Started vaping, but I am not that satisfied...

[kingalef]

Hi everyone,
first of all, thank you all for providing so much valuable information. I found this forum to be the single most informative resource about e-cigs on the net so far. I recently got my first e-cigs from greensmoke.com and, at the time I placed my order, I had not yet found this forum.
I used to smoke a pack and a half of Marlboro Lights a day. I am now down to a third of that (could be less, but I just don't get the "complete" satisfaction yet).
The most important reasons that led me to greensmoke were (1) the web site seemed legit and very professional unlike others like say cignot.com or ecigmall.com (2) I thought I would not like refilling my e-cigs, so I went with something "easy".
After 2 weeks I can say I am somehow satisfied, but I am looking for better... WAY better...
My problems are:
-the puffs are only satisfiying at the beginning and, after a few hours, the vapor is very weak. I initially bought the light stuff [6mg] but moved up to their high [16mg]. It's still really light stuff if you ask me. I read those smokes were supposed to last the equivalent of 200 to 400 puffs of real stuff. If I get 100 before the cig is useless I am lucky. FYI, I keep both batteries charged up so I always have one that is in "green" condition and I can definitely feel better inhales at that point: it's the disposable piece that gets weak fast.
-in order to get good vape, I need to inhale a LOT and I find that really annoying and un-natural. Obviously this gets worse the more I use a cartridge.
Now the questions:
Ultimately it looks I need 3-16mg carts for a 2 days period. I am not sure what to think of this: am I out of my mind? It this bad or to be expected with stuff like greensmoke.com?
If I start refilling my cartridges, will I be getting more from a cartidge or the same?
I think I want to try the 510 e-cig but is it going to help solving the 2 issues described above?

Thank you for reading!
Regards,
Alessandro

 

[sporkboy]

I would recommend trying to get a 510 atty and a PT, this will get you at 5v and a much nice vape, after getting my PT, I am looking at ordering at 5v system or making a 5v mod. I cant think of a cheaper way to see the difference than ordering just a PT and atty and a couple empty carts. I would estimate this being in the $20 range and a good way to see if you are more satisfied with 5v.


with my 510 @ 3.7v battery that comes stock, I am still unsatisfied at time with the vape but it has been enough to kill the major urges for analogue. hope this helps!

If you are just trying the PT there is no need for the starter kit and no need to waste you money on battery's and chargers for a system that is still not what you are wanting.

 

[Rationality]

I don't know that I can answer everything, but I had almost an identical thread a week or two ago and also smoked Marlboro Lights before switching.. After reading up here and also going into some trial and error on my part, I can tell you what's been working for me (though I'm still not completely off analogues, I've cut down quite a bit).

Of course I have to mention the typical things - you're addicted to not only the nicotine in cigs but likely a lot of the other crap that's in there. You probably won't get a light headed rush, because that's mostly caused by carbon monoxide, and you'll experience many of the typical symptoms of quitting. But on to my personal thoughts!

First of all, while it does feel less natural, taking a longer inhale really does give better throat hit and a more satisfying feeling.

Second, for me, I try to give myself a pause after about six good inhales. For me it's more similar to the "I just finished a cigarette and feel better" feeling that I was really missing when I tried to switch originally.

Third, buy some eliquid and use the "PTB mod" (just youtube this phrase and you will get a few how-to videos). This will not only be far cheaper than buying cartridges, but will give you a wider range of flavors which can help with satisfaction. I doubted this at first, because even the smell of cloves makes me nauseous, but it makes a big difference and also helps you dislike the taste of analogues, which is good for making the switch.

And the final thing is... while for many the transition was as simple as picking up an ecig and thinking "wow, this is better", for me, and perhaps you if you aren't finding the satisfaction, it will take some effort. You have to remind yourself to turn to your ecig rather than a cigarette. The more you use it the more you will get used to it and the easier it will be, but it will never been the same.

 

[Lusak]

First, welcome!

A majority of us here have surely gone through a learning curve in finding what we like best. I personally feel like you'll experience the same issues with any e-cig with disposable / pre-filled carts.

Regarding the disposable carts, I have never had any luck myself, and I find the first few drags are very different from the middle few. The lack of consistency killed me, but then again I never have tried greensmoke's. There are a lot of cartridge mods on the site. A majority of these are to improve the consistency.

3 16 mg carts, assuming they are half a ML to 1 ML per cart, is not too much. The general consensus I have seen is it is expected to go through 1-2 ML of fluid per day.

 

[Lusak]

And the final thing is... while for many the transition was as simple as picking up an ecig and thinking "wow, this is better", for me, and perhaps you if you aren't finding the satisfaction, it will take some effort. You have to remind yourself to turn to your ecig rather than a cigarette. The more you use it the more you will get used to it and the easier it will be, but it will never been the same.

This is very true. I wasn't satisfied at first either.

As I cut down and found myself vaping most of the day and smoking only 2-3 cigarettes... I found myself not wanting the cigarettes, as they began to taste horrific, while not giving any more nic than I was already taking in.

