Hello everyone!
I've been lurking in the forum for about a year and decided to finally register. I've learned so much from this forum, so a big Thank You to all of you that are so helpful.
I've been curious about electronic cigarettes for a couple of years, and last summer a family friend turned up with a Smoov. I was impressed! Not only did it feel a lot like smoking, but I had no idea there were so many delicious flavors. I immediately ordered some basic supplies from Smoov, and then quickly discovered Juicy Vapor and proceeded to go nuts sampling flavors.
I'd like to take a moment and share some of the things I learned over the past year in hopes of helping newcomers. There's a bit of a learning curve with so much new terminology, advice, instructions, gear, etc. that it can be quite confusing and overwhelming at first. Thanks to this forum, and youtube, I was soon on my way. If you are feeling overwhelmed like I was at first, don't give up! You'll get there. Google and YouTube are your friends. Do a lot of reading and watch some videos.
[Edit: This turned out to be quite long... lol! But hopefully there's some advice in here for newcomers that can learn from my mistakes and successes.]
A little background so you know where I was starting from: My goal was to quit smoking analog cigarettes for health reasons, and to eventually give up nicotine all together. I'm forty, and have been smoking since I was 13. I was a pack a day smoker all that time but managed to cut down to a half pack a day prior to ordering my initial batch of supplies. I smoke Winston Lights.
I didn't want to make a huge investment at first because I wasn't sure if it was something I could stick with. I opted not to get a $60 starter kit PLUS additional supplies. That would have been around $100 with shipping. From Smoov, I purchased a single 78mm battery kit, 5 pack of cartomizers, and Johnson's Creek - Red Oak - 6 sample pack. All together it was $52. The reason I mention this is because my Aunt went nuts and bought a pricey starter kit, multiple packs of cartomizers, and one of each of Smoov's eliquid. It was well over $300. Exactly 3 weeks later, she gave up and decided she didn't like it at all. Start simply to see if you like it or not.
BTW, I ordered a white battery and yellow cartomizers with tobacco-flavored liquids. I thought if everything looked like, felt like, tasted like a cigarette it would help to trick my brain into thinking it was the real deal. I really do think this helped me.
I immediately loved the experience and quickly discovered that a single battery wasn't going to cut it (it didn't last all day), so I bought another one and a wall adapter. Sure, I could have got the complete kit to begin with, but again I was trying to determine if I would like it or not. Had I not liked it, I was only out $52 (instead of $300+ like my Aunt!)
The only flavors from Johnson's Creek that I liked in my sample back were Domestic and Wisconsin Frost. It's true what everyone says about the mints and menthols... even if you are not a menthol smoker, you might be surprised to learn you like them! (I'll write some juice review as soon as I get my 5 posts in...) The Red Oak division of Johnson's Creek is a full VG blend, which makes it very thick and it will kill your cartomizers quickly. I now use juices that are a blend of PG/VG - the best of both worlds, in my opinion.
I burned through cartomizers quickly and ruined a battery in the beginning because I wasn't quite sure what I was doing - but that's ok - it's a learning process! I wasn't keeping my cartomizers properly topped-off, so they burned out and tasted awful, and I was cleaning my battery with rubbing alcohol. I still will occasionally wipe down the outside of the battery when they get a little sticky, but stay away from the screw end! I inadvertently dripped alcohol inside the battery and it was ruined. Learn how to properly care for your gear. Now, if I baby my cartomizer, I can came make one last for a full 2-3 weeks. If you're on a budget (like I am), you can indeed clean out and reuse your cartomizers. Again, a little trial and error, and you'll figure out what works best for you. Personally, I prefer the turkey baster method and have experimented dying them in the oven during this past winter. They dry a lot quicker in the summer without the aid of the oven. Consult this forum and YouTube for all sorts of information.
Within one month I was down to 3-4 analog cigarettes per day. Four months after that, I was really, REALLY tired of constantly swapping out and charging my batteries. I'd forget and be without. I was also tired of cleaning and buying new cartomizers. I still was not ready, or confident enough to upgrade to a 510 system. So, I poked around the Smoov website some more and discovered the passthrough. Bloody genius invention!! I use the passthrough exclusively around the house, either plugged into the computer, or via a wall adapter in the living room, etc.
