Over the years there has been steady pressure you have the government ban tobacco cigarettes altogether because of the proven harm they do to people’s health.  However, this has never happened and likely never will.

Of course when the new electronic cigarette was introduced to the world it was greeted with mixed feelings from the populous.  Some saw it as a step forward in attaining better health in the population as a whole, and others saw it just as another black mark in the big bad world of smoking.

Flip a coin, heads or tails?

After much debating, the government has decided to regulate smokeless electronic cigarettes just as they would a traditional tobacco product and they will not try and give them stricter rules.  This clearly makes sense because they are definitely the lesser of the two evils.

Now the makers of these mechanical cigarettes are quite happy with this because their product has been taking off, making huge gains in popularity as of late.  This too makes perfect sense!

Just to be clear, the e-cigarettes are small metal and plastic units that warm up a liquid nicotine solution within the confines of a disposable cartridge.  What this does is create a vapor that the user breathes in.  There’s even a tiny light on the very tip of this device that glows, mimicking the ‘real thing.’

The makers of electronic cigarettes explain that these mechanical devices deal with both the popular addiction to nicotine and the actions associated with traditional tobacco smoking.

The way you hold the smoke, the puffing action and actually watching the smoke come out of the mouth and the hand action to match, MINUS the more than 4,000 toxic chemicals that are contained in the traditional tobacco cigarette.

It wasn’t until later in 2006 that these e-cigs were available to purchase in the United States, although they were able to be purchased overseas a few years earlier.  It didn’t take long for the industry to boom from just a few thousand a few years ago to millions today.

Although the new guidelines aren’t set in stone, they will hopefully be secured sooner rather than later.

There is hope also that these devices will be regulated as a typical pharmaceutical drug would because their initial intended use was to be used for ‘therapeutic use.’  In other words to help people beat their nicotine addiction in time.

For the makers of these ‘e-cigarettes,’ this is definitely a step forward, as they initially received huge backlash, but the road is still long.

This new rule will do well for getting rid of the more ‘shady’ companies in the business and the strong will hopefully survive and thrive.

It’s widely known that around 45 million Americans have taken to the smoking habit and upwards of 40 percent attempts to stop every year.  And unlike the readily available nicotine gums or patches, until now, e-cigarettes have been forced to operate in the ‘grey’ area of the law.

It wasn’t until December 2010 the courts ruled that these electronic smokes should, in fact, be regulated as a tobacco product, rather than a pharmaceutical or therapeutic one.  If they were regulated as drug-delivery items they would be subject to more strict requirements including costly testing trials to prove to the board these products are within the acceptable safely measurements and that they are useful aids to help people break the habit.

The government has clamped down hard on what these manufactures can and can’t say though.  Some tests have been run and found a few traced of toxic elements in this smoking option and that seems to be enough to deem them unsafe, although it really doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

If it’s obvious these products contain only a minute amount of the dangerous chemicals found in the traditional cigarette, which is legal, so why wouldn’t these e-cigs be marketed and accepted more positively? Fewer dangerous chemicals is better isn’t it?  Doesn’t that make sense?

What has happened is various public health specialists believe the carcinogens found in electronic cigarettes could be compared to some that are known to be in certain kinds of nicotine replacement therapy options.  The reason for this is because each of these products is created from tobacco.

Bottom line is tobacco smoking is legal and regulated and although the lines are thin with regards to this newer electronic cigarettes smoking option, most believe it is a step in the right direction.

And it’s true that the quality of your battery and charger will directly affect the performance of the item at hand.

Well the same thing applies when it comes to electronic cigarettes. The better quality charger and battery, the longer it lasts and the better the experience for you.  Just as the light will start to dim when the batteries die in a flashlight, you will lose the ‘vapor experience’ of an e-cig if the batteries are of low quality.

Let’s have a look at the various parts of a mechanical cigarette for a minute, understanding you always get what you pay for.  The same as anything in life.

Basic E-cigarette

Generally they come in two or three-piece options.  In the two-piece version, you will find a battery along with a cartomizer.

With the three-piece version you will discover an atomizer, cartridge and a battery.  Now because they both have unique lithium-based rechargeable batteries of about three point seven volts, you will require a special charger.

A bonus here is that all parts are interchangeable within the same model.  This includes any spare parts and the same model from another manufacturer as long as the model number is the same.

So this means you can match any one part to another within the same model range to create your own ‘full unit.’

Every part is also throw-away.  Meaning you won’t have one complete unit that will stand the test of time, like you might a favorite razor or curling iron.

