Looking for suggestions for a heavy pipe smoker

[Polanzo]

Hi ECF
I've found a lot of great info here, but it's a bit overwhelming.
To begin, I'd like to purchase something for my Father to help him quit his pipe smoking. He's open to vaping, but a bit discouraged after I carelessly purchased a generic E-pipe kit for him.
He can't stand the 'weak draw' and I don't think he likes the flavors that came with the pipe. Of course cheap pipe....cheap e-juice. Having said that I know I overpaid foolishly. Not that budget is a concern, it isn't. I just want the most effective and enjoyable system for him.
He smokes a few bowls of pipe shop quality regular tobacco a day, and he inhales VERY deeply. I see the smoke clouds from sub ohm vaping look like his pipe, but then some reviewers on youtube and in these forums say that doesn't mean it 'hits' like a pipe or cigarette. I like what I saw in the vaporfi rebel 3 with adjustable air intake and simplicity, though the non replaceable battery is a big downer. Then I found this forum and read many of your opinions on Vaporfi...lol. Hell, I'm not even sure that's the unit for him, it just looks ideal. So in summation, I'd like something delivers powerful hits, and is safe, and tastes like strong tobacco (nothing sweet). Any suggestions on devices and e-juice would be very much appreciated.
Thanks guys

 

[djsvapour]

There are some AMAZING e-pipes out there. Everything from super looking to super performing to out-of-this world handmade items.
Most 'old school' e-pipes are not much more than a re-engineered plastic cig-a-like system, so they are not worthy and very expensive.
SMOK Guardian III is a Pipe style sub-ohm device.
Avoid the re-label brands, as you say.... dreadful products for stupid money.

 

[zoiDman]

... Any suggestions on devices and e-juice would be very much appreciated.
Thanks guys

Hi Polanzo. Welcome to the ECF.

A question I would ask is does your Dad want to stay with something that is the Shape of a Pipe? Or would he be open to Trying a more traditional styled e-Cigarette?

 

[Polanzo]

Thanks for the replies and the warm welcome.
Yeah I saw that SMOK Guardian III review on youtube. It looks good. I liked the guys who did the thorough reviews on it too. I wish I would have tried that first. I paid much more for a lesser unit. That is on my list. He doesn't care anymore about it being a pipe form factor like he did when I first approached him with the idea; it's more about performance. He's 73 and not into fiddling much with gadgets and technology, so simplicity is another attribute I'd be looking for, but I think performance tops the list. He tried the other one for about a week alternating it with his pipe, and finally just put it away.
As far as his pipe, I know he gets huge nicotine hits, but I've been reading on here higher mg juice isn't necessarily the answer when the ohms are lower. So much info, and even more vape shops out there.

 

[daviedog]

You're quest is not really the Device. Everyone has mods that can equal a pipe or cigar.
A convincing Tobacco flavor is the problem. I've never had a vape that tasted like smoldering plant matter. I DIY.
You may want to peruse the juice making sub forums..

 

[Polanzo]

You're quest is not really the Device. Everyone has mods that can equal a pipe or cigar.
A convincing Tobacco flavor is the problem. I've never had a vape that tasted like smoldering plant matter. I DIY.
You may want to peruse the juice making sub forums..

That is important too...but he'll accept a slightly different flavor. I think the 'hit' is a big thing to him. If I can find a device that works, I'll chase down better and better juice.

 

[zoiDman]

... He doesn't care anymore about it being a pipe form factor like he did when I first approached him with the idea; it's more about performance. He's 73 and not into fiddling much with gadgets and technology, so simplicity is another attribute I'd be looking for, but I think performance tops the list. ...

Then here is what I would do.

I would start a New Thread with a Title something like this...

"Need a Coil Head Tank and Mod for a 73 Year Old Smoker"

I think you will get Many More Suggestion that way. Threads that have to do with e-Pipes don't get that much Traffic. Because there just aren't that man e-Pipe users as compared to e-Cigarette Users.

I would suggest that you get your Dad an Atomizer that uses Pre-Made Coil Heads. They are Dead Simple to use. Something that can Ease the Aggravation Level when a person switches to an e-Cigarette.

