Newbie setup?

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canzz

Full Member
Mar 13, 2015
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Toronto
Hey everyone. Im so glad i found this forum! There are many fake reviews and websites about ecigarettes out there.
Last year I bought v1 starter kit from Jacvapour. I liked it but it never come to the point that it can take place of an actual cigarette. For example when i was home in my room watching a movie it was fine, but when drinking alcohol, after a good meal I always felt like i need an actual cigarette. I felt im not gonna be able to quit smoking with that so i gave it to a friend of mine.
Since I still want to quit smoking I wanted to give one more shot. Now i see theres many different brands, mods.
As a 1pack a day (Marlboro Red) smoker can you please recommend me a basic setup, or a starter kit. I dont want to continue smoking until i find my perfect setup.

John
 

Hydroscopic

Senior Member
Mar 6, 2015
109
154
United States
Welcome. :)

To tackle the craving issue, what level nicotine liquid were you using?
This answer will allow people to compare the nic level to Marlboro Reds and give you a better recommendation on curbing the cravings.

Are you willing to try a mod style device as an alternative to cigalike/pen style models?

A little more information can help everyone make better recommendations.

Thanks!
 

m00shie

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Feb 4, 2015
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Hi there and welcome to ECF. I used to smoke 1 half to 2 packs of Marlboro Reds a day. I started vaping with an EGO-T battery + Protank Mini 3 clearo using 18mg liquids and was officially of analogues after a week.

As Hydropscopic's comment, it would be great to understand more about you:

1) Are you looking for a 'budget' setup or budget is not an issue?

2) Are you looking for something easy to setup and use or if you don't mind spending some time (and challenge) to setup your vaping gears?

3) Do you intend to use vaping as a means to quit smoking or if you are considering vaping to be long term (0mg or low nic)?

4) Do you prefer to have more vapor/clouds or if you prefer better flavor while vaping?
 

edyle

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Oct 23, 2013
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Hey everyone. Im so glad i found this forum! There are many fake reviews and websites about ecigarettes out there.
Last year I bought v1 starter kit from Jacvapour. I liked it but it never come to the point that it can take place of an actual cigarette. For example when i was home in my room watching a movie it was fine, but when drinking alcohol, after a good meal I always felt like i need an actual cigarette. I felt im not gonna be able to quit smoking with that so i gave it to a friend of mine.
Since I still want to quit smoking I wanted to give one more shot. Now i see theres many different brands, mods.
As a 1pack a day (Marlboro Red) smoker can you please recommend me a basic setup, or a starter kit. I dont want to continue smoking until i find my perfect setup.

John

Good starter kit to look for is an istick kit.

Like and istick and a nautilus, atlantis, or subtank mini.

Don't give up too fast; sometimes a small change, like a different juice/flavour makes all the difference.
 

canzz

Full Member
Mar 13, 2015
69
28
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Wow so fast! Thanks everyone for their replies :)

Sorry for not mentioning the details before.

hydroscopic
I dont know the amount of nicotine inside but even when i switch brands i always buy the strong ones, not light or extralight.

m00shie
1- Im looking to spend 50-100$
2- I want something to take my hands off of cigarettes, i might consider modifying it later though
3- A want to quit smoking. Im guessing theres a long road to vaping for fun :)
4- I guess flavor is more important. Im not sure though, I want a setup that would give the same throat hit as a cigarette.
 

edyle

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Oct 23, 2013
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Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
Wow so fast! Thanks everyone for their replies :)

Sorry for not mentioning the details before.

hydroscopic
I dont know the amount of nicotine inside but even when i switch brands i always buy the strong ones, not light or extralight.

m00shie
1- Im looking to spend 50-100$
2- I want something to take my hands off of cigarettes, i might consider modifying it later though
3- A want to quit smoking. Im guessing theres a long road to vaping for fun :)
4- I guess flavor is more important. Im not sure though, I want a setup that would give the same throat hit as a cigarette.