Each of the separate parts is said to last at least one month, although you can expect them to last a lot longer.

Here are a few examples just to give you a better idea:

• The batteries are expected to last up to 200 charges, but could be a little more or less.

• When it comes to atomizer, they usually have a 30 day warranty.  However, if they conk before the 30 days you should get a replacement.  On a side note make sure you have spare atomizers because they have been known to quit after just a few day.

• With the cartridges, they basically last forever because they are only a simple plastic dispenser for liquid.  That said, it’s the fill material that will need to be replaced on a routine basis.

• With regards to the charging unit for the battery, it should do well but will eventually need replacing.

• When using a two piece model, empty cartomizers can be tossed out.  Although you can refill it with some DIY.  Normally they can be filled back up about five times before they can’t be used anymore.

So What about The Minimum Number of Spares?

With an electronic cigarette ‘complete unit’ you’ll have a battery, atomizer and either a battery and cartomizer or just a cartridge.  Just add a little bit of refill liquid and a good charger and you’re good to go.

For light use, that bare minimum you’ll need is:

• For a two-piece unit: two good batteries, five cartomizers, if you want a bottle of liquid refill and of course a reliable charger.

• For a three-piece unit: two reliable batteries, two atomizers, five cartridges, one bottle of liquid refill and of course a charger.

As always, it’s important to keep extra parts because you really don’t know when a any single component might cop out on you.

Speaking of which…

Battery Types

When it comes to batteries in an e-cig, there’s quite a variety.  Batteries can just be automatic or actually have a manual switch for controlling the power.

What happens with the type with an auto version is there is a pressure tab inside that works when air is allotted through it.  A few of the older versions had a microphone operated switch that was used to trigger because of the actual noise make from the air traveling though.

In general, most seem to opt for the auto version because it’s most similar to the original tobacco-based cigarette, which this device is trying to replicate.  Some more experienced fans seem to like the manual version because they give you a little more control.

If you are unsure, your best bet is get one of each and because they are interchangeable, you can test them both out and see which one works for you!

Make note the auto batteries aren’t sealed because they require air to go through and this means they are more likely to sustain damage from any liquid leakage which does occur from time to time.  The manual version is a lot more durable because all the electrical components are protected and sealed in.

Regardless, understanding all the components of an electronic cigarette is necessary in recognizing the importance of the battery and charger you choose.  Good luck!

In general, it’s safe to say that the throat hit of these e-cigarettes is more important than the vapor volume.  What you’ll want is the throat hit to match that of the regular cigarettes you are used to puffing.

First let’s run through how these cigarettes work.

Essentially these mechanical devices are designed to look similar to a cigarette. They are small devices that use a liquid, often called e-liquid.  In the device there is a tiny element that literally warms the e-liquid, same as a kettle does with water.

Then the e-liquid evaporates and is breathed in by the smoker.  The key difference is they many not contain nicotine.  Unlike traditional cigarettes, the smoker can choose which e-liquid to enjoy and also has the ability to control the nicotine level with this maneuver.

The vapor volumes are set with these cigarettes and when searching for the best type for you, vapor volume is critical.  These cigarettes let you check on the vapor you breath in and take care of your health.

What happens with these vapor cigarettes is they don’t have to burn tobacco to release the addictive nicotine smoke.  Rather they just vaporize nicotine from a solution when you breathe into the device.

The vapor breathed in doesn’t stink, and it dissipates quickly when exhaled.  Most non-smokers normally don’t mind these mechanical cigarettes because they don’t give off an offensive odor.

Numerous smokers are making the switch to these cigarettes because they think they may be better off with these cigarettes.

Moving on…

The main reason some people believe various vapor e-cigarettes are better than cheaper electronic ones is simply because of vapor volume.  The vapor is just too thin if the vapor volume is too low, and these cheaper versions don’t even come close to mimicking real smoke.

In other words, you aren’t going to be able to convince your mind or lungs that this is the real deal with low vapor volume.

With the vapor level it’s also important to consider the flavors and nicotine levels.  It’s best to go with a brand that gives you a variety of flavors.  You will also need to experiment with the differing nicotine levels to see what one suits you best.

So now let’s look at a ‘throat hit’ more closely.  Essentially it’s the feeling you get when first breathing in the smoke deeply.  The sensation that hits you deep within your lungs.  This ‘hit’ so to speak is a heck of a lot less noticeable with an electronic cigarette but it’s still there.

It’s really about just knowing you’re inhaling and exhaling the vapor.  Coming into play with the ‘throat hit’ is also the nicotine level and voltage.

