a brand new noob looking for advice

[timbit]

I'll say sorry now, in advance, I'm sure I'll make a few mistakes, ask things others have asked before (I do search 1st) & at times my posts will have strange random or missing words since I use an annoying on screen keyboard & spell check (I proof-read my posts but it slips by me sometimes). I'll do my best, hopefully you all will be willing to share your extensive vaping knowledge with me despite my obvious noob status.

I am completely new to vaping but I've been smoking for many years (too many, really). I want to quit smoking or at least my body desperately wants me to quit.

I'm ambivalent about it as I do "enjoy" smoking, at least the nicotine part & I get some medicinal benefits from it. Regardless, I need to quit or I won't live to see my sister's kids graduate elementary school.

I've tried to quit many times & each time I failed. I've tried nearly all the smoking cessation therapies; patches (didn't work/ made me sick), gum/ lozenge (tastes awful/ irritated my mouth), inhaler (worked a bit but its not available now), Zyban (allergic), chantix (might work but my insurance only covers 1 try), cold turkey (failed miserably), counseling (useless for me), etc...

The only remotely helpful one was the inhaler but its not sold around here anymore. The problem is I like smoking, it helps some medical problems & smoking is tied into my internal self image (I know that's strange). I always felt if I could quit smoking without giving up inhaling nicotine (I know another strange statement) that would be ideal.

A while ago I saw the fake cigarettes without nicotine in stores but that was pointless for me. After that I discovered e-cigarettes but they aren't available for sale in Canada, so I gave up on it.

However now I desperately need extensive dental work (they need to yank all my teeth & replace them with implants) but they won't do it until I quit smoking. I've cleared vaping with my surgeon & as long as I am not smoking, he's OK if I am vaping with a nicotine.

I have some US friends who'll get me vaping stuff but I don't know what to get or use. I may be a noob with vaping in general but I'm quite experienced with handling, building & modifying.chemical & electrical stuff. I enjoy modding, so I am not afraid of the more complicated APVs & they'ld probably be a better fit for me. I just don't want to build 1 from scratch for now.

I'm thinking of starting with a portable set up & then invest in a home set up next. I smoke about a pack a day & while it'ld be nice to cut down on my nicotine tolerance, its a low priority if I'm not smoking.

I prefer quality over quantity & rather pay double for something then buy it repeatedly. In the same vein, I prefer items with interchangeable parts so if something breaks I can replace the part not the whole thing.

Within reason, I'm fine with either set up being larger vs smaller. I'm also fine with the home set up being larger then the portable. I'ld like longer battery life but not at the expense of functionality. Worst case I'll buy & carry extra batteries (assuming I don't have to carry dozens just for a few days use).

As for chargers, I prefer USB type systems, if possible. I've already converted all my other electronics (except my power chair) to USB & I'ld like to use one standard where possible. Otherwise I'll need a home (AC- 110V 60Hz, preferably 110~230V 50~60Hz) & auto (DC- 12V) chargers.

I like the variable power output option, then I'ld find the sweet spot for me. I could care less if it lights up unless it's needed for functionality. Overall I care more about functionality then appearance or bells & whistles. Though I think I want 1 or 2 e-cig just for the times when I really want a "real" smoke.

Finding the right flavor for me will likely be hard since I hate flavored tobacco products overall. So I'm not sure how I'll react to flavored e-juice. I'm kind of picky about taste/smell I'm general. Are there variety/ sample packs available to try & figure out what I'll like?

I understand I won't find anything that's the exact same as smoking. If it helps the brand I prefer (in order of preference) are John Players Special, Regular Canadian Classic & John Players Standard. Are there any flavors that people who like those brands would recommend as being similar?

I'll probably like milder flavors but who knows at this point. So I think I'm probably better off mixing my own then going with premixed varieties.

I'm planning on mixing my own juice at this point so I need a good reliable supplier of bulk PG, VG & pure nicotine concentrate as well. Since I don't know yet what nicotine concentration I'll need, I'm planning on starting low & increasing if needed. What's a good starting concentration for a pack a day newbie?

