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  • ODurren
    Member
    • May 2009
    • 66

    Another newbie here!

    Greeting everyone!
    I'm another one of those "new guys" around these boards. Been a smoker for around 10-13 years. Dipper for around 5-7. Cigar smoker for around 3. Of course I'm one of the many that seen the new "must try camel snus!" ads so I figured why the hell not!. Bought a tin (amazing tin) but other than that did absolutely nothing for me.

    So I did a little research. Found a General brand retailer close to home and got one of each of their cans. I believe it was los,white,portion and mini mint. Since I still had a few of the Camel Frosts left I tried the mini mint first. Wow noticeable difference! And it didn't even leave me feeling a tad bit sick. So on and so forth I tired the other brands. Mind you my weapons of choice have always been Newport/American Spirit Menthol, Copenhagen long cut, and Swish Sweet menthols (inhaled 90%). Was power snusing until they were gone because they didn't QUITE hit my nic fixation. More research!

    A few online ordering companies refuse to sell to Indiana, where I'm from. Did I want to risk international crap? nah. Found Northerner and they're hella wide selections. I turned on my "kid in a candy store" switch and started clicking like crazy! But then I held back. Lets think about this... reading the nicotine contents and such steered me directly towards the Strong portions. ordered a few of the more popular choices. Skruf strong, General Onyx, And General Extra strong. Took 11 days to get here and was well into a carton of cigarettes and a tube of copenhagen...

    First can was the Skruf. Figured General listed nic content by percentage and skruf just said "high". Kick ass can. Everyone is so amazed and intrigued by the new. Getting comments and also a few older gentlemen from around the world who instantly took notice and anxiously asked if they might buy a pouch from me. PSH! no need to buy if it'll please an elder who used to snus and would wish to relive his pleasant past! SIDETRACKED!

    I stopped smoking for an hour and chewing as well in anticipation to try this "strong" stuff! Popped it it, enjoyed the taste, a little salty. sat in front of my computer for 30-45 minutes with it in. Had to pee so I got up.... That damn thing put me on my ass. And THEN I just realized "I haven't smoked/chewed for the past 2 hours!" 3-4 days go by just on snus. unto the Onyx can, disliked the taste at first but it got to me eventually. But now my lungs are crying for sweet carbon monoxide!!! I assumed its just the sudden change of things.

    Finished all that stuff satisfied. I placed another order with a bit more variety and a few Los cans as well. Yes I STILL smoke every so often and I do enjoy a lil swisher sweet here and there. But I really feel this might be a worthy tool to use to actually stop smoking and american dip (Always love the half bloody, gaping hole in my bottom lip [That's healing very nicely!]) More time is needed but I feel as if I'm on a better road. But I still kinda feel, to me, nothing hits the spot more than a fat pinch of Copenhagen and an open porch to spit off from. Time will tell.

    And thats my half ass'ed story. And now for questions!
    -I enjoy the strong stuff because its pretty much what my body is needin' right now. Can you recommend me any brands that you enjoy? Even the white/portion because I'm always willing to try at least once!
    -I'm not going to attempt to know all the fancy words and phrases for things, But since I have a few Los cans. And if I enjoy them, would an icetool be worth it? I've been chewing for a while and I like to admit I can make a pretty damn tight pinch as it is. (And I have enough stuff in my pockets to begin with, lol)
    -Lastly, is it true that Swedish snus is controlled by what they consider an American equivalent of the FDA? If I then I would see how it would be alot safer for you, if anything, a lot less risks associated.

    Thank you for your time!
  • sagedil
    Member
    • Nov 2007
    • 7077

    #2
    Welcome to Snuson ODurren, you have found the right place.

    First, let me answer your specific questions, then some further thoughts.


    When I first started using snus 2+ years ago, as a 2 pack a day smoker, I used almost exclusively strong. Maybe for a couple of months before I started using more regular. Great strong snus, Nick & Johnny is a must, I find Skruff to be just a bit much. I think both the Thunder and Odens, which are relatively new to be the greatest snus ever made. Although it is even higher in nicotine than the Skruff, it hits much more slowly and lasts forever. Be careful with the Offroad strong, Offroad is a Danish company, their snus has a strange, sometimes offputting taste.

    I just bought an Icetool. Folks here know I am the portions king, have never before been able to get into los. But now, am making another attempt. The Icettol is super nice for los, makes the perfect pris. Necessary, of course not. And probably wise to wait a bit to make sure you will use it enough to make an Icetool make sense. A cheap prismaster will do the trick, but not nearly as good as an Icetool. If you do decide to get one, you won't be disappointed. But since you are comfortable handbaking, don't feel like you *must*

    Snus is even more regulated in Sweden than any tobacco product here. Swedish regulations require that snus meets food safety rules.


