*PLEASE* ... Help me QUIT! I'm overwhelmed & frustrated!!

[Maniacal]

Thank god you're here and reading this! Any of you & all of you. This may be long, so I apologize.

I'm abt to give up giving up smoking. Its been 20 yrs and my health is really suffering. I tried to quit a dozen times and was never successful... patches, prescriptions, cold turkey, tapering, etc. After awhile I just decided that I was a "lifer" and would have to learn to deal with that. Then I found hope again with the invention of the e-cig. I've bought cheaper models and it was like sucking air, only not as good! Now, I'm a smart freakin consumer, I research the CRAP outta everything before I decide to purchase. But buying my first real kit is going to be expensive (I'm unemployed, too) plus I'm losing my patience/hope, so I really have to hit the nail on the head the first time I buy a kit.

This has made things extremely frustrating ... because as u all know, there are hundreds/thousands of threads here & a plethora of info. I've been reading non stop daily for a few months now, and honestly I feel like I am NO CLOSER to making a final decision/purchase. I always *think* I've decided but then I continue reading & hear abt something else that might work better or some factor I hadnt considered. I'm not even sure I can do this, really. I'm terrified that I cant. It sounds too good to be true. With the increasing number of god awful ones I keep trying and trying, I'm starting to think this might not be a viable option.

Here is what I'm looking for as far as help ...

I have smoked Newport menthol 100s for ages now, & as some of u may know, there really isnt any other cigarette quite like a newport. They are VERY strong. Nothin I try can even come ANYWHERE NEAR close enough to feeling like I can be successful. They all have very little to NO throat hit ... that's probably the MOST important thing to me. I have to *feel* it. Secondly, I need to find a decent menthol, preferably something as close to Newports as possible. If I can find a reasonably priced starter kit that gives incredibly strong throat hits then I'd be willing to spend the time/money trying many different flavors until I find one that works for my taste. I didnt want to start off with something too wacky because I know that I have to come as close as possible to the looks/feel/taste/ritual of real smoking or I wont persue quitting. At this point tho, I'm so desperate that I think I am much more flexible as to the size/weight/etc ... I figure the biggest Id like to go is the size of a cigar or something (not a cuban! lol) I also cant spend more than $100, and preferably MUCH lower than that. I dont evn know if I can find something of quality for $50-$75.

Any advice is IMMENSELY appreciated. I am overwhelmed with all this info and I just need the help and guidance of the pros.

 

[klynnn]

Hi Maniac and welcome to ECF. You will get tons of suggestions very soon. My recommendation would be to start off with an ego twist or spinner and a couple types of clearomizer. Vivi novas, protanks and evods are all good. You will also need juice- most start off with about 18mg. The hardest for me was finding a juice I liked. You can always add menthol flavor drops to an existing liquid if you want a stronger menthol. This kit comes highly recommended on here. http://www.myvaporstore.com/Vision_Spinner_Joye_Ego_C_Twist_Combo_p/vvs-c.htm

 

[Unfettered]

Hi and welcome!

I will provide a short answer and then step aside and let the big people talk (the more experienced vapers, that is ).

Knowing what I know now, I totally would have opted for a couple of eGo twist bats and a five pack of Kanger eVod rebuildable clearomizers. Relatively inexpensive way to start. You get the variable voltage option and those little eVods are fabulous. I've vaped on and off for three years and I feel like I'm finally experiencing what juice is supposed to taste like.

I can't help you with the juice because I was never a menthol fan, but since you're unemployed I will tell you that Mount Baker Vapor (eek, I hope its not against the rules to mention a vendor....) has the absolute best prices on really great juice that I've found so far.

Anyway, good luck! I hope you find what you're looking for. Whatever decision you make, good on you for taking this step.

 

[Johnnie Price]

Go to Mt. Baker Vaopr. Order an eRoll kit, a 15 ml bottle of Menthol at 24 mg strength, request your free sample in menthol at 36 mg strength and use coupon code ECF for 10% off. That'll cost you about $65.00 and you'll have your kit by Monday.

Good luck.

 

[InTheShade]

I'll combine the two posts above and recommend the same twist / spinner kit from http://www.myvaporstore.com/Vision_Spinner_Joye_Ego_C_Twist_Combo_p/vvs-c.htm. Get what you feel comfortable with - the 1300mAh will last a full day of vaping and is about the same length as a 100 cigarette and about the same width as a cigar. If you think about 100mAh is about an hour of vaping, so decide from there with what you need.

Get it with a couple of EVODs and you can get say a 5 pack of replacement EVOD heads - also available on the website above.

Then head to Extreme Ice E Juice Baker Vapor - Mt Baker Vapor - Electronic Cigarettes and get a 15ml bottle of extreme ice, say 65/35 with 1 extra flavor shot at 18 / 24 mg nic content.
It's a straight up menthol juice - it's nice and strong (you can add up to 5 flavor shots if you want it stronger) and they ship fast. So if you like it, you can order more before you run out.

