Hello all, enthusiastic (possibly overenthusiastic) noob here with questions.

[Wigged Out Mom]

Hi I am Kelley. I have been a 1 PAD...sometimes more...smoker for many years. I decided to try vaping after my Mother who is a 3 PAD smoker, and one of my sons who is a 1 PAD smoker both put down the analogs and went to vaping almost exclusively. My thinking is that if it worked for them....especially my Mother, surely I can be successful with vaping. I have known I need to quit for years, but have never had the desire because I REALLY like smoking. The only thing that has ever given me the desire to quit was being pregnant with my 3 beautiful boys. I managed to lay them down with little to no effort for 9 months of pregnancy & approximately 9 months of breastfeeding for all 3, but then wanted a cigarette immediately once I had fulfilled these responsibilities. Crazy right....I know....I can't answer the question as to why I would ever pick them back up after that long without one time....let alone 3!!

Anyway, to the present. I have no experience with vaping and no one close to me to gain any knowledge or experience from, as I live in a remote area in the middle of the desert. I have yet to see anyone in this area vaping, and I live 1600 miles from family members who are having success with vaping. SO I have been talking to family on the phone, & trolling the forum digging for information. I decided that the Kanger 1000mah Evod starter kit seemed like a reasonably good place to start. I received my kit yesterday. I was excited to get started, but had yet to receive my juice which I had ordered a few days later. We were able to find 3 bottles of juice of an seemingly suspect brand and in flavors that definitely would not have been my first choice in a little hole-in-the-wall dive market in the town which is closest to here. I felt dirty even going in there, but was really excited to get started hence the 30 mile trip to the little market which is ran by non-english speaking people who some how manage to sell drug paraphernalia in a small community market.

My 25 flavors from Ivape should be here today & I am super excited to give them all a try. I am already loving vaping & feel fairly confident that I will love it even more with quality juices. I do have a few questions though....

While vaping last night I realized that there was still something missing, and I do want to be successful at this so I was digging for the answer. As I set with the Evod in one hand wondering I decided to light up an analog and compare. I know....bad sign...double fisting... but I did figure out what it was that I liked about smoking that was missing. It is the warm, smooth hit that is lacking. SO with my limited knowledge I am now in need of some experienced advice to help me solve this.

I have read many opinions which state that the Evod gives a noticeably warmer hit than some other equipment which leaves me wondering about all of the other variables. Is it the makeup of the juice, or something with the equipment? My kit came with 2.5 ohm coils. I have an EE degree so I understand the relationship of the battery/coil/wattage, but what I do not know is how that relationship affects the hit. I am left to wonder if it is the juice or if I can make some changes in the equipment that will give me that warm smooth hit I am looking for without any of the harshness.

I cannot find any info on the juice I found here locally. It is Python brand. I am assuming it is a rebrand from a wholesaler, but cannot find any info on the company or brand, so I have no idea what the makeup of the juice is. The juice I am receiving today will be 60PG/40VG. Maybe this juice will be the difference...I dunno, but any suggestions are appreciated!!

 

[crxess]

Welcome and it sounds like you have already done some good homework!

Do you even have a nic level on the Mystery juice? May be low and that will add to the something missing effect. Weening off seems smoother than Dropping to low right out of the gate. That said, I started with 18mg liquids but quickly dropped to 12mg. I found I liked vaping but did not want to over do or increase my nic dependency.
I assume your Batteries are simple non variable units. Best performance would be had with 1.8-2.2ohm coil heads. 1.8ohm delivering the warmest vape.
Should you decide to move to any decent variable device, coil resistance will become much less of an effect on the end result.

Hope you find some very satisfying flavors in your upcoming selection. After over a year and many dozens of mixes from everywhere, I still only have 2-3 I enjoy. Now I DIY much of my own e-liquids.

 

[abasm]

Hi Kelly and welcome to the forum.
The Evod starter kit is a good place to start. I'm not familiar with the ejuice brand you mentioned but I can give you some info with regards to the Evods as I use them myself. The 2.5 ohm heads are not bad but you will find that a lower ohm head may work better on the ego batteries you have 2.2 ohm heads will give a better vape and 1.8 ohm heads will give greater throat hit.
As far as juice goes a higher pg juice gives more flavor and greater th and vg gives more vapor but less taste. your 60/40 juices should give a nice combination of th, taste and vapor.
Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Hi Kelley and welcome to ECF. Did you measure the ohms of the Evod? Many times some clearomizers can be out by +- 10- to 20%. As posted above the lower the ohms the warmer the vape. Also the Evod is a bottom coil clearo meaning the coil is further from the mouth and gives a cooler vape. Top coil clearos give a warmer vape cuz coil is closer to the mouth. I would also agree that a lower ohms on your 3.7 volts Evod might be a good idea. On my 3.7 volts Kgo I like a 1.8 ohms top coil clearomizer- bottom coils I find too cool a vape. Maybe 1.8- 2.2 ohms would help with your issue.
Here's a chart that "generally" gives an idea of volt and ohms:
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9dkanCt0I1qc8949o2_1280.png

