Trying to kick the cig habit officially... Where do I start?

[randomhousegir]

There are tanks that last far, far longer than two weeks. Even just moving up to the CE5 (which I'm using), I haven't bought a new one at all this summer. And the ones I bought before that were because I wanted extras to hold more flavors.

Yeah, looked it up. Bought them in May.

The CE5 looks like the CE4 but can be easily disassembled, cleaned up, reused. Also the coil head (which is the "heater" that vaporizes the juice) is replaceable and inexpensive (I get mine for $3). The CE4 is just not a great clearomizer. I have one. In a drawer. Somewhere.

But there are plenty of better ones out there. Like the Kanger EVOD which is recommended all the time around here. I use Vision CE5 (also sometimes called "2.0" and other names... the terms are confused). Vision makes a Vivi Nova that's popular here. Many others that'll last you a great deal longer.

A kit I think is a good "starter" is like the one MyVaporStore put together here: Spinner/Twist Combo. The Joye Twist (which I use) and the Vision Spinner are both good batteries. You can get the Kanger EVOD and the Vision "Ego Clearomizer 2.0" (which is the one I'm using that is sometimes called CE5 or CE4+ or it's all confused... either way, that's the one that I'm getting months of use out of).



I don't have any experience with Vapor4Life. Maybe others can chime in?

I just noticed they are a Forum Supplier so they're known here at ECF. Their section is here: Vapor4Life. Myself, I don't care for the "cig-a-like" style (which I started with and have come to dislike very much) and I understand they use 808 threading (I think) which limits what you can buy (the 808 standard seems to be losing ground against eGo/510).

Still, they have their fans and supporters. Since they do have a section here devoted to them, that could help you get advice and tip from others that have Vapor4Life kits. So... I dunno. It could work out fine for you. Different setups work for different folks.



Well, you've come to the right place. I was a 30+ year smoker who stumbled and bumbled into vaping largely by accident. I learned a ton on ECF and now it's been months since I bothered with a cigarette. And I was a two pack a day smoker. I'm still a little stunned. Nobody thought I'd quit. Especially not me.

I believe in you

sent from my phone via tapatalk 2 because I can't stop reading and posting on ECF

 

[Beachbabealways]

Thank you so much mkbilbo! Very helpful info and I'm so glad to hear you have not smoked a cigarette in months ... that gives me hope!

I read many posts and frankly it all became confusing to me because there are so many products available. Pretty sure I will buy the kit you suggested and extra clearomizer's for different juices. I ordered some upstomp juices from ljesmokes to use in the blanks.

 

[mkbilbo]

Thank you so much mkbilbo! Very helpful info and I'm so glad to hear you have not smoked a cigarette in months ... that gives me hope!

I read many posts and frankly it all became confusing to me because there are so many products available. Pretty sure I will buy the kit you suggested and extra clearomizer's for different juices. I ordered some upstomp juices from ljesmokes to use in the blanks.

I was just as dazed and confused when I got here. I think most of us are. There is just so much in the vape world... I'm not sure anybody knows all of it (well, actually, there are a couple of gurus around here that might but they're rare folks ). But put enough people together who know their corner of the vape world and you get... well...this place.

And, yeah, I haven't had any interest in cigs in some months now. Which is... weird. I'm still not quite used to the idea. I walked out of the grocery store earlier today, right through some smoker's cloud of smoke and went, "mmmmm, nice". I still like the smell of tobacco. But I just kept going. It was... almost... a "fond memory"? I don't know how to put it. Sort of a nostalgic, "I used to do that".

Got to the pickup, fired up the PV, vaped my banana all the way home.

If anybody had told me this was possible, I would have laughed in their face.

Did not happen overnight. I slowed down on my smoking over a period of about six weeks before it sort of fizzled out and I "quit". And sporadic "bum one" broke out here and there for a while. And I'm not foolish enough to rule out I might have one at some point in the future. "Never" is a risky thing to say.

