I have no idea where to start, help please - for mom.

[zomgname]

Hello. i've been searching for a while and I think I'm becoming more confused, not being a smoker myself isn't helping I don't think.

my parents have smoked since they were probably 12 years old (40s) now. My dad suddenly quit cold turkey about 4 months ago, yay for him! But mom is still smoking and she wants to quit but is scared to try in fear of failing. So she just keeps on. So my mother is whom I am looking to buy one of these for as a christmas gift.

She smokes a little over half a pack a day usually. She smokes marlboro light 100's or virgina slims. I do not think she will be that interested in flavors like fruits and such as more than a rare occasion. She would want something that taste close to what she is smoking now. I'm unsurehow she would prefer vapor.
It needs to be something that can be picked up and ready to smoke whenever she gets the urge - no fiddling around for every time she picks it up. It needs to have a close to real light tabaco flavor. of course longer battery life is better but if it's easy to charge and there is a backup or car charging option for when she is out for a few hours (not very often) that's ok if the other qualities are good.
Lastly in terms of apperence she would love something that just looked nice. Sleek. She fawned over her iPhone just because of how neat it looked when she first got it.

As for price...it's going to be a Christmas present and I want it to be a good quality. As long as in the end the refills don't run us more than normal cigs.

I almost ordered a blu after seeing advertisments all over the place - liked the box design and the look if the ecig itself. But after the reviews I decided it's probably not the best choice - I want to start off with a good one that will give her the best results to help her not want a real smoke. I heard otherwise about blu.
And I've done a lot of researching....it jsut seems like so many sites are overflowing with spammers for opposing brands and paid reviewers. It's so frsutraiting!!

 

[jj2]

I'd go with the eGo because of the battery life. I don't use it myself but got my sis to buy one because of that reason and she loves it.
Then I'd advise you to get her the cartomizers because they are easiest to reload---and to cut the cost, she will want to do this.

 

[Lisa B]

I agree with jj on this one, check out Cignot your Midwest Electronic Cigarette store. , they have a great Joye eGo starter kit on sale for $59 I believe and they come in a wide variety of colors, mine is pink and I love it. Has good battery life and they have free shipping with kits and fast shipping with good customer service. For juice I would recommend FreedomSmokeUSA and getting several different flavors, not just tobacco in small bottles so she can find what she likes then she can order bigger bottles of the ones she likes. I thought I would need tobacco flavors and it wasn't until I found sweet and coffee flavors that I was able to give up the cigs. I never vape tobacco flavors, some do still like them so be sure to order some as well but don't limit yourself to them.

 

[banjo]

I also suggest the Joye eGO as an excellent starter kit.

 

[kellogg]

Hi zomgname and welcome. I have a kr808d-1. I got mine from goodprophets but vapor4life as well as others sell them. It is the same size as a regular cigarette.

I smoked virginia slims ultra lights for over 30 years and I am afraid that finding something that tastes exactly like that is not going to happen. What you smoke is burned tobacco and what you vape taste like fresh tobacco. Ry4 is a flavor that I like. Is has a little tobacco flavor along with a caramel taste. It is not very sweet or strong tasting. Hypnotic Mist is another one that I vape alot. It is very hard to describe as others will tell you. Finding a flavor is different for each person.

I would suggest getting small bottles from different vendors in different strengths and flavors until your mother finds one that she likes.

 

[Almond]

Two of the people I converted went for vapor4life. Personally, I like to go all out, but after explaining all the up keep to them, they settled on v4l for ease of use and looks. As I have no experience with them, I can't tell you all that much, but I think that it would be something to look in to. Many people suggest the 510, which was my first and very fantastic, but that was me looking it up and deciding myself. If only just to get her started, I wouldn't put her through the heart ache of the atty/cart combo because it has a learning curve to it and many people end up with modding the cart/direct dripping/cartomizers. V4l has prefilled cartomizers (as well as blank ones if she decides to venture out) so you just twist on and vape. The two friends that I have using them are still using them after a month (I upgraded within a month), so I guess thats something to go by. Also, their PCCs and case have female friendly options as well as their batteries. I don't think battery life is all that great, but thats what PCCs and passthroughs are for and at half a pack, theres a chance she might now vape a battery down that fast.

Again, I have no personal experience with this product, so please continue to do research and ask for others' opinions!

Sorry its so long!

