Desperate: Need PERFECT Menthol E-Cig Reccomendation for Calrlton Menthol Smoker

[chimney55]

I wonder if Halo G6 cartos would fit, they are KR808-1 I believe and horizontal coil at the bottom. Is Volt vertical wire heat element? I really like the G6, but for the price the volt looks good and those sealed autos are great.
True about ecig skins, I love colors and designs etc, but thought just maybe they have a white or off white to help Barb out bnrk

As far as I know, any KR808d-1 cartos will fit and work. I got KR808d-1 cartos from someone else once when I ordered a adapter to use my VOLT cartos on my eGos. They worked, but not as well as the volt ones. You could try an experiment. Also, it's my understanding that you can charge the VOLTs on any KR808D-1 charger, so you might be able to save a little money that way---as long as the Halos are truly KR808d-1s.

 

[malyden]

I also would go with the Volt from Smokeless Image and I would recommend you get all the sampler packs - because when it come to eliquid you never really know what you're gonna like.
I'm a long time ecig user and have found the warmth, amount of the vapor and ease of use of the Volt to be just what I needed to feed my habit. I have found that I like the automatics as it tends to be more similar to the feel of a real cig. The 78 batteries last for about 3-4 hours and I recommend getting a kit with at least two batteries. I would also recommend a pcc, SI is going to be getting a new style of pcc in soon so you can always order that later when it comes in.

Also set up an account and sign up for their news letter - they have a lot of great sales!

Here's a link to their forum thread (warning its a long one but has a lot of good info) http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...87974-official-smokelessimage-com-thread.html

Hope this helps and I wish the best of luck to you and your hubby!

 

[texasgranny]

Barb
None of this will be as easy as walking into the local 7 eleven and him getting his favorite pack of cigs.
It WILL take a little trial and error period to get the right match of juice combined with a unit that will deliver a good hit to satisfy him. Many, many have 2 units and many have 5-10-15.

Juice may be your biggest obstacle to overcome. All vendor juices are different in the make up and all have different taste. You may have to buy from a few different vendors, buy small trial bottles and he may have to try several to find a juice that fits HIS sweet spot.

NO ONE...here...can tell YOU what HE will like.....they can only tell you what they like.

It's great to get some suggestions as you are totally clueless at this point...but in the
end....it will be your hubby who gives the final opinion according to his taste buds.

I was a 35 year menthol smoker, and I did NOT find a menthol juice that I thought would replace the menthol cig that I was smoking.
I have ended up mixing cinnamon (sounds crazy but it works) with a tobacco juice...and
now I have what I think replaces my menthol cig.

But that find....did not come at first and it took many orders and many trial juices to find that out as well as countless hours or reading and learning that suggestion from others here.

Now...I know he "thinks" he wants a ecig that looks like a cig...but if he gets involved in this process and spends a little time here, reading and learning, hopefully he will learn to bypass that urge in time.

He will most likely, get twice the satisfaction, when he bypasses the cig look a likes. But if that is what gets him started, by all means go that direction. But if he falters along the
way and is not getting "satisfaction", remember the sugestions from here, that he may have to have a stronger battery unit and they won't look like a cig.
Battery power plays a huge part, in the ecig satisfaction role.

So the moral of my long winded story is.....if at first you and him...do not succeed, try, try again.

I TOTALLY quit analogs, only after 2 weeks of vaping. I was a 35 year STRONG menthol smoker.

I wanted to live.....and feel better....and I gave it my all, to find the right combo....for me.
But it took...countless hours here, reading and learning, helpful suggestions from this
awesome community of people, order after order to find the right combo and it took MY desire to quit.

And today......is my ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!

The best of luck to you both!!! and he's very lucky to have you!!

PS.. You Tube has alot of videos and reviews on just about every ecig out there.
It may help to watch and learn there as well.....(both You and Your Hubby)

 

[He's My Everything]

Oh, WOW, Granny! Congrats! I am so happy for you!!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

As for your post, trust me - nearly all of that is part of my evil plan... <insert disturbing evil laugh here> You have to understand, right now, he's feeling a lot of not so nice emotions about the smoking thing. He's angry at the cigs and angry at himself for not being able to quit, among other demons. He's uneasy about switching and just wants it to be as seamless a switch as possible, with as little fanfare as he can manage. As I've said before, both of us get that this WILL be wholesale different - but in the beginning, we're trying for as "not different" as we can manage. So I do the groundwork, to save him the aggravation and get him as close to a successful start as I can. Once we have a nice starter rig and a sample of juice for him to start getting used to, I absolutely plan to get him on here, to talk to you himself. He knows you exist.

