Vapor 4 Life (V4L) and all the Hype?...

[donnellyk]

Welcome Jellibean, a great story and to read your dedication to making the hubby healthier was lovely!

I wish I'd tried V4L right off...I spent alot of hard earned "social-worker salary" on other types of PV's. The first choice could've had me heading back to analogs but the e-cigg idea luckily had me hooked...I felt so much better after the first week I kept researching like you and tried a few other brands. I like them okay and feel I got lucky the next brands but the VK covers most of the bases that needed covering over time; got tired of dripping all the time, the batteries last longer, the flavors of juice are truer, the look is conservative.

Being a collector of all things electronic (!) I HAD to try the VK after all the threads from fans and the suppliers themselves. Like you I really wanted to get to know this company. I'm glad I did, I can't say enuff about my experience and I enjoy my VK day and night...now THIS is a proper e-cigg!!!!! Keep us posted!!!! ~ Regards, Kimberleigh

 

[Bigbuyer]

Glad you found V4L. I have been very happy with Steve's product and his service. Thanks Steve!

 

[JelliBean]

Thank you all for the warm welcomes to the V4L family. I enjoyed reading the personal journeys that some of you shared with me. I'm glad that we all made it here, no matter where we started out.
Here's a brief update: My hubby has not touched an analog since he picked up the Vapor King yesterday!! I'm still in shock!! My husband was a 1+ pack per day marlboro red 100 no filter (he cut them off) smoker. He dipped all day at work, and loved his huge imported cigars on weekends. So, I am truly amazed!
Today: He spent his day telling and sharing his Vapor King with all his military friends...(sweet).
My day was similar telling and sharing with my co-workers too. I'm trying to convert them to V4Lifers.
And then... reality hit. We need more supplies! So, I went online tonight to place my order and ...my card declined...What? It was an address did not match cardholder error. However; my bank had 3 or 4 pending payments for V4L. Well you know, I kept resubmitting my information, trying to make the card go through... before I finally made my trip to online banking...lol!
But, no worries, this has happened before with online orders. However, at the time it was annoying as all get out...enough said.
Thanks again everyone, you all are so awesome!! And if I have any questions I will definitely ask all of you here...
*Thank you Steve for taking the time to personally chime in, much appreciated.*
***Question: How many batteries, chargers, pass-thrus should we have at all times? How often should we replace/replenish our supply?
Let me try and clarify: I want to purchase monthly supplies for both of us. So about every _ months I should buy_ number of batteries, _ # of chargers, and _ # of pass-thrus
*in case you need this information: I was a 1 pack per day
Capri/Virginia slim(purse pack) menthol smoker. That's about 1/3 of a regular size king cig pack per day. And his info was previously mentioned above.*
Thanks for all your help in advance!!!

 

[Taryn]

Hey JelliBean,

You want at least two batteries for each of you, and if you love the pt as much as I do you will both want to have one for when you are at the computer or in your car. Its not a bad idea to have a spare battery on hand just in case, but know that if one does go bad early the V4L crew will replace it! Having two or three chargers on hand is a good idea too!

I think many of us order based on want not need, we want one of those shiny new chrome xl batteries but we COULD get by without them. Most of my orders are for new cartos and juices to refill with, with an occasional treat like a new battery that looks so cool.

Congrats again to you both!

 

[Adrenalynn]

Agree - my "break even" number just gets sillier and sillier.

 

[CatMommy]

I laugh everytime I look at my "break even" banner...I will never break even but I have come to terms with that......

But it's my own fault...I don't need 20 bxs of carts and 20 btls of juice, but I feel it's my duty to try them all. I mean, they went through all that trouble to make them.

As far as equipment goes (but as you can tell, I over do everything) I have:

1 Ultimate Ultimatum Kit
2 XL Manual Batts (and 1 Chrome coming...don't ask...I just NEED IT)
1 XL Auto Batt
2 Manual PTs
1 Auto PT
and an assortment of chargers all over my house.

