Newbie needs help getting started

[RedWingGirl]

Hi everyone! I've recently decided to try e-cigs in order to break away from my PAD habit. I've been wanting to get off them for some time, but with the onset of these horrible FSCs now that taste nasty and burn horribly (ashes flying everywhere) I think it's finally my time to try to quit.

After much googling, I've realized there are TONS of different kinds/brands, etc. So many different kinds (still don't understand PG/VG) my head is spinning lol. So I was hoping I could just tell you guys what I'm looking for and hopefully someone would kindly point me in the right direction, and maybe even answer some of my questions...if you don't mind!

1. I would like a model that looks like a real cig. Also, I currently smoke Marlboro Menthol Lights, so I would like to find a flavor that would be very similar (if possible).

2. If I currently smoke a PAD, how many cartridges (is that what they're called?) would I need to last me a month?

3. Would I need to eventually replace the e-cig? If so, how long can I expect it to last? (I'm kinda hoping I'll save some $$ in my transition.)

4. When I'm vaping, does the smell stick to me like analogs do? Meaning, will I still smell like an ashtray? (that's one of my biggest issue right now...I hate feeling like I stink when I'm around people.)

5. Since this is so new to me, I'm not really ready to experiment with mixing my own as I've read others on this site do. So I'd really like to find a site that will pre-mix or make flavors that are similar to my analogs. I may experiment later on, but right now I don't want to overwhelm myself.

I know I've asked a lot of questions, and I apologize!!...but I'm hoping someone can help me out, or lead me in the right direction. Thanks in advance!

 

[stalnakerz]

1. For the cig model, I have to suggest you do your research in the ECF Library of the forum and use the information you find there to make your decision. Many people start out with the cigarette looking versions and soon find out that the battery life on them just isn't up to par and move to a PEN style or MOD within a month or so. Personally, I used a cigarette looking version for about 2 weeks then moved to the Riva (Pen style) and it has been great for me for the past month and a half.

2. That depends on the model you get, nicotine and flavor strength, personal habits, etc.... I'd highly suggest getting empty (aka blank) cartridiges or cartomizers and buying e-liquid to refill. It's not only MUCH cheaper, but also gives you the benefit of being able to add more liquid before the cartridge or carto goes dry. This helps to extend the life of your atomizer or cartomizer.

3. You'll have to replace parts, and again it depends on the model you buy. Some of the smaller models batteries don't last but X number of recharges. If you get a larger battery and it will only last the same number of recharges, you'll save money because you're not recharging nearly as much. For me it was recharge my cigarette style about every hour and a half vs. once a day for my pen style.
edit: You will also need to buy replacement cartridges and atomizers or cartomizers. Cartridges are pretty cheap but atomizers can be expensive. If you use that option, make sure you never vape a cartridge to dry. Cartomizers are meant to be disposable but you can refill them easily using methods found here in the forum. A good thing about this option is they are pretty cheap. However cartomizers really need to be made for one flavor since you can't clean out the batting like you can in cartridge. Use an atomizer/cartridge to try out flavors and if you like it, put it into a cartomizer.

4. The only smells that other people have noticed around me since I started vaping have been my cologne. Sometimes if I am using Vaporbomb.com's cinnabomb straight, they will notice a cinnamon smell, but nothing that stinks like cigarette smoke does. Remember, the smell from cigarettes is mainly smoke from the burning of vegatable matter. with E-cigs there is no burning.

5. While you can get flavors that mimic tobaccos, I would highly suggest getting a couple of non-tobacco flavors as well. You'll find that after a couple of weeks of vaping, your taste buds start coming back and your taste will change. If you really want to get tobacco flavor, I'd recommend Johnson's creek. For everything else, Vaporbomb.

 

[jj2]

It's probably best if you started your new adventure in the ECF Library, and then head over to the social groups and check out ECF Library Annex.
Have fun reading---just don't forget to come up for air now and then.
Once you get a better understanding of it all, we'll be here to answer questions.

 

[RedWingGirl]

Thanks so much for both your replies.

@stalnakerz, I really appreciate your thorough response. Gives me much to think about with regards to which to buy, how much, etc. Also glad to hear that vaping won't make me stink! And your trying different flavors suggestion sounds good...I probably should try some non-tobacco flavors, especially since my ultimate goal is to wean myself off analogs altogether, and vaping something so similar may not help me reach that goal.

@jj2, thank you. I'm heading over there now to do some reading before bed. It's still a bit confusing to me, what with all the different factors I should consider (manual vs. auto, PG vs VG, battery life, penstyle vs. cig style, etc.), but hopefully I'll gather enough basic info on here to make a wise first-time buyer's decision.