So Why Vape?
Yes, JR has joined the vaping revolution. We even have a whole (growing by the week) section of top-quality E-Cigs, juices and accessories.
In the past decade, the electronic cigarettes and e-liquid industry has grown exponentially. Each year the market triples; more and more people make the switch to vaping as an alternative to smoking. No ash, no tar, no second hand smoke, and no smell are just a few of the obvious benefits of vaping. As you read on, you will find out why these basic reasons to start vaping are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg!
Today, I consider myself an avid vaper, but I didn’t start this popular hobby to quit smoking. Quite the contrary, I simply, got tired of burning holes in my car seat from smoldering cigar ash falling between my legs while commuting to and from the office. Therefore, until I got work where an ashtray was readily available, I started buying those little disposable gas station gizmos to give me a pseudo tobacco fix, and to end my frequent trips to Manny, Moe, and Jack to buy those overpriced car upholstery repair kits.
Yep, it was that simple! However, I soon realized that this shit tastes “pretty damn” good, and I slowly began taking this newfound hobby to higher levels of expertise to capture the ultimate in taste. Heck, everyone starts out with that first drugstore dog-rocket before fully appreciating a great premium stick.
I’m almost embarrassed to say this, but my collection of high-tech vaping gear and liquids has grown to compulsive proportions. In fact, there were times that I have chosen greasy fast food over a top-quality restaurant to allocate more funds for a fancy device, or several bottles of premium e-liquid … This is also one of the many reasons that I am divorced, and never re-married!
Some claim that electronic cigarettes are a healthier alternative to smoking. On the other side of the spectrum, so-called experts claim that the long-term effects of vaping are unknown. Then there are the advocates of the hobby that swear switching from stinkies (cigarettes) to vaping has given them cleaner lungs and more energy.
Personally, I have never smoked cigarettes, (only cigars and pipes). I do vape every day. Sadly, at the ripe old age of 60, I find myself out of breath just reaching for my toothbrush. I firmly believe that is because I sleep only 4 hours a night, I’m older than dirt, and haven’t had a vegetable since 2006. Therefore, until I get back to my old healthy ways, the jury is out for me on the invigorating benefits of vaping … Or anything else for that matter!
However, I digress …
E-cigarettes are devices that contain a nicotine-based liquid that is vaporized, slightly inhaled, and then blown out of your pie-hole. Some fully inhale this juice, but vaping is similar to smoking a cigar or pipe where the best and most fulfilling taste remains on your palate, not your lungs. So why inhale, it just defeats the purpose of vaping?
These new E-Cig devices come in various forms of high-tech complexity, that allow you to control the amount of wattage, voltage and even build your own coils. For the sake of time, I will cover all of that stuff later.
Whether you are a novice, or highly committed to the latest technology, some basics to the hobby apply to everyone.
Now for some …Vaping 101:
The Juice
The main components of your standard e-juices are propylene glycol and vegetable glycerol, and then a multitude of flavorings are added, along with varied amounts of nicotine ranging from 0% to 24% or above. The result is some amazing concoctions that are unique, aromatic, and delicious!
The Device or Mod
This selection is almost endless, models range from standard pens to high-end, multi-adjustable devices, many of which that all allow for upgrade, and there is always the perfect mod for everyone’s budget and level of expertise.
Inside the device is a battery, (some are built in, and some you have to buy separately) a heating element of some sort, and a cartridge, tank or atomizer that you put your liquid into. These liquid delivery systems come in many shapes and sizes, and hold varied quantities of juice. There is also a huge segment of hobbyists who like to drip. Instead of using the conventional method of vaping through a tank, they prefer specially designed atomizers in which you consistently add a few drops of liquid at a time until you get dry hits. Then the same process is repeated. Purists feel they get a cleaner taste using this method. Once again, I’ll cover that aspect of the hobby when I begin my highly informative series of blogs on this popular topic.
Now that you have gotten the very bare basics of vaping, you are probably wondering why JR Cigars, a tobacco shop, is committed to selling all this stuff.
Do we want you to quit smoking cigars? … Hell, No! … Please, just calm down, take a puff of your stogy, and I’ll tell you why!
Aside from our desire to capture a new market for those who only vape, we also think that this hobby adds another very enjoyable, and tasty alternative to just smoking cigars and pipes.
With so many delicious top-of-the-line juices and devices on the market, many that look as elegant as an imported smoking pipe, we think it’s the perfect marriage!
For yours truly, vaping has certainly not distracted me from my love of the leaf. If anything, I appreciate cigar and pipe smoking more. Because I have added a completely new dimension of palate pleasing flavors to thoroughly enjoy, along with a neat collection of cool looking gadgets to enjoy them in!
Even for the most hardcore traditional smokers who are skeptical about this unique hobby, I recommend that all of you try vaping at least one time. Heck, just like me, you may end up loving it!
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