Most dependable and consistent E-Cig to get my wife to help her stop smoking

[lostsole]

Hi Everyone,

Back in 2007 I bought an E-Cig for my wife to help her quit smoking. This was back when they were just coming on the scene, at least here in the states. Problem was, whatever brand we bought back then worked great for a few hours and then you could not get it to vaporize worth a poop. I asked the company to send us a new one that worked and same problem. So, my wife became cynical and stopped using it.

Fast forward to now, I hoped the technology has improved a great deal. So, for a very conservative woman that loves her smokes (Marlboro Ultra Lite) what would you veterans recommend that would perform the following:

1. Consistent easy to drag smoke that just works long term.
2. Has the look and feel generally of a regular cigarette (if possible, but #1 is more important)
3. Affordable
4. Also, what cartridges to get that you feel "at first" would be best to emulate flavor of Marlboro Ultra Lites? Once she is used to that, then she can try other flavors.
5. Overall simplicity of use, cleaning, etc.

I've been reading through the forums but the volume of info is overwhelming to get a good summary of the above. I hope a few of you can just paint a successful path for her to try?

Thanks a ton for any help!

 

[Sgt.Taz]

I started out with a mall kit and found the same issues. I switched to the Joye 510 (or any brand of 510 with manual battery)
I wound up buying a kit that had 3 complete setups. Buying my wife the pink one so she'd want to pick it up and use it
The reason for the manual battery is that you will get the most enjoyment out of it from the beginning. The auto's tend to need a bigger draw and make you feel like just going back to smoking. "quote from my wife" Flavoring is hard to get right for everyone. there is no cover all and everyone has different taste so from my experience and the wife's, we liked the Johnson Creek original for the Marlboro type flavor we got from it. My kit was from "Zig Cigs" and the pre-filled that came with it called MLB were spot on for my Marlboro lights. I'm not advocating any particular brand or seller just giving you what was working for us until we broke that first week of quitting. Hope this helps! Good Luck.

 

[Java_Az]

I think your going to want to go with either a 510 model or a eGo model. The 510 is more like a cigarette and a bit more affordable then the eGo. The down side to the 510 is battery life as most will have to charge them quite a bit threw out the day. The eGo is bigger and not cigarette like as the battery is larger but it does last a long time between charges. Also the Ego kits cost a bit more, but are worth it for most due to the battery life. As far as finding something like marlboro there are juices out there that are named after it. But most people will say it does not taste like one. But for starters i would try some it might be close enough. As far as simplicity and cleaning all in one the way to go would be cartomizers which is a atomizer and cartridge all in one. You can just throw them away after using so nothing to clean. Although using them might not be the most affordable it for sure would be the easiest. Hope this helps narrow it down for you.

 

[uba egar320]

I look at it like buying the right tool for the job. Something that is going to last day in and day out and always work. I have to mention the screwdriver MKII from Totally Wicked for this reason. Never lets me down. Now on the other hand, I got my cousin to buy a protege from Puresmoker and she ended up not using it because she didn't like messing with juice and atomizers. So maybe get her something with a cartomizer on it. I don't have one, but lots of folks on ecf like the ego. Maybe ask someone that chimes in if they work good with cartomizers. That way she should be good for most of the day as far as liquid and batteries go.

 

[jopo]

I have to say, I'm very happy with my 510. I have thought about a eGo, but at this point I want to stay with something closer in size to a 'normal' cig. Definitely go with a manual battery. They are sealed so you won't end up frying your batt if juice gets in! Doesn't take long to get used to pushing the button. Get a PCC to charge on the go. I personally am still searching for just the right juice but, am happy with what I have received from Johnson Creek. Some of the people on here are a lot more experienced than I am and will steer you towards some of the bigger 'fancier' units. My understanding is that she is looking for something more like a traditional cig in size and dependability. So I would highly recommend a 510. Stick to the basics, you can always 'upgrade' later!

 

[hiram13pm]

My boss bought his wife an eGo on my recommendation... she was just going to use it to "cut down" on analogs, not quit. Last week (about 6 weeks after she got it), she admitted to me, "well, yeah, I haven't had a marlboro in about 3 days."

Heh. Everytime I see her, she's clutching it like a teddy bear.

I use a 510 myself, also an excellent choice. Plus, when I get an eGo, my carts and attys will "transfer over", so to speak.

 

[markfm]

One of the KR808D-1 kits gets you the cigarette form factor, decent battery life (though XL 808 batteries run much longer, they're also physically longer), a simple design -- 2 pieces, the battery and the cartomizer (carto, a combined juice-holding cartridge and atomizer, in something that looks like the filter of a cigarette).

