Newbie's view for veterans to consider

[tidegirl]

I think many, MANY more people try the cheap (or way expensive) cig look alikes, find they don't work for them, go back to smoking, and refuse to ever try any type of vaping again because they think that is all there is to vaping. Of course, we don't hear from these people because they are not on ECF talking about their experience.

We try to steer newbies who are asking for our advice to better units, because we know from experience that it is not likely to work. Sometimes we are passionate about our opinions because we are passionate about vaping. Sometimes that passion can be misinterprested because words on a screen do not convey the tone that we intended when we typed them.

 

[JaneinMesa]

Also, as a newbie, here is what I found very frustrating:

Abbreviations, acronyms, and slang was used and I spent so much time looking the everything up. And, many of the retailers don't list detailed specs on the equipment, as well as, nothing from the manufacturers. For example, I had to go to youtube to find out the voltage of my KGO. Remember, your speaking to someone who knows nothing about the topic or got their info from the gas station e-cigs that purport exaggerated claims.

And don't get me started on the youtube videos! So many bad ones (I don't want to spend 2 min. watching you vape, if your showing how to do something don't focus the camera on your face with your hands and equipment off screen, be prepared so you have the stuff at hand and I'm not watching you look for a piece of equipment you need, if you make a bad video - don't post it) and time consuming.

When I searched to find a review on a particular product, many were from a couple years ago and it seems like the product was upgraded but no name or version change went along with the change. Is there anyway to search the forum with a date range?

I'd really like a section where only a few experts who can communicate well post the specs, version of a product, photo, pros and cons of products. Have a format for what needs to be included in each review.

Don't get me wrong, this forum has been a tremendous help, but it could be so much better.

 

[zoiDman]

Howdy all!
I've been reading alot of info and watching a whole bunch of videos trying to figure this vaping thing out, and wanted to give a 'newbies' perspective on some things.

First, a little background...I've been smoking 1-1 1/2 PAD for about 35 yrs. Over the last few, I've been feeling like I really should at least cut back and then work on quitting 'analogs'. A couple of times in the past I've heard about or seen ads for e-cigs and researched for more info, only to be let down because there wasn't that much to find. And what I did find was that it would be very expensive and may be a "pita" because of problems with systems
that were available. What a difference a few years make!

Now there are almost unimaginable numbers and types of systems out there and it seems a lot of the problems have been worked out (not all, Murphy's Law sees to that!). With that in mind, as someone trying to figure this out, it is VERY overwhelming! And add to that the uncertianty of spending money on something that may or may not work for someone "hooked" on cigarettes, and probably someone that does not have the extra money to take a chance. They are most likely gonna have to take 'cig' money (for something they know will settle their nerves or get them through a day) and take a chance on an unknown and possibly add extra tension in an already tense life (if it doesn't work, or they don't like it, etc.). I counted myself in this group.

Then I got what I feel was "my chance" at a new life. My local gas station had had a display for Smoke51s (or whatever the name was) that I had researched and found most people had given a thumbs down on, changed to a new display for Mistics. I reasearched this brand and the reviews were a little better but still mixed at best. Alot of what I read was to not believe the manufactures claims of 2 day batt life and 1 cartridge equalling a pack of cigs. I also felt that with alot of the thumbs down reviews to not fully believe them either because of such a desparity of batt and cartridge life compared to manufacture claims ( 2 hrs or less and maybe equal to a fourth a pack). Well I took that into consideration and figured if I could get at least half of the manufacture claims that it would be a good value. (never fully believe what anyone that is trying to 'sell ya something' claims!)lol

I have to tell ya, due to so much 'slamming' of mall, gas station, corner store e-cigs I almost didn't try them. I understand these have a bad reputation from the past but I wonder how many of the thumbs down are based on past issues and not on more recent equipment. Things change over time. It would be more helpful if some info was given that was current, and stated the 'pros and cons' so as a consumer I could make a choice. Not just being told to "not buy
that junk", without some good qualifications as to why. Not everybody can or should start with a "Ferrari"! (the car, just in case I missed some outfit that's called the same! lol ) Some of us have to start with a "Chevette" and work our way up. Not all "Chevettes" are junk just because they're cheap or some people had issues with them. (I had a hand me down "Shovette" from my lil sister that was a very good car until it finally died of natural causes!)

