beating a d--d horse

[8a31]

I have been reading these forms for the last week or so and have gotten good info but am more confused.
I smoke 1 1/2 packs of Marlboro light 100's per day. I have smoked for over 20 years. I have tried to quit using all kind of methods and even gimmicks with no luck. I am looking for something that I can start off using to decrease my analog obsession with hopes of quitting.
I have seen posts about the 510's but battery life is a concern. The ego looks good but its a little big to start off with I think. I went to a local dealer today and they had the diamond series but the inhale had no fullness with the 24mg cartridge.
The size is important to me at the start because I want to mimic as best as I can the habit I have had for so many years. The most important thing though is the fullness (i dont just want to feel like im taking in just flavored air). I am lost on what to get and what the true pros and cons are of each.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

Welcome to ECF!

I understand about wanting your first e-cig to look like a cigarette, but here's the crux of the matter; Smaller batteries have a shorter duration between charges. That's just a fact. You could buy a kit with the small batteries and a personal charging case like the Volt from Smokeless Image. The bigger batteries like the eGo or Riva are going to last longer between charges, so that is something you'll want to consider.

vaping isn't like smoking in many respects. There isn't any burning tobacco or paper, so the taste cannot be replicated. Vapor doesn't act the same way that smoke does so you may not get the "fullness" or throat hit that you expect. If you want lots of vapor, then you'll want juice with more VG in it. If you want more throat hit, then you'll want more PG. Nicotine absorption is also slower with vaping than it is with cigarettes. Very rarely do you ever get the "rush" that you can with smoking.

It takes some time to adjust to vaping and you'll have to make some concessions along the way. I would suggest that you reconsider the eGo or Riva because of the battery life.

 

[ardelleg]

I think most everyone starts out wanting something the size of a cigarette.

But when I got my first KR808's I found that while they were about the size of a cigarette they were quite a bit heavier so were not quite like a cig. I bought spares to make up for the battery life, 2-3 hours. While I still use them I wound up buying an Elegant Easy, same 808 threads but about the size of an Ego. I found that the size wasn't an issue and the longer battery life is nice. I am now waiting for a 650 Echo.

Mostly I was glad that I bought one before I knew there were so many choices. Had I been reading here before I bought my first ecig I am afraid I would still be trying to make up my mind... suffering from confusion paralysis. I found it easier to figure out what I was reading about with one in my hand.

I started with 18 mg and it was enough to keep me from wanting to have a cig. YMMV I now use anywhere from 24 down to 0, mostly around 6

 

[4mehealth]

If size is critical in your opinion, then go with a Volt or a Bloog. Make sure you order a Personal Charging Case. Otherwise, you'll be s.o.l. at some point during the day.

Otherwise, follow WOH's advice and seriously consider the eGo/ Riva. The battery will last longer and you won't be as "frustrated" with switching out batteries. For ease of use, get the eGo/ Riva with cartomizers. Then it becomes a 2 piece and it's one less thing to worry about.

WIth respect to juice, when you start out, order varying levels. Don't just stick with one.

One more note, tobacco flavor does not taste like a cig.

 

[Iffy]

Being a 2 PaD smoker for over 45 years and a complete failure at 'cold turkey', I plead with you to reconsider and go with an eGo or such. That's what I started with and with that first drag, analogs were a part of my rancid, tar coated lunged and 'nico-tar-slavery' past.

Lil' things like frequently charging batts, constant juice refills, lack of taste, vapor and TH will only give you possible 'reasons' to give up on vaping if you're not fully committed to quitting tobacco. Many have gone through the torturous trial and test of will and succeeded. But many more, I being one, took the advise of the generous ECF folk and started on the right track.

Good luck!!!

 

[countrygirl1291]

I felt the same way about wanting to duplicate the size/look of a real cigarette when I first tried an e-cig a few years ago. I bought a mini, wasn't happy with it, and ended up giving it away and going back to smoking.

I thought I wanted the same thing this time around, but ECF folks convinced me to try a RiVa (eGo) since I'd already failed with a mini. I love my RiVa. I haven't totally switched over from analogs yet, but I'm working on it and it's going to happen.

