Best Cigalike

[xOgrex]

I know, I know - I've read all the negatives about them but hear me out.

I've been a smoker for 30+ years. It's not the nicotine or the flavor - I enjoy the act itself. I've lost track of how many times I've quit (longest streak was 6 years) only to start again while on vacation or out with friends who smoke. I'm looking for something that will make me feel like I'm smoking but without the nicotine, flavor, or health risks. I figure a cigalike will give me the most "realistic" experience but I'm wondering if it's possible to use them only with water (basically making them a pocket humidifier). If anyone can offer some insight, advice, or reccomendations I would be very appreciative.

 

[Topwater Elvis]

Not using only water, especially not in a cig a like, way too thin & would just leak into the inhale actuated/auto fire mechanism then into the battery.
Some ratio of Pg/Vg is necessary, for the wicking material to be able to 'hold' the liquid & to produce vapor.

 

[djsvapour]

Cig-a-likes are mostly very poor indeed and cost way, way more than necessary. They are an undiluted profit machine aimed at people who want to replicate smoking but don't like the idea of a fully fledged vaporizer.
They won't work with water either, sadly although it was good idea and I like your way of thinking already!
I would recommend a refillable simple device or a refillable pod (or stealth) system, but beware the non-refillable pod systems - they are often a bad value price with extortionate running costs like the old cig-a-like junk sold with 1,500% increase between wholesale cost and retail price.

 

[Baditude]

I totally understand the original poster's perspective and rationale. He wants something that looks and feels like a cigarette.

However, as @djsvapour pointed out this type of setup will be doomed from the start. On paper they look great, but in real world practical use they mostly suck. Not only are they incredibly expensive in the long run, the battery life per charge and battery power is completely ineffective, and the liquid capacity is pathetic.

If you could compare a cigalike side by side with any other vaping device, you'd experience the difference immediately.

Many on this website began vaping with a cigalike. Most if not all probably wish that they had simply skipped that phase and started on a more advanced setup.

If you want to literally throw your money away and try one of these setups go right ahead. However, even a slight upgrade to a pod system would be much more recommended.

Good Starter Setups for a Beginner Vaper

* Water will not work in a cigalike. Cigalikes can not heat water to the temperature needed to create vapor.

 

[dsites]

I started with Vuse, went to V2, and now use an Innokin T18 (mostly). The 1st 2 are cigalikes which have the previously identified issues. With V2, you van adjust the nicotine level which is a big plus. You can get Vuse at many gas stations. There's nothing wrong with trying them .... it's just that a small step up will yield a much better result. Welcome to ECF and good luck!

 

[stols001]

If I could pick ONE cigalike, it would be the Juul honestly. My son got one and I vaped it and it was a rather decent vape, and I think the cartridges match the delivery (power) of the device, so the high nic salt content isn't a problem. To me it's the "best" cigalike in the sense that I'd actually be willing to vape it, after trying it.

I would NOT be happy paying for cartridges they are far from cheap and the pods are proprietary so it's unknown exactly what is in there and etc. I will ALSO note that my son who'd quit a sub0hm vape habit (3 nic, I believe) bought the Juul in a fit of stress (he is moving) and he is having a MUCH harder time trying to STOP than he did with sub0hm vaping, the pods are ungodly expensive but hard to refill with other juice which often isn't so satisfying, I see him struggling a LOT more, and I don't think all of it was "stress" I think some of it is what is in those pesky Juul cartridges, etc.

I'd say the Juul does well converting smokers... to the Juul and they cost a LOT and I mean a LOT. So if you have deep pockets and just want the "best" cigalike, well, that would be my vote.

I will also point out that it's the "best" for kicking the smoking habit, but kicking the juul habit, even if moving to another vape, may or may not be difficult, and you may WANT to at some point. So, there is THAT, and I do mention it as cautionary, and I'm hoping it IS stress not the Juul, although I guess time will tell.

That's kind of the good, bad, and ugly. I would not touch a different cigalike, not if you paid me. I took one puff of that Juul and was like, "Okay I don't know what's IN that, but I'd better not try it again." (LOL I was curious.) The vape was nothing like my vapes, and I DIY nic salts.

Good luck and welcome.

Anna

 

[lil_buddy]

You could start with one of these for $1 (+~$6 shipping)...
Get an amazing vaping Starter Kit for only $1!

Here are some threads about it (it is the same as the My Von Erl)
My Von Erl
My Von Erl--Blu

You gotta start somewhere, you may as well start cheap. You can refill the pods so you can experiment with flavors and nic strength to give you an idea of what you like before investing in pricier items

(No, water is not going to work)

 

[Grimwald]

I actually quit smoking with cigalikes (Smokeless Image and Halo). Found a slight upgrade to ego sized a little better. For a kr808d cigalike you might try the small tanks (mini tanks or Kanger T4) rather than cartos.

