New to forums and ecigs ^_^

[KaitLynnHt]

Hi hi, I'm KaitLynn (or Kat), and I've been a smoker now for 12 years. When I first heard of the electronic cigarettes, I thought it was a passing fad that would quickly fade into obscurity. They stuck around and I kept hearing about them, but I was afraid if I shelled out the money for one, that that company would go defunct and I'd end up not being able to get refills and so on. I recently saw some for sale at a convenience store and thought that if its managed to find its way into brick and mortar stores, it may be something to think about.

I've been wanting to quit smoking for a while, but at the same time I don't want to quit (if that makes any sense to anyone). I greatly enjoy smoking, and I'm weak, its the only stress habit I have left and I have to have it. But I'm tired of the smell, and I'm the only person in my family who smokes, so I know it has to bother them (even thought they say it doesn't) and I know that the health risks are catching up with me. As well, I'd like something that isn't quite as expensive as traditional cigarettes. I've tried quitting several times, but I think its the fact that I still enjoy smoking that keeps me picking them back up.

I was going to get a Blu, and I have the money put aside for a starter kit (I'm a stay at home mom, so the initial investment is big for me). But I found this site and found maybe some better alternatives, but the downside of this is that I have, over the past few hours, developed a headache over the vast amounts of (extremely helpful) information available here. I have searched and researched and I have a few questions that I know have been answered before, but they've been answered differently and for different situations. I'm hoping for some suggestions based on what I'm looking for.

The big names/models thrown around are 510, 808, ego and kgo. I've narrowed it down to a 510, I think, but I'm on the fence. Everytime I say "thats what I want", I find more posts and more suggestions that confuse me and I start change my mind. But I am on a very tight budget and can just barely keep myself in traditional cigs, so I can't afford to make a noob mistake and go through a lot of trial and error. So I'd like some of your expert opinions on whether a 510 (or something else) will fit my needs.

* I currently smoke approximately 2 packs per week (6-7 cigs per day) of full flavor Menthol 100s. (This is as far as I can cut back and stay sane. High stress weeks may see 2.5/3 packs per week.)

* I need something simple to use and care for. I keep seeing stuff about drilling holes and tanks and drip tips and I don't know what these things are, but between homeschooling my son and housework, I don't have a lot of time to devote to this, like a hobby. Its one of the reasons I don't roll my own cigs now.

* Battery charge isn't too important since I rarely leave the house (I have no life outside my son and my computer), but I'd like a decent charge since the few times I do leave the house, I tend to be out for most of the day. I think I'm leaning toward a manual battery.

* I want something the same size/shape as a traditional cigarette (something I really liked about the blu).

* I'd like a recommendation for a good menthol flavor that would be comparable to a traditional menthol cig. I like to joke that I'm more addicted to the menthol than the nicotine. I do smoke a lot less if all I have access to are non-menthol.

* Also, I'm confused about the "juice" I keep seeing. Is it comparable to rolling your own cigarettes, cause that would be something I'd be interested in. I just thought you bought refill cartridges as you needed them, I never thought it was something you could refill yourself. Seems like that would make the switch even more cost effective. Are flavors or juice compatable with any cartridge, or will I have to use whatever is available for that "brand" or model?

Thanks ahead of time!! I can't wait to order my new ecig and drop the smokes.

~kat ^_^

 

[dlsw]

Hello and welcome!! The juice in bottles is so much better tasting and cheaper than prefilled cartos. You can fill your own cartos as soon as they start to taste dry, which can happen rather quickly. You don't smoke a lot now, but many of us have found that we vape *ahem* a little more than we smoked which is why some of the veterans do not advocate Blu. I think you'd get tired of recharging the batteries. In the long run, it'd be a lot more expensive as you have to buy their carts for the system. I am not going to make a recommendation, but lots of people are happy with 808 systems like Volt or VL4. Go to the suppliers forums and you can read what people say about them. Good luck!!

 

[Huffelpuff]

It's totally overwhelming how many choices are out there. My first real kit was here Riva E Cig Kit | Riva SLB Online | Riva Kit

Price can't be beat. I highly recommend that you buy some 510 cartomizers - probably standard resistance boge - and some samples of juice.

I felt the same way when I quit 6 months ago.. never thought I'd actually see it through as I loved smoking so much - never would have thought that there was something better than cigarettes and actually more fun of a hobby - vaping is really much better. You won't look back

Good Luck and Welcome to the ECF!

 

[elfstone]

Hello, Kat, and welcome!

Vaping is a great way to replace tobacco and for most it's a chance to discover a whole new level of pleasure. Yet, it can get confusing in the beginning.

Your smoking habits are very different from mine, so I guess my experience so far would not be good for you. I am sure others will come up with great advice, though.

From what you say, you probably would do well with a slim starter kit, but you should stay away from the mall brands and the artificially popular names you find on Google.

