recommenations for a 40 year smoker

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Catdumpling

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May 30, 2014
69
113
Colorado, USA
I started with the Joyetech eGo C-Twist batteries (variable voltage) and a couple Kanger EVOD tanks, and it worked out great. The Innokin iTaste VV batteries are also a great starter, and both types of batteries have their pros and cons. I went with the Joyetech eGos because they're 1000mAh batteries, which allowed longer time between recharging. The downside to the eGo C-Twists is that the numbers on the voltage dial are really hard to read, but I was okay with that. The iTaste VV's have a bright screen and it's easier to see the voltage adjustments and they allow for wattage adjustment if you prefer, but they're 800mAh so they don't go quite as long before needing to be recharged. It just depends on which tradeoffs you're okay with making. I will say that getting at least two batteries is a really good idea, so you can always have one charging for a quick swap when the other runs out.

There are a lot of generic eGo Twist batteries available at dirt-cheap prices, but I think it's better to go with a name brand (like Joyetech.) I've just seen too many reports of the generics just not working after a few weeks, and the build quality isn't always great. IMHO, spending the extra few dollars for a Joyetech, Innokin or Kanger is money well-spent. For "starter" tanks, I personally think the Kanger EVODs are a great way to go: they're inexpensive (around $4-$5 each) and replacement coils are easy to find. I don't like the dual-coil EVOD 2's, but that's a personal thing and they're cheap enough to try one. The next step up would be something like a ProTank 2, which can be found on sale for around $12: more liquid capacity, a replaceable Pyrex tank and they take the same coil heads as the EVODs. They don't have adjustable airflow, but you can get an adjustable airflow base for a few dollars if you want.

Of course there are a lot of other options, but these worked great for me and seem to be commonly recommended for a good reason. When it comes to juices, that's a personal preference that will require some tasting on your own. A reputable local vape shop is a good place to get starter stuff and try out some juices at the same time. FWIW, I was a pack-and-a-half a day smoker for years and I started at a 18mg nic level: that happened to be perfect for me, but I'd recommend getting a couple small bottles of different nic levels, so you can find one that you prefer. I think it's better to err on the side of a lower nic level, because you can just vape more (instead of making yourself sick with too much nicotine.) Just my personal opinion though.

Anyway, good luck! Vaping has been one of the best things I've ever done for my health, and I wish you the best!
 

Hulamoon

Vaping Master
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May 6, 2012
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THREE KEY FACTORS:
1) Equipment:

I'd suggest an eGo Twist battery (x2) an eGo charger and some clearomizers (I love Kanger T2 at 2.0-2.2. ohm, or 2.2.-2.4 ohm), so I'd suggest 4 plus a packet of replacement heads) - Here are examples of what I suggest so you know what you're looking for in this range:


Kanger eVod Twist Battery 1000mah - Black
eGo/510 USB Rapid Charger - 420mAh
USB Wall Socket Charger - 500mah
Kanger T2 Clearomizer - Clear - 2.2ohm - LONG wick
Kanger T2 Innard - 5 Pack - 2.2-2.4ohms - LONG wick

2) JUICE:

I would recommend buying only 6 ml sizes of juice to start with.

I'd suggest a 50:50 PG/VG ratio a 90/10 PG/VG ratio and a 100% VG at the following levels

- 24 mg for daytime and those "I gotta have a cigarette moments"; 18 which will be your normal useage, and 12 for the evening (or you won't be able to sleep well!).

I'd also select flavors from Ahlusion, Heathers Heavenly Vapes and Nicoticket is very popular. Don't waste your money on 30 ml of this and 30 mls of that and find you don't like it at all. Stick with small sizes also as they seem to age faster. Ageing is important for some juices - think of e-liquid like a raw wine vs. a mature one. Fortunately most e-liquid doesn't take anywhere near that long thank goodness!

3) TECHNIQUE

Vaping rules: 1) Drink lots of water 2) Tilt the battery so that any top coil clearomizer is saturated at all times. 3) Vape like your granddad puffed his pipe on a sunny sunday afternoon in his favorite garden chair. Don't huff on it as if you're hiding behind the bike shed between classes and expecting to be busted.

Hope that's of help to you in your vaping endeavors. A good store might be a little pricier than online - after all they have to pay rent, utilities and employees, but if you take notes from my and other's suggestions, it will hopefully make things a bit clearer for you. All the very best!
 

ohiogary

Full Member
Jun 1, 2014
5
9
ohio
I cannot thank everyone enough, so much useful information, made things a lot easier for me to get started, I think I am going with the Kanger line of products, surprised its cheaper to buy the components and build than some of the package deals. And start out with 24mg and 12 mg. and go with the 6 ml until I find a product that I do really enjoy. Thanks
 

ClintS

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Apr 14, 2014
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398
San Diego area, CA
I suggest you go to your nearest vapor shop or two and seek their assistance. Buy your gear form them - when you have an issue you can go see them and they'll help. I'd recommend some gear but there is obviously a lot of recommendations already.