I watched e-cig videos until 4:00 this morning - no joke. Ya think this may be important to me?? LOL I think I'm obsessed. Mostly, I am just so danged grateful that I found this group. I cannot believe the boon. It was exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed it - before I made a big, dumb mistake. Words are inadequate.

Back to the grindstone! I might actually be almost ready to order something!

Barb
Washington, DC

 

[Uma]

If you get a battery and a charger and can afford it, get a packet of cartos as well. I haven't had the same success with KR808d 1's with other companies. Theirs are horizontal coils and truly part of the effect. If you have other cartos from other vendors, you can compare them.

FYI, they don't have white skins. Most people get the skins to cover the white batts that they thought that they wanted.

Speaking of skins...
What if she bought an Orange or a Black Volt with the Orange LED and then wrapped a white skin around it? (buy a cool skin from SI that fits, then use it for a template for making her own skin out of ... contact paper?)

EDIT: There are a few Bling threads here at ECF. Here is one such thread, and one of the vapers has a vinyl store and I think he/she customizes the paper for you.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...howing-you-mine-now-show-me-yours-lol-62.html

 

[Uma]

Oh how I remember those video tutorial days! I did the same thing, stayed up til daylight watching.
Your hubby is so lucky to have you in his life! You not only desire the best for him, but you research not only the products but how to use them to their best advantage as well. You rock!

Speaking of computers and youtube... I'm vaping on a Volt PT (passThrough) as I type. I forgot to mention earlier, that if he's on a computer a lot, a PT is another tool to consider. Also can be used in the car with a cigarette lighter adapter thingie if he's in the car a lot. I think they're only 15 bucks, and the cord is comfy to use. (doesn't pull on you or kink, and it's long for easy reach).

 

[Cisme]

Hi Barb, I'll toss my 2 cents in. I also came to this forum and read everyone's opinions for weeks. Due to the KR808 being out of stock when I went to order, I went with my second choice of Riva. Then some different fat batts, a variable voltage box mod and at the very last, I decided to try the Volt, both auto and manual and 65mm and 78mm. I've settled on the auto 78mm. I love all my pvs but always recommend the Volt to people wanting to quit. And, imo, there's no reason to get a white battery with an orange LED. People think you are smoking when they see that and like to lecture you about how bad it is for your health. Then you are forced to explain you are vaping and half the time they don't listen and walk away in ignorance. A red battery and black cartomizer looks good on everyone.

As others have said, picking an eliquid to vape is the hardest part. It may take quite a few samples or combinations.

The last thing for me personally. I couldn't bear the thought of quitting so my plan was to cut back. When my first pv was ready to go, I simply told myself I would vape it until I just had to have a cig. Worked pretty well, took all the stress off and by waiting until I just had to have a smoke, I quit the second day. I didn't plan it, it just happened. Different time lines for different folk but it may ease the transition if your husband isn't stressing about having had his last smoke.

Good luck to you and your husband. The forum is a wonderful support group and keeps me motivated.

 

[texasgranny]

Barb it sounds you have a good game plan and are on your way! You sound like you are
determined to make this work and again I say....he is very lucky to have ya.
Let me or anyone here, know if we can help in any way!

 

[bnrkwest]

As far as I know, any KR808d-1 cartos will fit and work. I got KR808d-1 cartos from someone else once when I ordered a adapter to use my VOLT cartos on my eGos. They worked, but not as well as the volt ones. You could try an experiment. Also, it's my understanding that you can charge the VOLTs on any KR808D-1 charger, so you might be able to save a little money that way---as long as the Halos are truly KR808d-1s.

Well I ordered a Volt stater kit to try and pass on to my step daughter. I have been looking for a 808 for her and was thinking G6 since i like mine, but I love to try new things so will try it out so I can help her and give a review too I gave one of my original kits to her and I don't even know what type it is, has a fatter batt than G6's so I don't think it is 808, but gives plenty of warmth and TH for her to get started but for Xmas something fancy LOL I got pink! and those diamond end caps, I think she will love it! bnrk

 

[bnrkwest]

Hi Barb,
Maybe the silver would work, you know how some cigs have that silver/white bands look?? I have silver and it is very classy looking and does not look much different than a real ciggy at a glance. Just a thought. bnrk

 

[He's My Everything]

Hey, Everyone!