Juice Components
Flavoring usually about 5- 15%- could be higher or lower depending on the flavor used.
PG enhances flavor, TH and lung hit- water like - many of us believe PG to be a throat irritant.
VG= vapor and can mute flavor- thick
Nicotine- TH, lung hit and our need for nicotine. The MOST important ingredient in regards to TH and lung hit.
Standards in the industry are 80/ 20 or 70/ 30 PG/ VG.

 

[FlamingoTutu]

Hi Mom and welcome to ECF! I too live in the boonies and have never even seen anyone else vape in person. I didn't know about ECF until late in the quitting game. I'll let the vaping wizards sort you out but be assured, you can never be to overly enthusiastic about vaping. Ever. It sounds like you are going to be just fine.

 

[WhiteHighlights]

Welcome! As an EE, you will quickly understand subtleties and distinctions faster than us mere mortals. I know this because my dad & brother are classic EEs. LOL. I get lost in the ohms, watts, and voltage discussions (I'm working on it) but learned by experience and support of others here. You've been given some good guidance to work with. The hardest part is finding a juice that you like, then you can find the 'sweet spot' to get the vape you're seeking. You can never be over enthusiastic, it's nice to see and I know the feeling too well. Congrats & happy vaping!

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Could be OP would be better vaping on a small variable voltage PV...that way she could adjust the voltage to her liking.

 

[Greaser55]

I don't have any specific advice, but I do want to say that if you are already enjoying vaping, you have nothing to worry about, as you experiment and try more devices/liquids you will just enjoy it more, I started out on a cheap ego 650 with unreliable ce4 clearos, and that got me off of cigs, now I have been vaping for 5 months and have found the best equip for me I will never go back to cigs. Another thing is that there is so many other chemicals in cigarettes that our bodies get addicted to that it does feel like vaping is not quite enough for a while but it will pass, and then if you try a CIG later it just makes you sick.
There are a lot more knowledgeable people here that can answer any of your questions. Welcome and congratulations on finding out about vaping

 

[Cornbread Fred]

I don't have any specific advice, but I do want to say that if you are already enjoying vaping, you have nothing to worry about, as you experiment and try more devices/liquids you will just enjoy it more, I started out on a cheap ego 650 with unreliable ce4 clearos, and that got me off of cigs, now I have been vaping for 5 months and have found the best equip for me I will never go back to cigs. Another thing is that there is so many other chemicals in cigarettes that our bodies get addicted to that it does feel like vaping is not quite enough for a while but it will pass, and then if you try a CIG later it just makes you sick.
There are a lot more knowledgeable people here that can answer any of your questions. Welcome and congratulations on finding out about vaping

Kelley,
Yea, what he said
Been vaping two weeks after almost 50 years of more than a PAD habit. 10 days with none of the stinky things. You've made a good move!

 

[Baditude]

One thing that I will add that I haven't seen anyone say yet...

Vaping is not smoking. It's something entirely different. It may come close enough to help you stop smoking. But realize it is primarily just another nicotine delivery system.

E-cigarettes substitute the nicotine in burned tobacco leaves with a safer alternative in water vapor. The nicotine in vapor is absorbed primarily in the mouth and nose, not the lungs. So the puff or draw technique you use may need adjustment. Imagine sucking on a straw in a thick milkshake. Long slow draws into the mouth, hold it, and then either inhale or release through the mouth and nose. Exhaling through the nose will assist your senses in enjoying your flavored vapor.

E-cigarette vapor can be manipulated to be warmer or cooler, depending upon your preference. Lower resistance (ohms) juice attachments will provide a warmer vapor. Standard/higher resistance will provide a cooler vapor. A variable voltage battery will allow even more variance in the vapor quality.

Nicotine concentration in the e-liquid will have the most effect on "throat hit". Higher nic = more throat hit.

 

[madqatter]

I have no experience with vaping and no one close to me to gain any knowledge or experience from, as I live in a remote area in the middle of the desert.

I think ECF will probably be just what you need. Welcome!

I decided that the Kanger 1000mah Evod starter kit seemed like a reasonably good place to start.

I started with Evods too, and I think this is an excellent choice. I concur with the folks recommending that you experiment with different coil resistance levels. My batteries are not variable voltage and I've had the best results-- for me, ymmv-- with 1.8 to 2.2 ohm heads.

