Skeptical smoker trying...

[gooney0]

Hi all. First post here. I've ordered a 510 starter kit and thought I'd share my thoughts so far.

I've been smoking for about 18 years now and I'm up to almost 2 packs a day.

I ran across "smoking everywhere" at the mall a few weeks ago and was appalled. I didn't like the idea of a company actively seeking out customers to sell addictive products to, then encourage them to use them "everywhere." The alternative flavors seemed like a ploy to reel in non-smokers and young adults. Same ploy with the whole "E-" name and claims of safety.

A few weeks latter I followed one of their ads and read more about e-cigerettes in general. I've been pleasantly surprised to find that most vendors do make some effort to keep the minors and non-smokers away. I'm wouldn't describe "vaping" as healthy as some vendors do, but if they are used to replace cigarettes it seems like a smart bet.

I looked around to see what the knowledgeable people buy and went with the 510 starter kit. Its strange that I spent at least 10 hours thinking about a $40 purchase, yet spend at least $40 a week on cigarettes.

-Gooney0

 

[four2109]

And would have spent how much on that unit in the mall??

 

[Bandit]

Ignore the false claims made by unscrupulous vendors. Sadly, they may be the downfall of this technology, but that remains to be seen.

You'll love your 510. It is a good replacement for the real feeling of a cigarette. Some other units that produce less vapor don't closely replicate the feeling that you crave of a thick billow of smoke entering/exiting your body... so the 510 is a good fit.

Be sure to read some of the liquid reviews (and watch the videos) so that you can find some delicious flavors that will keep your mind off of cigarettes. Afterall, if you don't enjoy what you vape, you may give up.

Bear in mind that it will taste like crap at first due to the primer on the brand new atty. It also will not produce huge amounts of vapor out of the box. Direct drip 2-3 drops of juice on the atty bridge to get it good and moist, and after about 2 days of steady vaping the atty will break in. Then you'll get plumes of vapor and the great flavor your juice was supposed to taste like!

Enjoy. I was smoking for over 20 years and tried every other method to quit and none ever worked. After 3 days of vaping I have never touched another cigarette.

 

[bassn99]

I fell for the mall sale !!!! Spent three times what was necessary
But, I was determined to keep trying, so I ordered three other models. I finally found the DSE901 to my likeing and I have been analog (smoke free) for 55 days now.
Keep in mind as the last post stated. It will take a few days to get used to the whole sensation. The first week I still craved a analog first thing in the morning and after meals. But once I got my e-cigs honed in, it was all over. I am now a vaping maniac.

 

[gooney0]

A few questions from a soon to be newbie...

My plan / scheme / wish

#1 transition from cigs to an e-cig.

#2 dial down the nicotine

#3 use the e-cig rarely, or at least when I want to. (not HAVE to)

Is this unrealistic or flawed? A big problem is finding people who have quit using e-cigs. Once they quit they won't be found in a forum like this, they just stop visiting.

What do you guys do in public? The 510 I ordered is black with a blue light. I don't think I want to be seen using it. I'm not worried about anti-smokers at all, but the idea of being addicted to something is embarrassing and something I'd rather not draw attention to.

Since this forum is dedicated to e-cigs this is kind of a silly question but.. what percentage of smokers like e-cigs? (silly because the ones that don't like e-cigs aren't going to be reading this)

Thanks for the nice website and forum. I liked the "newbie" sections.

-Gooney0

 

[four2109]

Who cares what smokers think. I dropped 100 bucks on an NPRO 5 months ago and haven't bought a cigarette since. Smoker's will either want one, or criticize them. Nonsmokers think it's great that I am not smoking and don't stink.
I don't really care what any of them think.

 

[Bandit]

Here are some answers, opinions may vary

A few questions from a soon to be newbie...

My plan / scheme / wish

#1 transition from cigs to an e-cig.

#2 dial down the nicotine

#3 use the e-cig rarely, or at least when I want to. (not HAVE to)

Is this unrealistic or flawed? A big problem is finding people who have quit using e-cigs. Once they quit they won't be found in a forum like this, they just stop visiting.


You CAN quit by using an e-cig. Now whether or not you become latched onto the e-cig or not is entirely up to you. Some are simply making a transition from one habit to another, and if that were the ONLY choice... not a bad one really. Less harmful chemicals in e-cigs than the real thing plus you don't put others in danger with second hand smoke, you won't stink, and your teeth may be white again someday!

You will find that most people vape more than they smoked, at least in the beginning. If you smoked 3 cigarettes an hour, you may find yourself reaching for the e-cig more often... that's perfectly normal.

I now vape purely out of enjoyment, not out of a craving. I have only dropped to a medium nic level (18mg), but the plan is to drop to zero then stop vaping by the New Year. Will I? Not sure, but I hope so. Until then, I will continue to enjoy it.