This is a great starter kit, good quality juice and a setup that has limited amounts of fiddling to get a good vape.

EDIT - you are going to get different kits recommended to you as there is no real right or wrong answer as many kits will fit your guidelines.

 

[Natey]

Welcome to ECF Maniac, i can understand the health issues and hope you can find what your looking for here.....

I'll combine the two posts above and recommend the same twist / spinner kit from http://www.myvaporstore.com/Vision_Spinner_Joye_Ego_C_Twist_Combo_p/vvs-c.htm. Get what you feel comfortable with - the 1300mAh will last a full day of vaping and is about the same length as a 100 cigarette and about the same width as a cigar. If you think about 100mAh is about an hour of vaping, so decide from there with what you need.

Get it with a couple of EVODs and you can get say a 5 pack of replacement EVOD heads - also available on the website above.

Then head to Extreme Ice E Juice Baker Vapor - Mt Baker Vapor - Electronic Cigarettes and get a 15ml bottle of extreme ice, say 65/35 with 1 extra flavor shot at 18 / 24 mg nic content.
It's a straight up menthol juice - it's nice and strong (you can add up to 5 flavor shots if you want it stronger) and they ship fast. So if you like it, you can order more before you run out.

This is a great starter kit, good quality juice and a setup that has limited amounts of fiddling to get a good vape.

I totally agree with this one, great kit, and a way better start than the little cig-alike style.... You'll find this much more satisfying and longer lasting, than having to charge tiny batteries every two hours....

 

[Non-Smoking]

months of spending on newports is likely greater than the cost of buying quite a few starter kits. Just pull the friggin trigger. Pick any of these and use coupon code 20rocky at checkout for 20% off. Free shipping on all of them. I had mine from Denver to Philly in 2 days. Good luck. Custom EGO Kits : Rocky Mountain Vapor, The Mountain top of Electronic Cigarettes

 

[cocacola31173]

Remember Youtube is your friend! I learned everything I know from here and youtube. Also don't beat yourself up if you still smoke a few when you start vaping. When I started I didn't even intend to quit. Got tired of the family complaining about the smell and was going to vape in the car and house and smoke at work.

A couple of weeks went by and I started vaping at work too instead of smoking. I finally just quit buying cigarettes and haven't had one since. Just do some research. I know it will sound overwhelming at first but soon it will be second nature.

Remember the only dumb question is the one not asked!

 

[chellemmm]

Good luck Maniac. You are very brave and you came to a great place to start your journey. I agree with the recommendation from My Vapor Store. I would get one Twist 1000 mAh, one Spinner 1300 mAh, one Evod and one Vision Ego Clearomizer so you can try different things. YOUR choice of color! I would recommend getting the largest batteries because they would last you the longest time. They really aren't any bigger than a Sharpie.

As far as juice goes, I have not tried Mount Baker Vapor, but I understand they are very reasonably priced and have great customer service. I have tried a couple of strong Menthols from Johnson Creek: Arctic Menthol and Tundra : Tundra Smoke Juice Johnson Creek Smoke Juice

They are not the cheapest, but they are very strong in the 24 mg strength. I hope this helps.

You are not a "lifer!" I used to smoke 2 packs a day of the strongest Cowboy Killers. I smoked for 30+ years. If I can quit, anyone can!

GOOD LUCK!!

 

[Johnnie Price]

I find Extreme Ice to be way too perfumey for my taste. I much prefer the plain menthol. But to each their own.

 

[Natey]

Speaking of Youtube, check out GrimmGreen's Youtube channel, theres a wealth of info there, from Beginners to Expert.... GrimmGreen - YouTube watched him for years, and theres many others out there just as good..

 

[lctrc]

I'll just add this to the excellent advice you've already been given above...

If, with your new kit and juice, you still feel like there is something missing, read this:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-liquid-discussion/230570-wta-e-liquid-issues.html

 

[InTheShade]

I find Extreme Ice to be way too perfumey for my taste. I much prefer the plain menthol. But to each their own.

It was for me too at first, but I find that most MBV juices are a little perfumey. I just leave the caps off for a day or two and it seems to evaporate away. Their plain menthol is good too but I find extra fire in the extreme ice - but as you said, each to their own.

Recommending juices is always a dangerous thing, if they like them, oh well, but if they spend money on something they don't like, they'll come looking for us...

 

[brock957]

Good advice already given. So I'll just say welcome and good luck and you can do it.

