I love my Caramel cappuccino 12 mg first thing sweet AND coffee flavour. What's not to love?Oh man, everytime I remember or see bits of that first post in this thread, I'm embarrassed all over again. Not by *what* I said, but by how I said it -- I believe everything I said is true, but as noted, I wasn't long out of bed when I posted that, and I am just not human or fit for human company till I've been awake at least an hour. I already apologized to epicdoom for being such a beeyotch, but let me just apologize to everyone who might read that post -- I am not usually like that!
I still think it's a bad idea to put off vaping, because it takes so long for nicotine to absorb from vapor; I realized pretty soon after I started vaping that it takes a concerted steady effort to get your nic levels to a point that feels comfortable, especially in the morning; although I find 12mg too high for regular use, that's what I start the day with, for about 45 mins or so, before I drop down to my 9mg/day level; it's the only way I can get past that "need a smoke right NOW!" feeling in the morning, to just sit there at the side of the bed and vape 12mg like a maniac for at least 20 mins before I even get dressed, then about 20 mins more after I come out to the kitchen, which gives me time to get my "regular" all setup and ready, if I hadn't done it the night before.
Tried some Apricot 12mg this morning, a sample MFS sent me since I buy so *much* ejuice from them, and that was really good! Think that'll be my morning vape for a while. I also cannot take throat hit in the morning without coughing up a lung, so the sweet/fruit flavors are really good to me then, since they don't usually have much TH at all. But the rest of the time... I gotta have that tingle or I'm just not satisfied. I don't know if that will change, the farther I get from smoking, but I kinda hope it will; if all this BS about flavors comes down from the FDA, it will be much easier to DIY the sweet/fruit flavors than to DIY a Virginia tobacco flavor I like. If the only ones they try to "ban" are the sweet/fruit flavors but they leave the tobacco flavors alone, I should be able to get by, but I like adding a little Oak Barrel Cider pipe sauce and Cinnamon Redhot ejuice to my Virginia, so I dunno.
Welcome, MizMickey! Vape on!!
Andria
Hey Cookie, welcome!
Is it a "no taste" thing, or "everything tastes like crap" thing? The no-taste thing could be dehydration, it's amazing how oddly that will affect your sense of taste -- sometimes just drinking a lot of cool or cold water can help a lot. Or, vaping something with a really strong taste, like peppermint (Halo's Kringle's Curse is a really STRONG peppermint and really helps) or cinnamon -- but, you have to use a glass tank for most cinnamon, especially if it's cinnamon redhot rather than baker's cinnamon. The very best cinnamon redhot I've found is from Killer-Juice; not too sweet, not too hot, just about right.
If it's a tastes-like-crap thing, have you been using the same coil since you started? You may need to replace it, or dry burn it to get rid of gunky buildup that truly tastes nasty, a really burnt yucky taste. It came as a real surprise to me after about 2 wks with my first bottom-coil clearomizer that those coils don't last forever, and in fact I was very fortunate to get 2 wks out of my first one.
I vape the same flavor about 98% of the time, and I've had *very very little* incidence of the so-called vaper's tongue, and I struggle daily with hydration -- so much so that I have to drink powerade to prevent leg cramps. Also, many times if you eat something salty it really helps; maybe *because* eating something salty kinda forces you to drink water. I find I have to turn my wattage down a great deal after a meal, or eating much of anything, or the throat hit is so strong it chokes me; eating really brings back the flavor of vaping. For me, what seems to bring on a slight "numbness" to taste or throat hit is just vaping too frequently, one puff right after another; if I give it a couple minutes between puffs, my mouth doesn't get so accustomed that it just turns off.
Andria
I didn't quit the analogs until I found the juice I liked. Only the real tobacco extracted juices worked for me. I smoked really good tobacco that had character - I never smoked American cigs after high school (1960's !). So I needed something that satisfied my palate. Once I found the NET's (Natural Extracted Tobacco) I never went back. I have pounds of fresh farm tobacco laying around with nobody to smoke it. Oh well...I guess I'll just have to put it in a pot of VG and make some juice!
