@Asmani,
@NatashaTMT speaks well when she says:
many people mix higher percentages than 10%. Many mix much less also.<EDIT by IDJoel> Because thats what matters since you’re the one who will be vaping it.
There are a LOT of things that will dictate how much flavoring is right for
you:
-- Your own perception/sensitivity to flavor in general, as well as specific flavors. Those who have just recently quit smoking, may still be smoking, are used to/prefer commercial e-liquids, and other behavior that is hard on the taste buds; often like/need higher percentages of flavor.
Also, some folks just don't seem to be able to "taste" certain flavor concentrates. I have read of folks who can't taste strawberry, or apple, or other specific vape profiles
at any percentage.
-- Hardware has a dramatic influence on how an e-liquid can taste. The atomizer used, the coil configuration, the wicking, the airflow, the power/temperature that is applied, the resistance of the coils...
all can have an influence on how an e-liquid might taste to you.
-- Ingredients differ. Just because 8 different manufacturers sell a flavor concentrate called "strawberry"; doesn't mean they taste the same, or will taste their best (to you), at the same concentration.
-- Additionally, the "base" ingredients (PG, VG, Nicotine concentrate, and/or other non-flavor ingredients) can have an influence on flavor.
So, what the heck does all this mean to you? If you are truly wanting to become a successful DIYer; you are going to have to invest some time, and do some experimenting. Find what works best for your flavors, your hardware, your preferences... in short; for you. almost anything can be made to work, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, to find what works best for you.
If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, or you don't have the time (or patience), then commercial e-liquid may be the better choice. Keeping off the cigarettes is what's most important.
If you think you are ready to commit; then here are some good general rules of thumb, that have served the DIY community well:
-- Write everything you do down. What was used, how much, how long, what you thought/tasted, what was good/bad about the results, what you might like to do differently next time. The more information; the better. Nothing is worse than arriving at the "holy grail" of e-liquids; only never to be able to repeat it (yes; I know from personal experience
).
-- Mix
SMALL test batches first. It is easy to scale a good recipe up. It is much harder to throw out, or try to "fix" a large failure.
-- Start with low percentages. It is easier to add "a bit more," than to figure out dilutions, or start over. Recipe sites like E-liquid Recipes, or All the Flavors, are good sources for getting an idea of where to start for a specific flavor concentrate. Always start at the low end of the spectrum (at least to start).
-- Keep it simple. Complex recipes can look really enticing; but resist the urge. Learn to know where
you like your individual ingredients best
first. It may not be the most exciting vape you ever had; but it will provide the foundation for future creations.
Then, you can work on creating that ideal vape. And, who knows; you may just find that perfect vape in just a single flavor.
(I discovered I actually like unflavored; just PG, VG, and nicotine.)
-- Did I say "write it down?" Well, I'm saying it again. This not only helps you, but it will help us when you have questions. Instead of saying "my 'blank' doesn't taste good," You will be able to give valuable information by saying "when I mixed flavor 'A' by manufacturer 'B' at 'X' percent; it tasted like 'Z.'" We can then give more useful appropriate feedback.
-- And last, but far from least; have something vapeable on hand, while you learn to DIY. This can be a commercial e-liquid, or a simple DIY mix... anything you can safely/comfortably fall back on, while you find what works for you (this was kind of how I learned I liked unflavored). This will provide a safety net, that keeps you away from smoking, and allows you the luxury of time. Time to let mixes mature. Time to try multiple variations. Time to get it right. The pressure to get it right, "right now," is removed... and you can work at a pace that works for you.
DIY is not mystical. It is not "hard." It does take some time, patience, a willingness to fail, and a willingness to learn. I truly believe anyone can do it... if they give it a chance. I wish you all the best, as you begin your journey!
):
