Dripping Advantages / Newbie Questions

[Organ Feast]

First off, I am incredibly new to vaping and incredibly appreciative of any guidance people here can offer me. :]
I just ordered my first starter after trying out a friend's Blu e-cig, hoping that it will be a means of quitting "analogs."

To give you a good picture of where I'm about to be in terms of hardware, so far I have ordered:
a.] a Blu starter kit,
b.] a Sidesho kit from Modern Vapor,
c.] some extra carts from Modern vapor,
d.] and a sample pack of e-liquid from Awesomevapor.
I'm hoping they'll be good for a beginner~! Any recommendations for what to get next or serious problems with what I have purchased?

Now for my questions:
1) What are the advantages of dripping?
I've done a lot of lurking and understand how to do it, but not what it's honestly good for. Also, does dripping leave the aftertaste on the atomizer for a long time?

2) Is there a way to test all my new fun e-liquid flavors without going through the trouble of filling 10 cartridges? Preferably quickly- would dripping be good for something like this?

3) I've seen "510" and "m401"(?) and "901" models posted about a lot. But I don't know how to identify them, it seems 901's are longer? What model would you compare the Blu & Sidesho to if you had to? Also, any suggestions for reputable vendors for these models that are fairly priced?

Again, thank you in advance for any advice you can give. I really appreciate that there are people here who take the time to talk newbie's through this whole overwhelming, but exciting process of starting vaping. :]

 

[VPDownunder]

I haven't heard anything really positive about the blu, on here most would recommend something like a 510 or an ego (like a 510 with a longer lasting battery) to start with.

As for dripping it's a great way to get good taste and vapor but can be inconvenient while out or driving, a good solution would be to drip at home and use a cart mod like highpings or a cartomizer (a larger cart with an atomizer built in). The downside to dripping is it's easier to burn out an atomizer if you're not careful.

 

[fiveshot_leo]

1) I like dripping because I get tired of pulling the cartridge out, filling it, then smoking it. You pretty much can drop in 5-6 drops in a 510 cartridge. Dripping, you can drip about 3 drops. It also seems by dripping I constantly get better hits, where as by refilling a cartridge, it gets crappier as smoking, so I have to pull it out, refill it again, put it back on. I do however, use cartridges when I am going out.

2) Yes, dripping would be good for this. If you don't feel like buying a drip tip.. you can just get an empty cartridge and cut the tip off and use it as a drip tip. When you get a starter kit, you will get a "non-ready to fill" cartridge, that is just empty plastic holder stuck on your atomizer at first. U can use that as a drip tip. Drip tip is just a hollow tube.

3) i dont know about Blu & Sidesho... Blu had some very negative reviews on the forum. It seems they are selling by extensive marketing with fake reviews. 510's seem to be the most popular though, and that I why I got it. BTW, 510 really does not specifically mean a model but more of a "caliber". I use Joye Ego (a.k.a Tornado from Totally Wicked).. If you search around, 99% of the brand ecigs are basically all the same couple models with different paint job. Just like how Totally Wicked sells Tornado, and it is actually exactly the same as Joye eGo. Some of them sell this same exact Chinese model with a different name at very high price. Btw.. all are from China.

They sell directly from China. Heavy shipping cost, but they sell pretty much all popular generic ecigs and parts. Most ecigs sold anywhere else are these exact same things.
heaven-gifts.com

Another from China. Has specials on bulk. I buy bulk stuff from them.
eastmall.net

Another from China but gives a big discount on starter kits if they are over $65
safetecigarette.com

Custom eCigs. Big Chuck/Little Chuck famous from here. There are tons of custom ecigs.. And they pretty much all use the standard 510,901, etc... atomizers.
thagbuilt.com


also, ecig is basically just 3 parts. Battery, Atomizer, Cartridge (or drip-tip). Just three parts. So some models like Joye 510 and Joye eGo... the two of them are pretty much the same except the battery size... So if you look at the custom made ecig, it just has a different battery holder. You are still buying the same atty + cart.

 

[misterD]

i recommend East Mall if you ordering from china Riva would be the same as the mentioned tornado/ego.
EM-Riva-platinum - EM-Riva-Manual - Eastmall International Co.,Ltd
shipping would be 15 bucks and is ems (very fast). try to avoid ordering eliquid with cos it might get stuck in customs.
the blu kit is great for dipping using a blank cart...
when ordering in the US madvapes is my place!!
check the forum suppliers
Forum Suppliers - E-Cigarette Forum

 

[fiveshot_leo]

btw, when im on my desk.. I use the 510 USB pass through (using USB connection as battery), and 510 atty , and cartridge cut-off as drip tip.... Never run out of battery and it just stays on my desk.

