Eliguid help

[kwp924]

Just recieved my Vapor King Ecig 3 days ago. Love the idea and think this is what I want to do (and can do) to replace smoking after 35 years of smoking almost two packs a day of Marlboro lights. At first, even though I didn't really like it, I didn't mind the taste of Cowboy V4L ejuice but the more I smoked the less I liked the sweetness. It seems to stick to my lips and I taste the sweetness all the time (vaping or not). I am trying to figure out if this is the flavor of the ejuice or is this a result of the PG base.
I am looking for some help to get me started on the road to vaping. Until I can ween myself off the analog cigs I need to find as close a replacement for my smokes as possilbe (or at least something that doesn't make me me think I'm eating candy)....at least for now.
I originally ordered Cowboy and Cinnamon Roll from V4L. As far as the V4L Cowboy goes, the throat hit seems okay (possibly too much since I've choke on it several times), Vapor is a little lite, and the taste just doesn't do it for me. Both are a little too sweet for my taste. They sent me some sample cartomizers and the 555 wasn't bad but seemed to "dry up" after several puffs. May have been old, hence the freebee. I also ordered the low nicotine level which also seems to be a mistake.
Yes, analog cigs are not the best tasting but after 35 years of smoking, it is what is am expecting when I drag on an Ecig.
What does anyone recommend to get me through the transition. Do I need to go to VG base or do I just need the right "flavor" and nicotine level.

 

[CaptJay]

VG will give you more vapor but what you want before that I think, going by what you said is the right taste and nic level and thats very subjective indeed. There is a forum for each model and you might pop into yours and see what the fave vape is for that PV. Also go look at the eliquid reviews forums - there are a LOT of recommendations there - one specially for tobacco tasting vapes - the good the bad and the 'omg WHAT'
Personally I dont want a tobacco tasting one - and I dont mind sweeter tasting ones (tho capu coffee has to be a big fave of mine) but I do like the VG base cos of the vapor.
Looks like you have an interesting road ahead trying flavors! Some companies do sample packs so that can help with $ But do go read read read because some things are 'voted best' for good reason.
Good luck

 

[quasimod]

[...] At first, even though I didn't really like it, I didn't mind the taste of Cowboy V4L Ejuice but the more I smoked the less I liked the sweetness. It seems to stick to my lips and I taste the sweetness all the time (vaping or not). I am trying to figure out if this is the flavor of the ejuice or is this a result of the PG base. [...]

It sounds like vapor is condensing on your lips. Try putting your lips further onto the mouthpiece, so the vapor doesn't come in contact with your lips so much. This will probably feel awkward at first, but if it works you will know that is the problem.

Try the other tobacco flavors. You smoked Marlboro Lights, but there is no vape flavor that will taste exactly like a cigarette. You may find that you like the Camel better, even if you hate Camel cigarettes. Try the Cuban Cigar, the French Pipe, all of them. Here is a link to V4L's "Tobacco Shop Sampler" pack, with 5 different flavors. My wife didn't like any of the sweet flavors, either, until she tried RY4 (tobacco + caramel). Now that's all she vapes. She smoked Marlboro Light 100's.

Your taste in juice will change, so don't throw any of that stuff out. You may love it in a few weeks.

[...] They sent me some sample cartomizers and the 555 wasn't bad but seemed to "dry up" after several puffs. May have been old, hence the freebee. [...]

V4L is famous for tossing in a freebie or two with orders, but I've haven't heard anyone mention the freebies were old or sub-par in any way. Some cartos show up a bit less than full every now and then, it's just the nature of the beast. If you had paid for it, V4L would cheerfully replace it. If you liked the 555, buy some more!

[...] I also ordered the low nicotine level which also seems to be a mistake. [...]

That is a VERY common mistake, and very frustrating, as well. If you find a flavor you like, order it in different strengths so you can find your nicotine level. It took me almost a month to figure out that I need 36 mg., because I thought the problem was "not enough vapor". I nearly sucked the bottom out of a couple of batteries, and bought a couple "Big Batt" mods, thinking I just needed more vapor. I needed more nicotine! I also needed to learn how to get the most from the equipment I already owned, by learning how to vape. I had heard that a lot of vapers "direct inhale", but that just seemed ridiculous to me, so I discounted it out of hand. Now I know better.

