New - Still Awaiting Shipment

[Stormlark]

I'm hoping I made a good decision in buying the basic starter kit from Blu. I've never vaped before, so I don't know what it's like. I just got a nice amount of money for my birthday, was wondering what to spend it on, and felt bad knowing most of it would end up going towards cigarettes. Then, last night, I watched a movie called "The Tourist," where a character uses and explains e-cigs.

I did some research online when I got home and decided to try them out. In addition to the starter kit, I ordered 2 packs of carts (5 each) in Menthol flavor since I've only ever been able to enjoy menthol when smoking cancer sticks. Add that to the 5 included in the kit and I've got 15 to start with. The website claims each cart is equal to a pack, but from what I've read from various reviews, it appears that's not the case.

So, I'm waiting for the shipments to arrive and I'm pretty excited. The continued expense of buying cartridges is a bit worrisome, but I'll probably be buying some e-liquid to cut down the cost. I'm hoping that I'll be able to make the switch completely to vaping without too much discomfort.

Unfortunately, my husband is skeptical of my choice. He doesn't like the idea of spending even more on smoking than I already do (another reason to keep it as cheap as possible now that I've spent my birthday money). He also doesn't believe that it won't smell or be harmful to bystanders, so he won't let me vape in the house.

If I were to do it indoors when he's at work, would he be able to tell? Also, my university has a strict no-smoking policy that's campus wide (it even covers the parking lots, in your car, the riverbanks, and the nearby park). I've heard people on here talk about "stealth vaping." Is it hard to do? If I were to do it in an empty restroom, would the vapor be noticeable above the stall?

 

[kiter]

I started with Blu, and more importantly the Blu menthol, best menthol I have ever tasted. It doesn't smell, the vapor disappears very quickly especially if you hold it in, so the bathrooms will be ok.
The trouble with Blu for me the Vapor was good but not as good as my bigger battery better carts I use now, but I am very grateful to Blu for being my gateway to vaping, I quit more for 7 months because Blu disposables were in Walgreens.
You will need more carts if you stick with Blu, however you may find yourself buying something with more power soon and the carts from Blu will nee used up very quickly compared to the much longer lasting carts out now.
Hope this helps, good luck! You can do it.

 

[Stormlark]

Thanks! I didn't know there were stores in my area that sold them, but just like you said, Walgreens was the place. I bought a disposable Blu menthol. Not sure how I feel about it so far. It doesn't feel as close to smoking a real cigarette as I'd hoped, but it definitely stopped the nicotine shakes pretty quick. I'm still craving an "analog" (as everyone here calls them), but willing to hold off for as long as possible.

 

[jersey girl]

When I first started I order a blue kit.
I loved the recharging case.
Just coming off cigarettes the size was perfect.
I sent the kit back for refund, because the carts only lasted a few puffs, the battery only lasted one hour, and also because I realized I wanted two piece and not have to purchase (atty's). I understand they have cartomizers now.

Be sure you save your carto's (don't through them away). You will be able to fill them when you receive your juice. I believe Blu uses Johnson's creek juice. But ask them.

Blu is small and indiscret so it may suit your needs and many have started with it.

I have vaped in restrooms that are full. I just blow the vapor down the front of my top. lol , they can't smell it but might see it because the system I use now produces clouds of vapor.

Good luck you will be fine.

 

[jersey girl]

You may end up smoking analog's and vaping. But one day you will desire the vape more then the smoke. The road to analog free is different for everyone. Just keep at it and one day you will be analog free.

For me once I went 5 hours without an analog it seems pointless to light one and start over. But the first 3 days were a real bear. After that I felt great. But I had smoked for over 40 years.

 

[trepalium]

This is certainly a step in the right direction, but blus will get expensive after awhile. If you try it, like it, and think it's something you could stick with, I'd suggest looking into DIY juice and filling cartos as well as maybe moving to an ego kit of some sort for better battery life and vapor production. Needless to say most of us started out with a basic slim(cigarette style) set up and progressed to bigger better Vapes. Don't feel embarrassed about asking questions here on ECF the forum is friendly and very helpful. It has been a tremendous resource for knowledge throughout my vaping journey.

Welcome to ECF!

 

[Mroutlaw]

Let me start by saying this, I used the Blu to get off of analogs. I saw the cool site and was sold. I started with the disposables at Walgreens and I enjoyed it so I ordered the Premium 100 kit. For me, the act of smoking itself (holding a cig and inhaling) is about 70percent of my addiction rather than the nicotine itself. This is why the patch or gum did not work for me. The nice thing about the Blu is that it is very close to an analog (cancer stick) so I was able to get that feeling of holding a cig and inhaling. Their Menthol is a great flavor, in fact, I think it is their best one. The charging case is nice, and convenient, but you will need it, because the battery only lasts for about an hour of puffing. Now for the downside of Blu.

