My Opinions about Electronic Cigarettes

I recently had a scare with my health, which promted me to begin changing some things in my life and #1 was to quit smoking.  I began looking into the Electronic Cigarette World.

These are my own opinions just from my own experiences.  I used to smoke Salem Slim (Lights) 100's and smoked about a pack or more a day.  BUT I WILL SAY RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX!!  NO MATTER WHAT YOU TRY, It WILL be cheaper and much better for your health in the long run than smoking any "real" cigarettes!  I still smoke 1 or 2 real ones a day for now, but that is a dramatic change in a very little time!

PLEASE.... read ALL of the TIPS and WARNINGS, so you don't make some of the mistakes I have and can just skip over some of the brands I've tried.  I know this is long and extensive, but I hope it will help you with YOUR search for "THE PERFECT" E-Cigarette!

So, I will begin....

SMOKE ASSIST:  DON'T DO IT!
     The first thing I tried was SmokeAssist- What A Crock!  The only thing I DID like about them was the slim cigarette.  I bought thier starter kit (can't even remember pricing) which was a 3 pc set, battery/cartridge/atomizer and was VERY dissapointed.  They boasted about how long they last - NOT FOR ME AT ALL!  I went through them so fast.  I think I used about 3-4 new cartridges a day, which was not cost effective and was aggravating.  The worst thing was that I felt like I might as well have just pulled out a straw, cut it in half, and puffed on that!!  I even let my sister try and she was confused as to whether this was a cigarette replacement or just a  replacement for an inhaler??  I will say that they do have GREAT customer service and always tried to accommodate me, even though the final result was a resounding NOT FOR ME:(

E-CIGSBRAND: NOT A BAD START!
     The next thing I tried was the E-Cigsbrand, now these were okay in the beginning, but I do currently order 4 TIMES the amount of cartomizers then they say I would normally use.  It only cost $4.95 for the shipping for the STARTER KIT.  This brand is just the 2 pcs. which is the battery and the cartomizer (that is the cartridge and atomizer) ALL in One, and, by the way this IS my preference.  It comes with Tabacco flavor only, so I had to call and have them send me Menthol and I had to wait for that.  I did have to call several times to get everything straightened out to get what I needed in the beginning.  The highest nicotine cig is only 10mg. I've been using them for a few months and am just not quite satisfied with how quickly I am going through them (about 2 per day, sometimes 3) and the fact that I had to buy extra batteries because they have a very limited life span before having to re-charge over and over and over again and again all day long.
     I would say these may be good for getting your feet wet in the e-cig world because they're not too strong and do have a pretty good draw and nice vapor.  And YES, they also have great customer service.  I normally call instead of emailing and they are very helpful and very willing to work with the customer.  I will say that when they were supposed to send some things in the very beginning, I just didn't get them or they were very slow coming. But, now with the auto shipments, they send the quantity I want and set up which day of the month I want them shipped and even send an email to inform me as soon as they ship my package.

MODERN VAPOR:  NO! NO! NO! On ALL Levels (Just my opinion)
     I paid $45.90 for this starter kit called the Sideshow and switched things up a bit.  I ordered the manual battery, which is "supposed" to be better.  They say that it will give you a bigger hit and will make the battery last longer.  I didn't realize it, but this was the 3 pc thing again.  I also ordered 16mg of Menthol.  Again as with the previous brand, they automatically send the regular tabacco and you have to call and get the menthols sent out, etc....   But as sooon as I tried them, THEY WERE AWFUL!  First, the Flavor was terrible and then this "manual" battery was a JOKE.  It didn't work right - right from the beginning.  I wound up calling customer service and the rep. was extremely patient with me, because by this time - I was furious!  She did give me some pointers about how to get the cig going and it seemed to work (while I was on the phone).  The next time I tried to get a drag off the cigarette, it was back to heating up, but nothing really happening.
     IF THAT wasn't enough, I emailed AND filled out the online form to send them back and got NO response.  Luckily, the rep. that I spoke with previously gave me her info. to contact her directly.  I emailed her and attached the other emails that I had already sent requesting to return the kit.  She directed me to go ahead and send them back.  

