Help me understand these new devices

[moze229]

Hello all,

I've been smoke free for almost 4 years now, due to vaping. I know that many of you also get into all of the box mods, different coils, blowing huge clouds, etc. However, I never got into any of that. I'm still using 2010 technology and it works fine for me. During the day, I use traditional cig-a-likes. At night and at home, I have regular Ego style devices that use the CE-5s. That's the extent of my experience. Recently, I've been looking at the newer compact devices that use pods. I don't want to get into that, because I want to be able to refill my devices. I've been mixing my own freebase for almost 4 years at 18mg, 50/50. (Haven't bothered dropping the mg yet.) There are also some mini devices that allow your own fill, but it appears that they are designed for nic salts. I don't know anything about that.

I've been drawn to the Hangsen IQ mini, simply because it would be MUCH MORE preferable to have in my pocket over the traditional cig-a-likes. It's a small flat square, rather than a long cylindrical shape, which would allow a more compact device for jeans pockets. The specs are similar to cig-a-likes, except for the coil.

My cig-a-like setup: 240 mah, 3.7v, 2.3ohm coil.
IQ mini: 280 mah, 3.7v, 1.5ohm coil.

I've been told that the IQ mini would work best with nic salts over freebase, but why? I realize the coil is much hotter on the IQ, but I have 1.6 ohm coils in my CE-5s for the Egos I use and they vape freebase just fine.

If I decide to try this IQ mini device, will I need nic salts? And if so, if I'm used to 18mg freebase, what mg level should I be looking at for nic salts that would be equivalent? Can I even look at it this way?

Thanks for any suggestions, and sorry for my ignorance. I just never really got into all of the science behind vaping, because my number one concern has always been dropping combustibles. Thanks in advance.

 

[somdcomputerguy]

18 mg/ml nic freebase == 18 mg/ml nic salt. They're both e-liquid, with nic salt juice generally providing less 'throat hit'.

 

[VapourFlavour]

18 mg/ml nic freebase == 18 mg/ml nic salt. They're both e-liquid, with nic salt juice generally providing less 'throat hit'.

It's interesting you say that, when I tried nic salts I found the throat hit more harsh. Maybe I'm the exception?

 

[untar]

I've been looking at the newer compact devices that use pods. I don't want to get into that, because I want to be able to refill my devices

There are many pod mods that can be refilled. Some cheap, some expensive, some smaller, some bigger, there's really no shortage. If you want some pod options I'm sure you can get an overview of viable devices here if you so wish.

when I tried nic salts I found the throat hit more harsh

If you're used to 3mg/ml freebase and then hit a 50mg/ml nic salt it will have more throat hit than the 3mg/ml in spite of being smoother in general.
Eg I don't think you'd feel the slightest tickle if you tried a 3mg/ml nic salt.

 

[VapourFlavour]

There are many pod mods that can be refilled. Some cheap, some expensive, some smaller, some bigger, there's really no shortage. If you want some pod options I'm sure you can get an overview of viable devices here if you so wish.

If you're used to 3mg/ml freebase and then hit a 50mg/ml nic salt it will have more throat hit than the 3mg/ml in spite of being smoother in general.
Eg I don't think you'd feel the slightest tickle if you tried a 3mg/ml nic salt.

I tried a 12mg nic while vaping 10 free base and almost choked on it. I now vape 3mg so yes, obviously the expectation would be a harsher throat hit with the higher nic content.

 

[IDJoel]

If I decide to try this IQ mini device, will I need nic salts?

NO; you do NOT need to use nic salt.

"Nic salt devices" are more about marketing hype than any reality. You can interchange nic salt, and freebase nic, in any device that I am familiar with.

Nic salt only has two real advantages (again; that I am aware of). One, and likely the most commonly cited reason is: it is much less harsh at higher percentages, and therefore can be vaped at higher concentrations (compared to freebase nicotine).

