Electronic cigarettes arrive in New Richmond

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Electronic cigarettes are now available locally through Mitch Dahl, owner of STS Electronic Cigarettes. The $70 kits come with two batteries, a battery charger with USB charger, five cartomizers, carrying case and instruction manual.

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Wisconsin’s new smoking ban has many smokers headed outdoors or looking for alternatives.

For New Richmondites, Mitch Dahl has the answer.

They’re called electronic cigarettes — a new technology that gives smokers their nicotine fix without hurting anyone around them, Dahl said.

Dahl, owner of STS Electronic Cigarettes, starting selling his products after having personal success with them.

“I heard about this through the grapevine,” he said. “I bought one and it worked well enough for me.”

The electronic cigarette is a battery powered device that delivers a nicotine solution to the user through vapor. No tobacco, smoke or combustion is involved in its operation. There are different versions of the device, but most include a battery, atomizer and cartridge. Dahl’s version has just two pieces — the battery and a cartomizer.

“The cartomizer combines the cartridge and atomizer,” he said. “You just screw the piece on and replace it when it’s out instead of dealing with poisonous liquid to refill a cartridge.”

The ease is just one reason many people are switching to STS Electronic Cigarettes, Dahl said. Health, tolerance and costs are three other reasons people are looking to electronic cigarettes, he said.

Because users are inhaling nicotine in a vapor form, there is no flame, tobacco or smoke. That also means the devices can be used anywhere — even in places where traditional cigarettes are banned, Dahl said.

“You could even use one on an airplane,” he said. “I use mine in restaurants all the time, just because I can.”

The elimination of flame, tobacco and smoke also make them much safer than traditional cigarettes, he said.

“You’re not inhaling carbon monoxide and you’re not exhaling anything that will hurt anyone,” he said. “I’m not saying there’s no risk. They’re just much, much safer.”

Cost savings is also a big advantage to the electronic cigarettes, Dahl said.

Most people spend about $68 for a carton of cigarettes, he said. With STS Electronic Cigarettes, it’s $70 for a kit and $18 for additional cartomizers.

Kits include two rechargeable battery packs, a battery charger with USB charger, five cartomizers (the equivalent of a carton of cigarettes), carrying case and instruction manual.

Dahl’s cartomizers are offered in six different flavors — clove, vanilla, strawberry, menthol, 555 (premium tobacco) and Mboro, he said.

So far, menthol as been the best seller, he said.

“That actually surprised me,” he said. “Women seem to like the menthol taste better.”

For those who want to try the product before committing to the $70 kit can try the disposable electronic cigarette, Dahl said.

Disposable versions are $13 and are the equivalent of about two packs of cigarettes, he said. They’re available by contacting Dahl or at Outer Limits Bar & Grill in New Richmond.

For more information about STS Electronic Cigarettes, contact Dahl at 612-718-4087.

Tags: new richmond, business, health, retail