But you don't have that first 'mini-experience' under your belt like I did. So you may need to start with a mini just to get yourself through that stage of wanting to feel like you're still a smoker. If so, the Volt has been getting some rave reviews and you might start with that. I haven't tried it, but others here have and can review it for you.

You're going to hear conflicting opinions about starting with a mini vs a big bat like the RiVa (which actually doesn't feel as large in your hands as you might imagine). Some will tell you under no circumstances to start with a mini.

My advice is to start with a good mini like the Volt if you feel you need to. But make a commitment to yourself that you're not going to give up on e-cigs if the mini disappoints you. Decide in advance that, if that happens, you'll try something like a RiVa or REO or whatever cool thing you're interested in by then before deciding e-cigs won't work for you.

Good luck to you, and welcome to ECF. There's not a nicer or more helpful group of people out there, so I know they'll help you find your sweet spot.

 

[hairball]

Welcome to ECF.

If you are looking for fullness, skip all the proprietary batteries and go straight for a mod. I know this isn't what you are looking for but for satisfaction, this is mostly what you need.

Since a cig thing is what you are looking for, I suggest getting a couple of 510 kits. Why do I say a couple? Because you'll need at least 4 batteries to keep you powered for all day. Plus you'll get 4 atomizers and 20 prefilled cartridges (nasty things but work). Get a couple more atomizers, a box of Boge regular resistance cartomizers, a drip tip, a couple packs of blank cartridges, and some 18-24mg bottles of juice...then you're all set to move forward.

If battery life is a concern, I suggest one riva kit from liberty-flights with all the extras that I listed in the last paragraph. The riva will give you more of the "fullness" that you are looking for where the smaller cig battery won't IMO.

Good luck to you and please let us know what you decide.

 

[AttyPops]

I like all of the above. Can't really disagree with it. I went through the rather typical method of the time.... 510's-> larger battery 3.7 volt (mods) -> now 5 volt box mods. Got tired of charging small batteries real fast. Got over the whole form factor thing rather quickly.

I understand about the "hit-fullness" thing. The main reason I've stayed off cigs is the 5 volt and the "hit" of it. Some do that with the eGo type units and lower ohm atomizers. OTOH... M.Lights were too light for me. lol. I was full flavor about a PAD.

5 volts is warmer and fuller. The LR's do that too. The trick is that you can't really use LR's with the small batteries (at least not effectively) and they are not 5 volts. They just don't have enough capacity (but see below).

There are many that have used 510's and KR808's to quit. And love the form factor. But form follows function, and hit/voltage follows battery size. So it's a trade off.

So you basically have to decide... hit-fullness or form-factor. There is a cheat.. if you have the cash to experiment with. Try getting a KR808 and a lower ohm atomizer. I know... I know.... But you can try it. It will max out. It will stress the battery. But it doesn't have enough amps to fry it. Probably won't vent the battery. So.... at your own risk... try it. Get a 2.5 or even 2.0 ohm atomizer for a kr808 and see how it works. See how long it lasts. If you like it, and insist on that form factor, get a stack of them (like 10 or 20) and see. They have multi-chargers for them too with like 5 or 10 connectors at once. Like I said... not really recommended and is a "cheat". No warranties by me, express or implied with this one. The batteries get stressed... I suppose it could vent either while in use or while charging so be careful. IDK if it would, but it theoretically could, I guess. Or die a quick death. If you only get 45 minutes of vaping from a battery this way... is that OK?

Then again, you could go strait to a 5 v or vv box mod. Full hits.

 

[8a31]

I am considering all suggestions. I want to stop and need to stop. as I said I have talked with my doctor many times about what I can do. My chiropractor urged me to consider e-cigs. As far as the size I am new so my wanting a similar size to what I have is common as I have seen but not set in stone. As for the flavor, I understand the taste will be different but the TH or fullness is my concern. I know in advance that if it has no substance it will end up in a drawer which is what I dont want. I want this to work thats why instead of just reading Im asking. so THANK YOU for this help.

