New here and jumping in....comments appreciated

[drillbit]

Hey all,

I have seen the e-cigs floating around for a little while, never thought much of them till a radio commerical kinda woke me up.

I have been smoking for 28 yrs, at this point i smoke about a pack a day of light or ultra light analogs.

I am planning on placing an order today so i can start vaping by the end of this week ( when i would normally purchase my weekly carton).

My plan is as follows to manage me till my next 2week payday with shipping buffer.

Purchase an eGo through Nicotine Nirvana (dual kit w/ discount) for they seem to have the best price and deal.

Assuming about 2 carts per day, purchase about 40 (give or take) blank carts.

Purchase a 30ml juice.

So......i think the eGo is a good device from reveiws here.

any opinion on carts per day?
a good starter juice?
i estimate two carts a day....sound about right with that device?
what about nicotine? i figure go in the 24mg range to start.

any other comments/ opinions welcome.

 

[Hoosier]

If you knew the juice you're about to order would actually work for you, then that does sound like a great paln. Good hardware.

I'm going to rain on your parade, sorry.

Carts or cartos per day? Wow, starting out is much different than an old hand for the same person. Between 2 different people, there are 2 answers. Starting out without your standard established? Kinda' like asking what shoe size you should get. Sure, there is an average, but are you average? (Same applies to juice strength)

Best advice, don't start this journey with your sole goal being to quit when the PV arrives. Don't set yourself up for failure. Get the PV as an alternative to smoking. There is more than nicotine in those buggers that are addicting and a PV will give you just nic. Vape when you can, smoke when you have to. (Some folks vape once and never need a cig, but those are not as common as most think.)

Next bit of rain:
When I started, every flavor that sounded food didn't taste good. Flavors that sounded weird or even horrible were good. So, when you read that taste is subjective, it is much more pronounced with vapor than it is with food.

So flavors are not always what you'd expect. The nic level you need might not be easy to figure out. Some hardcore smokers manage nicely with 12mg and some light smokers need 36mg. The only way to find it is to try it.

Great hardware choice. I'd really recommend getting smaller sizes of juice and experimenting with flavors and strengths. And get a few packs of cigs.

That's my two cents. Don't spend it all in one place.

 

[JoeChemo]

Sounds like a good plan to me. You'll find out how many carts you go thru once you start vaping. Pretty easy to refill or you my try dripping a couple of drops directly on the atty. For e-juice, you might give Tasty Vapor Atomic Cinnacide or Geoff's Blend. Loved them when I began. Still do, actually! Start with 20% VG or better. I now prefer 50% PG/ 50% VG or 100% VG but the latter has me cleaning my attys more often. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

 

[drillbit]

thanks for the replies!

i do appreciate rain on parade day...ha, no night/no day

just trying to give the transisiton an honest go.

i like the idea of several 10ml bottles to start.

of course there is the fear invlolved... "do i have enough to make it through"? now i got all this maintenance......"oh crap! I have to order supplies!"

when i went on a trip i would always make sure i had enough smokes....now i gotta plan in another way......just a little scary at this point. BUT i do believe this will be better than smoking tobacco.

 

[JoeChemo]

If you're like me, after a few orders, you'll soon have e-juice coming out your ears! I pack at least two PVs with me wherever I go and have USB passthroughs for backup at work and at home so I'm safe as long as I don't leave town!

 

[BiffRocko]

Carts can be refilled and it's pretty easy to clean one flavor out of the filler and switch to another. I really don't think you need that many, at least to start.

I second what Hoosier said about getting a selection of flavors. I've tried about 15-20 flavors since I started and I've only liked about half of them. A few were so bad, I had to clean my atomizer immediately to get the taste out. You definitely don't want to get stuck with something you find repulsive and get turned off to vaping.

Lastly, I agree about not trying to quit analogs as soon as your vaporizer arrives. I smoked cigarettes the first two days I was vaping (though far less than normal) and by day 3 I didn't want a cigarette. Vaping satisfied everything for me. By not forcing myself to get to that place, it was easy to let it happen naturally.