 

[KissMint]

I'm pretty new on here and only have experienced 2 types of e-cigs. I also bought a kit as a gift for a good friend of mine. This is the one I got her in purple... She likes purple, fancy and shiny stuff ....
Vapor4Life- Electronic Cigarette: Vapor King Ultimate XL Starter Kit
The battery is good and lasted almost all day. The kit comes with 2 batts. It also has a USB passthrough (uses PC to power e-cig while vaping). This kit is manual, pretty simple press n puff.

In addition to the kit, you want to buy some e-juice in small bottles or sampler sizes.. variety is best.
Some cartomizers that fits the e-cig of your choice. Usually they are sold in pack of 5.

Do some window shopping before you decide to buy and check warranty time frame. In the event where a battery or charger doesn't work, you want to have time to send it back/exchange after Xmas.

I'm sure you'll get many recommendations from folks here. This is coupon list for various vendors. So nice of you to get your mom a wonderful & cool gift!!! Electronic Cigarette Coupon Code Master List - Electronic Cigarette Forum

 

[silkyfurz]

I ordered a kit for my mom for Christmas too, and struggled with choosing which one. I almost settled for a white 510, since it would look like an analog, but finally ordered a Riva (it has a better battery than the eGo). I love the 510, but the Riva battery lasts much longer. Right before I give it to her, I'm going to charge both batteries, since the Joye 510 and the Riva should be charged for 8 hours, vaped for 20 minutes, and then charged for another hour so she'll be able to use it right away. After the initial charge, I go by the green light on the charger. The 510 charges much faster, maybe an hour, and the Riva about 3 hours. I also ordered a couple extra atomizers and cartridges, and went to PetSmart and got a box of Fluval. It's an aquarium fiber filter stuff that a lot of us use in the cartridges (cheap).

There are many vendors who offer sample packs of juice. I ordered a sample pack (ten 5 mL bottles), from Vapor Station, and I think it was $25. Their website has good descriptions. The closest to tobacco flavor I've found is from Alien Visions, either the Havana Gold or Boba's Bounty. She eventually will want to try some of the bakery, fruity, or sweet flavors. We all get there eventually.

I predict your dad's gonna snatch it away!

 

[Serenity]

Hi zomgname, welcome to the forums. I'm new to the forums myself, but not all that new to e-cigs. I would tend to agree with the rest of the crowd if it were not for the fact that you mentioned about how well your mom liked her iphone. She sounded a lot like me when I received my iphone. Anyhow I do agree that the eGO models are very nice and I did love the look of them until I saw the vGO model with the rhinestone button that has an LED light in it. It was just simply elegant and has that "wow" factor to it. They have them here and for a bit cheaper here, unfortunately BreezeSmokes seem to have sold out of them for the moment. I've never purchased anything from First Vapor so I can't tell you what their customer service is like. I do know that BreezeSmokes is a reputable company with fabulous customer service.

The eGO and vGO are similar models except that the vGO has a little bit of a larger battery to it which means that it will last a bit longer. I also like that the cone seems to have this feature that allows you to control the throat hit on it. I'm not sure if that was the intent or not, but I have found that by moving the cone it controls air flow and that has an effect on the throat hit. I thought that was a pretty nice feature since I don't really care for a very strong throat hit. I would say that you can't go wrong with either model. Good luck

 

[FreakyStylie]

zomgname, any of the previous posts are good advice. I would just like to add that you shouldn't worry about the flavor, just offer it as a device that simulates smoking - but with better flavors. And offer a lot of encouragement. Replacing even two cigarettes a day is a small battle. Since your mom is afraid of failing, you don't want to lump any pressure on her. Good luck, and thanks for coming here for advice!

 

[DocWyatt]

With only smoking 1/2 pack a day i think a standard 510 may be fine... The smaller size may assist with the mental thing. It is hard to say for sure as everyone is different. I think the ego is only needed if people smoke 1 pack pus. Then a mini is likely going to be a major hassle...

 

[Rhapsodies Fire]

I also suggest an eGo starter kit is the way to go. Cartomizers will also be the best option for as close to hassle free as possible. Juices unfortunately as you have probably been told are a bit more difficult to judge as everyone's tastes are different, so getting some samples of a handful of flavors would be best....and then go from there. I applaud your dilligence, I know its awefully difficult to navigate through all those sites....we were sucked into a Blu when we started too. Didn't know this ECF existed back then. I wish your mother all the luck and hopes she can relax and understand that this transition is not always an overnight thing. It will take time and some trial and error, but she can make it, with support and good vaping gear. Please let her know that we are here to help through this transition. If I can do it, I'm positive damn near anyone can.

