Ready to quit.

[esoteric]

Hello everyone,

I'm 25 and I've been smoking for about 10 yrs now.
I've tried to quit in just about every way imaginable, the patch, nicorette, cold turkey and just about every other way you can think of with no real lasting success.

I heard about e-cigarettes on the radio a few weeks ago (a "smoke assassin ad) and have started looking into them as a non-smoking alternative.

Having done a bit of research on the issue I really feel like this could work for me. One of the most difficult aspects of quitting for me personally has been not having a real replacement for that feeling of holding a cigarette which when doing those everyday smoking activities - standing around outside, driving in the car etc - leaves me with a real void that pushes me into buying that "last pack".

Well, having said all that I am really just lost in the sea of information and choices that accompany the e-cigarette market.

My questions are what e-cigarette should I purchase?

Is the e-cigarette alternative really a cost effective replacement?

Has this genuinely lead anyone here to not pick up a cancer stick again?
and
As far as smell goes, do any of these actually produce a "smell free" by product?

Anything experienced users can tell me would be appreciated.
I want to get started on this ASAP because I really feel like I am at the end of my rope.

Thanks in advance.

 

[punkman]

There is no smell and I put down regular cigarettes the first drag off of my 510 and have never lit one again.

 

[Scottbee]

At the 10,000 foot level:

You will find thousands if not tens of thousands of members on this very forum whe have quit smoking traditional (analog) cigarettes via the use of e-cigs (PV's). Myself included (2+ pack a day smoker for 37 years).

It has been cost-effective for me (look at the financial analysis in my sig). More effective for others, probably not effective for some. That really depends on how much equipment you want to buy, and how many different models you want to sample before settling on your "favorite".

As far as "smell free" is concerned... hmmmmm. Many of the fruity and strong flavors will leave a very light "fruity" smell in the air. It's almost always a pleasant aroma.. but it is there none-the-less. My "Menthol" VG liquid leaves virtually nothing in the air.. my neighbor with a very sensitive nose can't pick up a thing. In other words.. it really depends on what e-liquid you choose.

 

[sbphotog]

I'd like to throw out another point here, if I may. Even if the cost of vaping was comparable to smoking analogs, it would still be more cost effective and better for you in the long run.

You would save thousands in medical bills and insurance premiums, not to mention the benefits to your health and a potentially longer life (barring any non-smoking related unfortunates).

So, even if it cost just as much to vape as it does to smoke, I would still choose to vape...no question about it.

 

[esoteric]

Thanks for the responses.

Glad to hear it has worked for people.

If the worst thing smell-wise I have to worry about is pleasant aroma then you've put that fear at ease.

Do either of you, (or anyone else) have any suggestions about which equipment to buy?

I'd like to buy one and be done, unfortunately I don't have the financial means to really play around with a lot of different ones (looking around on my own it seems most starter kits are $80 and up)

If anyone can give me a short list of the best on the market I'd be very grateful.

Personal experience Pro's and Con's are very welcome.

Thanks alot.

 

[esoteric]

sbphotog,

point very well taken - that is the same argument i used to justify multiple purchases of nicorette. unfortunately, the feeling of chewing nicorette wasn't enough to keep me off smoking.

i don't mind spending what i am already spending to rid myself of the health risks of smoking so i guess you can consider that particular question closed.

again though, any recommendations on which product i should use?

 

[kcr]

What e-cig you purchase first is really a matter of what you want, so no one can answer that for you. Look at reviews of the ones you are interested in.

That said, I think most people would recommend a manual 510 to start. And cignot (unless they have sold out) has a good bargain on a starter kit.

I think I have one of everything right now, and they all have their good and bad points, so it ends up just being personal preference (and mine changed daily).

Remember there is a learning curve with these things, so it will take a week or so to get the hang of it, regardless of what you choose. Hang in there, though, cause once you "get it" you will be fine.

If I hadn't hoarded liquid and equipment, I think it would be more cost-effective than tobacco cigarettes, but I won't know for a while. The last carton of cigarettes I bought was $40 and change and would last a week. I do not go through anywhere *near* $40/week of equipment and juice.

I got my first e-cig in July, when I had three and a half packs of cigarettes left in my carton. I now have a little over 2 and a half-packs left. After the third day or so, I didn't much care if I ever had another cigarette or not. I keep thinking of smoking a cigarette just to get rid of them (waste not; want not), but I never get around to it.

My husband says he can smell the vapor, but that it smells good, not bad. I mix up butter rum and vape in the car with him, and he doesn't mind at all. Once I grabbed the wrong bottle and the car smelled like blackberries--he said that smelled *really* good

Good luck!

 

[kcr]

PS--I didn't start vaping to stop smoking. It just sort of happened.

I got my first e-cig just because when I heard about them I thought it was the craziest idea I had heard of and wanted to see if it actually worked--and I didn't believe that it would.

Then I thought, if it *did* work, wouldn't that be great to have when there are no smoking rooms in hotels? And plane lavs?

I was stunned when I preferred it to smoking.

Even more stunned the first time I lit up a "real one" and thought "Bleah! Where is that e-cig?"

 

[olderthandirt]

My questions are what e-cigarette should I purchase?

