Want to try e-cig, but don't know where to start.

[Jemima]

hi everyone,

I've been sat here reading for about 3 hours now and I think I'm just getting myself more and more confused.

I'm a happy "analogue" smoker at the moment, unfortunately hubby isn't a happy "analogue" 2nd hand smoker. Now we have just moved into a new house, I think the time has come to at least give it a go. As I don't actually want to quit I don't think the patches, gum etc would be much use to me and I thought the e-cig may be a better option.

Unfortunately I'm not really sure where to start with choice and what extras I'd need. I don't quite understand all the lingo and abbreviations just yet (I think that's why I'm getting myself more confused). So I was hoping if I could tell you what my habits are now maybe you could recommend what route to take.

At the moment I smoke about 25-30 Regal cigarettes a day, which can easily go onto 40 on a night out. Regal are 0.9mg nicotine content. I'm mostly at home during the week, and out and about at the weekend, sometimes for over 12 hours. So I guess I will need something that will last a few hours at a rate of 40 a day. (cant charge a battery halfway up a hill lol)

Most people seem to be using/recommending the Riva, and i have read the posts about if u want a proper e-cig don't get one that looks like a cig lol. I think I would prefer practical over aesthetics, I'd much rather get the one that's going to work for me rather than look "real". I do quite like the idea of the red end lighting up when you take a drag though. But I'm not sure I want something that looks cigar sized either, unless again, that's the most practical for me to use.

So as u can probably tell for my little ramble there, I'm very much new to the concept of the e-cig and any help you can offer me would be hugely appreciated.

Price at the moment isn't a huge obstacle, hubby is desperate for something to buy me for my birthday lol. Although a link to an American site, which my friend gave me, where the starter kit cost over 500 usd would prob be pushing it a little. but I guess anything less or around the £100 mark would be acceptable to him.

Again, thank you for taking a look at my thread and any advice/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Jemima

[Dell]

Any of the Riva kits would be fine Jemima. Get the one with two batteries as your probably gonna need the two if ur out all day.

Riva's are the same as the Ego and Tornado Batteries so them kits are fine too.

One, two battery kit and a couple of bottles of e-juice should be all you need to get you started. Get the smaller bottles of juice to start with ( 5-10mls ) That way ypu can try them for cheap.

Be prepared to make another order for juice a few days later if you're getting on well with it.

FWIW I didn't wanna give up smoking either lol I just found e-cigs by accident and found that I preferred them. It's now nearly a year since I smoked.

This site has a recommended list of suppliers. I one's I've tried ( that's most off them ) have all been helpful and given me great service. here's a link for you:

allaboute-cigarettes.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=newmembers&thread=1148&page=1#23191

Good luck on making the switch and welcome to this friendly forum

[Jemima]

hi Dell

Thanks for a speedy reply, now here come the questions lol.

Apart from not understanding which accessories I need, I don't really understand the juice thing either. If what I smoke now is 0.9mg a cig, then how do I work out what strength I need on the juice?

I guess a lot of my questions will only be answerable by myself once i get my cig, taste, strength etc. But is there a type of cartridge I should be going for to last longer while I'm out of the house or will I be refilling in the taxi?

[Dell]

No worries Jemima - If you got questions then just fire away there are plenty here that can and will help you out

Well if you buy a kit it will come with everything you need to get you started with the exception of juice - some have juice some do not. You'll need about 10mls of juice to get you started so if the kit hasn't got any then get some to go with it. You may wish to purchase a bottle or two even if it has so you can pick a flavour you like the sound of.

They are many different types of Atomisers and atomiser accessories out there depending on your particular requirements, but my advice would be to get a kit, get used to vaping, see if you like it, then go from there. Of course you can ask questions on here to help you along the way

As for your juice strength I would recommend starting at 18 or 24mg which is a medium to high strength that should satisfy your nic requirements as a moderate smoker. You can then adjust you nic strength either up or down from there according to your needs.

Do not worry that the nic strength of the juice seems to be vastly different from the nic strength of your normal ciggies. The two mg strengths ( ie the mg in your juice and the mg strength of your ciggies ) should not be the same.

Some people use a cartomiser which is and atty ( atomiser ) and a cart ( cartridge ) all in one unit these require less filling and are good for use in the car on long journeys etc.

As you will be ordering some more juice after a few days I would suggest looking into these whilst getting use to vaping in your first few days. Then you can add a couple to your second order if you feel the need.

hope all that helps - any more questions then just fire away.

[VE Jason]

Hi Jemima and welcome

Dell has given you the basics and there are quite a few videos on Youtube that can also help.

Here is a video of the Riva:



There is a basic guide with pictures here:

allaboute-cigarettes.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=newmembers&thread=2349&page=1#54694

With regard to e-liquid, I would also go with a medium strength to start with and don't buy in large quantities until you find a flavour you like.