It's kinda both. I can't taste the flavouring much, only the nicotine, I think. I've only had my equipment for 12 days and I've changed to new heads three times, clean everything every time I fill the little tanks. I have an Evod starter kit (2 ecigs) and got an Evod glass and 1100 mAh battery. I'm trying quite a few different flavours at varying nic levels, but early in the day, everything tastes good, by later in the evening all I taste is yuck. Right when I just really want a cigarette! I've loaded up all three gizmos with different juice - one with Carmel cappuccino, which is delish when I can taste it, raspberry that tastes more like a tire fire late in the day, and a mint, tobacco, lemon mix in the bigger one. I've been switching from one to the other all day. Hope I don't have to go through the disposable coil heads so often and I'll have to get some wick material as the 'flavour wick' is so tiny and gets pretty ruffled after a few cleans. I do a dry burn here and there when cleaning, too. Run out of ideas now. Think I just have to deal with it. It seems from reading a lot on internet sites that it's pretty common for smokers to get this issue shortly after switching from smoking to vaping, but that it does clear up. Please don't suggest other equip. I'm just not into any further learning curve yet and I'm also just a short hop from blind, so dealing with all the tiny bits is quite tricky. Rebuilds are not in my cards, for a while at least and I have no knowledge of ohms, watts, volts etc. It is all beyond me, so far. Waiting for a chance to get back to the only reputable vape shop around - an hour from home. And, oh yah, I'm in Canada so suggesting all the company's products from US not of use. I understand any US orders containing nicotine do not get through customs. No idea why, as they sell nic juice here, but only made in Canada juice.
Getting pretty frustrated, but like I say, I think I just have to work through it/wait it out. Still think it is miraculous that I've gone from 50-60 cigs (strong) a day to 2. Sure don't want to go back! I'll be a happy camper when this phase is over.
It's kinda both. I can't taste the flavouring much, only the nicotine, I think. I've only had my equipment for 12 days and I've changed to new heads three times, clean everything every time I fill the little tanks. I have an Evod starter kit (2 ecigs) and got an Evod glass and 1100 mAh battery. I'm trying quite a few different flavours at varying nic levels, but early in the day, everything tastes good, by later in the evening all I taste is yuck. Right when I just really want a cigarette! I've loaded up all three gizmos with different juice - one with Carmel cappuccino, which is delish when I can taste it, raspberry that tastes more like a tire fire late in the day, and a mint, tobacco, lemon mix in the bigger one. I've been switching from one to the other all day. Hope I don't have to go through the disposable coil heads so often and I'll have to get some wick material as the 'flavour wick' is so tiny and gets pretty ruffled after a few cleans. I do a dry burn here and there when cleaning, too. Run out of ideas now. Think I just have to deal with it. It seems from reading a lot on internet sites that it's pretty common for smokers to get this issue shortly after switching from smoking to vaping, but that it does clear up. Please don't suggest other equip. I'm just not into any further learning curve yet and I'm also just a short hop from blind, so dealing with all the tiny bits is quite tricky. Rebuilds are not in my cards, for a while at least and I have no knowledge of ohms, watts, volts etc. It is all beyond me, so far. Waiting for a chance to get back to the only reputable vape shop around - an hour from home. And, oh yah, I'm in Canada so suggesting all the company's products from US not of use. I understand any US orders containing nicotine do not get through customs. No idea why, as they sell nic juice here, but only made in Canada juice.
Getting pretty frustrated, but like I say, I think I just have to work through it/wait it out. Still think it is miraculous that I've gone from 50-60 cigs (strong) a day to 2. Sure don't want to go back! I'll be a happy camper when this phase is over.
I used the new little dripper today at work and it worked out great, its so small I can keep it in my shirt pocket in a tiny zip-lock. I built it at 1.5 ohms and still get big vapor hits My guess is because its so small the cover gets packed with vapor. I received my new little kayfun mini today also gonna be cool to get kayfun performance on my VTR.
Andria I'm happy you are getting the dripper figured out. Are you making your juice? I just started doing that myself. I moved to 70vg 30pg mix. I have some 50/50 still left over for throat hits when needed. I started on that mix so I don't know what vaping all PG would do for me, I do know I cough on big, deep 50/50 mix hits though and haven't on the 70/30. We are all so uniquely different, I guess it would be pretty boring if we were all identical. The kayfun Mini is so cute, I hope it gives big taste like its big brother.