While vaping last night I realized that there was still something missing, and I do want to be successful at this so I was digging for the answer. As I set with the Evod in one hand wondering I decided to light up an analog and compare. I know....bad sign...double fisting... but I did figure out what it was that I liked about smoking that was missing.

Much as I want you to kick smoking, I think this particular experiment with lighting up was a good idea: it let you know what you were missing and what you want.

I have read many opinions which state that the Evod gives a noticeably warmer hit than some other equipment

I love my bottom coil clearomizers, including the Evod. Love them. But I've heard that top coil clearos provide an even warmer vape. Perhaps a top coil fan can recommend one to try.

Is it the makeup of the juice, or something with the equipment? My kit came with 2.5 ohm coils. I have an EE degree so I understand the relationship of the battery/coil/wattage, but what I do not know is how that relationship affects the hit. I am left to wonder if it is the juice or if I can make some changes in the equipment that will give me that warm smooth hit I am looking for without any of the harshness.

Both juice and equipment are factors. I think you might enjoy watching some of the YouTube review videos by folks like GrimmGreen, PBusardo, and RiP Trippers. Even if you're not using the equipment they are, even if you don't want the equipment they're reviewing, I've found them very educational.

 

[Dconnor]

Welcome. Monday will be officially 4 weeks with NO analogs, after 30 years of PAD or so. Started with Blus, which whatever you want to say about them, showed me the possibility. I sent away for a Greensmoke, and while waiting for it bought an Evod kit. Never really used the Greensmoke much, but used the Evods pretty heavily.

My deal with myself when I initially quit was I would allow myself one after each meal, and not beat myself up too badly if I cheated. I immediately was able to go to 4-5 cigs a day, at 18 mg juice. I dropped the juice to 12 mg because I figured I could take a few extra puffs, and I was getting some stomach issues. After a few days, I cut out the lunch smoke, and the cheaters. Took me about another week to cut out the after dinner smoke, and the oh so hard, morning coffee smoke. I got some coffee flavored vape, and cut out the last.

I know carry the MVP most of the day. I originally thought it was too large, but then I'm carrying around 2 batteries, 3 or 4 tanks, drip tips etc. Really was starting to feel like I needed a "murse". And nothing is worse than a dead battery. For me it was a guaranteed analog. Now I take the MVP, and two protanks and go.

When it comes to juices, buy smaller bottles initially. Your taste buds will change, and a huge bottle of suddenly unappealing juice ends up being a waste.

Make a plan, and do your best. Every analog you do not smoke is better than yesterday. If you keep working a little each day, suddenly your almost 4 weeks from your last, and wondering if you used to smell as bad as all these smokers you bump into

 

[madqatter]

And also... don't miss this:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ecf-library/337017-inhalation-technique-e-cigarette.html

 

[Wigged Out Mom]

Thanx so much all for the welcome & input!!

The "mystery juice" was 1 @ 16mg 2 @ 24mg. At first I put the peach 24mg in my unit...about 3/4 full and quickly became light headed. I set the unit down for a bit and read the labels and realized it was 24mg so I just added some cherry lemon 16mg to the unit to cut the nic back some. It was definitely better. I vaped it most of the night & topped it off 2 more times to further cut the nic. The hits were much less harsh as well so I figured the harshness of the hit must be related to the amount of nic per ml. The hits still were not as warm and smooth as an analog though. I got my juice today and have now tried a few & now I am even more confused! All of them are 60/40 PG/VG & 12mg. I put classic cola in one evod unit & smarty tarts in another. They both seemed very harsh and drying to the throat. Made me cough a bit. I turned him loose with the cola and emptied the other unit out and put cotton candy in it. It still seemed harsh. Since I have smoked Capri analogs for years I also had ordered another unit which came in the mail today as well which is much smaller. I though it may appeal to me since the size is much smaller. It is a Jomotech ego ecap diamond or something like that?
I filled this one with Dragon Blossom which tasted a bit harsh at first too but seems to be a warmer hit, much closer to what I was missing from an analog. I am not sure what kind it is as far as where the coil is etc.. It says that it has a replaceable atomizer but I have no idea what kind it would be. It doesn't have the same threads as my evod. I guess worse case scenario I could buy them on bulk from China for less than 8 bucks for a starter kit. LOL j/k I am sure there are better options, I am just not sure what they are. I will have to figure out what all will work with this one or if it is even worth worrying with. I am quite sure there are better options out there which will provide the same warm hit.

As for the new liquid, from the reviews it seems to be one of the better ones available. It is said to be made to order so maybe it just needs some time to steep.

My current evod batteries are just the standard fixed voltage batteries. Today I ordered 3 Vision spinner VV 1300mah batteries, 2 mini pro tank 2's & coils in 1.5, 1.8, & 2.2 ohm. I should once I get all of this stuff in have all i need to figure out how to get a warmer hit if it is equipment related....or even possible with a bottom coil unit.