    Now some thoughts. Don't even stress for a moment about "quitting" cigarettes. I tell this story to every new person that comes here. I started using snus, not to quit the cigs, but just to allow me not have to leave the sales floor I was managing as often as I was. Really didn't plan on quitting. But funny thing just happened. I liked the snus, started using it more and more, stopped smoking as much. Finally, after about a month, I simply quit buying cigarettes. And as I discovered how much money the snus was saving me, I just never wanted to go back.

    The snus will work it's magic, just sit back and enjoy. If you feel like a cigarette, have one. I still have one every month or so, but now, it is only because I want to, not because I need to

    And again, welcome.

    Comment

    • ODurren
      Member
      • May 2009
      • 66

      #3
      I work at a plant that pretty much has to be monitored 24/7. But lately I've been noticing that its wonderful when I'm around, but it misses me too much when I go out for a cigarette and causes a bit of a fit. I will, with the utmost honesty, say that as far as now is concerned "quitting" anything is something I just don't do. Unfortunately that applies to cigarettes as well. However these past few weeks I've actually been able to leave my packs of cigarettes in my work locker and, if anything, take just one cigarette home for the ride home or save it for my weekend. The American chew was my way of staying in the office just a little bit longer. But if those desks could talk, they'd seriously yell at me for all the spit cans I've spilt and my bottom lip I know would be less forgiving.

      As mentioned, so far i've been pretty damn good with it. As far as keeping a mindset of "I'M GOING TO QUIT!!!", nah. But if it happens it happens and I know my lungs would be that much happier. But I will say that instantly switching from American Spirit full flavored for Ultra Lights was a nice relief.

      I'm really enjoying the Claq Qui right now. Northerer is/was hosting some thingy where if you buy a can you're entered in a drawing for stuff so I figured "why not!". And my next try will be the GrovSnus.

      Comment

      • HK11
        Member
        • May 2009
        • 631

        #4
        Im pretty much in the same boat as you. And I havent smoked a cigarette in a couple of days. Didnt really plan on quitting and even have some but after a while I just started fiending for snus.

        I dunno why but I love the strong ones best. At first I didnt really like swedish snus, but I had bought a 10 pack and after a few days I liked it better, and the last few days I just love everything. The taste, smell, nic delivery, all of it.

        The N&J Strong are good, the Skruf Sterk im in love with and have more on the way, general is tasty too (even thought I totally hated it at first). The thing that really got me hooked was when I tried a Skruf Sterk instead of a cigarette with a big cup of coffee in the AM. God I love that.

        Comment

        • sagedil
          Member
          • Nov 2007
          • 7077

          #5
          That's typical HK11, the snus just slowly takes over your soul. And
          ODurren, you and me were in the exact same boat. I could leave, but felt better not having to. And slowly, but surely, I just came to love the nicotine delivery from snus far better than what I ever got from cigarettes.

          But the kicker was money. 2+ packs a day were costing me over $50 a week. I cut my tobacco spending by 70% by just using snus. As poor as I was back then, that was huge for me. I typically spend between $100 - $120 on snus every other month now, another $20 on snuff every 3 months or so.

          Comment

          • ODurren
            Member
            • May 2009
            • 66

            #6
            HK11: ugh don't get me started on my morning coffee. Some habits definitely don't die as quick as others. My co-workers agree that its best for everyone that I drive an hour to and from work because I'm grumpy as hell during the first 20 minutes until it both the caffeine and nicotine from snus kick in. So by the time I get to work I'm half way manageable. :-D

            sagedil: Lets... not talk about money :-D. American Spirits around here were usually around 60 bucks a carton. 2 packs a day and then still not considering the weekend. Sometimes bought two cartons a week. Tube of Copenhagen was around... 30-50 bucks for a week and a half... ugh. My first order of 6 cans of snus was a think 20 bucks and that lasted me lil more than a week. (I was also kinda in a hurry to try the other flavors, I KNOW I can stretch it alot longer) and in that bought a pack of Newports in that week. so around 25. My second (current) order I bought a 5 pack of General Extra Sterk and a couple randoms. I made a small mistake and UPS'd it racking me up an additional 25 bucks (but I was running a lil low and the quickness payed off. 2 pouches by the time UPS rolled up) and that was around. 50-60 bucks that'll probably last me 2-3 weeks, perhaps?

