New and getting discouraged

[LM1]

Hey all! I'm new at it and I've been getting pretty discouraged in finding what will work for me.

I've been about a 1.5 to 2 pack a day smoker for over 30 years, most of it on lights or ultra-lights. Kent III when I can find them, but since I usually can't, it's been mostly Marlboro ultra-lights (aka silver). When I saw the e-cigs in a tobacco shop a few weeks ago, I had to try them. I was not planning to completely quit, as much as just reduce the "obnoxious factor" of analogs.

So far I am underwhelmed, mostly because of quality and availability. And the sore throat too. My first starter kit was from PureSmoke (not to be confused with Pure Smoker), and for the first couple of days I was thrilled enough to buy a second kit so I could have two batteries. I also got a box of med cartridges. I had cut back to under a pack -- more than half! Within a day or so after that, the sore throat started. Feels like tonsillitis (yes I still have mine). I had to go completely back to analogs until it felt better. So it seems I can only use them a day or two (along with a few analogs) then I need to take a couple days break.

I thought it was the much stronger nicotine in the e-cigs than what I was probably used to but had no luck finding really low cartridges to fit what I have. I have no interest at this time in filling my own. The idea of raising my nicotine intake to use these is not a good one. The PureSmoke website was dead in the water for a while so I couldn't get any info on it (though it did eventually come back.)

Then after about a week the auto switch in one of the batteries started giving out. Fortunately I figured that when it gets stuck on, blowing into it turns it off. So when the good one is charging, it is marginally useable if I am careful. But I wonder if this why my USB ports have disappeared from view? They do work fine if I boot with an old hard drive, so it's not the hardware at least.

At another tobacco shop, I found one that has low content cartridges. The brand is "Clean Electronic Cigarette" (model CS-66). Such a generic name that the ECF forum search refuses to try looking for any posts about it. I am finding no numbers on how much nicotine is in these things. Battery barely lasts a whole cartridge and there's no info on Ah. It does have a plug in charger so i don't need to worry about my usb ports. The website is very limited and the "user manual" is a good represtation of Engrish.

The sore throat is back as quick as with the first brand, just as bad if not worse. Come to find out on these forums it may be the higher nicotine content, the PG base in these liquids, or the reduction in analogs.

I am not holding out much hope that this latest starter kit will do it for me, seeing how it's quality seems even lower than the first one. I have spend several evenings looking around online for ideas and alternatives. I've read many of the fine articles folks here have posted about getting started, basic info, reviews, etc, and my head is absolutely spinning!

I am also worried about ordering via internet. Not so much the 'net itself, though I'd far prefer to go with an American company, but in the delivery. If a signature is needed here in California, as it is with analogs, I won't be able to manage that since I won't be at home and having them delivered to work is not a good option at all.

None of the suppliers I've found seem to have a ready-made low nicotine VG cartridge. I would rather not use a manual battery since it's likely to get turned on in my pocket at work, and I do want one that at is at least close to cigarette size (100-120mm) and not too funky looking.

Any suggestions, please?

 

[xg4bx]

I'm too new at this myself to reliably answer your technical questions but I will say that in the many orders I've placed I've never had to sign for a package, not even from Fed-Ex.

 

[thelook]

Hi and welcome to ECF, there is lots of great info here and lots of helpful people.

If I were you I would try lower nic and more VG than PG, if your throat is hurting you, remember to stay hydrated, vaping dries you and your throat out.

There are many great compines here based in the USA.
Some of the ones I use for eguipment are,
Clouds of vapor (they also have a all natural VG nic line)
Vapor 4 Life
Good Phophets
Iken vapes
Cignot
All of these companies have great reputations and great customer service.

I would also suggest that you invest in a eGo, they are reasonably priced and the batteries are great

Good luck and READ READ READ!!

 

[JamBandPhan]

You should look into the riva or ego... there have been great deals on these kits going around the forum, from $30-50 from American based companies... hang in there, there is a learning curve with using these things, and there are a lot of bad ecigs on the market. Keep doing research here in the forum, it will really help you in the long run. Good luck to ya!

Oh yeah, forgot to mention, the throat issue might be the PG, you should try VG based, see if it helps.

 

[joshuaa]

ya i recently ordered a blu cigarette and it worked amzingly for about 5 days then the atomizers started tasting like trash im in the middle of getting them replaced and purchasing a different atomizer i hope you find what your looking for.