Nothing will work with straight water, but you can certainly use unflavored (some combo of PG/VG) and 0mg Nic.Or straight VG diluted with distilled water (still 90%+ VG).

 

[sonicbomb]

Cigalikes are truly a false economy. The form factor just isn't big enough to support the internals required to provide a good vape. However in my opinion the shape of the device is not really an important factor in providing a 'smoking' experience. Its the exhaling of smoke like vapor and the corresponding throat hit and mouth feel that really hits the spot and allows people to free themselves from tobacco.
Cigalikes very rarely provide this satisfactorily, and once you factor in their other disadvantages like poor battery life and low capacity they are a poor choice.

You are nearly there by making the choice to vape rather than smoke. Go the last nine yards and invest a few more dollars in a setup that's going to (hopefully) make you vape happy, rather than frustrated and reaching for another cigarette.

 

[gandymarsh]

Along with the other suggestions, you could take a look at an Ego Starter kit. They don't put out much vapor but they're better than a cigalike.

I found this on a Google search. EGO CE4 Vape Pen Starter Kit for E-Liquid (650mAh/1100mAh) Buy at least 2 so you can charge one while using the other.

 

[sonicbomb]

If I could pick ONE cigalike, it would be the Juul

I don't think the Juul qualifies as a cigalike.

 

[JanTee]

As someone who started on cigalikes a coons age ago, I can tell you the tech is far far superior now as far as the feeling of smoking goes. By that I mean nicotine delivery.

The cigalikes you can hold like a cig, produce vapour about equivalent to cig smoke and in the case of an automatic battery there is nothing to push so same hand to mouth action.

What I recommend is running down to your local gas station or tobacconist and find a cigalikes starter kit. In my neck of the woods they are about $20. Be sure it is refillable if it's not zero nic, it's been years since I've seen one but the ones I had were cartomizers, and we just popped the little rubber plug off the mouth end to add more juice.

Come home and take all the filler out of the carto. Wash under hot water well or we used to replace it with blue aquarium filter material. Then add vegetable glycerin and propelyene glycol from an online or local vape shop 50/50 for no flavour.

I'm certain you have heard there is no vape juice on planet earth that tastes like a cigarette. But there are some darned yummy tobacco juices that taste like unburned tobacco... kind of like how a cig smells before you burn it. The juices can be purchased in zero nic strength. Now they won't taste as bright and rich in a cigalike but they still taste very good if you like tobacco.

I recommend

Halo TriBeCa
Alien Visions Bobas Bounty
Or any from naked 100s line of net tobacco juices

I may have some cigalike stuff around, at least a box of new batteries, I think a travel charge case that's looks like a pack of smokes, not sure if I still have cartos left. But if the gas station ones work for you and I still have the stuff and it works I would be pleased to send it to you if it means you skip social smoking. They do wear out and won't last forever, but if the batteries are still good it would keep you in cigalikes for some time.

 

[JanTee]

Oh the other thing you might consider is the Eleaf icare and it's little battery backpack. It's cheap and cheerful, tiny and doesn't leak. I have one for stealthing. But it looks like a lighter not a cigarette. It's kind of the new cigalike, automatic battery, just put to your lips and drag... just remember in vaping it's a light slow inhale. Doesn't make a ton of vapour, doesn't get too hot. Easy to use and fill. Check out some YouTube reviews. If you can get over it doesn't look like a cigarette because vaping isn't smoking you might really love it.

 

[chellie]

I know, I know - I've read all the negatives about them but hear me out.

I've been a smoker for 30+ years. It's not the nicotine or the flavor - I enjoy the act itself. I've lost track of how many times I've quit (longest streak was 6 years) only to start again while on vacation or out with friends who smoke. I'm looking for something that will make me feel like I'm smoking but without the nicotine, flavor, or health risks. I figure a cigalike will give me the most "realistic" experience but I'm wondering if it's possible to use them only with water (basically making them a pocket humidifier). If anyone can offer some insight, advice, or recommendations I would be very appreciative.

There's nothing wrong with wanting something similar to cigarettes - I smoked for decades and started that way and so did many others. I enjoyed the act of smoking as well and, even now with a different setup I still vape a lot. As folks get more experienced there are many recommendations but I totally understand wanting to start with something similar to a traditional analog cigarette.