Oh gee, you got me all misty. Next time I get to see my grands I might get the same treatment!Thanks to epicdoom for creating this thread & all who have contributed! Stay Strong!
My quitting story is very similar, late last November, after 37 years of smoking, down to my last half pack of analogs, there was a man who was doing some refinishing of floors next door. Went to fetch the trash can from the curb, I had a lit analog in my hand. The man (Vic) was was doing the work, approached me & introduced himself, after an exchange or two, he asked me if I'd like to be free from tobacco.
Needless to say, my first instinct was skeptical & was about to say "no thanks". But he then went on to say how he was a 35 year former smoker & wanted to be here for his family. That caused me to pause & think for a second & I asked him what the deal was.
We then went into his work truck & he had all sorts of vaping products. He first gave me my own disposable drip tip & let me try out several sample tanks (the top coil type). There were a few bad ones, but several good ones. After an hour or so, I was getting fairly dizzy from all of the nicotine, as the truck was very hazy from mine & his vaping. It was like a party. We ended up talking for 2+ hours.
Afterwards, he gave me a wad of samples, a few tanks & sold me a 1100mah ego type passthrough device for $20, which included a case & charger. The extra tanks & samples were on the house. He also gave me a CASSA pamphlet & wrote the name of this forum on his business card to learn more. Finally it was getting dark & he had to go, so did I.
The first thing that I did after going back in was to grab a analog. For the first time ever in 37 years, it tasted like crap. I only had a few, by the time I was down to the last 3-4, I was literally gagging, the final one I crumpled after 3 drags.
By that time, I had selected the flavors that I liked & was given a 30% discount on my 1st order. Plus he surprised me by giving me one of his older, but still usable, bottom coil tanks & a box of coils & suggested that I put the e-juice that I liked the best in it. And told me that he was just a phone call away if needed.
And that's how it went. I've been smoke free since the last week of November 2013 & haven't looked back, nor really think of it much anymore. I've regained my life from tobacco.
In January, I finally saved to get my real mod, an Astro clone, I was given a great deal on everything & for the most part I get my supplies from him (well, it's really a husband/wife operation). I'm not trying to sell anything, but by this link am giving credit to those who empowered me to let go.
Products | Lunar Vapor
Since becoming an active member of ECF, I've read many similar real life stories & I'm proud of all of these who has succeeded in quitting & even those who falls off the wagon now & then. Because I have also, the difference being that I didn't have vaping as a tool. I tried most of the things that doctors suggested, patches, gums, pills, everything except smoking cessation therapy, which I felt to be of no value to me & wasted resources.
Finally, one of the best moments of my life was this past Christmas. My 8 year old granddaughter had always shied away from hugging me because I smelled like smoke. That day, she gave me a big hug w/out hesitation. At the time, I didn't let anyone see, as I had dodged into the bathroom, I was in tears.
That's my story.
Cat
Thanks Andria. Appreciate your info, advise, and support. Every day I come across some new ideas, hints, tips to make everything work better for me. Gotta get used to the time it takes for maintenance, but it's all good. I'm retired so it's not like I can't find the time. At this point every day is better than the last and I really look forward to being able to officially say I'm an ex smoker. After all these years, I'm ok with that being another week or two, if need be. No point in driving myself nuts about it but I'm confident it will happen.I know how you feel, about the learning curve, and not seeing well also; I had to get a new pair of reading glasses to be able to do any of this with these tiny bits, but even that doesn't help that much; this weekend I got this lighted-magnifier deal, with alligator clips to hold whatever you're working on, and that's a considerable help.
I fought against dry-burning till I was down to one working coil and at least 2 days from any new ones. I fought against rebuilding until I was so blessed tired of buying replacements, and hearing everyone talk about it like it's the Rapture or something, I finally just made myself try it. You're absolutely right, it's not for everyone; it's not actually difficult, but the small (tiny!) bits are *very* challenging if you don't see well. I also got pretty tired of all the "buy this" "buy that" malarkey, like I'm made out of money or something.But, there does seem to be more money since I abandoned cigarettes, so I buy what I can, when I can, and it's a lot more than I was ever able to buy for anything, when I smoked.