If you are determined to quit analogs immediately, at least give yourself the lattitude to smoke one here and there as you're adjusting to vaping. It takes a few days to learn your hardware, learn a good dosage for you, learn to inhale properly, etc.

One last suggestion, is to get premixed liquid in a few different strengths, OR get something like 18 or 24 and buy some vegetable glycerin to cut it down if it's too strong for you. My wife and I did this when we only had a small supply of juice and it worked out well. Depending on the strength of the flavoring, I wouldn't recommend cutting more than a 1:1 ratio or you'll take away too much of the flavor (eg. it's ok to cut 24mg to 12mg, but don't try to cut 36mg to 12mg or you'll lose too much of the taste).

 

[DaveP]

Drillbit, we all have a journey ahead of us when we start vaping. As one other post said, don't set yourself up for failure by stopping smoking cold turkey. You will gravitate away from tobacco and toward the Ecig naturally as most of us have. I found myself only smoking 10 cigs of my 40 a day habit the first day I vaped. That continued for the first week and dropped to 5 a day after that. I would just hit the Ecig when I craved a smoke, wait several minutes and re-evaluate the urge. Most times I didn't want one after vaping.

24mg may be right at first, but I started to notice the nicotine overdose symptoms of slight nauseated feeling, a little dizziness, and numb fingertips when I vaped heavily. That started after I ordered and Ego. The 510 didn't give that symptom. Maybe I got used to less nic on the 510 and the Ego gave me slightly hotter atty temps. I think the heavier amp rating on the Ego battery allows more current flow with less voltage drop than the 510. I'm down to 18mg and thinking I need to order some 0 nic juice and start mixing down. 0 will take me to 12mg or 9mg on my 24mg and 18mg juices if I mix half and half.

The key to success in the long term for me is to be able to vape often. Vaping frequency determines how will you can stay off the analogs. I can't vape enough 24mg now to satisfy the smoking habit without getting dizzy! The more you vape, the lower you need to go in nic strength.

Good luck and keep in touch here on the forum. There's strength in number and we are all ready to help each other manage the addiction to nic with the least amount of frustration.

 

[JC Okie]

One more thing....I sure don't think you would need 40 empty carts. You will be refilling them......four or five at the most, I would think. You don't throw them away....you reuse them.

I felt like you did about the stocking up for vacation thing.....but once you really get into this (there's a HUGE learning curve) you'll get way more comfortable. There are car chargers, USB chargers, wall chargers, PCCs (charging carrying cases)....electricity everywhere. Rather than get a bunch of empty carts, spend the money on an extra battery if you're insecure about finding yourself without a fix. LOL.

I've been doing this for about 3 weeks now, and everything I thought in the beginning (about products, needs, juice flavors, etc.) has been pretty much turned upside down. I like "sweet" flavors now that I thought I'd hate. I don't prefer many of the "tobacco" flavors....when at first I thought that was all I would want. It's really a whole new world that is hard to anticipate until you step into it. Then it's absolutely amazing. You'll find yourself spending lots of money if you're not careful (I did!!) until you figure out what you really want/need. Read, read, read. It'll all start making more and more sense...a little at at time. Like I said, huge learning curve. I wasted some money at first...then I slowed down and really figured out what worked for me.

Also.....(just my advice) don't buy your carton at the end of the week....but maybe invest in one pack. I found that (psychologically, anyway) I wanted/needed that "safety net" the first week....NOTE: that one pack I saved back is still sitting in the cupboard...two or three cigs used when I thought I MUST want a cig....how could quitting really be this easy??!!

Good luck. If something doesn't meet your expectations, try something else. I know I've changed my hardware from the beginning and really love my new stuff. I now use a Joye 510 (the best in the world in my opinion)....and I'm thinking about upgrading that to a Joye EGO soon.

Juices: you can start out with 5ml bottles at a lot of places. Until you know what you prefer, maybe get several 5mls of different flavors....instead of bigger bottles of something you may really hate.