There are several options of batteries, and several options on the thing that makes the vapor. The latter can be an atomizer (heating element that produces the vapor), cartomizer (an atomizer and a cartridge that holds juice all in one) or other more exotic devices. My best bet here would be the cartomizer - they are easy to use and refill, and give out great vapor and flavor.

Yes, you can use any e-juice with any cartomizer. The compatibility issues are between cartomizers and batteries. These come with different types of connections. The most popular is the 510, and most options are available for this one. Another popular one, for slim / cigarette look-alikes is the KR808. Again, my best guess is that you should choose one of these two.

I cannot really recommend anything because I chose a different route, but you can start in the Forum Suppliers section and look for starter kits.

In the 510 world, for instance, a reasonable entry would be this: AltSmoke.com | Personal Vaporizers | Electronic Cigarette | Ecigs | | The Yeti Ecig | Best electronic cigarettes| Cigarettes Electronic| Cigarette Electronic Cigarette| Best Electronic Cigarettes | Electronic Cigarettes or this: 510 Kits

In the KR808 world, a popular (for real, not Google made) is this: Vapor King E-Cigarette Starter Kits

You can try some pre-filled cartomizers, but the best way to go is filling your own, by far. There are innumerable juice vendors, but I tend to prefer USA-made ones. The Forum Supplier section is a good start, or the General E-liquid Discussion subforum. There is also a floating thread called What flavor are you vaping right now in this forum. For example, I liked juices from: The Vapor Room, MadVapes Top Vapor section, Copper Creek, Pink Spot, Vape-a-Licious to name a few. It's a lot to look into, and luckily you can order samplers. There are a lot of menthol flavor out there, but be prepared to be surprised: you may like something entirely different from what you think.

The vaping world is massive, and you might not like your first choice, but rest assured, there's a lot to explore. Another great starting point to make sense of it all is here: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ping-illustrated-guide-e-cigs-part-1-6-a.html

 

[jnnfrlsw]

Since your wanting to stay with a cig sized PV I would look into the volt. I have heard alot of people who really like theirs. You can buy your eliquid/juice and refill the Volt cartomizers. Just be aware that the smaller the battery the less use time you will get between charges. But since you are at home most of the time you can just switch batteries. Make sure and get a kit that has 2 batteries.

 

[Stosh]

A simple 510 with some Boge cartomizers, or a Volt (808) style with bottom coil cartomizers should work for you with minor upkeep. Both are simple to use and refill, and can use anybody's juice and flavors. You can purchase the cartos empty and fill yourself with any flavor "juice" (nicotine liquid).

A drip tip is simply a mouthpiece for the end of your cartomizer to make it more comfortable.

My favorite menthol juice is my own mix, just unflavored nicotine liquid with pure menthol drops added to taste, very simple and cheap to mix.

p.s. Welcome to ECF !!!!

 

[dee5]

Hi kaitlynn, welcome to the forum! Most new vapers want to start out with a cig sized model and that's ok. The bigger ones just mean you won't have to charge the batteries as often basically. Here is a really good kit for a really good price.

Joye 510 Starter Kit - Metallic Blue - $29.99 : eJuiceMonkeys.com, Evolutionary Vaping Supplies

Notice you get 2 batteries and 2 atomizers. You charge one battery while you use the other. Over time you can accumulate a few more batteries and atomizers for backups (always a good idea). This company has really awesome juice too, though I haven't tried their menthol personally.

 

[KaitLynnHt]

I don't mind the idea of "vaping" more than I smoke now. Its very hard at times to keep myself at 2 packs a week. I used to smoke almost a pack a day... used to chain smoke in the car but I don't drive to work anymore... used to chain smoke at my computer but I can't smoke inside where I live now (which could change once I get an e-cig, so I'm anticipating a bit of a jump in usage). I've had to cut back mostly for cost, I'm wanting to quit for health reasons. So that wouldn't be a problem as long as I don't start doing it so much that it gets more expensive than smoking.

I have been on the supplier forums, and that's where my head starts swimming. I never imagined there would be so many different options. I'm mainly just looking for something simple, inexpensive to maintain, looks/feels like a cig and stable (so I won't have to get a new one right away because replacement cartridges are no longer available). I'll take another look at those and see what I can find. ^_^ Thanks.

I am very interested in refilling my own cartridges. Will I need to buy any special equipment for this, or is what comes in a standard starter pack sufficient, plus a few bottles of juice?

EDIT: wow, so many replies so fast... I'm reading all you guys have to say... Thanks soooooo much. ^_^

 

[dee5]

You just pull off the mouthpiece or tip of the cartomizer and drip in as many drops as needed to moisten it again, directly from the bottle. Pop it back together and vape away. It's easy! You can get a sampler pack of juice from most suppliers too at a good price so you can try out several flavors if you like. Be aware though keep one atomizer for the menthol and the other one for other flavors. Menthol tends to stick around forever and will effect the way other flavors taste.

