Vape curious.

[LazyStarGazer]

Hello from Toronto, the city that Rob Ford made famous.

I went through (all 22 pages!) of a sticky thread on converting analog to vapor usage, and here is the math I worked out:

Pall Mall 100s... 0.9 mg/cig
30/day... 0.9x30= 27mg
15-16 drags per cig..add 25%= 33.75mg
To compensate for lack of combusted chemical cocktail, round up to 36mg.

So, if I get a 10ml/36mg bottle, that should last me 10 days?
I haven't bought anything yet, just doing some research to see what vaping is all about before I commit to it.
I have other questions, but will keep reading the threads for info.

I may may also make 4 bs posts so I can reply to normal threads.
(Hey, everybody does it, don't be a hater, lol).

Glad this site is here. Seems like it might be a great resource.

 

[Pukka]

Hello from Toronto, the city that Rob Ford made famous.

I went through (all 22 pages!) of a sticky thread on converting analog to vapor usage, and here is the math I worked out:

Pall Mall 100s... 0.9 mg/cig
30/day... 0.9x30= 27mg
15-16 drags per cig..add 25%= 33.75mg
To compensate for lack of combusted chemical cocktail, round up to 36mg.

So, if I get a 10ml/36mg bottle, that should last me 10 days?
I haven't bought anything yet, just doing some research to see what vaping is all about before I commit to it.
I have other questions, but will keep reading the threads for info.

I may may also make 4 bs posts so I can reply to normal threads.
(Hey, everybody does it, don't be a hater, lol).

Glad this site is here. Seems like it might be a great resource.

Get more then one bottle mate. I am on day 3 of no cigs and getting through the bottles rapid... I only have 18mg but getting through the 10ml bottles in 2-3 days, and i only have the kanger evod so its not like my kit is heavy on the juice usage

I wouldnt go with the BS posts, they can get deleted and piss off the mods... I think i can post in 'normal' threads now but they confuse me and personally im happy to stick with the newbie section for a little while longer

 

[twgbonehead]

Actually, I don't think anybody minds extra posts to get your 5. Respond to your own thread (Say thanks) or welcome some of the other new members. It's all cool. It may take a little time for the ECF server to credit you though, so a little patience.

It's hard to directly equate nic level from smoking to nic level from vaping. 36mg is pretty strong, you might be better off with more volume at 24 or 18 mg; the high nic concentration does affect the flavor of the vape. Also, get a few differ3ent flavors, and not too much of any one until you find out whether you like it. Finding a liquid that tastes good to you can be a challenge.

<edit>

It's not just about how much nicotine you get, it's also about how much you vape, which is likely to be as much or more than you smoke(d). If you were doing 30 butts/day, you probably will start out vaping at least 5mL/day just to spend the same amount of time vaping. Also, it is generally believed that you absorb less nicotine when vaping than when smoking.

 

[Arastir]

As Pukka said, get more than one! You'll want a selection. I'm coming off a 2 PAD habit and also find that I go through a 10ml bottle in 2 or 3 days (24mg).

 

[WillyZee]

welcome LazyStarGazer ... 36mg is too high and should only be used by those who find 24mg is not working for them.

18-24mg usually works for most vapers ... with many finding 6-12mg suitable.

 

[Legolas]

Actually, I don't think anybody minds extra posts to get your 5. Respond to your own thread (Say thanks) or welcome some of the other new members. It's all cool. It may take a little time for the ECF server to credit you though, so a little patience.

It's hard to directly equate nic level from smoking to nic level from vaping. 36mg is pretty strong, you might be better off with more volume at 24 or 18 mg; the high nic concentration does affect the flavor of the vape. Also, get a few differ3ent flavors, and not too much of any one until you find out whether you like it. Finding a liquid that tastes good to you can be a challenge.

I agree 36mg is high. When you start vaping most of us do it allot. If you vape 36mg like that you'll end up with side effects ie headaches etc.. Try 18 or 24 mg and adjust as needed. You should buy more then one bottleas posted above.

 

[PennyLynn]

Yes, I can't recommend more than anything that you should try a few different flavors. You'll definitely decide tobacco flavor might not be 'all that,' and look into something else. I was a Kool smoker, and now I love the tangy sour fruit flavors.

 

[LazyStarGazer]

Thanks twg

I'm no stranger to forums so I understand the 5 posts thing is for spam and trolls.