BUT BE CAREFUL!!!!!  IF YOU ARE GOING TO SPEND ANY REAL MONEY TO ORDER THIS TRIAL KITS - THIS COMPANY CHARGES A RESTOCKING FEE AND ALSO WON'T REIMBURSE FOR THE CARTRIGES AND MORE.  I did ask them to waive the fees and also asked for my shipping back, but I'm NOT holding my breath to get a full refund!!

THE E-CIGS BRAND is looking better all of the time, but I am still on the quest for the PERFECT cigarette for me, So I continue...

REGALCIGS:  GETTING BETTER, STILL NOT PERFECT YET!
     Now these are very similar to the e-cigsbrand in that I only paid the $4.95 to get them home.  But they also send tabacco flavor and I had to call back to get the Menthol and I did order the 16mg cigarette.  The refills are expensive, but they do last at least a whole day or longer.  I did have an issue with the taste initially as it was very strong, but not the terribe taste like the Modern Vapor.  I called again and they were very willing to let me try the next step down, but it's a BIG one, they are ONLY 8mg.  I sent back the cartomizers that I didn't use and they are sending me the 8mg to try.  I AM crossing my fingers on these.

BUT IN THE MEAN TIME, I have ordered several other brands to try out.  If you speak with the representatives, they will work with you to advise you on what strength and flavors and even the best package for a "trial run", but You HAVE to ASK and take the time to tell them what they need to know, so they can help you try to get it right the 1st time. 

I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE TRUE:
The Representatives I have spoken with (sales and customer service) are real people doing thier jobs and when you are Friendly and Respectful - That goes a long way.  I have been very fortunate with the customer service I have received so far.  Even when things don't go perfectly, they seem to really WANT to work with you to make you happy.  I have read many reviews about some of the same companies I have already mentioned and the reviews have not been good..especially when talking about the "horrible" customer service - but so far, I haven't had that particular problem!

5*****STARS for all of the GREAT People on the other end of that phone!!  Your companies should be extremely PROUD OF YOU - because YOU make THEM look GOOD!!! So any of the companies I have mentioned and am still trying out - say "Thank YOU" to the very loyal people who tirelessly answer those phones and REPRESENT!!!!
(I just had to say that :)  GREAT JOB!

THIS IS BIGGGG!!!!! PAY CLOSE ATTENTION:
DON'T ORDER ONLINE - CALL THEM!!
I have also found out that with some of the more expensive kits, TALK to the agents who take your order.  I was able to get 40% off one kit (V4L) and 20% off another (Eversmoke) when I called and let them know that I just want to TRY the cig "not marry it" just kidding (I didn't actually say those words, but you get the idea) It does really work, because if you try them and really love A Particular Brand - You WILL be loyal to thier brand for a Very long time.  You can also work out lower pricing for refills and other things they have to offer.  BE NICE and talk to them like a friend and that usually does the trick. Be personable and even if you call when you're really angry (like I did and I DO NOT Recommend you do that, but sometimes it just happens), make sure to apologize to the rep. you are speaking with - It's NOT thier fault that the e-cig didn't live up to your expectations.

OH, ONE MORE THING - Pay Attention to the "contract" / TERMS you agree to.  When you order the $5.00 kits, they normally put you on an "AUTO Shipment".  This means that If you don't call within 10 days or so, they will automatically send you additional refills and charge your credit card automatically!!!  PUT DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR TO MAKE SURE YOU CALL BACK AND CANCEL or you continue to get shipments.  Like I said before, even if you DO want the refills, more batteries, etc.., CALL them to negotiate a better price - usually, if you buy several packs of refills at a time, they will give you a better price.  Basically, the more you buy the more you save, at least with the companies I have dealt with so far.

I have placed orders with V4L (Vapor for Life) - that was a $50.00 starter kit and I wound up getting it for $30.00 (and they didn't charge for shipping).  The other brand I am going to try is called EVERSMOKE - this is a $60.00 kit and I am supposed to get 20% off.  I did get a confirmation email for V4L.  I was supposed to get one today for Eversmoke, but still haven't gotten the email confirmation yet with the final pricing and order information (this feels a little shaky already). 

I will continue to update you on my journey to find the PERFECT Electronic Cigarette.

Thanks for Now and Good Luck out there.  If you read this and have found your perfect e-cig, Please LET ME KNOW!! I would like to hear some great feedback!