But I can't imagine myself as "a smoker" anymore. I'm a "vaper". And I like it that way. It's just better.

Heh, cigs are... regular and menthol. I got seven flavors lined up in the living room. And thinking about, I got up just now to switch from blueberry to wintergreen. Cigs seem so... boring now...

 

[htown]

UPDATE - - UPDATE - - UPDATE

Ok It arrived yesterday with "Vape Dudes" plastered on everything.

First it was a lot bigger then expected, not "portable" like a cigarette so that may pose a little problem, especially driving.

I received Classic Menthol, Coffee Vanilla, and Cherry Limeade.

All were 16mg Nicotine, 70PG/30VG, 10ml bottles. (what does the PG and VG mean? and what is the best mix to determine the amount needed)

But I charged up the batteries, added a little mentol flavor to one, it was good, a little strange though. Felt more like I was smoking a cigar then a cigarette. Had a lot more "smoke" which was better then the NJoy I tested prior. But after a while, I went ahead and added coffee vanilla to the other cartomizer and proceeded to test that one. The coffee Vanilla was so so, but my daughter says it smelled like rotten chocolate.

Then I tried the cherry limeade after cleaning out the coffee vanilla cartomizer. But put less then a .8 mL in it due to what was mentioned before about it potentially cracking. That one tasted again... so so.

It feels like I am getting too much nicotine, I felt a little strange like I was getting a buzz to say the least. Like when you haven't had a cig in a while and after those first puffs you get a little buzzy in the head. I am really not a fan of any of thee flavors so today I am going to see about visiting some brick and mortar stores to hopefully be able to try out some, not sure how that works.

On another note, I was thinking I needed something more portable and more cigarette like when I am driving. What else is out there for me to use that is the same kind of setup (rechargeable, small, easy to clean, etc) that is again...not too pricey.

It will take a little getting used to, but I think I can make this work eventually!

 

[mkbilbo]

First it was a lot bigger then expected, not "portable" like a cigarette so that may pose a little problem, especially driving.

Really? I drive with a set up the size of that one all the time. To me, it's less trouble than driving with a cigarette.

All were 16mg Nicotine, 70PG/30VG, 10ml bottles. (what does the PG and VG mean? and what is the best mix to determine the amount needed)

PG and VG are the two main "base liquids" in which the nicotine and flavors are suspended. Also, they produce the vapor. Folks who prefer "throat hit" tend to like more PG than VG and folks who tend to like more vapor prefer more VG than PG. Many say PG carries flavor better and VG is more "muted". I ended up splitting the difference and vape 50/50 myself. But it's definitely a matter of personal taste and preference. Only thing to do is try some different versions out and see what you think.

It feels like I am getting too much nicotine, I felt a little strange like I was getting a buzz to say the least. Like when you haven't had a cig in a while and after those first puffs you get a little buzzy in the head.

Maybe. Are you doing a deep inhale like a cigarette? That is, inhaling into your lungs? The nic absorption in vaping is more in the mouth and nasal passages. In smoking, it's mostly in the lungs. Smokers are used to inhaling the smoke deeply to get the nic. When you first switch, you may need to "puff" more like a cigar or pipe.

Some folks do like to do the full, deep, lung inhale like smoking. Most seem to have some trouble with vapor in their lungs. At least at first. After some months, I can inhale deep as I want but the size of vapor droplets as compared to smoke particles, it's a little pointless. The droplets are bigger and the lungs probably aren't going to pick up the nic the way they can with smoke particles. And some do get some irritation in the lungs from PG or VG or both.

I forget how much you said you used to smoke. 16 isn't that "high" on the nicotine scale but you could try lower of course. And, generally, it is better to start low and come up than start high and have to back down.

 

[Struge Labs]

Just do some research and jump into this amazing hobby it has helped me! Nothing is worth losing the one you love the most man. Hope everything works out which it will!

