Today I am a vaper.

[AngusATAT]

The day finally came. I got my first PV in the mail. It's the Janty Stick that I ordered from dietsmokes. They shipped it on Monday, and it arrived on Wednesday. Awesome!

I opened it up, blew out the primer on the atty, dripped a couple drops on the bridge, put it all together with one of the Marlboro carts that came with it, and plugged it into my USB port. Within a couple of minutes, it was done charging. Looks like they charged my batteries before shipping. Sweet!

My first drag kinda took me by surprise. It's nothing like inhaling a cigarette. I had to pull a little harder, and when the LED started turning red, I inhaled. Then I coughed the vapor out. Yeah, it had some throat hit to it! I spent a little while figuring out how to use the thing. I figured out pretty quickly that it's nearly impossible to vape like I smoke... draw into the mouth, then inhale. There is a bit of inhaling going on when you're drawing on it. Vapor production is... okay. I was expecting a little more, but I think it has more to do with the PG based juice I have. I'll try mixing in a bit of VG later and see what happens. One thing I learned... I don't have to inhale until the LED turns red. I can stop when I start to feel it in my throat. That lesson sunk in after a nice big coughing fit, hehe.

I got out one of the RY4 carts and gave it a shot. Can't say I'm a fan. The Marlboro is a little better tasting to me, but I'm not going to be satisfied with either of them. I can tell already that I'm going to need other flavors. Can't wait for my DIY kit to get here. I have some chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon roll, and coffee flavors coming with the kit. I'll be getting more PG and VG this weekend, along with some Loranns flavorings.

My 510 from RMV is the next item due for arrival, and later in the week I should get some more juice and accessories that I ordered from Health Cabin. I think this weekend is going to be spent experimenting with different stuff.

Now the big question... do I still want a smoke? Yeah, I kinda do. I probably will until I really get the hang of things. But it's not overpowering. I could probably resist the urge if I really wanted to. I'm not going to push myself too hard to not smoke at all until the weekend. But I can tell I'll be smoking a LOT less until then.

So far so good! Thanks everyone for all of your wonderful advice and encouragement. It really helped me out.

 

[vapordad]

congrats!!

I did a similar thing in that I spent a lot of time on the forum before my ecig arrived. By the time I got it, I already wanted a different one. I tried it, and was like....uh oh....within 2 days I quit smoking and still have somewhere (i think in my raincoat pocket) the remainder of my last pack of smokes.

You'll get the hang of it, and enjoy the freedom they bring. Its all about figuring out how to use it, then how to use it better. Keep on trying!!

 

[AngusATAT]

I had a bit of an urge for a cigarette after I created this thread, but instead of going out on the back porch and lighting up, I took my JS out there and puffed on it like I would a cigarette. 10 or twelve big puffs within about five to ten seconds apart.

I came back inside a little light headed with a nicotine rush. I also came back in with my desire for a smoke gone. Still not crazy about the flavor of the juice I got, but it really gives me hope.

 

[vapordad]

try EcoPure Rich (I smoked Marlboro Reds for almost 20 years). You won't find (although I am still on a quest) a cigarette taste. You'll find after a few days that when you do try a cigarette, it tastes horrible.

EcoPure Rich is a bit sweeter than tobacco flavor, but the vapor rocks. It is VG based.

 

[annah]

I think you need to train your body into deciding that this weird device *is* a cigarette. Just vape as much as you want, and the cravings will diminish. I just recently upped my mg from 9 to 12, and am doing great with 12. I only have an urge for a cig when a craving hits, but my hands are busy and I can't get to my PV fast enough. I haven't given in, and it's getting easier day by day.

(i'm probably going to mix some higher strength juice for cravings, and drop back down to 9mg during the day, but i need to find a spare bottle first)

 

[Houdini]

My first drag kinda took me by surprise. It's nothing like inhaling a cigarette. I had to pull a little harder, and when the LED started turning red, I inhaled. Then I coughed the vapor out. Yeah, it had some throat hit to it! I spent a little while figuring out how to use the thing. I figured out pretty quickly that it's nearly impossible to vape like I smoke... draw into the mouth, then inhale. There is a bit of inhaling going on when you're drawing on it. Vapor production is... okay. I was expecting a little more, but I think it has more to do with the PG based juice I have. I'll try mixing in a bit of VG later and see what happens. One thing I learned... I don't have to inhale until the LED turns red. I can stop when I start to feel it in my throat. That lesson sunk in after a nice big coughing fit, hehe.

You should be able to smoke it like you do a regular cigarette. I don't inhale until I finish drawing on it and the LED goes off just like I would with a cig.

 

[AngusATAT]

I'm using 24mg juice right now. I am finding that a couple of long drags will satisfy my nicotine craving, then I put down the PV for about 15 minutes, then take a couple more drags. Seems to work pretty good for me.

