Giving it another try

[Billy B]

Hello all. I joined this forum in Jan ‘17. Made a feeble quit smoking attempt. Didn’t last long. But I’m giving it another try, with more commitment and hopefully better results this go round. Honestly I just think I was expecting a miracle. I guess as hard as we try there is no 100% replacement for analogs. Even though I hate them I still want one.
However, I’m on day 4 without one now. Longest I ever went maybe, at least for many many years.
So I wanted to reintroduce myself. I have a few questions I will post soon, as well as reading others posts.
Thanks.

 

[DavidOck]

Welcome back, Billy!

Yes, it can be a journey for many, making the switch. Finding the "right" nic level and flavors for yourself is one of the keys. Too low a nic and it likely won't be satisfying, and without flavors you like you probably just won't vape!

And backups. Because you need something to use while one is charging, and because you need to account for hardware failure. Getting replacements isn't as easy as a fresh pack of smokes!

 

[Billy B]

Thanks. So I’m on the patch...so I don’t want to use too much nicotine. I broke out my old gear. I am using an Endura T-22 which works for me, although I’d like to upgrade after I stick with it awhile.
My patch is 7 mg. The juice I’m using is 3 mg so I wouldn’t think that would be bad..? I’d like to get to 0 nic honestly and just vape as enjoyment. Right now I just want to leave smokes in the dust.
Also, this juice has been on the shelf about 6 months. I suppose it’s fine? It doesn’t taste bad.
Any input appreciated.

 

[joeybear]

Try and fail, try and fail, try and succeed. It's all about not giving up. Use the support around you to succeed. Hang in there

 

[stols001]

Welcome back to vaping. I did not succeed on my first attempt either. 4 day is fantastic, I remember my first "smoke free" vaping day and I was truly amazed, I was able to actually hang in there. Do what works for you, and if it stops working and/or becomes unbearable, come back for suggestions. I could see the patch and vaping working, especially if you have to go long periods without vaping. Best of luck, and continue posting the good the bad and the ugly.

There are things you can do/try if the going gets rough, but at 4 days smoke free, I'm not going to go into them as if you can make nicotine work via vaping and patch, you may not need anything "additional" and some things, while effective, are also expensive and if you can manage to get through detox without those aids, things will/should get much easier as you progress, so no need to complicate things. I wish you the best of luck!

Anan

 

[scott58]

I was lucky. My first vape was my last cigarette almost 10 years ago. The tech is so good now. Good luck!

 

[Billy B]

Thanks for all the encouragement.
I have to go get some more supplies this weekend...I will get new coils for the T-22, probably use up the juice I have for now. But I do have a couple questions.
1- what would be a nice step up from the mod I’m using now? I like it ok but I want to get a 2nd anyways. I don’t mind if it’s a little challenging just not super complicated (and I need good taste and pretty decent vapor production to feel satisfied!)
2- I want safe high quality juice (no Diacetyl, etc). Good place to shop?

 

[DavidOck]

Yep, your 4 month old juice should be fine. Or even any 12 month

Don't rush yourself on weaning from nic. Trying to eliminate it too soon is a likely cause of failure, and nic, without combustion, is being shown to be not at all the specter it's been claimed to be. Best to maintain a comfortable nic level until you're sure you're off smokes, then take your time reducing it.

I diy my juice, so can't help much on that front. Although most sellers now post diacetyl free, and most juices are that way these days. Even though "popcorn lung" isn't likely to be a problem unless you're inhaling a LOT of diacetyl 8 hours a day!

Hardware.... lots of options. Coming from the T22, maybe browse for some ideas here:

Tootle Puffers, Part Three! (The Sequel of the Redux)

and here:

Little itty bitty mods under $100.

 

[IgnorantCig]

Good luck on another try! Some people manage on their first try, others will need more time. As long as somebody keeps trying then that's a good thing imo.

You're already a step ahead of many other people, like my Uncle who smokes and who happens to have cancer, and he has never even bothered to give vaping a first try. Some people are just stubborn and set in their ways, no matter how destructive those ways happen to be.

The tech and the hardware is much more advanced and better today than it was just a few short years ago, so people trying to quit today should have an easier time at it than people before.

But at the end of the day, all of the hardware and tech in the world is not going to overcome the biggest hurdle of all, and that is the will power and the determination of the person attempting to quit.

The most crucial time is the beginning imo, and if you are truly serious about quitting, then I would suggest that you do whatever you need to do to make it happen. I hate to quote NIKE here, but just do it!

Experiment, try different juice brands, flavors, Nic strengths etc. Try different vape hardware. Find what works best for you. What works best for person A is not necessarily what's going to be best for you.

You can do it if you truly want to.