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions. I've heard back from Smokeless Image and, as Chimney mentioned, they are simply out of stock of the "(notta)unicorn" 808 I'm after. Not a biggie, because, thanks to really lovely, generous members of this forum, a 510 starter setup, with all the trimmings, is heading this way, gratis, along with some really great juice. I will have hubby set up in no time. Other than whatever juice he eventually decides on, he should be set up for a while. I am overwhelmed by this community. I swear. You all are truly lovely people.

bnrk, let me know how you like the Volt. I've literally heard nothing but good things about it. And Uma? Holy cow! I loved that home-crafted skins link you posted! You literally solved an unrelated problem for me that I've been chewing on for MONTHS! I'm over-frickin'-joyed to have gotten that link. So not kidding.

One lingering question (although, I'm sure there will be more). Can someone please explain the "topping off" thing that people have mentioned a few times? My understanding is that you fill a carto, vape it and refill it (preferably with the same juice, I'm assuming), until it conks out and needs replaced. Does he additionally have to keep juice on hand, to "top off" the carto during vaping? Can I send him off for the day with a couple batteries and a couple filled cartos and have that last him, or do I need to include a small bottle of whatever juice he's using? How often does he need to "top off," if that's what needs to happen. God, I just read that back and it sounds a little scattered - I hope you guys know what I'm asking.

Any suggestions for the best, smallish, unobtrusive cases would be most appreciated too. He's so not a bling guy. I'm trolling the accessories forum, but haven't found the holy grail yet.

Barb
Washington, DC

 

[morepyro]

For what it's worth, and from what I have read, the Halo G6 and Smokeless Image Volt are (virtually) identical, along with the Bloog Maxx Fusion. They have 3.7 volt regulated batteries with horizontal coil cartomizers, and no "primer-puff" is needed to produce vapor. They are considered to be the second generation of the 808D-1. They have 808D-1 threads, and they should charge on any 808D-1 charger. The only real differences between the Volt, G6, and Bloog are the colors, the flavor of the e-liquid that each company offers, prices, and their customer service. You can't go wrong with any of them. I have a Volt, that I like to use when I'm driving. Most of the time I still use the same 510 boxmod that got me off cigarettes.

Barb- Before I bought my first e-cig, I spent weeks on this forum researching all the different models and options. I spent way too much time worrying that I would buy "the wrong one". In the end, the most important thing I did was to pull the trigger and buy something. Once I had it, it was much easier to figure out what I liked, and what I didn't, and go from there. It still amazes me how much e-cigs have improved in the 2 years since I first found out about them.

In my opinion, the Volt, G6, etc., are the easiest to start with. They are pretty much plug and play - not much of a learning curve involved to get going. With the automatic batteries, you can hold them and draw on them like you would a cigarette. For some people, that really makes a difference as it feels like what they are used to. For others, not so much. I wouldn't worry too much about the color of the LED- you can't see it most of the time anyway.

Another thing that may help your husband on the road to quitting is to know that everyone has a different initial response to e-cigs. Some people are able to put down cigarettes immediately and never look back. Some find that over the course of a few days or weeks, they are using their e-cig exclusively, and don't want a cigarette or "forget to smoke". My brother was one of these people. I cut my smoking in half when I got mine, but didn't quit for several months until I made a conscious decision to not smoke anymore, and not buy cigarettes. Unlike my many previous "cold-turkey" quits, it was relatively painless, without the mood swings and nerves I had experienced before. But after smoking for nearly 20 years, I haven't had a cigarette in over a year. It can be done.

So, while it would be best if your husband could quit right away, it's not the end of the world if he doesn't. Too many quit smoking groups define every cigarette smoked as failure. Around here, you will find that most people feel that success is achieved with every cigarette that they didn't smoke. A slight, but significant, difference. The important thing is to get started. As you have seen, the amount of support this forum provides is mind-boggling at times. People may strongly disagree on liquids and hardware, but I doubt any of them regret picking up an e-cig instead of a cigarette.