I could probably use a lower nic juice and puff more often for the same result... but I'd really be burning through the juice then. It's kinda amazing how much these 801 carts can hold.

 

[RenaissancePuffer]

Good job! There is a bit of a learning curve to it, but once you get it, you're gonna love it. Finding the right juice is a big factor in it all, and don't be so sure to write off the RY4 yet, some people find that it grows on them. Revisit it when your taste buds recover a bit, after you finally put down analogs.

The fact that you got a nicotine rush is likely because your liquid is a bit high compared to your analogs, and how you use them individually. Try going for less frequent puffs. When you get your DIY supplies, work on mixing up some weaker juice, find that happy medium where you can be successful.

Best of luck, and welcome to our world

 

[davecury]

Try the Marlb at ecigsmokestore.com You can get it in double flavor, up to 48mg. Dawn has a lot of DIY supplies, and can help you out with mixing.
When I started vaping, I think I missed the tar and CO2(sounds a little funny) but that passed in a few days. And yes, cigarettes will tast and smell bad. Hang in there, try a lot of flavors, and have some fun with it.

 

[Porphy]

Sent you a PM about ecigsmokestore.com . I figured another post about how good it is would be redundant to viewers here but Dave had to go and kill that horse LOL

Just teasing Dave

EDIT: as for nicotine strength, it is my philosophy to go higher rather than lower at the outset. I used a "better safe than sorry" technique to starting vaping and haven't had a cigarette since I picked my first PV up. (those two "test" puffs a week later don't count, since I nearly gagged)

 

[AngusATAT]

I already have an order in with Dawn at ecigsmokestore. I ordered the Ultimate DIY kit. It will probably ship today, as Dawn was a little backed up on orders. While I would love to have my DIY kit right now, I figure it gives me a few days to get used to vaping before I start messing around with mixing up my own stuff. I also need to go out and buy some extra PG, VG, and Loranns flavorings.

 

[vapordad]

As a new vaper, I would have appreciated to have all the advice at once, but I know it is part that you need to get used to it. These are some tips with the 510 that have worked for me:

Cart Filler: Definitely Pyramid Tea Bags...Don't burn, last longer. I am currently using the shredded version. there is a thread on here about them

Vaping: Longer slower draws.

Batteries: I went to the manual battery, and loved it for awhile, but found it difficult when working in the yard/garage. Now I like the 510 auto batteries in conjunction with the manual batteries. I don't have issues with the 510 auto batteries cutting out (I do with my 901)

Patience. You'll learn to enjoy...just keep trying.

Liquids: I tried all kinds of flavors. I have settled recently on EcoPure Rich. I did just order a bunch from eliquid planet. I am awaiting a whole mess of tobacco type flavors like PM and Dun and Virginia Flue Cured....can't wait to try.

Good luck

 

[AngusATAT]

It's been 5 hours without a cig. I am definitely wanting one, but it's not unbearable. I've got a half a pack of smokes left, sitting on the counter. I've looked at them a few times, almost reached out a hand to grab one, but walked away.

I'll wait to put the banner in my signature until I am sure I can go a whole day without a smoke.

 

[Maveric]

I have noticed that the craving for a real cigarette drops dramatically once you reach the one week mark. That is if you consciously make an effort not to smoke analogs. I found myself reaching for my pack several times, but picked up my PV instead. It wasn't that I craved a cigarette but think it was mainly habit of grabbing the pack and lighter (been doing it over 20 years). Once a week went by and I didn't crave lighting one up, I tried one of my remaining Camels and lit it (for experimental purposes). After the second drag I nearly hurled. NASTY!

It is amazing how much of your taste and smell come back! I guess that is why I love playing mad scientist and mixing my own juice. ALL THE FLAVORS!!!

I find long slow drags to work the best. There is a learning period to vaping, and that period is the hardest. Once you make it past that you are golden!

 

[Kent C]

Welcome aboard!

 

[kardjunkie]

Congratz Angus. The cravings for analogs do go away after awhile.

 

[Moonflame]

Grats Angus! You're gonna do great. You did the research and started with knowledge and excitement on your side. I set up the SmokeFree banner the day after I got mine and part of what helped me resist cravings was the refusal to have to go and change the banner. Laziness is a powerful motivator . I also put my PV on the table where my ashtray used to be so that when I reached to grab a cig the PV was there instead. I put my cig stuff in different places in the house, not hidden, just places I'd have to get up and walk to. Ashtray in one room, cigs in another, lighter in another. I gave myself permission to have one whenever I wanted, but I had to get up and go get everything to have one, but the PV was right where I could reach it. The desire to finish what I was doing and not have to get up won over the desire for a cig every time. Laziness FTW .