Need help for a friend.

[beatlesfan]

I've got a friend who has been smoking for 25+ years. I've been trying to get him to try vaping for about 2 years now. He hasn't even budged on the issue. He simply will NOT even try a vape of my twist with vivi nova.

Within the last three weeks his aunt has died from lung/esophagus/brain cancer, and our mutual friend has been diagnosed with terminal stage four lung cancer; all from smoking cigarettes. He called me less than an hour ago, out of the blue, saying he wants to try ecigs. He said that he's been researching and is thinking about ordering a Blu. I told him not to, the Blu's suck. I don't want him to try it, hate it, and go back to analogs like I did. I'm thinking about recommending a twist and vivi nova like I have, but if you fine people have a better recommendation, please let me know.

I can probably get him to spend about $60USD on a device including juice. He chain smokes about 2 packs a day Marlboro ultra lights(because ultra lights are safer in his mind). I need opinions people, I want to help save his life. Thank you so much for your help.

BTW, I just ordered a Provari Mini satin silver w/ green LED. I kind of want to sleep until it gets here. The wait is killing me!

 

[DeathsMistress]

I guess it depends on how willing he is to try something a little different than an analog-alike. Maybe let him order the Blu and then order him a Vamo or another kind of inexpensive mod that he might get a better hit off of. I also write a blog that a lot of newbies have found helpful with links and info. It's funny and sarcastic but not rude. I'm still waiting approval (I think it's going to be A-okay) so I can't post a link. If you're interested in sending him to that (because it's not sponsored and there are links to a reasons why what does work and what doesn't so much) I can tell you in a p.m. . On that note, whatever works for him will be amazing. It's so kind of you to be helping your friend out and having his best interest at heart. Good luck and I hope you find lots of good info for him.

 

[Orobas]

A basic kgo kit and a couple of vivi novas would be a fine and fiddle-free way to get him started, in my humble opinion. I don't generally recommend VV to a brand new vaper because they tend to think that more volts should mean more vapor and wonder why their stuff burns out. My father-in-law did that, and he's been vaping for close to a year now.

Point him to ECBlends and get a pile of their affordable sample sized juices so he can get an idea of what he likes.

 

[Baditude]

Congrats on the Provari Mini, I'm sure you'll love it as I love my regular Provari. I'd love a Mini as my backup, but funds are not where they need to be for one.

I think a 600 mah Twist or Spinner would be the best bet, too. No cigalikes. I generally recommend at least two batteries, but I think we need to just sell him on vaping before completing his setup, due to his funds limitation. An easy juice carrying device such as a Mini Vivi Nova or Kanger T3 clearomizer would seem to best fit his situation. I would focus more on the juice selection more than anything with him.

Caution him that there are no e-liquid flavors that are going to taste like a cigarette...get that out there from the beginning. Explain that we often have to go through many flavors before we find "one" that we like to vape all day. So a few sampler packs are in order for him.

Explain what he should expect at first. The vapor will seem harsh, may make him cough or give a sore throat. It will pass with time. The body must get used to the vapor just as it had to get used to smoke when he started cigarettes. When he feels the urge for a cigarette, vape more. If he still needs a cig, smoke a part of one and put it away for the next bad craving. Eventually those partially smoked cigs are going to taste worse and worse until he no longer wants one.

Have him exhale the vapor from his nose to "taste" the flavor. Make sure he knows that vaping involves some work, its not easy, but can help him to quit. And drink plenty of water.

Good luck with the project. We have our fingers crossed.

 

[beatlesfan]

I guess it depends on how willing he is to try something a little different than an analog-alike. Maybe let him order the...

Thank you so much for you response. I'm almost positive that he'll be ok with something that isn't a cig look-a-like. He probably wouldn't like a box mod or carto tank. I don't want him to get too fed up with having to refill a carto tank. I'm thinking, skip the CE5's and other ego style clearos which are hit and miss, and go for a vivi nova. The vivi's seem to work well in my experience. I would be very interested in a link to your blog, please PM it to me!

On a side note, do you drive a Golf R32?

