Hi everyone!

[Shameless]

I am new to vaping, started 10/10/15. I smoked for 33 years (I started young). The last 8 years or so I was up to 2 packs a day. My smokers cough was getting pretty bad and I decided I wanted to try to quit.

I wasn't really committed to quitting, just wanted to give it a shot. I know everyone says you have to be in the right mind set, but I was kind of half hearted, I actually like to smoke.

A few months ago, I tried one of those convenience store e-cigs and they were horrible, and I went right back to smoking. But I was hearing about flavored nicotine and thought I would give it a try.

I looked into vaping a little, and got overwhelmed very fast. Who wants to keep an ohm calculator just to smoke?? Resistance and variable voltage and wattage, and coils, and wrapping your own coils, and OMG that was turning me off vaping fast!

Then I found IndoorSmokers youtube videos and he had a "Best e-cig for Noobs" video!!! He directed me to MigCig 21 https://www.migcigs.com/Mig-Cigs-Vapor-Mig-21-Clear-Fusion-vapor-cigarette-s/1910.htm , and whew!! something easy!!!

I bought a kit and got on my way!!

I can't believe how easy it has been to quit. I had decided I wasn't going to quit smoking cigarettes from the beginning, just supplement with vaping, maybe cut down some. But I found I didn't even want to smoke. I bought a tobacco flavored juice and a blueberry and a vanilla. I didn't even open the tobacco, why would I, I now had all these cool flavors to choose from!!!! I thought I would miss tobacco, hell 3 weeks ago I would have told you I loved the taste of tobacco and I couldn't imagine "smoking" something all flavored and sweet.

If I had only known it was this good years ago...

Well, I found this forum and it has really helped, I am going to try my first ego type mod soon, waiting for vape mail (I love that you guys call it vape mail, or I should say US guys now!!).

I really want to thank everyone for being so nice and welcoming!! Congrats to all of you for getting off the cigarettes!!

 

[bacc.vap]

Hello and welcome.

 

[Vaping_Racoon]

Yeah great news!

Just take things at your pace and remember that you're doing something great for yourself and those around you by quitting.

Then you'll surely get more and more interested in this stuff and waste alot of time on this forum

 

[NealBJr]

Hello! and welcome to the forums!

The indoor smokers guy is pretty good and honest on his reviews. I do recommend something along the EGO style. You don't HAVE to rebuild, or keep an ohm calculator, or all that stuff... it can be as easy or as in depth as you want. Many of us go to the hobbyist side, and decide to make our own coils.

First, those mig cigs, or cigalikes have a limited battery, and limited vapor production. You'll go through several battery charges per day. I started on a cigalike,and ended up buying three if I wanted to last the day without a cigarette. one or two charging while I vaped the other. it also got expensive buying the cartridges.. it ended up costing as much as a regular cigarette. Also, the fact that I couldn't try new flavors turned me off.. I was limited to whatever the cigalike offered.

Then I went to EGO batteries and it all changed. I still had to use two ego's, since I didn't want to sit there and wait while the other one was charging. The clearomizers were about as much as three of the cigalikes price wise, but they lasted much longer. Also, I was able to fill with whatever ejuice I wanted. That's when I really started to get into the flavor aspect of vaping instead of using it as a tool to quit. Even then, the clearomizers that I got don't last forever, and eventually even those had to be replaced. I wanted something a little more permanent and something I could "fix".

That's when I started to go into the hobyist side of it. I got an atomizer that could be rebuilt. Back then, they weren't as reliable as they are now, but I bought a roll of kanthal and some silica wick, and I kept rebuilding the coils. All coils will go bad over time... some faster than others. But this time, instead of chunking the whole thing in the trash, I was able to "fix it"...

Now it's not as complicated as when I first started. I never use a calculator, and I use the ohm reader on my ecig.. all I need is cotton, kanthal, and a screwdriver and I'm set. Hardware wise, I only need to spend on average $5/month. + whatever juice I use. I have enough atomizers to last me, enough kanthal for a few years, and I still have the same bag of organic cotton I bought two years ago and it's not even half empty. I do have a couple of tools to make coils.. rebuilding to me is more like "take one wrap from the spool, clip.. wrap that wire 6 times with the coiling tool.. insert into screws and tighten, cut, shape, then insert cotton, clip wires, put some juice on, test ohms reassemble atomizer and I'm good for a few days. It honestly takes about 5 minutes every three days, and it sounds more complicated than It is.