I've bought from vapor4life (V4L) and nhaler, good service from both of them -- they are registered forum suppliers. Their starter kits run $45 after their 10% codes (smilin and saveinnj). There are a couple of places offering basic 808 starter kits at $30 right now -- see:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...e-shipping-all-orders-analog-alternative.html
and
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...119517-808-kits-ultra-cartos-accessories.html

I use an 808 myself, it really is easy. The simplest approach is to stick with two piece, and use pre-filled cartos -- I personally like my own juices, and pre-filleds aren't the cheapest way to go, but it's not that bad, and certainly keeps it simple (all you do is pop in a new carto when the old one stops producing vapor, and put the batteries in the charger when they start to flash)

For flavors, that's hugely subjective. I thought V4L's Cowboy was pretty good (it's available in both their Premium and Wow pre-filled carts), though others clearly like other things. Their Kamel has much more of a throat hit, stronger flavor.

You'll probably want a 12 mg nicotine strength e-liquid -- possibly need an 8, possibly an 18. If you can, try a couple of different strengths, and a couple of flavors. Particularly early on it's good to have a bit of the higher strength for "trigger points".

(There are many juices available out there, and people quickly start to experiment, seeing what works for them. The big thing is to take the first step and start switching over.)

If you go with one of the $30 class kits I referenced earlier, want to do one-stop shopping, buy some of whatever pre-filled cartomizers they have that are called USA tobacco flavored -- that's normally generic.

There's often a choice of automatic vs. manual batteries -- the automatic are closest to classic smoking, in that you just draw on them, while the manuals have a tiny button on the side that you push to turn the battery on. I use both -- there are times when I don't want to think about pushing a button, other times when it's a don't-care. The manual lets you activate the battery before inhaling, so the vapor is ready for you as soon as you inhale, while the automatic can be used hands-free (I use it mowing the lawn, driving, etc.)

You'll likely see many other suggestions -- this is just one opinion.

 

[Taxidermist]

If you decide to go with a 510 Kit which seems like is what you are asking for I would consider going with a "Mega" battery for the 510 which is 280mAh as opposed to the 180mAh that comes in many kits. The 510 will feel closer to a cigarette and the larger battery will take her through most of the day. I agree when it comes to her starting with cartomizers. I'm thinking that she would like that better. If you/she wouldn't mind refilling them they wouldn't cost to much.

As far as flavor goes....I'm a believer that not many liquids will taste exactly the same as what someone smoked in the past but I do believe that there are ALOT of flavors that she would like BETTER! and that's the key. If you get a few flavors from a good vendor here such as FreedomSmokesUSA.com or Good Prophets or some many others here, just pick the ones she likes best and it becomes easier to forget the old flavor of Marlboro lights.

Here is a picture of the battery I was referring to: Joye 510 MEGA Manual Switch Battery

 

[cskent]

As others have said, the 510 is a great starter unit. It's inexpensive and works. Another popular one is the Kr808. Both are about the size of a 100 cig. Either can be had in a starter kit for around $35. If you want you can get either with a manual battery that has a push button to activate it, or an automatic that activates when you draw on it. Most people start out wanting an automatic, but most experienced vapers use manuals. They're more reliable and offer more control. There's no flavor of juice that tastes like burning tobacco. I found that a rather neutral flavor such as USA mix or Parmal was ok to start with. More robust tobacco flavors are kind of strong flavored such as 555, Kamel or Desert Ship, RY4 can get a bit overwhelming. Mostly what I wanted was throat hit (TH), the feeling of the smoke being inhaled. Most of the cheap Dekang juices (~ $4) will give that to you. If you order a better quality juice you can often specify the level of PG, which will give a better TH. If you get a decent unit and a few of basic juices in various strengths (12mg, 18,mg, 24mg) you'll probably find that it works pretty well. I got my first starter kit a few months ago and have only smoke 3 cig's since, and they were just to see what it was like. I won't go back to them.

 

[BiancaMontgomery]

Closest I got to actual smoking was using a 510 auto battery with a 510 cartomizer that I filled myself with e-liquid that had a good amount (30%) of VG in it. After the carto got warmed up, it was very much like smoking a "light" cigarette and got me through the cravings. I've moved on to an eGo and 3.7v and 5v box mods (I got sick of constantly charging batteries), but that 510 set up really did the trick for a long time for me. Best wishes!!

