Hi There from New Vaper

[Terryd]

Some background info. to begin -I have been a pack+ menthol smoker off and on for 35 years (mostly on). I recently purchased a Kr8 starter kit from Puresmoker and some eliquid from VaporKings. I have both manual and automatic batteries. I have eliquids ranging from 11 mg to 2.4% (24mg.?). So far I have only menthol and caramel. I also purchased empty cartomizers to fill on my own. My cartomizers came with 18mg. nicotine. My fiance is a cigarillo smoker. He smokes Swisher Sweets. I purchased 11mg. Cuban Cigar eliquid for him. I am 99% sure they are all PG based. I also just ordered, but have not yet received, an NJOY express mini menthol starter and an NPROBYPASS from NJOY. Not scheduled to receive until next weds.
Anyway, at this point I am not feeling too successful. I use my KR8 and the lowest mg eliquids but still find that I cough when inhaling, get an unpleasant feeling in my lungs and occasionally a headache. I still want my old cigarettes (Salem Menthol Ultra Light 100s). Somehow vaping isn't taking away my desire to smoke and isn't a pleasant replacement yet. I "think" I want alot of vapor and a mild throat hit, without a "lung hit". I am determined to become a vaper instead of a smoker, but really cannot afford alot more $$ to find the right combo. I have been researching Dr. Vaper's Ecig 101 Youtube videos (love them), reading many, many threads on this site (thanks so much) and am getting alittle overwhelmed. So, I decided to ask for your patience and indulgence to get personal responses and advice for my situation. My fiance has started his research too and is alittle behind me, but any advice for him from ex-cigar smokers would also be appreciated.
Thanks soooooo much.

 

[SuZamme]

It is a learning curve so be patient and determined with yourself.

Draw slowly with the vapor in your mouth and not draw deeply directly into your lungs as you probably did with the "stinkies".

The higher nic levels in the juice will help with the transition.

If you vape non-stop for hours, in the beginning you will get a bit of headache and my theory is this is as much from actually getting a lot more air/oxygen as it is from the nic in the e-juice.

It will take your body awhile to detox from all the 4,000 chemicals.

Eventually though, you will be WANTING to vape, for the huge choice of delightful flavors and because the "stinkies" will start tasting disgusting, poisonous, and boring. Their (the "stinkies") convenience will soon lose out to flavor, tasting and smelling and breathing freely again.

As far as your fiance goes, I love the TW French Pipe juice AND there are dozens of different tobacco flavors from other vendors to get him started.

You both might keep an eye on the PIF and Classified sections of the forum and you will see a variety of tobaccos appear for you to try. Pretty soon, however, I predict you both will find many other flavors that are a lot tastier than the tobaccos.

Welcome to ECF and the Wonderful World of Vaping. Congrats on making the changes together...what a wonderful gift to yourselves and your couple.

 

[Terryd]

SuZamme, thanks for the reply. I appreciate your input. I will keep the faith, I promise. By stating that the higher nicotine levels will help did you mean they will help with the throat hit and lung discomfort I am having, or with withdrawal symptoms? I guess I got the impression that the lower nic fluids would decrease the coughing and discomfort in my lungs

 

[Dirgon]

The best advice I could possibly give is just... keep at it. I was determined to get off normal cigarettes, and I'm finding it very easy to transition because of how determined I was. I picked up an eGo and am using, currently, vanilla flavored juice.

For me, though, I spent weeks and weeks psyching myself out of cigarettes. I kept telling myself I'm sick of the smell, I'm sick of my mouth being dry every morning and coughing up phlem, I'm sick of walking into gas stations 2-3 times a week to buy cigs, I'm sick of saying "Crap... I'm running low, gotta make a smoke run", I'm sick of saying "I'll quit soon!" and never doing it, I'm sick of going outside, I'm sick of spraying myself with body spray and washing my hands and chewing gum for my fiancee every time I wanted a smoke, and since it's winter, I was sick of freezing my .... off every time I wanted a smoke.

As sick as I was of all that, it was never enough to get me to quit. I got my eGo yesterday afternoon, and haven't even WANTED an analog since I put it together.

