Good for you! You're right, hang in there and you will definitely find your groove.
The average smoker will not Vape
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Good for you! You're right, hang in there and you will definitely find your groove.
Sorry to hear you've had such a hard time getting started. I'm on day one myself, and so far, thanks to great advice from here, I couldn't be happier. Obviously the more I use, the more likely I am to run into an issue, so I'll have to see what the future holds, but right now I can't see smoking again.
I agree with the original post. The adoption rate would be higher if e-cigarettes were more simple. Look at what they have to compete against, setting a cigarette on fire and inhaling. There are some decent mini-kits out there, but as the OP saw, sometimes even the good ones suffer from quality issues. You can get a great experience from some other devices, but the further you get away from something that looks like a cigarette, the more people will drop out.
The way technology grows, perhaps one day there will be a dead simple mini kit. From the looks of it though, it appears a lot of the more mainstream players in the industry are starting to flirt with the mod world quite a bit more.
I commend the OP's amazing tenacity for sure! I had a rough first kit too, but it got progressively better (plus I'm a gadget hound) so that helped me stick with it. But most of the folks who tried and gave up at a bad first experience will never be heard from again.
The way technology grows, perhaps one day there will be a dead simple mini kit. From the looks of it though, it appears a lot of the more mainstream players in the industry are starting to flirt with the mod world quite a bit more.
I commend the OP's amazing tenacity for sure! I had a rough first kit too, but it got progressively better (plus I'm a gadget hound) so that helped me stick with it. But most of the folks who tried and gave up at a bad first experience will never be heard from again.
I believe it's the desire to be cigarette free that kept many of us searching, even through mishaps, for the perfect vape.
Most of us were just average cigarette smokers when we began this quest.
I truly hope you find equipment and juice that you are happy with. Finding that groove is possible.
Most of us were just average cigarette smokers when we began this quest.
I truly hope you find equipment and juice that you are happy with. Finding that groove is possible.
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I agree with the OP with her first post. When I started vaping. The only e-cigs that were out were 3 pieces and I ended up HATING carts. It leaked all the time and the performance sucked. Went back to smoking cigs for a few years. I went with an ego-T when I started vaping for the second time. It was easy to use and did the job.
Eventually moved onto a REO (bottom feeders) since they were the least complicated mod that I could see besides the EGO-T. Now that I'm more accustomed to vaping. Yeah, I use carto's and on a blue moon I would drip. Tanks/tube mods didn't appeal to me since it seemed like a lot of work to get everything going. Plus, the form factor was a complete turn off. Although, it did take a little bit of time for me to get used to the shape of bottom feeders. It doesn't look as awkard and everyone that has seen me use it didn't say anything negative about how it looked or performed.
I'm VERY content with bottom feeders and will NEVER own another type of mod. Even a gravity feeder are terribly unappealing. Don't like inverting it to feed, that's just a hassle to do when your driving. Overall, if you want something that is a smooth transition from cigs then it comes down to two things IMO: EGO-T and Bottom feeders.
Only thing that could be improved is if there was a bottom feeder that auto-fed. I bet there would be a HUGE increase in converts into the vaping community.
Eventually moved onto a REO (bottom feeders) since they were the least complicated mod that I could see besides the EGO-T. Now that I'm more accustomed to vaping. Yeah, I use carto's and on a blue moon I would drip. Tanks/tube mods didn't appeal to me since it seemed like a lot of work to get everything going. Plus, the form factor was a complete turn off. Although, it did take a little bit of time for me to get used to the shape of bottom feeders. It doesn't look as awkard and everyone that has seen me use it didn't say anything negative about how it looked or performed.
I'm VERY content with bottom feeders and will NEVER own another type of mod. Even a gravity feeder are terribly unappealing. Don't like inverting it to feed, that's just a hassle to do when your driving. Overall, if you want something that is a smooth transition from cigs then it comes down to two things IMO: EGO-T and Bottom feeders.
Only thing that could be improved is if there was a bottom feeder that auto-fed. I bet there would be a HUGE increase in converts into the vaping community.