As far as carts and juice are concerned...let's just say, I could open a V4L Franchise at my house. So I guess I'm not much help answering your question...

 

[Adrenalynn]

In my first week:

2 x XL Auto
1 x Regular Auto
1 x Case
1 x Wall Charger
1 x pk 5 Chocolate
2 x Blanks
2 x 5mL Menthol
1 x 5mL Peanut Butter Cup
1 x 5mL Raspberry
1 x 20mL Spearmint
1 x 20mL Cola
1 x 5mL Ice Cream Sundae
1 x 5mL Watermelon
1 x 5mL Chocolate

+ Freebies, of course, which have been awesome

that said - I'm bummed I can't make another order this week. I'm moving into another house and figuring out which address to send to is a challenge. So I'll just have to suck it up and wait for next week. A couple more regular auto batteries, another charger or two, lots more Spearmint, lots more Menthol, and there's several flavors there that came in this order I haven't tried yet. And I really need to try the mint too. And I'd like to try their Nuport and the Cowboy Menthol - just to make sure I don't miss the cigarette taste (which I really don't, but they did go to the trouble to make 'em as you pointed out) - and combining a couple drops of Menthol with Virginia - will that give me what I used to smoke? And ...

"Break Even" - where? I swear I chain-vaped 2mL of Spearmint tonight before I started to OD. Maybe I need that in a 0mg too?

Even with all that - give the price of cigarettes in California now - I probably will break even around my birthday (Jan 5, the predicted date). I can't imagine a multi-pack-day habit - mine was approaching $50/week(!) I guess I never really thought about it. It doesn't take long of $200/mo to just run out of things you can't "live without" (other than consumables). It really is a very inexpensive hobby/habit, thanks to the v4l guys! [Look out JenJen, I'm comin' for ya! ]

 

[JelliBean]

In my first week:

2 x XL Auto
1 x Regular Auto
1 x Case
1 x Wall Charger
1 x pk 5 Chocolate
2 x Blanks
2 x 5mL Menthol
1 x 5mL Peanut Butter Cup
1 x 5mL Raspberry
1 x 20mL Spearmint
1 x 20mL Cola
1 x 5mL Ice Cream Sundae
1 x 5mL Watermelon
1 x 5mL Chocolate

+ Freebies, of course, which have been awesome

that said - I'm bummed I can't make another order this week. I'm moving into another house and figuring out which address to send to is a challenge. So I'll just have to suck it up and wait for next week. A couple more regular auto batteries, another charger or two, lots more Spearmint, lots more Menthol, and there's several flavors there that came in this order I haven't tried yet. And I really need to try the mint too. And I'd like to try their Nuport and the Cowboy Menthol - just to make sure I don't miss the cigarette taste (which I really don't, but they did go to the trouble to make 'em as you pointed out) - and combining a couple drops of Menthol with Virginia - will that give me what I used to smoke? And ...

"Break Even" - where? I swear I chain-vaped 2mL of Spearmint tonight before I started to OD. Maybe I need that in a 0mg too?

Even with all that - give the price of cigarettes in California now - I probably will break even around my birthday (Jan 5, the predicted date). I can't imagine a multi-pack-day habit - mine was approaching $50/week(!) I guess I never really thought about it. It doesn't take long of $200/mo to just run out of things you can't "live without" (other than consumables). It really is a very inexpensive hobby/habit, thanks to the v4l guys! [Look out JenJen, I'm comin' for ya! ]

***Thanks, All who replied:
Wow!! That is intense, but I happen to think that you are right trying out the flavors and strengths is a must. Until, you find your main stay...smile. It may seem crazy, but my hubby loves the flavor choices, but I want my menthol tabacco taste. I like the cola, so next I will try the Dr. Pep. I will order another pass thru too thanks for the suggestion. But seriously, how often should I reorder the: batteries, chargers, pass-thrus? Every month seems excessive, but I don't want to be without either. I was thinking every 3 to six months, but I'm not sure if that is a good plan or not. Since you all have tried so many flavors, please tell me the ones with the best throat hit and @ which strength, because I know strength and flavor make a difference.
You all are Awesome, thanks for your help!!!

