HI all... I'm a newbie that wants to quit cigs asap and so does my husband. I have been researching vaping as a way to help me quit. All the info on the Web is crazy and I figured this forum would be the best way to filter out all the crap. I have tons of questions and need some advice. Not sure what kind of devices we need or what type of juice would be best for us. I smoke a pack to pack and a half a day of Marlboro lights. Not interested in lots of cloud or a bulky device. Need a battery that lasts and I don't want to be adding juice constantly throughout the day. My husband smokes a bit more than me. Tobacco juices would be best for us as we try to turn loose of the cigs but I'm open to flavors as well. What are the best US suppliers? Sorry for the long post but I really need help!
Don't have a clue
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Hi and welcome! Well, a few questions, but some answers. As to vendors online, VaporDNA, MyVaporstore, vape royalty, eciggity, myfreedomsmokes, MyVpro, Eightvape are all decent US based vendors. If you're outside the US please post your country so other options can be given. That list is not all inclusive. Farther down the forum page you'll see a bunch of registered suppliers that is helpful.
Questions. Do you want something simple like a pod or a kit with a tank for liquid and a mod with adjustable power? Pods are simpler, but usually do not offer the kind of flexibility a mod kit offers. Liquids, well, flavors are subjective. More important is figuring out how much nicotine you need. Given your current smoking habits at least 12-24 mg would probably he best, but it depends on the tank/kit you choose. Also are you looking to duplicate the experience with a cigarette with a tight draw? Finally what's your budget like?
Questions. Do you want something simple like a pod or a kit with a tank for liquid and a mod with adjustable power? Pods are simpler, but usually do not offer the kind of flexibility a mod kit offers. Liquids, well, flavors are subjective. More important is figuring out how much nicotine you need. Given your current smoking habits at least 12-24 mg would probably he best, but it depends on the tank/kit you choose. Also are you looking to duplicate the experience with a cigarette with a tight draw? Finally what's your budget like?
It's tough to look at what's there and make a decision when you are new at vaping. The article below covers most of the questions you need answered as well as covering the types and styles of various e-cigarettes and mods that are available. Later in the article there's some explanation of how to decide what's best for you.
It's a good reference article that should answer most of your questions.
10 Best E-Cigarettes for New Vapers – Top Rated E-Cig Brands of 2019
Thank you for the welcome!
I am in the US and really want to stick with those suppliers... faster shipping and quality liquids are important.
I'm interested in a kit at the moment, something not too complicated. Will move up to something more advanced once I get more informed. I'd like something not too bulky and obvious. I do like the flexibility of the mods but I don't want to screw something up with my first vape. Looks like most people have several vape so I'm sure be will buy more later. I think I might start with a liquid with a 12-18mg content, my husband will probably need 24mg. He's really wanting a tobacco like liquid similar to cigs... not interested in flavors. I'm kinda the same but want to try some flavors also to see what I like. We're really both looking for something with a tight draw... I guess MTL? I'm still learning so my vape vocab is limited. As far as budget, its probably mid range. Right now I just want to stop smoking cigarettes... they're killing me and my wallet but cold turkey ain't happening. We don't want to buy some cheap stuff that won't last or juice that we'll run through like water. I don't want something that produces a big vapor cloud either.
Thanks for the help!! I really like the info on here... it's really hard to figure out what would be best for us and the folks on ecf seem to be super helpful and informed.
I am in the US and really want to stick with those suppliers... faster shipping and quality liquids are important.
I'm interested in a kit at the moment, something not too complicated. Will move up to something more advanced once I get more informed. I'd like something not too bulky and obvious. I do like the flexibility of the mods but I don't want to screw something up with my first vape. Looks like most people have several vape so I'm sure be will buy more later. I think I might start with a liquid with a 12-18mg content, my husband will probably need 24mg. He's really wanting a tobacco like liquid similar to cigs... not interested in flavors. I'm kinda the same but want to try some flavors also to see what I like. We're really both looking for something with a tight draw... I guess MTL? I'm still learning so my vape vocab is limited. As far as budget, its probably mid range. Right now I just want to stop smoking cigarettes... they're killing me and my wallet but cold turkey ain't happening. We don't want to buy some cheap stuff that won't last or juice that we'll run through like water. I don't want something that produces a big vapor cloud either.
