Help a befuddled old noob? questions questions

[DocWilson]

Hey guys. I read all the sticky threads and it must be my advanced age but I am in info overload, haha.

my info

53 years old, been smoking almost 40 years, had almost given up on quitting after so many failed attempts until I read about these. I ordered a disposable online to try one out, a #7 whatever that is. Looked like a cigarette. Anyway, I liked it, I think I can live with the switch and am anxious to start.

From what I've read here, the 501 is a reasonable starter choice. I don't really care what it looks like though I'd like to not look like too big of an idiot when I whip it out.

I want a lot of vapor and taste, and I suppose "throat hit" too. I'm tempted to try a low nicotine level even though I smoke marboro reds. It seemed to me when I smoked the disposable like I would a cigarette I could feel myself overdosing on nicotine. Anyone have a similar experience.

Any recommendations would be appreciated, guys, I am sick of killing myself with marlboros and feel like I cant afford to make a bad decision here.

 

[azvagabond]

HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend the Vapor King from Vapor 4 Life....Steve is #1 in customer service, the product is top notch and easiest to use, with everything you stated you want. Read the Vapor 4 Life forum for confirmation.

Vapor4Life:: Because it's your life :: Electronic Cigarettes & Alternatives to Analog Smoking :: Vape-On Baby!

Vapor4Life - e-cigarette-forum.com • The place for electronic cigarette reviews, news and chat

use code smilin for 10% off!!!

 

[PhoenixRising]

I agree with Az, tried em all and this is the one that sinched it for me. It is by far the easiest model to use, with only two parts to mess with. And when you want to change flavors, you just switch cartomizers. No blowing out attys, no mess, no fuss. You can refill them or toss them - your choice. My husband smoked reds and he also has tried all the other brands. In his hand right this very minute, is a Vapor King/kr808-D with a 36mg Marlboro Cartomizer. He wouldn't let go of that thing if you paid him! Another plus, Steve over at V4L and Drew at Nhaler (the two main retailers of this type of device), are both stand up guys who care about their customers and go the extra mile to make sure you are satisfied with your purchases.

ETA: They both have subforums here, so check out the device and the rave reviews. If you have questions just post em and the folks will clammer to answer them for you.

 

[Valkerie]

LiteCigUSA.net, can't recommend Shawn, and Shawn's prices, enough.

Again, he's one of the suppliers here, try the forum and see the feedback.

Taste is subjective. I smoked menthol my entire life and am in love with the "Camel" juice. Just a great cigarette flavor. IMHO.

Most people in the forum recommend the 501 or 901. I started with a 401 and although I love it, and am stockpiling, you'll want something with a little more kick to it.

Although they are ugly as heck, you might want to check out the modified e-cigs like the screwdrivers with regular batteries. Especially if the ban hammer goes down on e-cigs. That will save you money in the long run.

 

[Vex444]

Your going to get as many opionin as you are posters. Guess any will be good to start with. Just start. Many here end up with several types anyhow. Just dont go overboard in accesories till you know if you like that model. I started with the 510 and still like it but getting others also. Dont beat yourself up afraid to make the wrong mistake none are wrong there all the right choice.

 

[Heed]

Get a 901 or 510. I'd say 901 since they are super common (almost everyone will have parts) and are still a workhorse unit with a low entry level price. Pretty good bang for the buck as a starter. You want at least two battery units and should make sure you get two atomizers as well. You'll get some cartridges with a starter kit, but it would be a good idea to also get a bottle of liquid as well so you can refill the carts.

Yes, when you start out it's pretty common to get a bit too much nic. I just kept hauling away on it without really noticing how long I'd been puffing. Cigarettes are a fixed period device that are finished after a short time -- they go out. E-cig's aren't fixed period, so you have to consciously stop yourself or wait for physical symptoms of too much nic. You'll probably do that a number of times at first until you get accustomed to the e-cig.

I think most people start with 18mg, or so, strength liquid. It's a good starting point and if you find it too strong you can just limit your drags. You'll find your level with it and then can decide if you would like a different strength. You might find you need more of the oral fix and it would be preferable to go lower and drag more often, or vice versa.

My experience was that the first time I tried vaping I was pretty sure I could substitute it for cigarettes as well -- now it's 9 months without a cigarette from that day. That was 20 a day for 20 years down to zero. Sounds like you should transition well if you feel positive about it after a short exposure.

 

[jvapor]

I recommend the screwdriver and the prodigy with 901 adapter. They will save you loads on batteries and will always be available. Stock up on juice and atomizers. A USB pass-through would also be a good Idea or take the time to learn how to make them. Altsmokes has parts. I would act quickly though just in case the ban goes through.

 

[DocWilson]

Thanks guys. Regarding these cartomizers the vapor kings use, how long does each one last before having to be filled or discarded?

 

[jvapor]

Thanks guys. Regarding these cartomizers the vapor kings use, how long does each one last before having to be filled or discarded?