 

[JWebb]

8a31, welcome to ECF adn I smoked 1 1/2 packs of Winstons a day for 30 years, I know wxactly what you are syaing, something small like a real cig but a full flavor like a real cig. Sorry but the rule is the more it lokks like a real cig, the less it will give the flavor and performance. Try a 510 kit from litecigsusa or cignot and see if it works. The batteries will go out after about a hour or so if you smoked that much. You can get extra batteries, but you will tire quickly of recharging and carrying them. You may want to try the eGo or Riva from Litecigs or Libertflights, it is not that big and you get used to it really fast adn it lasts like 61/2 hours on a 650 mah or clode to 9 hours or more on a 900mah battery. You have to lean about he juice and the cartidges adn cartos etc to see what works. Afer a fre months most go to a mod that can last all day or up to 3 days depending on the model and even some that feed the juicve so you don't have to fuss with cartidges or cartos. go the the ECF library on hte home page and read the 6 part series :The womderful world of vaing" it will help a lot of what to look for and prepare for, good luck!

 

[JWebb]

I agree with Countrygirl, the Reo mini juice fed is probably going to be the best for you, the Darwin is good and the Provari also, but they are not juice fed but work very well. I use the reo mini for the portability and the Porvari at home. Ego sometine as well.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

We don't want your vaping journey to end in a drawer, either! There's a learning curve to vaping and a lot of it takes some experimentation until you find the right kit, hardware and juice to suit you. I can guarantee you this; if you stick with it, you'll find that vaping nirvana and you'll definitely find plenty of support here. We'll answer your questions and try to point you in the right direction.

 

[Nicko]

In my experience, minis are just a waste of time and money. Get something bigger like an ego. You won't regret it. And the people on this forum will help you every step of the way.

 

[studio52]

You should be able to find your way ok...just take your time, find the right device and ejuice for your needs and enjoy.

 

[burgblu]

Why spend all that money on a reo to see if you like it. try one of these 3.7 v Box Mod and if you like the juice fed then spend the money on an expensive one. like these Red Sky Mods - Home

 

[Hdivr]

As many above posters have said, consider an Ego. My final choice and 1st ecig was an Ego (because of battery life) and a passthrough battery (ease of charging around computer, car, etc). Couldn't be happier. Started with carts, now choosing cartomizers and direct dripping. Charge up battery every morning and don't have to charge again until that night or next morning. I've never ran the battery dry yet! (650 ma).

Just starting out a person wants as little as hassle as possible. I didn't want to fumble with batteries, chargers, etc. I follow the KISS principle.

 

[Mudflap]

Why spend all that money on a reo to see if you like it.

Because it's cheaper than cancer?

 

[Meddog]

Everyone has an opinion, and this is about the same as arguing which analog brand is preferred, Marlboro, Camel etc. Do yourself a favor. Go to smokeless image and look at the volt. I started with something big that cost a fortune, it just wasn't me and I almost gave up. Then I happened upon the Volt. It is all I use. Start there, it's inexpensive and works well. It is only slightly larger than an analog. Buy a couple of batteries and try it out. Also, realize that while some people will tell you that they started vapeing and quit smoking immediately, there are others who did not. You do not have to quit the day you start vapeing. Take it slow, relax and enjoy the new experience. If you have patience with yourself, you will get to where you want to be.

 

[stash]

i bought a 510 one night just on a whim, and that was almost 2 months ago, and i have not smoked a analog since then!!

battery life... yes it is a problem, for me not so much since i work from home i can always keep one charging and switch back and forth, if you find you are out of the house alot then you may want to look for something bigger, i just saw a guy with a ego-T and he claimed it lasted all day, and the amount of vapor was insane!! it is bigger, but if you think you are going to be away from a power supply for extended periods of time it may be the perfect solution.

most 510s are relatively inexpensive, so why not start with one and use that to transition and once you discover how much you love to vape instead of smoke then look into getting somethign a little more intricate that can better handle your needs

 

[Mr. Buttflakes]

buy a volt or bloog(best cig styles around)and a riva/e-go 510 because you'll find your gonna end up with 2 kits eventually anyways. Something for on the go and something for at home. These two are perfect in my rotation and love it.