I already handle dangerous chemicals a lot, so handling nicotine is no big deal. My only question is what type of gloves to use. Are nitrile gloves impermeable to nicotine (with/out additives)? Or does it have a permeability factor, in which case how often do I change gloves? I also have neoprene, latex, polyisoprene & vinyl gloves, are one of those better? Or do I need a different type?

I live in Canada, so ideally Canadian suppliers are preferred to avoid customs, duties, extra taxes, impounding, etc. If I have to then US suppliers are preferred, followed by Europe, then Asia. Obviously I'ld rather spend less then more money but whatever it takes, I'm willing to do.

So given the factors I've mentioned what would you guys recommend I buy?

Anyways, sorry about the long post. I was taught to use complete sentences & be explicit as a kid & I've never been able to break the habit. Thank you to everyone for taking the time to read this &/or respond, I really appreciate it. Hopefully this will be the start of a whole new way of life for me.

Adam

 

[retired1]

There are tons of excellent Canadian vendors who have the products you desire. Once you get your post count up past 5, head over to the Canadian forum where you'll find lots of great information on vendors.

Welcome to ECF!

 

[Baditude]

I would head over to the Provari forums ProVari or do an ECF search for "Provari vs *****" threads. The Provari is a high end variable voltage mod which would seem to fit what you are seaching for as far as gear. It will be dependable, consistant, and durable, and backed by the manufacturer for as long as you have it.

The Provari comes in two sizes. I own both; the regular size for at home use, and the Mini for out-&-about use.


http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/apv-discussion/457237-apv-needs-able-take-beating.html

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/apv-discussion/455759-provari-worth.html

 

[razorz]

Best of luck on your dental work and welcome to the forums!

 

[wv2win]

The Provari is a good suggestion. If you want something less expense but still provides the features you are looking for then I would suggest the variable wattage (VW) Vamo. The unit with batteries and charger will run you about $70. Regardless of which one you get, you will need a back up. I would also suggest a good tank-carto set-up for the most hassle free delivery method for vaping. Here are some well supported sites to look at:


http://www.sweet-vapes.com/shop?page=shop.browse&category_id=76

http://www.sweet-vapes.com/shop?page=shop.browse&category_id=21

Phiniac Rugged Pyrex Glass Tanks

Good Luck and hope things work out for you.

 

[wutarush]

If you want functionality look into reo mods. The vv grand is their variable volt mod, sounds perfect for you.

 

[terry w]

Good luck on your quest into the fantastic world of vaping,

It can all be a bit daunting at first and there is a lot of info to absorb, but just stick with it and you will be fine.

Also you have always got this forum,with it`s wonderful people who will help you every step of the way.

 

[Glock Rock]

Well, I'll go ahead and chime in here.

As far as devices are concerned, it sounds like you're going to be interested in something along the lines of the Provari, Darwin, Vamo, etc. These are Variable Voltage or Variable Wattage devices. The first two are very high end. The Vamo is less so, but don't let it fool you. It can keep up with them in it's own way, and is a darn fine device that I'd recommend to many people.

In most decent PVs, you'll be putting AW IMR 18650 batteries in them, though there are other configurations. I usually carry a spare battery with me and that gets me through a day. Longer, to be honest. I usually drain one battery from full to dead in a day and then swap it out for about an hour or two before I go to bed. But that's at my vape pace so you're mileage may vary. You can pick up wall chargers for the batteries at that link, as well.

While the likes of the Reo and Electric Angel mod are darn good pieces, they're not really regulated without the use of a Kick, which would turn them in to Variable Wattage Devices.

As far as juice is concerned...Well, that's very subjective. There are tons of vendors and so many flavors it can make your head spin. There's something for everyone out there. The problem is finding your's. It can be an expensive hunt and I would suggest buying premixed before entering DIY, due simply to the fact that DIY will get you no where until you know the kind of flavors you like. I think that nearly every vendor has sample packs of some sort.

On the matter of DIY...Please please PLEASE don't even think about handling pure undiluted Nicotine. The stuff is far more deadly in it's pure form than most can fathom. The vapors of pure nic alone can put you in the ICU at the hospital if you don't have a full on lab and full body haz-mat suit. Buy it diluted. I buy mine from Wizard Labs. You can get solutions of varying strengths to dilute to your preferred amount. You can also pick up PG and VG from them.