The second advantage nic salt has is; it is slower to oxidize than freebase nicotine. It is naturally more stable.

Nic salt is popular in for systems because smaller battery profiles, and smaller, higher-resistance coils, lend themselves to less vapor... and therefore less nicotine. Using a smoother/less harsh nic salt, allows the use of much higher nicotine concentrations than freebase would comfortably afford, and delivers a more satisfying nicotine dose.

Higher nicotine levels also reduce the urge to vape as often, and make the shorter battery life more more acceptable/less problematic (recharging, or carrying multiple devices).

The only downside to nic salts may be a shorter coil life. Depending on the formulation of the nic salt(s), it can lead to faster/more deposits onto the coil(s). In other words; coil gunking. I think this may depend greatly on the particular formulation of the nic salts. And, I am in no way, prepared to say it is true of all nic salts. I mention it only as one possibility to be aware of. (Maybe, this is one more reason manufacturers encourage nic salt use... to sell you more pods/coils???)

So, bottom line for you, @moze229? If the Hangsen (or any device), provides you with the nicotine you need/desire, using your DIY freebase liquids... I see no need to turn to salts. If, on the other hand, you find the vapor production lacking, and going higher with freebase is unpleasant... then nic salts may be something you might like to explore. It really boils down to personal preference. (Given the devices you currently use; I would expect you to be just fine using your current liquids.)

 

[moze229]

Thanks so much for the responses, all! I'll pick the IQ mini up and report back.

 

[United States]

Try it with your favorite sauce. You should be good to go if the device itself is capable. That is the rub, not the nic content.

 

[moze229]

Disappointment.

Something isn't right. I got the IQ mini in, and I can't get this thing to work at all. Well, it seems to work, but the vape I get is horrible. It's almost like dry hits. Super harsh burn on the throat and almost no vapor. I've watched videos on this device, and they all seem to be getting vapor just fine. Clouds-a-many, compared to what I'm experiencing. I checked the contacts to ensure that they weren't dirty and looked to see if the wick was dry-looking, but I don't see a flaw.

I typically use 50/50 blend, so I thought it might be a wicking issue. I mixed in a bit of distilled water to thin things out just as a test, and it MIGHT work a bit better? A bit more vapor, still no throat hit at all. I can feel the warm vape coming through, but it just doesn't deliver. It's weird, because like I said in an earlier post, the cig-a-likes I use have almost the same specs. With my 240mah cig-a-like and a 2.2 coil, I get great vape all the time. (Until the battery starts to drain off.) Nice hit and decent vapor.

I might try and 75/25 PG/VG to see if that helps, but based on the results of the thinning experiment, I'm not sure if it's worth the time. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Izan]

Sorry to hear of your issues.
I use 6mg/ml daily in my bottom feeder.
When I got a minifit pod, I filled it with 24mg/ml (FB)100% VG liquid and it still didn't have a satisfying throat hit.
In your place, I would not add DW, I would try to find a stronger (FB) liquid, 24mg/ml or maybe some 36mg/ml at 50/50 or what every is suggested by the manufacturer.
Of the pods I've tried, all seem to be weak in the TH department and less than impressive in flavour.

HTH
I

 

[Skunk!]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I ound salts to be smoother but everybody's experience is unique. The AIO system that really got my attention was the Aspire Nautilus AIO. It uses the standard nautilus coils which I have trusted for years. I have tried the device a few times but don't know how it holds up in the long run. Aspire usually makes reliable gear AFAIK.
Nautilus AIO Kit by Aspire

 

[stols001]

I cannot say much other than nic salts are somewhat subjective. What MG you are COMING from and going to is going to make a rather large difference, I'd think. I would try lowering the nic content (and sure you can try freebase) depending on the type and style of pod you are using.

Also, higher PG ratio liquids are harsher, and as a sort of general rule, the lower nic premade juices tend to be on the higher side as they're mostly vaped in sub0hm setups and the reverse for most high nic salt juices.