Around this time is when Smoov came out with their mini cartomizers. I bought 5. Overall, I think they're a step up from cartomizers and I've been very happy with them. I used all 5 of them with various flavors for at least a month with no problems whatsoever. I was a little nervous to clean them, but it was super easy. One out of the 5 simply would no longer produce good vapor after the initial cleaning. I tried a couple more suggestions, but finally tossed it. Over the course of a few months I've cleaned them several times. The plastic started to crack on another one around the topper, but it was still functional. Two of them eventually began leaking and the cracked one finally broke. Fast forward a few months, and there is one lone survivor of the bunch that still works! Not a bad performance at all out of these little guys. I highly recommend them, however I only use these around the house. The tops don't stay on very well and I don't want them leaking all over my purse (or pocket), so I still use cartomizers on the go.
A quick note about juice... I started with 24mg but this was too much for me. It made me nauseous and light headed. I backed-off to 18mg, but did not feel satisfied. Juicy Vapor has 20mg available and this seems to be perfect for me. I did a lot of research in the beginning and came to the conclusion that nicotine itself may not be much worse that caffeine (it's all the other junk they put in cigarettes that's the main problem), but I'm I would still like to taper down the strength, eventually.
My adventure with Smoov products, and 808 in general, has been about a year in the making. I've been pretty darn happy with everything I've tried in the past several months. If you're feeling overwhelmed, or don't know where to start, I'd give 'em a try - I think you'll be happy with your choice.
Since it's been a year, just about all my equipment needs to be replaced and I will now be upgrading to 510. I've decided to go with Joyetech eGo. Mainly because it comes in pink. Just joking... sort of... I'm also going to begin making my own juice. I spent the entire day yesterday reading this forum (thanks again!) to come up with a plan. I have experience with soap making, so I'm use to the measurements, calculators, syringes, pipettes, etc. In soap making you weigh your ingredients, so juice making actually seems a little easier to me. Famous last words, right?... we'll see! I placed an EPIC order last night and am excited to give it a try. I'll post about that soon, but will try my best not to make that entry so long!
Good luck with your electronic cigarette adventure, and stuck with it. You'll be glad you did!
PS My most favorite thing about electronic cigarettes? Being able to watch TV in bed and smoke!!! I haven't allowed any smoking in the house for over 10 years, so this is quite a revelation! I live in the Pacific NW, and the weather here is iffy at best, so I'm extremely happy that I don't have to go outside anymore to smoke. Hallelujah!
I've been lurking in the forum for about a year and decided to finally register. I've learned so much from this forum, so a big Thank You to all of you that are so helpful.
I've been curious about electronic cigarettes for a couple of years, and last summer a family friend turned up with a Smoov. I was impressed! Not only did it feel a lot like smoking, but I had no idea there were so many delicious flavors. I immediately ordered some basic supplies from Smoov, and then quickly discovered Juicy Vapor and proceeded to go nuts sampling flavors.
I'd like to take a moment and share some of the things I learned over the past year in hopes of helping newcomers. There's a bit of a learning curve with so much new terminology, advice, instructions, gear, etc. that it can be quite confusing and overwhelming at first. Thanks to this forum, and youtube, I was soon on my way. If you are feeling overwhelmed like I was at first, don't give up! You'll get there. Google and YouTube are your friends. Do a lot of reading and watch some videos.
[Edit: This turned out to be quite long... lol! But hopefully there's some advice in here for newcomers that can learn from my mistakes and successes.]
A little background so you know where I was starting from: My goal was to quit smoking analog cigarettes for health reasons, and to eventually give up nicotine all together. I'm forty, and have been smoking since I was 13. I was a pack a day smoker all that time but managed to cut down to a half pack a day prior to ordering my initial batch of supplies. I smoke Winston Lights.
I didn't want to make a huge investment at first because I wasn't sure if it was something I could stick with. I opted not to get a $60 starter kit PLUS additional supplies. That would have been around $100 with shipping. From Smoov, I purchased a single 78mm battery kit, 5 pack of cartomizers, and Johnson's Creek - Red Oak - 6 sample pack. All together it was $52. The reason I mention this is because my Aunt went nuts and bought a pricey starter kit, multiple packs of cartomizers, and one of each of Smoov's eliquid. It was well over $300. Exactly 3 weeks later, she gave up and decided she didn't like it at all. Start simply to see if you like it or not.
BTW, I ordered a white battery and yellow cartomizers with tobacco-flavored liquids. I thought if everything looked like, felt like, tasted like a cigarette it would help to trick my brain into thinking it was the real deal. I really do think this helped me.
