Which Starter Kit is Legit?

September 11, 2014

The Skinny on Starter Kits

So, you're looking to get in to e-cigs and vaping, but where do you start? Well, the simplest answer is to buy a starter kit! Right now there are about as many options with buying a starter kit as there are options with buying a can of soda. What size do I want, what flavor, what color, what style - the choices are seemingly endless! We'll help you narrow down the hundreds of choices regarding starter kits, and get you on your way to the world of vaping.

Types of Starter Kits

Generally speaking, you'll find a few different types of starter kits out there. We'll cover the non-disposable types, the only ones worth spending money on:

• 510 Style Kits
• Ego style kits
• Mod Kits

Whatever kit you decide to buy needs to have the same essential items included:

• At least one battery (many kits come with two)
• Clearomizers or Cartomizers for each battery (they hold the liquid)
• A case or container to hold everything
• A charging cable
• E-liquid

The 510 Kit

Odds are, you've been seeing these starter kits around for awhile. They're usually the ones you'll see at gas stations (although many of the one for sale are of the disposable variety), and they're featured in commercials and tv shows.

The 510 e-cigs look like a robotic cigarette - about the same dimensions as a regular cigarette, and the tip usually glows red (to simulate a real cigarette burning) or blue (for the cyberpunk look). These starter kits are generally the ones to avoid. They're on their way out. 510 starter kits are usually overpriced, the batteries don't last very long, they don't produce much vapor, and most people agree that the flavor reproduction is terrible. I was actually given a 510 starter kit a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. It sat in my dresser drawer for a year. It was a pain to keep reloading (the cartridge barely held any liquid), it constantly tasted funny, and it was constantly running out of power. Sure, it's small and fits in most any pocket of any piece of clothing, but it's just a terrible unit. By all means, try whatever you think will work for you, but my vote is no. Ego Starter Kits The "Ego" in Ego starter kit doesn't refer to a part of your identity. It's just the type of battery connection to the tank. The Ego starter kits are by and large the most popular types of starter kits out there today. These kits offer batteries that hold up to more wear and tear, last longer, and offer a smoother vaping experience. Ego starter kits

also usually include tanks that hold more liquid and perform much better than their 510 counterparts. Also, most kits worth buying will feature affordable replacement parts. One thing to look out for is kits that include extra cores for the clearomizers (tanks). A quality kit will stock you up with the items and accessories you need to keep you going for awhile. If you want to get really fancy, there are options like passthrough charging and variable voltage. Passthrough means you can charge the battery while you're vaping (usually with an included USB cable). Variable voltage batteries have a control unit built in (buttons or a dial) that let you control how much or little power the battery puts out. Mod Starter Kits Mod starter kits are the rarest of the three we've talked about. A mod is just a modified battery or battery holder. Most mod users are vapers who've been in the vaping game awhile. There's a lot of variety with these as well. Some offer voltage control, while others are mostly for collectors into finding something really neat looking. Usually you won't find a mod included in a starter kit, but every now and then you'll come across something special like the Blackhat Swag Bag Giveaways! So, we've covered types of starter kits. What else do you want to look for in a starter kit? Well I'm glad you asked!

Aesthetics

One of the great things about getting into the e-cig community right now is the OPTIONS! You don't wear the same shoes to work as you would a night on the town, right? Your e-cig can be the same way! There's a color to match every personality. Adhesive wraps also make a splash. You can pick your favorite football team colors to match your battery and tank combo, or go with something that brings our your eyes. It's all choices that make you love your kit and love using your e-cig!

Durability

If it feels flimsy, it is flimsy. You want to pick a unit that has a good solid feel to it. Let's face it - you're going to drop this thing. It's going to take a few falls here and there during its service to you. It'll ride in pockets and purses, backpacks and bags. You want something that's going to last! Also, don't forget to check on warranty and servicing. If tragedy were to befall your new investment, you want to have confidence that you can get the help you need from a friendly and knowledgeable vendor.

Price

Last but not least, show me the money! Everyone likes to get a great deal, and nobody likes to get hustled. Do your homework! Check out prices online. Read reviews. Do you have friends who vape? Ask them how they like their gear and where they got it and how the service is at the shop. Everyone has an opinion on e-cigs and a lot of them count. Lots of places unnecessarily jack up the prices on their merchandise, so shop around to find the place with the best price and the best staff to show you the ropes.
Share:

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

---

Also in News