Nitrile gloves are fine, and don't re-wear them. Once you're done mixing your batches, toss the gloves in the trash.

For a pack a day smoker, I'd personally recommend starting somewhere in the 18 - 24mg range. I'd start lower on the scale and see if that works for you before buying higher nic concentrations. It's entirely possible that only 12mg will satisfy you.

I hope that helps and good luck!

 

[LAdams]

I have both a regular and mini Provari and really enjoy them.

 

[RedNBlack]

timbit
welcome, and good luck.
The veteran memebers here, can point you in the right direction.
lurked around a while, read and read and read.
All the info presented and given made a big difference.

 

[JayTater]

Smoktech SID is also an incredibly good mod as well.

 

[calico21]

Welcome, I hope all goes well for you,sorry I can't help you more as I've always used lower-end devices and they've worked fine for me. Seems you gave a lot of input which will help the others help you more. A lot of us ramble on here but many don't give near enough input for others to point them in the right direction

 

[JasonC71]

look. If you want to just jump in and not go through the typical newb thing of starting with a gas station cig and then graduating to an ego and then graduating to something else...save yourself some money and get a provari. A starter kit will set you back around $200. The thing is...that $$ is gonna buy you something that will last and last and last...and your not gonna get that with the cheap stuff.

Yet cheap it is...say you buy that starter kit...and $50 worth of liquid..and $20 worth of coils....we are at $270. How much do you smoke a month? Cause guess what...what i quoted will last you more than a month...and the next month?...subtract the cost of the provari (200) and some of the coils.....ya see where im going with this?

There are a ton of systems on the market...but if you want one that has been around a while and is known to be rugged and last..provari

 

[timbit]

Thanks for everyone advice, I'll respond a little more once my battery is charged...

Sorry for the need for quick answers, usually I'm willing to search, read & think for myself. I'm just likely heading into the hospital in the next few days because at the min I have a nasty case of pneumonia & worst I've got a nasty case of MSRA pneumonia (I had topical MSRA prior to the pneumonia). I just know they are going to give me grief about smoking (I know smoking bad, especially when sick & especially with respiratory infections)... but despite being an excellent medical professional, I have never been a particularly good patient.

My hope is to get something ordered today with overnight shipping. Sure it won't be cheap but it's still better then going cold turkey in the hospital... Not to mention that smoking right now with my preexisting COPD & New pneumonia is making me feel like I am drowning...

Incidentally, for those with concerns about my handling pure nicotine; I have a completely sealed & sterile class 1 clean room box with full laminar hood vented to the outside after running through various multi-stage filters (input & output) & sealed multilayer PVC, Nitrile & dyneema long gloves. I normally use it when compounding/ admixing various drugs & working with hazardous chemicals at home but no reason I can't use it for mixing e-juice. I also have a secured multi-compartment chemical safe in my basement for storing hazardous &/or controlled substances safely & securely.

Like I said previously, I have extensive experience working with chemicals in a safe effective manner, I can guarantee that I wouldn't do anything that I wasn't 100% confident I could do in a 100% safe, effective & responsible fashion. I am assuming I won't require a personal respirator just to handle nicotine in a sealed hooded clean room box but if need be I have respirators I can use. However since most people don't have sealed clean rooms w/ laminar hoods at home & they still manage to handle nicotine safely, I am guessing I'll be fine with my current setup. Thank you for your concern though, I appreciate that nicotine is potentially a very dangerous chemical that needs to be respected & shouldn't be handled by anyone who doesn't know what they are doing or fully appreciate the risks. I also appreciate that members of this forum look out for each other & speak up if they have concerns about possible unsafe activities.

Again thanks to everyone who responded to my post, I'll respond to the others in a bit once my battery is charged... but in the mean time, does anyone know if any of these devices use CR123 cells? Currently my devices using rechargeable lithium based cells are all standardized around the CR123 cell type & I already have all the chargers I need for that type, so if it was possible to use the CR123 battery size that would be ideal.

Anyhow, thanks again & I'll write a bit later...

Adam

 

[icewall]

You could stack the 123's in a mechanical device, but most prefer a regulated device to start with If you want to stack I suggest a 3ohm cartomizer+tank setup to go with it for starters(And maybe do a search for stacking on forum), before you move into the more advanced atomizers.