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Forgot to mention that this is the reason why people should spread the word about the ECF. They will be thoroughly informed before they even start vaping. Also, they will be fully prepared as well for the transition and knowledgeable about what is out there and how it works. If it wasn't for the ECF then I'll still be smoking, thinking that e-cigs sucked. That's the honest truth.
You got it...I did not join this forum until about 4 weeks in, but I could not wait to get going so I jumped in too quickly and as it stands right now...The money flow has turned off. I have to calm down and wait a few weeks before I get some juice. Therefore, I must struggle with what I have and believe me, I would love to smoke an analog right now ( a pack if possible) b/c I am having coffee right now and WOW...do I miss that horrible tasting analog!
A few days back I mentioned to my wife as we walked down a main street in the city we reside in that the "mainstream" would probably not adopt ecigs until unfortunately one of the major tobacco companies produced one in which the technology was "invisible", very akin to companies like Apple turning out their lite/easy access versions of technology (I can cynically picture the Icig on some Powerpoint presentation). No filling cartomizers, dripping; having to learn about ohms/voltage, batteries etc, and easy maintainance. I agree this is true, although have mixed opinions if it is necessarily right. Like anything in life, from academics to work to relationships et al, the more effort one puts in, the more reward that is yielded. The average person does not hack their cellphone, or properly calibrate their pricey High Definition television sets, yet us that do increase the function of our devices, in many cases making them work as they should. When it comes to hobbies and interests, I've observed this otherwise touted mantra is not always applied. Granted, vaping is not a hobby for everyone, nor does it need to be (though I readily have embraced the dark side as this is probably the 3rd most engrossing interest I've ever had in my life behind Magic and technology), but it must be remembered that quitting smoking in itself requires an amount of dedication and committment, whether cold turkey, through more conventionally accepted means, or by vaping. The hurdles that vaping present are in their own way mirrored in other ways by different problems that present themselves no matter which method a smoker deals with his or her journey away from analogues. As with anything worthwhile in life though, perseverance does pay off. Not to mention, IMO, that it is also great to learn something new no matter how old we are.
My first foray into vaping was a few years back, with a mall ecig. I don't need to elaborate other than to say that venture was a failure, as was nicotine gum which I had tried before. It was not until late last spring that I decided to investigate more, and thankfully ran across several forums including this one. A few videos later and I realized it was a case of "you think you know, but you have no idea". At that point I became hellbent on vaping, and when finances permitted, and with a great amount of knowledge gathered from fine folks here and other places on the internet, I started down a path which I'm loving, and allowed me to successfully cease smoking. When someone sees me using one of my odd devices and inquires, I readily give a brief explanation, and if there is interest, hardware suggestions and direction to the ECF website. This resource and community is invaluable for those wishing to transition from analogues to vaping.
I definitely agree that more quality brick and mortar retail stores, especially in places like the NY/NJ/CT area that seem to be devoid of them sans unscrupulous tobacco shops charging extortion-like prices for sub-par product ($25 for 5 mils???) or mall kiosks would certainly help ease the transition for new vapers, both lessening the likelihood of a bad introduction to the arena as well as increasing the adoption rate.
To the original poster : I feel your pain, (I too have had a nasty batch of bad cartos and wasted far too much juice...always happens when one is low too!) and admire your dedication. Stick with it - you'll soon find your groove to settle in (though even after you find a juice you like, the temptation to find a better one will lure you!). Don't dismiss dripping either. When I started, I thought that indeed cartos were the way to go. No mess no fuss. After the first night I vaped, it was a month and a half before I even touched a atomizer. Now, although at times I do use a REO, and occasionally cartos, dripping is my preferred method, even outside the house (I too feared for awhile that it would look like a practice from the other side of the law). Choice of bottle cuts down on the mess, and a drip shield helps that as well, and cuts down on refills. Never once have I yet to be questioned by a North Jersey cop, in fact the only time an officer has yet to inquire about any ecig of mine, was to ask if it actually worked to get me off analogues.
Good luck on your journey!!!
