We’ve been given a few packets of these new-fangled electronic cigarettes from E-lites to review.  To put them to the test we’ve given them to Derek, our very own seasoned smoker who knows a good puff when he sees one. Remember to leave your comment at the bottom – we’ll be giving prizes for the top talkers on Gadgets.ie so get involved!

2012: we’re all electronically consuming music and video, reading e-books and communicating online with e-friends. Is it time to bring our bad habits into the now and switch to smoking E-lites?

As a committed smoker of many years, I recently received a suggestion from a friend to give E-lites a try as an alternative method for now gripping appetite for nicotine hits throughout the day.

The folly of taking up smoking and the personal health risks are well documented and made apparent to those who choose to consume tobacco products through awareness campaigns, the media and an appreciable, steady decline in health.

My intention in this review is not to tackle the wider issues around tobacco use but simply to appraise my own experiences of using E-lites.

My initial reaction to my friends suggestion was one of scepticism; although logging onto the E-lites website it is made clear that the electronic cigarette is not intended to be used as a NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) for those looking to quit smoking but simply as a convenient replacement for tobacco in situations where smoking may be socially or legally prohibited.

Taking the plunge and trying an E-lite for the first time I was pleasantly surprised at the sensation it gave me; and also possibly a little dismayed with my own unsophisticated reaction.

The electronic cigarette is made up of two parts which screw together; a long white battery container and, the mouthpiece, a smaller capsule which contains nicotine vapour. Once assembled the user can inhale from the mouthpiece which causes the battery to charge a heat element, releasing the vapour to provide the user with their nicotine hit.

Inhaling the nicotine vapour is a pleasurable experience and the subsequent ‘smoke’ this produces does simulate the experience of smoking a tobacco cigarette. A green LED illuminates the end of E-lite, which y’know is…fun. And that’s why I smoke, yeah, because it’s fun? This enthused reaction to the fake smoke, lights and bright colours maybe highlights a need for me to rethink a few things, start watching less TV, etc.

Anyway, the further effect was that I found my desire to go outside, stand in the cold and stain my fingers yellow, was greatly reduced as I happily spent an evening puffing away on my electronic cigarette. On the counter side, that first evening I may have upped myself from a 10 a day to a 40 a day smoker, continuously puffing away and enjoying watching the somehow satisfying LED light up.

When smoking tobacco cigarettes, once they have burnt down to the filter one must obviously stub out and throw it away; not inhaling again until sufficient time has passed for the craving to rebuild within you and light a new one. The battery charge on an E-lite lasts for days and so the willpower to put it down is required.

In summary, I found that E-lites are an immensley satisfying smoke which I can recommend to other smokers to try if looking for a cheaper, cleaner alternative. I would add that I was not able to find much research or information on potential health risks from electronic cigarettes and reading studies would be interesting, although this may seem by the by given the known health risks of inhaling tobacco.

If you’re a smoker looking to cut down or quit I then these E-lites may just be for you but don’t forget about good old fashioned willpower!

—–

How do E-Lites Work? Watch This space – more info and pictures to follow on these great little smokes! In the meantime leave your comments below and let us know what you think of these e-lites, would your Gran take to them?