Thursday, May 26, 2011

E-Cigarette Shopping on a Budget!


Quitting smoking analog cigarettes and switching to e-cigs will save you money right off the bat. After your first initial purchase, you're probably only spending a few dollars a month instead of hundreds! There are tons of different options out there, and it can get overwhelming, and confusing. But have no fear! I am going to break it down as easily as I can! Is there something you need I haven't covered here? Feel free to let me know in a comment below or an e-mail!

I got a letter from a viewer looking for the cheapest e-cigarette kit you could find, and was most like a cigarette, and I don't do anything on here half-assed! So here are my tips, tricks, and kits that can save you money!




The Cheapest I Can Find, But Don't Recommend:
 There are a lot that have the colors of a cigarette, but are often much thicker and heavier than a real cigarette and most e-cigarettes. If you want something the most like a cigarette and is cheap, regardless of quality, the best choice is dealextreme.com (and I have a video on that which I'll link here) but that comes from Hong Kong, so it takes time to get here, and I don't know where to get replacement atomizers other than buying a whole new one.The plus side is they're only $10 or so, and cartridge refills are only $3 for 20, and free shipping...they also have different kinds that look more like an ecig that are the e-health (again I have a video on that one as well, different site though), and can be cheaper or a few dollars more, but again, Hong Kong....I don't know how long it'll last you, I don't often use mine in case it doesn't have a long life. This is not my first choice for an e-cigarette at all. But if you're just testing the waters and don't mind a 4 week wait, then have at it.

Other than that, from America I think the best bet would be a 901. 901s are the size of a pen, lighter weight than other e-cigs, and good for beginners. They are honestly a favorite and I recommend them to anyone starting into the e-cig life. They are cheap but great quality, and parts are sold by everyone so getting replacements is a snap. Start with just the basics;

  • You can easily go to other sites to find CHEAP replacements that will fit no matter the "brand", parts are universal and often come in the exact same packaging just with a new name. So get the kit that fits what you need and worry about replacements later.
  • Kits should include: 2 FULL E-cigarettes (2 batteries, 2 atomizers). A pack of cartridges (empty or prefilled) IF YOU PLAN TO DRIP it should come with e-liquid, if you don't this does not matter. And a USB charger. If you have the option, drop any extras to save money. However cheap ones usually only have one atomizer. This is ok, by a spare elsewhere for cheaper if you can.
  • To save even MORE money, but a single kit. However, you must remember this means you will have only one battery, and one atomizer. While you wait for it to charge, you will not have a spare. 
  • You only need the USB charger. It plugs into any computer. House chargers are a plug (no cords) with a USB port, which a lot of cell phones come with now, so check if you have one. And car chargers are the same thing just a plug with a USB port, and you can always find them extremely cheap all over including in stores. 
  • You don't need a case. Though they can come in handy. If you watch one of my e-cig storage videos, I show you some ways I held mine. I used a case I found for a DOLLAR. No need to pay $10 extra just for a case. Unless you want one specifically for e-cigs, the add on is not necessary. 


More Money Saving Tips:

  • If the kit comes with 2 atomizers, only use one. Store the second atomizer as a spare, and switch the current one between the two batteries. This way they die out one at a time so you have a chance to order more, instead of dying at the same time.
  • Refill the fiber in your own cartridges. This isn't a favorite of mine at all. I've tried it, and use it when I'm running low and can't afford to get any right that moment. They don't hold as much as factory made, or at least not as well. And it takes a minute to figure out. I prefer to just get them from a shop. If you want to do this, all you need is a little polyfill. Time consuming, but cost effective.
  • Keep your atomizers clean. Keeping them clean will help them last longer. Though some atomizers were just destined to blow in a few days, most can be kept going for a month or more easily.
  • Use E-Liquid. It is SO much cheaper to put your own liquid in than it is to buy prefilled cartridges. You can use the same cartridge quite a few times before it gets too worn out to use any more if you fill your own.
  • Buying separate does NOT make things cheaper. Nor does it make it any easier. If you were to go to every site, and get one piece as cheap as you can find it... You would probably still come out way over budget just with shipping.
  • Try finding sales and specials. A lot of sites have coupon codes or special deals going on, be sure to use these to your full advantage if you can. Be sure to count the special (ex. 20% off) as the final price. Remember to take into consideration the length of time the sale is as well.
So those are the tips I have for you! Now, to put them to good use. I've compiled a list of websites with different kits, and varying prices, but are as cheap as you're going to find for a GOOD e-cigarette from a trusted company. However, I'm leaving it up to you to compare shipping, sales/specials, and location (I like to order closer to home so it gets here quicker!). I am keeping them all under $40. It may seem like a lot of money, but it is a one time purchase. After this you will be spending possibly $0-$15 a month at most.

Clean Safe Smoke- $27.50; 2 batteries, 1 atomizer, 5 cartridges.
eSmoke Club- $31.99; 2 batteries, 1 atomizer, 5 cartridges. Pick "Warehouse's Choice" for battery color if you don't care what color you get, and save $1!
MyVaporStore- $29; 2 batteries, 1 atomizer, 5 cartridges. (they also have other awesome looking kits, so watch for them in my "Wish List" post!)
E-Smokey Treats-$39.99; 2 batteries, 2 atomizers, 5 various strength cartridges.
Totally Wicked-$29.99; 2 batteries, 1 atomizer, 5 various strength cartridges.

And, there you have it. A modest list, yes, but its a good start. This will at least show you what you're looking for. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't go for the gimicky sites, stick with the more "mom and pop" type shops when you can, as well. The people are nicer, the products are usually the best, and you have much less of a chance to get scammed.

If there's anything else that you need to know, don't hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best!
Vape on!
-Sugar



Disclaimer: Any or all of the companies mentioned have never been in contact with I, the blog owner, SugarVapor at any time. All opinions on this page are strictly that. 

4 comments:

  1. Hey Sugar- Really enjoying your blog! Can't wait to read more from you and get your opinion on your favorite ecig products! I'm digs77 over at thealtcig.com blog if you get a chance to visit! -Digs77

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks so much, Digs! Glad you like it so far, I'm working as hard as I can!
    I hope to have more e-cig products to review in the near future :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Electronic cigarette consists of a nicotine cartridge containing liquid nicotine. When a user inhales, a tiny battery powered atomizer turns a small amount of liquid nicotine into vapour.

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  4. Nice Post!
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