When it comes to nicotine, most mechanical cigarettes use different cartridges with different amounts of nicotine.  Of course the more nicotine you choose in general, the greater the hit.

Regular cigarettes also vary in nicotine levels, depending on the brand.

When it comes to the mechanical cigarettes, pretty much all e-cigarettes have nicotine.  A lot of smokers enjoy puffing on the ones with nicotine because helps to satisfy their nicotine addiction.

A large percentage of people use these cigarettes instead of smoking and still crave the nicotine.  Experts agree the nicotine found in these cigarettes makes the adjustment from tobacco cigarettes to these mechanical ones a whole lot less difficult.

That said, there are plenty of e-liquid flavors out there that allow cigarette users using this new method to pick which nicotine level they’d prefer.  Nicotine-free flavors are also available.

Now on to the voltage in relation to electronic cigarettes.  The battery voltage ties in with the vapor experience.  If you have a device that has a poor batter with weak voltage, you may get good vapor when you have fresh batteries but as the battery starts to weaken and the voltage lowers, the vapor experience will diminish accordingly.

This hugely affects the overall enjoyment and performance of an e-cig.

There are some brands out there that have variable voltage and this keeps the voltage and vapor experience constant regardless of how old the battery is.  Of course these brands are more expensive but definitely worth it.

The bottom line is the vapor volume, throat hits, nicotine levels and voltage all play roles in determining what your e-cig experience is like.

Vapor volume and throat hits are significant when determining the effectiveness of your experience with e-cigarettes.  Choose wisely to match your tastes and enjoy!

I’m not even saying it has to be monetary, but there is always a ‘cost’ to everything.  That’s a pretty fair statement and when it comes to buying something new, it pays to be cautiously optimistic when you see the word F-R-E-E.

So when it comes to this electronic cigarette free trial promotion, I’m happy to say it does exist and I will also explain it to you a little better.  It’s not like you get these electronic cigarette free – end of story.

That makes sense because would a manufacturer want to make a product that might or might not fly off the shelves and give it away for free, no strings attached?

Short term loss for potential big time gain?  Maybe, but that’s pretty risky from a business perspective.

So because this electronic cigarette is a totally new concept for people and may be tough to swallow, the marketers of this product have set up a trial to entice people to try it first, before buying. That’s the catch!

So What Is an Electronic Cigarette?

Basically, it’s a device that is powered by a battery that will give smokers a dose of nicotine flavored tobacco that is breathed in through the process of a solution of vaporized-liquid that is delivered to the lungs.  Your body will absorb this nicotine and in the process blow out water vapor that looks like the smoke from a traditional cigarette.

What this does is allow people to smoke ‘smokeless cigarettes’ just about anywhere without having any known negative consequences on the people surrounding them.  Hopefully, this will help to lessen the negative stigma attached to smokers.

So Why Would People Want to Try This New Product?

• Maybe you’re a heavy smoker who wants to cut back.
• Perhaps you think this would be a great tool to reduce your nicotine intake.
• You might want to smoke ‘healthier,’ if that’s possible.
• Social stigma may make you consider other alternatives.
• You don’t like yellow hands and teeth.
• You already have a health condition as a result of tobacco smoke.
• Perhaps you’re just curious.

Cutting Back – This is a fair option.  If you are a heavy smoker and trying to cut back, e-cigs seem to be a great option.  People believe they are less risky for your health, and you most definitely don’t breathe in the number of toxins found in an old-fashioned cigarette.

Reduction Tool – Maybe you’ve just looking to lower your nicotine intake, and with an electronic cigarette you can control how much nicotine you inhale.  Of course a tobacco cigarette is a tobacco cigarette, end of story.

Healthier Move? Evidence does point to the fact that e-cigarettes have less severe overall health consequences than a traditional smoke.  Of course, this product is fairly new and the experts are still working on the concrete evidence to support this.

Social Stigma – If you are a smoker you are automatically labeled, usually negatively.  Smokers are hoping that by switching to e-cigs, this negativity will be lost.  Mainly because it seems to be a ‘cleaner’ alternative and it doesn’t put a non-smokers health at risk.

Yellow – With tobacco smoking you will get yellow hands, skin and teeth to start.  Bad breath comes with it too, and that’s pretty disgusting if you think about it.  Switching to the mechanical gets rid of each of these and that’s got to be a plus for you!

Already Sick – Maybe you are already sick with emphysema or lung cancer and still can’t seem to kick the habit.  Perhaps switching over to e-cigarettes might better your situation.

