Cartomizer issues.

[kim24]

I’ve been lurking on this forum for a few days and its how I decided to try the VK. Before I get to my concerns I just want to say that Steve seems like a genuinely great person and I am thrilled with buying from him. Already ordered from him 3 times in the past few days. But…I have searched this forum up and down and haven’t been able to find any topic about this so as a result I feel like I’m either just too inexperienced with this stuff or my expectations are unrealistic. On to the point. What are the cartomizers supposed to taste like? I have bought pineapple, mboro, watermelon, doc pepper, coffee and RY4. So far all of them except for the RY4 cart I’m vaping now (which is amazing) have had a strange taste (and smell) to them, sometimes it overpowers the flavor of the juice. The taste is kind of chemically, kind of burnt or cardboardy. Maybe from the stuff inside the cart? I can’t really put my finger on it. I know about the burning taste you’re supposed to get as the carts are drying up but this is with brand new carts. Am I doing something wrong?

I feel silly posting this but I have to know if something’s wrong. I’ve been smoking more than vaping lately because of it. Any help would be appreciated!! I want to love this thing like everybody else does.

 

[Streetvapor]

I have found thats there is a break in period with the new carts where you might get a funny taste at first then the flavors come out.

 

[kim24]

Thanks for your reply. Would it continue to taste funny even after a few hours or a day?

 

[JenJen]

Usually it is just the first few draws for me to break in the new cartos. Some questions:

Do you have the manual or the auto battery?

Is the cartomizer staying pretty warm to hot? I used to get that with my 510 all the time, but not once with my VK.

Have you tried a different battery with those flavors?

I ask because sometimes a battery can get stuck and overheat the cartomizer. It happened on my 510, not on my VK but every so often you can get a bum battery on any product.)

Give Steve an email, I am sure he will help you sort it out...

 

[kim24]

I'm so new to all this so I'll answer as best I can.

I have 2 auto batteries, the usb passthrough, and one of those extra long manual ones. Depending on what battery I'm using the heat of the carts vary. With the usb they get quite warm bordering on hot. On one of the auto batteries they get pretty warm as well. The other auto seems to be about right. The manual is the only one not getting that warm. The thing is, I started smelling some of the carts before vaping them and they smell like how I described the taste. Of course I haven't tried every single cart I have but I've tried one of each flavor and they all (except the RY4 using the manual, and the RY4 has hints of it using the other batteries which got me thinking maybe the batteries could have a hand in it) have that very unpleasant taste. It seems odd that they'd all taste this way. I should get some more in the mail today and I'm hoping they don't suffer from this.

You guys haven't had this happen?

Thanks again for your input!

 

[PhoenixRising]

Every cartomizer I have ever purchased (and I have purchased for all the suppliers here for the most part) has a sort of "nutty" taste in the beginning. I find that the passthrough helps kill this faster (breaking in faster). I would say that is what you are experiencing, except you said it remains after the cartomizer warms up. This is interesting.

 

[kim24]

This smell/taste I get can make my head swim. It's that strong and it doesn't go away. If it does, it's only slightly and then it always returns. Is it normal for there to be an undertone (even a slight one) of a chemical like taste or smell in these carts on a regular basis? I'm just trying to work out what this could be.

 

[kc0cmp]

I'm so new to all this so I'll answer as best I can.

I have 2 auto batteries, the usb passthrough, and one of those extra long manual ones. Depending on what battery I'm using the heat of the carts vary. With the usb they get quite warm bordering on hot. On one of the auto batteries they get pretty warm as well. The other auto seems to be about right. The manual is the only one not getting that warm. The thing is, I started smelling some of the carts before vaping them and they smell like how I described the taste. Of course I haven't tried every single cart I have but I've tried one of each flavor and they all (except the RY4 using the manual, and the RY4 has hints of it using the other batteries which got me thinking maybe the batteries could have a hand in it) have that very unpleasant taste. It seems odd that they'd all taste this way. I should get some more in the mail today and I'm hoping they don't suffer from this.

You guys haven't had this happen?

Thanks again for your input!

I havn't had anything out of the ordinary for pg juice. Point being. If you're brand new to vaping..you'd be more likely to notice, comming right off of analogs (im obviously presuming you smoked, as that's the intended target of such products) that vaping is not like smoking. Furthermore, every single juice has a "hint' of ..as you word it..."chemical" taste..thats the PG. Propylene Glycol is the stuff they use in breathing treatments, and on the few occasions when i had pneumonia bad enough to destroy lung tissue, i became familliar with that taste and don't really notice it.

Now someone who never smoked, who's tastebuds and sense of smell are intact, who just picks up a PV and starts vaping..*might* notice some of these things you mention. But you're the first smoker (again assuming you were a smoker) who's ever detected it to the extent you describe ive heard of so far.

 

[JenJen]

Try a new cart on the manual. See how it tastes to you after a few draws.