It just takes a bit of patience to get it to your liking, and you may have to invest a bit more at the start than you were expecting, but if you keep with it, I believe it'll all pay off in the end. $5-$10/day for cigarettes versus a $100+ initial investment... it pays for itself within the month.

I'm ecstatic, and that's what's keeping me going right now. I'm ecstatic because I get everything I loved about smoking without ANY of what I hated. Even my fiancée is ecstatic, because she gets to avoid a few months (or a lifetime? I quit for 3 months and was only getting crankier) of me being a grumpy bear and gets what she wants, no more stinky.


So... psych yourself up! Keep reminding yourself WHY you want to do this, and I feel it's your best chance for success. 24 hours since my last smoke, and while that doesn't seem like much, to me it's a huge milestone. I used to get cranky if I had to sit through a movie without one, now I'm on cloud nine.


From what I've understood, higher nic levels equals more burning in the throat/lungs (throat hit) but satisfies your cravings. In my experience so far, I just want to vape non stop, so I'm kicking down to 8mg and using higher when I'm on the go. Not sure how that'll work yet.

 

[Terryd]

Thanks Dirgon, for the advice and the pep talk. I needed both I think I'm going to buy some GV eliquid and see if that helps too.

 

[Cynnamin]

Terryd, you sound just like me!

I started with the VaporKing (KR808D-1) and got a headache, chest pains and sore throat. Once I figured out how to inhale properly, it went away. Take a puff into your mouth, like you're holding your breath with chipmunk cheeks, then pull it into your lungs. Going straight into your lungs WILL hurt your throat and chest. You're also probably puffing on it like it's a cigarette - puff puff puff. Vaping is puff into mouth, pull into lungs, relax and exhale. Rest a minute or two and then try again. Take it slowly, it will feel naturally very fast!

I have seen mentioned complaints about a sore throat even when not vaping - I too had that happen. It's your tissues adjusting to the different composition of what's in your mouth and body. After the first few days I was very thirsty and felt dried out - your body needs more water!

I don't like a lot of throat hit - that almost burn feeling from the nicotine, that makes you cough. I use very low nicotine - 4 to 8 - because I want the vapor and the taste. I just used a lot more of it when I was getting started and felt the urge for a cigarette.

*IF* you can manage a whole day with no cigarettes - shower in the morning, clean clothes, all day vaping only, before you go to bed, when you get undressed for bed, you'll realize there's no STINK on you, not in your face or on your skin. THAT was what helped me stick to vaping the first two weeks that were the roughest!

What do you mean, I can go out on Friday night for drinks with friends and NOT come home smelling like an ashtray?!!?

The first few days were roughest, the following week was not too bad but still had occasional urges for a cigarette. Your body purging out all that gunk and garbage in your head and lungs is horrible but if you can get through that adjustment period, it makes a HUGE difference in how you feel as a whole.

Come here often for as much support as you need! I came to the forums a lot when I first started, then I found my happy place with my vaping and disappeared... I'm back now, after nearly a year of vaping, to help people learn to vape and develop the love affair I have with my juices and carts and batteries...

It's an incredible feeling to wake up after 15 years and realize exactly what I was doing to my body and the people around me by smoking cigarettes. If you want to smoke cigarettes, please do! Just not around me, I like smelling like my perfume!

 

[dormouse]

IMO Don't vape 100%PG in a carto - that would be harsh especially starting out - ouch

You could also try the 12mg to lower the TH until you get more juices.

And what is the exact description of the blank cartos you bought? Ohms and all, if listed.

And try some other liquids. I don't know if you would like vanilla, but Backwoods Brew Vanilla Bean is real nice in a carto. I am using it in a Vapor4Life carto (not sure which kind - maybe a Coolcart - I refilled a WOW 555 with BWB's Vanilla). BWB's Vanilla Bean has a cool TH for me. I think it is something a menthol smoker might like.

Try some cartos from Vapor4Life.com - try some of the sample packs with 5 flavors. I like the WOW Tobacco Sampler so far (had 3 of 5)

If you need an even softer hit, get a standard DSE901 atty and carts (or 901 drip tip if you got manual batteries)

And I recommend manual batteries - more control over your drag, no extra dragging to warm up the carto's atty. I can get consistent drags of the size I want with manuals.