 

[Struge Labs]

and for some tobacco e-juices try some goodejuice vita bella and a few others are very nice and are good on price. If you dont mind waiting pick up a itaste MVP or svd off of FASTTECH and try some of the liqua tobacco line. Great price for what you get. You will have try an assortment of juices to meet what you think is "great" so dont give up on finding your ADV.

 

[Shredderofdabc]

I started with the Apollo E Cig starter kits, and was pleasently surprised at how it curved mmy cravings, since then I switched up and went on to bigger better things, Like RBA's and VV!!!

 

[cliffy15]

UPDATE - - UPDATE - - UPDATE

Ok It arrived yesterday with "Vape Dudes" plastered on everything.

First it was a lot bigger then expected, not "portable" like a cigarette so that may pose a little problem, especially driving.

I received Classic Menthol, Coffee Vanilla, and Cherry Limeade.

All were 16mg Nicotine, 70PG/30VG, 10ml bottles. (what does the PG and VG mean? and what is the best mix to determine the amount needed)

But I charged up the batteries, added a little mentol flavor to one, it was good, a little strange though. Felt more like I was smoking a cigar then a cigarette. Had a lot more "smoke" which was better then the NJoy I tested prior. But after a while, I went ahead and added coffee vanilla to the other cartomizer and proceeded to test that one. The coffee Vanilla was so so, but my daughter says it smelled like rotten chocolate.

Then I tried the cherry limeade after cleaning out the coffee vanilla cartomizer. But put less then a .8 mL in it due to what was mentioned before about it potentially cracking. That one tasted again... so so.

It feels like I am getting too much nicotine, I felt a little strange like I was getting a buzz to say the least. Like when you haven't had a cig in a while and after those first puffs you get a little buzzy in the head. I am really not a fan of any of thee flavors so today I am going to see about visiting some brick and mortar stores to hopefully be able to try out some, not sure how that works.

On another note, I was thinking I needed something more portable and more cigarette like when I am driving. What else is out there for me to use that is the same kind of setup (rechargeable, small, easy to clean, etc) that is again...not too pricey.

It will take a little getting used to, but I think I can make this work eventually!

Edit: Image upload failed. Maybe it's my firewall. I'll try again from home later tonight.

Hmm... I don't find size of the setup a problem unless I have to put it in my pocket or bag and walk around with it. My larger batteries are usually the ones I'm driving around with or sitting at home in front of the computer/tv. Here's a pic to get the relative size of things if it'll help.

The black battery is a 1000 mAh battery. (with three Voltage settings) and is probably most similar to yours. The one beneath it is an Innokin iTaste 3.0 (variable voltage/wattage with digital display). The smallest one is a SmokTech battery and used to be my stealthiest vape setup (I believe it's 400 or 450 mAh). However, I no longer use it because it's made for a low-resistance coil (best used with stuff 1.8 ohms or less. My smallest vape setup is now using the topmost battery which is a Vision Spinner 400 mAh. It's a little longer because of the spin dial and more advanced circuitry in it. It lasts about 2 - 2.5 hours of fairly heavy vaping.

And of course ... there's one of my beloved EVODs. =)

 

[htown]

Well I went and picked up three more liquids locally at an E-cigarette store(Exlixir Liquids) in my area, not far from me either. I grabbed three 15ml bottles of Vanilla Bean 8mg, Newport 18mg, and Candy Cane 18mg. They were $10 each. I got to try out several tastes in the store, felt like I could have been there forever I was having such a good time.

Then when she asked about the setup I got, she could not believe I got that whole kit for under $40. I guess because it is a generic kit or something. Then I was asking about the other things available like add-ons and stuff which she gave me a lot of good information, still kind of was a little bit overloaded on the info, but it was good to know some stuff.

mkbilbo, I am actually getting used to driving with it, just wish I had a shorter battery physically as it still seems bulky. Where is the cheapest battery available for the EGO CE4 system like the one I have? I think someone mentioned a 600Mah in this thread, but is that battery shorter in size? I understand it will be shorter charge, but that is fine if I get several. The lady at the store was actually smoking a name brand setup at the same time and her battery was shorter and less weight, not sure of the brand but it fit my clearomizer and worked. I think she said she had a Kangor(or something like that) clearomizer on hers.

