Hello folks, I just wanted to provide my own experiences making the transition to e-smoking. I hope it is ok that I am mentioning some companies by name, this is only to offer what I believe is the best path specifically to get started. I smoked only for two years prior to vaping, but I have not smoked a single analog for 4 months now and I could not be happier. Here is my best advice on how to get started:
1. EQUIPMENT
a. You are going to want to pick up a starter kit. In my experience hands down the best place to go for startup equipment is ecigsupply.com. They have a 510 starter kit for about $40, and with the coupon firsttime I think, you get $5 off. This is a very good deal. The 510 is a good starter, it looks much like an analog, the only problem for heavy users may be battery life.
b. This step is optional, but while you are there, you may want to pick up one more 510 battery (the kit comes with two) and maybe two 510 atomizers. You will probably do this later, and you may as well consolidate the shipping. It is always good to have spares of these, one of your batteries might die, and the atties can break or get gross flavors in them that are difficult to remove. I went straight to dripping, and got a drip-tip (read up on this if you choose), but the cartridges are very reasonable also, you are going to want to fill your own carts or drip in the long run, trust me on that, much cheaper.
c. You probably will want to invest in a portable charging case. I found one for 510s at electroniccigarettesinc.com (or something like that) for $15 free shipping! This one works pretty well considering the price, and has been very convenient for me on the go.
d. With all this stuff you are probably in the hole about 60-100 bucks, which is not too bad at all. If this is too steep, you could just do the starter kit for $40 which basically busts the myth, in my opinion that the equipment is expensive! You will need to understand that you might have to replace a piece or two once in a blue moon, but this should still be waaaaay cheaper than analogs in the long-term!
2. EJUICE
a. This is the toughest (and initially most expensive) aspect of e-smoking in my opinion. You are going to need to find a flavor you are happy with, the right nicotine concentration, and the proper pg/vg ratio.
b. First you want to find a site that offers reasonably priced sample packs (like wordupecig.com!) or cheap 5mil bottles (like vaporbomb.com!), this way you can experiment on some variables. Try to find a vendor that lets you choose the vg/pg ratio, both the vendors I just mentioned offer this service.
c. Find some flavors that you are comfortable with, either a tobacco that approximates your chosen analog brand, or just some flavors you like. Finding a good flavor can be hard, pick a reputable vendor and try a few different ones. Out of about 20 flavors I have sampled, I only like about 4, maybe I am picky!
d. Nic concentration is tricky, but generally heavy smokers may like 24mg, and light may like 12mg. I settled on 12, this variable will affect the throat-hit and also if too low could mean you are vaping constantly, too much and it could make you sick if you vape a little too often, so start low and work your way up if you think the amount is insufficient I think.
e. Vg/pg is also tricky. I started out on 80pg/20vg and this was too much pg. It was very bad on my throat and it almost felt like my throat closed up! Then I tried 100% vg organic stuff and the flavor was dull, and it tasted and felt, if this makes sense glyceriney, very thick and no good. I settled on 60pg/40vg.
f. This is important, talk to the vendors. Most of them are small business owners, and they are still establishing themselves. They value customer feedback, and want return business and word of mouth. Ask them questions, get recommendations, and let them know what you like. Chances are they will give you important information about their products, and they will most likely send you some samples. These web businesses are basically in my experiences, very dedicated and helpful individuals.
g. Dont get discouraged, it may take time to find a juice you like, it may take a few tries to get the nic and pg/vg right. vaping should be a very enjoyable experience, even better than smoking in my opinion.
3. THE TRANSITION TO VAPING
a. You may develop symptoms from quitting analogs, or get sick during the transition. People have a tendency to outright blame vaping for these problems. Lookup quitting symptoms and if you have a health problem, seek a medical professional. I am not saying it is not good to be cautious; just dont self diagnose and blame vaping without justification.
b. HYDRATE YOURSELF this is the most important thing in my opinion. I always have plenty of water on hand when I vape. I bought a metal water bottle when I started vaping. This will prevent dehydration, health problems, and it can never hurt to drink plenty of water. HYDRATE YOURSELF, preferably with good old fashioned H20!
c. Seek out the advice of the vets on ECF. They may be a bit biased about vaping, but this is because vaping has in most cases really transformed their lives for the better. They have valuable experience and in are generally very supportive, wonderful and helpful people.
d. Add other positive life changes that vaping has made possible. One of the real benefits of vaping for me has been that I have all the fun of smoking, without the health problems. Go smell stuff! I have started to exercise daily, these positive life changes are bonuses to vaping that you are now capable of and should capitalize on. Of course give yourself some time for a transitional period.