 

[justincase]

I would like to chime in with my
I would agree that the Kr808D-1 is a very good choice. It is very simple. Just 2 pieces.
The battery, and the cartomizer (filter).
I don't have any experience with a 3 piece kit, like the 501 and such, but I have read on here that there can be a huge learning curve with those, and there is a lot of tinkering that can be necessary to get it to work. That idea alone is what caused me to go with the Kr8 model.
As already stated, as soon as my vapor production starts to taper off, I just screw on a new "filter" (cartomizer) and that's all I need to do. Of course, keeping the batteries charged is also a good thing!
I am sure that most vendors offer you a choice of flavor when purchasing a kit. I bought mine from Vapor4Life and they have what they call Tobacco Sampler and it comes with 5 different tobacco flavors that may help you find the one that is right for you without having to buy a bunch of different ones right off the bat.
Good luck.
Please keep us posted on what you decide, and more importantly, how she likes it!

 

[AtomPunk]

I agree, go with the 510 Mega battery. At least until she gets used to using a PV. After that you can move up to the Ego battery or something larger that doesn't feel like a cigarette. Also, keep any of the cartomizers that you use up. Once she gets going, you can use the ones you saved and fill them with your own liquid. It will make it a little more cost effective without having to have her try and fill them right away.

I would contact one of the reputable vendors that are here on the forums and ask them their recommendations for flavor for your wife. They are all very nice people and would be happy to help you out.

 

[Pav]

Cartomizers are the way to go imo. A 2 piece design will have a cartomizer screwed onto a battery. That's it. I like the KR808 cartomizers (vapor 4 life, cigeasy, vapornine are a few suppliers). Some like the 510 with cartomizers as well.

I liked the KR808 that replicated the feel of a cigarette and still use those batteries sometimes. I moved up to the Elegant (cigeasy) or Defender (vapornine) and love it. It's just a bigger battery that is still compatible with KR808 cartomizers. Holds a charge much longer and charges much faster. You can still hold it in one hand but it feels more like a cigar than a cigarette.

 

[lostsole]

Wow, what a ton of excellent responses so quickly! You guys are great!

I will start reading about the main options you have recommended.

I know my wife will prefer to use something more like a cigarette initially, so I will look into those options some of you mentioned first. She is, as I said, very conservative. Although perhaps I can convince her to try something like the Screwdriver or other high end units only at home, but she would not use something like that in her car at lunch from work. Thanks for the recommends on the most "Marlboroish" liquids as well.

I'm curious to see one actually work for a long time. We really got frustrated back in 07.

Great forum!

 

[keyzygirl]

I am a woman,I am a wife and mother................The Kr808 from Vapor4life is a super thing to get off of smokes if you want ease of use and cig like looks........Theres plenty of time to monkey around with other set-ups once you have quit and gotton over the hurdle.It works and its easy for someone who doesnt want to fuss with a new hobby.They have many battery and flavor choices,just let her check it out.

 

[DC2]

The only thing I will say is if you want consistent, get one with manual batteries.
Automatic batteries are anything BUT consistent.

 

[Sue1971]

I have to say..when I started vaping a month ago...I started with a (NO.7) automatic batt. after a month of using it and still couldn't kick the ciggybutts and being frustrated. I got an ego manual battery. I have to tell you. Since getting yesterday at 4:00 I went all night all day untill caving in (when my hubby went and bought a pack of butts) being almost 23 hours with out a cigg and then having one...I've gotta tell you it actually made me feel sick.

I would really recomend getting your wife an ecig that is a manual. (w/button) I found that the manual had a stronger hit and more vapor. The only thing I still have to get use to is you can't hold it like a cigg. So every now and then I will still take a few drags off my old NO.7 just to satisfy the habbit of holding a cigg.

 

[Pav]

I'm curious to see one actually work for a long time. We really got frustrated back in 07.

Great forum!

Things change fast in the ecig world, that's for sure. I'm surprised at how fast things go since I started about a year ago. I can imagine what 2007 must have been like.

 

[cskent]

You don't say where you're from but you may find someone who's in your neck of the woods that wouldn't mind showing you their toys. Try the social groups. I know there's one for Ohio where I live.

 

[justboringsarah]

I fully agree with her. As a girly girl,wife and mother I wanted something cute,easy and not a harsh throat hit. For me I really like the DES 901,or the kr808.
The Kr808 is just a tad easier,but I prefer my 901 for the smoothness of the vapor and ease of not having to hit a button to get a hit.