 

[nightwalker83]

Batteries should be good for at least 200 charges, just have a couple spare each for when the others pop their clogs. Passthru's are unpredictable some last a while, some last a week, you never know, just keep a spare put away.

 

[Adrenalynn]

Flavors - well - just my opinion.

I smoked Virginia Slims Menthol Luxury Lights (Menthol Light 120) - back before I was a non-smoker

Chocolate 18 was at the edge of the throat-hit I could handle first thing in the day. It was better for me in the evening - quite strong.

Cola 24 - that kicks like a freakin' mule for me. A super-yummy cola-flavored mule. But it's still a mule. Watermelon "High" has a nice throat hit. Similar to a Chocolate 18.

Spearmint 11 has very little throat hit - but I can vape it all day (and did!)

Methol 18 has a pretty good hit to it. But is very very smoooth.

Those are my favorites so far.

 

[JelliBean]

Nightwalker83 and Adrenalynn: Thanks for the information. That really does help me a lot.
Here is another question: On average 1 cartomizer last about how long? All day, 1/2 a day or 1 pack 1/2 pack? I realize this is subjective and dependent information, but My hubby has finished several (6 or 7) cartomizers, and I have not finished 1 ( alternating 2 at a time) in the last 2 days. The reason I'm asking is because I don't think they are dry, just battery wear down through the day. He throws them out before I can check. What is your take on this? Oh and I will be trying the flavors and strengths that you provided Adrenalynn. I will also be purchasing a few more pass-thrus like you suggest nightwalker83!! Thanks again for replying.

 

[nightwalker83]

Carts depend on how hard you're hittin them basically, it's totally dependant on the person, personally i go through 1 and a half to 2 carts a day but im sittin at my desk most of the afternoon and night alternating between 2 or 3 e-cigs constantly. If you're just vaping for a litle bit at a time when you need it and not chain-vaping like i do then yeah you're probably not gonna be steaming through packs of carts constantly. I think i saw someone mention on here that Steve goes through something crazy like 5 a day or something though lol, that's insane.

 

[JelliBean]

Nightwalker83, thanks so much for the reply. Well, that is more variation than I thought. I guess it's really more of a trial and error type deal...lol!! Anyway, what are your fave flavors and strengths, if you don't mind sharing?

 

[Adrenalynn]

I loved the Spearmint so much that I think I got pretty close to five today. I filled [2] three times... Serious chain-vaping.

Depends a lot how hard you hit them, and for me, the strength. A chocolate 18 will last an entire day for me. A menthol "low" is gone in an hour. But when I was smoking and all I could get was VS Ultra Light, I'd go through close to two packs a day, versus 3/4 pack for Lights and a quarter pack for [ick!] "full flavored".

So it's a flavor and strength dependancy. More so with vaping since the flavors are so "clean". It's also a convenience-thang. I don't have to go outside in the freezing wicked cold. I can read a book in bed and vape, or drink a glass of wine in the hottub and vape or... So yeah, easy to hand is a factor for me.

I guess my point is that you just have to figure out what your pattern is going to look like. I think I'll slow down when the proverbial blush comes off the rose. In the meantime, it's really enjoyable!

 

[JelliBean]

Thanks Adrealynn, yet one more time...(Sweet),
for helping a newbie out!! I will keep that in mind, but I wish there was some type of formula...lol!!
I always smoked Capri menthol lights 3 cartons lasted a month, so that's what I always purchased when we went to the smoke shop. Until they came out with Virginia Slim super slims (purse size packs). Same size as Capri's, but a lower price.
FYI: the Capri's are almost $10 per pack, and the VS(purse pack) are almost $9 per pack here in Alaska.
CRAZY, huh? How much are cigs where you live?