If one of the batteries is overheating the cartomizers to the point that it scortches it, I would imagine the carto would hold that burnt scortched taste even if put on a different battery. See if using the manual excusively with a new cart in one of the flavors you had problems with gives you good taste. If so, I suspect one of your batteries is overheating the cartomizer and burning through the fluid.

But definately email or call Steve, I am sure he can figure it out for you.

 

[~Gazoo~]

Also don't try to take hard draws. Long easy draws are much better and will actually give you a better vaping experience. I am sure I accidentally burnt a cartomizer from drawing on it too hard. It only happened one time.

 

[JLeigh]

Try a new cart on the manual. See how it tastes to you after a few draws.

If one of the batteries is overheating the cartomizers to the point that it scortches it, I would imagine the carto would hold that burnt scortched taste even if put on a different battery. See if using the manual excusively with a new cart in one of the flavors you had problems with gives you good taste. If so, I suspect one of your batteries is overheating the cartomizer and burning through the fluid.

But definately email or call Steve, I am sure he can figure it out for you.

JenJen, can you expound on this a bit more? How warm are the cartomizers supposed to get? Are they supposed to feel cool to the touch or warm, or very warm? I asked because I've had some get pretty darn warm, and I never knew if that was normal or not.

 

[NJDrew]

Also don't try to take hard draws. Long easy draws are much better and will actually give you a better vaping experience. I am sure I accidentally burnt a cartomizer from drawing on it too hard. It only happened one time.

I would say that is probably your problem right there. I am new to vaping as well (3 days, 22 hours ) and like you when I started I got this taste that was like dried ammonia or bleach maybe. I started trying to vape like I was smoking, hard and fast. I use to smoke a full analog in 60 secs flat 8-o. When I slowed down I noticed that chemical taste went away and the flavor of the cart came out. When I vape now I draw, into the mouth, slow enough to hit the cut off on the manual batt (5 secs I believe ?) and then inhale. After 3-5 times on a new cart I will start truly tasting the flavor. Right or wrong, that is what works for me.

 

[crand]

I'm so new to all this so I'll answer as best I can.

I have 2 auto batteries, the usb passthrough, and one of those extra long manual ones. Depending on what battery I'm using the heat of the carts vary. With the usb they get quite warm bordering on hot. On one of the auto batteries they get pretty warm as well. The other auto seems to be about right. The manual is the only one not getting that warm. The thing is, I started smelling some of the carts before vaping them and they smell like how I described the taste. Of course I haven't tried every single cart I have but I've tried one of each flavor and they all (except the RY4 using the manual, and the RY4 has hints of it using the other batteries which got me thinking maybe the batteries could have a hand in it) have that very unpleasant taste. It seems odd that they'd all taste this way. I should get some more in the mail today and I'm hoping they don't suffer from this.

You guys haven't had this happen?

Thanks again for your input!

Yes, I understand what you are saying and I agree. I like the product, it's my second favorite vape. However, it's my opinion that but for very subtle variations each cart flavor tastes just like the others... with that same background taste and aroma that you just can't seem to put your finger on.

It's not my taste buds as I've not smoked an analog in over a year.

Several of the flavors I like and find to have far less of the artificial chemical about them such as the Camel and Coffee. I fill these up with my own juice and enjoy their taste and performance very much.

I'm sure that I'll get blasted for this but I've been of the opinion that if blindfolded you'd be hard pressed to identify at least 60% of the flavors.

I'd also describe the carts I've purchased from other suppliers in exactly the same way.

 

[JenJen]

JenJen, can you expound on this a bit more? How warm are the cartomizers supposed to get? Are they supposed to feel cool to the touch or warm, or very warm? I asked because I've had some get pretty darn warm, and I never knew if that was normal or not.

If you are drawing on them several hits one after the other, they will get warm, that is normal. It you are chain vaping, they will get downright HOT! (That is why many of our chain vapors have two or three nearby to grab from, so they don't burn their carto out) If you aren't drawing on them very often and the cart is still getting hot or very warm there could be a problem with the battery sticking on. Like I said, this happened with my 510, it got stuck "on" and the cart burned.

If I am in the mood to seriously vape, sometimes I will have my passthrough and regular battery nearby. The cart is going to get warm from normal draws on it, particular several in a row without stopping. I seldom take more then 4 or 5 draws before setting it down for a bit so I usually don't have a problem. Does this make sense?

 

[JLeigh]

If you are drawing on them several hits one after the other, they will get warm, that is normal. It you are chain vaping, they will get downright HOT! (That is why many of our chain vapors have two or three nearby to grab from, so they don't burn their carto out) If you aren't drawing on them very often and the cart is still getting hot or very warm there could be a problem with the battery sticking on. Like I said, this happened with my 510, it got stuck "on" and the cart burned.

