Absolute boob

[dumbdummy]

Hey guys,

I've been dipping chew for about 11 years and i'm looking to switch to vaping. The only thing is, i'm completely clueless on where to start. I've tried researching online and looking at different things but it's all Greek to me.
I dip about 3 cans a week, was told to get a box mod and get liquid that's higher in nicotine to start out. That's all I've got for knowledge. I'm not looking to break the bank (saw those Provape sticks O_O) so any knowledge ya'll have would be awesome! I don't think i'd be in to the huge clouds, but it might be kind of fun later on down the line.

Thanks and happy to be here!

 

[sawlight]

First, let's get an idea of your budget, that will determine suggestions.
Getting the nic right will be the hard part, dipping delivers more nic, and differently than smoking so getting the level right will be a bit harder.
As you were never a smoker it's going to be a bit harder to find the draw you will like, mouth to lung or direct lung hits.
I hate making this suggestion, but you are a bit of a special case. So before diving in go to a local convience store and pick up a Blu, Vuse, Markten kit and try that out to see if you even like the experience of vaping. This will get you started for under $20 so you don't have a bunch of money wrapped up if you don't like it.
See how that goes, get the strongest they sell btw, then tell us what you do and don't like and we can work from there.
Sorry I'm not much more help and I really hate suggesting that route, but that's as low buck as we can get to try it.

 

[dumbdummy]

No, that's actually perfect!
I used to smoke (guess i should've said that too) but the last time i had one was 7 years ago but i guess it was a pack every couple days(?) hard to remember.
Budget, well... i guess i could drop $150 but that would have to be for everything. I understand the initial investment will be higher but in terms of the long run... I know that well enough. Wife wanted cloth diapers for our boy...it was cheaper in the long run, but still smelled like .... But it'll save me money in the long run. I guess that's another thing. If i buy a box mod, what's the life on those things, will i have to buy one every year, two years, etc? Are the other components the same... having to change out every month, cleaning, whatever? I guess i'm treating this like building a new PC... I just don't know the components and their life. Does that make sense?

Thanks for the suggestion though, i'll try what you said and report back. Thanks so much!

 

[sawlight]

There really isn't a determined life on mods, too many factors, environment, drops, usage, handling etc. I've got a Provari that's five years old, still works but needs another led screen. I've heard two people using the same mod, one lasted six months, the other three years.
Thing is, the technology of these things changes so fast in six months you are using "outdated" gear!
The atomizers, tanks, drippers, toppers, what have you, can last a very long time! The metal ones at least. I've got tanks that are 7yrs old and going strong! They were around $20ea then and prices haven't gone up a lot since then.
@BrotherBob will be along shortly with his recommended reading, read the blogs he provides and see if you are willing to deal with the effort to do this safely. I don't sugar coat it, it's work to get things you like and work right. Battery safety is a must!
But get a disposable, try it then we can get you pointed in a better direction. If you do it fairly quick you can still get in on some of these crazy July 4th sales and save some coin!

 

[dumbdummy]

+1
Thank you sir! I'll get something tomorrow from CVS/similar and let you know tomorrow night.
Thanks so much for the help!

 

[sawlight]

Not a problem.

 

[OlderNDirt]

I think a big part of what to get and how much to spend depends on what level of commitment you want to make to quitting cigs, or in this case, the chew. When I started out vaping, I invested the same amount as I would have smoking for two weeks, about $100. That for gear and another $30 for a couple good juice flavors. I just felt that amount of investment would give some added incentive to give it a good, honest try, at least for the first two weeks.

So, my suggestion is to take a little time and hit a vape shop or two, see what they have to say and what they have for you to try. Tasting is usually done with a simple pen style set-up, so you can see if that is enough and/or how much more you feel you would need. Not only will that cost you nothing, but it will give you the chance at finding a flavor or two you think you will like for whatever gear you end up getting (assuming you get a refillable tank....or two), And you are not obligated to buy anything on that first visit and if the first shop you try doesn't seem to work, try another! Take the info on gear you get home and check online for reasonable pricing. If considerably less, go for that and if close, stop back at the shop, buy it, and walk out vaping.

I am a firm believer that finding a juice (or 2 or 3) you like is equally important to what gear you get and the best way to find that juice is at the vape shop. Cheaper and online juice can come later.

Good luck and welcome to ECF and vaping!

 

[dumbdummy]

Sounds good, thanks Dirt!

 

[sawlight]

I certainly agree with @OlderNDirt about local shops for flavors! Taste all the juices you can stand to find something you like, it's a lot more convient to get juice local vs online.
Also use that time to look at mods and size them up for your needs.
But with some of the crazy online sales this weekend, your money will go a lot further than a local shop for gear.

 

[sonicbomb]

A Naultilus Mini and an iStick 30 would be good place to start.