I decided, "well, it's a new display so everthing should be fresh and working, this must be my chance". The setup was charged and ready to go outta the box so all I had to do was give up 2 packs of smokes to try it. I figured I could 'streach out' my smoke supply to cover this amount so I got a kit with 1 battery and 1 cartridge. No charger, cause if this didn't work I don't think I could have come up with more money and give up more cigs to try more. And if it did work, I could go right back to the station and get more stuff. That made it sooo much easier to make the decision to try it because if I'd of had to wait on ordering more I'd probably not continued.

I am so glad I did! My experience so far has been very good. My batts last at least a full day and so do the cartridges. I get plenty of vapor and TH, maybe not what I'd get from a "Ferrari or Corvette" but more than those thumbs down claims and certainly enough to start down the road to no more 'analogs'. And that is the important part, not whether I'm getting "Cheech and Chong" vapor or "Melt the back of my throat" TH.

I'm only into it about a month and half and I'm already starting to mix my own juice and cleaning and refilling my cartos. The idea of tinkering with flavors and controlling my nic levels (to one day being at 0 nic) is very appealling to me. I have a new hobby!! And soon better health and more money to tinker with!

It is easy to look back and say "why didn't I do this sooner" now that I'm on this side, but you have to remember, it is very scary to take that step because if it didn't work, more stress is what you'd get, not less.

I guess what I tried to say in the above rambling is, Please consider all sides and situations when offering advice on equipment and supplies and while sometimes you do get what you pay for, sometimes that is exactly what you needed at that time.

Thanks for listening and VAPE ON!!!
Duster
p.s. LOVE this forum!! You guys ROCK!! Thanks ECF!!!

Very Good for Only your 3rd Post.

Yes, what works for Me may not wrok for Others.

BTW - I quoted the Enire Post because it Just Had to Be Done

 

[Harplayr]

I think we’re overdue for a “reminder” thread like this.

I started with Blu, and it got me off analogs. While not the best system out there by far, it does work, is simple, and seeing that you can just go to any Walgreens it’s readily available for your instant gratification when the decision to vape hits you. I paid it forward and it’s now helping a friend to quit.

When people come here to post and tell us they bought a Blu, nJoy or another lower end system I never scold them or tell them it’s junk. Just by the fact they’re here tells me that it has worked to some extent. Either it has taken them on the road to becoming smoke free, or it showed them that it is possible to exchange smoking for vaping.

More often than not people come here for advice on WHAT to buy. Then it’s time to learn a bit about their history, how much they smoke and what their comfort level and budget is. If a mini seems to fit the bill, I’ll suggest a better quality mini. I also try to explain the difference and what makes it better. If they’re ready to try something with more power or features then we go into those various options. But we must always listen to them and take it as a case by case situation and not a one solution fits all solution.

 

[mostapha]

Congratulations, and I'm glad it's working for you. Vape on, man.

I started with Mistics as well. I might have stayed on them except that the company sucks at sending out replacements. If your gas station still carries them, that's awesome. But order early and order in bulk: they always took over a week to get anything to me and were very low stock on basically everything. If Mistic had been able to get me stuff more reliably, I might have never upgraded.

I'm extremely glad I upgraded, as the vape I'm getting now really is night & day better (for ~$100 in hardware + juice and other consumables).

But, I had my first 0-cigarette day with the Mistics after weeks of cutting down from 20/day to 3/day. Now it's just a hobby.

 

[niczgreat]

I started out with a Mini Unit but I'm a nicotine fiend, I was finishing one e-cig faster than I could charge the other.

If you are happy with what you have that's great. All the power to you.

 

[filter]

Also, as a newbie, here is what I found very frustrating:

Abbreviations, acronyms, and slang was used and I spent so much time looking the everything up. And, many of the retailers don't list detailed specs on the equipment, as well as, nothing from the manufacturers. For example, I had to go to youtube to find out the voltage of my KGO. Remember, your speaking to someone who knows nothing about the topic or got their info from the gas station e-cigs that purport exaggerated claims.

And don't get me started on the youtube videos! So many bad ones (I don't want to spend 2 min. watching you vape, if your showing how to do something don't focus the camera on your face with your hands and equipment off screen, be prepared so you have the stuff at hand and I'm not watching you look for a piece of equipment you need, if you make a bad video - don't post it) and time consuming.