In general people have recommended some sort of variable voltage (VV) or variable wattage (VW) power supply. These allow you to set a power level that will change your vapor (smoke) which can be significant for a new user.

A major variance in these - some have built-in batteries, others have replaceable. If built in, make sure you get the correct charging cord and only use that cord to charge your device. If it uses replacement batteries you will also need a battery and charger, do not opt for one of the single cell cheap chargers - get an intelligent charger, Nightcore, EFest LUC, or XTAR. The vape shop will provide with test type of battery. Battery safety is important.

Most if not all suggested a tank (Kanger Aero, Pro Tank, Aspire Nautilus). These tanks hold your e-liquid, an atomizer (coil), and a wicking system. Tanks are fairly straight forward to deal with and almost all have replaceable coil/wicks that are easy to replace. I'd 2nd the Aspire Nautilus and Aero Tanks as you can adjust the air flow on those - which I find extremely helpful. My wife and I are at opposite ends of the spectrum for our preferred air flows, just as example of variances between people.

While you at your vape shop, try some e-juices, see if they happen to have one flavor in variety of nicotine levels, start low and try the next level higher until you notice something (tongue tingles, notice in on your throat, etc). Then find a flavor you like using the nic level one down from the above step. Then buy the flavor(s) you like in two nic levels, the level that affected you and one level below. Some people want 24mm others like me started at 6mg.

I smoked for 45 years, 1 1/2 packs per day - started vaping 3 months ago. I chose higher end gear as I had not planned to quit smoking or didn't know if I wanted to, but knew if the gear became an issue or troublesome I would not stop smoking. Good luck!
 

gjbateman

Full Member
May 23, 2014
7
1
United States
I started with a EV eGo kit. It was the least expensive kit they had a the little smoke shop in town. It has worked well for me for over a month. I liked the BlueBerry Blast and Menthol flavors at 2.4 mg. That was only because that was the highest nicotine concentration they had. After a month I have settled on 1.2 mg and it suites me fine. I have found only one flavor that I did not like and that was Amaretto Sour. Made my mouth really dry. You are doing it the right way. Start slow, see if you like it, and then walk away from those cigarettes.
 

Deryan3

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May 25, 2014
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Racine, WI
Hi and welcome, alot of good suggestions here, so i wont bog it down, i smoked for 35 yrs, walked in a smoke shop for a pack of cigs only to come out with a starter kit and haven't looked back, i didn't have intentions on quitting, the owner saw me looking at a line of smoktechs and offered me a try... since ( like some have mentioned) i have moved "up" my vaping and completely enjoy it. I hope your successful as well!!

Enjoy and my your vapor not disappear ! :vapor:
 

Hulamoon

Vaping Master
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May 6, 2012
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Good luck! You'll probably want to upgrade pretty quickly I'm sure, but it's a great way to start as it's a no fuss, fill n go method. PS - don't leave your batteries plugged in overnight, for simple safety reasons.

Keep us updated!

I cannot thank everyone enough, so much useful information, made things a lot easier for me to get started, I think I am going with the Kanger line of products, surprised its cheaper to buy the components and build than some of the package deals. And start out with 24mg and 12 mg. and go with the 6 ml until I find a product that I do really enjoy. Thanks
 

abpigdoc

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Mar 16, 2014
182
221
Alpharetta, GA USA
Hulamoon's right--you'll find more options as you read these posts. Since Mar 10, my last smoke, I went from an Ego CC kit that cost me $80 to a Chinese Vamo V5 and an Aspire Nautilus tank ($65). That was awesome--I thought. I now have a Rose atomizer rebuildable and a clone 30 watt box mod. I'm pretty happy with this setup, but it's getting a bit expensive as I have to buy my wife everything that works for me! I started making my own ejuice just after quitting, so at least I'm not getting killed there!!
 

believe58

Full Member
May 30, 2014
37
38
Las Vegas, NV
41 year smoker here. Stopped in October. Cheap start but decent? I recommend itaste MVP and Aspire nautilus. Nautilus coils last pretty long. Little bit expensive. Could do protanks. They are cheap. But then you get tired of paying for coils. And then you learn to redo the coils. And then you get fed up and buy a Kayfun. Then you get tired of paying for juice and buy a bunch of stuff to make your own juice. Then you go, "hey I'm spending more then smoking!" Then you go you go and buy more stuff because its fun and exploring and trying new stuff is great. But still you don't smoke. I did more then this. But it's all good.
 

