Hi Everyone (and thank you)

[apachedug]

Hey guys--not a lot to contribute (yet), but I'm one of the 'Silent Majority' that wanted to reach out & say hello, and express my gratitude.

Until 2 weeks ago, I had NO IDEA WHATSOEVER these e-cigs even existed. (I was bored one night, doing a search on YouTube for 'foreign commercials' & stumbled across one with a group of people happily puffin' away on their e-cigs.)

What the--?! So I began doing some searches on e-smoking, found a myriad of sites selling them (and all their various incarnations) and was more confused than ever.

(I wanted to try it out--I've been a "pack a day" since 1980, tried cutting down a few times, always unsuccessful. In the last 6 months, been experiencing some breathing and heavy coughing problems. I knew something had to be done, and I had a good 'gut feeling' when I saw that commercial.)

Anyway--was about to say "oh well, just a gimmick" when I stumbled across this forum. I think I spent 3-4 nights reading every topic! (I feel like I'm buddies with Tropical Bob and he doesn't even know me!)

And FYI, Ratindahat's video reviews have been watched not only by me, but by my best friend & younger sister (who are also desperate to quit smoking).

I finally bought a couple penstyles from SmartFixx (based on Nazareths' comments), got them last week, and since then, without really trying, I haven't smoked 10 cigarettes in 10 days. (In fact, none at all the last 3-4 days. I lit one up this morning out of curiosity, it tasted heavy and dirty...I don't miss the tobacco...it's so weird.)

This is from someone who smoked 25 a day, easy. My sister is literally weeping with relief, she loves hers so much.

Sorry for all the rambling! FYI, I recently ordered the flavor assortment from Meltrex site (myecig.com) and I'm hoping they fit my SmartFixx pens.

(I also ordered the medium strength so I can get off those high-nic cartridges as soon as possible. I always smoked Basic Menthol Lights, and those high cartridges are gagging me a little...)

I was just wondering if there's a huge satisfacton difference between the medium & high cartridges?

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE--THIS IS A GREAT SITE.

[jimldk]

Welcome ..and I hope you will enjoy our forum , and get to learn more later on..you on the right track and that's where you'll stay....Happy e-smoking Bud....

[TropicalBob]

We are now -- officially -- buddies.

Welcome and I hope your quit smoking story continues.

[apachedug]

I am honored! Thanks TB & Jim...

[NerdyCinderella]

apachedug,
As far as your question re the difference betw med and high cartridges:
I've been e-smoking for apx 3 months and I'm still trying to figure that out.

[apachedug]

NC, thanks for your response--can you possibly elaborate?

To be honest (and not sure if I should go into it on this thread), I am trying to figure out if the e-cigs deliver more of a nico-kick than regular cigs.

What I smoked (Basic Menthol Lights) contained 0.8m nicotine. From what I gather of these cartridges...

low = 0.6m
med = 1.1m
high = 1.6m

I originally ordered hi-nics with my smartfixx pen, and I feel that 'something' in the back of my throat, and no real desire for a real cig.

HOWEVER, when I smoked the 'medium' cartridge that came with the starter kit, it definitely seemed milder...but I DID keep thinking about that carton of cigs in my cupboard! (I finally went and had one before going to bed, the night of my 'medium' e-puffing...)

I just don't feel comfortable with a sustained diet of high nic cartridges though, so i ordered meltrex's medium ones & am hoping they deliver the goods--at least enough to satisfy my nico-muse...

[bishybob]

I've tried Mel's medium and high and I can't tell the difference. You may be able to being a light smoker. But I'm used to Marlboro Reds. I don't get much of a hit off e-cigs. Just lose the want of nicotine. Sometimes a nic hit will gradually creep in after a while. This is mostly when using my e-cigar with the high Ruyan e-cigar carts.

[apachedug]

Thanks Bob, that sounds encouraging! I just feel better going with a medium-strength versus that high. I REALLY feel that high in my throat (unless that's the glycol). Plus the high carts leave my lips numb...?

To be honest these things are surprising the hell out of me. It really does feel like smoking (well, except for the low cartridge--I smoked that last night and it just felt like I was blowing off steam...pun intended)

[bishybob]

You might have some of the liquid leak out and touch your lips. That will make them numb. I take out my cartridges once or twice a day and wipe down the sides and inside of the mouthpiece. Condensation collects around there and can get in your mouth.

I know they surprised me too. I'm still using other smokeless tobacco (and sometimes cigars which I don't inhale of course) though because I miss the nic hit I got with my Marlboros. Leaving out the bad chemicals really makes a big difference in how nicotine hits you. I also try to hold the vapor in longer than I would a regular cig to give it time to settle in my lungs...

[apachedug]

Ah! Thanks very much for the tips here, Bob! Yes, I've noticed that there's an 'acquired practice' needed with these things. For instance, if I'm at home...they're fine & dandy.

But for running to the office in the morning, it's not like you can whip it out and take a couple fast puffs before you run into the building, like a real cig. You've got to take....your....time if you want a couple nice hits.

(BTW, congrats on moving on from Marlboro Reds, even if you're occasionally puffing on a real cigar--whatever it takes to get off those damn poison sticks!)

Now I'm just praying that they don't get banned by overzealous and paranoid tobacco lobbyists who see the potential for smokers to quit the real thing here...