 

[JazzyTech]

All very good suggestions! I'd only add to the argument: "Why vape something that tastes like the same thing you smoked for 20+ years when there are literally thousands of different tastes and aromas to be explored?" I tried the tobacco-like flavors.. All they did for me was make me want a cigarette.

 

[beatlesfan]

A basic kgo kit and a couple of vivi novas would be a fine and fiddle-free way to get him started, in my humble opinion. I don't generally recommend VV to a brand new vaper because they tend to think that more volts should mean more vapor and wonder why their stuff burns out.

Sounds like a vivi is the way to go for him then, thank you so much. VV May work for him I think. With a 2.8ohm head on a twist or kgo, he could go from min to max and not burn it out, and just adjust to taste. If I'm not correct here, please let me know. I don't post much but I read a lot on here. BTW, I'm also on the ECF F@H team!

Congrats on the Provari Mini, I'm sure you'll love it as I love my regular Provari. I'd love a Mini as my backup, but funds are not where they need to be for one.

I think a 600 mah Twist or Spinner would be the best bet, too. No cigalikes. I generally recommend at least two batteries, but I think we need to just sell him on vaping before completing his setup, due to his funds limitation. An easy juice carrying device such as a Mini Vivi Nova or Kanger T3 clearomizer would seem to best fit his situation. I would focus more on the juice selection more than anything with him.

Caution him that there are no e-liquid flavors that are going to taste like a cigarette...get that out there from the beginning. Explain that we often have to go through many flavors before we find "one" that we like to vape all day. So a few sampler packs are in order for him.

Explain what he should expect at first. The vapor will seem harsh, may make him cough or give a sore throat. It will pass with time. The body must get used to the vapor just as it had to get used to smoke when he started cigarettes. When he feels the urge for a cigarette, vape more. If he still needs a cig, smoke a part of one and put it away for the next bad craving. Eventually those partially smoked cigs are going to taste worse and worse until he no longer wants one.

Have him exhale the vapor from his nose to "taste" the flavor. Make sure he knows that vaping involves some work, its not easy, but can help him to quit. And drink plenty of water.

Good luck with the project. We have our fingers crossed.

Awesome post and recommendations. I'll keep all of this in mind when he and I talk tomorrow.

 

[sawlight]

Of all the things I've used, the carto tanks work best, are the easiest to refill and require the least effort. They also taste the best IMO!
The $60 budget is a bit of a stretch, I like where 'Tude is going, but there's no backup! The 650mah batts might go a half a day, then what's he do while it's on the charger?
It's also nothing to dump $60 on juice when starting out! That's a couple of sample packs and shipping! Maybe you have some juice that he will like?
I don't mean to be negative, but this isn't something that's cheap to get into at first! Until he finds something he likes, it's not going to work. The more that battery is on the charger, it's not going to work! If you want to help him, and want it to work off the start, give him the proper tools to succeed!

 

[beatlesfan]

All very good suggestions! I'd only add to the argument: "Why vape something that tastes like the same thing you smoked for 20+ years when there are literally thousands of different tastes and aromas to be explored?" I tried the tobacco-like flavors.. All they did for me was make me want a cigarette.

I'm hooked on blue mist juices, great flavor, quality, and prices. As soon as I told him about my love for their bubblegum flavor, he said, "Really? Ok, let's try this." I don't think that he wants to taste analogs anymore either!

 

[JazzyTech]

I'm hooked on blue mist juices, great flavor, quality, and prices. As soon as I told him about my love for their bubblegum flavor, he said, "Really? Ok, let's try this." I don't think that he wants to taste analogs anymore either!

I had the great fortune of most of my family members vaping a couple of years before I started. I've never purchased a pre-mixed liquid before. I DIY all my flavors. I have over 100 flavors in the fridge and mix whatever I feel like having that day .. but my usual daily vape is peppermint with a touch of menthol or wintergreen.

 

[beatlesfan]

Of all the things I've used, the carto tanks work best, are the easiest to refill and require the least effort. They also taste the best IMO!
The $60 budget is a bit of a stretch, I like where 'Tude is going, but there's no backup! The 650mah batts might go a half a day, then what's he do while it's on the charger?
It's also nothing to dump $60 on juice when starting out! That's a couple of sample packs and shipping! Maybe you have some juice that he will like?
I don't mean to be negative, but this isn't something that's cheap to get into at first! Until he finds something he likes, it's not going to work. The more that battery is on the charger, it's not going to work! If you want to help him, and want it to work off the start, give him the proper tools to succeed!