All this is just based on my 3 weeks of vaping....and my opinion. Good luck.....I think you are going to be surprised at how much this new "hobby"...."obsession"....???? will change as you go along. You'll be a pro before you know it.....and just think how much crap you'll be keeping OUT of your body.

Jan

 

[Hoosier]

Good attitude.

Yes, it is better. Much better! Same kind of planning goes along with traveling with your PV...only more so.

The first time I lost battery charge and discovered my "charging" battery was not actually charging during my hour commute home was eye opening.

I now use an 18650 battery as my main and have backup standard batteries on me and backup mega batteries in my vehicle. Going over an hour without vaping is not an issue unless I know I cannot vape. Then it seems that I start jonesing real bad.

(Yeah, I know my mental shortcommings and have just learned to adapt to them rather than try to change them.)

 

[mistinthewoods]

Hey Drillbit, you've gotten some good responses from these folks. Can't add too much except to just give you an idea of how much juice I go through. I go through 3 or 4 ml a day so 30ml is gone in less than 3 days for me. I vaped even more when I first started out. More juice is at least 2 days away so plan it so you don't run out.
As far as quitting on day one goes, I did it, so it CAN be done but whether you want to subject yourself to that kind of pressure is up to you. I actually agree with everyone else here that it's not necessary.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

[zelda]

11 months ago I came here out of curiosity to see what an e-cigarette looked like. I'm still here.

You've had some rain then I'll give you some sunshine. I smoked over a pack of cigarettes for over 30 years and after 2 days vaping I stopped pretty much smoking.I've had an occasional pack of cigarettes here and there but all in all I'm pretty done with cigs.

Vaping is a learning curve as you get used to the time and patience you need charging batteries. filling carts and just adjusting to the change. Everyone has their own preference to the ecig and ejuice they prefer. I started with 24mg ejuice went up to 30mg for a short time and now am about 12mg. I started with tobacco flavors and still only smoke them. There are tons of flavors out there to try though and again that will be your own taste preference.

When I started and had some problems I just reminded myself I smoked for over 30 years and it was going to take some time to adjust to not smoking cigs. Fortunately it took much less time than I expected. And as an invaluable benefit there's probably a good chance I saved myself from developing lung cancer.

The Ego is a great choice. Good battery life and a good ecig. You are better off buying many less carts than that - you can refill with ejuice and reuse them.

 

[drillbit]

So i jumped in! Just ordered.

I went with their american blend and 20 blank round carts.
Figure that will be a decent start.

Any thoughts on blank carts vs cartomizers?

 

[oettinger]

Got the eGo right, the best thing going if you did.

I use cartomizers, NOT the eGo ones, just normal 808 cartos on an adapter. I like to vape without hassle.

cartomizers you can just put a few extras in your pocket if you will be out, much better than having tweezers, juice bottles, possibly syringes for filling, and all the stuff to go with it.

I do use carts and atomizers at home, but just because I can, and it is not NEAR as big of a hassle when sitting at a desk.

I have eGo's, and love them, bought 2 from Nicotine Nirvana matter of fact, with Mega and xl batteries also. and the American Blend from them is the best I have tasted for a "pure tobacco" blend, kinda tastes like Levi Garret or REDMAN chew smells. Many tobacco juices taste like an ashtray as opposed to the tobacco. For Juice, I only vape American Blend from Nicotine Nirvana, and VS4 from Vaporstation, if I can help it, and supplies aren't running low.

 

[drillbit]

HEhe.......great advice on the carts......thanks.......well i ordered before i saw many of the replies. Oh well i have supplies now...lol

Really....thanks for all the feedback!

I will get some smaller ml juice bottles to try....NN only seemed to have 30's.

 

[drillbit]

HEhe.......great advice on the carts......thanks.......well i ordered before i saw many of the replies. Oh well i have supplies now...lol

Really....thanks for all the feedback!

I will get some smaller ml juice bottles to try....NN only seemed to have 30's.