Right now, it seems like you're on an EGO stage. I know, I hate to classify people, but so many people including me have went through the same progression. Cigalikes, then find out about the battery life and how expensive it can be, then ego's, then want a little more vapor, then something larger and/ore hobyist. Not everyone goes to the hobyist side of it, but definitely at least to the ego or larger. That smokers cough... it will get worse believe it or not. Your lungs will start clearing out, and it has to come out by coughing. If I had anything to suggest, it would be to get something larger that will grow with you. Maybe a larger sized battery box mod with a Nautilus is usually my suggestion for new vapers. coils aren't terribly expensive, and something like an istick should last you an entire day. when you want something larger or more, an istick should be able to handle it.

Anyways, good luck, and happy vaping.

 

[Shameless]

Hello and welcome.

Thanks so much!!

 

[Shameless]

Yeah great news!

Just take things at your pace and remember that you're doing something great for yourself and those around you by quitting.

Then you'll surely get more and more interested in this stuff and waste alot of time on this forum

Thanks! Yeah I can see how it could be addicting (damnit give up one addiction for another!! lol)

 

[Vaping_Racoon]

Don't worry it's fun and rewarding too

 

[rgerber]

Great success story!Welcome Home to the ECF Family!!

 

[Shameless]

Hello! and welcome to the forums!

The indoor smokers guy is pretty good and honest on his reviews. I do recommend something along the EGO style. You don't HAVE to rebuild, or keep an ohm calculator, or all that stuff... it can be as easy or as in depth as you want. Many of us go to the hobbyist side, and decide to make our own coils.

First, those mig cigs, or cigalikes have a limited battery, and limited vapor production. You'll go through several battery charges per day. I started on a cigalike,and ended up buying three if I wanted to last the day without a cigarette. one or two charging while I vaped the other. it also got expensive buying the cartridges.. it ended up costing as much as a regular cigarette. Also, the fact that I couldn't try new flavors turned me off.. I was limited to whatever the cigalike offered.

Then I went to EGO batteries and it all changed. I still had to use two ego's, since I didn't want to sit there and wait while the other one was charging. The clearomizers were about as much as three of the cigalikes price wise, but they lasted much longer. Also, I was able to fill with whatever ejuice I wanted. That's when I really started to get into the flavor aspect of vaping instead of using it as a tool to quit. Even then, the clearomizers that I got don't last forever, and eventually even those had to be replaced. I wanted something a little more permanent and something I could "fix".

That's when I started to go into the hobyist side of it. I got an atomizer that could be rebuilt. Back then, they weren't as reliable as they are now, but I bought a roll of kanthal and some silica wick, and I kept rebuilding the coils. All coils will go bad over time... some faster than others. But this time, instead of chunking the whole thing in the trash, I was able to "fix it"...

Now it's not as complicated as when I first started. I never use a calculator, and I use the ohm reader on my ecig.. all I need is cotton, kanthal, and a screwdriver and I'm set. Hardware wise, I only need to spend on average $5/month. + whatever juice I use. I have enough atomizers to last me, enough kanthal for a few years, and I still have the same bag of organic cotton I bought two years ago and it's not even half empty. I do have a couple of tools to make coils.. rebuilding to me is more like "take one wrap from the spool, clip.. wrap that wire 6 times with the coiling tool.. insert into screws and tighten, cut, shape, then insert cotton, clip wires, put some juice on, test ohms reassemble atomizer and I'm good for a few days. It honestly takes about 5 minutes every three days, and it sounds more complicated than It is.

Right now, it seems like you're on an EGO stage. I know, I hate to classify people, but so many people including me have went through the same progression. Cigalikes, then find out about the battery life and how expensive it can be, then ego's, then want a little more vapor, then something larger and/ore hobyist. Not everyone goes to the hobyist side of it, but definitely at least to the ego or larger. That smokers cough... it will get worse believe it or not. Your lungs will start clearing out, and it has to come out by coughing. If I had anything to suggest, it would be to get something larger that will grow with you. Maybe a larger sized battery box mod with a Nautilus is usually my suggestion for new vapers. coils aren't terribly expensive, and something like an istick should last you an entire day. when you want something larger or more, an istick should be able to handle it.

Anyways, good luck, and happy vaping.

Thanks for the info.

The MigCig 21 is a little better than the cig a likes I think you are referring to. It has a tank that I can fill with whatever juice I want. I did have to buy 2 more batteries (it comes with 2 and I needed more to not be hooked to electricity all day). I have to buy tanks every 10 days (well I've bought tanks twice since I got it, lol) and you get 3 in a box. https://www.migcigs.com/Mig-Cigs-Vapor-Mig-21-Clear-Fusion-vapor-cigarette-s/1910.htm

I went with a phantom x 1600 https://www.migcigs.com/Phantom-X-1600-Battery-Variable-Watt-Battery-p/phantomxbattery.htm (its a kangar like ego - they partnered with mig cig - see I do my homework lol) and a nautilus mini, I haven't got the phantom yet, the nautilus just arrived yesterday, so I will use that plus the mig cigs. I noticed that I must puff hard because the taste gets charred tasting alot, so I wanted to go to something better. I have spent a TON of time reading up on everything and have a little bit of a grip on it (I still get lost sometimes watching youtube vids.