When I searched to find a review on a particular product, many were from a couple years ago and it seems like the product was upgraded but no name or version change went along with the change. Is there anyway to search the forum with a date range?

I'd really like a section where only a few experts who can communicate well post the specs, version of a product, photo, pros and cons of products. Have a format for what needs to be included in each review.

Don't get me wrong, this forum has been a tremendous help, but it could be so much better.

i agree the slang, abbreviations and acronyms make things tough for us newbs. fortunately i posted a thread called 'overwhelmed' and i got a lot of help and made an online purchase yesterday based on everyone's help. another thing that sucks for me is that i pay less than $5 per pack of cigs and it usually lasts me two days so shelling out cash for vape products is far more expensive than just smoking. however, i need to look at the bigger picture.

 

[jespeak]

I am so pleased you wrote this! I have also been swamped with so much info, and found it difficult to choose. I have only been vaping for the past 2 weeks and so far so good. The system I chose was the e-Go Stardust and thought the initial cost was $65CDN, I have already paid for it.

I agree with your point of giving advise - one can only share what they know. It helps to talk to people directly and are local. I have joined a Calgary group for that reason.

Thanks again for sharing, and happy vaping!

 

[Wuzznt Me]

Howdy all!
I've been reading alot of info and watching a whole bunch of videos trying to figure this vaping thing out, and wanted to give a 'newbies' perspective on some things.

First, a little background...I've been smoking 1-1 1/2 PAD for about 35 yrs. Over the last few, I've been feeling like I really should at least cut back and then work on quitting 'analogs'. A couple of times in the past I've heard about or seen ads for e-cigs and researched for more info, only to be let down because there wasn't that much to find. And what I did find was that it would be very expensive and may be a "pita" because of problems with systems
that were available. What a difference a few years make!

Now there are almost unimaginable numbers and types of systems out there and it seems a lot of the problems have been worked out (not all, Murphy's Law sees to that!). With that in mind, as someone trying to figure this out, it is VERY overwhelming! And add to that the uncertianty of spending money on something that may or may not work for someone "hooked" on cigarettes, and probably someone that does not have the extra money to take a chance. They are most likely gonna have to take 'cig' money (for something they know will settle their nerves or get them through a day) and take a chance on an unknown and possibly add extra tension in an already tense life (if it doesn't work, or they don't like it, etc.). I counted myself in this group.

Then I got what I feel was "my chance" at a new life. My local gas station had had a display for Smoke51s (or whatever the name was) that I had researched and found most people had given a thumbs down on, changed to a new display for Mistics. I reasearched this brand and the reviews were a little better but still mixed at best. Alot of what I read was to not believe the manufactures claims of 2 day batt life and 1 cartridge equalling a pack of cigs. I also felt that with alot of the thumbs down reviews to not fully believe them either because of such a desparity of batt and cartridge life compared to manufacture claims ( 2 hrs or less and maybe equal to a fourth a pack). Well I took that into consideration and figured if I could get at least half of the manufacture claims that it would be a good value. (never fully believe what anyone that is trying to 'sell ya something' claims!)lol

I have to tell ya, due to so much 'slamming' of mall, gas station, corner store e-cigs I almost didn't try them. I understand these have a bad reputation from the past but I wonder how many of the thumbs down are based on past issues and not on more recent equipment. Things change over time. It would be more helpful if some info was given that was current, and stated the 'pros and cons' so as a consumer I could make a choice. Not just being told to "not buy
that junk", without some good qualifications as to why. Not everybody can or should start with a "Ferrari"! (the car, just in case I missed some outfit that's called the same! lol ) Some of us have to start with a "Chevette" and work our way up. Not all "Chevettes" are junk just because they're cheap or some people had issues with them. (I had a hand me down "Shovette" from my lil sister that was a very good car until it finally died of natural causes!)

I decided, "well, it's a new display so everthing should be fresh and working, this must be my chance". The setup was charged and ready to go outta the box so all I had to do was give up 2 packs of smokes to try it. I figured I could 'streach out' my smoke supply to cover this amount so I got a kit with 1 battery and 1 cartridge. No charger, cause if this didn't work I don't think I could have come up with more money and give up more cigs to try more. And if it did work, I could go right back to the station and get more stuff. That made it sooo much easier to make the decision to try it because if I'd of had to wait on ordering more I'd probably not continued.