Convenient? Absolutely. But definitely not as tasty

 

[kingalef]

Second, for me, I try to give myself a pause after about six good inhales. For me it's more similar to the "I just finished a cigarette and feel better" feeling that I was really missing when I tried to switch originally.

How long is your "pause"? I like the idea you're suggesting (X number of puffs=1 smoke). What do other people use as magical X number?

Third, buy some eliquid and use the "PTB mod" (just youtube this phrase and you will get a few how-to videos).

I'll look into it, thanks!

And the final thing is... while for many the transition was as simple as picking up an ecig and thinking "wow, this is better", for me, and perhaps you if you aren't finding the satisfaction, it will take some effort.

Yeah, I figured that part. One thing I keep reminding myself is that, even with all "cons", the e-cig is BY FAR an easier way than cold turkey or trying to limit yourself to a reasonable number of smokes per-day.

Thanks!

 

[Katmar]

Higher nic level may work for you. It could get you over the hump, then you can reduce levels if need be.

 

[kingalef]

I would recommend trying to get a 510 atty and a PT, this will get you at 5v and a much nice vape, after getting my PT, I am looking at ordering at 5v system or making a 5v mod. I cant think of a cheaper way to see the difference than ordering just a PT and atty and a couple empty carts. I would estimate this being in the $20 range and a good way to see if you are more satisfied with 5v.

Ok, keeping in mind I am a newbie (read effing ignorant on the subject(s)), what is a PT? Where can I buy one?

 

[Silverthorn181]

More power!! More Juice!! I think from what you say about your fresh battery being OK you may just need a bit more power. Not necessarily higher volts but a battery that stays on peak for longer. I use a simple mod with a single 14500 bat still at 3.6V but it lasts me all day without dropping off. I think you'll find you will get a more satisfying vape when you start refilling. Try a higher nick as well.

Don't go racing out and buying one of everything just yet, keep going with what you have with a bit of tuning until you know exactly what you are looking for and then spend your money on a good mod or make one yourself that suits your needs exactly.

And yes a Pass Through will help they run at a constant high voltage. They run directly off the USB port of your computer. Only about $11.00 Try the KR808 section at www.HealthCabin.biz in my sig you can run your cartos straight off it or a 510 pasthrough and and atty with an adapter so you can still use your cartos. You'll find adapters there as well so you can mix and match !!

 

[sporkboy]

PT is a pass through, if you don't know an abbreviation that is being used they are usually underlined in green if you put your mouse over it you will see what it is.

most of the recommended sites sell them, you will be tethered to your computer or the wall with usb adapter, but as you have one e-cig to use for now it will show the difference with 5v and if you just want to spend the money on a 5v mod (wish I would have gone this route and dealt w/ my smoking everywhere until I ordered or bought a mod).

 

[Rationality]

kingalef - my pause is usually just a minute to let the feeling sink in. If I still need a few more puffs I'll take them, but after that I move on as if I've just had a cigarette and return when I feel the craving (anywhere from 15min to an hour like when I smoke analogues).

Good luck!

 

[Hellen A. Handbasket]

The 'easy' e-cigs may not work for you. For me, satisfaction (and quitting cigarettes) came from the vapor and nicotine level. I get that with the 510 easily. It is what kicked me over the edge to quit smoking. I tried cartomizers... pffft. Limited vapor and no satisfaction at all for me! A 510 and 18mg liquid is a great combination. In a week and a half is my one year quit date anniversary!

The disposable 510 is a very inexpensive way to see how you do with the very easy refilling of cartridges and if you will do better with more vapor. At $9.99, you can't lose

510 Regular Flavor (also comes in menthol).

They recharge many times and have had great reviews from people who tried it first before investing in a kit (Cignot your Midwest Electronic Cigarette store. for the best deal on a boxless kit)

Do get a bottle of e-liquid, at least 10ml, as prefilled carts alone don't last long and need to be topped off, and a drop put inside the atomizer fairly often to keep vapor good. The 510 atomizers last forever (I've never lost one, and have been using them for well over 6 months).

Here is some great reading about using the 510 model. http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ve-ten-nhaler-personal-illustrated-guide.html

 

[kingalef]

PT is a pass through, if you don't know an abbreviation that is being used they are usually underlined in green if you put your mouse over it you will see what it is.

ARGHHH!!! (BLUSH) Now I see the dots under the abbreviation. I didnt notice them before as they show light gray on my PC.

Thanks for the info. I'll look into what you're reccomending.

 

[kingalef]

A 510 and 18mg liquid is a great combination. In a week and a half is my one year quit date anniversary!

Congrats! Let me ask you a question (and others' replies are more than welcome): what is your "daily" dosage? As I said at the beginning, I use greensmokes and I go through 1 and a half cartr. a day (16mg pieces - which is not enough). In comparable terms, how much do you use?

One person replied with some useful info on this topic, but I'd like to hear more replies about this... I don't want to over-do-it or under-do-it.