If I am in the mood to seriously vape, sometimes I will have my passthrough and regular battery nearby. The cart is going to get warm from normal draws on it, particular several in a row without stopping. I seldom take more then 4 or 5 draws before setting it down for a bit so I usually don't have a problem. Does this make sense?

Thank you! That makes perfect sense.

 

[JenJen]

Yes, I understand what you are saying and I agree. I like the product, it's my second favorite vape. However, it's my opinion that but for very subtle variations each cart flavor tastes just like the others... with that same background taste and aroma that you just can't seem to put your finger on.

It's not my taste buds as I've not smoked an analog in over a year.

Several of the flavors I like and find to have far less of the artificial chemical about them such as the Camel and Coffee. I fill these up with my own juice and enjoy their taste and performance very much.

I'm sure that I'll get blasted for this but I've been of the opinion that if blindfolded you'd be hard pressed to identify at least 60% of the flavors.

I'd also describe the carts I've purchased from other suppliers in exactly the same way.

lol! Why would you be blasted? Everyone has different tastes for crying out loud. Seriously, the 510 drove me nuts with the fussing, but many people love it! Some people don't mind huge mods hanging off their lips. Whatever gets you off the cigs is good to me! To me the cartomizers have a distinct taste, but I have a strong sense of smell and taste - even when smoking I would smell things before other people would. I bet I could identify most of them, they all taste distinctly different to me. And oddly enough, I don't taste the chemical tastes, so go figure!

 

[PhoenixRising]

Yes, I understand what you are saying and I agree. I like the product, it's my second favorite vape. However, it's my opinion that but for very subtle variations each cart flavor tastes just like the others... with that same background taste and aroma that you just can't seem to put your finger on.

It's not my taste buds as I've not smoked an analog in over a year.

Several of the flavors I like and find to have far less of the artificial chemical about them such as the Camel and Coffee. I fill these up with my own juice and enjoy their taste and performance very much.

I'm sure that I'll get blasted for this but I've been of the opinion that if blindfolded you'd be hard pressed to identify at least 60% of the flavors.

I'd also describe the carts I've purchased from other suppliers in exactly the same way.

No worries, you won't get blasted round these parts! All of our tastebuds are different, my husband adores brussel sprouts which never ceases to amaze me. He doesn't like chocolate cake...sometimes I wonder if he is really human!

It sounds to me, especially since you said you haven't smoked in a year, that KC may be right in his assessment of the situation. Your tastebuds are uniquely primed and are pulling out the PG flavor that most of us barely notice or miss altogether. I am like that with nutmeg, even the tiniest drop and I can taste it in seconds in a very overpowering way. Good thing I like nutmeg I suppose.

As for me, you bet I could tell them apart blindfolded. The tastes are very unique to my tastebuds, the only ones that are even a tad close are the coffee and chocolate. The rest I could "name that flavor" in one drag.

I can see though why that wouldn't be the case for you, especially if your tastebuds are sensitive to PG since that is the primary ingredient. Although I still find it intriguing that you don't taste it in the juices you are adding. It makes me wonder if the cartomizer "native" juice is formulated differently from the regular e-liquids. Steve will have to speak to that speculation though.

I am all out of ideas now. I hope someone else can find you an answer. I would love for you to enjoy the carts as much as I do!

 

[kim24]

Thanks everybody. To address some questions: Yes, I've been smoking on average a pack a day Marlboro Lights for close to 8 years.

The reason I found the VK carts tasting so funny was I'd tried an NJOY and the cart with it didn't have this taste at all. It was not the best but that was just the flavor.

The other comment about inhaling. From the moment I got my VK (and the NJOY as a matter of fact) I was inhaling as lightly as the battery would allow. I don't think I'm puffing on it that hard.

I ordered a 901 atomizer to see how that does. I'm hoping to narrow it down to the carts or the juice. I am pretty sure the carts are what's giving me the problem.

Boy, it would be unfortunate if this is the norm, as crand described. I can make out the flavors, don't get me wrong, but that chemical taste is at the forefront most definitely.

 

[kim24]

Try a new cart on the manual. See how it tastes to you after a few draws.

If one of the batteries is overheating the cartomizers to the point that it scortches it, I would imagine the carto would hold that burnt scortched taste even if put on a different battery. See if using the manual excusively with a new cart in one of the flavors you had problems with gives you good taste. If so, I suspect one of your batteries is overheating the cartomizer and burning through the fluid.

But definately email or call Steve, I am sure he can figure it out for you.

Sorry for the double post. I will try that out for sure when I get home in about 10 hours. Work nights. All I have with me is an RY4 and a coffee (with that taste) and one auto and the manual.

 

[Cimyss]

could it possibly be the little O ring is too close to the wick? I can distinctly tell the flavors apart and even with a reaction to the PG I never smelled or tasted what you are describing but I remeber reading a post once where that was the culprit. Try opening up the end piece and pulling the O ring forward a bit. Maybe that will help?