Any experienced vaper can tell you, that when it comes to learning the ropes, there can definitely be a steep curve. I’m here to quell those fears for you. The “Intimidation Factor” shouldn’t play a part in your decision making when it comes to taking the first step in getting off cigarettes. So here’s my tutorial on how to take the leap.

My first bit of advice is, when starting out, go to an actual shop. Don’t buy your first set of gear online. “Vape Mail” is a term you hear a lot in the vape community, forget about that for now. The reason is simple, you get to actually touch the shit!

Sidebar: Let me take a little detour here and tell you that, in my experience, 90-95% of all shop owners and employees are more than willing to help anyone, especially someone who says “I’m new, where do I start?” If you walk into a shop and you are ignored, unless they’re super busy, you walk your happy ass right out that door and find another place to go. This community is all about helping people free themselves of that nasty habit we all had at one point, and I’ve made so many acquaintances and had so many great conversations among these folks, that anyone not willing to look you in the eye and help you out isn’t worth your time or your money.

Now, back to “Touching the shit.”

You walk in, a shop employee says “How can I help you?” This is where you stick your chest out and proudly exclaim “I’M NEW HERE, AND I WANT TO QUIT SMOKING!” After the smattering of applause from everyone in the shop, you get down to business. This is where the real (and sometimes overwhelming) fun begins. You’ll learn about starter kits, juice flavors, nicotine strengths, batteries, and all kinds of other shit you never knew existed. Take a deep breath and relax, these people know their stuff and are here to help you. Most importantly, when faced with this situation, avoid the “Intimidation Factor.” DO NOT look at other people’s gear, this is where the learning curve comes in. A lot of us experienced vapers are bums and like to hang out in shops and shoot the shit, (without buying a goddamn thing,) and we’re using vaping gear that will only confuse you and make you feel like you are light years away from knowing what the hell is going on. Just focus on the tutorial that the shop employee is giving you and you’ll be fine. And, for the love of god, ask questions! There is no stupid question, especially when making the first step. Admit it, you don’t know shit about shit and whoever you’re talking to is doing the teaching at this point. Just have complete humility and ask as many questions as you see fit.

So, “What do I buy?” That’s the real question, right? Well, a lot of people will tell you to start out with an Ego pen, and that’s fine, tons of people start out with Egos, but I would suggest going with something a little better and a little more expensive. Why? The reason is simple; the more your initial investment is, the more apt you are to stick with it. A lot of my friends, who are still smokers, say “$100? That’s ridiculous!” Is it? How much money do you spend on tasteless cigarettes that make you feel like shit? Drop the coin and you’ll be more likely to commit. Also, BUY TWO TANKS! Another thing a lot of my smoker friends say, after I’ve at least gotten them to take the first step, is “Well, my tank was leaking, so I’m smoking again.” Ask someone, yo! Go back into the shop and tell them that your tank is leaking, ask them how to fix it, buy another one. Starter tanks are like $7, a pack of smokes is at least $5.

Then comes the juice! Try them all! When I first started I wanted something as close to that gross cigarette taste as I could get, and that’s perfectly fine, but try everything. Another thing you will come to learn, in this community, is that we talk about “palate” a lot. “What is your palate?” There’s Fruits, Desserts, Creams & Custards, Menthols, and so on and so forth. Find out what you like. Every juice in every shop should have tester tanks that you can slap on a battery and give it a go. And the farther you get away from ciggies, the more your taste buds will come back to life and you’ll start to enjoy different flavors. I would probably puke if I tried a tobacco flavored juice today.

It’s that easy folks, it really is. The biggest part is committing to it. When I talk to someone, like my father, or my grandfather (who I spoke about in my first post,) who quit smoking cold turkey, and they say how proud they are of me, I almost feel guilty. Vaping is basically cheating, when you think about it. I still get to inhale and exhale, I still get the hand to mouth habit, and I still get the nicotine. You’re creating a new habit, only one that’s extremely close to the one you had before, and it’s way healthier, trust me, the 50-60 minutes I’m putting on my elliptical everyday is the only proof I need. Be your own guinea pig, but I’m telling you, it works.

Oh, and one last thing, don’t buy “cig-a-likes.” I’m talking about Blus and Vuse and anything else that mimics the look of an actual cigarette. Those things are trash, the flavors suck, and they’re made by big tobacco to try and cash in on this awesome way to quit smoking.

This entire post was dedicated to you, current smokers. And for all of you experienced folks out there, we’ll be doing interviews and talking about getting into building before you know it.

Stay Tuned…