I am so glad I did! My experience so far has been very good. My batts last at least a full day and so do the cartridges. I get plenty of vapor and TH, maybe not what I'd get from a "Ferrari or Corvette" but more than those thumbs down claims and certainly enough to start down the road to no more 'analogs'. And that is the important part, not whether I'm getting "Cheech and Chong" vapor or "Melt the back of my throat" TH.

I'm only into it about a month and half and I'm already starting to mix my own juice and cleaning and refilling my cartos. The idea of tinkering with flavors and controlling my nic levels (to one day being at 0 nic) is very appealling to me. I have a new hobby!! And soon better health and more money to tinker with!

It is easy to look back and say "why didn't I do this sooner" now that I'm on this side, but you have to remember, it is very scary to take that step because if it didn't work, more stress is what you'd get, not less.

I guess what I tried to say in the above rambling is, Please consider all sides and situations when offering advice on equipment and supplies and while sometimes you do get what you pay for, sometimes that is exactly what you needed at that time.

Thanks for listening and VAPE ON!!!
Duster
p.s. LOVE this forum!! You guys ROCK!! Thanks ECF!!!

Actually there aren't that many Vets posting in new members these days. A quick count of three pages on this thread alone only revealed three or four. It's become mostly newbies helping newerbies right up to writing handbooks and making videos with more who joined in 2012 than earlier years combined. Some of the older Vets that were helpful when I started don't find it worth posting facts only to have several fanboy/fangirls of specific products or companies jump in and promote their products. Welcome to ECF and I'm glad you're finding solutions.

 

[mitzeli]

For the first order it is, but you will still save lots of money and your health

 

[fourthrok]

Good OP post! I understand where the thought is coming from completely. I started with Safe Cig...which I found out a bit late was wildly overpriced. But not knowing that at the time, I tried a kit, liked it...and quit smoking the day that kit arrived in my mailbox. I used them a couple of months, but soon was exploring more online and learning more...and jumped to another cig-a-like and then another cig-a-like....where I stayed for a few more months, still continuing to use the Safe Cig equipment I had, too. I'll always have a soft spot for TSG because it was their product that convinced me with the first vape that THIS IS GOING TO WORK!

I smoked heavily for over 43 years (2+ PAD). And with the PV...I stopped on a dime. There is no price that can be put on that!

I started trying out larger mAh batteries (first the Kanger vGo and then later the kGo and eGo , variable voltage LT, and then back to the vGo style with the X2 because I honestly prefer the KR808D-1 system). But I didn't do it based on anyone trying to "convince" me that the larger batteries were "superior". In fact...the more people tried to push that on me, the more I resisted. I did my own research and came up with my own conclusions. THEN I asked advice about the specific products I was considering.

As has been stated in this thread many times...the point is to get off smoking cigarettes and having a better quality life. There will always be scams. People need to do some research. I don't consider TSG a "scam" even though their prices were high. They product worked, and got me off cigarettes and opened the door for me to find out more about PVs.

It used to anger me when I read disparaging remarks here at ECF about "stick" batteries and how "inferior" they claimed they were. They worked for me...still work for me for certain occasions...and worked just FINE thank you.

 

[mostapha]

I started out with a Mini Unit but I'm a nicotine fiend, I was finishing one e-cig faster than I could charge the other.

That's really easy. I still remember the day I got my first Twist (a month or two ago) and thought my DSE901s would be good backups. Yeah……I ran through 2 of them waiting for the twist to charge. I finally ordered a 2nd, and my next big order is probably going to have another 1. I don't think anything smaller/weaker is really worth it, but………

If you are happy with what you have that's great. All the power to you.

That's the important part.

Actually there aren't that many Vets posting in new members these days.

Yeah…that's really sad. I learned what things were because I'm a geek and soak up jargon like it's water. The youtube reviewers pbusardo, steeljan, and mostly grimmgreen lead me towards what I have now, and I owe them a lot. If I meet any of them in person when I'm not broke, they're drinking for free.

 

[filter]

It used to anger me when I read disparaging remarks here at ECF about "stick" batteries and how "inferior" they claimed they were. They worked for me...still work for me for certain occasions...and worked just FINE thank you.