Thanks for the help!! I really like the info on here... it's really hard to figure out what would be best for us and the folks on ecf seem to be super helpful and informed.
Congratulations on the decision to try a safer alternative! Welcome to ECF! Be prepared for info overload. You need to understand that vaping requires a bit more effort than checking how many smokes are left in your pack. There are infinite variables in vaping. What works best for me, may just be a huge PITA for you. People often say, "I tried vaping, but it just didn't work." To that, I say, "You didn't try hard enough." As for me, I wasn't even trying to quit smoking. Vaping was an alternative for when I couldn't smoke. After several weeks of dual-use (smoking and vaping alternately), I found I hadn't lit a smoke for a week!
Now, to give advice...
Variable power/wattage/voltage was a rare, brand-new thing when I started. It's a godsend for "dialing in" your liquids flavor profile, as well as the intensity of the sensation of the vapor and heat. I would strongly advise a variable, regulated device. Another advice is skip tanks and go for the squonker! The advantages are greater onboard liquid capacity and fresh liquid flavor.
Now, I could write a dissertation on options, but here's the thing- vaping is different for everyone, and infinitely customizable to suit your desire. Be prepared for the newbie tax, where you will spend more than your original intended budget! It hurts the wallet to begin, but with perseverance, you will find your "sweet spot". In regards to your excessive original vaping investment, how much does cancer cost? Do yourself a favor and bite the bullet. Spend enough to find your satisfaction. It's totally worth it.
Your local vape store is your best opportunity to get a feel of vaping. Keep in mind they are in business to make money, so they will try to steer you to a sale, but most will give an attempt to sell you something that will suit your needs.
Good luck and we'll be seeing you...
Now, to give advice...
Variable power/wattage/voltage was a rare, brand-new thing when I started. It's a godsend for "dialing in" your liquids flavor profile, as well as the intensity of the sensation of the vapor and heat. I would strongly advise a variable, regulated device. Another advice is skip tanks and go for the squonker! The advantages are greater onboard liquid capacity and fresh liquid flavor.
Now, I could write a dissertation on options, but here's the thing- vaping is different for everyone, and infinitely customizable to suit your desire. Be prepared for the newbie tax, where you will spend more than your original intended budget! It hurts the wallet to begin, but with perseverance, you will find your "sweet spot". In regards to your excessive original vaping investment, how much does cancer cost? Do yourself a favor and bite the bullet. Spend enough to find your satisfaction. It's totally worth it.
Your local vape store is your best opportunity to get a feel of vaping. Keep in mind they are in business to make money, so they will try to steer you to a sale, but most will give an attempt to sell you something that will suit your needs.
Good luck and we'll be seeing you...
Thanks for the article Dave! And Dougiestyle... you are so right, cancer costs in more ways than one. That's the best reason to quit!
Hi Scarlett71. Welcome to the ECF.
My Best advise to you is to Not think that the 1st e-Cigarette you buy is going to be your Last. Because there are, as you have seen, about a Gagillion Choices out there.
And it will take some Trial n' Error to find Hardware setup you and your Husband like best.
So I would take the Approach over the next 6 Weeks or so that if you spent the Same amount of Money you are spending right now Cigarettes on e-Cigarettes, but you are Smoking Less (or have even Switched !) that you are on the Right Road.
Many have to Ramp Down on there Smoking before they can Completely Quit Smoking. And that fits in well with the Time Needed to find the Right e-Cigarette(s)/e-Liquid(s).
I would suggest Staying away from any e-Cigarette Mod that Doesn't have Variable Wattage (VW). Like many of the All-in-One (AIO) style e-Cigarettes and Pod Mods. Being able to adjust the Hit you get be Adjusting the Wattage is Very Important when you new to all this. And I start with a Atomizer Tank that uses Drop In Coil Heads.
Something like the Innokin Kroma might be a Good Kit to consider.
As to an e-Liquid? That is a Hard One to recommend. Because everyone's taste is Different. And so much depends on the type of Atomizer you put the e-Liquid into.