And if you already have manuals
press in - then 1/2 to 1 second later
start dragging... (for me this part is sometimes as little as 1.5-2 seconds on a carto)
and before done your drag let up the button
while dragging for another second or so to get the already made vapor
then inhale (optionally first letting some vapor out of your mouth so your nose can smell the aroma)

And drag easy - not hard like a cigarette

 

[player30]

Welcome to ecf TerryD,

Before you order more, I have a drawer full of juices I have tried one time & they are just not for me. I only vape Halo Truepure and an occasional sour apple & grape mix. I would love to help a newcomer, as well as clear out my drawer. PM me & I will tell you what all I have. You two could try them and find if you like any of them. They are all vendors from this site.

 

[Terryd]

Player30, how do I PM you?

 

[Terryd]

Wow, thanks alot Torrid for all the info.. Alot to think about..... You would be cracking up laughing if you saw me this morning trying out my "chipmunk cheeks". I think I'm a slow learner!! Seriously, have taken everything to heart and will continue working at it. Wish my second starter kit (Njoy express mini) would arrive. Looking forward to trying out a different PV to see how it is different. I have been vaping mainly this week, a pack and 1/2 of "stinkies" have lasted me all week, so something must be working. Tonight will be a good "test" for me. Game night with the family. Typically alot of smokers and I typically smoke a pack just while we are together. I'm sure there will be lots of questions about my PV. They knew I was going to try it out.

 

[Terryd]

IMO Don't vape 100%PG in a carto - that would be harsh especially starting out - ouch
Thanks alot dormouse for all this info. This group is so great, so helpful.

You could also try the 12mg to lower the TH until you get more juices.
I am trying all the juices to see what works. The lower mgs. definitely don't seem as harsh. Question: Can you mix different MG. liquids to cut down some of the higher eliquids?

And what is the exact description of the blank cartos you bought? Ohms and all, if listed.

This is all that is listed This is ONE flat black empty cartomizer with the rubber end caps and core seal. The photo shows two cartomizers but this item is ONE cartomizer.

This cartridge has no liquid inside it and must be filled with your choice of e-Liquid before being used. Please be careful refilling cartomizers and keep them topped off often.


And try some other liquids. I don't know if you would like vanilla, but Backwoods Brew Vanilla Bean is real nice in a carto. I am using it in a Vapor4Life carto (not sure which kind - maybe a Coolcart - I refilled a WOW 555 with BWB's Vanilla). BWB's Vanilla Bean has a cool TH for me. I think it is something a menthol smoker might like.

Try some cartos from Vapor4Life.com - try some of the sample packs with 5 flavors. I like the WOW Tobacco Sampler so far (had 3 of 5)

Will keep that in mind thanks

if you need an even softer hit, get a standard DSE901 atty and carts (or 901 drip tip if you got manual batteries)

Will those fit my Kr8 or the mini I have coming in?

And I recommend manual batteries - more control over your drag, no extra dragging to warm up the carto's atty. I can get consistent drags of the size I want with manuals.

And if you already have manuals
press in - then 1/2 to 1 second later
start dragging... (for me this part is sometimes as little as 1.5-2 seconds on a carto)
and before done your drag let up the button
while dragging for another second or so to get the already made vapor
then inhale (optionally first letting some vapor out of your mouth so your nose can smell the aroma)

And drag easy - not hard like a cigarette

Thanks, I have one auto and 2 manual batteries. I am practicing the methods suggested

 

[Marsai]

I have been off analogs for about a year ... i would recommend HIGHLY this company Vapor4Life-Because it's your life - E-Cigarettes/Smoking Alternatives for a starter kit. I manage a convenience store in amber NY ... we have started selling them out of our store with huge success. I think they are the best for newcomers to vaping. I have moved on to the BLOOG http://bloogplanet.com/ same 808 style battery ... I can still use my V4L chargers and cases and juices etc ... they are a tad more expensive but well worth it i think. the carts are amazing. TONS of vapor. lol. I am in vaping heaven

theres ALOT of products out there. this turns into a hobby for most ppl. lots of gadgets and gizmos to play with. but for simplicity and satisfaction i would choose the vaporking 808 by V4L every time.

