FlavorJunkies

[Stoneface]

Where did you see others commenting about this, and was it the same flavor or just bottle size jumps in-particular with no specific flavor pointed out?

No PM from you, you sure you didn't hit send and then close the page without looking again? I bet you would have hit the char limit and needed to snip some from my reply, before it would go out.

I didn't see anyone comment on the MBV flavors in regards to size of the bottle - that was trial and error on my part. I had read somewhere early on that when the nic level is lower in a juice, it can affect flavor and TH. I can't recall at the moment exactly where I read that (on this forum), but it stuck with me.

You are correct - I just checked, and it seems the PM didn't go through for whatever idiotic actions I took or failed to take. PM coming soon, promise.

 

[Xylocaine]

I exclusively use Flavour Art and nothing else. The maximum amount I use for anything is around 2.5% (and that is in very rare cases). Most people who don't have luck with FA don't seem to realize that 0.5% is totally doable and you will get an insane amount of flavor from it. I find flavorings like Lemon Sicily to be too warm at 2% but at 1% its spiky citrus. Also -NEVER USE DROPS- even if you meter out your dripping caps and know 'about' what they drop - no two drops are the same. Even using 0.5% I use a syringe even if its for .05cc for consistent flavor. I've been described as a Flavor Nazi - if its not perfect, I won't vape it.

Another quick note I use glass bottles and boil water and place it in the pan to speed up the steeping process. A quick boil is equivalent to about a week of steeping. Anything short of tobacco flavors shouldn't take more than a quick boil to make them more than a pleasing vape and 2-3 days of steeping to make them perfect. This is just my two cents and I know a lot of people who use 5 to 20% FA and I just have to gawk at the waste. Adding too much flavoring will kill the flavor, less is more.

So if you got any old FA vials laying around you've decided not to use, try it with what might seem to you like a ridiculously low percentage!

 

[Stoneface]

I exclusively use Flavour Art and nothing else. The maximum amount I use for anything is around 2.5% (and that is in very rare cases). Most people who don't have luck with FA don't seem to realize that 0.5% is totally doable and you will get an insane amount of flavor from it.... Also -NEVER USE DROPS- even if you meter out your dripping caps and know 'about' what they drop - no two drops are the same. Even using 0.5% I use a syringe even if its for .05cc for consistent flavor...Adding too much flavoring will kill the flavor, less is more.

So if you got any old FA vials laying around you've decided not to use, try it with what might seem to you like a ridiculously low percentage!

I have some FA flavors in vapemail now, so this is very helpful information, thanks. How do you use a syringe for .05cc? I don't have one that small. As a DIY noob, if you have some techniques for absolute precision, I'll gladly listen.

 

[Aurora-Oblivion]

I didn't see anyone comment on the MBV flavors in regards to size of the bottle - that was trial and error on my part. I had read somewhere early on that when the nic level is lower in a juice, it can affect flavor and TH. I can't recall at the moment exactly where I read that (on this forum), but it stuck with me.

You are correct - I just checked, and it seems the PM didn't go through for whatever idiotic actions I took or failed to take. PM coming soon, promise.

Ahh OK, sorry I confused your general findings and my thoughts, with your mention of lower Nic needing more flavor too. I just went back and checked, that was what you said that I confused with our findings on this, sorry.

No worries on the PM, but ya if it's over 5000 character and you hit send without waiting for the message saying to lower the amount, then it wont get sent. I've done that in the past, not knowing a large PM was going to hit the limit, I'd hit send, move to another tab and forget to watch for the warning, and then close that tab later without looking thinking the message already went out.

Off to check vapemail, wish me luck!

I have some FA flavors in vapemail now, so this is very helpful information, thanks. How do you use a syringe for .05cc? I don't have one that small. As a DIY noob, if you have some techniques for absolute precision, I'll gladly listen.

1ml syringe is marked out for .01 increments, so .05 is easy

 

[Xylocaine]

I have arrays of 1cc syringes, .05cc is basically that little half mark notch under the .1cc marking. Don't know if this has been said before but placing a piece of clear tape over the markings on your syringes (of any size) can help preserve the markings. When I first started DIYing almost a year ago I did not think I would need a lot of 1cc or 3cc syringes. Now I almost exclusively work with them short of 5 and 10cc syringes for the purposes of transferring medium amounts of PG/VG/Nic into vials. Anything larger and I just use glass beakers/flasks/graduated cylinders.

Also remember VG can mute flavorings and or make them sweeter - so before using sweeteners that may once again do little more than deaden flavors you might just want to bump up your VG. If your having difficulty with the viscosity whether when your mixing or when your vaping (Wicking can often be an issue with higher VG juices) you can cut the VG with 5-10% -DISTILLED- Water. I have done this for some time now and honestly there is no discernible difference between cut and uncut VG other than the viscosity.

Quick Edit: Nicotine will also kill flavor, the less Nicotine you have the more you'll get out of your flavors (Also the less Throat Hit, unless your turning up the wattage). I vape around 4.5-6mg although I started at 30mg.