You're right here, totally right. I just don't think that I can sell him on a $150 mod right off the bat. He's never vaped before in his life. I know that he spends way more on analogs per month than that, but it's not all in one go. Get what I'm saying? I could probably get him to spend the $60 EXcluding juices, but that's probably it for starting out. My 1000mah twist last me about a day and a half, so I charge it every night. I'm hoping that works for him...

 

[beatlesfan]

I had the great fortune of most of my family members vaping a couple of years before I started. I've never purchased a pre-mixed liquid before. I DIY all my flavors. I have over 100 flavors in the fridge and mix whatever I feel like having that day

Lucky bas@#$% lol! I haven't even looked into DIY juices yet! I'm still trying to find that elusive "perfect" vape.

 

[JazzyTech]

Lucky bas@#$% lol! I haven't even looked into DIY juices yet! I'm still trying to find that elusive "perfect" vape.

Be sure to research handling and safety procedures, especially with nicotine. Mixing is really just some math and careful measuring of the ingredients involved. My family doesn't DIY like I do. ECF has all the information you'll need when you're ready

 

[Baditude]

Of all the things I've used, the carto tanks work best, are the easiest to refill and require the least effort. They also taste the best IMO!
The $60 budget is a bit of a stretch, I like where 'Tude is going, but there's no backup! The 650mah batts might go a half a day, then what's he do while it's on the charger?
It's also nothing to dump $60 on juice when starting out! That's a couple of sample packs and shipping! Maybe you have some juice that he will like?
I don't mean to be negative, but this isn't something that's cheap to get into at first! Until he finds something he likes, it's not going to work. The more that battery is on the charger, it's not going to work! If you want to help him, and want it to work off the start, give him the proper tools to succeed!

I was trying to stay on budget with him. We don't want him to lose his interest before he even starts because of startup costs. I wasn't even thinking of this being a starters kit. Just get him to try it enough that he can see that it can help him quit. At the very least get him cut down to a pack a day or more.

He can add another battery each month as his budget will allow. Ease him into vaping. That is why I suggested that he be allowed a part of a real cigarette during strong cravings, and save the rest for later on.

You have to remember, this guy was dead set on not even trying e-cigs before. He just needs to see that it works and helps him to cut down his smoking. Hopefully the rest will fall into place.

How about a pass thru battery? Thoughts?

 

[beatlesfan]

Be sure to research handling and safety procedures, especially with nicotine. Mixing is really just some math and careful measuring of the ingredients involved. My family doesn't DIY like I do. ECF has all the information you'll need when you're ready

Thanks for that Jazzy! I'll read about DIY before I try it. I know that nic can be very dangerous. I've got HAZMAT training, so I try not to screw around with toxic chemicals too much lol.

 

[sawlight]

You're right here, totally right. I just don't think that I can sell him on a $150 mod right off the bat. He's never vaped before in his life. I know that he spends way more on analogs per month than that, but it's not all in one go. Get what I'm saying? I could probably get him to spend the $60 EXcluding juices, but that's probably it for starting out. My 1000mah twist last me about a day and a half, so I charge it every night. I'm hoping that works for him...

I agree, and I'm not trying to sell him a Provari right now, just stating the "what if's" that can, and will happen! I've seen decent EGO kits, with two batteries, a carry case, a few clearo's etc. for around $70. I just think a second battery is crucial for success! Even with my Provari mini, I have four batteries, two will last me a day easily, BUT........... Then I have other backups as well. Yes, it does sound like overkill, but better safe than sorry.
Again, I don't want to be a buzzkill here, just speaking from experience, vaping will only work as well as your equipment. If your equipment is on the charger half a day, which the 1000 and up, they probably wont be, what are you doing the other half of the day? What happens when you drop your main battery and it doesn't work anymore?
I started a thread earlier tonight about some of this, "I can go a block away and get my favorite brand of cigs and they always have them, but I can't always order what I need from vendors!"
Just things to think about and consider.

