An introduction, and some questions!

[hopefulquitter]

Hello everyone!

I'm always a little nervous to join a new forum--figuring out the rules, what post should go where, posting questions that have already been answered, etc. But I do hope that you can help me!

A little background: I took my first puff of a cigarette at age 11 though I'd hardly call myself a "smoker" back then. I smoked off and on for a few years, whenever peer pressure reared its ugly head, and became a full-fledged addict around age 15. So, I've been smoking for 11 years. However, if you consider the fact that my mother was a smoker (and had no qualms about smoking around me) you could easily say that I've been "smoking" my whole life.

I've only just recently found out about e-cigs. I can't believe how much information is out there! It's is very overwhelming, so I'm hoping you can help me. There seems to be so many different brands/flavors/strengths and I'm not sure where to start. Would someone be able to recommend a brand or strength for me?

I can tell you that I currently smoke camel 9s (in the pink box--so not menthol). I smoke roughly a half a pack a day. My fear is that I am going to pick a brand that isn't strong enough, or TOO strong, or that doesn't have enough vapor. I'd say that my current cigs are right in the middle in terms of strenght--certainly a "light" where you have to suck like a siphon to get any nicotine, and definitely not as harsh as a Marlboro Red or it's equivalent. If anyone here has tried a Camel Special Light or Parliament Light, I'd say 9s are very comparable.

I do hope to find a brand that resembles an actual cigarette. It sounds so stupid, but I feel like I would look ridiculous with one of those long pen ones. Forgive me, I know I sound like an idiot! I'm sure it is a much bigger improvement when you consider the reactions people have when sucking on a cancer stick.

Anyway, if anyone has any recommendations I would really appreciate it. I do have a couple of other questions, and if you've read this far---Thank you!

1) How long do the little nicotine pads last? Would it be worth it to buy extras right away?

2) Does the vapor feel like actual smoke when inhaling?

I'm off to browse the forums some more now. Thank you to anyone who has read my ramblings and is gracious enough to give me their opinion.

 

[hopefulquitter]

Oops, I meant to say that my brand of cigs aren't as weak as a light.

 

[yknotagain]

Welcome hopefulquitter. You probably want to start with the http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ion-newbies-pics-most-common-models-here.html thread in this forum to get an better idea of what the more common models look like.

I use both the M401 and 510. The M401 is an auto-switch model, looks more like a cig and has better flavor, much longer battery life and can be used hands-free. The 510 is a manual switch model and can produce a hotter vapor, thus producing more vapor.

The cartridges for most models are refillable, so get some bottles of e-juice to try out. You can always start with a slightly stronger nicotine rating and dilute with VG for more vapor or PG for slightly less flavor loss.

If you check out the e-liquid forums you can get a better idea of what they taste like. Some are more tobacco flavored, some sweet and some in between.

The one thing you don't get with vaping is the CO2 hit - (oxygen block to the brain).

 

[hopefulquitter]

Thank you so much for your reply!
If you don't mind, what is the difference between a manual switch model and an auto switch model? What does that mean, exactly?

I did watch one video where a man was reviewing his e-cig and he commented on how much he liked that his nic-juice had a screwable cap---but I'm wondering how dangerous it is to handle the nicotine? I ask because I read the book "The Only Way to Quit Smoking" (or something like that) and I remember the author mentioned that one drop of pure nicotine injected in your body can kill you. So I'm wondering if there is any danger by accidentaly spilling the juice on your skin or anything?

 

[YKruss]

Thank you so much for your reply!
If you don't mind, what is the difference between a manual switch model and an auto switch model? What does that mean, exactly?

Welcome Hope!

Everything you need to know, at least for start, is in a Spikey thread - http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...2-new-updated-comprehensive-intro-vaping.html, don't skip her video.

 

[solitary1]

Hey,hopeful quitter,welcome to the family.I was a full flavor smoker and camel was my brand also.I was less than a pack a day and I have found that 24mg is just right for most days.I can vape all day with no problem.Once in a while I like to treat myself to a nice stiff 36mg for the rough days(ooooohhhh!Thats Niiiicccee!).You sound like you would do well in the 6 to 18mg range(start at 11 and don't get large quantity in case you want higher or lower).At 36mg I can't vape too long or I feel a tingling in my lungs,kind of a tight feeling.I have to say this is about the only time I put my PV down or will be out of reach of it.24 is much more comfortable for me personally.

 

[hopefulquitter]

Thank you so much for your responses!

YKruss, I watched the whole video. THANK YOU! It was exactly what I needed. I do have a couple of questions though:

1) Buying the liquids seems like the best idea, but I'm still confused about the PG and VG. Is the nicotine already mixed IN when you buy them or are they separate? I guess I'm confused because I saw on other sections of the forum that members are going out and buying their own PG or VG....but then where does the nicotine come from? If you could explain this to me like I'm a fifth grader I'd greatly appreciate it!

2) I'm still confused about manual/auto switches. Does that have to do with inhaling and the battery turning on? Which one is better?

3) Would you be able to link me to a section that discusses the best company to buy from? Or which ones won't rip me off?


Solitary1: Thank you for the welcome! And thank you for the recommendations on nic levels. Do the companies tend to sell the device AND the juice or do people get them separate?

 

[yknotagain]

1)The liquid comes mixed in either PG (most common) or VG. Nicotine can be extracted from tobacco, tomatoes, or one of many other plants, or can be produced artificially.

2)Manual switch means you push a button to activate it, auto-switch activates when you draw in. Which is better? This is personal preference.

3)There is a forum directed at this and a sponsors section. http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/electronic-cigarette-reviews/

Most companies sell both the kits and the liquid.

 

[Kent C]

However, if you consider the fact that my mother was a smoker (and had no qualms about smoking around me) you could easily say that I've been "smoking" my whole life.

Just so you know - that's a myth:

ETS and Second Hand Smoke