Desperate: Need PERFECT Menthol E-Cig Reccomendation for Calrlton Menthol Smoker

[Vapian]

When fillling a brand new, dry, fresh carto, how many drops ... and how long should it sit (upright?) in the carto before he attempts to vape?

I find each carto has its own personality, but in general 20 to 30 drops. My personal method when drip filling is to tilt 45-ish degrees, drip in about ten drops at a time as I rotate the cartomizer so it soaks in all around, then look at the top of the fill material. If it's soaked in already, repeat right away; if not, wait until it does soak in the top and repeat. I do this until I hit 20-25 drops, and if a quick blow through doesn't make a mess I'll go for five more drops. I've had some standard sized cartomizers take 35 drops this way.

Another way to fill is with a little device I like to call the Cartomizerfillinator, but that's better suited to mass filling or those who might have difficulty filling with the drip method (bad eyesight, motor control issues, etc.). You can look up the thread if you want but it doesn't sound like you need it.

I got the pre-filled menthol carto into a better mood (blew it out, ran the handy-dandy paperclip through the air hole, to make sure it was totally clear...

Be careful with running anything all the way through the cartomizer from top to bottom - that can be a great way to kill it!

Depending on how it's made, the cartomizer will have its heating coil(s) either running vertically up that tube in the center, or running horizontally across the tube. If your paper clip hits a coil just the wrong way it could possibly either break the connection "open" so that it just doesn't fire up, or (worst case) break the connection "shorted" so that when the battery is activated it's basically being shorted out, which could kill the battery, make it heat up or even vent its innards at you.

It's fine to use a tool to make sure the center tube is relatively clear, but if it hits or bottoms out on anything, don't keep pushing.

This is kinda fun!

That's why it becomes a hobby for so many of us!

I told him to take a light draw, not to really suck on it. That's solid advice, right?

As solid as any. Different cartomizers have different draws and everybody draws differently. The main thing is knowing that drawing on an e-cig is going to be different from the real thing, then finding whatever method works best for you.

Sounds like you're doing fine. If it worked perfectly for you guys right off the bat, most of us would be jealous. Keep up the good work!

 

[bnrkwest]

Well my Volt arrived and sealed auto batts, wow is it cool having sealed auto batts, love it! I got the smooth tobacco cartos, they are very tasty! The batts are about identical to Halo G6 right right down to finish and feel. The catros are about identical to G6 as well, everything is inter- changable for Volt and G6, but I did not try using charger for G6 with Volt since I have a Volt charger as well as G6 charger. All in all I say you cannot go wrong with a Volt or G6, they are the same! I ordered some sparkly skins to use & I also bought the diamond ends, I got one but ordered two so, I best ask about that. Nice unit, you really can't go wrong with Volt or Halo G6, both great slim PV's. Volt is a savings by some. I ordered the starter kit, extra sealed 78 batt, wall charger and the skin and diamond ends for about $55.00. I think for around the same it would be $79.00 at Halo, but you get 2 extra blank cartos with G6. So that is my review! bnrk

 

[He's My Everything]

Sounds great, bnrkwest! Thanks for the review. I think we're pretty well sold on the Volt, eventually, but right now, he's doing a great job getting used to the gifted 510.

I'm so proud of him. I know this isn't easy, but he's sticking with it, so far. Still smoking a little bit, but I think that will be short-lived. We're getting there!

Thanks for the detailed carto-fill advice, Vapian! I'm getting better at it. I've made sure he had a kit charged up and ready for him for two days now. Boy, does he have it easy! LOL

Barb

 

[He's My Everything]

I hope some folks are still following this. I have another carto fill question. How the heck do you know how empty the thing is? Does he need to count all his puffs? If so, how many puffs does a carto typically hold? I know dang well that's a dumb question, because it depends on the carto, how hard he's drawing and the battery, right? If you don't want to burn the carto, what is the best way to know how much is too much? Am I over thinking this?? It wouldn't be the first time... LOL

Barb

 

[chimney55]

