Newbie from (well currently) California

[Caprilli]

Hi there,

I am brand new to the forum and have not even started vaping yet. I have done enough research over the last few days to totally confuse myself about liquid mixtures and different devices to smoke different liquids that I decided I need to simplify matters for myself and ordered a Kanger Evod 2 starter kit plus 60 ml of US Light Liquid with 18 mg nicotine from my freedom smokers.

I currently smoke 1.5 to 2 packs of Marlboro Light/Gold a day and after 29 years of smoking analog cigarettes I am hoping that this will help me kick my habit.
60 ml will of course not last long and I would like to mix my own liquid pretty soon but since I do not know what I will like I wondered if some of you out there could point me to some sampler packs which will help me make more educated decisions.

I was also wondering what kind of liquid/device helped you guys out there to quit and what nicotine strengths you started off with.

Thank you for your help!

 

[BeerGolfClouds]

Welcome to ECF and vaping Best of luck to you on quitting the cancer sticks!

You've ordered a great beginner's setup. I, as well as many others, started with something similar. The nicotine level of your juice is pretty spot on too. 60ml will last longer than you think, so I hope you like that juice! As far as other flavors, best to go to a brick and mortar shop and sample everything that appeals to you. Google tells me there are a couple in Walnut Creek which is near you, right? You may find that tobacco flavored juice just doesn't do it for you...I smoked a PAD of Mediums for 20 years and couldn't stand the tobacco flavors. Now 1.5 years into vaping and I'm into anything melon, that's about all I vape anymore.

 

[drunkenbatman]

First of all, welcome! Second of all, listen to BeerGolfClouds. I'd add one thing: remember your tank is plastic and can crack, and remember if the tobacco wears on you, it's always a great mixer with something else (peach, caramel, etc.)

 

[Randycleese]

Hi Caprilli,

Welcome to the forum. I'm newish here too. Don't be worried about asking questions, everyone here seems to be pretty friendly and always willing to answer questions that you have.

I actually started on the EVOD 2. Its a great starter kit!!! The one I had came with 2 batteries and a charger. My only advice with that kit would be to always keep that second battery with you and, if possible, on the the charger when not in use. There isn't anything more frustrating than trying to vape and your battery dies.

Happy Vaping!!!!

 

[Rsunderl]

Hi, Caprilli and welcome to ECF!

I agree with what BeerGolfClouds said above. You've got a good kit to start you off. Many here have started with that same setup.

I,too smoked 1.5 packs a day of Marlboro Lights. For me, it was a bit longer than you, but then again I'm an old f**t .

I started out with 18mg streangth, and it has been a very good level for me, but each person is different. Once you get the routine of vaping down, it may be more than you need or not quite enough. Pay attention to your body - especially now that you are vaping - it's different than smoking. Your body will tell you when you've had enough nic.

You might want to get a small bottle at 24mg and another at 12mg. If 18 turns out fine, you can mix the other two and that will make an 18mg solution.

Another thing that some do is "vape low top off high". That means that when there aren't cravings, you use a lower nic juice. but when the cravings show up, vape for a while on a higher nic juice to fight off the cravings. You'll find something that works for you in no time.

Hope all that helps and wasn't too overwhelming.

Happy Vaping

 

[Ablonz]

I cant add anything else to what was already said but congrats on taking the first step and Welcome to the forums!! Any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

 

[emily n portland]

Welcome Caprili!
Hope you love your new gear.

All the above is great advice.

Personally I started with 24mg but quickly moved to 18mg.
I didn't like tobaccos at first, because they didn't taste like my beloved American Spirits. I started with a lot of fruits and had many tanks in my rotation to change things up often. Now I vape mostly tobacco and bakery though.

I second going to a B&M where you can sample many flavors, I was surprised by what I liked...and what I didn't.

Don't get rid of any flavors you don't like though those first few months. Your opinions are likely to change as your taste buds heal.

Finally, my throat hurt those first few weeks, primarily bc I was trying to inhale like a cigarette
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ecf-library/337017-inhalation-technique-e-cigarette.html

Good luck on your vaping journey!

 

[Kat Willis]

Hi Caprilli, My husband quit last February, and I followed a month latter. We bought the "BLU" starter kit and didn't like it at all, felt like sucking air, but then we got the ego-c twist and liked it better than smoking real cigarettes. We also started out with 18 mg nicotine, and have slowly decreased until my husband is now on "0", and I am on "6". He and I had both smoked for over 40 years, and the morning cough went away in about a week of vaping. Good luck, I hope you do as well as we did. I truly don't want to smoke cigarettes anymore.