 

[disley]

Juul

 

[glointhedark]

Where are you located? If we know where you are, perhaps some veteran vapers can recommend some decent vape shops for you to check out. We live in the Sacramento area of California, and my daughter and her boyfriend found a local vape shop with pricing comparable to that offered online, and a great, knowledgeable staff to help with anything we are not sure of. Believe it or not, there are some B&M (brick and mortar) shops that really care about their customers, and are willing and able to try to tailor their recommendations to the wants and needs of their customers.

 

[Marina2]

Hello and welcome! You'll find lots of help here in the forum.

I'd suggest a set up like the Joyetech Ego AIO to start with. It's a really easy to use device. AIO meaning "all in one". You don't have to buy a separate tank or battery as they're built into the unit. The vape tastes great with the stainless steel coils (included with the kit) and it's easy to recharge using the usb charger. Filling it with e liquid is simple; just unscrew the top and fill the chamber. It's an inexpensive way to try out vaping without resorting to drugstore cig-a-likes which are often disappointing. For less than 20.00 you can get a great vape and be better able to judge how well you like vaping.
http://www.joyetech.com/product/ego-aio/
eGo AIO - Joyetech

Then, if you like vaping and want to get into a more advanced mod I'd suggest the Joyetech eVic VTwo kit. Includes a Cubis Pro tank (similar to the AIO tank portion and uses the same coils.) With this mod you have room to grow. You can experiment with different tanks and vaping styles as you get to know what all is out there. It's a very reliable and versatile mod and comes with all you need to get started except juice and a battery. Shop around online. I've seen it anywhere from to 50-70 dollars. A battery will run you around 10 dollars.
http://www.joyetech.com/product/evic-vtwo-mini-cubis-pro/
eVic VTwo Mini with CUBIS Pro - Joyetech

There are many devices and ways to get started but those would be my choice if I started today. As suggested earlier in the thread, the Nautilus Mini tank on the Istick 30 watt battery is another good set up. It's what I started with last year and it worked well for me.

Good luck with everything!

 

[BrotherBob]

Welcome dumbdummy and glad you joined.
Might like to read:
Beginner | Guide To Vaping
ECigarette Academy: Essential Need to Know for New Vapers
One Stop Reference Shop For New and Experienced Vapers
Learn About Vaping Here - Everything Ecigs - From Beginner To Advanced
Ch. 4 E Cig Battery Basics: Cig-a-Likes, Egos, and Mods - onVaping
(10) Advancing Up the Vaping Ladder with Egos and Mods | E-Cigarette Forum
(4) Good Starter Setups for a Beginning Vapor | E-Cigarette Forum

 

[djsvapour]

My personal feeling is not to buy something with no adjust-ability and to avoid products which claim to be 'perfect for beginners' but chuck out mad clouds for no sensible reason.
... and please try to avoid the expensive brands that say the are the "best" or "#1 rated" and peddle their shockingly-bad, outdated products.
It's an insult to everyone committed to vaping (the health benefits and lifestyle) when brands charge $119 for a $29 e-cig.

 

[dumbdummy]

So i guess the local vape shop was closed today. Didn't pick anything up (was pretty bummed). I'll probably just wait until Tuesday and go over there to see what they have.
Someone asked where i'm at, i'm in Bozeman, Montana. There's a couple shops here but i was talking to a friend and he ended up building something i could use but I'm not sure how i feel about the whole "customization" aspect, the coils in particular.
I looked at that AIO and that seems like a really great deal.
Guess i'll update you guys/gals on Tuesday after i check out the local shop. Thanks again for all the replies!!

 

[JC Okie]

So i guess the local vape shop was closed today. Didn't pick anything up (was pretty bummed). I'll probably just wait until Tuesday and go over there to see what they have.
Someone asked where i'm at, i'm in Bozeman, Montana. There's a couple shops here but i was talking to a friend and he ended up building something i could use but I'm not sure how i feel about the whole "customization" aspect, the coils in particular.
I looked at that AIO and that seems like a really great deal.
Guess i'll update you guys/gals on Tuesday after i check out the local shop. Thanks again for all the replies!!

Welcome to the forum. Many of us use self-built coils, so I'm sure the "customization" will be fine. It's better than resorting to cigarettes, right? Good luck finding what you need when you vape shop opens on Tuesday.

 

[DampMop]

Juul

Not suitable as a primary. Battery life is low, device and refills are expensive and nowhere to go as far as customizing. As an expensive high nic hit in an emergency maybe.

 

[djsvapour]

.... but I'm not sure how i feel about the whole "customization" aspect, the coils in particular.
I looked at that AIO and that seems like a really great deal.

In my opinion, customization is king. Being able to vape how you want (5 watts, 25 watts or 75 watts, airflow/inhale) is essential.
The AIO is a great deal. It's also inflexible in some ways. For me, I would not recommend it unless it ticks the right boxes.
Lots of people need to acclimatize themselves to the vapor created by the devices or need particularly low or high power to get started. There's not really a "one ideal product" - if I had to choose one it would be variable power with a choice of inhale.

 

[dumbdummy]

So this is what i went with. The sales were pretty good, couldn't get in to the local shop because of the holiday, i'll see how it goes and update.
Thanks again guys!