 

[oettinger]

I will get some smaller ml juice bottles to try....NN only seemed to have 30's.

May not need to, I have been through almost 40 different flavors of juice, from MANY different vendors, and only like 2, maybe 3.

Vapor Station does a sampler of 10 bottles of juice for $25, and Vapor for Life offers 5ml sizes for a few bux, as well as Nhaler. Vape what you have, and get some samples later on.

My big problem is that I started on menthol, because I was a menthol smoker, but can't really stand the stuff anymore. Your tastes will probably change after you quit the analogs.

 

[StDoodle]

I'm new as well. Been lurking around here for a few months, just signed up for an account the other day after ordering an eGo & juice sample pack from Cignot. Can't wait to join the vaping!

I'm hoping the mentions of quick service by others are accurate, as I really want to get started NAO! Ordered Friday, but the USPS tracking info says something like "Electronic Shipping Info Received" with no locations /etc. But I used to work shipping / receiving, and I've seen packages say that in the USPS system even after they were delivered, so I'm still hoping I'll see it tomorrow or at least Wednesday.

Since I'm a new member and can only post in this sub-forum, is it an ok place to ask some more technical questions?

 

[Hoosier]

I'm hoping the mentions of quick service by others are accurate, as I really want to get started NAO! ...

Since I'm a new member and can only post in this sub-forum, is it an ok place to ask some more technical questions?

Yes, Cignot is quick. Usually quicker than USPS computers.

Yes, many vets check the New Member area regularly and if we don't know, some of us are actually pretty good with the search features and can find it... if it exists.

Start a new thread and ask away Doodle.

To OP, congratz on starting your new journey!

 

[drillbit]

Thanks - i'm excited!

Products have shipped from NN.....USPS priority....wheee!

 

[drillbit]

so my order from eGO from NN came today...waiting for me after work.

WOW! this thing is actually pretty cool!

The 24mg American Blend is good, as someone said tastes like Redman chew smells (or maybe pipe tobacco). The included pre-filled carts taste like crap. Also the ego kit came with carts already on the cones, they dont seem to have any filler, that seems kinda odd/stoopid.

I smoked typically ultra light or light cigarettes, the 24mg nic juice does hit pretty hard and i got/am getting pretty looped on the nicotine. I probably will pick up an 18mg next. The other side of this same coin is because i am dropping the analogs i am kinda attached to my PV at the moment. Unlike the analog, i can pretty easily just walk around taking drags when i feel like it, much different experience than a cig or two or four after a meal. I am thinking dropping the mg will make the consistent vaping a more complete experience (as opposed to the head rush, calm down, head rush, etc etc).

Filling the cart right from the bottle seems pretty easy, 8 or 10 drops seem to be lasting me 2-3 hrs at least.

I also ordered 20 extra blank carts which were not in the package.....they threw in 5 free blank ones though. I have to email NN and let them know and find out how to resolve the 13.99 for my missing blanks.

So i think i kinda get this thing....its really not rocket science. I drag it like a cig, sometimes like a cigar and just grab a big mouth hit and dont inhale sometimes or take a short primer hit other times before the main drag.. overall very enjoyable. Fill the carts when the vapor and flavor diminishes. At this point i dont see a need for mods or syringes but i am glad that people have shared this info so when i know what i dont know yet the resources will be there.

what next?
maintenance? daily cleaning?

so i have 5 blank carts (well 4 and one American Blend now).... i guess new flavor gets new cart or wash out the current one. when do you have to actually buy new carts, how would i know? and then is it buy new ones or just buy filler?

also what does everyone do with all this stuff, organize it? in what?
do you label carts to determine which is which? so i guess i am asking your process.

i am glad i found this forum and all the great info here. I am looking forward to converting and hope i can drop the analog for good.

edit: one thing i am noticing is that my chest kinda hurts/ is achey, not sure why this is but know the power/poison of analogs i am sure i will go through many physical changes and symptoms over the next few weeks.