Do's and Dont's for First Timers...from a Newbie

[ShogaNinja]

I'm going to have to disagree.

Do be frugal. Haven't you spent enough on being a nicotine addict? Choose properly, learn the skills you need to learn to save money, and enjoy the extra cash in your pocket.

Do purchase the right products. Such as the Ego Twist, Vivi Nova tanks, right nic strength juice in the right mix (70/30 PG/VG is the most versatile).

Don't throw money at the situation. You'll just get in the habit and keep ponying up more cash whenever you aren't doing what you should be doing, which is learning the ways to save money so you can enjoy life without making other people rich in the process.

For more info on how to be frugal and to learn the skills you need to save money, while still getting an extremely satisfying vape please consult The Vaper's Handbook:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/shoganinja/2998-vapers-handbook.html

 

[ellendiane]

For me, it was important to use a strong enough e-juice to keep me off analogs. At least 24 mg. I smoked under a pack a day, but I smoked strong cigarettes. As soon as I started using 24mg (or more, 30-36mg is perfect) the cravings for analogs ENDED.

I know the advice on the juice sites is often to start with the lowest nicotine level you think will work, but for me that was bad advice. I really am an addict, just using a healthier delivery system now.

 

[JENerationX]

I wasn't talking about throwing money at the situation. I've encountered some cheapskates that just want to find the cheapest equipment and have a huge issue with spending more than a pack of smokes for a start up kit. I understand because people have to work with their own cash flow and for some it's easier to buy a pack than a carton at a time. When you look at it as an investment in your own health, it's easier to justify coming up with the funds.

You have to be willing to spend some money to find your personal vaping likes and dislikes. I probably spent close to $100 on juice before I figured out what I like to vape. Plenty of things I thought I'd like weren't what I'd like to vape. I'm now vaping root beer, which isn't something I even drank much of... but apparently it's my all day vape.

 

[rondasherrill]

...I'm now vaping root beer, which isn't something I even drank much of... but apparently it's my all day vape.

One thing that caught me off guard was how my vaping tastes have changed... When I first started vaping, I couldn't stand anything at all except cappuccino flavors, then out of nowhere I got sick of them. Then I liked light tobacco flavors till I got sick of them. Then it was bakery flavors, i.e. gooey butter cake, butterscotch cookies... Then I got sick of them. Now, Im stuck on fruit flavors that have menthol in them to make them taste cold. THAT threw me for a loop, cuz I never liked fruits at all before, and I hated menthol as a smoker.

 

[Seawolfe]

I'm a raw nub who has been doing this for TWO whole days! So far I've bought two eGo-C starter kits (one for hubby after he stole MY spare), and a pile of juices in different strengths, PV/VG ratios and flavors that should get here soon.

So far Ive spent $200 - which is less than we would pay for 2 weeks of cigs. Im ok with that. Know why? Because I havent had a cigarette in TWO whole days - and I dont even miss it!

 

[mayinwinter]

For me, overstocking is the only option. I live in Japan, and as far as I can tell, the only e-cigs sold here are nicotine-free minis, the convenience store type, with absolutely ZERO options for other flavors, sizes, or, most importantly, nicotine. Shipping's usually around $25 from overseas online shops, but it's completely worth it. So many Japanese acquaintances have expressed interest in one that actually works that I feel like I should open my own shop here. ><

 

[Deathkneeler]

Hey all. I have been vaping for a whole ten days and analog free since I got my Blu kit in, my 510 should be in today, very excited. I have looked at so many sites for e-liquid and at this time I am doing the sample kits got my first five@10mL the other day and I like three of the two so its a start. I was quite amazed at how easy it was to not smoke when I officially took the vape dive and I am now addicted to it lol. I can already feel the difference, I am in the Army and my running has massively improved in the little time I have been vaping, my legs give out before my lungs do and it is exhilarating. I am still very much a noob but I love this site and it has some great knowledge and information. I look forward to many years of the company that I have found on this site.

I agree with the original OP, I didn't underspend and under stock and that is by far the smartest thing so far.

 

[crankygg]

I recently purchased the 510 Titan Tank compact. I am extremely pleased with it. I also purchased a 4081 w/ refillable cartomizers, that I am at a complete loss for.. Cant figure it out, no vapor..nothing.. so instead of just enjoying my "vaping" I am wasting alot of time being confused and frustrated with the 4081 - with no help in figuring this out, in sight... if anyone has a suggestion for me, I would appreciate it.. well, here's to better Vaping Days all.

 

[Ralikar]

If you are really prepared you have a pass thru for the car to cover you during power outages...