 

[beatlesfan]

I was trying to stay on budget with him. We don't want him to lose his interest before he even starts because of startup costs. I wasn't even thinking of this being a starters kit. Just get him to try it enough that he can see that it can help him quit. At the very least get him cut down to a pack a day or more.

He can add another battery each month as his budget will allow. Ease him into vaping. That is why I suggested that he be allowed a part of a real cigarette during strong cravings, and save the rest for later on.

You have to remember, this guy was dead set on not even trying e-cigs before.

For him it's not about budget per se. He's got enough money to buy a few Provari and ZAP's right now, and not feel it in the wallet. It's about spending big money on something that he knows nothing about, and up until a few hours ago, was dead set against. He's a manly man, steak and potatoes and whatnot. To him, smoking is a manly thing. To use some electronic "doo dad" is wimpy. With his family and friends dying because of cancer has woken him up. I've got a small window here, and don't want to screw it up.

 

[beatlesfan]

I agree, and I'm not trying to sell him a Provari right now, just stating the "what if's" that can, and will happen! I've seen decent EGO kits, with two batteries, a carry case, a few clearo's etc. for around $70. I just think a second battery is crucial for success! Even with my Provari mini, I have four batteries, two will last me a day easily, BUT........... Then I have other backups as well. Yes, it does sound like overkill, but better safe than sorry.
Again, I don't want to be a buzzkill here, just speaking from experience, vaping will only work as well as your equipment. If your equipment is on the charger half a day, which the 1000 and up, they probably wont be, what are you doing the other half of the day? What happens when you drop your main battery and it doesn't work anymore?
I started a thread earlier tonight about some of this, "I can go a block away and get my favorite brand of cigs and they always have them, but I can't always order what I need from vendors!"
Just things to think about and consider.

Very good points! I got a kit from liberty flights a few years ago and it blew. I don't mean it shorted out, I mean it sucked...Well, these words don't work well when you're talking about ecigs do they? Lol. It was a riva 510 with the poly filled carts. Horrid! Are there kits that are out nowadays that are good? Not just ok, but good. I AM kind of sold on VV for him so that he can "adjust to taste"-Grimm Green. But, if there's something you would all recommend over a VV twist or kgo...?

 

[DeathsMistress]

Thank you so much for you response. I'm almost positive that he'll be ok with something that isn't a cig look-a-like. He probably wouldn't like a box mod or carto tank. I don't want him to get too fed up with having to refill a carto tank. I'm thinking, skip the CE5's and other ego style clearos which are hit and miss, and go for a vivi nova. The vivi's seem to work well in my experience. I would be very interested in a link to your blog, please PM it to me!

On a side note, do you drive a Golf R32?

PM Sent. I do indeed drive an 04 R32.

Also, back on track, I would suggest Mt. Baker Vapor. They've very affordable and don't have the horrid, IMHO, taste that ec-blend has. I recently ordered from them and will probably be doing a video review of the flavors/my journey/issues with horrid other vapes.

 

[sawlight]

I was trying to stay on budget with him. We don't want him to lose his interest before he even starts because of startup costs. I wasn't even thinking of this being a starters kit. Just get him to try it enough that he can see that it can help him quit. At the very least get him cut down to a pack a day or more.

He can add another battery each month as his budget will allow. Ease him into vaping. That is why I suggested that he be allowed a part of a real cigarette during strong cravings, and save the rest for later on.

You have to remember, this guy was dead set on not even trying e-cigs before. He just needs to see that it works and helps him to cut down his smoking. Hopefully the rest will fall into place.

How about a pass thru battery? Thoughts?

Sorry 'Tude, didn't mean to step on your toes at all! But you and I know how this goes! One battery normally ends up in a fail! Then we get the post "Vaping sucks, this stupid battery from this stupid vendor sucks and I'm mad so I'm going to rant about it and you are all stupid for doing something so stupid and this is just stupid!"
A pass through is a thought, depending on the lifestyle. For me, great in the winter, no way in the summer! I'm outside 24/7 and don't want to be tied to a cord!
I'm not trying to totally blow the budget, but you and I've both seen good kits in the $70-$80 range, that aren't out of reach of the budget, and give a lot more versatility.