That more depends on your vaping habits. I used a couple carts a day but I am a heavy vaper.

 

[rocketvapor]

Doc,

I know just how you feel. Your first foray on the forum can be like taking a sip out of a fire hose!

I recommend you start with the new members' forum, and read some of the many excellent reviews there. Once you think you have narrowed your choices down to 2 or 100, hop over to the product review forum and see what others think. (Both these forums are visible as sub-forums under the main log-in page.)

Finally, take a deep breath, make a decision (this may involve throwing darts at a chart!), and place your order. Chances are, no matter what you order, it'll work fine as a starter rig to introduce to this wacky work of vaping.

After you get some experience under your belt, you may want to branch out into one of the "higher-end" models people have been discussing here. Take your time and learn what you like. Your options are limited only by your bank account! Good luck!

 

[DocWilson]

okay, another question? Do I read correctly that the fascists in our government are actually bent on banning these??? Are their going to be workarounds or are we in the US just going to SOL?

 

[jvapor]

You read correctly. I am sure their will be loopholes. We are smart people. I am sure many people will order from overseas and still get their stuff ok because the FDA customs do not have near enough man power to stop it all but you will just have to square with the idea that you will be an outlaw. I know I have squared with this and we keep on vaping.

 

[DocWilson]

Well I've been an outlaw for a lot of years, but I never expected to have to sneak around for my nicotine fix. Good lord.

 

[DocWilson]

JVapor and Valkerie,

Y'all imply that the screwdriver will be more available or renewable or something in the event of the coming ban. Can you elaborate on that?

 

[kcr]

Hey Doc!

The Screwdriver and other similar equipment are battery mods that use easily-obtainable batteries, rather than the regular e-cig batteries. Since e-cig batteries are considered disposable, this gives you a way to not have to stock up on the batteries in case of a ban. Some also run at 5-6 volts, if that is something you are interested in.

You will still need atomizers, and most mods that I have seen use 801 atomizers, although many have adapters for 901 or 510 atomizers.

You will also need juice. Mixing your own from unflavored nicotine liquid is a good way to go--see the DIY liquid folder.

As for the cartomizers--they sound like a good idea, but they end up being pretty expensive, relatively speaking. And, if there is a ban they will become impossible to obtain. The units work fine (although the liquid that comes in the cartomizers is not the greatest), but you are locked in to purchasing the cartomizers, even if you reuse them several times. I have a couple, and I do use them occasionally, but they are by no means on my regular rotation.

I think you will be happy with a 510 or a 901 to start. And, with luck, you can work your way through all the models without fear of confiscation.

Welcome!

 

[plantlvr]

Great thread! Like Doc I'm also a 53 yr old 'analog' [love it!] smoker just now exploring this new way of 'smoking'. I'm also overwhelmed but will be taking the plunge cus I LIKE smoking but HATE all the BS that goes along with it, not to mention the health concerns. Thanks to everyone for helping us newbies!

 

[jvapor]

Hey Doc!

The Screwdriver and other similar equipment are battery mods that use easily-obtainable batteries, rather than the regular e-cig batteries. Since e-cig batteries are considered disposable, this gives you a way to not have to stock up on the batteries in case of a ban. Some also run at 5-6 volts, if that is something you are interested in.

You will still need atomizers, and most mods that I have seen use 801 atomizers, although many have adapters for 901 or 510 atomizers.

You will also need juice. Mixing your own from unflavored nicotine liquid is a good way to go--see the DIY liquid folder.

As for the cartomizers--they sound like a good idea, but they end up being pretty expensive, relatively speaking. And, if there is a ban they will become impossible to obtain. The units work fine (although the liquid that comes in the cartomizers is not the greatest), but you are locked in to purchasing the cartomizers, even if you reuse them several times. I have a couple, and I do use them occasionally, but they are by no means on my regular rotation.

I think you will be happy with a 510 or a 901 to start. And, with luck, you can work your way through all the models without fear of confiscation.

Welcome!

What he said

 

[kcr]

What he said

...she...

But thank you!

 

[thewomenfolk]

Let me recommend the JOYE 510 Kit from Rocky Mountain Vapors, $46 with free shipping. And juices from Nhaler. The 510 is very popular and is a little stronger than the 901 in throat hit and vapor. Good luck and enjoy!
(Then graduate to a Janty Stick! )

 

[Robert]

The 510 is a great cig looking PV- I do recomend it.

I was also new only 3 months ago- now I'm not. The 510 did it for me- but it was a little differcult at times, not to smoke 2-3 a day for the first month....

Most wont recoment high volt PV's to a newb- but I will

There is nothing like vaping at higher voltage. 5 volt is a sweetspot that IMO more closely resesmble smoking. 6+ volts is great too. I wish I had gone straight to high voltage- It would have been easier for me to quit smoking sooner.