 

[JelliBean]

Thanks Adrealynn, yet one more time...(Sweet),
for helping a newbie out!! I will keep that in mind, but I wish there was some type of formula...lol!!
I always smoked Capri menthol lights 3 cartons lasted a month, so that's what I always purchased when we went to the smoke shop. Until they came out with Virginia Slim super slims (purse size packs). Same size as Capri's, but a lower price.
FYI: the Capri's are almost $10 per pack, and the VS(purse pack) are almost $9 per pack here in Alaska.
CRAZY, huh? How much are cigs where you live?

 

[Adrenalynn]

Purse Pack was between $7.45 and $8.25 depending upon location, after all the "sin-taxes"

VS-Luxury Lights (120's, Slim, not super-slim), Menthol was $6.85-7.95 after all the taxes, again depending upon whether we were talking Walmart or the gas station. A little more at Walgreens. One of the gas stations had them on a two'fer deal that got the price of two packs down to $13.95.

I never understood why the super-slim was less product for more money. [shrug]

Darned expensive. I mean, you'd have to go through like 10+mL/day to get close. My heaviest day so far, today, was less than half that really.

Oh - and I'm more of a noob than you - look at my registration date.

 

[JelliBean]

Lol!! Noob, today huh? Well, for what it's worth that doesn't tell how long you've been vaping, just when you joined. And clearly you do know what you are talking about. So, I'm guessing you didn't just start that today...4mile.
Oh! but wow!! Cali has ridiculous prices too. I definitely agree with you on the less cig more money deal. What a freakin' rip-off!! My mom lives in North Carolina and they are almost $5 per pk. There, well last summer they were, enough said.
I honestly don't like the taste of VS (purse pk) anymore, nor do I like the smell of smoke...lol!! It's kinda funny, but since I've been vaping I hate being around cig smoke. It seems to take my breath away, and it never bothered me before... Kinda crazy huh?

 

[Adrenalynn]

I only started vaping six, coming up on seven days ago. From a technology and concept standpoint, it's really pretty simple. And crunching the numbers is pretty easy. So I only sound like I know what I'm talking about.

It doesn't sound crazy at all to me. I have a couple unopened cigarette packs in a drawer. The third day I had some cravings, but easily overcome. I literally quit [bang!] just like that the day the first order from V4L arrived. But that's a very common theme here on the forum. Now on day six, I have zero desire for a cigarette. When I walk past someone smoking I think "ICK! Did I smell like that? Wow! That's a horrid thought!" It just all seems vaguely gross. And all the waste product I have in the back yard (butts) - wow! [boggle] I see my signature graphic and the numbers add up, but it really is staggering.

I'm just really determined to make people hate me, I think, but I've been turning over a really unpopular thought in my head. Making e-cigarettes more difficult to get than regular cigarettes for under 18 - it makes sense in the molly-coddling society we live in, but it just doesn't make sense from a health perspective, IMHO. Kids that want to smoke are going to manage it. Just as they always have. Man do I wish this technology was available the day before I started! What a difference it could have made in my life!

I'm not suggesting encouraging minors to vape. I'm just saying "level the playing field, or even strategically slope it in favor of e-cigarettes" Think of the advantages for kids bound and determined to start smoking for the "coolness-factor" (which has been erased almost 100%, but...) [shrug] I'm going to bed before I make a worse fool of myself. I'm just wishing this had been around then...

 

[JelliBean]

Adrenalynn, congrats on the same day switch to vaping, that's awesome!! I agree with you, e-cigs are a healthier alternative to analog smoking. It's healthier for anyone that chooses to smoke, regardless of age.
Anyhoo, thanks again for your help, and guh-nite.
Oh, one more thing. when I figure out how to send friend request, I will be sending one your way.