Fir3b1rd

Moved On
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Mar 27, 2014
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I am totally new to the e- cigarette world, been a smoker for the past 40 years and in need of help to get started, not really looking for a kit at this time, but a suggested e-cigarette to start out on that I will be pleased with, possible with different settings, so I can increase the dose level, best liquid to start out with, I am a smoker of 1.5 packs per day.

So I didn't read through the thread as I wanted to make sure I have you an answer that isn't influenced by what I read. Rather I want to give you the answer I wish I would have gotten when I was in your shoes. I smoked 2 lacks a day for 25 years when I made the switch.
Here is the gear I wish someone told me to get

-an MVP2.0 it's 40 dollars at 101vape.com; variable voltage and variable wattage. Huge built in battery some get 2-3 days on a single charge.
The variable voltage and wattage will let you adjust the heat and vape production of the vapor. Some new people get a little intimidated by the function; but, it's really easy and a quick learning curve to adjust to. Not to mention it'll save you money in the long run. The unit is hey durable and will last a long time. Mine is now being used by a second owner after I put it through the mill for 6 months. It's now a year old and still runs like a top. The mod-I'm this case MVP- some you change the batteries this one it's built in and charges via a USB cord. This one lets you use it while it's plugged. And let's you charge your cell phone from it- not a selling point but cool feature.
It also has a puff counter again not a selling point but some people like it for some reason.

- either a kanger aerotank or aspire nautilus.
Both are glass and/or stainless tanks that won't break down while using certain juices. And both have aerflow control which will let you adjust the tightness of your draw. -about 35-40 each.
The yank is basically just that it's the top piece of a vaporizer with a hearing element calls as cool and wick- or head I'm this case. On all of them they need changing once a week to every other week depending on your vaping habit and juice you use. Darker juices break it down quicker usually.

- juice: I would suggest starting with a 50pg/50vg blend and you can find what you like from there. More pg is more throat hit and more vg is more cape production. At 2 packs a day I started with 20mg nic at 1.5 pack my guess would be 18mg nic.

Keep in mind vaping is all personal preference and the hardware I mentioned has proven itself to be both durable and suitable for both new vapors and experiences vapors. Also they are both cost efficient as you won't be making a huge investment at what is an experiment for most at first; however, should you stick with vaping this hardware will suit your needs for a good while until and if you decide to upgrade at some point in the future. I know vapors that have stuck to that hardware for years. Especially with its ability to literally tailor every aspect of the vaping experience at a relatively low cost in comparison to some "more advanced" personal vaporizers. Tr MVP is especially the most bang for your buck out there.

Also for juice I would advise going to a b&m if you have one close to you find a flavor you like. Most people start on tobacco flavored ry4 or cowboy are usually good ones to start with most compass carry some variation of those and they tend to resemble a Marlboro or camel. I don't see it but they are tobacco and pretty good, but flavor is another one of those personal preference things.

When I started I went to a vale shop and they told me nothing; best advice I can give is try and do some research. Some vape shops are pretty good, other not so much, like anything if guess. Just try and do some research on the suggestions you're getting and shop online a bit too. The MVP2 runs online from 40-60 dollars; the shops by me want 90-100 for it. Just giving you a heads up.
I don't what is refers to as ego batteries, the most common starter kits and cheapest to not be very durable. In my case, I broke three of them in a week. But; I'm really rough on stuff; and if the MVP stood up to my brutality It would hold up in a war zone.
 
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I'm also new to this and was thinking of starting with this kit:

Social-Lites Advanced Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit.

2 x Advanced black & silver 1100mAh Variable Voltage Batteries
2 x Clearomizer Tanks - black & silver
2 x Cones
1 x USB Charger
1 x Wall charger
5 x replaceable coils
1 x Working Manual
1 x 10 ml Bottle of E-liquid of your choice

Has anyone used this kit? (This is all so confusing)
 

Fir3b1rd

Moved On
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Mar 27, 2014
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I'm also new to this and was thinking of starting with this kit:

Social-Lites Advanced Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit.

2 x Advanced black & silver 1100mAh Variable Voltage Batteries
2 x Clearomizer Tanks - black & silver
2 x Cones
1 x USB Charger
1 x Wall charger
5 x replaceable coils
1 x Working Manual
1 x 10 ml Bottle of E-liquid of your choice

Has anyone used this kit? (This is all so confusing)

I've never used that kit; but, something similar. Everyone requires something different, my precious post is what worked for me. The kit I tries that was similar was one of the ones that couldn't hold up to my abuse. That said everyone has different taste and lifestyles, that's why it is so confusing and there is so much different stuff out there. One of my finances friends has used something similar to tang for 3 years and is happy.
Short answer to your questions would be, it's not for me. What worked for me, and my experience is the set up a few posts back from me.
Best thing I could tell someone would be: IF there is a GOOD brick and mortor store near you go take a look and see what you think you would like, do some research there; try a few juices then come back to ECF and ask any questions you have and do a little more research till you're comfortable then purchase whatever you think will work best.