But as a Starting Point, I would go with a 12mg/ml or so Nicotine Level in a 30% PG|70%VG e-Liquid. I don't use Tobacco Flavors. In fact, when I Switched to e-Cigarettes, I wanted something that Didn't taste like Tobacco. I wanted something like a Fruit or a Candy Flavor. So I'll let someone else suggest what is a good tobacco flavor.
You can Definitely Quit Smoking using an e-Cigarette. Just Don't get Discouraged if the 1st thing you buy Isn't exactly what you want. It might take 2 or 3 tries to Find what works Best for You.
My Best advise to you is to Not think that the 1st e-Cigarette you buy is going to be your Last. Because there are, as you have seen, about a Gagillion Choices out there.
And it will take some Trial n' Error to find Hardware setup you and your Husband like best.
So I would take the Approach over the next 6 Weeks or so that if you spent the Same amount of Money you are spending right now Cigarettes on e-Cigarettes, but you are Smoking Less (or have even Switched !) that you are on the Right Road.
Many have to Ramp Down on there Smoking before they can Completely Quit Smoking. And that fits in well with the Time Needed to find the Right e-Cigarette(s)/e-Liquid(s).
I would suggest Staying away from any e-Cigarette Mod that Doesn't have Variable Wattage (VW). Like many of the All-in-One (AIO) style e-Cigarettes and Pod Mods. Being able to adjust the Hit you get be Adjusting the Wattage is Very Important when you new to all this. And I start with a Atomizer Tank that uses Drop In Coil Heads.
Something like the Innokin Kroma might be a Good Kit to consider.
As to an e-Liquid? That is a Hard One to recommend. Because everyone's taste is Different. And so much depends on the type of Atomizer you put the e-Liquid into.
But as a Starting Point, I would go with a 12mg/ml or so Nicotine Level in a 30% PG|70%VG e-Liquid. I don't use Tobacco Flavors. In fact, when I Switched to e-Cigarettes, I wanted something that Didn't taste like Tobacco. I wanted something like a Fruit or a Candy Flavor. So I'll let someone else suggest what is a good tobacco flavor.
You can Definitely Quit Smoking using an e-Cigarette. Just Don't get Discouraged if the 1st thing you buy Isn't exactly what you want. It might take 2 or 3 tries to Find what works Best for You.
@DaveP gave you a great article on e-cigarettes. Here's one that I wrote that may cover aspects that that article didn't cover. Good Starter Setups for a Beginner Vaper
When talking about nicotine strength, we need to consider which type of liquid nicotine we are speaking of. Free base nicotine is what most of us began vaping on. With the advent of the pod mods, nic salts came into being. Nic salts use a higher nicotine strength than base nic does, so you don't need to vape as much at one time to get your nic fix. Despite it being higher in strength, it has been formulated to be "smoother" (less harsh) without as much of a "throat hit". For some ex-smokers, they are actually looking for that "throat hit", while others are not. My point being, there are two types of nicotine e-liquid and both have pro's and cons and different nic strengths comparatively speaking.
About flavors. You're not going to find an e-liquid that "tastes like a cigarette". E-liquid flavors are for the most part derived from concentrated food flavorings. I don't recall any food that tastes like dried burning tobacco leaves and smoke, can you? Many smokers trying to switch to vaping make the mistake of trying to find a tobacco flavor that tastes like smoking. Well, its not going to happen. They end up wasting a lot of time and money trying to find that elusive cigarette taste. You can save time and money forgetting about that and instead find a fruit, candy, mint, menthol, coffee, or desert flavor that agrees with you.
Why You Don't Need an E-Liquid that Tastes Like Cigarettes
A Word on Vaping Technique
Smoking vs Vaping Differences
Yes, being beginner vapers coming from smoking, you probably want to use a MTL juice attachment. You won't need a large powerful (watts) battery device. Everyone wants the smallest battery device possible. They can be pocket or purse friendly, and are not as obvious to others. However, that usually means shorter battery time and less liquid capacity requiring more frequent battery changes (or charging) and more frequent refilling of the e-liquid. I think most folks quickly learn that they don't care so much about that and soon choose a setup that has longer battery life and a larger capacity of e-liquid.
