Hello....? on finding a juice that works for you

[Copper Penny]

Just thought I would say hello. I'm a fairly new vapor and new to the forum. Started vaping several months back when I was introduced to it by a friend who started using an Blu ecig. Did a bit of research before buying one of those and bought a Evod mega (from a local store). I like the idea of being able to fill it myself. It was ok but the convenience store types of juice were rather terrible. Spent the last few months doing what most newbies probably do bought a new device, ordered juice from online from various companies while trying to figure out what works best, etc. Currently using an Aspire which I like and have an Innokin iTaste on the way. The hardest part seems to be finding decent juices that work best for me. How does everyone go about figuring out what type of juice works best for them? You can invest some serious money into purchasing liquids in different vg/pg ratios, nic levels, etc before finding one that you enjoy. Is there a method to all of this? And what in the world do us newbies do with the various liquids and devices we have bought only to discover that we don't like? Is there a place to swap/sell them? I've only just started reading through this forum so please feel free to point out any threads I should check out. Thanks!

 

[Susan~S]

Hello and welcome to the forum @Copper Penny. Glad to have you here!

I highly recommend you visit local vape shops in your area and "taste test" their juice to see what you might like to buy.

There are also online vendors that offer small "sample packs". Some of them may need to be "steeped" before you vape. Best Budget but Decent Juice Makers & Vendors Part 1

As far a selling, you can sell/trade unload your *unloved* gear (no counterfeit products) & juice in the Classifieds & Swaps Forum.

You will need to have a minimum of 20 posts before you can apply to get verified. Here is a link to get you started: How to Become a Verified Member

 

[Copper Penny]

Hi Susan~S
Thanks for the welcome. I have bought a few sampler packs which has been helpful. Wish I had bought them in a range of vg/pg and nic levels so I could see the difference. I went with the average 50/50 and 12 mg nic. Some are ok and others terrible. But I'm not sure if it's the flavor or the other things affecting it. So far my favorite has been Churrios by The Milkman so I'm thinking I may lean toward lower pg and nic levels. How does one taste test at a local shop? Totally newbie question I know. Is there a way to put less juice into you device for taste testing? Thanks for the heads up on the swap forums. I will take advantage of that at some point in the future.

 

[suprtrkr]

Hi and welcome. AFAIK, there's no central location to help you determine what you might like. Susan's idea about taste testing at local vape shops is a good one. But finding the right PG.VG and nic levels for your type of vaping is trial and error; it's to individualized for there to be any standards. What works for one is poison to another. I solved it by going DIY. That way I mix my juice the way I like it.

 

[Susan~S]

How does one taste test at a local shop?

The shop will have clearomizers/tanks loaded with their flavors.

I DIY, but also do purchase some pre-prepared juice. I mix/use mostly 50/50 (when given a choice) as high VG gives me a lot of phlegm.

Nicotine

A "general guideline" for nicotine concentration in e-liquid to the number of cigarettes smoked per day. If you are subohming (resistance under 1.0Ω) cut these nicotine levels by at least 50%.

06 mg = 10 cigarettes or less
12 mg = 20 cigarettes
18 mg = 30 cigarettes
24 mg = 40 cigarettes

eLiquid/Juice

PG = Propylene Glycol - the "flavor carrier" of e-liquid. A secondary source of "throat hit", but not as strong as the nicotine concentration. Some people have a sensitivity or even an allergy to PG. It's very thin.

VG = Vegetable Glycerin - the "vapor maker" of e-liquid. Used as a sweeter in many food sources, and also as a skin emollient. It's very thick. Often labeled just "Glycerine" if you are buying it to DIY.

PG and VG are often used together in different ratios in e-liquid. For example, a 50/50 PG/VG ratio. Many juice vendors offer a range of different ratios as far as PG/VG.

 

[BrotherBob]

Welcome and glad you joined.
Susan and trkr have given you excellent advice.
The only help that I can add is the type of juice. You mentioned:

So far my favorite has been Churrios by The Milkman s

These juices fall under what I call the Bakery or Desert type categories. When selecting a flavor at a vape shop to test, you might mention your particularly interested in these type of flavors. Once you identify the category of flavors that work for you, it may be easier to start to find great e-liquid tastes.
I DIY also, so I'm unable to direct you to a cost effective e-liquid blender.
Vape shops are a great way to meet up,trade and get vaping information.