And yeah, early on, it's just kind of a thing you have to get past, about taste; after a couple weeks smoke-free not even the Twinings English Breakfast tea I *love* tasted good to me; I started drinking sodas again, just to taste something different. But that passes pretty quickly, I found, and your taste buds get used to not being assaulted by smoke on a daily basis and go back to doing their job.
Really the only thing necessary to quit smoking is the decision to do so; anything that makes it easier is terrific, but it's the choice that lets it happen; these things aren't magic wands, they're just helpers; they give us a substitution, and a distraction, so we can get on with the quitting without the god-awful suffering of every other way I ever tried. The learning curve is mainly about finding what suits *you* the best, not what some vape-geek thinks is *awesome*.
Andria
Good story Joe and I am glad you have found a way. This is an inspiration to me personally. I thought I had cigs beat, but they still have a hold on me. 30 year smoker 2 to 2 1/2 packs a day. I will try your technique.
Thanks again!
Matt My friend it matters not how long one has had the addiction to analogs, the feelings trying to quit are just as bad for everyone. So don't feel any less then even me. Its tuff no matter if you smoked for 3 months or 30 years. What's important here is you found your winning ticket and made the decision to take control of your smoking problem. I applaud you Many young people fear nothing now days and think they are invincible, I see it everyday and worse I saw it on the battlefield. To many young lives lost had the courage of ten men but forget they only had but one life. I'm not saying anything negative about young folks, so please don't take any of this that way. I to was young and gung-ho and now I'm paying the price.
You will find a ton of support here from myself and many others to help you in your journey to taking back your valuable life.
Andria I have a leaking heart valve its not a serious issue but is a result from a chest impact in 1991 For me the Nicotine has 2 vices one its something controlling what I do and two its a vaso restrictor. Id like to get my veins opened up and pushing blood to my muscles the way God designed me to operate. other then that I wouldn't care. I have started cutting back on coffee also only 2 cups in the morning 1 regular 1 decaf. I drink water the rest of the day. I want to give my body and organs the best chance to be around for that little Grandson I cherish so much. I guess I'm a little bit late in trying to get back some years, but I have to try.
Yep you should end up around 2 ohms I have found some new wire some folks have been using it. What it is, is Nichrome 60 it heats up sooo much faster the Kanthal a coil of 2 ohms kantahl may take 2 seconds to come up to temp Nichrome does it in nano seconds. I can wind you a micro coil at 2 ohms to try out and I'll send you a few feet of it to try out for yourself its 28g. I have a few hundred feet of it so I'm happy to share.Be sure to let me know how that mini does, compared to the full sized. I'm very disappointed with the nano, hoping the mini might be better.
I *mix* my own juice, but I don't start from scratch; since I'm still firmly attached to this Virginia tobacco flavor and can't duplicate it myself, I order it in fairly large quantity from MFS -- however, I mix a couple other flavors with it: Oak Barrel Cider pipe sauce, which ends up at 1/16th total volume of the final mix, and Cinnamon Redhot from Killer-Juice, which ends up at 1/32 of total volume. Anyway, since I need 9mg, I have to mix to that level myself, so I buy a large quantity (60ml) of the 6mg, to get the volume savings, and a smaller bottle of 18-24mg; until recently I bought both in the 85% PG blend, but since I'm trying to lower my PG consumption a little, lately I've been buying the higher-nic in the 85% Vg blend. It's difficult for me to use more Vg, I get that thick feeling in my throat and upper chest, but I'm hoping I can acclimate to something more like 67/33 Pg/Vg, rather than 85/15, to help with the dehydration and hopefully the swollen feet/ankles. Also, with the kayfun I find I don't need such a massive level of PG to get a good throat hit, and obviously that's even more true of the dripper.
The dripper will never be anything close to a primary device for me, but it's a good one for tasting on, and who knows, maybe I can even get used to dual coils, by doing them myself -- if I made 2 coils that were 4 ohms each, then used together that would be 2 ohms, right? That might be ok, not so blasted hot. To get that high a level of resistance, I'd need to use the 32ga, and that heats pretty fast, so it might be workable. I guess before I try that I need to get a *real* ohm meter or multimeter, instead of relying on the built-in ohm meter.
Andria