Curiosity – Curiosity kills the cat, so to speak.  That said, maybe you are curious as to how these devices work and would just like to give one a try.  Well with the free trial kit you can give it a shot!

Here’s the deal with the electronic free trial kit.

All customers will be given 14 days to test out the new e-cigarette before they have to decide whether or not they are going to keep it or not. Each one of these specialty kits is guaranteed for life and they have in them:

• A rechargeable battery (lithium)
• Atomizer
• Nicotine Cartridges (10)
• USB and wall charger
• Gift box
• Start-up guide

This really is a great idea if you are in the market for getting into these e-cigarettes but want to ensure it’s what you are looking for before you actually start forking the money out for them.  Smoking is an expensive habit as we are well aware.  Go ahead, give it a shot and let us know what you think!

Today, e-cigs have stirred up all sorts of questions from curious people.  Some are from experienced smokers, others from those looking to switch to electronic cigarettes and the rest may just be from information geeks! Regardless, here are some FAQs people have:

Can you interchange cartridges?

Well you can get a yes and no answer here because various brands are a fit with each other and some just don’t work at all.  It really depends on the size, shape and style of the cartridge.

Generally speaking, e-cigarette cartridges should not be mixed and matched.  The reasoning for this is because this can make them hazardous if you end up with the wrong combination.

Are they ‘safer’ than traditional tobacco cigarettes?

Fair question.  They are believed to be safer than the traditional cigarette, although experts haven’t concluded how ‘safe’ they are.  The basis for this belief is in knowing how harmful traditional tobacco smoking is.

We know that old-fashioned smoking is incredibly toxic, and this makes e-cigs not as bad by default.  Of course, there are risks and minor negative consequences with smoking e-cigarettes, but the evidence suggests strongly that you better off choosing the mechanical version over the traditional tobacco version.

How can I be sure I’ll enjoy them?

Well you can’t.  But without risk there can never be reward!  If you use a little common sense you’ll be just fine.  If you like chocolate bars and ice cream, chances are pretty good you’ll be ok with an ice-cream sundae right? Best for you to read the reviews and see if you relate to any.

Are e-cigs as expensive as smoking?

E-cigs are smoking!  Bottom line is that the initial startup package is going to cost you a little up front, but it won’t take you long to make that extra cost back.

To put it mildly, if you are a regular smoker then electronic cigarettes are going to be nicer to your wallet than tobacco smokes.

If they are so ‘good,’ why aren’t anti-smoking groups and various government branches supportive of them?

Good question!  We just aren’t sure to be honest.  It’s like you’re dealing with the lesser of two evils here because neither tobacco cigarette smoking or e-cigarettes claim to be ‘healthy’ for you, but one certainly looks like a better alternative to the other.

It’s pretty clear that if you are going to smoke, the mechanical is the better choice.  The problem seems to be there is always some degree of doubt with everything in life.

There is always ‘reasonable’ doubt, and this seems to be confusing the louder voices.  You can always put up the hockey superstar Malkin against a player from the farm team and argue who is ‘better’ so to speak. The logical and obvious answer is Malkin, but there is always going to be someone challenging that, and this seems to be what is happening here.  That’s pretty much the simplest way to put this.

Can I smoke these in non-smoking designated areas?

Well, technically speaking you should be able to light these up wherever you’d like, but it’s never that easy.  Initially you may be met with a little resistance in smoking these e-cigarettes because they to portray the image of smoking and that may be enough to be portrayed as wrong in the minds of some non-smokers.

Don’t be too hard on them, though, because their reasons are valid.  Don’t push it, be courteous and respectful and it won’t be long before you are basically ignored and you can do as you please.  Within reason of course!

Now to the million dollar question.  Will these help me get rid of my nicotine need?

Maybe.  Is that good enough for you?  Let’s just say, we feel it’s a great step in the right direction.  By switching to the mechanical cigarette you are stepping away from traditional tobacco smoking and this is all good!

The first step is always at the hardest for sure.  Just don’t expect yourself to quit completely because this might or might not happen.  Understand that nicotine is a serious addiction and a tough one to get completely out of your system. Sure most people can quit for awhile, but to most it is more than just wanting the feeling.  There are social pressures and attachments that make it really hard to kick. One step at a time, and when the time is right for you to kick your nicotine habit for you, you’ll know it.

Seeing as e-cigs are fairly new to the market, people are still very curious and have lots of questions about the good, the bad and the ugly of this product.  Ask away and you be the judge!