 

[zomgname]

wow, thank you for all the replies - didn't expect so many in such a short amount of time! all have been very helpful


right now, im thinking between these 2...
Vapor4Life- Electronic Cigarette: Vapor King Ultimate Ultimatum Starter Kit
This one seems to have good battery life and any charging options she could want. i forget that she has a portable gen type thing that uses her car lighter that could use the wall-charger for a wall charge, too.
I think she would like the cases a lot too.
It only mentions cartomizers - can it ONLY use those? is that bad? Are you able to drip with these should she ever wish to?

And then this one:
JoyeTech eGo kit in pink - Genuine JoyeTech!
This 510/eGo seems to be popular here. It's also cute. My question about using regular cartridges/cartomizers is answered in the description. seems to have decent battery life.
I really like the case from the vapor4life one better though.


does anyone have input on these 2 in particular? would the cost of maintaining them be similar?

 

[DocWyatt]

Best thing is to understand the model before the brand...

V4L: That is a KR808D-1

Joyetech is a main manufacturer, they make the EGO, for instance.


When you look at the model numbers, like 510, 4081, KR808, 901, etc etc, those mainly refer to the threads - so the parts connect. However, they are all slightly different in the type of hit, etc.

I own both the KR808 and the EGO. I am not really a person to ask about the KR808 as i do not care much for it personally, but many like it.

The battery for the EGO is fatter. The size of any ecig is basically the size of the battery. The EGO lasts 5-8 hours of use before needing a charge. A standard 510 (mini) is maybe 1 to 1.5 hours...just to give you an idea. That is one of the reasons that heavy smokers generally choose the EGO.

Again, V4L is a brand. They sell the KR808....

 

[DocWyatt]

The main reason I normally say for the vast majority of people to get the EGO is this: If someone has that they will KNOW whether they like vaping. They may elect to buy a mini down the road - or not, but at least day ONE they will know.

If people get a mini - they may not like vaping, for a variety of reasons and may just can the whole thing.

But that is how I see it...

 

[Curlygirl27]

I agree with DocWyatt that a bigger battery to start off is better. I have an eGo 510 and I absolutely love it. I smoked between 5-10 cigs/day and the battery on this model easily lasts me all day long (I should add here that I vape a LOT more than I smoked). However, it is not necessarily a sleek looking pv IMO. I like the sleek look of the kr808 (your other choice) and the pcc looks nice too. I have heard many good things about that model as well so I guess the choice is up to you.

I agree with everyone else here that if you decide to buy juice for her to go with the kit you should get either a sample pack or small bottles and get a variety of flavors... some tobaccos but some other stuff too. I would never vape tobacco flavors when there is such a diverse selection of delicious flavors. I do understand why some people start on them, but i hear they are not the same taste as a cig and the vaping experience is not exactly the same as a cig either. She should be aware that there is a bit of a learning curve but how one smokes a cig is not the same as how one uses a pv. cartomizers seem like they would be the easiest option for her at this point. Definitely get juice with nicotine in various levels (I like 18mg).

Only other suggestion I would make is make sure she is able to get on here after she gets her gift so she can get support from people who have been there...it has been incredibly useful to me! Otherwise, i LOVE your plan!! I hope she loves it too!!

 

[Beachlover]

I think for just starting out your Mom would be happier with the V4L XL that would have more of a cigarette feel for her and she would be comfortable going out and about with it.

 

[markfm]

The vapor4life (v4l) VaporKing XL kit is a quite good starter (it's what Nhaler calls the Mega 808 -- 380 mAh battery).

I started with an 808 standard, still have one of those batteries plus several XL batteries, they're solid. Several friends have quit smoking buying 808 kits.

I use mainly automatic (auto) batteries, ones that start automatically on inhale. I find them more convenient, natural, compared to manual (button press) batteries.

Some people will come on with horror stories about autos -- they likely haven't used recent 808 NHaler of V4L batteries.

Both shops have 10% off -- saveinnj for NHaler, smilin (no g) for V4L.

808 compared to a 510/eGo/Riva has true 3.7 volt output, vs. 3.2. This translates to more power supplied, which means more vapor production and throat hit for a given resistance atomizer (the thing that vaporizes the liquid). The 510/eGo/Riva family clearly does work fine, too, with a lot of people liking them; find something that works, stick with it.

Good luck!

 

[CJ in VA]

I'm throwing a vote in for the V4L xl manual for your mom as well. They are sleek looking, I have several, but the platinium batt with a black carto is very sweet looking. The cartos will be easy for her too. I love everything I have gotten from V4L and their wow juices are also nice. They have a couple nice tobacco flavors, mine fav is wowboy. Good luck to her!!

 

[convict3]

if u are not a analog user i would not start using any pv.