When I go out running, i take 510 , with small 510 battery, and cartridge. Because it is so small.. i actually hold it in my hand while running.

When I go out casually, i take eGo, with cartridge. Vape in car or anywhere seems pretty good with this.

All three configs use same atomizer and cartridge (except one is empty and tip sliced off).. but three different power sources.

 

[Moshmarr]

Here's a guide showing pics of the various models available, it shows all the basics. http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...pdated-pictures-most-common-e-cig-models.html

Also, DonDaBoomVape, an esteemed ecf member, has written an excellent and comprehensive guide to starting up, which really helped me out when I first got here http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ping-illustrated-guide-e-cigs-part-1-6-a.html. Check out the ecf library as much as you can, there's a lot of valuable stuff there.

For me, dripping is quick and convenient (unless driving, I do it mostly at home, 510 cartos on the road, etc.) and gives me the best throat hit, flavor, and vapor, imo. It is indeed great for testing out new flavors, although very strong ones may linger into the next flavor you're trying a bit. Atty cleaning is pretty easy, with this method you can do it in 5 minutes or so! http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-my-atty-resurrection-method.html#post1032570

The suppliers mentioned are very good, and I've been happy with them too, but for 510's/eGo stuff, Cignot is an excellent and low-priced domestic supplier with really fast shipping. Tasty Vapor carries really cheap 510 and eGo kits that I can vouch for too- and amazing liquid! For the 901, electronic ash has the best prices i've found, and free shipping too.

 

[martha1014]

At first I refilled carts but this got old fast. Now I only drip. Dripping provides better flavor, more vapor and a better throat hit.

If you have a problem dripping while driving you can get some cartomizers. Although I can drip and drive with no problems.

 

[lasttango]

Cignot is an excellent and low-priced domestic supplier with really fast shipping.

Remember this


and be sure to check here:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/classifieds-swaps/

 

[cyberwolf]

I still use cartridges and cartomizers for those times when dripping is inconvenient; other than that, I drip. My view on dripping is that you always know what you are going to get. With a cartridge, one hit is good, the next is poor, etc. When you drip a few drops on the atomizer you know that the wick is wet and ready for a good hit.

 

[Organ Feast]

Wow! Thanks for all the great advice everyone. :]
And the list of good suppliers, I think I'll probably avoid ordering anything from overseas for now just because I don't have any experience with it. I'll definitely check out all the links. Really excited for all my stuff to get here so I can test out all the stuff I've read on here!

 

[PaulB]

I've seen contrary opinions on this, but I would think dripping conserves at least some e-juice, when you consider the juice wasted when cleaning/replacing cart filler and the amount of leakage associated with carts.

 

[Haytoni]

I like the 910, over the 510, now it comes with a mega batt. that I use at home
On the road, I use the mega Tornado, or Screwdriver. Long and short all the mods I have I use and enjoy. Have a least 3 going all day long, for flavoring I like Ms T's and Gourmet Vapor, this is not to say all the others aren't good, just those are my favs.

 

[Broken Down AI]

I quickly grew tired of cartridges. I am on my e-cig ALL DAY LONG. The cartridges didn't last long... maybe 3/4 of a day. And towards halfway they would get weak.

Plus, at least the OEM stuff, is more expensive. I never tried the refillable cartridges.

I've been dripping for several months now enjoy it.

BUT, as with anything, there are indeed pros and cons, some of which have already been covered in previous posts in this thread:

CONS:
- Gotta keep a bottle of e-juice with you. I buy the 30ml bottles, the mix it down to a plastic 10ml bottle (from a previous purchase). That seems to fit nicely in the "cigarette lighter" pocket in my jeans... maybe other people call it a change pocket. Whatever, it seems to fit perfectly. Of course, I'm fat, so your mileage may vary .
- Since I mix it down to the 10ml bottle, that of course means I have to re-fill it periodically. For me, it's about every two days or so, so I'm averaging 5ml a day or so? That's probably a lot, but I'm curious to see what other higher users are doing.
- I am constantly dripping. 3-5 drops. It's something of a pain when driving. I've seen there are one or more devices that may help alleviate this... I think I saw an all metal "tip" of some sorts which you can fill and then it drips for you? But I've not tried it.
- CLEANING THE ATOMIZER! Sometimes I end up dripping too much and the thing gets "flooded". So I take off the atomizer and blow through it fairly hard into a paper towel or napkin. The next puff may be somewhat unpleasant, but after that it's a return to full flavor. To me this is a necessary evil. Just do it when it's necessary and get it over with.
- From time to time I REALLY flood the atomizer and some fluid seeps outside. This stuff can be quite oily. Sometimes it will seep into the pass-through as well. I've killed several cheap USB pass-through devices because the liquid dripped down the switch. While it might or might work after letting it try, the "click" of the switch is gone. But for $12, they're fairly cheap (USB pass-through).

