I’ve had a few conversations with colleagues and friends recently about vaping, and in every case the question of cost crops up.So, is vaping cheaper than smoking? Not so far, not in my case at least. I’ve spent a small fortune in the last seven weeks and amassed rather a lot of gear.
Here’s a quick list of stuff that I’ve acquired already…..
As many do, I started off with a cigarette look-a-like product called the E-Lites E60, which comprised a cigarette packet like box, an automatic battery, atomiser and 10 disposable pre-filled cartridges.
Before deciding that the E-Lites weren’t the way forward, I added another battery, atomiser and obviously bought more cartridges. Most of this kit is currently on loan to a friend who is thinking about taking up vaping, so I guess it’s earning it’s keep.
Then came the Riva Starter Kit, extra battery, spare charger, extra atomisers, a couple of XL cartomisers etc.
At some point, fairly early on, I decided to pick up a Screwdriver MkII basic kit (Screwdriver, battery and 901 atomiser), and of course bought some 901 catridges to go along with it. Oh, and a 901 – 510 adapter, and yesterday some spare batteries arrived from China too.
In addition to the above, I’ve also acquired a Halo XL 510 battery (and matching stainless steel cone), various cartomisers and drip tips, loads of different liquids and flavourings, plastic bottles, PG, VG, pipettes and syringes, more DIY mixing stuff en route and UK Vapefest 2010 is only 7 days away! I dare say I’ll part with a few quid there. I’ve also picked up a 5v box mod, which was very kindly given to me by Romastino from the UK Vapers forum (thanks again Glenn).
So, has vaping saved me money? Err, no. I estimate I’ve spent 3 or 4 times as much as I would have done on cigarettes so far. But, I have enough e-liquid (and DIY gear to make more) to last me for several months, and batteries and devices to last me at least as long. If I choose to stop spending now, there’s no doubt that vaping will cost me less than smoking.
I won’t stop acquiring new gear though, my wish list seems to get longer every day after reading the forums and watching Youtube reviews, but that’s fine. The gadget factor of these devices, together with my new found health, the vaping community and the benefits of being a “non-smoker” make this new hobby of mine worth every single penny.
To be honest Tam, I think that if I exclude the acquisition of new gadgets and trying new flavours, my running costs are more like £7-£8 a week, so I completely agree that there are huge savings to be made, with a little self-control and discipline.
My problem is that I am (and always have been) a sucker for gadgets 😀
Hardly surprising you’ve been unable as yet to enjoy the cost benefits, that’s quite a trove you’ve accumulated 🙂 Talk about spoiled for choice.
Realistically it is possible to stick with one device although variety seems to be a very endearing factor of this vaping business. Personally I’m really bad at choosing so prefer to have that option removed so I’m quite content at this stage to flit between two devices & three juices, although there’s still a lot out there I’m interested in.
My initial outlay was in the region of £120, although some of the hardware involved is now redundant, & I would estimate maintainance (juice, cartos, batteries) to fall in at around £15 a week which is approx one third of what I spent on fags. So we can save if we keep it lean.
That’s of course non inclusive of the occasional new shiny PV, but a few hints dropped around birthdays & xmas time takes care of that 😉