Anyways I think maybe the shorter battery might help me when I am out and about as it won't feel like it is so long and bulky. So if anyone can recommend a cheap battery that is shorter, I'm all ears. Also it seems like the flavors I got from this place locally taste and feel so much better then the ones I got from Vape Dudes.... someone mentioned letting them steep or something like that from Vape Dudes. Would that help them?

Oh and on a better note, my wife loved the fact I did not come home smelling like cigarettes!!

Also I met up with my brother and let him try the Newport one and he was impressed by the taste and the resemblance to the cigarettes he smokes... he may be making the move eventually also.

Oh and one more thing, while I was driving I decided to pull out a Newport cigarette and smoke it.... well it tasted like SH$T!!

I think this will be easier than I thought!

 

[mkbilbo]

mkbilbo,

(Actually, you can just call me Mark. Being addressed by my user name always sounds weird to me. )

I am actually getting used to driving with it, just wish I had a shorter battery physically as it still seems bulky. Where is the cheapest battery available for the EGO CE4 system like the one I have? I think someone mentioned a 600Mah in this thread, but is that battery shorter in size? I understand it will be shorter charge, but that is fine if I get several. The lady at the store was actually smoking a name brand setup at the same time and her battery was shorter and less weight, not sure of the brand but it fit my clearomizer and worked. I think she said she had a Kangor(or something like that) clearomizer on hers.

There are 650mAh that are shorter. I have a comparison pic around here somewhere. Can't remember who I swiped it from. Here it is (click for larger version):



Anyway. The thing to keep in mind is "eGo" is a standard or style. Make sure to stay in the "eGo compatible" world and you can add pretty much anything you like to your set up. If someone at the vape shop was using a shorter eGo, they probably sell them. Or know who does. If you want to see before you buy. Maybe compare different ones. Online, I've bought from Cignot who's a Forum Supplier here and does spectacular customer service. They have the Joye batteries here: Twists and here: eGo batteries.

Also, Kanger is the brand she was talking about. Has a very good reputation around here and the Kanger EVOD is recommended a lot. I haven't used one myself but I see them recommended constantly. Going to have to try one myself.

Anyways I think maybe the shorter battery might help me when I am out and about as it won't feel like it is so long and bulky. So if anyone can recommend a cheap battery that is shorter, I'm all ears. Also it seems like the flavors I got from this place locally taste and feel so much better then the ones I got from Vape Dudes.... someone mentioned letting them steep or something like that from Vape Dudes. Would that help them?

It can. One of the first things I learned here from the experienced vapers is never just "toss" a juice. If you don't like it, set it aside. Come back later. I have a spot in a cabinet for "long term try it later" liquids. I find as my taste buds recover, my tastes have changed.

You can get a ton of opinions on steeping, I'm not the best (I'm just not a patient man ). But I checked the Vape Dudes site. They mix on order. And since they're in Dallas and you're in Houston, that means there's no way the contents have had a good chance to blend well. Too fresh a mix.

You want to let juices like that sit in a cool, dark place. Like a cabinet or drawer. You want to give the freshly mixed "boutique" kinds a while to blend better. Shake the bottles well when you think about it, let 'em sit a few days. I've gotten away with vigorous (meaning, "looks like I'm having a seizure") shaking and using a freshly mixed juice immediately but not always. Sometimes, even just sitting overnight can make a noticeable difference in the taste.

 

[BuckyB]

Hi H-Town, I'm in Houston also, and started vaping about a month ago. Like you, I wasn't sure where to start, but I have a local solution for you: The Create ECig Store at Westheimer and Hillcroft. Knowledgeable staff, they'll explain things and get you going, and you can sample flavors in the store. (And then once you know what you're doing, you can save money by buying stuff online!)