[...] What does anyone recommend to get me through the transition. Do I need to go to VG base or do I just need the right "flavor" and nicotine level.

VG is actually sweeter than PG, and gives less "throat hit", but it puts out tons of vapor.

I believe that once you find the right flavor, the right nic level, and learn some more advanced vaping techniques, you'll be fine. Until you get the higher nic, try the "direct inhale". It will give you a bigger throat hit, more nicotine satisfaction, and more vapor. Your used to smoking. Smokers first draw a mouthful of smoke, then inhale it. Try drawing the vapor directly into your lungs, very slowly, until you feel a pinch like you're going to cough. That's when you take your lips off the PV and inhale regular air. It takes a little practice, and there are variations you can throw in there, but that's the basic idea. Experiment with it a little.

Good luck!

Oh, and definitely try the VG cartos. You never know what you'll like!

 

[kwp924]

I was beginning to think no one was going to reply (as a matter of fact I just reposted). The suggestions you gave me definitely helped. Definitely seem to like the "nutty?" flavor of 555 best (it seems to be hitting again). Are you aware of any other less sweet/more nutty juices?

 

[quasimod]

[...] Definitely seem to like the "nutty?" flavor of 555 best (it seems to be hitting again). Are you aware of any other less sweet/more nutty juices?

Don't scorch the carto, you can refill them about 8 or 10 times if they're well cared for.

There is "peanut butter", and it actually tastes like peanut butter. I've seen Hazelnut around somewhere, but never tried it. Coffee and Cappuccino definitely are NOT sweet, they're strong and black. I'll look around real quick, be right back...

 

[quasimod]

Oh, one more "tobacco" to add to the list:

Tasty Vapor Tobacco

I can't believe I almost forgot to mention this guy! Geoff at Tasty Vapor makes his own tobacco flavor, and a lot of people rave about it. I've only tried it in menthol, and I like it. Geoff will make custom flavors for you, if you tell him what you want. He sells 1 oz. (29 ML) bottles with hand-written labels. No sample bottles, don't bother to ask. He makes each bottle to order, nothing sitting around on shelves. TV's juice puts out tons of vapor, as well.

Tell Geoff you think Marlboro and 555 are way too sweet, and you're looking for a totally non-sweet tobacco flavor with nuts (maybe even a bitter flavor?).

There are videos that show how to refill a cartomizer, it's not hard at all.

Also, you can buy from TV with total confidence, this guy is top-notch, and so is his juice.

 

[kwp924]

Just wondering.....has anyone tried vaping unflavored/nic-containing ejuice. Maybe lack of flavor is what I am craving. If you think about it, analogs really don't taste like anyhting you could describe (rich, full bodied, etc (what the hell does that mean anyway)). Not much taste to then at all. Really don't taste like tobacco when you burn it. Does anyone know if unflavored is really unflavored or does it have the sweet taste also?

 

[quasimod]

Try it, you might like it. A lot of people ONLY vape unflavored (I think Beerman vapes unflavored 46 mg.). I've vaped a lot of plain VG while cleaning atty's, and it's not a bad flavor. I have read that plain VG will "gunk up" your atomizer faster than a PG/VG blend, but since I only do it occasionally, I've never noticed anything like that. Plain VG in a clean atty puts out reDONKulous amounts of vapor! It's also cheap, and you can probably find some locally at Walmart or a drug store (with zero nicotine, of course).

I've never vaped plain PG before. PG and VG have different flavors and characteristics, and different ratios of PG/VG blends are available for sale if you don't want to mix them.

Sometimes I vape this 40 mg. "Vortex", it's a 50/50 blend of PG and VG. Way too much nic for most people, but I like a big shot-o-nic in the morning. You could cut it down with VG to suit your needs.

Geoff at Tasty Vapor would be glad to send you unflavored mix at whatever nic strength and VG/PG mix ratio you want. I imagine he'd be able to give you some good advice on mix ratios, to boot.