 

[AngeNZ]

Hi Billy,
Congrats on day 4 - you are getting thru the hardest stage, so keep at it

I was a 30 a day smoker, started with 18mg juice, on the endura t18 and then the endura t22. I also used an 18mg patch for the first few weeks. At this point I wouldn't worry too much about dropping nictine until you get past the first 3 weeks. I found that my 'crunch' time.

Gear wise, I'm still using my t22 tank, but got a pico 75w mod. If you want an external battery mod - there are tons of options out there - just figure out what sort of size you want and go from there. If you like innokin, there's the zenith mtl tank available. Its a 24mm size but would fit on your t22 mod. A external battery mod option for this is the eleaf pico 25. If your happy with an internal battery mod, the innokin kroma-a zenith tank might be a good fit.

 

[Billy B]

All good info I appreciate it.
Thanks for the suggestions. I am going to go to the local vape shop over the weekend. As much as I prefer shopping online, I think Vaping supplies/mods/tanks etc May be one of the most difficult things to choose without seeing in person or try before buy. I enjoy looking online and YouTube but I can make ya dizzy.

I really wanna get into one of these new powerful cool lookin mods but it seems a little hard. Lots to control seems like

 

[Letitia]

Welcome Billy. +1 for the Innokin Kroma/Zenith kit for the next step up. Patches are so expensive might want to consider upping your nic in one tank and trying it without a patch for a day or two. Pico 25 (85 watts) is a good device as well. Kanger Toptank has excellent versatile air flow that can help you find your sweet spot. Helps when you can get a fuller lung hit when the cravings are worse.

 

[Baditude]

I really wanna get into one of these new powerful cool lookin mods but it seems a little hard. Lots to control seems like

Look at the recommended regulated mods here:
Good Starter Setups for a Beginner Vaper

 

[DavidOck]

I really wanna get into one of these new powerful cool lookin mods but it seems a little hard. Lots to control seems like

Don't be put off by that. Most will let you set them to power mode, so it's just up and down on the watts. And it can be nice to have additional features (i.e. temp control, TC) for the future. If you ever want to go that way, you'll have hardware that's capable of it. Although flashing lights and voice control may be a bit much!

 

[Billy B]

Look at the recommended regulated mods here:
Good Starter Setups for a Beginner Vaper

Thanks. That’s pretty comprehensive guide there. Lots of good info

 

[Billy B]

Don't be put off by that. Most will let you set them to power mode, so it's just up and down on the watts. And it can be nice to have additional features (i.e. temp control, TC) for the future. If you ever want to go that way, you'll have hardware that's capable of it. Although flashing lights and voice control may be a bit much!

Yea the more I think about it the more I think I’m gonna get a little more advanced mod this weekend. I’ll have the Endura as well. That doesn’t sound to complicated, just adjusting the wattage.
No flashing lights or voices! Cig withdrawal already messing with me enough!

 

[K-9s]

Congratulations on NOT giving up! I have a T-22 for backup and it is pretty good! I am very new to vaping, so I took some advice (thanks, Letitia) and got the Kroma, too. For me, having a different flavor & nic strength in each tank makes all the difference. Anna is correct - don't complicate things. Just do what you need to do. Personally, I picked up several flavors to try and that makes it a little more exciting and interesting. I don't know about the future, but this setup is working for me now. You will find your setup and I pray it works for you.

 

[Billy B]

Congratulations on NOT giving up! I have a T-22 for backup and it is pretty good! I am very new to vaping, so I took some advice (thanks, Letitia) and got the Kroma, too. For me, having a different flavor & nic strength in each tank makes all the difference. Anna is correct - don't complicate things. Just do what you need to do. Personally, I picked up several flavors to try and that makes it a little more exciting and interesting. I don't know about the future, but this setup is working for me now. You will find your setup and I pray it works for you.

Yea when I started my first time around the shop recommended the t-22 and I do think it serves its purpose.

The Kroma is Innokin right? What tank do you use with it?

Thanks for the prayers! I am a Christian btw so smoking has been a source of guilt for me for awhile now.

 

[DeloresRose]

Congrats on four days!

I know it all looks like a lot to take in, but it’s not as complicated as it seems.

 

[K-9s]

Innokin Kroma-A 75W TC Box Mod and Zenith Tank Starter Kit

I don't know much about these devices because I am so new and there are so many to choose from. I like the Kroma better than the T-22 because of the airflow. I use the higher ohm coil (that was included in the box) and set it to 14w just like the T-22. That works for me!

I am sure that there are many devices that are just as good, better, or worse. I just can't imagine how anyone could choose just one or two from all the reviews and opinions out there.

No need to feel guilt, my friend. It is shame and guilt that prevents you from kicking the habit. You have a lot of support and encouragement here. No one judges you. God loves you, and a LOT of people are on your side.

We are humans. We get back on that horse when we fall off. We fail. We succeed. We stick together. We have faith in each other. THAT has been the biggest reason that I knew I could quit.... Don't put so much pressure on yourself. You will be fine. Just do it!