 

[gowsgirl]

+1 with Marsai. I have spent a lot in the past week on ordering through Vapor4Life, but this is now my 4th day without a cig! I have all autos as I wanted as close to analog as possible. I hear that I may change my mind about thiis, but for now the 808 is a perfect fit My aunt, a smoker of 2 PAD Salem full flavor, ordered the 808 through Vapor4Life as well and only had 3 analogs yesterday after gettiing her kit. She even said already she preferred the ecig!! Yay!!

 

[DropEmCigs]

Hi TerryD and welcome.
Sorry to hear that it is not working out for you... It will come, eventually, when you find your own style. My own experience with cartomizers has not been to good either, so far. I get dry feeling in the throat, and sometimes even like getting debree from the carto filler in the throat and lungs. Yikes. An option could be to get a separate Atomizer (atty) and some empty carts to go with it. Don't know if it's will look nice, tho, but it should be possible. And then you can see if the cart way is better for you.

Also, if you get an atty, you could also get a "drip tip" and drip 2-3 drops down the center of the atty. This will allow you to have some high nicotine drip (16mg) that will stop any strong craving. And then vape some lower nic. the rest of the way. 8-10 mg maybe. Coming from ultra light, you don't need stronger brews.

Another suggestion, to get milder taste and stronger vape, enter some VG in the mix. I just learned about this site today Perfumers Apprentice - Vegetable Glycerine (VG) from distinguished member dormouse ... the link is for the premium VG to use for vaping. Thin it with 10-15% de-mineralized or sterile (or boiled) water. Try different mixes - like 20 drops juice (as it comes) and 10-8-5-3 drops of VG. This is a cheap way to find your possible preferences.

Good luck to you

 

[SuZamme]

SuZamme, thanks for the reply. I appreciate your input. I will keep the faith, I promise. By stating that the higher nicotine levels will help did you mean they will help with the throat hit and lung discomfort I am having, or with withdrawal symptoms? I guess I got the impression that the lower nic fluids would decrease the coughing and discomfort in my lungs

The higher nic helped me tremendously to replace the "stinkies" without loosing the nic rush.
The coughing and discomfort in your lungs may be the way you were using your PV AND the actual beginnings of clearing out the gunk from the chemicals accumulated over the course of "smoking".

I used 36mg for months and now use anything from 24mg down to 0mg. It's not just the nic level, it's the flavors also that determine how satisfying your vape is.

To PM someone, you click on their user name and you will see an option to Private Message etc.

Great work in finding this forum and posting, not just lurking. Lurking is good but you are stuck with vicariously participating in other people's journeys instead of making it personal like you are doing.

Vape On and On and On and On!!!!

 

[nursedina]

Its was hard for me to learn the "chipmunk thing" too but it is now natural and its only been a few days. Keep going at it, don't give up

 

[DC2]

There are many possible reasons for the throat irritation...

1) Too much PG not enough VG
2) NOT DRINKING ENOUGH FLUIDS
3) Running your cartomizer too dry
4) Directly inhaling into your lungs
5) Nicotine strengths of 18mg or more

And one more than I want to mention, because it was true for me...

The generic KR808D-1 cartomizers were very harsh to me as compared to using an atomizer.
That doesn't mean you need to try an atomizer though.

If you like cartomizers there are many much better cartomizers out there.

 

[Cynnamin]

TerryD,

You are very very welcome!! And I would only laugh if you were laughing...

My niece and nephew got their kits this weekend and I spent this morning teaching them to inhale! Maybe I should make a youtube video for a better demonstration, haha!



Please give us an update as to how it went with your family!

 

[Terryd]

Thanks everyone for all the support. I will keep it all in mind and see how things go after this week and my new products have been received and tested. I am doing better with the lower nic levels and getting more accustomed to the inhale method. Looking forward to new flavors. Will probably branch out to an atty and drip tip.
My family gathering caused alot of attn. to my PV. My sister-in-law was really interested and asked if we thought she should order one. Others tried it out. Now we'll let them think about it. I think it has to be a gradual decision made by each individual. It was interesting though, how supportive the non-smokers were!!