18 mg should be plenty???? What? Really?
Since the OP didn't mention their PAD smoking habit, or the type of analoges used, how can you even begin to say this. I was a 3-1/2 PAD American Spirit Black user for 35 years. I assure you that 18 mg wasn't even close to getting me off the analogs. First, I tried in 2009 and the batteries, juice and delivery devices were not enough for me. Again, 2011, better batteries 650 egos, with atomizers and plastic top cartridges. Still not enough. Finally January 2013, 36 mg/ml juice, APV replaceable batteries, Kanger toppers. I was able to quit and never looked back. I'm down to 18 mg/ml now and use 12 mg/ml in my RBA's. I am again nearing the point where I can reduce my nicotine level, but I'm in no hurry whatsoever.
Here's the great thing about 2013. We have so many wonderful choices that it's confusing what to get. Most everyone would prefer the form factor of a cig-a-like, with the performance of a Provari APV with a great topper. However, because of battery life and other factors, we're not there yet, but we have come a long way. In reading the forum every day for the past year, I found the most recommended entry level starter kit to be:
http://www.myvaporstore.com/Vision_Spinner_Joye_Ego_C_Twist_Combo_p/vvs-c.htm
Try a couple of evods with the Spinners. Alternatively, an evod, MT3S, Twist and SPinner will give you four different setups and you can start to discover what works best for you. Even higher, would be two iTaste 3.0 with two Protank II's:
iTaste VV 3.0 - Variable Wattage Device - Pearl Chrome | Variable Voltage | MODS | iVAPE (use coupon code itastevv for 30% discount), and
Kanger Protank II mini - 101 Vape (use coupon code vaporjoes13 for discount).
Shop around, the prices are always changing up and down. I strongly recommend you get some 36 mg/ml juice for those "moments" when the cravings won't abate, some 24 mg/ml juice for all the time use, and keep your 18 mg/ml juice for evenings. Replacing the nicotine is actually pretty easy. What takes a bit is that the mechanism of absorption is different. Nic hitting the brain with analogs is about 5 seconds, vaping about 30 seconds. The difference is forever at first. However, some strong juice to start will allow your body to adapt to the different MOA that is vaping, and pretty soon, you can lower your nic level to suit you. Without strong enough gear and juice, at first, though, quitting smoking is a bear, for most of us. The right setup and juice was the key for me. Getting setup is a one-time cost of a carton or two, say two cartons with juice. Thereafter, cost drops dramatically to less than a carton a month for juice and replacement head/coils. Good luck, welcome to the Forum, power up and vape on!