Even though electronic cigarettes are thought to be the safer way to smoke, that still doesn’t mean they are going to work for everyone. Here are few situations in which these cigarettes should be avoided.

• Minors – Shame on you!  If you are under the age of 18, it is illegal for you to smoke.  Life is tough enough as it is, why would you want to make it tougher?  That’s the logical reasoning and now for the legal one. The majority of e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a relaxant.  If you are under the age of 18 just leave the these products alone and go play a game of basketball with your buddies instead.

• Allergies – Of course if you have an allergy to any of the ingredients in a mechanical cigarette you shouldn’t smoke them.  The majority of e-cigarettes have nicotine as the main ingredient, but you should read the manual because some might contain others. If you’ve got an allergy to nicotine, then you’re just going to have to smoke ones that are nicotine-free or find another habit!

• Legal – Make sure you know your local laws because some places don’t permit these cigarettes.  Keep this in mind also if you are planning a trip to a foreign country.  If these cigarettes are illegal in that country, do not attempt to smoke them.

• Pregnant – If you are pregnant and even thinking about smoking anything you need to think again.  And although electric cigarettes are thought to be the ‘safer’ smoke, some contain high levels of nicotine that could seriously harm your unborn child. An undue risk placed upon an unborn baby knowingly says a whole lot about the mother-to-be!

• Asthma – People with breathing difficulties such as asthma should not smoke these mechanical cigarettes, regardless of the belief they are less harmful than the traditional tobacco cigarette.

• Heart Disease – If you have heart issues, the last thing you should be doing is smoking, not even an e-cig.  But of course you already know that! The vapors that are nicotine, or even the ones that aren’t, can have negative effects of the body and this should always come into play when decided to smoke e-cigs or not.

Other Risks

• Diethylene Glycol – Another name for this is anti-freeze, and yes it’s found in e-cigarettes.  It is, in fact, toxic and is cause for concern when inhaling.  This is likely the major side effect of e-cigs.

• Toxic – These cigarettes also have compounds known to cause cancer such as nitrosamines.  Breaking the cigarette can expose you to numerous harmful substances.

• Poor Marketing – Some consider it bad marketing strategies to advertise mint, chocolate and orange flavors with these cigarettes.  Of course their thought is they are attracting children into the smoking business, a definite no-no!

• Traditional Nicotine – Regardless, experts argue that e-cigarettes contain nicotine, same as regular cigarettes.  Nicotine is harmful to people. With an electronic cigarette, a long drag can actually cause you to suck some of this liquid nicotine into your mouth.  This of course is extremely dangerous.

• Tetremethylpyrazine – This substance has been found in e-cigarettes, and long-term exposure to it can cause brain damage.  That is something that needs to be considered seriously.

• Abuse – There has been speculation that using these mechanical devices can facilitate drug use.  Reports say the liquid nicotine can be swapped for THC, which is a very popular marijuana resin. Of course, if addictive drugs are used in e-cigarettes, this can be detrimental to your health.  Causing your health to dwindle further rather than improve as it was meant to with these cigarettes. Bottom line is e-cigarettes aren’t positive for your health.

• The Price Is Right – Making these cigarettes cheaper in the long run than the traditional cigarette has experts worried that it is a plus for people to start the habit.  If this habit is made affordable for the younger population, we may have created another issue altogether.

• False Sense of Security – Just because one product is thought to be better than another does not mean it is good for you.  The same thing applies here.  Even though all indicators are pointing to the idea that e-cigarettes are ‘better’ for you than the traditional ones, it has yet to be proven. This product is so new to the market that studies have yet to be conclusive on the pluses and minuses of the e-cigarette. Even though things are looking good, the proof has yet to be found.

As with everything in life, you need to consider all the information before deciding whether it’s right for you or not.  The same considerations apply with these cigarettes.

The market is loaded with e-cigs manufacturers competing for your business, so there are a few things you should be aware of before making your electronic cigarette starter kit purchase. It is a few more things to consider than when buying your traditional tobacco cigarette, which is really just having a say on brand preference, nicotine level and price. E-cig starter kits have a tad more to think about.

Electronic cigarette kits are the medium for changing from tobacco cigarettes to the mechanical ones.

What’s in the Average E-cig Start-Up Kit?

• one or two lithium batteries that can be recharged
• numerous cartridges
• charging kit

Make note, there are some of these kits that have others pieces that need to be assembled.  It’s simple though, just having to screw a couple pieces together.

Advantages of These Starter Kits

So why are people flocking from traditional tobacco smoking to these electronic versions?  Well, it’s mainly because people believe this new version is healthier than ‘old-fashioned’ smoking.