"cig-a-likes" have worked for me pretty well thus far. without them very few ppl would likely even venture into the world of vaping. when someone smokes cigs for a long time, some weird syringe looking contraption isnt likely to get them to stop. so for the sake of the newbs, might as well recommend a volt or some other cig-a-like that isnt a scam. theres plenty of time to get into the bigger, badder stuff later, if they so desire.

 

[imsoenthused]

"cig-a-likes" have worked for me pretty well thus far. without them very few ppl would likely even venture into the world of vaping. when someone smokes cigs for a long time, some weird syringe looking contraption isnt likely to get them to stop. so for the sake of the newbs, might as well recommend a volt or some other cig-a-like that isnt a scam. theres plenty of time to get into the bigger, badder stuff later, if they so desire.

The problem is, if nobody mentions alternatives, and tells them that minis like the volt don't work for everybody you get people who will try one of them, get fed up, and never look at vaping again. I really think the reason some of us get passionate about it is because we started out using minis or super minis and went back to smoking for various reasons. Some of us came back to it, with more knowledge and better equipment, and made it work, but a lot of folks got lost along the way. The last thing I want to do is scare people off, but I know how close I came to never buying another PV again, so lack of education can end up causing just as many people to keep smoking. I guess I'm just trying to say, we warn because we care. I went through a lot of frustration and self recrimination with my first vaporizer. I thought the problem was with me when it was really a problem with using equipment that just didn't do what I needed it to to get off cigarettes. I was walking around with four or five cig style vaporizers and a personal charging case, and not making it through an entire day with out buying cigarettes unless I locked myself up at home and stayed glued to my pass-through cable. Every time I managed to completely kill all my batteries and found myself buying another pack of cigarettes I was wondering what in the world was wrong with me. So I come here and try to help new people keep from repeating my mistake, or at least help them to get over that hump of trying again after having made the same mistake. Some of my advice isn't all that applicable to people who smoked less, or weren't session smokers, but I hope everyone can understand that it is given with genuine good intent.

 

[filter]

The problem is, if nobody mentions alternatives, and tells them that minis like the volt don't work for everybody you get people who will try one of them, get fed up, and never look at vaping again. I really think the reason some of us get passionate about it is because we started out using minis or super minis and went back to smoking for various reasons. Some of us came back to it, with more knowledge and better equipment, and made it work, but a lot of folks got lost along the way. The last thing I want to do is scare people off, but I know how close I came to never buying another PV again, so lack of education can end up causing just as many people to keep smoking. I guess I'm just trying to say, we warn because we care. I went through a lot of frustration and self recrimination with my first vaporizer. I thought the problem was with me when it was really a problem with using equipment that just didn't do what I needed it to to get off cigarettes. I was walking around with four or five cig style vaporizers and a personal charging case, and not making it through an entire day with out buying cigarettes unless I locked myself up at home and stayed glued to my pass-through cable. Every time I managed to completely kill all my batteries and found myself buying another pack of cigarettes I was wondering what in the world was wrong with me. So I come here and try to help new people keep from repeating my mistake, or at least help them to get over that hump of trying again after having made the same mistake. Some of my advice isn't all that applicable to people who smoked less, or weren't session smokers, but I hope everyone can understand that it is given with genuine good intent.

very true. and i can also attest to the endless charging that goes along with cig-a-likes. its nearly impossible to keep up and in the beginning is probably the point where you need it the most because the transition from cigs to ecigs is the hardest part.

 

[Duster6524]

WOW!!

Thought I'd get some response from my "cough" little ramble but this is amazing!

Thanks to all who read it and those that responded!!
I'll post back as quick as I can.

Duster

 

[Roboj]

Happy to hear it's working well!

 

[Duster6524]

congrats you have won a provari for the longest post award. glad you're here!

and you can send it to me at......

Thanks, I guess I was suffering from information overload and just had to get it out!

Duster

 

[Duster6524]

More than one way to skin a ..... Happy to hear it's working well!

Thanks, guess killing the .... (deciding to get off cigarettes) is easier than figuring how to skin it. But it will be skinned!

Duster

 

[Roboj]

Yeah…that's really sad. I learned what things were because I'm a geek and soak up jargon like it's water