Virgin Vapor (if you buy through this referral link I get a couple of bucks - and it doesn't cost you anything!)
Intellicig (NOT intellicig USA - they're a pale imitation at best!)
Holds the e-liquid and controls the "draw" - how much air is taken in how quickly. Interesting to note - if you want a hotter hit the inhale more slowly, the opposite to a cigarette.
Plastic tanks can crack if you use e-liquids with acidic flavourings (like fruit), glass / metal tanks won't, though the metal might corrode if the liquid is very acidic.
My current favourite clearomiser is Kanger. Vision are ok, but there are too many knock-offs that are just crap.
Heats the e-liquid and mixes it with the air to produce the vapour. Typically you want the ohms of the coil to be about "2" less than the volts of the battery. E.g. 1.6 ohm works with a 3.7 v battery well. (too hot and it burns, too cold and there's no "throat hit"). Depends on the e-liquid, but this formula gives you the "sweet spot" of about 8 watts.
You need the coil's screw threads to match both the tank and the battery. You'll usually get the coil made by the same manufacturer as the tank, with threads to match the battery.
Coils will burn out, they can last from a few days to a month or two. See How do I clean my coils / atomisers?
Holds the charge. This could be the most expensive single item, and it's worth getting a couple of good ones. The mAh is how much charge it holds, therefore how long it will last. You want the volts to be around "2" more than the ohms of your coil (see above). You can get variable voltage batteries which are a great way to find the "sweet spot" for the e-liquid you use, and to vary your vape depending on your mood.
Batteries in the US come in two types of threads to connect to the coil - eGo or 510. Many new batteries work with both, but check that both your coil and your battery have the same type of thread. Some smaller batteries (like Intellicig's) have a male thread (instead of a female thread) so make sure what you are getting is compatible!
The best battery manufacturer is Joyetech by a long way. Check for the Joyetech logo on the bottom of the battery though, as there are plenty of fakes. I use the E-Vic (and it's awesome) and the eGo-C Twist 1000mAh. I also have a smaller 3.7v 650 mAh Power Pal battery which is more discreet, and works surprisingly well.
Holds the nicotine and flavour. Usually contains VG - Vegetable Glycerine as a base, with nicotine and natural or artificial flavourings. Can also contain PG – Propylene Glycol which enhances the flavour and produces a bit more vapour, but can cause headaches or other reactions as it's a petroleum based product, also used in antifreeze!
My favourite e-liquid brand is Intellicig (the regular tastes of almost nothing, just a hint of vanilla, but kicks like a mule!), but only from the UK. Intellicig-USA produces an inferior liquid, and the rest of the product line (batteries, cartomisers etc.) are very shabby compared to the UK versions. Not worth it. Virgin Vapor is where I get my E-liquid from in the US.
There are many, many dodgy fakes and knock offs out there. Buy carefully. Joyetech have a serial number verification system on their website.
You can usually clean your vape tanks (also called clearomizers) by running them under hot water. I do this often as it helps the flavour.
You can usually clean your e-cig coils (also called atomizers) by running them under hot water, then leaving them to dry completely (about 24 hours, depending). This can prolong their life a little, and will take away the burnt taste as the wick turns brown or black with use
More info soon!
This page is for informational use only. It is not intended for minors, or to promote the use of nicotine-containing products. I have personally tried all the methods and products on the page, but you may have different results - by visiting this page you agree to use the information on this page at your own risk.