My first foray into vaping was a few years back, with a mall ecig. I don't need to elaborate other than to say that venture was a failure, as was nicotine gum which I had tried before. It was not until late last spring that I decided to investigate more, and thankfully ran across several forums including this one. A few videos later and I realized it was a case of "you think you know, but you have no idea". At that point I became hellbent on vaping, and when finances permitted, and with a great amount of knowledge gathered from fine folks here and other places on the internet, I started down a path which I'm loving, and allowed me to successfully cease smoking. When someone sees me using one of my odd devices and inquires, I readily give a brief explanation, and if there is interest, hardware suggestions and direction to the ECF website. This resource and community is invaluable for those wishing to transition from analogues to vaping.
I definitely agree that more quality brick and mortar retail stores, especially in places like the NY/NJ/CT area that seem to be devoid of them sans unscrupulous tobacco shops charging extortion-like prices for sub-par product ($25 for 5 mils???) or mall kiosks would certainly help ease the transition for new vapers, both lessening the likelihood of a bad introduction to the arena as well as increasing the adoption rate.
To the original poster : I feel your pain, (I too have had a nasty batch of bad cartos and wasted far too much juice...always happens when one is low too!) and admire your dedication. Stick with it - you'll soon find your groove to settle in (though even after you find a juice you like, the temptation to find a better one will lure you!). Don't dismiss dripping either. When I started, I thought that indeed cartos were the way to go. No mess no fuss. After the first night I vaped, it was a month and a half before I even touched a atomizer. Now, although at times I do use a REO, and occasionally cartos, dripping is my preferred method, even outside the house (I too feared for awhile that it would look like a practice from the other side of the law). Choice of bottle cuts down on the mess, and a drip shield helps that as well, and cuts down on refills. Never once have I yet to be questioned by a North Jersey cop, in fact the only time an officer has yet to inquire about any ecig of mine, was to ask if it actually worked to get me off analogues.
Good luck on your journey!!!
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LOL everyone makes their mistake in the beginning. I paid 110 for my VERY first kit and my head almost flew off of my body when I found out that it sucked. I still do have urges here and there to smoke a cig but, just bear with it until you can get some new juice. If you have another flavor then I would go with that for now since that's acting like a trigger for your urge to smoke. I'm assuming that you had a cig while you drank your coffee.
Thank you...no, I did not even though they are right here in my apt. I have not had an analog since September and the juice I do have, I made combos of three juices, so I have 4 juices. I took 12 juices and turned it into 4...it's a little better considering the fact that I did not like any of the 12. The coffee is the toughest part of trying to stay away. If money was not an object...I would have a 100 juices and probably like 2....lmao
I have empathy for your original post Frankster... I can see how that can end up happening to many.
Perhaps I'm too intellectual and research minded for my own good but I just feel like if people did their homework on things that are completely foreign to them before purchasing on impulse the electronic road would be that much smoother. People don't want to put work into anything. Many are too scared to be a "noob" or ask "stupid questions". Sometimes you have to have some humility and just be a noob! Ask the dumb question! Its okay! I'm just speaking in general on this. Its probably more my personal frustration with people in general. The post just really makes me reminisce about the issues in general of day to day for people that transcend into the electronic cigarette world. Everyone(okay not everyone) just wants it handed to them, instant gratification, no work. Anything worth it is worth working for(at least life has taught me that personally). Further, after doing my research e-ciggs were not very "complicated". It was super simple for me by the time it came in the mail. I'm not going to lie and say I didn't have my oopsies I think we all did, but It didn't make me hate the industry. It was just a learning curve. People need to accept the learning curve, i mean it exists in every facet of life when doing something new. Not trying to come off mean or ranty about this, just my thoughts on the issue because I don't get what's complex about a 3 or 2 piece. It seems really simple, even after a week into vaping because I did my research.
