I'm not exactly new, I've been
vaping since January/February. However, I've used nothing but cheap kits with cartos. I've heard liquid tastes better in atomizers, and that it hits a lot better, but I haven't the slightest idea as to how they're used. So here are my questions:
Is a cartridge necessary to use an atomizer? Or can you just drip the liquid in?
Not only is a cartridge not necessary, I suggest if you have any cartridges,
throw them away immediately!!
All you need is an appropriate resistance atomizer and a drip tip. That's why they're called drip tips. You drip a few drops, typically 3 or 4, straight into the mouth of the drip tip and onto the bridge or heating coil of the atomizer. Then you take a few puffs, usually about 5 or 6 and when it starts to taste funky, you repeat the process. It's called "dripping" and it's the cleanest flavor you can get.
Does the flavor of a liquid stay in the atomizer, or can you use different flavors using the same one?
Anyone know of a good place to get the cheap?
You can use different flavors. You can vape something called a "flavor eraser" or similar catchy name, between flavors. You can vape an unflavored 0 nic juice or you can just vape right through one flavor into another. It usually doesn't take very long before the old flavor is wiped out by the new one. Some really strong flavors, notably bacon and cinnamon, hang in an atty for a long time, so you'd want to give them their own atomizer.
You can use any atomizer for dripping, but some work better than others and there are attys designed specially for dripping. Many drippers prefer a "debridged" or "bridgeless" atomizer. They usually only cost slightly more than a normal atomizer. The most reasonably priced special dripping attys I know of are the Ikenvape i06 and V2 Cannon ($8.99). Unfortunately the Ikenvape site is temporarily down and the only other place I know of to get them is out of stock except for the 3.5ohm models, for which you need a variable voltage or 5V e-cig. So, your best bet would be to try it out with a normal atty and, if you like it, you can get a bridgeless atomizer or maybe the Ikenvape atomizers will be more available. Right now, Sweet-vapes.com has debridged attys in stock, I think. Empiremods.com specializes in dripping stuff but I'm not vouching for their cheapness.
If you REALLY like dripping, you can try a HH357 from Avidvapers. They are one of the very best and last for months, but there is a little learning curve with them and they cost over $20
Before you start dripping with any atty, you need to prime it with 3-5 drops and let it soak in a few minutes. If it leaks out the bottom, just wipe it up. Then add 3 drops and vape until it starts tasting burnt. Add 3-4 drops again and repeat. It takes a little practice to get the right amount of juice in there without flooding it. If you flood it, just take it off, blow it out and start over with a couple drops.