You are right, they say the cartomizers are equal to about a pack of cig's (as do many of the cartomizer brands) but that is just not true. I was a pack to pack and half a day smoker of Marlboro smooth, and did so in secret (only at work and when I was out and about). When I got the blu, I was doing the same thing. I went through about 2-3 cartomizers a day with ease (again, not smoking around family members or when I was home) The Blu also seems to lose flavor rather quickly. My biggest problem with them was that many of the cartomizers got a burnt taste after only about 20 puffs and the burnt taste is bad (like eating a campfire with plasic) They have a solution on their web site about this, but it never really seemed to work for more than a couple of extra puffs. THis is usually an indication that the cartomizer is empty. In their defense, it did not happen on the menthols, just all of the other flavors.

Also, the Blu does get expensive. At $2 a cartomizer, it adds up. If you figure that each cartomizer is really about 1/2 pack of cigs, then you will be spending $4 a pack for cigs, cheaper than analogs, but expensive in the vaping world.

After doing some research, all while having the blu, I learned that this is a common problem for them, so I began to look for another company. I ended up going with the Smokeless Image Volt. I was unable to find any negative reviews for them, and it was cheaper than the Blu (about $60 for the same setup that I paid $90 for at Blu). Their battery lasts about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, the cartomizers last longer and I have yet to have one get the burnt taste even when vaping to completely dry. I think that is because of their design. I used a Vapor 4 Life cartomizer on the volt battery and after a while, it got the burnt taste. The best part is their cartomizers are cheaper and can be refilled. You can buy a pack of their mint cartomizers for $9 and then a bottle of the same e juice from them for $13 (that's if you don't use a coupon and they always have them out there). You can refill them several times so long as you use the same flavor. You end up paying about 60 cents a carto. You can get e juice even cheaper from other places to get the cost down more. The nice thing is the volt is not much bigger than the blu, but is still like holding a traditional cigarette. Also, their customer service is awesome. They have contests on here all the time to get free stuff and will fix mistakes right away. I ordered a pack of cartomizers from them and they sent juice instead. When I called them, they sent me the cartomizers the same day and told me to keep the juice for free.

My suggestion is this. Try your Blu and see if you like the idea of vaping. Personally, I never picked up an analog once I did. If you enjoy it, look for something a little more cost efficient that lasts longer. If you are like me and want the cigarette feel, check out the Volt. I think it is the best 801 out there. Try and do this before your 30 days is up and then you can get a refund from Blu. I ordered a volt about 5 days after trying the blu and once it came in, I sent the blu back. They refunded me the day after I got it.

Please remember, if you get the burnt taste, dont get discouraged off of vaping, just try another company.

Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to give you my experience. If you have any questions, feel free to pm me, I will be happy to help.

Happy Vaping.

I'm hoping I made a good decision in buying the basic starter kit from Blu. I've never vaped before, so I don't know what it's like. I just got a nice amount of money for my birthday, was wondering what to spend it on, and felt bad knowing most of it would end up going towards cigarettes. Then, last night, I watched a movie called "The Tourist," where a character uses and explains e-cigs.

I did some research online when I got home and decided to try them out. In addition to the starter kit, I ordered 2 packs of carts (5 each) in Menthol flavor since I've only ever been able to enjoy menthol when smoking cancer sticks. Add that to the 5 included in the kit and I've got 15 to start with. The website claims each cart is equal to a pack, but from what I've read from various reviews, it appears that's not the case.

So, I'm waiting for the shipments to arrive and I'm pretty excited. The continued expense of buying cartridges is a bit worrisome, but I'll probably be buying some e-liquid to cut down the cost. I'm hoping that I'll be able to make the switch completely to vaping without too much discomfort.

Unfortunately, my husband is skeptical of my choice. He doesn't like the idea of spending even more on smoking than I already do (another reason to keep it as cheap as possible now that I've spent my birthday money). He also doesn't believe that it won't smell or be harmful to bystanders, so he won't let me vape in the house.

If I were to do it indoors when he's at work, would he be able to tell? Also, my university has a strict no-smoking policy that's campus wide (it even covers the parking lots, in your car, the riverbanks, and the nearby park). I've heard people on here talk about "stealth vaping." Is it hard to do? If I were to do it in an empty restroom, would the vapor be noticeable above the stall?