Is the e-cigarette alternative really a cost effective replacement?

Has this genuinely lead anyone here to not pick up a cancer stick again?
and
As far as smell goes, do any of these actually produce a "smell free" by product?

Anything experienced users can tell me would be appreciated.
I want to get started on this ASAP because I really feel like I am at the end of my rope.

Thanks in advance.

What to buy. Get ready for tons of replies on that one! I can't endorse Dons Wonderful World enough as a well made e-cig primer. It's stickied in the new users forum. You'll be much better able to make your decision after reading through it.

Cost effective? If ya buy 1 or possibly 2 different models and stay with them and fill your own carts, then yes they are very cost effective. I bought lots of different models and toys to go with, my break even is a ways off! Of course, what price your breath?

Have folks really quit? A lot of folks swear to be long time off the analogs. Me? I might have one, once a week, or every other week, or sometimes longer intervals. Beats the hell outta 30+ a day!!

Any smells that others have commented on around me have been slight to barely noticeable. Most comments are to the effect of noticing something sweet or sometimes noticing the flavor, ie, "Are you using chocolate in that?"
For the most part they don't give off a smell and if they do it's rarely, if ever, offensive.

Once ya get one, don't sweat the quitting aspect. Continue to smoke as fits your day to day needs while you get comfortable with the PV. Your use of analogs will cease of it's own accord that way.

 

[jerrydon10]

I would suggest the model 510 with an extra atomizer and at least 3 batteries and at least 30 ml of 24mg/ml e-liquid. Those cartridges that come with the starter kit will not last nearly as long as one would think.

I believe there are more 510 fans on here than any other model.

 

[Scottbee]

I am a Joye 510 user... and I love my 510. Right now, it is the right equipment for me (technology marches on) and I have not found a reasonable replacement for it.

But, that being said, I find myself NOT recommending this PV for new users. There is a learning curve for the 510, and most other 3 piece units, and sometimes people lose interest in PV's or fail to appreciate the quality of the experience because they are fiddling with the unit trying to "get it right". Or sometimes they just come to the wrong conclusion.. thinking that all PV's don't work... (when in reality, they just have a bad unit or it's not configured quite right).

Soooo... for that reason I suggest that new users look into a 2 piece unit.... specifically the KR808D-1 (or a badged equivalent). They tend to work "out of the box" and usually give decent performance. And there is virtually no "fiddling".

If a user gets a KR808D-1.... uses it for a little bit.. and then decides they really need more vapor or throat hit, or flavor.. or whatever. Well, that's something we can work with.... and that may lead them to a different style or model (or liquid.. or...).

 

[gotthelife4u]

You sound a lot like me. I have had almost every standard e-cig rig except the 801. I fell for the smoke everywhere BS and have been kicking my self ever sense. I would stay away from smoke assassin because I have heard their commercials on XM and they sound completely false. I would recommend a 510 to get you feet wet or even a 901. I have both and I really enjoy both for different reasons. The 510 you get great vapor and the convenience of a manual switch, the 901 for battery life and in my opinion flavor. I have just started using a VP2 from VaprLife and so far I have not looked back at any of my old e-cigs. I use this mod with a 901 atty and I will tell you I get great vapor and killer throat hits along with battery life that is to die for. In the end you need to make a decision for yourself on what you think will work best for you, don't rush into something is all I can really advise.

 

[esoteric]

thanks kcr,

i realize there is alot of personal preference involved.

from what i read so far i guess i'd be in the market for an e-cig that allows inhalation without a button to inhale. physical appearance is not that important, i feel like the less it looked like a cigarette the better, as that might help rid me of any psychological associations over time.

other than that, i am just looking for one that is reasonably priced, has good delivery and is USB rechargeable.

i understand reflectance to endorse any particular brand but i just am interested in finding some personal experience here. all the reviews i've found seem suspiciously like viral advertisements.

thanks again to everyone that is responding, you've all made me a great deal more enthusiastic about taking on this venture.

best of luck to everyone.

 

[Scottbee]

One thing that I think you'll notice if you read posts carefully. Most 3-piece enthusiasts (510, 901, 801, M702, etc. etc..) aren't running "stock" hardware. They have modified their carts (straw mod, PTB, vent holes, etc..), developed cleaning routines for their atomizers (baths, soaks, boiling, etc..), and have multiple sources for their e-liquids. RARELY will you find a user who is just happily vaping away with the stock kit, using the stock pre-filled cartridges and factory juice, and replacing the atomizers when they quit working right. That is very rare.

On the other hand, I think that you will discover that most 2-piece users are running factory stock hardware and cartomizers with virtually no modification. At best, they will refill their cartomizers to stretch their $ or get a flavor that they can't get from their source.

Ponder that for a bit.

Yes.... it's Ford vs. Chevy vs. Toyota. But the Ford and Chevy guys are running wide tires, performance chips, aftermarket exhaust, and tweaked suspension. The Toyota guy forgot to take the sales sticker off of the window... he's just been driving the thing.

 

[kcr]

from what i read so far i guess i'd be in the market for an e-cig that allows inhalation without a button to inhale. physical appearance is not that important, i feel like the less it looked like a cigarette the better, as that might help rid me of any psychological associations over time.