What do you guys do in public? The 510 I ordered is black with a blue light. I don't think I want to be seen using it. I'm not worried about anti-smokers at all, but the idea of being addicted to something is embarrassing and something I'd rather not draw attention to.

Never worried about this from day one. It is a slick looking device, not some sort of dorky looking thing. I prefer my blue LED e-cigs over my orange LED ones because NO ONE can possibly mistake it for a cigarette if that's the end they see from their angle. You'll still get the ones who ONLY see the "smoke" and jump to the first logical conclusion.

Excercise caution and show respect and you'll likely never have an issue. When I step into a restaurant, I immediately talk with the server or manager to let them know what I have, and ask permission to use it. Never been told no yet after describing it to them. Never had one single issue anywhere, not even when vaping at a Starbucks in front of 2 cops.

You will get some looks from strangers. Not because your e-cig looks goofy, but because they see what they believe is smoke, and wonder how brazen you are to smoke in public. Typically they ask their server (if you're out dining, that is) and they fill them in.

Nearly every time I do this however, someone approaches me to ask about it. Either they want to quit smoking, they have a loved one they want to help quit, or they are simply fascinated. Never had a bad experience yet.

Now, outside of the experiences with the public, you're wondering about how YOU'LL feel with this odd looking thing out in public... after the 1st day, you won't feel that way, trust me. It is so freeing, and you'll be so happy to be smoke-free, you'll WANT to share the excitement with others. You'll want them to stare.

And if you think a regular e-cig may feel out of place in public... try using one of the hot-rods in my signature! My wife cringes when I take them out, but after discovering the near orgasmic joy of higher voltage vaping... I don't use my e-cigs anymore, so she's getting used to it. People must wonder if I'm sucking on a pipe bomb or a sex toy LOL

Since this forum is dedicated to e-cigs this is kind of a silly question but.. what percentage of smokers like e-cigs? (silly because the ones that don't like e-cigs aren't going to be reading this)

Couldn't tell ya. All of my friends who I have tried to convert over have liked it and most of them now vape and have given up cigarettes.

Thanks for the nice website and forum. I liked the "newbie" sections.

-Gooney0

 

[gooney0]

Wow those where fast replies. Thanks for the advice.

An idea:

Most smokers I've met are very loyal to a specific brand and would have some difficulty switching from Camel to Marlboro etc. etc.

Obviously taste is a matter of taste, but what if ex-smokers voted on which juice they liked best as a replacement for their specific brand?

Example: I smoke Marlboro Mediums so I'd be interested to see what other "mediums" smokers liked. What Camel or Winston smokers like is less relevant to me since we disagreed on taste to begin with. (Marlboros seem to have more added flavors than some other brands)

So juice "A" may be great for Marlboro fans, while juice "B" is better for Winston fans.

Same idea with menthol. Newport and Salem are very different (as I recall).

Your thoughts? I may be way off. Are e-cigs are just too different to compare this way or do birds of a feather flock together?

-Gooney0

 

[lordmage]

A few questions from a soon to be newbie...
Is this unrealistic or flawed? A big problem is finding people who have quit using e-cigs. Once they quit they won't be found in a forum like this, they just stop visiting.

-Gooney0

i must correct you i have quit using e-cigs and i am still here

 

[BradleyT]

I have the black 510 with green and a blue LED. I don't try to hide it at all. At work all the other smokers have asked me about it and 1 guy is ordering one soon. And others have said they may try it after I've done it for a while and can give a full personal review to them.

You probably didn't hide your cigarette smoking in public so I don't know why you would hide this. You can basically hold it so it just looks like a pen hanging out of your mouth - I hold the LED end kind of like how you'd hold the end of a tobacco pipe. The non-smokers I work with have been really supportive and inquisitive - everyone has a close friend or family member who smokes and could benefit from switching to e-cigs. You'll get more "that's neat" comments and questions than you will dirty or disgusting looks.

 

[four2109]

As for vaping in public, I don't use VG so the vapor doesn't linger. I don't use it to blow out big plumes. I don't think people even notice. I use it everywhere without thinking about it. I love not having to "put it out". They think they see you "smoking"... but they don't see any smoke... they look confused and go on their way. I try to be discrete because you can spend your entire evening explaining them to interested people.

 

[Bandit]

BTW: If you ever "get the urge" and need to vape to fight it off... but are in an area whaere you might not want to attract attention, there is a trick.

I like to vape in the movie theater, but it can alarm people around you. Either from the LED in the dark room grabbing a LOT of attention, or from the vapor (what they think is smoke)...

Cover the LED with your hand (or buy a "black" LED batt) and when you exhale the vapor, do it down into your shirt. Unlike smoke, it will dissipate into your shirt and not come out. Never turned a single head during a movie myself. This could work in any number of venues, maybe even where you work.

 

[BradleyT]

So juice "A" may be great for Marlboro fans, while juice "B" is better for Winston fans.