 

[the_vape_nerd]

I have never personally tried Blu. Since you've ordered it though, you should try it out and see if you can make it work. They have a rather bad reputation here on ecf mainly because they are over priced and try to sell people on the disposable cartomizer way of doing things. Cartomizers can and should be refilled by the user. This can be done over and over 8-10 times on a polyfill cartomizer at least and at a fraction of the cost of buying a new cartomizer every time one runs out.

Having said that, I think blu is an kr808 system. Kr808 is a model type here and widely sold so you don't have to return to blue to get cartomizers (either prefilled or blanks). You can order them from vapor for life, smokeless image, etc and these vendors will sell you a bottle of juice to back them up. Say you buy a 5 pack of cherry, well they will sell you a bottle of cherry juice that you can put in the cartomizers when they run dry. Refilling a cartomizer can be done for about 20 cents worth of juice. Don't throw out your cartomizers.

You should have a look around here at ecf and do as much learning as you can. It will help you stick with this, avoid mistakes and wasting money.

There are many people here who have started with Blu and can help you figure out any issues.

As for vaping when he's not there, no he will not be able to tell. If you do it indoors as long as you can't be physically seen inhaling it, you can get away with it, lol.

Good luck.

 

[the_vape_nerd]

Oh and as for your husband and the cost of this. I've gotten by on between 20 and 40 bucks worth of vaping (per month) for the last 8 months. Compare this amount to what you spent last month on analogs. If he's not happy then, he never will be, lol.

 

[Mroutlaw]

The 808s cartomizers dont fit on the Blu, and their battery is so small, it wouldnt give you enough vapor.

I agree with jbankston, he will never know unless he sees you. I was vaping in my room when my mother was visiting. She knocked on the door so I put it down. When she came in, she had no idea. One of the reasons I vape so much is because I can do it without anyone knowing. I carry it in stores and stealth vape, take it in the bathroom at peoples homes, you name it.

 

[Mroutlaw]

I was paying $6 - $7 a pack for cigs and spending about $70 a week. I have enjoyed vaping so much, I bought my original starter kit, 2 extra batteries, a 900 x2 battery, 3 clearomizers, 4 packs of cartomizers and about 8 bottles of ejuice for about $200 with shipping. That is less than what i would have spent during that month on analogs and I vape 3 times as much as I smoked. To top it off, its nice to be able to breath well now. I figure I have enough juice and cartomizers to go at least 3 months. Of course, I am sure I will get more juice because I keep seeing flavors that look interesting.

Oh and as for your husband and the cost of this. I've gotten by on between 20 and 40 bucks worth of vaping (per month) for the last 8 months. Compare this amount to what you spent last month on analogs. If he's not happy then, he never will be, lol.

 

[yiddleboge6]

Whether or not your husband will be able to smell it will depend on what juice you're using and how much you vape. I live in a family of non-smokers and had to smoke outside. I vape in my room and no one is complaining, but I can smell it. There was a thread on here a few days ago about remarks made about the smell.

 

[shihtzulady]

My experience is similar to Mroutlaw's - from the Blu which I returned, I detoured to V2 which I found very expensive, to the Elite 808 (which I would love to love, but customer service has not been responsive) to finally finding the Volt.
I had not smoked analogs in my home or car for years, I do use my Volt in both. My husband, who has never smoked and truly hated my habit, is not at all offended with my vaping in the house and even in his car.
i just returned from a week long event at the Hyatt San Francisco in a suite with all non-smokers; none of them complained about my vaping.
Kudos to you; quiting smoking is very hard for women and you are on the right track!!

 

[Mroutlaw]

My experience is similar to Mroutlaw's - from the Blu which I returned, I detoured to V2 which I found very expensive, to the Elite 808 (which I would love to love, but customer service has not been responsive) to finally finding the Volt.
I had not smoked analogs in my home or car for years, I do use my Volt in both. My husband, who has never smoked and truly hated my habit, is not at all offended with my vaping in the house and even in his car.
i just returned from a week long event at the Hyatt San Francisco in a suite with all non-smokers; none of them complained about my vaping.
Kudos to you; quiting smoking is very hard for women and you are on the right track!!

Shihtzukady, how long have you had your volt? Have you tried their new x2 and clearomizer? I am thinking about it and was curious about what people think. I figured it may be good for when I am laying in bed with the tv


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Miira]

My husband has been hinting at me switching to e Cigs for months and I was the one whining about the cost (probably my addiction rationalizing continuing to smoke). I bit the bullet last night and finally ordered one. Hopefully this works.