ETA- "topping off" is when you add more liquid to a cartomizer when it starts to run dry. You can do that, and keep using the same cartomizer for an extended period of time. The other option is to have several filled cartos on hand, and swap them when they start to go dry. At the end of the day, you can refill all of them at the same time. It's all a matter of personal preference.

 

[Uma]

That's terrific Barb!! He can get started right away with juice taste testing while you await your unicorn. (personally, I love love love the green with green light and the purple with purple light).

I'm glad you enjoyed that Bling thread. Those people are so creative and have so much fun. I sitll haven't blinged mine, but will eventually. I especially the way the chrome/silver ones come out.

To top off the Auto batteries, you have to take the carto off the battery first. (to prevent any excess liquid going into your battery). Use a fork or some likewise tool and remove the carto plug thingie. Hold the carto at a tilt, like you do when you pour soda or beer to prevent the suds, except with the carto we want to prevent the juice from going down the center hole. Slowly rotate the carto as you gently squeeze liquid down the inside sides. Stop. Spin the carto to help the juice travel down and absorb. Repeat until it is damp sparkly. If it' too wet, gently blow the excess out onto a napkin. Dry the battery end with a kleenex, let sit for 5 minutes, and you're good to go.
Personally, I go through 5 cartos a day and I refill those cartos every evening. I can refill every day for about a week. Your mileage may vary. I try not to open new fresh ones until I am done with this batch so that I don't mix the two accidentally. I keep my plugs, covers, used cartos in an old Duracell C8 closeable container. A Ziplock bowl with twist on lid is also great. (and easy to fit into purse when time to go somewhere). He might prefer a leather drawstring pouch to fit in his pocket... there are many creative container ideas for storage and travelling.

Once you get a PCC (personal charging case), he'll be able to carry 2 spare batteries and rotate the one from charge. (He'll need a total of 3 in order to have 2 spares). They're really handy, and I can't wait for the New Improved PCC to hit the website.

Kirsten, here at ECF makes and sells gorgeous and or cool personalized carry cases. ARTBOXZ

There are a lot of ideas for carry cases. Eyeglass cases, ink pen cases, toothbrush cases, Vaultz Cig cases, Cigar Cases, the sky is the limit. All of which are customizable with good ol vinyl paper or decoupage or paint...

 

[He's My Everything]

Thanks for all the well written, well thought out responses. I can't tell you guys how much we both appreciate all the effort that has been put out on our behalf. You all have seriously saved both of us a bunch of confusion and hassle.

The beautiful gift from 440426 has arrived! We are now 100% set-up to get this party started! Thank you so incredibly much, 440426! You are a beautiful soul.

I'll let you all know how it goes and get Rob set up to enjoy the wealth of information and support this community offers.

A very humbled and grateful,

Barb
Washington, DC

 

[Uma]

That's fantastic! I'm looking forward to those updates. Best wishes for both of you!

I'll leave you with a video review that might be of interest to you. He covers 3 or 4 menthol flavors out of 10 flavors that he purchased from a Vendor.

VwV- Lone Wolf e-Smokes Nicquid Review - YouTube

 

[bnrkwest]

Thanks for all the well written, well thought out responses. I can't tell you guys how much we both appreciate all the effort that has been put out on our behalf. You all have seriously saved both of us a bunch of confusion and hassle.

The beautiful gift from 440426 has arrived! We are now 100% set-up to get this party started! Thank you so incredibly much, 440426! You are a beautiful soul.

I'll let you all know how it goes and get Rob set up to enjoy the wealth of information and support this community offers.

A very humbled and grateful,

Barb
Washington, DC

Fantastic!!! So glad he can start. I agree the people on ECF are just fabulous, everyone so willing to help another quit. It warms the heart!
I ordered the Volt and next day I got a ship notice, so they are fast service when you decide. I am looking fwd to comparing it to G6 since they are both so very popular.