This is not to say I'm not a total silly with my blonde moments. I have many. Overall though for a smoker to want to get into electronic cigarettes, they actually have to want to quit. If they don't really want to, they are going to use every excuse they can find. " I can't get the carto to work, I don't like charging batteries, My atomizer tastes funny...ect"
Perhaps I'm too intellectual and research minded for my own good but I just feel like if people did their homework on things that are completely foreign to them before purchasing on impulse the electronic road would be that much smoother. People don't want to put work into anything. Many are too scared to be a "noob" or ask "stupid questions". Sometimes you have to have some humility and just be a noob! Ask the dumb question! Its okay! I'm just speaking in general on this. Its probably more my personal frustration with people in general. The post just really makes me reminisce about the issues in general of day to day for people that transcend into the electronic cigarette world. Everyone(okay not everyone) just wants it handed to them, instant gratification, no work. Anything worth it is worth working for(at least life has taught me that personally). Further, after doing my research e-ciggs were not very "complicated". It was super simple for me by the time it came in the mail. I'm not going to lie and say I didn't have my oopsies I think we all did, but It didn't make me hate the industry. It was just a learning curve. People need to accept the learning curve, i mean it exists in every facet of life when doing something new. Not trying to come off mean or ranty about this, just my thoughts on the issue because I don't get what's complex about a 3 or 2 piece. It seems really simple, even after a week into vaping because I did my research.
This is not to say I'm not a total silly with my blonde moments. I have many. Overall though for a smoker to want to get into electronic cigarettes, they actually have to want to quit. If they don't really want to, they are going to use every excuse they can find. " I can't get the carto to work, I don't like charging batteries, My atomizer tastes funny...ect"
I too greatly admire the OP's perserverance. My first ecig was from local shop. Tasted terrible, but I liked the concept. Bit of searching online brought me here, where I read new users guide, and decided to go with a 510 starter kit with automatic batteries, atties & cartridges. I LOVED the sample juices that came with my starter kit, so in comparison to OP I have had a great experience.
I do agree that it does get very confusing with loads of different options and opinions. I am struggling a little with atomisers gunking up, but other than that I am very happy. No analog since I started vaping 4 weeks ago. I do however think the the Ego is the next step for me, for when I am out and about.
I do agree that it does get very confusing with loads of different options and opinions. I am struggling a little with atomisers gunking up, but other than that I am very happy. No analog since I started vaping 4 weeks ago. I do however think the the Ego is the next step for me, for when I am out and about.
I wonder if some of the problem a lot of people have is the cafeteria of choice in both hardware and juice. So many approaches, so many vendors. I too am a 40+ year smoker (present tense--after nearly two years of vaping, I still choose to treat myself to 4-5 cigarettes a day--down from 1-1.5 ppd).
With smoking, it's just a matter of picking the brand you like best, otherwise the technique doesn't vary at all. But if all of a sudden it were to be declared that there was only to be one brand of cigarette, even if it were a truly crap brand, I think most hardcore smokers would adjust in a few weeks. With vaping, it's almost as if every individual atomizer or cartomizer introduces its own variation.
I get the feeling, Frankster, that, along with some bad luck, you're overcome by the number of alternatives out there and maybe switching juices and models too hastily. If you were to go with something pretty basic and solid like an eGo, as at least one poster suggested, and some basic juice (I'm another one who often enjoys unflavored--let the nicotine do the work), and pretend for two months that it's the only available choice, the habit, technique, and routine might become more thoroughly embedded.
With smoking, it's just a matter of picking the brand you like best, otherwise the technique doesn't vary at all. But if all of a sudden it were to be declared that there was only to be one brand of cigarette, even if it were a truly crap brand, I think most hardcore smokers would adjust in a few weeks. With vaping, it's almost as if every individual atomizer or cartomizer introduces its own variation.
I get the feeling, Frankster, that, along with some bad luck, you're overcome by the number of alternatives out there and maybe switching juices and models too hastily. If you were to go with something pretty basic and solid like an eGo, as at least one poster suggested, and some basic juice (I'm another one who often enjoys unflavored--let the nicotine do the work), and pretend for two months that it's the only available choice, the habit, technique, and routine might become more thoroughly embedded.