Your problem could be either, both or your device. Sorry. But, you have lots of room to experiment and that's good I guess.

Anna

 

[EverythingEvil]

Did you let the pod sit for a while after you filled it or did you immediately start vaping? Some pod systems recommend letting the pod sit for as long as 30 minutes after filling to allow the juice to fully saturate the wicks. If the wicks weren't saturated properly when you first hit the device the wicking material could have burned and caused a bad taste. You may have to get another pod and try again.

 

[moze229]

Thanks for the additional suggestions.

I wanted to make a note about the distilled water - I ONLY did this as a test. I realized at the time that it was going to lower nic/flavor. I just wanted to verify that there was a wicking issue, which it did. The distilled water would have never been a permanent solution for me.

I made a new 75/25 PG/VG mix and there was a little additional improvement. However, I find this product sub-par at best. This is unfortunately not something that can be stuck in your pocket to vape from to get a fix. I get better hits from 808d cig-a-likes with a cartomizer than I do from this. I bought additional pods with this, and I tried a new one, just in case I had a defective one. Same result.

This was an unfortunate waste of $20.00. If you are on low nic and just want a flavor hit from time to time, the IQ mini might be a nice little novelty item to play around with. For those who are still addicted to mid-level nic and throat hit - pass on it.

 

[moze229]

Did you let the pod sit for a while after you filled it or did you immediately start vaping? Some pod systems recommend letting the pod sit for as long as 30 minutes after filling to allow the juice to fully saturate the wicks. If the wicks weren't saturated properly when you first hit the device the wicking material could have burned and caused a bad taste. You may have to get another pod and try again.

I did. When I first filled it, I filled the pod and then let it charge all the way before using it. (45 minutes.)

 

[IDJoel]

I've been drawn to the Hangsen IQ mini, simply because it would be MUCH MORE preferable to have in my pocket over the traditional cig-a-likes. It's a small flat square, rather than a long cylindrical shape, which would allow a more compact device for jeans pockets. The specs are similar to cig-a-likes, except for the coil.

Sorry to hear the IQ Mini was not a winner for you.

I don't know if you are swearing off Pod systems now, but reading your criteria (quoted above), the Justfog Minifit seems like it might be in your wheelhouse (tiny, refillable, and even rebuildable if you so choose). It appears to be getting a fair amount of love (YouTube reviews, forum chatter). ECF has a thread going, that already has 10 pages worth of discussion here:

Justfog Minifit

In my own reading, I have seen people reporting the use of 50/50, even 30PG/70VG, without issue. If you are still shopping for a pod; it might be worth doing a little research, to see if it could be a possible solution for you.

(NOTE: The above linked thread would be a good place to ask any questions about the device.)

 

[moze229]

Sorry to hear the IQ Mini was not a winner for you.

I don't know if you are swearing off Pod systems now, but reading your criteria (quoted above), the Justfog Minifit seems like it might be in your wheelhouse (tiny, refillable, and even rebuildable if you so choose). It appears to be getting a fair amount of love (YouTube reviews, forum chatter). ECF has a thread going, that already has 10 pages worth of discussion here:

Justfog Minifit

In my own reading, I have seen people reporting the use of 50/50, even 30PG/70VG, without issue. If you are still shopping for a pod; it might be worth doing a little research, to see if it could be a possible solution for you.

(NOTE: The above linked thread would be a good place to ask any questions about the device.)

I'm not giving up on pods - I just want to ensure that I can get one that -

- Has replacements at reasonable prices
- Refillable
- Compact enough to put in my jeans pocket and not have it jabbing me or me having to worry about the clearo breaking off at the head and soaking my pocket with juice. Yes I've had that happen.

I've never done a rebuild, which is kinda weird because I enjoy small DIY projects. From what I've read, it just seems like a real pain to do in some cases. These parts are going to be ultra small to work with.

Thanks for the link, I'll definitely check it out.