            But regardless, quit nicotine? hell no I love the stuff too much! Alternatives for safer intake of nicotine? hell yes! A cigarette every so often? hell yeah, why not?!?! Now that I switched to snus, I am comfortable giving up the dip AS SOON as I get used to the unique flavors and the "one can" that I really enjoy.

            Comment

            • sagedil
              Member
              • Nov 2007
              • 7077

              #7
              Yes, no need for UPS. Invest some of that money you were gonna spend and build up your supply of snus. I typically have anywhere between 40 - 80 tins in my freezer at any point, the lowest I will ever be is 20 when I re-order. One of my greatest joys is opening my freezer, seeing my stash, and standing there for 10 minutes trying to decide what snus I want that day. Have you seen the pictures of snus refrigerators in Sweden, my freezer isn't that far off. :lol: :lol:

              And ODurren, I think I may be about to become your best friend, as I will let you in on a secret that will change your life!!!

              Elyxr Power snus

              It tastes like a**, I promise, but over time, you will learn to almost like it. But it is one of the most magical things I have ever tried and now is the cornerstone of my snus life. I will NEVER be without it. I pop an Elyxr in as I get up and hit the shower. by the time I am done with my shower, I am starting to feel normal. By the time I leave the house, I feel great, regardless of how little sleep I have gotten. I ride a motorcycle to work, and simply can't afford to wake up as I go.

              I was really the first person here on Snuson to fully embrace Elyxr. many folks have never tried it, but most who finally listened to me are happy converts. At least give it a try. Again, the financials speak for themselves. One Elyxr equals a cup of coffee and costs like $0.05 per. I still love my coffee, my first coffee when I get to work is always sublime. And I go out to one of several cafe's at least 4 nights a week to get good coffee. but Elyxr enables me to at least begin my day on a decent footing.

              And Elyxr is also a strong snus, so get my jolt of nicotine along with the caffeine and taurine
              Try it at least, I promise, you won't be disappointed.

              Comment

              • Badfish74
                Member
                • May 2009
                • 1035

                #8
                It's funny that u mention Elixyr...I personally can't have caffeine as it gives me heart palpitations, but I put a can of it on my next order for my wife to try. Caffeine really hypes her up, and I can't wait to watch her run around like a chipmunk on crack! And welcome to the the forum ODurren!

                Comment

                • rickcharles606
                  Member
                  • Mar 2009
                  • 2307

                  #9
                  ODurren, welcome to the site and Swedish snus. It seems that you've found your way around quite well, and had your questions answered. So again, welcome and if you have any other questions, just ask.

                  Comment

                  • RobsanX
                    Member
                    • Aug 2008
                    • 2030

                    #10
                    Welcome to the forums! I quit smoking with snus, but I was ready to quit.

                    Comment

                    • ODurren
                      Member
                      • May 2009
                      • 66

                      #11
                      Elyxr Power snus
                      I was thinking about it mainly for drive to work anyways, actually. I saw the reviews about the taste and kinda steered clear. But then I just realized, "HEY! My mouth tastes like a** anyways when I wake up! Shouldn't be a problem!" And since I brush my teeth when I get to work it shouldn't be any harm when the morning coffee is gone. I've noticed that regardless of how good any snus is in the middle of the afternoon it still sends a mild chill down my spine when I pop my first of the morning. So if it tastes bad in the morning then that just calls for a 24Oz cup of joe to wash it down instead of a 16!

                      I'll try a can or two out with a completely unbiased mindset. If anything it sounds like me "Keep the can in the truck" kinda snus for morning specifically. And that would be a good thing.


                      Thanks again for the info and well wishing.

                      Comment

                      • sagedil
                        Member
                        • Nov 2007
                        • 7077

                        #12
                        It doesn't taste THAT bad, but it definitely taste off when you are unused to it. The only reason I make a point of stressing it tastes like a** is because we always get these posts from newbies who got the Elyxr without knowing what it was, and then come here posting about how terrible it is here.

                        Do a search on Elyxr here and my nym, and you will see the probably 100 posts I have done emphasizing that Elyxr isn't like other snus, it's not something you just use for the heck of it, it is it's functionality that matters. Elyxr will just make you feel like a million bucks. it is better than anything I have ever used, and I started using Energy drinks as soon as Red Bull hit the market.

                        From what you described, i think it will be perfect for you. If you do try it, please let me know what you think

                        Comment

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