I give advice on doing so much research; because my first attempt was not such a great experience; had, I asked more questions that would have been different.
 
Depending on where you are in ohio, there are a lot of good B&M stores you can visit. I think that's the best way to find a juice you like and to get hands on advice for whatever set up you end up choosing.

Definitely not near Ohio! (Closer to Sydney Australia, and I don't think they have really taken off here yet so no specialty shops)
 

DaveP

PV Master & Musician
ECF Veteran
May 22, 2010
16,733
42,646
Central GA
Since you are in Ohio, here's a link to a list of Vapor shops in your state. If there's one or two close to you, go and visit and take a look at what they sell. Sometimes, it pays to actually see the hardware in person and talk to the sales people in the store.

https://www.google.com/#q=Vapor+stores+ohio

Tanks and ecigs are so different from one to another that it's hard to look at the online sites and get a feel for size, appearance, and all the other aspects of how they work.

Most hardware has personality. There's not a perfect mod or a perfect atomizer. They all have strong points and minor aggravations. Once you decide on a short list you can search on ECF and invite comments on those particular items.

Protanks are good, but they aren't without faults. Most of that is coil life and quality control, which is rampant in all tanks. Protanks are popular and can produce good vapor and flavor and they are easy to fill and service. These are made by Kanger, who also makes the Evod. The Evod is a little longer and thinner, but produces more flavor.

Aspire is a good choice. The Aspire CE5 produces great flavor and vapor and the heads last longer than Kanger heads. The top of the Aspire line is the Nautilus, but right now the Nautilus is suffering from some manufacturing issues related to coil quality. It will be fixed, but some are failing in a day with open coils and others are having flavor issues. Aspire has a bulletin out that details the issues they have discovered and promises free replacement through dealers for failed parts.

I don't want to set a dark tone for hardware, but I urge you to search out whatever you are considering and read on ECF what others say about that particular piece of hardware before buying it.

In the meantime, you can pick out a moderately priced mod (the eGo Spinner eGo Twist is a good, inexpensive variable voltage mod) and use it until you find the Holy Grail. Order it with a few packs of Boge or Smoktek cartomizers to get you by until you decide on an advanced mod. We all started with something cheap and it served us well until we felt confident enough to move up. Our first purchase serves as a backup and a mod we use when doing yard work where it doesn't matter if it falls out of our pocket and hits the ground.

Fill your cartos according to the video below.

 
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tamc

Full Member
Jun 2, 2014
18
6
Indianapolis IN
My thoughts and a dollor will get you coffee, hope this helps but believe me with a little internet time there are many smarter and more exp. folks out there sharing.

Hi Ohio. Two pack a day Marbs for 40 years. Oh yeah and I loved it! Still do I won't lie.
I've been vapeing about three months now. I have gone from an e-go setup with the cheap plastic tank and the little case to a Kamry 101 mech. mod, still cheap, gotta case, no plastic. ; ) In between I have learned a few things.
The internet is our friend... type in most any vape question and there is a video... Rip Trippers and GrimmGreen are fairly good first timer guys to watch. Rip is pretty high up there I'd start with Grimm.
Stores can sometimes be our friend... Lets face it they are there to make money not everyone has your best interest in mind but I was lucky and found a good store that took the time to explain some things to me, and taste test my e-juice till I found something I could stand.
Find your flavor... something you can stand to puff a lot... and believe me sometimes you'll be tootin on the thing like a pacifier!
I started with Cinnamon, and that is pretty much my go to vape. Hangsen "Hot Cinnamon" is cheap and fairly good to start with, now I do fun things to it like add more VG and add some flavoring to bump it up a bit. E-go's are perfectly good mods for daily vapeing, but I recommend using a Mini Pro-tank from Kanger. Stuff tastes fresher and most cinnamon, citrus, clove items will literally eat your plastic tanks.
I am not gonna lie, this is NOT like smoking! LOL you can't hold this thing in your mouth while you do stuff. Drop the cig no big, drop the mod and it could cost. You actually have to think about cleaning, loading, carrying spare items and liquid. I would compare it more to smoking a pipe. BUT... its huge in helping to overcome cravings, nervous twitches, and basic blues from doing nothing but chewing gum and wishing to all get out that you had a cig!
For us heavy smokers I would strongly advise at least 18mgs of nicotine to start and you can ween yourself down. Remember nicotine is a poison... it doesn't take much to kill anything small, and make us big folks sick too. Headache is the most common I have heard of.
Good Luck!
 
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