have Riva 510, where to go from here?

[binaryboy]

I got my Riva 510 one week ago today, and I've learned quite a bit in such a short time. I still have a lot to learn, though. I've accepted as fact that no PV/juice combo is ever going to taste like an analog, and for the most part I'm okay with that.

I've come to understand that I'm addicted to not just the nicotine, but some of the other stuff that is present in analogs as well. I can't help but wonder if this is the reason why vaping is not giving me that satisfied feeling I would get after smoking an analog, especially first thing in the morning, and after meals. I was a 1/2 PAD smoker (Marlboro lights) and I'm currently using 18mg nicotine. I'm hesitant to increase the nicotine level because it seems like I'm already consuming more nicotine than I did while smoking analogs.

Then there's another difference between analogs and my Riva 510 that really bugs me: draw. I'm used to inhaling directly into my lungs, but I have found that to be quite difficult with this PV. Doable, yes, but it really gets on my nerves.

I'd like to hear your opinions on how I might solve these issues and, with luck, become a happy, satisfied vaper. Thanks for your help! - BB

 

[malyden]

Hi BB vaping takes awhile to get use to and there is a bit of a learning curve. Most likely the issue you are having with the satisfaction is due to the extras that are in analogs. For some it just takes a little longer to over come. As for the draw it is different than an analog, you can direct inhale but it is not the best option for the best "hit" drawing into your mouth and then inhaling into your lungs will work the best.
Remember not everyone quits analogs right off the bat but you will get there! Best of luck in your new adventure!

 

[mostlyclassics]

Hi, binaryboy --

As malyden points out, e-cigs are not exactly the same as analog cigarettes, so it's best not to think of them as such. Rather, e-cigs are an alternative nicotine delivery system.

The draw-into-the-mouth-then-inhale method is really the only way to go with e-cigs.

Also, what flavors are you using? Like so many others, I started with the various "tobacco" equivalents but found them unsatisfying. I then tried other flavors and had a much better experience. What really tickled my fancy were menthol, Key lime freeze, cola, cherry cola, and such. "Whisky" from Liberty Flights is awfully close to a mild blended Scotch whisky -- not recommended until the sun is over the yardarm (really! It's tough to take early in the morning). Then I was able to return to the various "tobacco" flavors. I now appreciate them for what they are: interesting, complex flavors on their own with a faint resemblance to fresh, unburned tobacco.

 

[CBB]

The question is how much do you vape. A 1/2 pad smoker with 18mg juice may need to vape more often than they smoked. If you don't vape a lot higher nic would probably help to keep your vaping requirements minimalized. A big factor in the buzz of smoking is the carbon monoxide, it lowers your blood oxygen level and gives you that head rush that an occasional smoker is used to. There are other addictive chemicals in cigarettes but nic gives you the stimulant effect, increasing your heart rate and CO gives you the buzz, the others chemicals don't cause an immediate reaction that you are used to feeling.

 

[BiffRocko]

Vaping is never going to exactly simulate an analog. That's something you're just going to have to accept if you decide to stick with vaping.

As for the taste, you'll find that as your taste buds come back, vaping will taste better and better. Analogs will taste worse than ever and you won't want your vapor to taste like an analog any more.

You're not getting more nicotine than you were with analogs. The "high" feeling you're probably experiencing is just what nicotine feels like without all the extra crap in analogs. If you're not constantly feel nauseous at 18mg, I'd suggest trying a higher nic juice. Get a small bottle just to try it out and see if you feel more satisfied.

Draw can be helped by using low resistance atomizers. Using an LR atty will increase the heat at the coil which translates to more vapor and stronger throat hit. This will also bring your PV's performance more in line with the feel of an analog.

 

[brian1g]

I noticed when I have cravings that a good ole lr boge carto and some higher nic juice hits the spot. The lr boge have a nice airy draw that is more like an analog for me and the higher nic is a bit more satisfying.

A 36mg harsh tobacco juice may be good for those times of the day that your really craving. Something like freedomsmokesusa Wyatt Earp in 36mg will crush any cravings imo. When I first came off analogs I chain vaped 36mg for about a month and never had any problems.

 

[swedishfish]

Up the nicotine in the morning, see if that helps.

 

[Nomoreash]

I'll agree, up the nic. Doesn't mean you have to use the higher level all the time, just have a carto of it ready when you need it. I've pretty much been at 24mg for the first year and am ready to step down to 18 on my next order if I can ever get all the juice I've aquired so far vaped.

As for drawing directly in your lungs. I've found that to be juice dependent. Some are to harsh for me to do that with while others are smoother and very satisfying, you'll just have to experiment with different ones.

 

[binaryboy]

I've been hearing the term "low resistance" for a while now, but I have not been able to determine exactly what it means. It seems to be referring only to electrical resistance (Ohms). I get that - less Ohms means higher current, higher heat, thus a higher rate of vaporization.

But what about less airflow resistance? I'd like your opinions on which PV models have the least of that kind of resistance. That is, easier draw. - BB

 

[BiffRocko]

Try removing the cone on your Riva. The cone can tighten the draw. There's a few vent holes on the atty connector that let air in. You can also try loosening the atty a bit to let more air into those holes. Otherwise, PV's all about the same.

Just try an LR atty though. You'll be very surprised at the difference. It's night and day.

 

[binaryboy]

I should have mentioned that I've already done both of those - removing the cone and loosening the atty.

 

[Nomoreash]

Boge Cartos give about the most airy, less restrictive draw I've tried. Other than that it maybe vary a little but overall is pretty even and the tips already given can help with certain equipment.