I don't think I will ever become a hobbyist, not really my thing. And I will probably always be a mouth to lung smoker, so I hope I wont be needing more! There will probably be a time when I do the coil thing, since alot of people said it saves money, but not yet, now I just want easy, and stress free, although quitting has been pretty easy, I am still a little b!tchy, lol.

It would help if I found some juice I really love, I have bought from many places and tried around 25 different flavors. I am looking into ejuice subscription services now, I noticed one of the biggest problems I am having now is finding ejuice. Not because I cant find it, because I find sooo much of it and dont know what to pick or what companies to go with, so I am hoping trying a subscription will take some of that frustration away from me.

I spent 5 hours reading this forum last night, trying to find the best strawberry juice. I ended up ordering the 10-15ml bottles from about 10 places and I'm just going to try them all til I find what I really like. Then I wanted custard too - and found Custards last stand and Grants vanilla custard and Blends by Bryce, so I think I will find one of those I really like they had soooo many good reviews they must be good (I hope!!).

Thankfully, I used to spend $100/week on smoking so I am allocating that much on vaping for the time being, to find what I like and the hardware I want to go with. That gives me room to try things and get it right.

Anyway - thanks again for taking the time with all that info! I really do appreciate it!

 

[Shameless]

Don't worry it's fun and rewarding too

Thanks, I already feel kind of proud of myself for making the change. My family is happy too. So I feel th rewards already!! Here's hoping!!

 

[Shameless]

Great success story!Welcome Home to the ECF Family!!

Thanks!! It's not really a success story yet! But it's a good start!!

 

[Vaping_Racoon]

Yeah just keep positive

You can also spot the good vapeshops around your area, see the ones you like.
It can be cool to speak about it in person and finding out what you like, etc.

Never go for pushy people though, they do not deserve your time or business!

 

[David Wolf]

Thanks for the info.

The MigCig 21 is a little better than the cig a likes I think you are referring to. It has a tank that I can fill with whatever juice I want. I did have to buy 2 more batteries (it comes with 2 and I needed more to not be hooked to electricity all day). I have to buy tanks every 10 days (well I've bought tanks twice since I got it, lol) and you get 3 in a box. https://www.migcigs.com/Mig-Cigs-Vapor-Mig-21-Clear-Fusion-vapor-cigarette-s/1910.htm

I went with a phantom x 1600 https://www.migcigs.com/Phantom-X-1600-Battery-Variable-Watt-Battery-p/phantomxbattery.htm (its a kangar like ego - they partnered with mig cig - see I do my homework lol) and a nautilus mini, I haven't got the phantom yet, the nautilus just arrived yesterday, so I will use that plus the mig cigs. I noticed that I must puff hard because the taste gets charred tasting alot, so I wanted to go to something better. I have spent a TON of time reading up on everything and have a little bit of a grip on it (I still get lost sometimes watching youtube vids.

I don't think I will ever become a hobbyist, not really my thing. And I will probably always be a mouth to lung smoker, so I hope I wont be needing more! There will probably be a time when I do the coil thing, since alot of people said it saves money, but not yet, now I just want easy, and stress free, although quitting has been pretty easy, I am still a little .....y, lol.

It would help if I found some juice I really love, I have bought from many places and tried around 25 different flavors. I am looking into ejuice subscription services now, I noticed one of the biggest problems I am having now is finding ejuice. Not because I cant find it, because I find sooo much of it and dont know what to pick or what companies to go with, so I am hoping trying a subscription will take some of that frustration away from me.

I spent 5 hours reading this forum last night, trying to find the best strawberry juice. I ended up ordering the 10-15ml bottles from about 10 places and I'm just going to try them all til I find what I really like. Then I wanted custard too - and found Custards last stand and Grants vanilla custard and Blends by Bryce, so I think I will find one of those I really like they had soooo many good reviews they must be good (I hope!!).

Thankfully, I used to spend $100/week on smoking so I am allocating that much on vaping for the time being, to find what I like and the hardware I want to go with. That gives me room to try things and get it right.

Anyway - thanks again for taking the time with all that info! I really do appreciate it!