Good luck in your research. You're making a great decision to quit smoking.
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Sounds like you are looking for mtl tanks, which fortunately are listed as such and you can usually search with that term to find ones that suit you.
You’ll want to read the description and look for adjustable air flow, and adjustable wattage (vw) on mods.
Those things allow you to customize your vape to your preference.
You’re right to expect that you’ll want to try different things to find what fits. I’d suggest getting different kits for you and your husband so right away you have things to compare.
Even if you love that first kit, you’ll want at least one back up, in case one needs to charge, or it fails for some reason. Don’t let Gear failure be an excuse to smoke. It’s fine if you dual use though, if you need to, a lot of us did.
I can’t help with juice recommendations because I diy. But I will say, try a bunch of different flavor profiles in smaller sample sizes.
My husband was adamant about only wanting a cigarette flavor until he tried them and hated them all. He found he liked coffee and almond flavors instead. I tried everything I could get my hands on, fruits, baker, candy, beverages. And I still make and use some from all those categories.
Also, go shop and come back and ask for feedback on your choices before you buy. We can help with coil availability and longevity, and what juice should work best with your gear, and stuff like that.
Good luck!
You’ll want to read the description and look for adjustable air flow, and adjustable wattage (vw) on mods.
Those things allow you to customize your vape to your preference.
You’re right to expect that you’ll want to try different things to find what fits. I’d suggest getting different kits for you and your husband so right away you have things to compare.
Even if you love that first kit, you’ll want at least one back up, in case one needs to charge, or it fails for some reason. Don’t let Gear failure be an excuse to smoke. It’s fine if you dual use though, if you need to, a lot of us did.
I can’t help with juice recommendations because I diy. But I will say, try a bunch of different flavor profiles in smaller sample sizes.
My husband was adamant about only wanting a cigarette flavor until he tried them and hated them all. He found he liked coffee and almond flavors instead. I tried everything I could get my hands on, fruits, baker, candy, beverages. And I still make and use some from all those categories.
Also, go shop and come back and ask for feedback on your choices before you buy. We can help with coil availability and longevity, and what juice should work best with your gear, and stuff like that.
Good luck!
I'm going to get grief for this, but I would suggest the Smok Nord. They don't cost much, have a mtl and dtl coils in the kit, which will allow you to find which one you like. Good luck on quitting the cigarettes, I just hit my 6 year mark. I was smoking 2 packs of camel wides a day.
If you want something really small for mtl, look at the Justfog Minifit.
If you want something really small for mtl, look at the Justfog Minifit.
Welcome to the friendly bunch 
Looks like you've got plenty of advice and have got quite a lot of reading to do. Can I suggest that once you've narrowed down a list of mods you might want to buy, that you come back here to see if members like those particular devices...there's usually someone here who has tried and tested so will be able to tell you if it's a goody or not....
I had to have cig flavour when I gave up too and others have already said that getting that flavour can be a bit illusive...one flavour I used to really love is called Torque 56 by Halo liquids USA based and actually their whole range has some good ones.
Wish you lots of luck with stopping the death sticks
Looks like you've got plenty of advice and have got quite a lot of reading to do. Can I suggest that once you've narrowed down a list of mods you might want to buy, that you come back here to see if members like those particular devices...there's usually someone here who has tried and tested so will be able to tell you if it's a goody or not....
I had to have cig flavour when I gave up too and others have already said that getting that flavour can be a bit illusive...one flavour I used to really love is called Torque 56 by Halo liquids USA based and actually their whole range has some good ones.
Wish you lots of luck with stopping the death sticks
Well, for a simple kit that will fit a mtl cigarette style experience I'd recommend you look At the Innokin Kroma A that comes with the Zenith tank. The Zenith tank is great for mtl vaping, has a wide selection of coils available, so you can fine tune to your preferences. It has a built in battery, so you have to charge it, no separate battery, but maybe deal with a replaceable battery mod a little later with an external charger. There is a newer Zlide tank they make which uses the same coils, is supposed to be easier to clean, but only holds 2 ml of juice. I'm sure others will provide more ideas.