The Juul was mentioned and while the mechanics of it (or most any pod) would very likely satisfy you nicotine-wise -- it is not really like a cigarette. I started with Vuse - they can get expensive because I was able to go through 3 or 4 cartridges filters in a day and they did not taste that great.

I'd recommend Blu as a stepping stone. E-Cigs, Disposable Vape Pens & Vaping Kits | blu®

If you look at the second one - it is disposable. They are a little costly but you can try one for a day to see if you like it and how long it lasts you. If you do not feel you are really addicted to smoking, once it's empty it might still satisfy you just to hold it and puff on it. Then you can either stick with that or ....

- try the blu + - you can get a number of cigarette-like units that recharge in a pack so it really simulates a more traditional cigarette experience. Although I am not a huge fan of what we call Big Tobacco - I am for anything that gets you off analog cigarettes.

Once you get your feet wet -- you can move up to an all in one -- which is much better overall - mechanically and taste wise and cost-wise and....and just a little thicker but different and then from there, the possibilities are just about limitless.

I started slow -- slow and steady and keep moving up the vaping chain.

Good luck

 

[Philabos]

I started with the Endura T18, cheap and is about the size of a cigar, so not exactly cig alike. Plenty of online stores sell them. Coils are flavorful and long lasting. I actually have to keep a record of when I changed so I didn't go more than about 2 weeks. Also second the Tribeca suggestion for juice. Not so cheap but will satisfy the cig appeal.

Good luck.

 

[classwife]

I know, I know - I've read all the negatives about them but hear me out.

I've been a smoker for 30+ years. It's not the nicotine or the flavor - I enjoy the act itself. I've lost track of how many times I've quit (longest streak was 6 years) only to start again while on vacation or out with friends who smoke. I'm looking for something that will make me feel like I'm smoking but without the nicotine, flavor, or health risks. I figure a cigalike will give me the most "realistic" experience but I'm wondering if it's possible to use them only with water (basically making them a pocket humidifier). If anyone can offer some insight, advice, or reccomendations I would be very appreciative.

sigh...Y'all need to read what OP is actually asking about...


Welcome to ECF !
No, just water won't work with any e-cig.
You could go with a non-flavored mix of PG and VG (Propelyne Glycol and Vegetable Glycerine) which would give you some vapor without nicotine or flavorings.
You could go with a Joye 510 type for the cigalike look and feel.

 

[BrotherBob]

I know, I know - I've read all the negatives about them but hear me out.
I've been a smoker for 30+ years. It's not the nicotine or the flavor - I enjoy the act itself. I've lost track of how many times I've quit (longest streak was 6 years) only to start again while on vacation or out with friends who smoke. I'm looking for something that will make me feel like I'm smoking but without the nicotine, flavor, or health risks. I figure a cigalike will give me the most "realistic" experience but I'm wondering if it's possible to use them only with water (basically making them a pocket humidifier). If anyone can offer some insight, advice, or reccomendations I would be very appreciative.

Welcome and glad you joined.
Could check these manufacturer's, I'm not sure if you can order refill cartridges with unflavored e liquid for their Cig a likes. Might have to contact supplier and ask.
https://www.ecigology.com/best-e-cigarettes/
As to refilling the cartridges* yourself with unflavored, a good idea. Suggest you start out with a 50/50 mix of PG and VG. Could get higher VG content by ordering 60,70 VG, but I would not recommend these to start. VG is thicker (more viscous) and can lead to slower wicking which can cause the wick to burn (among other possible problems).
* You may have a problem finding a cig a like that will allow you to fill their cartridge, I suspect most manufacturer's make their profit by selling their nic and flavors.
re: http://www.ecigexpress.com/diy-e-li...g-vg-mix/pg-vg-50-50-mix-usp-select-size.html
PG VG 30/70 Mix USP

 

[djsvapour]

T

I'd recommend Blu as a stepping stone. E-Cigs, Disposable Vape Pens & Vaping Kits | blu®

Blu are the tobacco company that supported (and helped achieve) the Europeans laws on vaping which have virtually destroyed vaping as we knew it.
Just so you know... 700+ million people disadvantaged by the like of Blu and their greed.
Otherwise, I kind of agree.

 

[djsvapour]

Might have to contact supplier and ask.
https://www.ecigology.com/best-e-cigarettes/

ecigology is a shill site. They are only interested in recommending the brands that pay them highest commission.

 

[JerL]

I get coupons for Mark 10, one coupon is for a starter kit for $2.00 the other is for a package of 2 refills for $2.00. I bought one out of curiosity. Wasn’t the best flavor and not the worst. However the draw was good just like a cigarette and the fact you can just buy new refills is a good idea.