Just about any good supplier will respond to an email, and be more than willing to send you some unflavored juice at your preferred nic strength.

Oh, and how could I forget the nice ladies at Cignot? ECOpure Krystal is ultra-pure, clear, and almost flavorless. Buy some VG at the top of the page to cut it with, if needed. If you send Terri an email to explain what you're looking for, she may have some other ideas for you.

Don't order more than a sample sized bottle of "Rich" at first. Some people hate that stuff and some love it. It makes me want to gag, but it might be exactly what you're looking for.

 

[kwp924]

Thanks greatly for your response. It helps to know that everyone goes through this whenthey try switching from analogs to ecigs. Just wish there was a store where I could go and sample flavor and dosages before buying. I know that the stuff I've already bought will most likely get used as my tastes returns but the experimenting stage can get expensive when you are still supporting an analog addiction, the start up costs, and then you add in shipping for flavors you may not even like, not to mention the lag time between order and recieving. Don't mean to complain (I know it's worth it). Regardless, I appreciate everyone's support, I know I'm not alone, and I wil not give up. Thanks again.

 

[CaptJay]

There are SO many flavors out there too - and some that you might start out liking, and end up saying 'what was I thinking' and others you start off with the 'yuk' and end up with 'yum' so don't throw any away until your taste buds have decided to come back.
I like hte Marlb one I got from Cignot originally but now Im not so sure I like it - their Capu tho is still a fave. Ive ordered some stuff from Geoff and also Ms T's bakery because the flavors sound so nice. Don't limit yourself - especially if the company does sample type sizes (Ms T's does, Geoff at TV doesn't) - because you may find one unexpected fave.

 

[quasimod]

[...]the experimenting stage can get expensive [...]

Precisely the reason that getting a high-nic, unflavored juice and something to cut it with makes so much sense for your situation. If the nic is too high, cut it down a bit using some inexpensive VG. Still too strong? Cut it down a bit more. Use this Excel spreadsheet-based juice calculator, or this Java-based program that runs in your browser, so you will know what mg. of juice you are making when you cut it. That way, you will know what level you need to order next time.

Even if you don't like the taste of unflavored, at least it won't be unbearably offensive. You'll still be able to vape it, and/or mix it with something later, after you find a flavor that works for you.

 

[kwp924]

Great advice. Wish I'd had it 2 weeks ago. Then I wouldn't be sitting here waiting for a new shipment smoking analogs to suppliment my nicotine need. Oh well, live and learn. Especially in this case if vaping can do what I think it can for me.

 

[pianoguy]

I haven't really found a tobacco flavor that I was crazy about - 555 is my favorite of those I've tried. I have gravitated to other flavors, especially coffee, and surprisingly menthol, which amazed me, as I was never a menthol smoker. I like SMILIN' Special Menthol a lot, one of my favorites, and I find it satisfying even in lower mg. I like Tasty Vapor's Cafe Mocha and Cafe Machiatto - the Cafe Mocha in particular I find to be a good substitute for tobacco flavors for me.

 

[mwahle1]

I like a few tobacco flavors and I also like unflavored juice (all %100 PG); however, at least to me, there is an underlying sweetness to all of them. I believe this is the taste of the PG. Unfortunately, VG is even sweeter.

 

[quasimod]

...I have gravitated to other flavors, especially coffee, and surprisingly menthol, which amazed me, as I was never a menthol smoker....

Isn't that odd. Several times on the forum, I've read non-menthol smokers who have become menthol vapers, and menthol smokers who don't care much for menthol in their vape. I smoked Kools, but after my first month vaping, I haven't bought any more menthol juice.

 

[kwp924]

Maybe it's part of the quit smoking phase. When we finally achieve it we move away from what reminds us of smoking.

 

[sl2222]

and ref your cart 'coming back'...I've noticed most cartos need to be primed a few times OR more then let it re-wick for a while. After that it vapes great for a long time.
I've also had some that vape great right from the start but not as many that needed 'priming'.