It's not as complicated as it first appears

[deesigner]

Hi Jemima, a huge welcome from me too.

I was very much like yourself, never thought I'd stop smoking, never really wanted to. I found ecigs and have never looked back. I've been vaping for over a year now and thanks to all the wonderful people on this forum have managed to navigate my aging brain around the minefield of accessories

The advice you've been given is excellent, you can't go far wrong with a Riva kit and you'll soon find an eliquid that you like

[Deleted]

Yeah welcome Jemima....

Be aware of the symptoms of nicotine overdose....that way you can start high and work down...

I'm a newbie vaper and on 30mg/ml but you might need less/more. Know one newbie vaper who was on 36mg/ml...it all depends on ml inhaled v. mg from cigarettes...

I work it out as approx 1/3 mg/ml inhaled x ml vaped per day..

Find that a pretty good calculation (after my formulae about how to dilute pre flavoured juice do I sound like a geek? LOL)....

Stock up on glycerine too whilst ya at it - just in case. Should only cost you a few dollars from the drug store.... (it's used for constipation if you have probs finding it)...

Hope that helps

joh

[hifistud]

On juice strength, I'd go for 36mg and a small bottle of Dr Oetker's glycerine - if you find 36mg too high, cut it with some glycerine and you'll be fine. For me, there's no point in kicking off with 11mg and finding it's too weak...

As for a device that requires minimal fuss to keep going out and about, look at the eGo/Tornado tank systems as a starter kit. They are a great starting point - my neighbour is ordering his kit even as I type this, after borrowing one of my wife's for a week...

Jul 12, 2011 1:41:10 GMT Jemima said:

hi Dell

Thanks for a speedy reply, now here come the questions lol.

Apart from not understanding which accessories I need, I don't really understand the juice thing either. If what I smoke now is 0.9mg a cig, then how do I work out what strength I need on the juice?

I guess a lot of my questions will only be answerable by myself once i get my cig, taste, strength etc. But is there a type of cartridge I should be going for to last longer while I'm out of the house or will I be refilling in the taxi?

[Chrissie]

Hello & welcome Jemima

Do check out the links that Jason @ post #4 posted as they will help you understand the basics

No need to spend anything like $500 to get you started - £50.00 should get you set up with a good starter kit & some juice

[collie2011]

Hi Jemima,

You've had some amazing advice already. The Riva is always a good starter point and a lot of people on here started with them. I think you can now get higher capacity batteries that will last you longer too.

They have Riva's here: www.liberty-flights.co.uk/product.asp?id=78 and there is a discount code in the suppliers section too.

This one has the XL batteries with it and they also do a pick and mix so you can try out a few flavours: www.freedomvape.co.uk/shop/article_2001-001/Riva-510-Starter-Kit-(1100-XL-batteries).html?shop_param=cid%3D2%26aid%3D2001-001%26

[Jemima]

Wow more fantastic replys, thanks again everyone

I think I'm starting to get my head around all the different options available (did I sound convincing then lol?)

@ johanino - I have no idea what the symptons of overdose are.

What does the glycerine do?

I was telling a friend of mine today that i had been asking for some advice on how to do this, and what was being reccomended. She would like to try mine when i choose one

[VE Jason]

The Glycerine is a dilutant Jemima and it also helps to produce the vapour.

You can use it to 'weaken' the strength of the liquid, but should remember that it will also reduce the flavour.

[bel]

Hello and welcome Jemima, i was in the same postion as u, didnt want to give up but hubby hated it, he did all the homework on the e-cigs for me as he knew i wouldn't bother

Best thing he ever did, i went from 20 a day to zero in about a month, still can't believe it myself but it worked lol!

Good luck and welcome to the happy world of vapers

[collie2011]

If you start getting a bit light headed or tingly lips or ears then you might need to put your e-cig down lol. Glycerin is found on the baking aisle in your supermarket and will dilute down a liquid that is too strong for you but as Jason has said it will affect the flavour.

[Chrissie]

Jemima, links to some good offers on the Riva 510 -

Full kit including wall & USB charger, longer lasting 1100 mAh batteries plus 10ml of juice
www.freedomvape.co.uk/shop/article_2001-001/Riva-510-Starter-Kit-%281100-XL-batteries%29.html?shop_param=cid%3D2%26aid%3D2001-001%26

Similar kit (without the juice) use discount code allabout for 10% off
www.vapeescape.co.uk/riva-1100-kit~151

The Light bundle here is cheaper especially using discount code ECR69 for 15% off. However, no wall charger & smaller batteries -
www.liberty-flights.co.uk/product.asp?id=78

All of the above suppliers sell good e-liquid but my favourite e-liquids are from Paradise Vapes (not tried Griz juices being sold by vape escape yet)
paradisevapeuk.vstore.ca/index.php/cName/ejuice