR, regular size or XL – They have been consistent and terrific… until recently.  Hopefully they’ll get their issues worked out.  I prefer these over the Smoktechs because I feel they are more forgiving when it comes to slotting or punching and they don’t tighten up as fast.  I prefer the LR as I can easily use them on either a VV or a 3.7 device and still be satisfied.  I also use SRs on my 5V passthrough and in tanks at times.
  • The eGo Mega Dual Coil LR 1.5Ohm carto from Vaping Zone.  This is a large recessed 510 carto that holds about 3.5 mls of juice.  It’s the carto that comes with me on vacation.  It’s not a Smoktech, I don’t know who makes it, but I know I really enjoy it!
  • The Smoktech 1.7 Ohm single coil, AKA Resurrector.  When I’m looking for an XL size carto for a DCT tank, I typically use this or a Boge XL LR.  Great VTF for a single coil carto.

[divider /]TANKS-NON REBUILDABLE

Carto Tanks[divider /]

There are SOOOO many carto tanks out there now, they all do pretty much the same thing, some do it with a little more class and style (at an added cost of course!).  Some of my personal favs:

  • The Phiniac – Beautifully crafted and customizable glass tanks.
  • The Trap Tank and other Kir Fanis tanks with fill holes – Quality, well machined and good looking caps plus a fill hole make life a little easier.
  • The Salt And Pepper Tank – This is a great carto tank featuring unique “twist to fill” top cap.

If you’re just getting started with carto tanks and want to try them out, Smoktech makes a very inexpensive tank in both a DCT (XL sized cartos – Smoktech dual coil and Boge XL) and a short tank (normal size cartos, Boge SR and LR).  They are slidy, I’ve dumped juice with them, and I’ve even given them a thumbs down… BUT… they are a good way to get into tanks.

[divider /]Tank/Atty Systems[divider /]

  • I’m not a huge fan of tank systems/attys but I understand their popularity due to their size and ease of filling.  If you have to have one, the eGo-C is the best I’ve tried to date.

[divider /]Clearomizer Tanks (eGo size)[divider /]

  • The Kanger AeroTank Mini – The Kanger Aero Tank Mini replaces the Aspire BDC as my recommendation for an eGo sized bottom coil clearomizer.   Glass, stainless, sexy, and with adjustable air flow.  This allows you to adjust your draw, but more importantly, how the device behaves with your e-liquid.  If you tighten the draw, it will create more vacuum, sucking more liquid into the atomizer.  This could solve some problems you may experience with thicker liquids.  This is the best clearomizer I’ve tried in it’s form factor.

[divider /]Clearomizers Tanks[divider /]

  • The Kanger AeroTank Mega -This one is solid.  Very high quality feeling and looks borrowed slightly from the Kayfun.  It does have an air flow controller.  This allows you to adjust your draw, but more importantly, how the device behaves with your e-liquid.  If you tighten the draw, it will create more vacuum, sucking more liquid into the atomizer.  This could solve some problems you may experience with thicker liquids.  If you loosen the draw, it will pull in less liquid, which could solve your problem with flooding or “gurgly” tanks.  I’m quite happy with the looks and performance of these tanks.  It does need a better filling method though.  It’s forever half full.  🙂
  • The Aspire Nautilus (with BVC coil head) – Although the Aspire BVC coil is very “carto-esque” in it’s design, there is no arguing it’s performance.  This one also has an airflow controller.  Either of the tanks mentioned here should make you a very happy vapor!

[divider /]ATOMIZERS-NON REBUILDABLE[divider /]

  • I’m not much of an atomizer user but I continue to enjoy two of them, especially for juice tasting.   The HH.357 from Avid Vaper (I like the 2.0Ohm Long Barrel) and the Stingray from House Of Vapor (been enjoying the 1.5Ohm).

[divider /]

ATOMIZERS-REBUILDABLE

RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer)

[divider /]

Drippers, drippers, and more drippers.  Hundreds to chose from now.  Look for a dripper that fits your build style and budget.  Since I’m not into extreme vaping or cloud chasing, I personally look for flavor and ease of build with drippers which is why I very much liked the design of the Helios.  Here are some others that I enjoy:

  • The Tobh
  • The Vulcan
  • The Cyclone (bottom fed)

[divider /]RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atty) – Genesis Style[divider /]

  • The Smoktech RSST– There are a LOT out there now.  I strongly recommend starting off with a cheap one to learn to love it or hate it without breaking the bank.  Although the original recommendation was the AGA-T the Smoktech RSST takes it’s place.  Why?  The spring loaded positive capture, the sealed bottom tank, and the insulated wick hole all make this an easier device to work with than the AGA.  Although I did drill out the air hole a bit to make for a lighter draw.

[divider /]RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atty) – Other Style[divider /]

  • The Kayfun – The Kayfun is simply one of the best atomizers I’ve tried.  The very easy to do micro-coil/cotton build provides some of the best flavor I’ve experienced, and it makes coil cleaning and re-wicking easy and fast.
  • The Squape Reloaded – Different build decks, an easy to use airflow controller, and a super easy to do build, this is a great RTA!

 

[divider /]MISCELLANEOUS[divider /]

  • It’s totally changed the way I coil for the better.  For now it’s the Coil Master until I find a better one!
  • The Revizer mod and accessory stand from Vast Vapor Stands is one of the best and most flexible I’ve come across.
  • The Smok Omnitester – A handy and inexpensive little test box that allows you to look at resistance, voltage output of your device (yes, even PWM), and voltage under load.
  • Couldn’t do without my Slap Yo Mama tank tool!
  • The best carto punch I’ve tried.
  • 2 Cents For Safety mod fuse – a little fuse you can add to some unprotected mods.
  • This is the charger I use.  The springs are a little crunchy, but it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it without issue.  Sysmax i4 3.7V Intellicharge