This makes sense given all the data collected, but please keep in mind the scientific evidence hasn’t completely convinced the ‘bosses’ yet!

Some people also decide to try these as a step towards kicking the habit completely.  Again, although there is strong evidence to support this belief, the ‘experts’ have yet to give them the seal of approval.

Of course, only you know what’s best for you! Aside from these pretty persuasive arguments, there are numerous other reasons why you should try one of these starter kits.

Save Money – After the initial cost of the starter kit, these e-cigarettes will only cost up to $2 per pack, whereas a tobacco cigarette pack will run you at least $5.  If you smoke a pack a day, this is going to save you a whopping $21!  Wow, that’s $84 a month and about a $1,000 a year!  Not something you can really ignore that’s for sure.

Safety First – With electronic cigarettes, there is no flame and this makes them a lot safer than the old-fashioned version.  If you tend to be a little careless with your tobacco cigarette and tend to burn things, this mechanical version may be your ticket.

Less Offensive – To non-smokers that is.  Many non-smokers can’t stand the smell of cigarettes and don’t want to be anywhere near anyone that is smoking one.  With an e-cig you will hardly be noticed because they don’t give off a nasty odor, nor do you stink like a cigarette!

Socially Acceptable – As humans we always want to be included, and with these mechanical smokes there is a lot less social stigma for you.

No Remnants – Traditional cigarettes linger when you are long gone.  Cigarette butts and ashes are pretty hard to cover up.  With this new version you’ll leave no traces behind because there are no ashes or butts. This also means you don’t need to find ashtrays everywhere you go.

Time to Start Looking for E-Cigarettes

As a smoker, you are probably thinking in the mindset of disposable.  Well it’s time for you to change your thinking because you are now looking for a device that will last longer term.  Quality right! Yes you can buy cheap e-cigarettes, but as with everything you get what you pay for. 

So how do you know the good from the bad?

• Try to search out starter kits that have a cartridge that needs a new mouthpiece device and atomizing chamber for everyone.  The cheaper versions have you re-use these things. That’s just a breeding ground for germs and a reason for them to fail mechanically.

• Most smokers are looking for a ‘real’ smoking experience.  If the device doesn’t have the believable features you want and it doesn’t even look like the real thing, then it probably isn’t going to perform that well. The really good ones are hard to tell apart from the traditional tobacco cigarette.

• Vapor volume is key.  Having a higher vapor volume ensures the experience will feel more like a ‘real’ smoke, not just a thin vapor you are inhaling.

• Of course, you’ll have to experiment a little with this one, but you’ll want to enjoy the taste.  Why?  Well that’s part of the whole smoking experience.  With these mechanical devices you can choose from an assortment of flavors and just as with the traditional smoke, you will find your preference.

• Warranty is good.  Having a one year warranty on your electronic cigarette device is going not only give you a piece of mind but also shows you the manufacturer believes in their product.

Use a little common sense, do some research and keep these pointers in mind when setting out to get your first e-cig starter kit.  Good Luck!

Is it All or Nothing?

When you say “American” made, do you mean the whole thing, or do you want just most of the electronic cigarette to be made in the US?  That may raise some concerns for many people. Here are some questions you should investigate before purchase:

• Does made in the USA mean the whole e-cigarette?
• If not, then what parts are made in the US and what parts are made in other countries?
• Are there any countries that you are less confident in buying from?
• Do you know that you are getting the genuine product when you order from an online retailer or a bulk wholesale site?

To be sure that you are getting what you are paying for, always shop directly with the manufacturer or a trusted wholesale site. Remember, pop-up ads and links can take you to virtually anywhere.

What Makes a Top Selling Product?

Before you can choose a top selling, American made electronic cigarette it is important to consider what makes a product better than another. After all, the basics of the e-cigarettes are the same: the same components, the same actions and the same expectations. It is the other factors that set them each apart from one another. So, here are some of the things that you should be considering when you are making your choices, American made or not:

• Price. Electronic cigarettes are meant to be at least comparable to regular cigarettes in terms of price and in many cases can offer great savings. When comparing price options, always include the cost of shipping and handling as well. The cost of shipping should be comparable from company to company with some offering discount coupons or free shipping on specialized offers.
• Customer service. When you buy a pack of regular cigarettes, you don’t care if the guy at the counter is nice or surly- you buy them, you smoke them, it’s over and done with. However, when you buy an e-cig, you need to know that you are going to be able to enjoy it from start to finish and if there is a problem, you should be able to get hold of a live person to get real solutions. If a company has really bad customer service, they are not worth dealing with.
• Package options: with the electronic cigarettes, you should have the option of a starter pack, a refill pack or other premium packaging deals.
• Flavors: most electronic cigarettes come in a number of different flavor varieties that include regular or menthol and more exotic flavors like fruits or chocolate.
• Shipping options. Some companies automatically sign you up for shipments that come monthly and bill your credit card just before or just after that shipment leaves. If you don’t want this, it should be a simple thing to opt out. If not, then consider a different company.
• A warranty. Of course, you cannot buy a warranty on regular cigarettes. You pretty much know what you are getting when you buy a pack. But, with an electronic cigarette, which is meant to last for much longer, you should be able to get what you pay for. Most companies offer a warranty for at least a year for their main parts and their chargers. The battery may have a shorter warranty for it alone.

What do Reviews Say About the Top Selling American Made Electronic Cigarette

All in all, Blu is the top selling American made e-cig according to reviews and various web sites and forums. According to the official company website, Blu is made in Wisconsin. Here are some of the key features that make Blu an outstanding electronic cigarette choice:

• A nicely designed black flip top box meant to look like a regular cigarette pack.
• A newly formulated liquid “e-juice” is meant to be safer than the old formulation.
• Free shipping on all orders
• Offers a great amount of vapor which is one of the first questions most new electronic cigarette users will ask.
• Available in five flavors: classic tobacco, menthol, java jolt, cherry and vanilla
• A longer lasting battery than its previous design.
• Available in a white, more traditional style or in black
• If you get within fifty feet of someone else who uses Blu, the pack will vibrate and its logo will light up.

Some people like to have a beverage or two to wind down.  Other people like to go the casino for a few hours to see if they can win a few dollars, and millions of people look to smoking as a method of calming themselves or giving them the psychosomatic energy they need to get things done.

It really does matter why because people do it.

So Are Electronic Cigarettes Cheaper than the Traditional Tobacco Ones?

YES!

Well, the majority of the time anyway.  E-cigs are usually less expensive than an equal amount of ‘real’ or tobacco filled cigarettes.

How much you save can be determined by:

• Which brand you smoke
• Whether you manually fill the cartridge or buy pre-filled ones

Let’s Look at a Short Term Comparison of Price

On average you are going to spend about one dollar for every pre-filled replacement cartridge; that’s pretty standard.  Of course this is dependent on your personal preferences because you can always get fancier or go more basic.  Never forget this!

Some manufacturers claim their cartridges will last about as long as six traditional tobacco cigarettes.  Most experienced ‘mechanical’ smokers find this to be a consistently correct number.

What Do You Need to Do First?

Well you need to buy the start kit of course.  It costs just under $60.

So What’s in an e-cig Starter Kit?

Well they can vary slightly, but you’ll find this is general:

• Two batteries
• Charging pack
• Carrying case
• One atomizer
• USB charger
• Wall charger
• 25 cartridges

So let’s get on our math caps!

Assuming each cartridge will be the equivalent of about six tobacco cigarettes, this means 25 will last you as long as 150 cigarettes.  With a grand total of $59.95 cents so far!

So How Much Does a Tobacco Cigarette Cost?

Well 100 traditional cigarettes is about seven and a half packs. They cost about $5 per pack.  Already this would ding you at almost $40.

This is assuming, of course, that you buy the separate packs and not the cartons because the cartons would make them a little bit cheaper.

RESULTS

So far the tobacco cigarettes are ahead of the starter kit for e-cigs.

BUT…

Let’s see what happens when we move forward on this.

• You would expect the starter kit to set you back a little.  The real savings start after you’ve purchase the starter kit.

Realistic Scenario

Let’s assume that you puff about a pack a day, which means you’ll burn through about 150 cigarettes in just under eight days, right? So we will have to purchase more e-cigarette cartridges or more regular packs.

Let’s take a minute or two to have a gander at that.

Put your math cap back on!

Let’s go with the 25 cartridges for $25 for the mechanical smokes.  This is going to make it easier to understand and calculate.  If you do the same with ‘old-fashioned’ cigarettes you are going to be spending and extra $12.50.

Good News…

You can see that the longer you stick with the program, the more money you are going to save when using the e-cigarette option.

Time is less money in this scenario.

So How about Looking Longer-Term

The smart thing to do, whether you are enjoying traditional or electronic cigarettes, is to buy bulk.  Bulk saves you money!

Let’s assume you are going to purchase for the next year.