On the topping off part, if he takes along a small bottlle of juice, after he takes 5-10 puffs, he can add a drop or two, that keeps the carto wet and ready to vape. If he takes more than 5-10 puffs per vape he can ad an extra drop. I get long life out of my cartos, weeks or months, but I do switch flavors and cartos alot. Anyway adding a few drops after vaping keeps them fresh and ready all the time and you will not get that burnt taste for running them dry. My suggestion is have him learn to top them off with just a few drops after vaping. He will get a feel for it. For a case maybe something from the hardware store that zips open, some type of hardware carrier type case. Also for a shirt pocket, I found some really cool eye glass cases that are for those small eye glasses you buy in the drug store, they came in all colors and were very small, enough for batts and cartos to fit in. bnrk

 

[He's My Everything]

Oh, boy... First try didn't go so well. Talk about a silly noob mistake. We got the 510 put together with a pre-filled menthol carto. It's a manual 510, so I made sure to tell him to push the button before he inhaled.... Lemme tell ya, he did not much like the mouth full of juice he got on his first pull. Ouch. Turns out, pre-filled cartos need to be blown out, because they frequently have juice in the air hole... who knew?? LOL Probably didn't help that I didn't have the battery fully charged. Oy. Carto is now all blown out (wow! that really wasted a significant amount of juice!) and battery is on the USB. He will probably take another go at it tomorrow. Wish us luck!

Thanks for the link, Uma. Loved it.

Barb
Washington, DC

 

[Uma]

You're welcome.

Oh the trials and learning curves we go through. If only traditional cigs had of been like this for us, we'd never have gotten hooked. That's proof positive how determined we all are to learn the curves and stay off those original awful things.

A fresh battery will definitely make a huge difference, especially with the little 510. (it's not a regulated 3.7v like the Volt is, and it will loose it's oomph as it's dying, like a flashlight does). As soon as it looses it's oomph, replace with a fresh one and put it on the charger.

I've never had problems with prefilled cartos before, and didn't even know about that tip. See! Learn something new every day.

Hang in there, a brighter tomorrow awaits.

 

[He's My Everything]

Noob Proxy question of the day: When fillling a brand new, dry, fresh carto, how many drops (I think I remember someone saying 26/27?) and how long should it sit (upright?) in the carto before he attempts to vape?

I got the pre-filled menthol carto into a better mood (blew it out, ran the handy-dandy paperclip through the air hole, to make sure it was totally clear, charged the battery and he tried it. Now, I'm trying filling (I know, I know, he should be doing this, but I want to learn, so I can teach him - it's a friend thing, not a controlling thing). So, I dripped 25 drops (at a 45 degree angle, like I was pouring a beer - to avoid getting juice in the air hole). Ran the paperclip through the air hole, put the cap back on and blew air through it (with a tissue at the other end) just to make sure we didn't have a repeat of the juicy mouth incident. LOL I let it sit for about 15 minutes and then let him try it. This one was Halo Menthol Ice. He says it's much closer to what he's looking for than the pre-filled one. This is kinda fun!

I told him to take a light draw, not to really suck on it. That's solid advice, right?

I'm just checking my work with the teachers, to make sure I'm not doing anything stupid. I figure, if I do most of the learning curve, he'll have a better chance of kicking the analogs. I'm on a mission. I've never wanted anything so badly in my life. Thanks for being here for me.

P.S. A couple of people have mentioned lung cancer. I guess I was vague. His cancer is an aggressive form of Kidney cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma). They removed his left kidney at the beginning of April. #1 reason people get RCC? You guessed it, smoking. After losing my Mom, my Dad and my Sister to smoking related illnesses, I will do whatever I can to help him quit this habit, before it takes him too. It may be too little, too late, but I'm going to give him whatever help and support I can. I know I sound crazy. Thanks for putting up with me and being so supportive and wonderful.

We're on our way!

Barb

 

[chimney55]

Oh, goodness, Barb! My older sister had a kidney removed about 10 years ago because of RCC. One of my younger brothers died 2 years ago because of RCC (He was either asymptomatic for a long time or just ignored the signs). My sister seems to be making life work with just 1 kidney.

Light draws seem to be the way to go. It's a little different with an e-cig than with a real analog. (Although, I've found the draw on the automatic VOLT to be closer to the draw on a cigarette.) I usually try to wait at least 15 minutes between filling a blank carto and using it. I let them rest on their sides. I hear that it's better if you wait overnight, but I usually don't do the work the night before. I've never run into a "juice sucking problem" with pre-filled VOLT cartos. It's only when I fill them myself (and overfill) that I run into problems. If I think that I might have overfilled just a little, I let the carto rest on it's side for about 15 minutes to soak up the juice.