The nic concentration you're talking about sounds about right to me. I came from 1 and a half packs to vaping 24 mg. After several months I did drop to 12 mg, but if I started out that low I'm not sure how I would have done. As already pointed out tobacco flavors are tough and rarely taste like a cigarette. If you do have a vape shop anywhere near you, it's worth a visit if they allow you to sample. The juice will probably be more than an online vendor, but worth it so you don't keep ordering juices with no idea what they will taste like to you and wasting money, so it's really a money saver until you know what you like.
The nic concentration you're talking about sounds about right to me. I came from 1 and a half packs to vaping 24 mg. After several months I did drop to 12 mg, but if I started out that low I'm not sure how I would have done. As already pointed out tobacco flavors are tough and rarely taste like a cigarette. If you do have a vape shop anywhere near you, it's worth a visit if they allow you to sample. The juice will probably be more than an online vendor, but worth it so you don't keep ordering juices with no idea what they will taste like to you and wasting money, so it's really a money saver until you know what you like.
I have a Justfog minifit. I would start there.
Please be very wary of ecig comparison sites, they are full of spurious recommendations for the product/brands that pay the most comission. I am surprised members of this forum are recommending these review sites.
If you are looking at a brand product as opposed to something made by the original company in China, be careful. If you don't know the difference, please ask.
In short if it's a product made by Aspire, Eleaf, Innokin, Joyetech, Smok (?), Justfog, Wismec and the like sold by an independent store that offers all these brands, you are on the right lines.
If it's made by Halo or V2 or Vaporfi (*** forbid) you are just a target for your money into their pockets. Personally speaking I also wouldn't buy a tobacco company product. Again, you'd need to ask.
Good luck.
Please be very wary of ecig comparison sites, they are full of spurious recommendations for the product/brands that pay the most comission. I am surprised members of this forum are recommending these review sites.
If you are looking at a brand product as opposed to something made by the original company in China, be careful. If you don't know the difference, please ask.
In short if it's a product made by Aspire, Eleaf, Innokin, Joyetech, Smok (?), Justfog, Wismec and the like sold by an independent store that offers all these brands, you are on the right lines.
If it's made by Halo or V2 or Vaporfi (*** forbid) you are just a target for your money into their pockets. Personally speaking I also wouldn't buy a tobacco company product. Again, you'd need to ask.
Good luck.
A lot of good advice given this far. Let me add a couple thoughts...
1) longevity. Getting any kit with an internal battery may seem like a good idea due to its convenience at first. Like anything battery operated, though, over time the batteries hold less of a charge and you'll find yourself tethered to your charger. Worse, if the MicroUSB charging port gets damaged, you'll find yourself with a paperweight. Getting any kit that uses replaceable batteries and charging them in a quality charger will greatly extend the life of the product. If you go this route, make sure you get your batteries from a trusted source... a google search for battery mooch will yield a wealth of info.
2) backups. It's gonna happen. Your mod will fall, your battery will fail, your coil will burn, your glass tank will break. Before it becomes an issue that drives you back to the sticks-o-death, grab a backup.
3) flavors. Flavors are very personal and subjective, but I often recommend people try to steer away from tobacco when trying to quit. Imagine, if you would, trying to quit a debilitating addiction to barbecue by only eating barbecue flavor potato chips... seems silly, right? Instead, shift it away from what's expected (and what us liable to be a disappointment as no liquid will taste just like any particular brand of cigarette) and to something better. There's a veritable plethora of available flavors (for now). I quit using a hazelnut coffee flavor. All of that said, I do know quite a few people that still swear by tobacco flavors...
Finally, don't give up! At first, vaping will seem confusing and fiddly. I mean, with cigarettes it's as simple as pulling one out of the pack, poking it into your mouth, and lighting it on fire. With vaping, there's a lot to know and do and it can seem overwhelming. The end results, however, do justify the process.
Best of luck.
1) longevity. Getting any kit with an internal battery may seem like a good idea due to its convenience at first. Like anything battery operated, though, over time the batteries hold less of a charge and you'll find yourself tethered to your charger. Worse, if the MicroUSB charging port gets damaged, you'll find yourself with a paperweight. Getting any kit that uses replaceable batteries and charging them in a quality charger will greatly extend the life of the product. If you go this route, make sure you get your batteries from a trusted source... a google search for battery mooch will yield a wealth of info.