Something like this might be a Consideration...

iSmoka Eleaf iStick Pico 75W Melo 3 Mini Kit -Black

The Mod takes Rechargeable 18650 Batteries (which are sold separately). And you should use a Stand Alone charger to charge them (also sold separately).

 

[Polanzo]

Something like this might be a Consideration...

iSmoka Eleaf iStick Pico 75W Melo 3 Mini Kit -Black

The Mod takes Rechargeable 18650 Batteries (which are sold separately). And you should use a Stand Alone charger to charge them (also sold separately).

Thank you...That looks really interesting. Is that model pretty safe? I don't want him to play with adjustments and have it blow up in his face. I see the ohms go pretty low. I may try that one. I was looking at it on the link. I added a couple batteries and a charger to it. How long do those pre-made coil heads last? Is that something I should add in the cart too? I like the size too.

 

[Bonskibon]

How long do those pre-made coil heads last? Is that something I should add in the cart too?

Yes, you would want to get some extra coils too. I agree with @zoiDman and think the Pico is a great choice.

 

[zoiDman]

Thank you...That looks really interesting. Is that model pretty safe? I don't want him to play with adjustments and have it blow up in his face. I see the ohms go pretty low. I may try that one. I was looking at it on the link. I added a couple batteries and a charger to it. How long do those pre-made coil heads last? Is that something I should add in the cart too? I like the size too.
Ya know it's funny, I quit smoking over ten years ago, and I'm getting an itch to try vaping after doing all this resarch. I've been chewing nictotine gum since I quit, so it's not an unreasonable segue of habits.

Just about Every current Regulated Mod today has some Built In Safety Features. Like Atomizer Too Low. Battery to Low. Thermal Overload. etc...

And the Chances of your e-Cigarette Exploding are probably about the Same as the Chances of your Cell Phone or Laptop Exploding. Very, Very Low.

For 18650 Batteries, the LG HG2 18650 3000mah 20A are a Very Good Choice.

For a Charger, the Nitecore D2 isn't a Bad Charger. I used one for a long time. Never had a problem with it. And you can charge AAA and AA Batteries also. I like the XTAR VC4 better though. Because it gives you More Info about what is happening on a LCD Display. But I like Bells and Whistles.

As to How Long a Coil Head will last? That is Hard to Say.

It depends a Lot on How Heavily Flavored/Sweetened the e-Liquid used with it is. And, Of Course, how many Milliliters a person sues per day.

For a someone like a Pipe Smoker (who Didn't Probably Smoke all day) and uses an e-Cigarette less frequently than say an ExSmoker, a Coil might Last 4 ~ 7 Days. Maybe Longer? Hard to Say.

If you decide to go with that eLeaf Melo 3 Atomizer, I would get a 2 or so of each of these...

Eleaf ECL Atomizer Head - SS316L - 0.3ohm

Eleaf EC Ti Atomizer Head - Titanium Coil - 0.5ohm

They will Hit a little Differently. And no real way to Say what a person might like Better?

 

[daviedog]

Thank you...That looks really interesting. Is that model pretty safe? I don't want him to play with adjustments and have it blow up in his face. I see the ohms go pretty low. I may try that one. I was looking at it on the link. I added a couple batteries and a charger to it. How long do those pre-made coil heads last? Is that something I should add in the cart too? I like the size too.

The Pico was probably the Star of 2016 devices.
Use hi-quality 20 amp cells as stated above..

 

[Polanzo]

Thanks so much everyone. I like that store in all the links too. I'm going to try a couple of the high rated tobacco flavors from there as well.

 

[zoiDman]

Thanks so much everyone. I like that store in all the links too. I'm going to try a couple of the high rated tobacco flavors from there as well.

For a 1st Time buy, I think it is Nice to sometimes just Everything at One Place.

Yeah... You can Find things for a Few Dollars less if you Shop around. But then you have to Pay Shipping on EACH item. So sometimes your Not Saving all that much.

MyVapeStore (MVS) is a Great Seller. They Ship Quick and Don't Blink if there is a Problem.