PROS:
- If you get a weak puff, just drip more! Need more flavor, just drip more! Instant flavor (unless you need to clean the atomizer).
- You can mix flavors! I love to mix the Halo Menthol Ice and Halo Torque 56 (1:2 mix, gonna try 1:1 here soon).
- Cheaper than OEM carts!
- If you've got multiple unts (i.e., an atomzier/pass-through in the car and at home) you don't have to worry about which one has how much left in the cartridge. At least for me personally, since if I'm not walking around with a 10ml bottle in my pocket, I get a bad feeling .

After personally re-reading the list above, it may seem there are a lot of cons. But to me it's just "the cost of doing business". I want full-flavor and a large puff of smoke... all the time. And this is how I get it.

 

[daisyd]

I will throw in my .

Let me start by saying, I love catromisers. Really, they are my favorite. I'm not a heavy user so one carto will last me 2 days (30+ drops in one carto), though I will top off every day.

That being said I may love cartos too much because I will sit with one at my side for sneaky puffs constantly. This seems uber handy, until you realise that you have a racing heart and the beginings of a stomach ache. So I got a drip tip for at home. Now I follow my old smoking routine. 3 drops and go outside until I get that burnt atty puff that tells me it's dry. Then back to work (I work at home) until my next break. This, to me, has many benefits. It keeps me from going overboard with the vaping, and I get to keep my breaks, which are very important for my sanity. It was hard to time my breaks with the vaping because I could go for hours, even on a regular cartridge, so I had stopped taking them. This way it takes about as long as an analog. HTH

BTW, vaping coffeeX from FSU is waaaay better for an afternoon pick-me-up than any energy drink.

 

[Broken Down AI]

That being said I may love cartos too much because I will sit with one at my side for sneaky puffs constantly. This seems uber handy, until you realise that you have a racing heart and the beginings of a stomach ache. So I got a drip tip for at home. Now I follow my old smoking routine. 3 drops and go outside until I get that burnt atty puff that tells me it's dry. Then back to work (I work at home) until my next break. This, to me, has many benefits. It keeps me from going overboard with the vaping, and I get to keep my breaks, which are very important for my sanity. It was hard to time my breaks with the vaping because I could go for hours, even on a regular cartridge, so I had stopped taking them. This way it takes about as long as an analog. HTH

Isn't that funny how something like this (vaping) can have such an amazing unintended effect? i.e., taking breaks. I'm in the same spot... work from home most of the time.

I've found that vaping for me has two other interesting, yet positive, side effects.

#1: I'm a computer nerd with anxiety issues (go figure). So when I'm not using a keyboard or cell phone, my hands constantly want to DO something. So having an e-cig is a great way to keep them busy.

#2: In line with #1 here, one of the major reasons I smoked was so I was doing something else other than nervous EATING. Yep, big ole' fat attention-deficit computer nerd here . Now, obviously trading eating for smoking is something of a tit-for-tat, but I won't touch that. So vaping has helped in this area too. I'm not getting the other chemicals from analog cigarettes/cigars, and I'm also not shoving food into my face.

And, of course, ALL the ladies love a guy who can plug his cigarette into his computer. Oh yeah .

(Thankfully I'm married to an understanding woman ).

 

[Organ Feast]

Now I realize this has been dead a couple days, but I thought it'd be better I just post my new questions at the end rather than making a whole new thread.

Do you use a USB passthrough (is that what the one that plugs in is called?) very often? I considered investing in one but didn't know how usable they actually are. Admittedly, I spend a hefty chunk of my time sitting at a computer so it sounds like a good idea. Do they work just as well as a normal battery would- just without the portability?

 

[misterD]

are you trying to go 5V with a PT (no inline battery) or you wanna vape 3.7?
this is great for 3.7 and safer for your laptop
510 Sit and Go USB Passthrough
people dont recommend you using a 5V PT hooked to ur computer cos it could fry your port or even worst yet your motherboard. if you want a 5v PT you should use something like this
2 amp AC to USB Adapter, ideal for Passthroughs

 

[ellflo]

Learn alot from here. thanks for the info! i have a hard time identifying the best type of e-cig since all of them sold here in Malaysia are from China, lots of them dont have model no or company info and are overpriced. Currently looking for reliable spplier in Malaysia..

 

[VPDownunder]

Just order from China, Wholesale & Retail Best E-smoking Supplier is good and ships quickly.

 

[matta89]

My first days I used carts... But they just became a hassle for me. Before I knew it I was dripping and I love dripping now! I figure dripping takes me about the time it would to find my pack of cigs, pull out a cig and then light it.

Matt