You're not wasting any time and you're doing you're homework, good for you! Remember to get a box of coils for your nautilus. I recommend the 1.6 or 1.8 ohm vertical cotton coils. Prime the coils with a few drops of juice down the center and the wick holes and let it set 10 minutes after you fill your tank to saturate the wick. Take a few puffs unpowered and start at low power/volts and work your way up to what's good for you (I vape at 8 w, that's around 3.7v on a 1.8ohm coil). This way you don't get a dry hit and burn the cotton-once it's burnt it has to be replaced. Set your air flow to the size hole that tastes good. I used to use the second smallest hole but now use the largest. When your vapor starts tasting a little nasty it's time for a new coil. Good luck!

 

[Shameless]

Yeah just keep positive

You can also spot the good vapeshops around your area, see the ones you like.
It can be cool to speak about it in person and finding out what you like, etc.

Never go for pushy people though, they do not deserve your time or business!

Thanks, thats actually on my list for tomorrow. I like the idea of being able to taste flavors out before I buy. I wish online companies would send a taster package out. I think they are doing themselves a disservice. They might get a one time buy, but if I could taste flavors and pick what I liked they would gt a long time customer. I noticed if I try a couple from one company and dont like those 2 flavors, I dont even want to try any others, it could just be that I picked the wrong flavors and they have 20 I wold really like, but I dont want to spend good money after bad.

So, there are a few around here that I am going to check out and maybe I'll find something cool!

 

[Vaping_Racoon]

Yeah, I bought my first ''blind'' batch of juice and one of the 20ml bottles
tasted bad (for my tastes, even after steeping) so I just bummed 20$ on that.

Again, some vapeshops are better than others when it comes to trying juices
at their location.

First shop I went to made me try liquids that had high nic in it.. couldn't draw
more than 3-4 times before getting a buzz. Imagine trying out 5 flavors

Ridiculous!

 

[Shameless]

You're not wasting any time and you're doing you're homework, good for you! Remember to get a box of coils for your nautilus. I recommend the 1.6 or 1.8 ohm vertical cotton coils. Prime the coils with a few drops of juice down the center and the wick holes and let it set 10 minutes after you fill your tank to saturate the wick. Take a few puffs unpowered and start at low power/volts and work your way up to what's good for you (I vape at 8 w, that's around 3.7v on a 1.8ohm coil). This way you don't get a dry hit and burn the cotton-once it's burnt it has to be replaced. Set your air flow to the size hole that tastes good. I used to use the second smallest hole but now use the largest. When your vapor starts tasting a little nasty it's time for a new coil. Good luck!

THANKS SO MUCH!!

The mig cig I use now is 1.8ohm and it has a constant 4.2. Do you know what wattage that is? (I was going to look up the ohm calculator and try figuring that out lol.

I'm a little confused when you said - get replacement coils. It came with a replacement atomizer, isnt that where the coil is? Do I have to manually replace the coil or can I just replace the atomizer? It says to replace it every 2 weeks or so (500 puffs).

Thanks for the info about putting juice down the center and wick holes, I was going to look for youtube vids to figure all that out! lol

 

[Shameless]

Yeah, I bought my first ''blind'' batch of juice and one of the 20ml bottles
tasted bad (for my tastes, even after steeping) so I just bummed 20$ on that.

Again, some vapeshops are better than others when it comes to trying juices
at their location.

First shop I went to made me try liquids that had high nic in it.. couldn't draw
more than 3-4 times before getting a buzz. Imagine trying out 5 flavors

Ridiculous!

I've thrown away over $200 on "blind" juices I didnt like. I am hoping to talk a few friends into vaping and giving them the bottles, maybe we can switch out.

If a brick and mortar store doesnt let me taste test, I will leave. There's really no use going somewhere and spending that time, when I can buy blind online in 5 minutes. I want a place that will let me taste test, lol.

I started vaping at 18mg (I smoked Marlboro reds for most my life) and 2 packs a day for over 8 years. So that wouldnt bother me! lol

 

[Vaping_Racoon]

The coil is your atomizer. Changing coil is changing the atomizer.

with some juices (darker, sweeter) coils tend to ''gunk up'' faster lasting for a week
only. It's always good to have some backup.

 

[Shameless]

Also, one of my goals, probably at 2 months, is to lower my nic level. I started at 18mg, and plan on lowering it to 12mg after the new year

 

[Shameless]

The coil is your atomizer. Changing coil is changing the atomizer.

with some juices (darker, sweeter) coils tend to ''gunk up'' faster lasting for a week
only. It's always good to have some backup.

Ok, so I should plan on buying a couple on Friday (pay day), so I have them ready, lol!!