I've got several people asking me to help them get started on E-cigs. After much thought, I believe that the easiest way for a new vaper to get into this is with 510 cartomizers. What I need to know is does anyone have any ideas on an inexpensive mod that uses 18650 batteries? I like 18650's because there is never a doubt that they'll last all day and they're cheap compared to a proprietary battery like the Riva or similar Ego knock offs. That with a carto seems to me to be the simplest way to quit smoking. The Chuck is too much of a hassle to order and weights a ton. The SB is kinda huge. If the Fistpack didn't cost so much I'd go that route but these folks don't have $200 to burn.
Any ideas??

Oh, wow. You sound like kitty. She is all about the 18650. What about something in the Bulli line-up from VaporFlow (I think that is who carries it in the US)? Or the Saber? An xHaler with the new button might be good, too, but I am not sure if it takes the 18650.

Be sure to let us know if you find something. Good luck!!

Have you considered the AW17670 battery? It will easily last all day and then some. If so, the Pure Smoker Prodigy V3 could be a contender.

I would suggest a hello 016 from litecig. the batteries only cost 18.95 plus free shipping. Shipping is really fast and the battery lasts a long time. If you get an adapter you can use both the 510 cartos and kr8 cartos.

I know it's kinda big/bulky but what about the Woody? You can use either the regular 18650 or the IMR18650 if they decide to go with a LR atty later. Can store an extra atty inside too.

The brand new xhaler kit can take the 18650. If I hadn't sold mine I would get the upgrade just cuz I LOVE the 18650 batteries too!

I used to recommend folks a cheap no box 510 from cignot. Then I started saying maybe ego/tornado for beginners. I still think that's an okay beginner solution but... the 18650 and a good mod... you're there, done! Won't need to bump up to a bigger/better device right away so I think that is a $$ saver in the long run.

I thought there was another good 18650 mod but it escapes me at the moment. When it comes to my brain, I'll edit

database here:http://www.ecigarette-mods.com/

I have the Indulgence with an extended sleeve that works with the 18650, Unit and sleeve cost to me about $80. Unit includes adapters for most atties. (Add the charger, batteries and atties.)

Not a bad unit but I fear may easily break. It is light and switch seems to be durable but I dislike the adapter design. Thus I only use when out and about socially.


Though heavy, the SB and BSB can't be beat in reliability and cost. I assume the OMeGa will be as reliable.


EDIT: I got my Indulgence from Ecigsupply and they have raised price and are out of stock. Eastmall is out of stock as well. Only other place I know of is https://vaporescence.com/?view=productListPage&category=5 If you buy basic kit plus sleeve cost is $95 but you can get both plus usb passthrough for $100 as a special. NOTE: Fit of unprotected 18650 is loose. Stretch spring and/or get some spacers.

Treece and I keep going around on this very issue . . . THE best starter e-cig for a newbie. And we still have yet to decide.

My natural inclination would be to say some sort of cartomizer setup. New folks don't necessarily want to mess with dripping or cartridges, and cartomizers are a very easy solution.

The second part of the equation, though, is exactly what you're asking about . . . what do you pair the cartomizer with . . . and that's the tough one. While I think *some* newbies will welcome mod-like PVs, I can't help but think most newbies are still looking for something that kinda sorta resembles a tobacco cigarette in terms of the size and feel. And, of course, we know that that generally translates into not much power and a pretty crappy battery life, which has its own frustrations. But I think for many folks, putting them IMMEDIATELY into a bigger/badder e-cig can backfire.

In other words, most people will gravitate towards the more advanced equipment, but only after they've cut their teeth on something less intimidating and more analog-like. There is a bit of a learning curve and, just as importantly, a mental shift that occurs when we first move from analogs to PVs.

But it can get expensive starting off with one type of PV and then within a couple of weeks moving to something else entirely. Personally, I wouldn't pair the cartomizer with anything larger than a regular-sized eGo battery for a beginner (and even that is a bit on the "fat" side). I understand the reluctance to use proprietary batteries, but imo that's the best place to start with a beginner . . . less intimidating. And even though I'm hardly a newbie anymore, I continue to use my eGo (paired with LR 510 atomizers) as a mainstay in my vaping arsenal, so it's not like it's something you inevitably outgrow.

Ok. Let's see now. Indulgence. Nope. Can't stand that weird lady's face that's always trying to tell everyone how great the mod is!! Bulli. I hadn't thought about that one. I'll check it out. Woody. A little too expensive. Prodigy? I still have a really bad taste in my mouth from their previous products. I like the XHaler. I wonder how long the batts last on the mini Xhaler? That might be a good little cartomizer battery holder. While I like the 18650, I guess that any battery that lasts all day would do. It seems like a simple, cheap 18650 battery holder/mod doesn't exist. Kinda like a simple box mod that holds a 18650. I'm rambling again, I know. I just find it difficult to fill the needs of a new vaper with something simple that just works. If you think about it, what would you suggest to a new vaper with under $100 to spend that just wants something that works without fiddling around. I know that a lot of folks like their ego style devices. I thought I read that they only put out 3.2v. If that's true, how well would they drive a 510 carto?

Good info Julie. Do any of those Ego style batteries put out like a regular 3.7v batt? I was looking at the Hello, Goodbye. Should last all day but will in drive a carto well?