Newbie ISO Cigalike Recs for Spouse

[whitewinelush]

First off, introductions:

I'd smoked analogs on and off for the past 10 years until I quit (again) in January (well, except for a two-cig slip up last month). I've always been a light/social smoker, able to keep it to one or two a day except on weekends, when I could easily finish a pack. I've also been able to quit cold turkey at least three times now with no issue.

My spouse, on the other hand, is a much heavier smoker (10+ years) and has always struggled with quitting. He has done it a few times as well, using patches and, most recently, Chantix, but that didn't stick. He decided to pick up some ecigs to help him along this time and grabbed a Blu kit on a whim (I know, I know!).

Of course he hates it and says it doesn't taste or feel like an analog cig to him at all. I think it's kind of fun though, so he's passed it off to me. I've ordered some zero nic cartomizers for it but until then, I'm working with the "high" level ones (maybe they won't mess up my efforts!). The sweeter flavors remind me of the hookah I smoked a few times way, way back in college, and I've definitely missed the hand-to-mouth and smoke-blowing motions even if I'm not addicted to the nicotine. For now, I'm happy with this setup for me, but I may look into something bigger/fancier/whatever later on.

My bigger question is on his behalf: At this point, he really wants a cigalike that feels and tastes like his beloved Marlboro Lights. He's not interested in a fancy setup or something as big as a cigar. I think he would also prefer pre-filled over refillable cartomizers/cartridges. He didn't mind the size of the Blu, but the weight and the flavors didn't do it for him.

Some possible suggestions I've gleaned from browsing here (and the rest of the interwebs) for a couple of days:
- njoy Kings disposables (though they aren't wallet-friendly)
- Smokeless Image Volt
- joyetech eRoll (though it's refillable)

Any thoughts on those? Or other ideas? Anything to help him kick the (Diet) Cowboy Killer habit (I was always a Camel Light/Turkish Gold girl, so I don't know what he sees in them!).

Thanks!

 

[Draconian]

In my experience, the feels like a cigarette devices don't really provide a satisfying enough vape to a person looking to quite analogs. I had them myself - and while they were okay, I still smoked. The problem we run into with these devices is POWER - they really can't provide enough wattage to make a great vapor - something that is likely to keep someone off of analogs. The smaller the device - the less power it will have - sure - you can run some of the smaller batteries at 10 watts - but you will be constantly recharging them as they just can't take the power.
If he can get to where he would accept something that doesn't look like a cigarette - I would highly suggest the VAMO. I have owned 3 myself - and they are everything a vapor needs at a crazy reasonable price. Pair that and maybe a Kanger Pro Tank and some good juice - (of course batteries and charger) and that's all a person needs - and it will be a VERY good vape - MUCH better than any of the cigarette looking devices on the market.
I'm a very experienced vapor - I tend to use rebuildable atomizers and whatnot - however - the VAMO and a Kanger Protank is still a good vape (and I use them myself).
BTW - I have been 100% smokefree since late January. I was a pack and a half to 2 a day smoker. I don't miss ciggys at all - period.

 

[Jimmy_Noname]

I personally think the Njoy King is a great intro to the vaping world, it was my first, but at that price it's not a permanent solution. I think he should try them to see how he likes it.

Also, good you for quitting on your own. My wife just quit cold turkey one day, no problems. I hate her for it lol.

 

[Roots820]

Bigger devices and delivery methods are certainly sweet. I'm enjoying my new Protank on my MVP right now. BUT... a portable and pocketable device is desirable and sometimes necessary for some.

I have an eRoll and I'm really liking it. It has more power than most cigalikes at 3.7 volt regulated. It weighs less than a Blu. It's the only cigalike device you can charge without taking it apart (Big plus). And the charger is long lasting, slim, and looks like an iPhone. Get an extra atomizer cone and you have two devices. One in the charger while the other is being used. This is perfect for me while I'm at work, on the go, or out for the night.

The liquid used can be just as crucial as the device when trying to quit. Pre filled carts really limit the flavors available and can be pricey. If you do go with the eRoll you can prefill your own cartridges easy with a blunt tip needle that fits right on the bottles. I fill a few carts and recap with the caps they come with. I keep them in my pocket. With a few refill carts i can go all day on my eRoll.

I suggest looking at a naturally extracted tobacco flavor, those really seem to scratch that craving itch for me. Heather's Heavenly Vapes has some good ones. Huntsman and Dark Horse are awesome. They aren't like Marlboros. Maybe C&D from Alien Visions or something from the house brewed line at GoodEJuice.

Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[Roots820]

I like the NJoy King recommendation I tried a few of those to test the waters before buying the eRoll.

 

[CannedWolf]

I started with V2 - decent flavors and good battery life. You can check them out at Electronic Cigarettes | E Cigarette | V2 Cigs. Their 'Red' isnt a bad place to start.

For me, it was nice to be able to walk before I started running, so to speak. If someone had shoved an eGo or a box mod or a Variable Voltage in my hand along with tanks/cartos/clearos/and atomizers when I first started, I think I would have been overwhelmed.

I needed to see if it was something I liked (both in concept and flavor). With the cig-alikes, I did - it was enough for me to like what was going on and how I physically felt.

Within a month, I started feeling like there was something missing with the cig-alikes and that is when I started reading and researching more. From there (about 3 - 4 months), I went to cig-alike cartos, eGo with cartos, and then a box mod, VV, glass tanks, and rebuild-able atomizers/tanks and more advanced/complex flavors.

My advice would be to start small and see how it is working - some people love cig-alikes and have no need to upgrade while others invent new ways to get MORE Follow your own pace... just because something works for someone doesnt mean it will for you or your husband.

 

[Roots820]

I agree with CannedWolf. The cigalike may be an important replacement step when quitting. Once your husband realizes that he doesn't like cigs (taste or form factor) he may want to branch out to other flavors and devices.

 

[TJ2Q]

Canned and Roots summed it up perfectly. Solid advice.

I started with V2 cigs and I love them because they were my 'escape'. I quickly moved on to what i consider bigger and better... i like to tinker though so I knew that was going to be the natural progression. Luckily, my money wasn't "wasted" (and to be honest, i would have paid double for my V2 just because it was so effective in getting me to drop off from analogs) because my wife doesn't like the big batteries (even the eGo is too big for her liking) and she has since inherited my startup kit. I did get some blank unflavored carts for her though so she can still enjoy my new flavors that I can't seem to stop buying!