I hope some folks are still following this. I have another carto fill question. How the heck do you know how empty the thing is? Does he need to count all his puffs? If so, how many puffs does a carto typically hold? I know dang well that's a dumb question, because it depends on the carto, how hard he's drawing and the battery, right? If you don't want to burn the carto, what is the best way to know how much is too much? Am I over thinking this?? It wouldn't be the first time... LOLBarb

LOL! I'm still following you, Barb. Cartos hold a different amount of juice and how fast it goes depends on how often the vaper takes a draw on it. YMMV (or rather DHMMV) He's going to have to pay attention, and when a carto starts to lose flavor, take it off and add a new one. Cartos will also start to "feel" dry prior to running out. When he's inhaling burnt taste, it's too late. Eventually, he'll learn. JMO, you do a lot for him, but you can't do everything for him. He's the one who'll have to learn.

 

[morepyro]

The first indications of a carto starting to go dry are either a drop in the amount of vapor it produces, or a change in (lack of) flavor.

Unfortunately, these are also the signs of a weak battery. It takes time to learn how to tell which one it is. If you think the carto is dry, add a few more drops of liquid and wait a few minutes for it to soak in. If that doesn't help, then switch to fresh battery and see if the performance picks up.

Don't take too many puffs if the flavor is lacking before you add more liquid. On the 510 cartos, you can scorch the filler inside and ruin it. The Volt, Halo G6, and Bloog cartos are not as susceptible to burning the filler because of the way they are constructed.

 

[lilac7779]

Barb, I'm a newbie here, but I think I know how your DH feels. I liked cigarettes from the moment I first lit up. I smoked for 40 years until my Dr said, "You HAVE to quit".

I left the Dr's office that day depressed and wondering what I was going to do. I had tried to quit many times and could not handle the withdrawal. (I firmly believe some of us are more addicted than others. My cravings never got easier, just more intense)

I started with e-cigs 10 days ago and haven't had a cigarette since. E-cigs have been a blessing for me. They fill that spot in my life where cigarettes used to dwell. If they helped me, I am convinced they can work for almost anyone.

My best to you and your DH and I pray the e-cigs will turn out to be just what he needs.

 

[He's My Everything]

Hello, Wonderful ECF Folk -

Chimney, I'm very happy to report that he's learning like a champ! Right along side me. I"m just a mouthpiece. No worries!

The filling thing has me beside myself. Seriously. I know it's kinda stupid, but we're both "type A" personalities and are so daggone busy all the time, that sitting and gently dripping into the carto has me crosseyed and tapping my foot. LOL To add injury to insult, both of us are right-hand challenged - I have nerve damage that causes pain and numbness if I'm in an awkward position - on a good day, I can barely feel my thumb, and he's recovering from a broken/dislocated finger on his right hand, so both of us are bumbling around like lunatics, trying to get these cartos filled. I know, wah, wah, wah... Not really complaining. Just venting. That's why I want to get it down pat, so it takes less time and therefore, less bumbling and pain. Just my way of explaining why I keep asking these silly, nit-picky questions. Thanks for all the feedback. Vapian, yours, especially, was a thing of beauty. I've started the Cartomizerfillinator thread. Wow! Thanks for taking the time.

All in all, I think the project to get him off the analogs is going well. Just that learning curve to deal with.

I LOVE THE ECF!!!!


Barb

 

[bnrkwest]

Hi Barb,
What I do is look at the inside top filling of the carto after I vape for say 15 min, if I take a puff a minute that's 15 puffs The top filling starts to look white/dry inside the carto so I add at least 2-3 drops and see if soaks in right or if it pools a bit. If it soaks right in, it is getting dry so I may add a couple more drops. Cap it off go to another carto, same thing after 15 mins of vaping, check it. The good part about having several cartos going is they get a chance to cool off and soak up the newly added juice. If over filled gently blow thru them after you give them the 15 min required soak period.
I must have around 40 cartos filled with different flavors, so you can see I am a heavy switcher on flavors I do not vape them dry, I switch before that happens and add new drops when I am done.
I use tweezer to take off the carto cap, I use a drip tip so it is easy to take that off and add drops, then put the cap back on to soak.