 

[cskent]

Hi, and welcome to ECF. The sore throat is a common problem when you first start vaping. It went away after a couple of weeks for me. Cheap e-cigs give a bad impression, they usually don't last long, and the quality of the juice is often horrid. Many people will recommend the eGo/Riva and these are great units, I've got the eGo. But if you're wanting something that is similar in size to the analogs you're used to, go with the KR808 or a 510. Manual batteries are really the way to go though. The automatics are kind of finicky creatures and are much less reliable. As far as having a manual battery go on in your pocket, I haven't had a problem. If it's a concern, just buy a small hard case to store it in for transport. Some people use glasses cases.
Ordering from the internet is really the only option for most of us since there aren't many good brick 'n mortar retailers around. I haven't had to sign for a package yet, so that isn't an issue. My packages are usually in my mailbox when I check, or I'm anxious for it and meet the mailman at the door.
Refilling cartridges is really easy. Just remove the cart, drip a few drops into the filler until it looks damp but there's no standing liquid, then put it back on. With the KR8 you use cartomizers which hold a lot more juice. It's basically the same process, take off the soft cap and just drip onto the filler until it looks wet, then blow through it to get any excess out. Filling your own is the least expensive and best tasting option, and you can customize the nicotine level quite easily.
If you haven't watched them yet, the videos by MistressNomad, http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/120044-i-made-videos-newbies-particular-broke-newbies.html, are definitely worth watching. They give a lot of information on the KR8 and 510, which are inexpensive and reliable units. Good luck in your quest, and post any additional questions. There's a lot of knowledable people here who are always willing to give advice.

 

[JamBandPhan]

joshuaa, have you tried rinsing your atty out with hot tap water, blowing from the threaded side to get the excess water out, tip down into a napkin, then let them dry tip down over night. If you have, well, you can try removing the wick/bridge mesh and expose the coil for dripping before tossing them out completely, but they won't work with the carts once you remove the bridge, only dripping. All atty's build up "gunk" after some use and require regular cleaning, and sometimes the wick material scorches, and the nasty flavor won't go away, this is true for many of the different atty's out there. Anyway, it seems you are already finding other alternatives, just wanted to help you out with what you already have. Good luck to ya.

 

[CaptJay]

Ive always used a manual - it rattles around in my bag all the time when out (or pocket) and has NEVER turned itself on. Not saying it can't happen but I havent seen it.
Witha decent PV that wont cost the earth and some good juice you will find it easier but you MUST increase your intake of fluids - no buts or maybes - MUST. Pg and VG (carriers for liquid nicotine and also present in cigarettes) are very very drying and will take moisture from their surroundings which includes YOU. Always drink while vaping and try to keep up extra fluids during the day to avoid any issues. Your kidneys will thank you too, most people don't drink nearly enough water.

 

[Curlygirl27]

I can certainly understand the frustration you are experiencing... I am in a similar boat. I have not been impressed with the e-cigs i have found at tobacco stores. I am right now using a Luci e-cig which i understand is a great brand for light smokers... it turns off once you have inhaled a certain amount of nicotine (only lets you get a certain amount per hit, I should say... it doesn't turn off completely). the look is very similar to an analog cig and carts are prefilled. I am unhappy with it because I smoke marlboro reds and the flavor is just not there for me... I need something stronger. Most of the kind people on here have recommended the eGo and the Riva which i am looking into... and it does look like a great product. Keep on keepin on, though... you will find the right one for you.

 

[Bfly]

The first week in a half for me was bad with vaping throat hurt mouth dried out everything I vaped tasted like ..... I would keep a tall glass of Ice cold water with me or a juice. I would also switch what I was vaping all the time so I was getting new flavors left and right.

Learning curve is high so keep at it you will figure it out.

 

[StarsAndBars]

Your success will be based on one thing.... the performance of your device. I'm sure someone out there will have to disagree with me on this but most won't. You will be truly hard pressed to find a device that looks like a cig and offers the performance it takes for you to be successful. I can almost guarantee you won't find the device you need in a tobacco store (or the mall). I recommend the Ego at bare minimum. I work with a guy who has one and loves it. I aaaalmost ordered it, but decided to go slightly heavier duty. Honestly from the bottom of my heart haven't wanted to smoke a cig in over 3 months, and it took no self control or effort on my part. Good luck, and if you get a solid performing device, in a few weeks, you will be telling someone else exactly what I'm telling you now.

 

[hairball]

I've been vaping for 7 weeks now. From my experience, go with more of a VG base. I am allergic to PG. Makes me itch and cause throat pain. Also, take short draws on your cig. Holding the button down too long will burn your liquid. Always keep your cartridge topped off with juice. Experiment with different strengths of liquid. When I first started out, I purchased several 5ml bottles from vapureeliquid.com. Big selection with no adverse side effects in me. Everyone is different. You have to find the right equipment and liquid to suit you and only you. I use a Joye 510 (what I initially bought) and have now graduated to a Joye eGo/Riva which produces more vapor. eGo batteries last me all day and I'm a heavy vaporer. Don't go with a low resistance atomizer until you find a good unit. These blowout quicker and really aren't worth the money (my opinion). Read the forums. Alot of great information on here. I learned alot from here on does and don'ts. As always, good luck and happy vaping!

 

[Curlygirl27]

...can I ask what you went with, Stars? Am very curious as am researching what system to get next and heavy duty sounds good to me....

 

[lostsync]

Yeah, that sore throat thing is pretty miserable. I actually thought I had strep for a day or two.