 

[anything]

There are many good statements in this thread. I have been vaping for over two years and haven't smoked for most of that time. I have run into people who bought a ten dollar disposable at the local convenience store found it to last for about five cigarettes worth (this was my experience with one of these also) and then gave up on vaping. I have to explain to them that that isn't what a real ecig is like. I show them my ego with clearomizer and even let them try it. I know there are even better ones out there. And I understand first hand that the initial investment can be high. But in the long run it is a lot cheaper than smoking. No matter how much you pay for the initial kit.

 

[anything]

To crankygg: I don't have a 4081 but you might try tipping it upside down to get the wick wet.

 

[garbagefairy1967]

If you are really prepared you have a pass thru for the car to cover you during power outages...

That is a really smart idea!

 

[rondasherrill]

If you are really prepared you have a pass thru for the car to cover you during power outages...

I have 7 batteries, and a battery lasts me a whole day. As soon as Im done the battery goes on the charger, and when it's done charging it rests for 6 days until it's that battery's turn again. So at any given moment I never have less than 5 days worth of charged spare batteries.

 

[Danny632]

Agreed!
I started using ecigs a year ago, and haven't smoked a regular cigarette since. I definitely feel better. Although a lot of research says that health effects of ecigs are inconclusive, I've read studies that say a significant number of people believe ecigs are what's keeping them off regular cigs... not to mention tons of ECF members who say the same thing.
Best of luck!!

 

[Prometheus72]

I'm a raw nub who has been doing this for TWO whole days! So far I've bought two eGo-C starter kits (one for hubby after he stole MY spare), and a pile of juices in different strengths, PV/VG ratios and flavors that should get here soon.

So far Ive spent $200 - which is less than we would pay for 2 weeks of cigs. Im ok with that. Know why? Because I havent had a cigarette in TWO whole days - and I dont even miss it!

Awesome!!!! I went through the same thing! It's only going to get better!!! plus...you'll be alive to enjoy it now!

 

[PaporPlas]

Awesome!!!! I went through the same thing! It's only going to get better!!! plus...you'll be alive to enjoy it now!

Big Ol' CONGRATS! To you and the Hubby!

: )

 

[PaporPlas]

i wasn't talking about throwing money at the situation. I've encountered some cheapskates that just want to find the cheapest equipment and have a huge issue with spending more than a pack of smokes for a start up kit. I understand because people have to work with their own cash flow and for some it's easier to buy a pack than a carton at a time. When you look at it as an investment in your own health, it's easier to justify coming up with the funds.

You have to be willing to spend some money to find your personal vaping likes and dislikes. I probably spent close to $100 on juice before i figured out what i like to vape. Plenty of things i thought i'd like weren't what i'd like to vape. I'm now vaping root beer, which isn't something i even drank much of... But apparently it's my all day vape.

d i t t o . . .

 

[reallifedog]

AWESOME tips. thanks for posting, this sort of information was really helpful for me starting off and moving forward

 

[Chris noland]

From my limited experiance I would say jump in.. Spend two weeks of cig money and buy a good system.
I started on a Totally Wicked 510T. I won't knock it because it is what actually got me off the cigs, but in a lot of ways it was wasted money.
In less than a week I ended up spending money on a big batt mod, at day ten I bought a tank.. and here I sit.

It doesn't 'need' to look like a cig.
It doesn't have to be tobacco flavored.

It does need to be easy to use.
It does need to have the capacity in juice and batt to keep you from constantly messing with it.


Thats just two cents from a guy very new to vaping but very succefully killing out the 'craves'.

I totally agree with the part about them not needing to look like a real ciggarette, in fact I've gotten to the point where I will no longer use one that looks real because it adds to confusion when in public. I find it very annoying to have to constantly explain " No this isn't a real ciggarette. No that isn't smoke." Its a hassle.

 

[yardbyrd]

It's time to give a shout out to PaporPlas: WAHHHH-HOOOOO!

Wow! Your thread is starting to look like a rope! .....and it's no wonder. I think the vast majority of new vapers have an awful lot to consider; your advice (whether they take it or not) tends to lead to more careful consideration of other vaping concerns as proved by many of the previous posts!

In the ongoing DIY curve....I've save a lot of $ mixing my own e-liquid. I've gotten several "keeper" recipes already. The main ones I have are tobacco recipes since tobacco is still one of my favorite e-liquid arenas. I've started an "Ongoing Cigar" recipe that is based on the expansion of a straight Tobacco Absolute flavor I tried but found lacking for some reason.

Way to go PaporPlas! One heck of a good thread!

(Chirp)