1: you're looking to spend 50-100 initially; but budget to spend monthly about half what you used to spend on cigarettes for the next 3 months to a year.
2: modifying is fun
3: you'll quit smoking
4: you'll end up with several devices; some for flavour, some for cloud, and you'll have a collection of flavors to choose from - something for breakfast, and something else for lunch........... etc
 

canzz

Full Member
Mar 13, 2015
69
28
Toronto
1: you're looking to spend 50-100 initially; but budget to spend monthly about half what you used to spend on cigarettes for the next 3 months to a year.
2: modifying is fun
3: you'll quit smoking
4: you'll end up with several devices; some for flavour, some for cloud, and you'll have a collection of flavors to choose from - something for breakfast, and something else for lunch........... etc

I hope so :) I just want to find a good setup and order it asap :)
 

inspects

Squonkamaniac
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Dec 15, 2014
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I hope so :) I just want to find a good setup and order it asap :)

As previously mentioned...an iStick 30 watt with a fairly good tank, Kanger, Aspire, etc...with a 1+ ohm coil and some good juice is all it takes.

I went from smoking a pack of Marlboro's+ a day (for forty years) to zero just using a cheap Spinner II battery with an inexpensive tank....I've only been off the cigs for about four months, but I haven't craved a cigarette since my first Vape with the proper gear.

Additionally, don't be cheap, we all know what smokes cost, let alone their killing you, spend what it takes to quit, and you certainly will.

Good luck to you.....:)
 

m00shie

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Feb 4, 2015
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Wow so fast! Thanks everyone for their replies :)

Sorry for not mentioning the details before.

hydroscopic
I dont know the amount of nicotine inside but even when i switch brands i always buy the strong ones, not light or extralight.

m00shie
1- Im looking to spend 50-100$
2- I want something to take my hands off of cigarettes, i might consider modifying it later though
3- A want to quit smoking. Im guessing theres a long road to vaping for fun :)
4- I guess flavor is more important. Im not sure though, I want a setup that would give the same throat hit as a cigarette.

For a simple startup, you can start with istick 30W with a tank nautilus mini. This will give you a decently good flavored (mouth to lung) vape and also will simulate cigarette better than the alternate option below. To get throat hit, it will be based on the e juice. Juices with high PG content will give you more throat hit. Nic content will also play a part. ..the higher the nic, the more rough it will feel on your throat.

Alternatively, if you want something that may last longer with option for rebuildable, then try istick 50w with a kanger subtank mini. The tank is good (not the best but good) in flavor and cloud and includes the option to rebuild your own coils should you decide to rebuild. However, subtank has a huge airflow and bigger drip tip meaning that it's nicer to inhale direct into the lungs (lung hit) than using 'mouth to lung' method (which most smoker will prefer).

Both of the option should be less than $100...
 

Sir2fyablyNutz

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Jan 22, 2015
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Hi Canzz and welcome to the forum. I'd recommend the iStick 50W ($50) over the 30W just because of the 4400 mah battery life ($15 difference). It's amazing (I now own 2). I also recommend the Aspire Nautilus Mini/ or full sized Nautilus (under $30), and a 5 pack of coils ($15) for replacement. When my coils become slow (gunked up) I replace it and put the old coil to soak in vodka for a day. Blow it out and let dry, good as new (my experience, YMMV).

Vape%20001_zpsjvv425zh.jpg


shown here with a 510 to ego adapter ($5) to use the ego threaded tanks
 

canzz

Full Member
Mar 13, 2015
69
28
Toronto
Thanks everyone for their answers. Im really impatient im glad this is happening so fast :) Many of you suggested iStick 50 so i'll be going with that :) And for the tank i think i'll try kanger subtank mini (i believe i dont need to buy coil?).

m00shie
You said with kanger subtank mini it's nicer to inhale direct into the lungs (lung hit) than using 'mouth to lung' method (which most smoker will prefer). I believe i would be more comfortable with mouth to lung in the first place since im trying to immitate the action as im smoking. Do you think this tank is someway more suitable for directly into lungs.