 

[midgyp]

Welcome to ECF, I'm new here too!
You can find all of what you need at a reasonable cost, and in the long run save you tons of money not buying cigarettes. If you want the look of a regular cigarette I would also suggest purchasing an Joyethech e-roll, but they are more pricey than putting together a starter kit yourself. Personally I have bought a Joyethech 900 twist (which almost lasts me a whole day on one charge, prices range from $25 and up) and a Joyethech ego-c mini for back up (they are around $10). I personally prefer the Vivi-Nova 2ml tank (around $15) which has replaceable wicks. As far as finding the right juice for you, I would suggest buying 24mg 50/50 (so you still have somewhat of a throat hit) and a menthol flavored juice that got good reviews (sorry can't help you out in that department, I vape sweet desert flavors myself).
Just remember e-cigs are a replacement and you have to be in the right frame of mind in order to quit smoking analogs completely! I wish you the best of luck!

 

[Bill's Magic Vapor]

Good luck Maniac. You are very brave and you came to a great place to start your journey. I agree with the recommendation from My Vapor Store. I would get one Twist 1000 mAh, one Spinner 1300 mAh, one Evod and one Vision Ego Clearomizer so you can try different things. YOUR choice of color! I would recommend getting the largest batteries because they would last you the longest time. They really aren't any bigger than a Sharpie.

As far as juice goes, I have not tried Mount Baker Vapor, but I understand they are very reasonably priced and have great customer service. I have tried a couple of strong Menthols from Johnson Creek: Arctic Menthol and Tundra : Tundra Smoke Juice Johnson Creek Smoke Juice

They are not the cheapest, but they are very strong in the 24 mg strength. I hope this helps.

You are not a "lifer!" I used to smoke 2 packs a day of the strongest Cowboy Killers. I smoked for 30+ years. If I can quit, anyone can!

GOOD LUCK!!

Totally agree. Great recommendation, from several on the MyVaporStore kit. Used exact kit to beat a 35 year, 3 PAD habit, after unsuccessfully trying everything else 18 previous times, and I was serious every time. If you get a strong enough juice, either 24 or 36 mg/ml (heavier the first week or two), then you'll have the gear and the juice to be able to power through the cravings. Chain vape your .... off the first couple of days....never let that thing out of your hand. It'll get easier after that. Within a week, the analogs will taste like you accidentally licked a dirty ashtray. And when that happens, you'll really like vaping, and by then, the worst will be over. And, we'll be here everyday to coach you through whatever you're going through. YOU CAN DO IT. No one is more surprised than me that I made it. Honestly, I'm still surprised...never worked before...bit this time it did...it just did...don't know how...finally, it worked. And if it can work for me, it can work for you. Go for it, you'll make it, if you really want to quit. Good luck, congrats for getting here.

 

[NotoriousJDP]

I also smoked a PAD of Newport 100's. I quit smoking using a 1300 mAh Vision Spinner and a metal Vision Vivi Nova. I opted for metal so I wouldn't have to worry about my tanks cracking. I smoked a cigarette here and there at first but they quickly started to taste really nasty. I did menthol juices at first but they all seemed too mediciney so I picked some fruity flavors and just added my own menthol as needed for throat hit. Mt Baker Vapors is definitely the place to shop. You'll be surprised at how easy the transition is once you take that first step. If you don't go overboard at first you shouldn't spend more than you would have on cigarettes. I took the money I would've spent on a carton of cigarettes and used that to start ($65). Then just bought a pack to get me through the wait until it arrived. I haven't looked back. Now I spend around $7 a week instead of $7 a day. Go for it.

 

[NotoriousJDP]

And keep us informed...We're all rooting for you and want to hear of your success.

 

[Muskydawg]

Sounds like you want to quit, that's the hardest part for most people. As others suggested, get a Vision spinner or Ego twist battery in the largest size you can afford. Unless you are on it constantly anything over 900mah will last you a day. All the tank recommendations above are good, and I would add the vision nano too, only cost like $3 each and are smaller if size is an issue for you. Not as much to worry about with a bottom coil. I recently quit smoking myself, it is the best decision you will ever make in your life. This forum is awesome for support, advice, and knowledge. Stick around and you will be successful!
I'd also recommend going to a local vaping store if there is one near you and ask them for advice regarding your situation. I was on a very limited budget when I got started here and they steered me in the right direction and helped me spend my money wisely.
Good luck and vape on!

forgot to add, regarding menthol taste. I found adding a cold shot to the regular menthol flavor helped give it a little more "kick" as far as tasting like a regular cigarette.

 

[vape-addict]

Plenty of good advice on equip so I will just tell you about juice..I was a kool menthol smoker so I just got me a good tobacco blend (like Virginia fire cured) and added menthol drops 5 drops per 10 ml that's the closest I could get to my Kools...As for quitting cigarettes dude I quit after 37 yrs .And I absolutely loved to smoke( 3 pks a day).One day it dawned on me that if I didn't get off of these things I was going to die soon it was effecting my health in a big way needed a oxygen tank just bending over and tying my shoes.I just made up my mind and found a better healthier nicotine delivery system and this forum and turned out to be a excellent support group. Look at it as a new hobbie and a new life without cigarettes that what I did.You took a major step in the right direction here on ECF I speak for myself and everyone else on here we are with you 100%.