I did a little bit more testing on the Volt cartos, compared to the Halo G6 carto, I like the G6 better. The reason is the air flow is a bit different on Volt carto and it seems to let in too much air and I hate that whistle sound I get from them. So for me I recommend G6 cartos on the Volt batts. Price is about the same for the cartos.

I like the volt flavors of 555, Ry4, Desert Joe, Freedom. I am not crazy about Cowboy but it could be that is my worst carto for whistling and too much air so might not be the flavor could be the carto. But the sealed auto batts by Volt are fabulous! What a great invention Anyway hope that helps! bnrk

 

[Running Wolf]

Hey Barb, glad things are working out. Lot of us took some time to completely get off cigs while vaping. Cutting back is way better than smoking a pack a day. It'll take some time to completely get off the cigs. If your hubby vapes for a day or two without any cigs and then lights one up he'll notice it doesn't taste as good as he remembers. That's half the battle right there.

Lemme dig up the link. Dripping a carto and the condom method are the two most common ways to fill them. Phil Busardo is fun to watch. Figure it would be easier (and funner) to watch the video than explain it .

 

[Yabaa]

I was a smoker of Carlton Menthols for a hundred kazillion years and never thought I'd quit....but as I got older and noticed my energy level dropping; I started looking for alternatives. After going through the 'toys' associated with vaping; and doing a lot of reading and research (thanks to some of these forum threads); I think I've finally found what works for me and maybe you could entertain the ideas I'm presenting for your situation.

FIRST: You got to get the nicotine into your system to lay down the tobacco. Do this without 'screwing around' with recharging batteries every 2 hours and refilling cartridges every 30 minutes. Get a all day device for battery power and juice supply. I use a E-Power 18650 w/ a 510 XXXXL dual-coil cartomizer. It lasts me 12 hours and I was a 2 pack a day smoker.

SECOND: Got to have a juice that comes close to what you were used to when you used tobacco....not easy to do ... lots of trial and error. The closest to the Carlton menthol I've found is from Vixen Vapors. There is a 'tobacco-menthol' - 'medium' menthol - 18mg/ml strength - 'double' flavor - 70% VG - 30% PG....in whatever size bottle you need. It's extremely close, but no cigar (pun intended)... Good vapor - good taste - very smooth.... and with the big cartomizer there's never a burnt taste when the juice gets low. It holds about 5ml of juice which is somewhere around 100 drops. If there is a need for some 'warmth' on the inhale side. try a couple of drops of vodka along with the juice- ummm oh yeah!

THIRD: Do not lay the tobacco down and only vape. Cut down at your own rate - no pressure. You will find that over time and at your own pace the tobacco smokes will be replaced totally. You won't even carry them with you anymore as a 'backup'. However, if you are paying $67 a carton like I was, you may be persuaded to lay them down quicker. I'm just sayin'.........

FORTH: You will notice a change in energy level (that's a good thing) - a change in taste (hey - food does have a flavor) - and a change in smell (maybe a good thing...will need to light candles in that smallest room in the house)


Hope this helps - my intentions were good......

 

[whitetortuga]

I have not read through all 8 pages of this, but I'm pretty sure that these guys can answer more questions than I can. The best I can do is offer some words of encouragement for your husband.

I think you already understand that it is going to be a different experience, but it doesn't always mean different is bad. Sometimes, as in the case with most of us, vaping is great. For some absolutely no will power is needed, and for others it is needed more and more. They way I look at it is willpower is only temporary. He needs to change his lifestyle. It appears that you both are well on your way to a healthier lifestyle. You seem to be a very caring wife and the fact that he is trying means he loves you as well. The fact that both of you are struggling to fill the cartomizers puts a smile on my face. Not because it is hard for you both, but because you are both working together! I'm not sure if anyone mentioned, but what about getting this Dual Coil 510 Tank Cartomizer

It holds around 5 ML of juice. I am a pretty heavy vapor and at max I'll go through around 3 ML a day. Someone may be able to help you better with this set up than me.

Overall, I wish you and your husband that absolute BEST luck with your journey! It sounds like it is off to a great and humours start! If you need any help, the people of this community will be here!

Vape on, and God Bless!