 

[Rickg]

Everyone advising you to get a kit is sending you down the right path. I recently bought an eGo USB kit that I'm happy with and now I don't even want a cig when I'm around smokers. Before I bought the kit, I tried some disposables and they didn't really do it for me. I think the starter kits are what you'll need to be able to help quit.

The other thing is to find some of the threads on vaping technique. Vaping is no smoking, and the technique is different. At first I felt that I wasn't getting enough nicotine. Now I know I'm going to need to cut back on the nicotine strength.

 

[Amer Totounji]

if you didn't start yet , I would advise you to do a little more research , read more so you can start right , so many ads around

 

[rickard5]

I got my First Joy tech about 3 weeks ago and started with Tobacco Flavors in 3 weeks I went from 2 packs a day (30 years) to being smoke free (2 weeks now) Every 2-3 days I've steped down the nicotine level (1 week O Nicotine) and went to other flavors, now the taste and smell of tobacco is gross! Start with non Tobacco flavors and you'll never go back

 

[Michelle Boivin]

Hi, I started with ecig a week ago, give or take, and after 3 days I didn't want a regular cigarette. They tasted like crap. Convinced my guy to use his more and he went from 2 packs to 1/2 a pack in one day without any withdrawl symptoms. I'm done paying $5+ a day for my nicotine addiction.

 

[htown]

Well here is here 12 days since my very first post and I cannot stand cigarettes.... who would have thought I would ever say that!

My brother even wants to change once he gets some money, I even gave him my last two cigarettes I had (were holding them just in case)... took one drag off it and I about vomited.... awesome feeling to have that. He will soon just the club when he gets some money.

I just went out and bought two bottom coil tanks and they are tremendously better, they have more flavor it seems then the top coil ones. I also added some Butterscotch flavor that is decent. But so far I absolutely love the Vanilla Bean, I am thinking because it is only 8mg of nicotine whereas the others are around 16-18mg. I think the nicotine is turning me off, so from here on out I am going with 8mg I think and then eventually none. My wife is happy which is the most important! Now the only complaint I get from my kids is that I smell like vanilla... what a shame to have that problem.

Anyways I was at the local store today and the guy let me try the ego-twist battery at 4.8v and I took a puff from my same tank I had with me....oh my god what a difference... so will probably look at getting an adjustable voltage one soon. Know of any cheap ones? The ones at the store were $25 or so.

 

[mkbilbo]

Anyways I was at the local store today and the guy let me try the ego-twist battery at 4.8v and I took a puff from my same tank I had with me....oh my god what a difference... so will probably look at getting an adjustable voltage one soon. Know of any cheap ones? The ones at the store were $25 or so.

Actually, that's about right. I've been getting my batteries from Cignot (registered Forum Supplier and does fantastic customer service by the way). I wouldn't go "cheap" on your batteries. "Cheap" is actually expensive. A branded, reliable manufacturer battery (like Joyetech, Vision) will last. "Cheap" means cheap. Not inexpensive.

Twists and Spinners (Joye and Vision respectively) are conservatively rated at 300 or so charge cycles. Mine get a charge once a day. At that rate, they could last a year. Lithium ion batteries (which they are) can actually go longer. As much as three time that (1000 cycles). But if you just get the 300 cycles, you're talking replacing once a year. That's, what, $2 a month average maybe? In that territory?

Going "cheap" on the hardware is not a great idea. It can end up being more expensive in the long run. The way I found to cut expenses is the liquids. The "consumables". I started getting into mixing up my own flavors. Buying plain, unflavored nic juice in "bulk" and am bringing my vaping costs way, way down.

I think I'm now below 10% of what I used to spend smoking.

Speaking of "cheap"...

 

[Evi|grin]

I went straight from analog to disposable White Clouds and while waiting on a shipment, i stopped by a new vapor store. I left with a $67 Innokin MVP iClear30 and could not be happier. I will probably pic up a smaller adjustable later just for better portability.