2) backups. It's gonna happen. Your mod will fall, your battery will fail, your coil will burn, your glass tank will break. Before it becomes an issue that drives you back to the sticks-o-death, grab a backup.
3) flavors. Flavors are very personal and subjective, but I often recommend people try to steer away from tobacco when trying to quit. Imagine, if you would, trying to quit a debilitating addiction to barbecue by only eating barbecue flavor potato chips... seems silly, right? Instead, shift it away from what's expected (and what us liable to be a disappointment as no liquid will taste just like any particular brand of cigarette) and to something better. There's a veritable plethora of available flavors (for now). I quit using a hazelnut coffee flavor. All of that said, I do know quite a few people that still swear by tobacco flavors...
Finally, don't give up! At first, vaping will seem confusing and fiddly. I mean, with cigarettes it's as simple as pulling one out of the pack, poking it into your mouth, and lighting it on fire. With vaping, there's a lot to know and do and it can seem overwhelming. The end results, however, do justify the process.
Best of luck.
It was mentioned already but believe me, you don't need an e-liquid that tastes like a normal cig. Many ex-smokers started with something tobacco like but soon they all realized that vaping offers so much better options.
Why vaping tobacco when you can vape a strawberry cream custard for example?
Why vaping tobacco when you can vape a strawberry cream custard for example?
Most long time vapers have multiple units. Not because it took us that many to find the right one, but because there is no universal right one for every situation. Even for the same person.
Too right.
I have all sorts. I mainly favour bigger set-ups with more power but the pod system I use is fine for the work environment or situations requiring stealth vaping.
Too right.
I have all sorts. I mainly favour bigger set-ups with more power but the pod system I use is fine for the work environment or situations requiring stealth vaping.
I've gone with pods for out and about as well. They've really come a long way. I have an Innokin EQ which has a very nice refillable pod and a 750 mAh battery. Perfect for mtl stealth. I also have their Z Biip, which uses replaceable Zenith coils in the pod. Sort of nice if you already use Zenith tanks. Both adjustable power and airflow. It's more like an AIO as it's not nearly as small, but it has a 1,500 mAh battery so it's easily a full day or more before plugging it back in.
Edit: to the OP sometimes threads drift a little off course. No one us saying you should go the pod route, but at least you see that users here can use different style vape equipment for different situations. There are no hard and fast rules other than try to buy reliable stuff at a decent price from a vendor that provides support if done tying goes south. These are mass produced consumer products, and even among reliable companies there can be the occasional dud.
OP. If I were where you are, I'd worry less about the device, and more about the flavor. Esp for your husband, who, pardon my bluntness, seems to be a bit of a cramudgeon. (Sp?)
My advice, get something smaller, as you said. Preferably that you can change flavors and nic strength easily and quickly. Maybe a pod, the one I'd grab would be the frenzy. Grab a couple, and a few extra pods. If you can, try and get some unflavored, in high nic, high freebase, and nic salts. Blend them to find the nic that works for you. Also, get 0 nic. Unflavored will make it easier to tollerate for someone who is thinking, I just want it to taste like a cigarette. After countless times smoking a camel, most of those tasted like almost nothing. My taste buds became desensitized. Most commercial tobacco flavors are a little "off" as it's like chocolate flavor. Very elusive in vapable flavorings.
My advice, get something smaller, as you said. Preferably that you can change flavors and nic strength easily and quickly. Maybe a pod, the one I'd grab would be the frenzy. Grab a couple, and a few extra pods. If you can, try and get some unflavored, in high nic, high freebase, and nic salts. Blend them to find the nic that works for you. Also, get 0 nic. Unflavored will make it easier to tollerate for someone who is thinking, I just want it to taste like a cigarette. After countless times smoking a camel, most of those tasted like almost nothing. My taste buds became desensitized. Most commercial tobacco flavors are a little "off" as it's like chocolate flavor. Very elusive in vapable flavorings.
And remember, no matter how much you spend on your vaping equipment and juice, it's still cheaper and safer than smoking in the long run.
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