Same idea with menthol. Newport and Salem are very different (as I recall).

Your thoughts? I may be way off. Are e-cigs are just too different to compare this way or do birds of a feather flock together?

-Gooney0

IMO it's not even the same.

I smoked Marlboro Reds for 15 years and I really like the mintyness of the Menthol juice but hated menthol cigs. I also like the Ruyan 4 juice and like them both mixed together. I got some cherry, redbull, and coconut coming from China - can't wait to try them!

The Marlboro carts that came with mine taste bad to me. I think for tobacco a lot of people have said the ecopure rich is a good choice. The nice thing is you can find trial bottles (10ml or less) for under $6 and try a bunch till you find some you really like.

 

[four2109]

Get a sampler and try some different flavors. Then it gets complicated with VG vs PG... DYI, bla bla bla. But you may find that you like something completely different.
I do mostly menthol or unflavored. I am currently at a very low nic level. I just want to satisfy the habit, and hopefully I will put this down too. Just because, our lungs were made for oxygen. But I will always have it ready because I have fallen off that wagon before. I won't feel bad about going back to this like you do when you go back to tobacco.

 

[four2109]

And by the way Gooney, I really appreciate that you seemed to have done some reading here already.

 

[Bandit]

Impossible to answer your last question as taste is highly subjective, but I'll give you my personal experience for whatever that's worth.

Many people make the switch and immediately want a tobacco tasting liquid. That's why most e-cigs come with what they call a tobacco flavor. I was in that boat as well, I thought I'd never vape a "flavor" because that sounded... well... fairy-like IMO. "I'm a man, me no likie girlie flavors..." and whatnot.

Firstly, there is no juice that will taste like tobacco. You can't make a juice taste like burning tobacco. But there are some that mimic the flavor decently.

My first good experience was the pre-filled 510 carts called "Camel" from dietsmokes.com. Then my next was "Marlboro" juice from truesmoker.com (also called "USA Mix" at healthcabin... but the "Marlboro actually tastes NOTHING like tobacco, it was just a good, stronger vape than most others I had tried.

Then I discovered what I now consider the Holy Grail. "J.C. Classic" made by Johnson Creek (and sold by them as well as Vapure). Holy crap is it wonderful. It is THE closest to tobacco that I have experienced, but it still has an underlying sweetness to it which I find delicious.


I quickly became curious as I heard others talking about vaping wild concoctions, so I tried a bunch. WOW, who knew they would be so enjoyable? I am in lust with chocolate flavors. Girl Scout Thin Mint that tasted identical to the cookie, Malamar, Chocolate Truffle, Vanilla (be careful here, most vendors vanilla sucks ...), banana, tiramisu and the list goes on. If you have a favorite food or drink, it is likely available in e-liquid!

I am completely head over heels for the peanut butter that truesmoker sells. Dayum, that reminds me... I need more!!!

 

[gooney0]

Bandit,

Thank for your great reply and helpful advice. Thinking it over being is public is a non-issue for me.

If i'm a fast food place I just leave after I eat anyway. If its a restaurant I'd be in the smoking section anyway so they wouldn't object. The smokers are "my" people so I'm not worried about them. They either understand why I want to smoke... AND why I want to quit

You're are right. If it works and I quit "real" cigarettes that outweighs all other concerns.

The damn smoke (real smoke) gets everywhere and into everything. It coats the walls, my hands, the windshield, computer screen etc. etc.

I work as a consultant and charge a pretty nice sum per hour. I hate having to stop and go outside to smoke so I don't die of withdraw. I go out of my way to put in extra time for free so customers don't feel ripped off but I still wonder.

It would be a miracle if I pass myself off as a non-smoker. Even in Virginia everyday gets worse and worse for smokers. Not just the taxes (which are lower than most) but the attitudes.

The younger crowd wasn't around when smoking was "cool" (or at least somewhat popular) They even include "Tobacco use" in video game ratings along with nudity and ........

The big test will be this... Can I leave the house without a pack of cigarettes (real ones)? I've gone out without my wallet once or twice but never ever without that red and white box.

-Gooney0

 

[gooney0]

i must correct you i have quit using e-cigs and i am still here

Congrats! I was hoping to find such a case.

-Gooney0

 

[four2109]

Bandit,

The big test will be this... Can I leave the house without a pack of cigarettes (real ones)? I've gone out without my wallet once or twice but never ever without that red and white box.

-Gooney0

Extra Batteries, Extra Batteries! A mod or pass through for when you are driving to save your batteries. Batteries!

 

[four2109]

i must correct you i have quit using e-cigs and i am still here

lordmage, I have to ask, Why isn't there a section for people to post their departure, say farewell. Just why they quit, left, quit all together, went back to analogs, decided it wasn't for them....whatever?

I think it would be a nice Sticky post for only departing vapers to post in. Especially since the member numbers show only 1/3 as being active. Just a thought.