Good luck on your transition into vaping! I hope this advice has been helpful.
-ASULoki
1. EQUIPMENT
a. You are going to want to pick up a starter kit. In my experience hands down the best place to go for startup equipment is ecigsupply.com. They have a 510 starter kit for about $40, and with the coupon firsttime I think, you get $5 off. This is a very good deal. The 510 is a good starter, it looks much like an analog, the only problem for heavy users may be battery life.
b. This step is optional, but while you are there, you may want to pick up one more 510 battery (the kit comes with two) and maybe two 510 atomizers. You will probably do this later, and you may as well consolidate the shipping. It is always good to have spares of these, one of your batteries might die, and the atties can break or get gross flavors in them that are difficult to remove. I went straight to dripping, and got a drip-tip (read up on this if you choose), but the cartridges are very reasonable also, you are going to want to fill your own carts or drip in the long run, trust me on that, much cheaper.
c. You probably will want to invest in a portable charging case. I found one for 510s at electroniccigarettesinc.com (or something like that) for $15 free shipping! This one works pretty well considering the price, and has been very convenient for me on the go.
d. With all this stuff you are probably in the hole about 60-100 bucks, which is not too bad at all. If this is too steep, you could just do the starter kit for $40 which basically busts the myth, in my opinion that the equipment is expensive! You will need to understand that you might have to replace a piece or two once in a blue moon, but this should still be waaaaay cheaper than analogs in the long-term!
2. EJUICE
a. This is the toughest (and initially most expensive) aspect of e-smoking in my opinion. You are going to need to find a flavor you are happy with, the right nicotine concentration, and the proper pg/vg ratio.
b. First you want to find a site that offers reasonably priced sample packs (like wordupecig.com!) or cheap 5mil bottles (like vaporbomb.com!), this way you can experiment on some variables. Try to find a vendor that lets you choose the vg/pg ratio, both the vendors I just mentioned offer this service.
c. Find some flavors that you are comfortable with, either a tobacco that approximates your chosen analog brand, or just some flavors you like. Finding a good flavor can be hard, pick a reputable vendor and try a few different ones. Out of about 20 flavors I have sampled, I only like about 4, maybe I am picky!
d. Nic concentration is tricky, but generally heavy smokers may like 24mg, and light may like 12mg. I settled on 12, this variable will affect the throat-hit and also if too low could mean you are vaping constantly, too much and it could make you sick if you vape a little too often, so start low and work your way up if you think the amount is insufficient I think.
e. Vg/pg is also tricky. I started out on 80pg/20vg and this was too much pg. It was very bad on my throat and it almost felt like my throat closed up! Then I tried 100% vg organic stuff and the flavor was dull, and it tasted and felt, if this makes sense glyceriney, very thick and no good. I settled on 60pg/40vg.
f. This is important, talk to the vendors. Most of them are small business owners, and they are still establishing themselves. They value customer feedback, and want return business and word of mouth. Ask them questions, get recommendations, and let them know what you like. Chances are they will give you important information about their products, and they will most likely send you some samples. These web businesses are basically in my experiences, very dedicated and helpful individuals.
g. Dont get discouraged, it may take time to find a juice you like, it may take a few tries to get the nic and pg/vg right. vaping should be a very enjoyable experience, even better than smoking in my opinion.
3. THE TRANSITION TO VAPING
a. You may develop symptoms from quitting analogs, or get sick during the transition. People have a tendency to outright blame vaping for these problems. Lookup quitting symptoms and if you have a health problem, seek a medical professional. I am not saying it is not good to be cautious; just dont self diagnose and blame vaping without justification.
b. HYDRATE YOURSELF this is the most important thing in my opinion. I always have plenty of water on hand when I vape. I bought a metal water bottle when I started vaping. This will prevent dehydration, health problems, and it can never hurt to drink plenty of water. HYDRATE YOURSELF, preferably with good old fashioned H20!
c. Seek out the advice of the vets on ECF. They may be a bit biased about vaping, but this is because vaping has in most cases really transformed their lives for the better. They have valuable experience and in are generally very supportive, wonderful and helpful people.
d. Add other positive life changes that vaping has made possible. One of the real benefits of vaping for me has been that I have all the fun of smoking, without the health problems. Go smell stuff! I have started to exercise daily, these positive life changes are bonuses to vaping that you are now capable of and should capitalize on. Of course give yourself some time for a transitional period.
Good luck on your transition into vaping! I hope this advice has been helpful.
-ASULoki
