First Impressions

[FadedSun]

I thought I'd share my initial thoughts, both to get some advice from veterans, and maybe help other new people learn from my experience.

For those that didn't see my initial thread, I ended up buying the Aspire Premium Starter Kit. I've used it 4 times now. The first to didn't really count for much, one was just 10 min or so after a cigarette and the second was just after brushing my teeth. Not the best times to get a feel for things

First off I shouldn't have put so much fluid in at first. I didn't know how long it lasted and now it's going to take me a bit to get to try the other sample flavors I have. I started out with it set at about 4V and on the smallest air hole as someone suggested for mtl smokers. It did seem to match fairly well to the draw of a cigarette. After playing around a bit, it reminded me, I never did like the restricted airflow on a cigarette. I know I've got a lot more experimenting to do, but I seem to like it better on the biggest airflow at just past 4.3V and without really thinking about it I've naturally started doing lung hits (something I've never done with cigarettes). I know it's way different than I used to smoke, but so far the open airflow and lung hits "feels" more like the experience I had with smoking.

The lung hits do slightly irritate my throat right now. But I've had a nagging cough for about a month now, it started with allergies/a cold and it's just hung on. From the last time I quit smoking I assume it's a smoker's cough. I seem to be pretty susceptible to that, where my wife isn't so much. Am I correct in assuming that vaping instead of smoking should help with that? Or does vaping still lead to a nagging cough and sore throat?

My other question is about flavor... I'm not really getting much at all. If anything it seems like the flavor is so light it's just enough to tease me. Again I wish I hadn't filled my tank so full so I could see more quickly if it's just the flavor I choose. I have Fruit Hoops from Mt Bakor Vapor, it's 12mg/ml PG 65% VG 35%. Does anyone know this flavor, is it just weak? or is there some setting or technique that will bring out more flavor? More/less voltage, faster/slower pull, would a different PG/VG ratio have more flavor? I also see he offers adding extra flavor shots, maybe that's the answer. Any thoughts would be welcome.

Already the temptation is there to check out more powerful devices, but I'm going to hold off for now until I learn more and really make sure I've explored all the potential of what I have now.

Overall, I think this is going to work for me, there's just a lot to still experiment with to really dial things in. Thanks for all the advice I was given in the other thread.

 

[Cullin Kin]

The lung hits do slightly irritate my throat right now. But I've had a nagging cough for about a month now, it started with allergies/a cold and it's just hung on. From the last time I quit smoking I assume it's a smoker's cough. I seem to be pretty susceptible to that, where my wife isn't so much. Am I correct in assuming that vaping instead of smoking should help with that? Or does vaping still lead to a nagging cough and sore throat?

My other question is about flavor... I'm not really getting much at all. If anything it seems like the flavor is so light it's just enough to tease me. Again I wish I hadn't filled my tank so full so I could see more quickly if it's just the flavor I choose. I have Fruit Hoops from Mt Bakor Vapor, it's 12mg/ml PG 65% VG 35%. Does anyone know this flavor, is it just weak? or is there some setting or technique that will bring out more flavor? More/less voltage, faster/slower pull, would a different PG/VG ratio have more flavor? I also see he offers adding extra flavor shots, maybe that's the answer. Any thoughts would be welcome.

Already the temptation is there to check out more powerful devices, but I'm going to hold off for now until I learn more and really make sure I've explored all the potential of what I have now.

Overall, I think this is going to work for me, there's just a lot to still experiment with to really dial things in. Thanks for all the advice I was given in the other thread.

Glad things are working out for you! I have no cough or sore throat with vaping... Give it time. It will go away. Also, vapor is not smoke and will take some getting used to.

As for flavor... That's what comes with starter kits. However, it looks like you got an Aspire Nautilus Mini with that kit and those are great tanks.

I would go further but I have to get going! I hope you get some help with the flavor issues! Stick with it! Best decision of your life.

 

[Sir2fyablyNutz]

Hi @FadedSun. Glad to see you are progressing. The juices you have are made fresh. They will all taste better in another week as they need time to steep. There is a search box in the upper right above your name and avatar which is keyword activated : Search Results for Query: steep | E-Cigarette Forum Steeping allows the flavor to come thru more.

As to the cough, it could be a number of issues. "Coughing up a lung" so to speak is natural when a smoker switches to vape as the lung clears itself of the cig gunk. A list of symptoms when quitting tobacco and changing to an ecigarette | E-Cigarette Forum Also you can browse the health secion if you should have any issues of concern : HEALTH QUITTING Health, Safety and Vaping | E-Cigarette Forum

One technique I used when putting down my cigs was to keep a cheap clearomizer/tank of the next highest nicotine level (for you 18mg) for those times when the vape couldn't scratch the "itch". I would hit it once then return to the lower nic vape. It usually took me a week or less to adjust to the lower level "normal" nicotine (12). I say usually because I used this same technique to cut down my nic from where I started to the 3 and lower I now enjoy, mainly because I never want to have that "craving" again when I can't satisfy it.

You have a great starter kit. I love my 4 Nautilus Mini's.

Good luck in your vape journey, help is only a keystroke away on ECF.

 

[Cool-breeze]

Welcome! I have no experience with your equipment or liquids. I will say I've read numerous posts about getting the extra flavor shot in liquids from mt baker. What ever experience you want from vaping I'm confident it can be found. If your liquids don't taste right they may need steeping but that is not required. If you get something that tastes great day one there's no need to wait. Also don't forget to shake your liquids before use, esp when they are fresh. The best way to find what you like is to experiment. Change the air flow to a small setting give it low power and work the power up slowly. If it tastes a bit burnt back it down. Adjust the airflow and repeat. Some people find different liquids to have a different sweet spot when it comes to airflow and power. Best of luck, it can be a lot of fun.

 

[DingerCPA]

Welcome! I'm going to agree with all that's posted above. One other consideration is that your tastes will change as your taste buds start their healing process after long-term smoking. There's a concept called "Vapor's Tongue" where the taste of juice may fade or even alter as you go through this healing process.

12mg nic isn't terribly high, especially in a Nautilus tank as you have with your kit. Sometimes higher levels of nic can cause more intense "throat hit" which could be irritating.

On my Nautilus tanks, I typically open mine up to the highest airflow setting and run about 4.5V (11-12W on my rigs.) I've ordered juice from MBV before, and have never ordered the flavor shots. I make my own now, so I control the intensity of the flavorings.

I'm going to offer that you're probably in a transitional phase. I find that I don't do a true lung hit or a mouth-to-lung, but more of a hybrid hit. I like a looser draw, and I'm pulling air in at the same time as I'm taking a hit off my vape.

Play with settings, different flavors will vape differently (same tank, but you might need higher or lower voltage to be satisfying.)

Good luck!