Switching juices seemed to clear it up for me. That was also when I stopped using the tobacco flavored juices.

I gotta agree with the people who've said that, basically, using a crappy ecig will be crappy. Most of the people with decent models really enjoy them. The 510 and 801 get a lot of love. I have 510s and love them, except for the battery dying all the time which should be solved in about two hours when the mail lady brings me my T-Rex

 

[markfm]

I've been using KR808D-1 (808) products, from NHaler and vapor4life (what they call vaporking) -- good luck with both suppliers and, equally as important, good customer service.
The 808 is a standard 2-piece cigarette form factor. The standard battery has decent life, while the XL, about an inch longer, provides around 380 mAh -- quite nice. I just recently picked up a Greencig/Greenworld G400 package, from NHaler -- monster battery life, a KR808D-1 connector, essentially an 808 on steroids. The 808 is a true 3.7V output device.
An 808 starter kit with two batteries, some blank cartos, and some VG liquid, might be worth considering -- there's a VG users area on this forum, with good suppliers noted.
Good luck!

 

[misfit61871]

I would have to agree with what everyone is saying so far, I'm still pretty new to this vaping thing and was very frustrated for a while until I started reading through the forum. I use a KR808D-1 which is very similar to an analog and now that I have my "ritual" down I'm vaping like a madman, still learning but I'm much more confident at what I'm doing. I've tried some of the cheap ones from my local smoke shops and they are definitely NOT worth the money and are nothing like my KR. I thought my face was going to implode when I was trying to get a drag off the damn thing. I think the main thing to keep in mind is that this is not like smoking analogs, there is an art to these PV's, once you find one you are comfortable with stick with it and gather as much info from ECF as you can. This forum helped me immensely, true everybody has their own little ritual, but there are some basics to get down and the people on this forum are wonderful, they really helped me make it through the learning curve.
I hope that you will not become so discouraged as to give up, I was a heavy smoker and very skeptical to try the PV's, but I invested the time and money for a good kit and have now been smoke free for 10weeks and I AM NOT going back to analogs! Persevere and be patient and learn all you can from these great people, we will all help you be successful!

Happy Vaping, Misfit

 

[misfit61871]

Oh and I will also add that I prefer to use an auto battery, but I just aquired a pass through last night and it is manual and Holy Shiznit I get some good vapor from it, that being said I do think I will stick with the auto batt's when I'm out and about though, but thats just me.

 

[carkosh]

LM1, I started vaping about a month ago (I smoked the same Kent III's you did, yep, when I could find them lol). It took me awhile to get the correct juices (finally found that a 50% mixture of VG & PG works well for me...I'd rather have the vapor, throat hit I found was just not that important). Luckily, I'd read alot on ECF about drinking tons of water a day, which I never had done before, & I've never had the really bad sore throats; I think the higher VG % helps alot. I use the auto KR8 & am very happy with it. Right now, the more simple equipment the better for me.

Just keep working with your equipment, find your favorite juices with the right amount of nic level & VG vs PG & I'll bet you'll have great success! Vaping does have a learning curve.

Carol

 

[Godzilla]

I am guessing you have a 510 model. If so, you can pick up batteries very cheap. 5-8 bucks. I would pick up an ego if you really want to give this another shot. Also, try some 100%vg sample sized juices, and I would try 100%pg too, just to test.

My wife cannot find a flavor she is in love this, but frankly she has not lost the love yet for her analogs, so I feel that is part of the problem with finding her 'flavor'

I would go and buy 5-6 5ml samples at about 18mg nicotine, from about 3 different venders, and mix up the flavors. I really enjoy the non tobacco flavors.

My frustrations ended as soon as I picked up an ego, some extra joye510 attys, and a few packs of blank cartridges. It seems cost is not a factor, so pick up some blank cartomizers, and learn to fill them. Its not too bad if you do a bunch at a time. Plenty of youtube videos on this. (see condom cartomizer filling method)

You also may be able to pick up prefilled cartomizers. Start a thread asking for suggestions on who has the best selection of prefilled cartos, and order a bunch, along with an ego, riva, or any of the other ego-like ecigs.

I only got a bad sore throat for a couple of days and have been 100% analog free for 6 weeks.

Good luck bud.

Godzilla

 

[Latakia]

Welcome to ECF! I started vaping about 3 months ago. I was looking to cut out my "habit smokes." The ones that I lit up out of habit rather than than because I actually wanted or needed a nic fix. After spending a couple of weeks reading here I ordered a KR808D-1 kit. It was just what I needed and wanted: very close in size and shape to an analog with a large selection of pre-filled cartos available. I too went through the sore throat and a few other problems at the start. However, within a few days I had cut my analog usage by 75-90%. I am now 4 weeks analog free.

This is, for most of us, a transition over time rather than an instant change. There is a large learning curve that I'm still on. However, it has been worth the effort and I'm I'm now having a good time while improving my health. Be patient and keep coming here for advice and help. This is a great support group.