Then I would look at a automatic 901 or 801.

The 801 is a bit larger, but the cartridge is a lot larger and the battery lasts a bit longer, so I usually prefer my 801s. (And they make manual batteries for both, so if you decide you want them you can get them.)

The 901 [edited because I stupidly typed "801"] is more the size of a cigarette, so if that would be preferable to you, I would go that route.

The automatic 401 is nice, and probably the closest to a regular cigarette, but I am not sure they still make auto batteries for them. And the cartridges are really small. The batteries were great, though--lasted lots longer than a 901.

You could also look at the 2-piece models, but if cost is a concern that may not be a way you would want to go. The cartomizers are pretty steep. You can refill them several times, but the wadding will eventually stop absorbing liquid. I do not much care for the automatic ones, but mainly because I did not like the taste of the carts. I got some KR808d-1 manual batteries and the cartomizers I got from Nhaler and Vapor Country both taste great. (They do not fit the auto batteries I have, though)

The 801 looks the least cigarette-y of the above, the 2-piece looks the most cigarette-y. The 801 is like an old felt-tipped pen, size and shap-wise.

 

[kcr]

Oh, another thing: I wouldn't pay for a brand.

That just adds a layer of unnecessary cost, from what I can tell.

I do have several branded items, and they work really well...but so do the non-branded items.

 

[Gemini]

I was just like you this time last year, thinking about trying an ecig, wondering which one to go for, but also thinking i'd probably be wasting my money and that i'd more than likely throw it away within a week and be back on the real cigs. I'm glad to say that i was proved so very wrong. I bought the "original old model" intellicig, now i use the intellicig evo, i've also got a dse901, those are my work horses, never let me down, so i'm more than happy with them both, for now. On the day i got my first intellicig approx a year ago, i had 8 or so real cigs left, i smoked them in between the ecig til they'd gone and i haven't bought any nor have i craved any since then. I happily sit inside at work at break times and vape away, there is a slight aroma, but its a nice smell, and the vapour vanishes away unlike real cig smoke. There'll be plenty of advice on here as to which ones to go for or not go for, so its really up to you, but remember to always have spare batteries, atomisers, cartridges and some eliquid with you. Good luck.

 

[esoteric]

wow, thanks everyone for the quick and helpful responses!

you've all been very helpful! i really appreciate it.

based on what you've all been saying i'm definitely going to give this a shot.

i'm really excited to have gotten so many personal insights. i'll be ordering one of these for sure later today.

any other model recommendations are welcome, i'm looking alot into the 2 pieces per scottbee's recommendation - i'll worry about "pimping my ride" once i get used to the whole process/lifestyle.

thanks again guys. look forward to joining the community.

 

[notsoogood]

It took me 5 months of vaping before I put the analogs down. I finally quit when I got my Joye 510 on Sept. 30th. I had cut back from 2+ packs a day to less than half a pack a day. The 510 was so much better than my 801 that I finished the last 7 analogs on the 30th and haven't bought any since. I think a lot of it was mainly in my head. I don't crave analogs most of the time but still want one occasionally. I just take one day at a time and so far it is working. Been 'smoke-free' for 25 days now! Cough is gone and my nose doesn't run constantly now!!!

 

[eclypse]

Manual batteries i feel are the way to go. The auto batteries have the problem of going off when you dont want them to. Like from loud sounds,wind or sometimes just setting them down. I'm sure that varies from manufacturer though.

I started with the 510 about 3 weeks ago and i have not felt the need to grab a regular analog since!

I've been smoking for 20 years and had a pack and a half habit. Sometimes i could chain smoke at night.

Always wanted to quit but never could see it happen and was too afriad to try. No prob using this and i feel great!

No more cig buds or nasty ash trays.. and the government can shove it with there taxes on smokes! Here in Michigan its nuts.. and when i first bought my first kit there were talking about doubling the tax. Crazy.

I've since bought lots of extra 510 attys and batteries.. i love the larger mega batteries that came out resently for the 510. Electronic Cigarettes and eLiquid / Totally Wicked eLiquid / Electronic Cigarette eLiquid Store has multi packs of attys and batteries for the 510 and probably other models that save money.

I've also bought up what they call a mod. A protege from PureSmoker.com - Home of the USA Built PV !!!. I use the 510 atty with it and love it! The battery lasts all day. The batteries are cheap at $5 each and can be recharged many times and last alot longer then ecig batts. A cheaper way to go forsure and it dont look like a cig.

People say buy your liquid from the US or Uk. Dont buy from China as theres quality control probs. Who knows forsure though.

Anyways, hunt around for some cheap liquid and try alot of samples.. i strickly stay with tobacco flavor and did the mistake on buying up a ton of 30ML bottles of totally wicked marlboro juice. Thought that was good enough and resently my father handed me a bottle of tobacco juice from www.cloud9smoking.com and totally love the strong flavor! The bottle ran out so i'm stuck with the TW juice as i have another 10+ bottles of it hehe. So with that in mind, dont do what i did.. try around first before you buy up a small stock of something lol.