I am glad that we do have alot of choices even though it seems complicated to me often,lol! I sometime wish there was a 911 HELP ME hot-line!!! I have had my share of frustrations to the extent of wanting to type a rant book; really though, i have realized i am more angry that i ever started smoking to begin with. So now with the help of ECF's great supporters & not being so hard on myself i am alot calmer, so i continue to learn. I have spent the better part of the last two months reading ECF& watching utube vids & sometimes wonder what i used to do. I know others may have similar trials with learning how to vape. I will add that i had finally given up & resigned to smoke i was tired of the many years of trying to stay quit, the shame, & torment of it all. Just happened to run into a vaping vid on utube became curious & here i am!
I think people that stick with vaping probably share the same M.O. Most are gadget people that like to tinker with things a bit.
I thought I was the only one.. My story is very similar to the OP. Even the point about finding those GrimmGreen videos. I probably stayed up until 4am watching those videos and reading this site before I bought what I have now. There is no way someone is gonna quit smoking if they run into frustrations of things not working as advertized. They will simply pick up that analog and start smoking again.
I was lucky that it only took me 2 times to get it right. First with the kiosk style ecigs, then I came across the EGO. To me, that thing is amazing! It can still be a lot of work though. Finding the right combination of everything so that you get the experience that brings you the same joy as analogs.
This website has helped save my life.
I was lucky that it only took me 2 times to get it right. First with the kiosk style ecigs, then I came across the EGO. To me, that thing is amazing! It can still be a lot of work though. Finding the right combination of everything so that you get the experience that brings you the same joy as analogs.
This website has helped save my life.
So, does this mean we are all above average? 
or below?
I know what you mean, for me the hassle of always charging batteries, filling cartos, juicy mouth, fried batteries, etc. caused me to look for an alternative. I finally settled on a big battery bottom feeder (Phidias), an all day juice (honey flue nut) and haven't looked back.
Not the answer to everyone's issues, not "cigarette shape" for sure, but hey, works for me.
Jag
or below?
I know what you mean, for me the hassle of always charging batteries, filling cartos, juicy mouth, fried batteries, etc. caused me to look for an alternative. I finally settled on a big battery bottom feeder (Phidias), an all day juice (honey flue nut) and haven't looked back.
Not the answer to everyone's issues, not "cigarette shape" for sure, but hey, works for me.
Jag
I haven't read all the subsequent posts so if this was mentioned before forgive me. You already have the Silver Bullet and all the 3.7 and 6 volt batteries you need so what I would suggest is getting a carto tank system like a Liquinator. LR cartos for 3.7 volt, standard resistance cartos for 6 volt. Enough juice in the tank for all day with no fiddling. You can purchase pre slotted cartos if you have no way to punch or slot them yourself for about $2.50 a pop and it will last you about 2 weeks on average before needing a fresh one.
I agree that it is difficult. I have sympathy for all of those chaps starting out. Let's look at some of the confusing factors shall we? Terminology: Automatic battery, manual battery, 306, 510, 808, 901, 3.7 volts 6 volts 3.2 volts wmd, atomizer, cartomizer, cartridge, tank, bottom feeder, direct dripping, dozens of batteries, vg, pg, blend, do I mod the cartridge, debridge the atomizer, 32mg 24 mg 18 mog 12 mg etc, and throat hit. Questions: do I debridge the atomizer, are these two products the same only rebranded, why is this contantly leaking, and is it out of juice out of power broken or something else? Strategies: save money, get a better mod, modify the cartridge, carts tanks atomizers bottem feeding or use the juice as eyedrops? Bad vendors: blu, circle k, etc. Additional barriers: who can explain this to me?!?!
I understand that it is quite frustrating and has an enourmous learning curve, which is why we are all here. I was lucky enough to start with an eGo instead of blu and the likes. I still struggled for a month to get the equipment to work for me. Had to ditch the cartridges, tried the tank, went to direct dripping, and finally switched to a prodigy 6volts. I actually mentored my family through the process, otherwise it wouldn't have happened. One day, you will mentor others.
I understand that it is quite frustrating and has an enourmous learning curve, which is why we are all here. I was lucky enough to start with an eGo instead of blu and the likes. I still struggled for a month to get the equipment to work for me. Had to ditch the cartridges, tried the tank, went to direct dripping, and finally switched to a prodigy 6volts. I actually mentored my family through the process, otherwise it wouldn't have happened. One day, you will mentor others.
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