I have been vaping for about 4 years now. The equipment was expensive and unreliable up until about a year ago, so I still smoked cigs occasionally. Since the start of this year I have not touched an analogue after placing my first order with
http://www.fasttech.com/
They are cheap and reliable, based in China and offer free shipping.
Orders take about a month to arrive, and you have to pay a bit of tax when you collect from the post office. (I have never paid more than R50).
For a beginner I would recommend the following 1st order:
1x
http://www.fasttech.com/products/1491000
1x
http://www.fasttech.com/products/1341504
1x
http://www.fasttech.com/products/1297607
2x
http://www.fasttech.com/products/1297505
2x
http://www.fasttech.com/products/1297403
1x
http://www.fasttech.com/products/1297501
1x
http://www.fasttech.com/products/1360400
1x
http://www.fasttech.com/products/1386200
Total cost $80.66 (approx.R800)
It includes 2 batteries – one is a pass through + charger, 6 atomisers, 5 replacement heating cores and 180 ml e-liquid.
The batteries should last at least 8 months. (I still use a battery which is more than 18 months old).
The atomisers come with heating coils, so there are 11 in total. Each should last at least 2 weeks. They often last more than a month. Sometimes you get a dud, at R10 each that should not bother you. You will want to use 2 or more at a time for different flavours.
The 180ml e-liquid should last at least 2 months. I dilute mine 70/30 with glycerine BP (approx. R10 for 100ml from any pharmacy). I also use 9mg/ml nicotine liquid. The above order is for 18mg/ml nicotine – beginners need more nicotine. 180ml would last me 5 months, and I vape daily (but not all day).
Very important: Learn how to rewick the heating cores with cotton wool.
See here:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ictorial-evod-rewicking-cotton-recoiling.html
I rewick my cores about once a week when I notice less vapour production or a burnt taste. It is very easy once you’ve had some practice. I rewick before 1st use because I don’t like the wicks (silica fibre) these things are shipped with – don’t like the taste. You must also dryburn the coil when you remove an old wick to clean it properly before inserting the new wick. Some people recoil their cores when the old coil finally pops, but this is a bit too much maintenance considering that a new core costs R10 and lasts 2 weeks plus.
Google for YouTube tutorials explaining more about evod type atomisers.
There is more to learn than what I have time to explain here – prepare to experience a learning curve and be patient.
I find that vaping is more satisfying than smoking minus all the unpleasant aspects.