So if i get istick50 and kanger subtank mini only thing remaining will be eliquid and im good to go ? :)

Can anyone tell me where can i buy these? im living in Toronto so im not sure if all stores ship to Canada.

Cheers!!
 

Dave2603

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Aug 19, 2014
91
50
Stuart, Florida
Hi Canzz. I will give you my advice based on my own personal experience but YMMV. I have been cigarette free for 7 months. The ONLY thing that worked for me was to treat my e-cig just like a real cig. When I smoked, I didn't smoke in the house, so therefore I didn't vape in the house either. I continued to walk outside when I was at work and would vape for about the same amount of time it used to take me to smoke a cigarette. I had to maintain my normal routine for the first couple of months of vaping. It honestly only took about a week before I felt like I was no longer a smoker. There are a number of ways to get nicotine, but for me the key was not feeling like I was making a huge lifestyle change (even though in reality I was).

I started with a Kanger EVOD and was vaping 21mg nicotine (I'm down to 3mg now). As time progressed, I tried new equipment and styles of vaping, but by that time it had become more of a hobby than anything else. I have tried sub-ohm, dripping, RTA's, box mods, etc... and I have enjoyed the journey. I think the important thing for you at this point is to commit to it, and find what works for you.

As far as equipment goes, I happen to agree that an iStick 30w or 50W with a good tank atomizer is a great way to go. The Eleaf GSAir, Kanger Subtank mini with 1.2 ohm coils would both be good choices for atomizers. A setup like this gives you some "room to grow" if you get more into it. Don't get all wrapped up in what the latest and greatest toy is, just follow whatever suggestion makes the most sense to you, and stick with it until you are free of the analogs.

Good luck, you can do it!
 

canzz

Full Member
Mar 13, 2015
69
28
Toronto
Hi Canzz. I will give you my advice based on my own personal experience but YMMV. I have been cigarette free for 7 months. The ONLY thing that worked for me was to treat my e-cig just like a real cig. When I smoked, I didn't smoke in the house, so therefore I didn't vape in the house either. I continued to walk outside when I was at work and would vape for about the same amount of time it used to take me to smoke a cigarette. I had to maintain my normal routine for the first couple of months of vaping. It honestly only took about a week before I felt like I was no longer a smoker. There are a number of ways to get nicotine, but for me the key was not feeling like I was making a huge lifestyle change (even though in reality I was).

I started with a Kanger EVOD and was vaping 21mg nicotine (I'm down to 3mg now). As time progressed, I tried new equipment and styles of vaping, but by that time it had become more of a hobby than anything else. I have tried sub-ohm, dripping, RTA's, box mods, etc... and I have enjoyed the journey. I think the important thing for you at this point is to commit to it, and find what works for you.

As far as equipment goes, I happen to agree that an iStick 30w or 50W with a good tank atomizer is a great way to go. The Eleaf GSAir, Kanger Subtank mini with 1.2 ohm coils would both be good choices for atomizers. A setup like this gives you some "room to grow" if you get more into it. Don't get all wrapped up in what the latest and greatest toy is, just follow whatever suggestion makes the most sense to you, and stick with it until you are free of the analogs.

Good luck, you can do it!

Thank you for your advice Dave. Its encouraging to hear people quit smoking even with their first setup. I also believe that smoking is not only a nicotine addiction, otherwise a simple patch would work on everyone. I am planning to vape in the same way im smoking until Im comfortable with 0ml nicotine liquid :)

I am smoking a pack of Marlboro Red everyday (I also smoked Parliament Night Blue, Davidoff- mostly strong ones were my preference). What kind of eliquid, what PG ratio would you recommend to me ?

Cheers!!
 