 

[elfstone]

Filling a cartomizer can be as easy as dripping juice into the filler material (not in the center hole) directly from the juice bottle. It works, but it can get boring. It's important to keep your cartos moist at all times, and therefore you need to top them off as they get dry, but that's not a big deal. Other methods involve the "condom method" (not that kind of condom, see here) and the syringe method. It's easy.

Get a 510 starter kit - that way you'll be able play with different cartomizers and atomizers and to use them even after you decide that you actually wanted a bigger battery

 

[elfstone]

double post

 

[KaitLynnHt]

The Joye 510 was the last one I was looking at before I decided to post and get some input. I'll take a look at the Volt as well and probably decide between the two. Thank you all ^_^

 

[Warren D. Lockaby]

Hi Kat, and welcome to ECF! I'm afraid I can't give much advice except to assure you that vaping can be a lot less expensive than smoking, a lot healthier, and a lot more enjoyable. Also from what I've learned on this forum if I were to start over with a cigarette-sized e-cig it would be a KR808, not a 510. There are a few different brands/vendors of these that come highly regarded on here: the Volt Smokeless Image | Only The Best Electronic Cigarette | Electronic Cigarettes | Wholesale Electronic Cigarettes | E-Cigarette | Best Electronic Cigarette | Electronic Cigarette Bloog http://bloogplanet.com/ V4L Vapor4Life Halo G6 Halo Electronic Cigarette There are differences & options between these but since I've personally never owned a KR808 I can't be much help here. They do have somewhat higher voltage than the slim 510 models, and appear to have a greater variety of pre-filled carto flavors.

From what I've read I would avoid the Blu starter kits. I have seen a few reports of some satisfaction with Blu disposables but don't think I've seen a good word yet about their kits. I am hoping Dormouse or another knowledgeable vaping guru will show up with better info for you. Meantime please believe: you *can* do this, and it may very well be the best decision you ever make.

Blessings, and Happy Vaping!

 

[elfstone]

One more thing, Kat - some kits may come with an atomizer and cartridges. It doesn't matter. You can still use the batteries with cartomizers if they are 510 or 808. Most people don't like atomizer-cartomizer setup, but don't throw away the atomizers. You might find a use for them later

 

[BrotherFrankie]

"I've been wanting to quit smoking for a while, but at the same time I don't want to quit "

that was me... never really wanted to quit.. (i am a pastor too) but monday i just stopped... go figure...

 

[jdrewry]

To the OP: don't worry too much about the first kit you order--most vapers seem to get at least two kits. Conrats, BTW..and don't get too hung up on the, "size and shape of a cigarette" thing..that never seems to work. You'll be more concenred on where you get your eliquids than whether or not it looks like a cigarette.

 

[BrotherFrankie]

how are you doing now kat? i was a 2 pack a day smoker with no intention of quitiing and its been four days... doing pretty good.. ill share later what i bought (cheep) first week in..

blessings
brother frankie

 

[dee5]

Not to highjack the thread but welcome BrotherFrankie, and congrats!

 

[kidbeaster]

I really dont look at it as quit smoking. I looked at it as switching brands. I was totally of cigs in 3 days.

I started mixing my own juice. I even make my own menthol. Taste great an fun to make.

I too wanted a PV that looked like a cigarette. Well...that was a wasted $100. I moved past that in a couple of weeks.

It wasn't until I bought the KGO ( similar to the ego 510) is when the real fun started.

 

[dlsw]

I don't mind the idea of "vaping" more than I smoke now. Its very hard at times to keep myself at 2 packs a week. I used to smoke almost a pack a day... used to chain smoke in the car but I don't drive to work anymore... used to chain smoke at my computer but I can't smoke inside where I live now (which could change once I get an e-cig, so I'm anticipating a bit of a jump in usage). I've had to cut back mostly for cost, I'm wanting to quit for health reasons. So that wouldn't be a problem as long as I don't start doing it so much that it gets more expensive than smoking.

I have been on the supplier forums, and that's where my head starts swimming. I never imagined there would be so many different options. I'm mainly just looking for something simple, inexpensive to maintain, looks/feels like a cig and stable (so I won't have to get a new one right away because replacement cartridges are no longer available). I'll take another look at those and see what I can find. ^_^ Thanks.

I am very interested in refilling my own cartridges. Will I need to buy any special equipment for this, or is what comes in a standard starter pack sufficient, plus a few bottles of juice?

EDIT: wow, so many replies so fast... I'm reading all you guys have to say... Thanks soooooo much. ^_^

Yes, you'll need a paper clip or other small object to pry off the cap. There are tons of you tube vids on how to refill. I am a dork and can do it rather easily. Definitely get some small bottles of ejuice. There are so many varieties and you don't know what you'll want a few weeks and months from now. It will save you money in the long run. I am looking at my signature counter though, and I have spent more than that as I have ordered about 50 bottles of juices and strengths trying to find a good flavor.