 

[Caprilli]

Hi Guys,

thank you all so much for the warm welcome and the heads up! Yes I am very near Walnut Creek and a shop where I could sample liquids would be great! The one that I found on Google was "The Vault". Please forgive but English is not my first language and Mr. Google came up with the Bay Areas building supplies when I entered "Brick and Mortar Shop" I figured that it is terminology for "build your own"? What should I enter in Google to find some shops?

I am all set to invest in stronger Batteries and Glass heads for different flavors as I am certain that I will want to give this a go but wanted to vape at least a day or two before investing more money into something that I may now like so any advise is more than welcome.

Again thank you ALL!

 

[BeerGolfClouds]

Hi Guys,

thank you all so much for the warm welcome and the heads up! Yes I am very near Walnut Creek and a shop where I could sample liquids would be great! The one that I found on Google was "The Vault". Please forgive but English is not my first language and Mr. Google came up with the Bay Areas building supplies when I entered "Brick and Mortar Shop" I figured that it is terminology for "build your own"? What should I enter in Google to find some shops?

I am all set to invest in stronger Batteries and Glass heads for different flavors as I am certain that I will want to give this a go but wanted to vape at least a day or two before investing more money into something that I may now like so any advise is more than welcome.

Again thank you ALL!

Google "vape shops Lafayette Ca"

 

[emily n portland]

Sorry, "brick & mortar" just means a physical store instead of shopping online

I would use yelp.com and search for "vape stores" near you, then you can read reviews and get a good idea of what they offer and what the environment is.

 

[Caprilli]

Thank you! After reading up on inhalation techniques I am a little concerned as I never managed a mouth inhale with my cigarettes even when I tried! Thankfully I found the thread about different methods so I guess if I am too uncoordinated to re-train myself, I will just have to invest in the matching gear?

 

[Raveheart]

Hello Caprilli!

I too am new to ECF and have only joined today but I figured I'd like to give you a welcome anyways!
I've been vaping since 2011 for about 4 years now. Back then I used to smoke about 2-3 packs a day and when I first discovered vaping it was godsend!
I've tried all sorts of alternatives to quitting smoking but have never been successful and now I am proud to say I've been tobacco free for the last 4 years! (Except on rare occasions).

I started off with 18mg and gradually moved down to lower nicotine levels. Currently I'm vaping 6mg liquids and I hope to be nicotine free soon!
At the moment I DIY my own liquids as they are illegal to import in my country.

I wish I can be more help to your concern about inhaling techniques but I feel I'm not experienced enough to give you proper advice. Still I want to wish you all the best in kicking the old tobacco habit!

 

[Dragonfly Dru]

Hi and welcome! I just joined ECF too. Today is my first day vaping so I don't have too much experience to share, but wanted to give my support anyways. I was also worried about learning new inhalation techniques, but I got used to it within the first hour. Just be patient with yourself and I'm sure you'll do just fine. Instead of trying to "inhale", think about it like drinking through a straw. That's what worked for me.

 

[drunkenbatman]

Thank you! After reading up on inhalation techniques I am a little concerned as I never managed a mouth inhale with my cigarettes even when I tried! Thankfully I found the thread about different methods so I guess if I am too uncoordinated to re-train myself, I will just have to invest in the matching gear?

1. Don't stress, a mouth inhale is simply drawing the vapor into your mouth vs just inhaling like you're breathing. Most of the nicotine is absorbed there anyways, and you can always then inhale with it in your mouth to decide how much throat hit you want. You'll figure it out, I promise.

2. You don't need to buy anything. Get situated and comfortable with your gear and decide what you like and what might be improved and it can be sorted then.

*gives the horns*

 

[daleron]

Welcome to ECF Caprilli, make yourself right at home!
Looks like you've been well taken care of

 

[Caprilli]

Thank you all for your support. I cannot wait for my kit to arrive and to start looking into different flavors which will hopefully replace the horrible taste an analogue cigarette leaves behind. I guess that is also why I always inhaled straight to the lungs

 

[Moaufan]

HELLO AND WELCOME!!! You have already gotten a lot of great info and there is a lot more where that came from. I hope you have a Happy Vaping New Year!!

 

[sparkky1]

Welcome Caprilli,

Try this place Vapor 1 2085 N Broadway
Ste 300
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

 

[sparkky1]

The Vault Smoke Shop

1250 Newell Ave
Ste B
Walnut Creek, CA 94596