As for strength, I now know there are a LOT of variables, and very little scientific research to go on.
If I vape like a maniac during the novelty phase, 36 might be too much.

 

[toxonjeff]

I was a 2 PAD smoker for 30 years, started with 18mg, moved down to 12mg after a week or so. It was easy getting off the smokes, I was amazed!

 

[Simply Red]

I started with 26 myself. Smoked PallMall Lights, Marlboro Lights, Winston Lights and Viceroy Lights for 40 years. Got a buzz when I first started with the 26mg. I'm down to 15-18mg now and that works for me. Tried 12mg but vaped more of it. I go through about 14ml a day. I keep 3 or 4 flavors (need a couple more) to rotate to keep from getting "vape tongue" but that's another subject.

Good luck, Welcome to the forum and Happy Vaping!!

 

[Benztee]

I was a 2 pad smoker for 20 years. Started at 24 mg and that was plenty. After a few weeks I went down to 18 mg and that's where I've stayed. And tons of smaller bottles of juice is the best way to start. Finding one you really like can take a while. Took me about 2 months and 30-40 different flavor from different vendors till I found one I cam keep in one tank for multiple days on end.

Welcome and congratulations.

 

[chainvapor]

When I started vaping 4 years ago, I used 24mg juice and chainvaped all day (hence my ECF name). But I did not touch another cigarette once I picked up my first ecig. It is really important to understand it is NOT THE SAME AS SMOKING! I have told many people when starting, with a cigarette (aka analog) you get instant gratification. In other words, when you take that first puff, you FEEL it immediately. Ecigs will not do that because there is not 4000+ chemicals in them which were designed to do that. So please understand the difference so you are not let down immediately. You really have to WANT to quit smoking to switch to vaping. Figure about a half-hour or little longer of vaping in the morning before your cigarette craving subsides. Hope this helps ya. Welcome to the ECF and GOOD LUCK!!

CV

EDIT: P.S. Your morning cravings I talked about above should go away in a few weeks. Also, after about 2 months or so smoke free, cigarettes will taste soooo bad you will never want them again!!!

 

[MotherNatural]

I'm not sure there is a good scientific method of calculating nicotine used in smoking. Too many variables. I agree with others on lower levels and multiples. I'm on day 13 from a 1.5 PAD 40 year smoker and found my sweet spot at around 12mg. I have an 18mg to deal with cravings. But it's different for everyone. Like many others I assumed tobacco flavors would work. Yuk. Didn't work for me. Don't be afraid to experiment as it's just all so individual.

 

[LazyStarGazer]

Thanks for the quick replies!

Maybe you'll indulge a few questions?

1. A cartridge from e-cig manufacturer A will not work in an e-cig from manufacturer B?

2. As for flavors/strengths, you get whatever varieties are available from the maker of your starter pack, with the option to buy 'juice' from any vendor, as juice can be put into any cartridge?

3. Do you vape in the house? I'm not sure this is something I want to do around my kids.
It has to be FAR less harmful than second hand smoke, but I'm being cautious.

 

[ativ]

Welcome to the forum. I am 18 days analog free and it feels great. I smoked for 51 yrs and when I stopped I was smoking 1 1/2 pks a day and ultra light Native cigs. Started vaping 12mg of ejuice and within a week went down to 6mg. I felt 12mg was to much nic. I really think its up to you and how your body reacts to the nic. Give vaping a chance, I think you will be amazed how satisfying the vape is and when you get the right juice for you it can be heaven.

 

[peraspera]

Unfortunately, math is totally useless in figuring out what nicotine level will work best for any particular individual. Some people who smoke very little need higher amounts of nicotine than those who smoke a lot. Everyone needs to do some experimenting to find what level works best for them.

The nicotine droplets produced by smoking are very tiny and are absorbed through the lungs. This gives an instant hit of nicotine.

Vaping is a much more inefficient method of nicotine delivery and it will vary depending on gear and how one vapes. The droplets of nicotine produced by vaping are too large to be absorbed through the lungs. Instead, they are absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth and nose. It takes about 20 minutes for the nicotine to be effective.

When starting out most people find that somewhere between 18 mg. and 24 mg. works. Typical symptoms of too much nicotine are light-headedness, nausea, heartburn and insomnia. Too little nicotine will cause cravings.