E-Cigarettes

So with this option you are stocking up for a full year.  The kit will cost just under $60.  Now we can add a 100 box of cartridges and that will cost about $80.  For simplicity’s sake, let’s assume that will last about 30 days.

This said, we’ll have to get 11 more of these 100 cartridge packs to last the year.

The damage for this = $880.

Starter Kit ($59.95) + $960 for cartridge boxes EQUALS $1,019.95. Yikes!

Don’t forget battery and atomizer replacements.  They are usually pretty good but will likely cost you about another $50 a year to be safe.

So your new total for the year or e-cigarette smoking is $1,079.65!

Traditional Cigarettes

A carton costs about $45.  And a carton has ten packs of smokes just so you know.

So we’ll need to multiply $45 times 36 cartons and we get a grand total of…

$1,620 for a year of tobacco smoking!

So the long and the short of it is:

• If you are a regular smoker and going long-term, e-cigarettes are going to save you a bundle.
• If you just smoke on occasion and it would take about a month to get through one pack of cigarettes, then it may not be cheaper to smoke mechanically.

You may be wondering what exactly is in these kits and perhaps if one is better than another.  An e-cig starter kit is the most popular option because you get everything you need to get started, to get a taste for it and go from there. They are made to make it easy for people who are virgins with the concept.

So What’s in These Kits?

Well, first off before you can even set your mouth puffing, you’ve got to charge the battery up to get ready for use.

In the basic kit that comes straight from the manufacturer, you will get either one or two batteries that will be completely charged.  Although you should make note these batteries may lose some of their power naturally during the shipping process.

This means you’re smart to use the charger that either goes into the wall or USB socket to give the battery a little extra ump before starting.

You will also get numerous cartomizers (or cartridges) and this will depend on the specific model you have purchased.  With the disposable option, they can’t be refilled, and they come with the flavoring and liquid juice pre-made. People just starting out seem to like these disposable e-cigs because they are simple.

However, with the more serious e-smokers, the refillable units seem to make a little more sense because this method is cheaper in the long run.  Ultimately the choice is yours!

So when you are choosing a starter kit, you simply need to figure out whether you ‘d like disposable or refillable and what level of nicotine you would prefer.

You get everything else included to give you the best e-cigs experience possible.

Can These Kits Be Interchangeable?

Now if you aren’t sure whether you want disposable or refillable, there’s no need to fret.  Often electronic cigarettes in starter kits include replaceable units containing atomizers that will often work with refillable devices that work with atomizers.

See, the difference in each of these is the small warming element in an atomizer is made to persevere through numerous refills.  Some vapers want throwaways because you then receive a fresh warming element every time a cartomizer is replaced.  This, of course, means you will never have any issues with the warming element failing.

People new to this want to know how long each kit will last, but this is dependent specifically on how each person uses the unit. Maybe you breathe in deeply and this will use up the liquid a whole lot faster than someone who doesn’t.

In general though, a single cartomizer usually gives the same amount of nicotine as a single pack of normal tobacco-based cigarettes.  The best route here is to jump in with both feet, use an electronic cigarette starter kit and figure out your preferences along the way!

Be Sensible

Common sense dictates pretty loud and clear that traditional tobacco smoking is unhealthy.  Even smokers will admit this, but because it’s so addictive many have a tough time stopping no matter how much they want to.

That said, people who opt for electronic cigarettes run into the same sort of challenges.  You need to have some common sense if you are going to enjoy this smoking option without hassle and to help keep this window of opportunity open for others if they choose.

It goes without saying that e-cigs look very much like regular tobacco cigarettes and were made to take the place of the traditional smoking stick.  Because of this, it is easy for a non-smoker to think this ‘fake’ version is real.

It’s pretty easy to understand how a non-smoker may get upset with someone using this electronic version in public, and we need to be wary of this.

The Benefits

There are quite a number of benefits in choosing electronic cigarettes over the traditional tobacco style.

Smoking is a habit, and in order to break a habit you need to make changes.  One advantage of choosing the mechanical version is that you can make the change manageable by having control over the amount of nicotine you receive.

If you choose, you can wean yourself right off nicotine slowly and not suddenly.  Going cold turkey causes nasty withdrawal symptoms and is usually too much for people to handle.

If you enjoy the social aspects of smoking, you will still enjoy them with your e-cigarettes without the degree of negative health consequences.  Not to mention you won’t have yellow hands, skin and teeth and worst of all bad breath.

It seems pretty clear that an ecig starter kit is a great way to get started on this new option.