 

[timbit]

Icewall- thanks for the suggestion of stacking a couple 123 cells but I've long ago learned that its a not a good idea to run Cr123 in multi-cell configurations... Its one thing to do it with primary (disposable, non-rechargeable) cells but with secondary (i.e. Rechargeable) cells its generally accepted as unsafe & from personal experience I can say that the cells don't like it & it'll trip the safety switch.

Sadly I know from personal experience when I had my headlamp die in the middle of the night, in the middle of a major rain storm (no moon), in the middle of the bush, 2 days from the road but far worse a couple kilometers away from my base camp & my back up light. I had briefly tested the cells in the light but didn't run a full cycle so I didn't learn until it was too late that they'll fail randomly, sometimes right away, sometimes after a few minutes but fail they will.

I ended up lost, wondering around all night trying to find my camp until the next morning. I ended up getting mildly hurt falling off a 4m cliff but all in all I am very lucky, it could have turned out far worse. As it is I survived, relearned the lesson about completely testing your gear before you need it & learned not to rely on rechargeable secondary cr123 cells in series. But thanks for the thought.

I'ld rather have to use multiple cell sizes then have that trouble again.

Adam

 

[timbit]

Quick question,

I was checking out the Darwin & it seemed like that might be a great choice for me but when I cocked on the link it says its out of stock it also says they won't ship to Canada it also says there's a limit of one per customer...

Are there other sources then just shop.nhaler?

To be frank, it would be great if my travel "APV" was USB based since I wouldn't have to carry any extra chargers, cords, plugs, adaptors, etc.. I already have a great USB setup on hand (I combined the 2× 2 port ×2.1A each AC adapters w/folding plugs, my EEEPC USB AC plug
, 6× IGo USB Keyjuices, a tiny DC to AC & USB 2.1A adaptor, 6× 2100mAh lipo batteries, 3 Retractable USB extension cables, 2× magnetic alligator clip USB cables & a large collection of direct microUSB to"x" plug connectors) that allows me almost universal access... Everyone who knows me knows I almost always have a charger on hand for their electronic device. The whole kit weighs almost nothing, takes up very little space & ensures I can always charge whatever I need to. I've combined that with a couple flexible solar panels I built into my pack & I can literally charge my kit any time any where.

Since I've put so much time into my system it would be nice to stick with it, if I can. The only concern I have is does anyone know if the battery is user replaceable? Perhaps with a bit of soldering? I would hate to drop that kind of cash on a device that will have to be thrown out in less then 3 years...

Adam

 

[DailyVapor407]

lavatube or vamo with a protank or vivi nova. Vapes amazing and at a reasonable price.

 

[Valhalla17]

Welcome to ECF and congrats on making the decision to quit. You sound like a hard case which reminds me of me. Checkout: Electronic Cigarette / eGO Spinner Variable Voltage Starter Kit - Quality ecigs from Aqua Vapor Cig Atlanta, Ga . I gives you variable voltage, some good size batteries and a good choice of tanks too start with. The hardest part for me in quiting cigarettes was finding the equipment that produced the desired effect and that part is subjective. You will know what you like when you find it. The next step from there is the larger battery APVs , Vamo, Zmax, Provari, there's alot out there to fit your price range. There is something for everyone out there to create a better and healthier experience than cigarette smoking. Best of luck on your journey to find it.

 

[FordPrefect]

Damn, it really sounds like you have a lot of your .... together; however, NOW you have got to fix your body. I understand that chemicals, electronics, and the like are simple and operate within a set of rules, but your mind and body are a bit harder to work with.

It seems like you need something that will get you up and vaping quickly so I really recommend an eGo kit with variable voltage. A quick google search should point you at dozens. Once you have your eGo, you will probably move on to much cooler and more interesting mods quickly and love every minute and every penny.

I'm using an eGo-C Twist by Joye right now and its AMAZING. As far as atomizers the Kanger Pro-tank Mini is really nice, but just about any of the clearomizers work pretty well out of the box.

To summarize: Get an eGo kit and a sampler of juices overnighted, then figure out the rest later.

Welcome, you're gonna love vaping, and Cheers!