For e-Liquids... Now the Fun Begins. LOL

I'm not sure what Nicotine Level would be a Good Call for someone like your Dad? 12mg/ml Maybe.

Or what PG to VG he would like Best? 50%PG|50% Maybe.

What Nicotine Level did he use before? And what was the PG to VG Ratio of it?

 

[Polanzo]

I agree. The other e-juice he used was 16mg, no VG/PG % labled on it.
I was thinking of trying 50/50 first. The Tribeca bottle I have in the cart is 70/30..but I'll mix them up. Maybe a 12mg bottle and a 6mg bottle. The Pico description recommends not going higher than 6mg. I believe that's at lower ohms though. I'd like to have a couple bottles available for him to try. I'm pretty sure the juice he has left from the e-pipe isn't high quality.

 

[zoiDman]

I agree. The other e-juice he used was 16mg. no VG/PG % labled on it.
I was thinking trying 50/50 first. Maybe a 12mg bottle and a 6 mg bottle. The Pico description recommends not going higher than 6mg though.

50|50 I think would be a Good Place to start. And 6mg/ml and 12mg/ml would be Good Choice also.

Remember that is 6mg/ml isn't Enough, and 12mg/ml is To Much, the 2 could be Combined (in equal parts) and you would have 9mg/ml.

Last Thing. I wouldn't complete rule out getting a Bottle of a Non-Tobacco flavored e-Liquid also.

Especial if your Dad likes Sweets and or Fruit Flavored things.

 

[dimco1]

Welcome Polanzo! Please - if there is one close to you, don't rule out advice-device from a local vape shop. They should have experience and typically have some experience with all smokers looking to quit - including Pipe'rs. I got started with experts at my local shop. Now, I have confidence, from a good beginner's experience and learned resources (like this forum) to continue my success. I no longer smoke cigars!

Cheers to you and your Dad!

 

[dave51]

One big question
Which pipe tobacco does he enjoy
Aromatics,Burley's or virginias in his pipes
Does he sip his smoke when he smokes or does he take it directly into the lungs this will make a big difference in juice and tank he will enjoy

I smoked pipes for years before I quit

 

[mcclintock]

Latest Kanger Subtank box + Inawera Gold Ducat flavor start w/14 drops in 25 ml of 6 mg base 50/50 or 40/60 PG/VG.
-or-
MFS EVOD starter kit + 2.2 ohm Kanger coil immediately + Goodejuice Patriot 12 mg. This is an amazing NET but I don't know of anything but a small RDA that brings it out better. It's merely OK on a direct lung device and poor with some MTL units.

 

[Polanzo]

One big question
Which pipe tobacco does he enjoy
Aromatics,Burley's or virginias in his pipes
Does he sip his smoke when he smokes or does he take it directly into the lungs this will make a big difference in juice and tank he will enjoy

I smoked pipes for years before I quit

I'll have to ask him. I know he goes to a smoke shop, and he brings it home in an unmarked bag. It's a rich tobacco flavor, but no hint of sweetness. As far as how he draws on the pipe, I would guess its direct to lung while he's lighting it, but then I would have to say its MTL after that because as he takes the pipe away from his mouth he inhales...bigtime...sounds like a pot smoke after a b@ng hit. He used to smoke cigarettes 40 years ago, but switched to a pipe. He's quit for long periods in there, but when he starts again, its always the same. He definitely doesn't sip, and he doesn't smoke it like a typical pipe smoker. He keeps the pipe in the garage and goes out there and takes five to six huge drags on that thing for about a minute and comes back in. Drives me crazy when I visit. He's in fantastic shape for his age, but he's been getting worse with the pipe over the last year.
He's a gigging Jazz guitar player too, so he does the same thing when he gets breaks. Honestly, I think he's closer to a cigarette smoker than a pipe smoker...only bigger and stronger hits.

 

[CagedSpam]

I wouldn't usually suggest this for a new vaper, but have a look at the baby beast tank? I hear good things about it RE: good cloud and flavor.

video reviews here
baby beast - YouTube

Way to go trying to help your old man out. Desire to transition does play a significant role in stopping smoking, so good luck to you both.