I immediately loved the experience and quickly discovered that a single battery wasn't going to cut it (it didn't last all day), so I bought another one and a wall adapter. Sure, I could have got the complete kit to begin with, but again I was trying to determine if I would like it or not. Had I not liked it, I was only out $52 (instead of $300+ like my Aunt!)
The only flavors from Johnson's Creek that I liked in my sample back were Domestic and Wisconsin Frost. It's true what everyone says about the mints and menthols... even if you are not a menthol smoker, you might be surprised to learn you like them! (I'll write some juice review as soon as I get my 5 posts in...) The Red Oak division of Johnson's Creek is a full VG blend, which makes it very thick and it will kill your cartomizers quickly. I now use juices that are a blend of PG/VG - the best of both worlds, in my opinion.
I burned through cartomizers quickly and ruined a battery in the beginning because I wasn't quite sure what I was doing - but that's ok - it's a learning process! I wasn't keeping my cartomizers properly topped-off, so they burned out and tasted awful, and I was cleaning my battery with rubbing alcohol. I still will occasionally wipe down the outside of the battery when they get a little sticky, but stay away from the screw end! I inadvertently dripped alcohol inside the battery and it was ruined. Learn how to properly care for your gear. Now, if I baby my cartomizer, I can came make one last for a full 2-3 weeks. If you're on a budget (like I am), you can indeed clean out and reuse your cartomizers. Again, a little trial and error, and you'll figure out what works best for you. Personally, I prefer the turkey baster method and have experimented dying them in the oven during this past winter. They dry a lot quicker in the summer without the aid of the oven. Consult this forum and YouTube for all sorts of information.
Within one month I was down to 3-4 analog cigarettes per day. Four months after that, I was really, REALLY tired of constantly swapping out and charging my batteries. I'd forget and be without. I was also tired of cleaning and buying new cartomizers. I still was not ready, or confident enough to upgrade to a 510 system. So, I poked around the Smoov website some more and discovered the passthrough. Bloody genius invention!! I use the passthrough exclusively around the house, either plugged into the computer, or via a wall adapter in the living room, etc.
Around this time is when Smoov came out with their mini cartomizers. I bought 5. Overall, I think they're a step up from cartomizers and I've been very happy with them. I used all 5 of them with various flavors for at least a month with no problems whatsoever. I was a little nervous to clean them, but it was super easy. One out of the 5 simply would no longer produce good vapor after the initial cleaning. I tried a couple more suggestions, but finally tossed it. Over the course of a few months I've cleaned them several times. The plastic started to crack on another one around the topper, but it was still functional. Two of them eventually began leaking and the cracked one finally broke. Fast forward a few months, and there is one lone survivor of the bunch that still works! Not a bad performance at all out of these little guys. I highly recommend them, however I only use these around the house. The tops don't stay on very well and I don't want them leaking all over my purse (or pocket), so I still use cartomizers on the go.
A quick note about juice... I started with 24mg but this was too much for me. It made me nauseous and light headed. I backed-off to 18mg, but did not feel satisfied. Juicy Vapor has 20mg available and this seems to be perfect for me. I did a lot of research in the beginning and came to the conclusion that nicotine itself may not be much worse that caffeine (it's all the other junk they put in cigarettes that's the main problem), but I'm I would still like to taper down the strength, eventually.
My adventure with Smoov products, and 808 in general, has been about a year in the making. I've been pretty darn happy with everything I've tried in the past several months. If you're feeling overwhelmed, or don't know where to start, I'd give 'em a try - I think you'll be happy with your choice.
Since it's been a year, just about all my equipment needs to be replaced and I will now be upgrading to 510. I've decided to go with Joyetech eGo. Mainly because it comes in pink. Just joking... sort of...
I'm also going to begin making my own juice. I spent the entire day yesterday reading this forum (thanks again!) to come up with a plan. I have experience with soap making, so I'm use to the measurements, calculators, syringes, pipettes, etc. In soap making you weigh your ingredients, so juice making actually seems a little easier to me. Famous last words, right?... we'll see! I placed an EPIC order last night and am excited to give it a try. I'll post about that soon, but will try my best not to make that entry so long! Good luck with your electronic cigarette adventure, and stuck with it. You'll be glad you did!
PS My most favorite thing about electronic cigarettes? Being able to watch TV in bed and smoke!!! I haven't allowed any smoking in the house for over 10 years, so this is quite a revelation! I live in the Pacific NW, and the weather here is iffy at best, so I'm extremely happy that I don't have to go outside anymore to smoke. Hallelujah!
