Thank goodness for this forum.
Aside from quitting smoking (and getting my boyfriend to do the same), and staying sane while I did it, finding the world of DIY brought new benefits. Ordering pre-mixed liquids was really hit-or-miss. I'd find a cheap vendor with a couple good flavors, load up on more, and not like any of them. A lot of pre-mixes I have right now I really can't stand. But I am glad I kept them, because it gave my boyfriend a good idea of what's out there and what he likes. I spent a LOT of money on juices, and rarely found winners. I'd discover an amazing flavor, and order more, and it tasted nothing like my last order.
Enter DIY. I was a true noob. I really didn't know what I was doing, and made some really gross creations (my s'more attempt was so revolting I dumped it out. My wint-o-mint had no sweetener and could probably strip paint off a car).
With help from the forum, I'm making some really good stuff, especially tobaccos, which I had essentially given up on. Now I crave what I make.
Lessons? Oh yeah!
1) Less is more. I started mixing at like 20% strength. Wow. No wonder I wanted to give up. Now I start at about 2% for my flavors, working up if I need to.
2) Do try your flavors by themselves. I find that mixing individual liquids allows you to pinpoint exactly what you're vaping and what complements a particular flavor. I can figure out what it needs after I figure out what it has.
3) Steep! I hate it. I despise waiting 10 minutes to mix the juice, let alone up to 10 days to taste it! But it does make a difference to me, especially as I mix multiple flavors. Especially tobaccos.
4) Don't rely on one brand or vendor. Experiment with multiple brands of flavorings. Reading these forums has steered me in the right direction.
5) READ THE DIY FORUMS! Discussion and reviews really help me figure out what flavors to buy, to try and get the flavors I want. Other folks' experiences have led me to try things I normally would not have, with wonderful results!
6) Shop around. You can find great deals and amazing ripoffs. It's important to know the difference. Vendors you've used in the past, and some you've never heard of, might carry multiple brands of flavorings. Paying to ship on just one order (instead of 2 or 3), might mean 1 or 2 or even 3 small bottles of flavoring.
7) Ask questions. If you don't know, or you're not sure, ask. I've heard of folks accidentally vaping 40mg juice, or not even knowing what strength they mixed!
8) Learn the basics. Before purchasing anything, figure out exactly what you're going to need. Figure out what you can buy in bulk, what you can buy locally. Don't forget about measuring and mixing equipment. Don't run out of bottles. Buy a couple extra syringes (one of mine now has no mL markings, and another has none above 2mL! Time to get more!). Always use an e-juice calculator!
9) Don't give up! Don't give up on one bad juice. Don't give up on DIY because you can't find what you want. Come back to the forum and ask! Taste is very subjective, but the chances are good that you can get a new idea, or some great advice.
DIY has been very economical for me. I am really enjoying my creations these days, and I wouldn't have come to this point if it were not for diligence and this forum!
Aside from quitting smoking (and getting my boyfriend to do the same), and staying sane while I did it, finding the world of DIY brought new benefits. Ordering pre-mixed liquids was really hit-or-miss. I'd find a cheap vendor with a couple good flavors, load up on more, and not like any of them. A lot of pre-mixes I have right now I really can't stand. But I am glad I kept them, because it gave my boyfriend a good idea of what's out there and what he likes. I spent a LOT of money on juices, and rarely found winners. I'd discover an amazing flavor, and order more, and it tasted nothing like my last order.
Enter DIY. I was a true noob. I really didn't know what I was doing, and made some really gross creations (my s'more attempt was so revolting I dumped it out. My wint-o-mint had no sweetener and could probably strip paint off a car).
With help from the forum, I'm making some really good stuff, especially tobaccos, which I had essentially given up on. Now I crave what I make.
Lessons? Oh yeah!
1) Less is more. I started mixing at like 20% strength. Wow. No wonder I wanted to give up. Now I start at about 2% for my flavors, working up if I need to.
2) Do try your flavors by themselves. I find that mixing individual liquids allows you to pinpoint exactly what you're vaping and what complements a particular flavor. I can figure out what it needs after I figure out what it has.
3) Steep! I hate it. I despise waiting 10 minutes to mix the juice, let alone up to 10 days to taste it! But it does make a difference to me, especially as I mix multiple flavors. Especially tobaccos.
4) Don't rely on one brand or vendor. Experiment with multiple brands of flavorings. Reading these forums has steered me in the right direction.
5) READ THE DIY FORUMS! Discussion and reviews really help me figure out what flavors to buy, to try and get the flavors I want. Other folks' experiences have led me to try things I normally would not have, with wonderful results!
6) Shop around. You can find great deals and amazing ripoffs. It's important to know the difference. Vendors you've used in the past, and some you've never heard of, might carry multiple brands of flavorings. Paying to ship on just one order (instead of 2 or 3), might mean 1 or 2 or even 3 small bottles of flavoring.
7) Ask questions. If you don't know, or you're not sure, ask. I've heard of folks accidentally vaping 40mg juice, or not even knowing what strength they mixed!
8) Learn the basics. Before purchasing anything, figure out exactly what you're going to need. Figure out what you can buy in bulk, what you can buy locally. Don't forget about measuring and mixing equipment. Don't run out of bottles. Buy a couple extra syringes (one of mine now has no mL markings, and another has none above 2mL! Time to get more!). Always use an e-juice calculator!
9) Don't give up! Don't give up on one bad juice. Don't give up on DIY because you can't find what you want. Come back to the forum and ask! Taste is very subjective, but the chances are good that you can get a new idea, or some great advice.
DIY has been very economical for me. I am really enjoying my creations these days, and I wouldn't have come to this point if it were not for diligence and this forum!