 

[Stoneface]

Ahh OK, sorry I confused your general findings and my thoughts, with your mention of lower Nic needing more flavor too. I just went back and checked, that was what you said that I confused with our findings on this, sorry...Off to check vapemail, wish me luck!

1ml syringe is marked out for .01 increments, so .05 is easy

No worries on my end either. Good Luck! (I just posted my sad tracking story on the ECX II thread)

I have arrays of 1cc syringes,...you can cut the VG with 5-10% -DISTILLED- Water...

Got it - my 1ccs have not arrived, but now I'm jonesing for them. Thanks for the tips! I've mixed PGA and distilled 50/50 to cut VG viscosity, is that not recommended? It seems to work fine for me.

 

[Xylocaine]

I've mixed PGA and distilled 50/50 to cut VG viscosity, is that not recommended? It seems to work fine for me.

I've never used PGA not for any other reason than cost effectiveness (distilled water is like 2$, a bottle of PGA is like 40$ here). Are you saying you use 50% PGA and/or Distilled to 50% VG? If so that is really cutting your VG thin!

 

[Stoneface]

I've never used PGA not for any other reason than cost effectiveness (distilled water is like 2$, a bottle of PGA is like 40$ here). Are you saying you use 50% PGA and/or Distilled to 50% VG? If so that is really cutting your VG thin!

No, I mix 50% PGA and 50% Distilled Water, and then add a few drops to my DIY juice (I generally like to vape 50% PG/50% VG). I don't thin out the VG before I measure/mix into the juice. Thinning the juice is currently my last step, if I think it is needed.

 

[Xylocaine]

No, I mix 50% PGA and 50% Distilled Water, and then add a few drops to my DIY juice (I generally like to vape 50% PG/50% VG). I don't thin out the VG before I measure/mix into the juice. Thinning the juice is currently my last step, if I think it is needed.

Oh, that is fine. You might want to explore cutting your VG before use just to make it easier to syringe in and out (again this and capillary action is the primary reasons for doing it). I myself enjoy 50/50/6 to 20/80/4.5 (PG/VG/Nic) - started using this form of notation for the felt notebook I keep all my recordings in.

On that note (no pun intended) if you want to see consistency (and consistent improvements) write down everything. An entry in my notebook for one simple flavor can span an entire page. I record everything from the PG/VG/Nic, Boiling Time, Steep Time, Flavor Progression, Flavoring, The type of Nic used - just everything. I admit I didn't do this at first, it seemed too much and out of the way and the best I'd do is jot down numbers on the excel sheet that was my eLiquid calculator. I learned the hard way, I had some of the best Blue Raspberry juice that has ever been my pleasure to have and I didn't write it down. It was a quick and dirty mix and since then I've yet to replicate it.

 

[Stoneface]

Oh, that is fine. You might want to explore cutting your VG before use just to make it easier to syringe in and out (again this and capillary action is the primary reasons for doing it). I myself enjoy 50/50/6 to 20/80/4.5 (PG/VG/Nic) - started using this form of notation for the felt notebook I keep all my recordings in.

On that note (no pun intended) if you want to see consistency (and consistent improvements) write down everything. An entry in my notebook for one simple flavor can span an entire page. I record everything from the PG/VG/Nic, Boiling Time, Steep Time, Flavor Progression, Flavoring, The type of Nic used - just everything. I admit I didn't do this at first, it seemed too much and out of the way and the best I'd do is jot down numbers on the excel sheet that was my eLiquid calculator. I learned the hard way, I had some of the best Blue Raspberry juice that has ever been my pleasure to have and I didn't write it down. It was a quick and dirty mix and since then I've yet to replicate it.

What made sense to me at the time, and I'm willing to improve on anything, is to mix the nic base at the desired mg and PG/VG mix. This base I keep in a bottle set aside. I mix the flavors into a graduated cylinder, add the mixed up nic base, and then add my mixed thinner if needed. I keep notes in an Excel spreadsheet, but aside from any calculator. I doubt my notes are as thorough as yours, since I don't note the nic source (might start doing that, tho). Sorry you can't replicate the happy accident, that's no good.

 

[Xylocaine]

What made sense to me at the time, and I'm willing to improve on anything, is to mix the nic base at the desired mg and PG/VG mix. This base I keep in a bottle set aside. I mix the flavors into a graduated cylinder, add the mixed up nic base, and then add my mixed thinner if needed. I keep notes in an Excel spreadsheet, but aside from any calculator. I doubt my notes are as thorough as yours, since I don't note the nic source (might start doing that, tho). Sorry you can't replicate the happy accident, that's no good.

Cutting your Nic right off is a common practice as it can make it a lot safer to handle. My cousin Shred909 actually cuts all his Nic the second he gets it down from 60mg strength to 6mg in 50/50 and just works off that base. Others will take their Nic and cut it in some pure solution such as PG or VG to bring it to a lower strength to once again, make it safer to work with. After this its just a matter of telling your calculator your working with (for instance) 15mg strength instead of 60mg strength.

The only thing I can warn about premixed base is that you may not get the exact same consistency. I generally keep a bottle of 50/50/6 base sitting around for when I'm feeling lazy and out of the mix I take out about 2.5% flavoring (that is for instance if its a 10mL bottle I add 5mL of VG, 3.75mL of PG and 1mL of Nicotine (60mg/100% PG)) This leaves room to fill in that last bit with up to 2.5% flavoring and have no variation in the actual composition.