The only solution is to experiment with different nicotine levels to see what works for you. Use higher levels to vape through cravings and a bit lower for most of the day. If you have insomnia issues vape lower nicotine levels in the evenings.

Also, you will need higher levels of nicotine if you are using a cig-alike versus more powerful gear that produces more vapor.

Juice delivery devices come in different thread sizes. We would need to know the thread size of the cartridge and the battery you wish to use it on to know if would be compatible.

Pre-filled cartomizers are usually of sketchy quality and and don't use very good quality juice.

There is no evidence that vapor produces any second hand harmful effects but there are no ironclad guarantees that it is 100% safe either.

 

[chainvapor]

My kids walk thru my vapor clouds at least once a week and say "MMMMMMMMMM....Daddy that smells really good!!!". Don't know if is a good thing, maybe I am a terrible parent, but my kids are still in good health after 4 years of me vaping around them. Do what you feel is comfortable for YOU and only YOU. YOU have to decide these things as no one else can. I have seen enough evidence and tests done that I feel pretty comfortable with my situation. But not everyone will.

CV

 

[KODIAK (TM)]

I think your calculations in your opening post are spot-on and technically correct based on my own research. It's still a guess though. Your biggest obstacle will be figuring out how to absorb the same nicotine levels you did with tobacco because it works differently with a vaping base. I was 3 packs per day. They were generics but smoked like Camels on steroids. (Though they were filtered, picture the "kick" of Lucky Strikes for those old enough to remember those).

And I don't understand the quantities everyone is consuming here. I am doing just fine with 2ml per day. 24mg. One thing I notice though are those YouTube vaping reviewers taking these 4 second drags. I don't do that. Maybe 2 seconds tops. Even with 50/50 PG/VG I still get the throat hit I was accustomed to. I just keep the vapor in my mouth longer before I inhale and exhale mostly through my honker.

1. A cartridge from e-cig manufacturer A will not work in an e-cig from manufacturer B?

Yes they will. If the thread size is the same. I interchange 510 "cartridges" across many different batteries (e-cigs).

2. As for flavors/strengths, you get whatever varieties are available from the maker of your starter pack, with the option to buy 'juice' from any vendor, as juice can be put into any cartridge?

Yes. As long as the cartridges are sold as "refillable" unlike those disposable cartridges like Blu Cigs Some cartridges may even be sold preloaded with juice but are still refillable.

3. Do you vape in the house? I'm not sure this is something I want to do around my kids.
It has to be FAR less harmful than second hand smoke, but I'm being cautious.

Empty nest here but I do vape in the house and around Mrs. Kodiak. (That's pretty much why I gave up smoking). Other adults too if they don't mind. I never vape around kids but will go to another room.

 

[djsvapour]

So, if I get a 10ml/36mg bottle, that should last me 10 days?

No.

You cannot get all (360mg) of the nicotine in your YIELD.

That would require 100% "collection" of the nicotine. It's impossible.

 

[twgbonehead]

Thanks for the quick replies!

Maybe you'll indulge a few questions?

1. A cartridge from e-cig manufacturer A will not work in an e-cig from manufacturer B?

2. As for flavors/strengths, you get whatever varieties are available from the maker of your starter pack, with the option to buy 'juice' from any vendor, as juice can be put into any cartridge?

3. Do you vape in the house? I'm not sure this is something I want to do around my kids.
It has to be FAR less harmful than second hand smoke, but I'm being cautious.

First, you should shy away from anything that uses "cartridges". You should go with a battery that is either 510 or ego threaded (or better yet, both, which many are). The head will probably be either a clearomizer or a BCC tank (EVOD) since those are what come with most half-decent starter kits. This is what typical starter kits might look like:
https://www.fasttech.com/product/1411617 (Clearomizer, but this one's a bottom-coil (CE5) A CE4 clearomizer is top-coil)
https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10007047/1573900-evod-1100mah-rechargeable-starter-kit (EVOD-style head)

(NOTE: These are inexpensive, "entry-level" kits. If you want to spend a little more and get something better to start with, there are
many better items out there!!!! Also, the site I linked to is inexpensive but has LOOOONG delivery times; you probably want to find the equivalent type of stuff locally to start with)

There is a Canada forum on ECF; you probably want to check that out since there apparently can be some hassles trying to order e-liquid from the US; they can provide you with a list of good providers in Canada.

Also, it is very likely you will wind up getting your e-liquid from a different vendor than your e-cigarette.