O don't really understand all of the lingo yet as far as throat hit...etc....I just know that I like the warm smooth hit without the harsness and dry feeling in the front of my throat that makes me want to cough. I seem to get close to that with this Jomotech thingy....not sure where the coil is or how it works. It has a clear tank with a metal tibe like thing through it with some wicks on it. Looks like it could be a real PIA... it certainly wasn't as easy to fill as the evods & I have no idea what would fit it as the threads are different. I just know I like the warm hit and the slim size.

Any input is much appreciated. You guys have been a great help thus far!!! Thanx again!!

 

[madqatter]

I just know that I like the warm smooth hit without the harsness and dry feeling in the front of my throat that makes me want to cough.

Some coughing is normal for new vapers and, as far as I know, all vaping is somewhat dehydrating. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids.

But some of it may be the flavors? You mentioned smarty tarts, and that makes me think of something: I have two juices from the same company that are the same age, have the same PG/VG ratio, and have the same nic level. I'm vaping them on the same equipment: Mini Protanks with the same heads on 650mAh eGo-style batteries. But one feels smooth and sweet while the other feels thin, dry, and harsh. The softer of the two is a cocoa/caramel/vanilla kind of flavor while the harsh one is a tart raspberry candy kind of flavor. I like both flavors, but I can't vape the tart one as much. Perhaps tarter flavors tend to be drier and harsher??? Just a theory. Veterans may know something about this.

 

[crxess]

Mini Protank 2 can deliver a very nice and warm vape. Definitely swap out the 2.5 head on arrival.
Do you know what priming is? New wicks do NOT pull e-liquid well and high VG is worse, it doesn't play nice with silica. A drop of water on the new wick will make it more reactive to absorbing. A few, 1-3 drops of water in a full tank of e-liquid also helps greatly with wicking.
Priming is simple taking a few draws without power applied. This pulls e-liquid into the wicks. This technique also works if you get a dry/harsh hit. It will replenish the wick with juice.
Normally within a tank or so the wicks will start fully absorbing on their own and your good to go.

Caution when looking for that warmer Vape. Start simple - 2 volts over ohms reading(MAX) i.e. 2.8ohm coil=3.8 volts(Max) maybe .2 under at first.(3.6v) Always take several vapes at a new setting to allow things to settle and give you a true indication. Then if need be adjust a bit more a little at a time.

 

[madqatter]

Do you know what priming is? New wicks do NOT pull e-liquid well and high VG is worse, it doesn't play nice with silica. A drop of water on the new wick will make it more reactive to absorbing. A few, 1-3 drops of water in a full tank of e-liquid also helps greatly with wicking.
Priming is simple taking a few draws without power applied. This pulls e-liquid into the wicks. This technique also works if you get a dry/harsh hit. It will replenish the wick with juice.

When I open my tanks to fill them, I always start by putting a drop or two of juice directly on the wicks. Then I fill the tank, put it together, and let it settle for a moment to give the wicks a little more time to absorb. I also do some priming draws.

 

[Baditude]

When I made a quit date when I began vaping, I gave myself a weeks time with a full pack of cigarettes. I decided to allow myself 3 -4 cigs a day, one half of a cigarette at a time, while vaping as frequently as I desired, which was a lot. I was a 1 ppd smoke of menthol lights. I used 24 mg strength nicotine in my ice menthol e-liquid.

If I got a nicotine attack even while vaping, I vaped even more frequently. If that didn't cut it, I smoked half a cigarette and saved the rest. Rinse and repeat for the entire week. By the end of the week, the cigs started to lose their appeal and I wasn't getting the cravings for a real cigarette as before. The vapor was actually preferred. After the pack was finished, so was I. I haven't had, touched, nor wanted a cigarette since. 1 1/2 years.

We have a saying here at ECF, "It's not the number of cigarettes that you have smoked that day that count, it's the ones that you didn't."

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

I know you're an EE but here's a great vid on using the multi tester regarding vape gear:

 

[RubyRoo]

It sounds like you are on the right track with getting some VV batteries and some decent tanks. I'd recommend some higher quality juices in perhaps an 18mg and maybe one in a 24 mg to calm those cravings.

If you are looking for a really warm vape, which some people prefer, try out the iClear 16 or the iClear 30. They are both dual, top coil designs that offer a lovely warm vape as the coils are closer to your mouth. They are also a little cheaper if you are just trying them out. I use iClears for testing juices and for the ones I really like, I'll throw them in my Protanks and vape my face off.

You CAN quit and e cigs will help. Soon enough, your house will clear up, your hair won't stink anymore, and you will feel a great weight has been lifted. Good luck and keep us updated!