If you however mix up a 100mL bottle of 50/50/6 without any flavoring and then disperse it into ten separate 10mL vials you may end up with vials of 40/60/3, 60/40,5, etc. Just because you cannot guarantee 100% homogeneous mixture and this is why I personally tend to stay away from premixed base unless (again) I'm feeling lazy.

Another tip I can offer is when testing new flavors use a dripping atomizer (any kind will do) and don't bother wasting your nic. Mix it up just using PG/VG and Flavoring. Try it out before you burn your most expensive ingredient or mix a large vial of it. I actually use 10mL graduated cylinders for this purpose.

 

[Shilo]

Loving this thread and everybody's input but is anybody else wondering where wolcen is?? Hurry back thread starter...lol

 

[unloaded]

My Jasmine Tea is pretty tasty but its a little sweeter than I'd like. Not sure if its the Black Tea, the Jasmine or the VG-30% making it sweet. Reading Xylocaine's post it's possible I have too much flavoring. I made a 5ml batch with 5% FA Black Tea and three drops of FA Jasmine. My nic is at 18mg and its WL. I've got BitterWizard, Tart&Sour, lemon juice, vinegar.....which do you think would be my best option to try to with this? I don't really want to change or add any flaovor, just knock the sweet down or completely out. Also because its only 5ml I'm worried one drop of any of the above might be too much.

 

[Jimi D.]

I have to admit Flavor West has blown away Flavour Art in strength and taste. So far I've had no problems mixing, except the Pina colada where I mixed too strong. My FW blueberry waffles with maple syrup is just incredibly delicious. I think it tastes more authentic than all my previous mixes and vendors that I've tried. I'm mixing these flavors one drop at time. I start at 0.5 percent and end up at 1 to 2% flavor. Now, my nicotine base, PG, VG, and equipment has a lot to do with the results I'm getting. Also my taste buds are very sensitive. I haven't smoked in over 5 or 6 years. I just would like to say is that, I'm truly happy with these flavors, and I think FW should be in every DIY'ers collection. Now I gotta go mix some Big Red Soda for my Dream Tank.

 

[unloaded]

I wonder why they suggest mixing all the flavors at ".25-.50" ? I see that and think 25-50% I did some Fruit Dtripe Gum at 10% and I think I may have over did it. Also did the Peach Tobacco at 5% and its pretty nice.

 

[Jimi D.]

I wonder why they suggest mixing all the flavors at ".25-.50" ? I see that and think 25-50% I did some Fruit Dtripe Gum at 10% and I think I may have over did it. Also did the Peach Tobacco at 5% and its pretty nice.

I'm very happy with my Fruit Stripe gum. I added 6 drops of flavor to a 15 ml bottle of 80/20 pg vg 18 mg.

 

[Faylool]

Interesting Jimi D because I got flavors west because it was reported to be "very forgiving" meaning what he heck 2 drops 5 drops whatever. Instead of sweating a 1/2 drop ruined it deal. So you really must be very taste flavor sensitive or I d better watch it when I get to using it. I use my nose, when it's working, to add flavors. I'm going to stick with this way of doing it because so far it's how I've gotten the flavors I like. AND I do NOT have a sensitive palate. It varies wildly. In fact I wish it didn't! I do know I ooh and ahhh a lot when it's working right. Aging sucks in every way but one...you get to relax and just not give a arn so much. Nothing seems life or death anymore. Oops...off topica, hah!

 

[Sdh]

Hey guys! These are up for sale. They are flying off the shelves so if your on the fence, oh well,

Kanger Protank Glassomizer by KangerTech - Sun-Vapers.com

 

[my4jewels]

I have been enjoying the FW Vanilla Custard @12%. From what I understand, FW does not use diketones. My VZ SC Gourmet Vanilla Spongecake and Cream Charlotte have gotten better over the last few days, both are amazing. I mixed some VZ SC Gourmet Chocolate Truffle last night, haven't tried it yet. Also mixed soem VZ SC Dragon Fruit, haven't tried it yet. Tonight's the night.

 

[Jimi D.]

Interesting Jimi D because I got flavors west because it was reported to be "very forgiving" meaning what he heck 2 drops 5 drops whatever. Instead of sweating a 1/2 drop ruined it deal. So you really must be very taste flavor sensitive or I d better watch it when I get to using it. I use my nose, when it's working, to add flavors. I'm going to stick with this way of doing it because so far it's how I've gotten the flavors I like. AND I do NOT have a sensitive palate. It varies wildly. In fact I wish it didn't! I do know I ooh and ahhh a lot when it's working right. Aging sucks in every way but one...you get to relax and just not give a arn so much. Nothing seems life or death anymore. Oops...off topica, hah!

I don't use my nose when I mix. I taste as I add one drop at a time. Artificial flavors are tricky. I have black licorice that has an ever so slighty aroma to it. Now, when I vape it I get pure mouth numbing goodness like eating a black jelly bean.