Susan~S

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Mar 12, 2014
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Thanks everyone for their answers. Im really impatient im glad this is happening so fast :) Many of you suggested iStick 50 so i'll be going with that :) And for the tank i think i'll try kanger subtank mini (i believe i dont need to buy coil?).
You will still need to buy coils if you are not yet ready to begin building your own coils on the rebuildable base. The tank comes with 2 coils.

You said with kanger subtank mini it's nicer to inhale direct into the lungs (lung hit) than using 'mouth to lung' method (which most smoker will prefer). I believe i would be more comfortable with mouth to lung in the first place since im trying to immitate the action as im smoking. Do you think this tank is someway more suitable for directly into lungs.
All of the sub-ohm tanks are designed for lung hits BUT the mini Subtank allows you to close down the airflow enough for MTL hits. Many members who are interested in the sub-ohm tanks buy the mini- subtank because they can MTL hit.

So if i get istick50 and kanger subtank mini only thing remaining will be eliquid and im good to go ? :)
Yes, except for extra coils if you are not ready to rebuild.

Can anyone tell me where can i buy these? im living in Toronto so im not sure if all stores ship to Canada.

Check out this forum => Canada Forum Read the stickies for more information on where you can get a list of Canadian suppliers PM'ed to you. You can use American suppliers (for hardware) but shipping (and maybe duties?) will add to the cost. I'm not all up to speed on all of this.
 
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Hydroscopic

Senior Member
Mar 6, 2015
109
154
United States
I can only echo about the iStick. For the price difference then I'd probably say look to the 50w. The 30w is perfectly fine if it is a budget issue but if you could spare it then definitely look at the 50w. - That was my thought when asking about the mod type. I would start with a tank and not worry about rebuilding anything until you are comfortable. Only you will know when that time arrives.

Definitely get a bottle of 18 and 24 mg liquid. There was a chance that the high level on the old cigalike just wasn't high enough. You can always step down nicotine levels later but to deal with the cravings the old Erowid site had Reds at 1.2 per cigarette and that is about 24 mg per 20 pack.
 

Dave2603

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Aug 19, 2014
91
50
Stuart, Florida
I started with tobacco flavors because I wanted it to be as much like smoking as possible. Since then, I have found that I enjoy the fruit flavors the most (strawberry, cherry, etc) but that is really just a matter of taste. As far as ratio's go, I am probably the wrong one to ask. I vape max VG just because I like it best, but most others seem to prefer a ratio with more PG. Since you smoke stronger cigarettes, I think you will find the throat hit of more PG to be more satisfying. Perhaps start at 50/50 and then adjust from there as you discover what you like.
 

canzz

Full Member
Mar 13, 2015
69
28
Toronto
Thank you everyone. Got it already !! :)

9h3lo1.jpg


I saw some website selling it and the prices were not so different so i went to a local store (DashVapes) and bought it. The guys working there are nice. Unfortunately they didnt have many tobacco flavours. The closest one i found was something called bobas bounty.

Heres the thing. I asked for 18 or 24ml nicotine and they said it would be too much and i should start with the 12. Since i already didnt like the flavour so much and planning to buy other one so i said fine. After we setted up it was not so good but since i already bought a good setup i thought its about the flavor. After i came home and tried it again, the throat hit, feeling didnt feels like a cigarette. I adjusted the wattage, take deep breath or fast strong breath. Not so different. Then I realised i havent asked, mentioned anything about the VG/PG ratio. Then i check the eliquid and realised its 100%VG 0%PG ! Its so stupid of me to forget. I clearly stated that only thing i want is the throat hit of the liquid to quit smoking, that i dont care about the flavour or vapour at this point of time. Maybe the employee should have known. Anyways.

Thank you all so much for your comments. Now im looking for some eliquid that tastes like an actual cigarette. This time with Im not going to forget the VG/PG ratio for sure. Any eliquid suggestion is appretiated :)

Cheers!
 
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