 

[OaklandCA]

I've been using a joye mini-fogger (306a atomizer) with 510 mega battery and the cartridges hold very little juice so i have been dripping directly on the atomizer 2-3 drops at a time which feels like about 1/2 a cigarette to me. I smoked newports hi nicotene very harsh.

Similarly the first few hours of a new atomizer and fresh cart are sweet but the quality drops fast.

I'm pretty new and pretty cheap so i haven't jumped in on all the hardware solutions but on the simple problem of withdrawal i would suggest boosting your nic level to 24 mg/ml.

 

[phenom5]

Sounds to me like you need some higher strength juice.

18mg may do it, or you may have to go higher than that.

The biggest thing for me, in terms of the satisfaction factor is throat hit. Gotta have a nice TH in order to feel satisfied. For me, 18mg juice in a 510 does the trick.

I would also recommend ordering a good variety of flavors, and maybe try out some 24mg & 18mg juice. Trying different flavors is probably the best advice I've gotten from ECF. At first I wanted nothing to do with anything but tobacco, but I tried some different things, and found that things I would have never guessed I would like are my favorites.

Takes some time to find the sweet spot.

 

[Hoosier]

I had to go to 36mg/ml juice before I could knock down my cravings. I smoke a little over half a pack of American Spirit non-filters per day.

I currently am going through almost 4ml of 32mg/ml juice per day, and it works. I have an open pack of my cigs in my vehicle, with just 1 cig gone, that has been there, untouched, for weeks.

I have completely taken up vaping over smoking.

 

[December Moon]

I am wondering about your nicotine level. One pack of Marlboro lights has about 16mg of nicotine total. You were smoking about 1.5 packs per day right? So that would be 3 packs per two days, which match the 3 cartridges per day.

It looks like at 16mg, one cartirdge is equal or close to one pack of cigs.

If you want the cartridges to last longer, I wonder if a higher level of nicotine would help that?

 

[hibbs02]

Howdy,

This is my first post and I'm going to copy/paste the email I have been sending out to people who ask me about my vaping and where to get an e-cig. First, I'll give you some specific answers and advice related to your quandry. I was a 1 to 3 pack a day Marlboro Light smoker and have smoked only a couple analogs in the last 3 weeks (mostly from curiosity.) I probably go through 3-4 ml a day of 24 mg liquid. I started vaping and kicked on 36 mg Tiramisu eliquid from Totally Wicked. Now, I think 24 mg is probably good enough though I still have some 36mg stuff when I feel an urge that my vaping isn't quite killing.

What I think I would recommend to you is the sample pack referenced below at varying strengths and flavors -- but don't go too low on nicotine strength just yet since you say that you are having trouble being satisfied. Now, on to my standard email copy/paste except I can't post links so I'll post Google search terms that will bring up the website as the first result:

(BTW, I get no money or anything from anyone I recommend)

Howdy,

I was a smoker for 23 years. I tried the patch. I tried gum. I tried it all and nothing worked -- it just made me want to hurt everyone around me and I was soon (like within hours) back to those evil butts. But the moment I got my e-cigarette in the mail is the moment I stopped smoking (I call it a nicotine inhaler if anyone asks - that seems to go over better.) Starting vaping (we call it vaping instead of smoking) can have a bit of a learning curve because you have to find the right device and nicotine liquid (strength and flavor) that work for you. I will make some recommendations below to allow you to benefit from my experience and many/many/many hours of research.

Basically, once you find the right device and have the right liquid many many people have no trouble either quitting smoking completely (well, I had "trouble" in that occasionally I would still want a cigarette but I just vaped some stronger liquid and it went away pretty quickly so change that to quitting smoking relatively easily) or at least cutting back drastically to only several cigarettes a day.

First we begin with lots of good information and reviews of ecig devices and nicotine juices:
Search -- e-cig forum

The perfect starter ecig (IMHO)
Search -- totally wicked tornado black
or if they are sold out this is the same thing:
Search -- janty ego black

Here is a video review of the device:
Search -- igetcha69 janty ego black youtube review

Once you have the ecig you will need something to put in it. Here are some great stores with good products and prices. The first two are very famous for delicious non-tobacco flavors. Both are a bit backed up right now so be prepared for two weeks or so before you get their order but they are worth the wait:
Search -- tasty vapor us
Search -- ms t's bakery essentials
Here is one with more tobacco flavors. Many people like the RY4 (caramel and tobacco flavor) and 555 (nutty flavor & tobacco.) They have a very nice sample pack with 6 20ml bottles (5 days per bottle for heavy vapers) for about $50 so you can try many flavors and strengths.
Search -- my freedom smokes

For Menthol lovers these guys are supposed to have the best and many people swear by their tobacco as well:
Search -- halo ejuice

Here is a good guide to vaping that will answer most of your questions:
Search -- e-cig wonderful world vaping illustrated

Here is another shorter version that discusses some of the terminology and answers basic questions:
Search -- totally wicked support faq

Happy Vaping!