 

[LouisLeBeau]

Hi Penny, and welcome to ECF!! Congratulations on both finding this place, and on giving up on the smokes!

Vape shops are a DECENT place to taste new flavors, and manufacturers but they are still quite limited, based on what they happen to carry. You don't say where you are, geographically, but there are frequent Vape meets, expo's, etc. where often a hundred or more ejuice companies will be represented! Many will offer samples that you can take with you, to try later, and some you have to taste while there.

The search function is your friend here if you want to stay completely anonymous, or others will be happy to point out where you might find these if you choose to share a rough geographic location. Bring your BIG bottle of water if you can find one! You'll need it! Also, you will see SO much hardware! Often, the deals on both can be spectacular as well.

GOOD LUCK! Looking forward to seeing you around.

 

[Sir2fyablyNutz]

Hello @Copper Penny and welcome to the forum.

I could only add what has already been said. I have learned that over time my taste has changed and juices I didn't like in the beginning I can and do vape now. When I had a juice I didn't like I would sometimes throw it in a drawer to try again in a month. Some of the fresh made juices do benefit from "steeping" or aging.

The nic level is determined by what and how many you used to smoke. In another look it is the comfort level that stops any craving for cigs without making you dizzy, get a headache, or stomach ill. I was a 2 pack a day of lights and started at 12, and in less than a year I reached zero nic (without cravings). You have to find your own stride, what someone else does may not work for you.

Don't be shy about asking any questions as there are many experienced vapers here to help. Good luck in your journey.

 

[Maggie G]

Welcome! Im new to the community as well! Been vaping for quite a bit longer, though

The people on here have some of the best advice, and you're seeing it right here!

From personal experience - i started with sticking to flavors i *thought id like... Went through a long stage of finding there were many i hated! After finding an awesome vape shop, I was able to start sampling before buying (something that you will find VERY helpful!!)

After sampling and buying my particular taste (fruity and creamy) for a while, i just upgraded to Zamplebox and created a pretty spot on flavor profile. Much less expensive to buy online, IF you know what you want! Follow everyone's opinion and GO SAMPLE at a vape shop!!! Go sample your heart out

 

[Ablonz]

@Copper Penny Hello and Welcome to the forums!! Glad to hear you are giving up the smokes. I would like to just add to what others have said about trying different flavors at vape shops. See if they have Unflavored and give that a try as well. You may find it pleasant enough to use while you search for the right one. I used Unflavored to finally quit as many flavors didn't work for me. After I went exclusively to vaping is when flavors started tasting good. I see that mod you have is a 1.5 ohm coil after looking it up. I would recommend getting 50/50 blend or higher as it will wick easier and make vaping more enjoyable. Good luck on your vaping journey and if you have any other questions, do not hesitate to ask as there are many wonderful people her to help out when ever we can. Hope this helps. Happy Vaping!!!

 

[Copper Penny]

Welcome! Im new to the community as well! Been vaping for quite a bit longer, though

The people on here have some of the best advice, and you're seeing it right here!

From personal experience - i started with sticking to flavors i *thought id like... Went through a long stage of finding there were many i hated! After finding an awesome vape shop, I was able to start sampling before buying (something that you will find VERY helpful!!)

After sampling and buying my particular taste (fruity and creamy) for a while, i just upgraded to Zamplebox and created a pretty spot on flavor profile. Much less expensive to buy online, IF you know what you want! Follow everyone's opinion and GO SAMPLE at a vape shop!!! Go sample your heart out

Hi Maggie

Like you I started out buying small sizes of flavors I thought I would like....mainly fruits, dessert types and mints. Some were ok, some that smelled awesome tasted terrible when vaped and others I thought were ok turned out great in one device but lousy in another. I am going to look around for a local shop so I can test out some flavors. I live just south of Boston and found that there is a big expo not to far away in Connecticut in March. I hope to be able to go to that. It's funny how we smoked the same brand of cigarettes for years but now have the opportunity to vape a flavor and just one flavor won't do.....I want a bunch lol.

Penny

 

[Copper Penny]

Thanks to every who replied. The information has been very helpful. I look forward to reading through the forums. I'm very glad I found this site.

Penny

 

[Maggie G]

You're so right about that! I stuck with 2, maybe 3 brands of cigarettes, and now i don't even like tobacco e juice!