 

[Stormlark]

Thanks for all the replies. I may end up returning the Blu as some suggested. I've notice a pretty awful taste from the disposable I've been trying today. I thought it was just normal for vapes and I'd have to deal with it, but maybe it's just the Blu brand carts. I did see on youtube a video explaining how to refill Blus, I might try that before switching to a different setup. I'm also considering trying the "red oak" line from Johnson Creek, which is PG free, just in case my dislike for the vape taste has something to do with that chemical.

 

[Stormlark]

I just went to the smokeless image website and put together my own starter kit for about $85. I picked 2 manual batteries, the mega awesome charging kit that holds 2 batteries (one charging) and four carts, 1 pack of menthol carts, and 2 packs of empty carts. I was then going to order some juice from Johnson. I haven't bought anything yet, just got it set up to what I think I'd want. Let me know if what I'm planning seems weird or wouldn't work. I'll likely order this today or tomorrow, use the Blu in the meantime, then send the Blu back for a refund. Question for anyone who's used the Johnson Creek brand: How big is the bottle? They don't give a measurement anywhere that I can see.

 

[sailorman]

Thanks for all the replies. I may end up returning the Blu as some suggested. I've notice a pretty awful taste from the disposable I've been trying today. I thought it was just normal for vapes and I'd have to deal with it, but maybe it's just the Blu brand carts. I did see on youtube a video explaining how to refill Blus, I might try that before switching to a different setup. I'm also considering trying the "red oak" line from Johnson Creek, which is PG free, just in case my dislike for the vape taste has something to do with that chemical.

To be honest, that is the best suggestion in this whole thread. Don't even get caught up in the Blu mess. Order the volt and you'll have it in a couple days. Their service is phenomenal. If I were you, I wouldn't even bother opening the Blu package. The difference is night and day and every day you spend with the Blu is one more day of needless expense and probably one more day of smoking an analog. The Blu is not something you want to stay with, so don't even start. You'll just be punishing yourself. You might think that's over the top, but you won't think so when you try a decent e-cig.

See my sig. line? I hate e-cigs that look like analogs. I almost never recommend them. So, I wouldn't be telling you this if the Volt wasn't the best of only 2 or 3 like it that are worth spending a dime on.

BTW, VG is sweeter than PG, but PG lets the flavor through better. VG mutes flavor and the "throat hit" from the nicotine. The reason most people use 100% VG is because they have an intolerance or allergy to PG. It's rather rare to be allergic to PG, but even more rare to be allergic to VG. The "vape taste" you dislike is almost certainly not from the PG. It may be because of the junky cartomizers on the Blu. It may be that you're vaping the wrong nicotine level. It may just be because the wimpy battery isn't vaporizing the juice right. PG is tasteless. It's already in half the stuff you eat or drink. If you didn't like the taste of PG, you'd already know it.

 

[Forkeh]

Thanks for all the replies. I may end up returning the Blu as some suggested. I've notice a pretty awful taste from the disposable I've been trying today. I thought it was just normal for vapes and I'd have to deal with it, but maybe it's just the Blu brand carts. I did see on youtube a video explaining how to refill Blus, I might try that before switching to a different setup. I'm also considering trying the "red oak" line from Johnson Creek, which is PG free, just in case my dislike for the vape taste has something to do with that chemical.

Tell you what, if you don't mind the Blue battery and pack, the way it works, how often you need to charge it. What you should do, when you're out of cartos, is pop over to Volcano and get some blank cartomizers they make for their smallest battery. They will fit on your Blu batteries just fine. The Volcano cartos perform pretty well for what it is, and the battery it's made to be used on. I started vaping with their smallest battery and cartos, I used those suckers for like a month refilling. Never managed to kill one, never got a burnt taste as long as I filled often enough (after a while the draw becomes a little hard though); I just found a setup I liked more.

A pack of 5 blank cartos costs about $10. I'd buy two packs to start out, then go somewhere else for juice, Volcano, while actually very good tasting juice, is quite expensive. Companies I've had good experiences with: Smokeforpennys, and ECblends. Both pretty cheap (I believe ECblends is cheaper) and very good tasting juice. And if you don't happen to like your Blu set up, send it back and get something else. Actually, the company I mentioned above, Smokeforpennys has deals with single Ego style batts, charger, and juice delivery system of your choice for around $30.

 

[Stormlark]

Another question: What strength of nicotine should I be looking at? 18 or 24?