Hi! And what am I doing wrong???

[kiki_d]

Hi everyone, great forum here!

I'm new to vaping and am really happy to have found a place to learn so much about my new "habit". I've learned a lot, but man there is a lot MORE to learn.

I was a pack a day smoker for 25+ years. I've now been a vaper for 9 days and haven't smoked an analogue since
I'm using an eGo S with V2 Clearomizers. LOL I think! Still learning all the right lingo but pretty sure that's what I've got. I'm using VG 24mg of nic flavors and so far prefer the sweets and fruit flavors.

My problem is this...After vaping a minute or so I start to taste plastic Does this mean I'm holding the battery power down too long and overheating the liquid? I thought maybe I was filling the cartomizer incorrectly because I also experienced a really dry and "burny" kind of flavor/hit on all three that I filled last night. I think I wasn't waiting long enough for the wicks to saturate though as I haven't had that problem since shortly after I loaded them.

So why the burned plastic taste? YUCK! My current solution is to keep switching heads after about 3 puffs but that's seriously annoying. I think I might still be dragging on them too hard (trying to not be a smoker anymore but it's taking time). Ultimately I'm likely to purchase the Provari as that seems to be the go-to PV around here and the VV is starting to make sense to me. For now though, is there anything anyone can suggest to help me enjoy what I've got more? Seems like I was fine last week and now the new cartomizers are messing with me Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Titanium]

Please know that the Provari is just a high quality battery holder with variable voltage.
That won't help you if you're burning clearos/atty's except for voltage control...
How about picking up a Vivi Nova?
I never have gotten burnt taste from them...


It also appears that you burnt the wick, which means you'll have to replace it.

 

[DizGrizz]

Not certain what type of clearomizer you have as the version numbers (i.e. V2) tend to be fairly meaningless. If it is a Stardust type that looks like these Vision 2.0 Ego Clearomizer w/ replaceable head, then you will need to tip them fairly often to keep the tops of the wicks (near the coil) wet. Just tip the eGo a little past horizontal (tip down) between every couple of puffs. Also hold the device roughly horizontal when taking a drag.

Yes, you need to let them soak a bit after filling the first time. I generally just hold it tip down for about 15 seconds and then tip back and go for it.

EDIT: Actually, what I said applies to all clearomizers

 

[kiki_d]

Hi Titanium, and thanks! Yeah I realize the Provari won't help with my current situation, guess it was silly of me to put that in my post. I was thinking though if I'm getting a plastic taste because I'm holding the battery down too long that maybe a VV will help me get the hit I'm looking for without destroying the taste.

I'll look at the Vivi Nova now

 

[DizGrizz]

You might want to grab a few cartomizers too when you order your Nova. I've found that some juices just work better in a carto...and some vapers just prefer cartos to clearos (I use both).

 

[kiki_d]

Hi Grizz,
Yup, those are the kind I'm using. I think this brand is the Saturn, but they're really similar.

Good advice about how to hold it. In my pea brain I kinda think that's what the wick is supposed to do - bring the liquid up to where it needs to be heated, isn't that kind of what a wick does?? lol.

I think I was trying to avoid tipping it so that I didn't leak any liquid up into the mouth tip (kinda gross when you get ejuice in your mouth), but I'll try what you've suggested.

Thank you!

 

[DizGrizz]

Yeah, that's what the wick is supposed to do...but it ain't a perfect system...

You don't have to hold it tip down when you draw just a little off horizontal will help a lot. Also, depending on the juice you use, cartos may work a lot better for you (the clearos don't handle thick juices well if you use thick juce...like high VG content). If you end up liking cartos, you can get a carto tank and have the long-time-between-refills of a clearo and the performance of a carto in one system.

 

[kiki_d]

As soon as I figure out the difference between a cartomizer and a clearomizer I'll let you know which one I like better!

I did try a drip type atomizer and just didn't get it! I wanted it so I could sample different flavor juices without loading up a whole cart but I think I am just too new to this whole scene to get how to use the drip properly. I also just ended up with a very burnt and smokey couple hits - I think I didn't have enough juice in or something. I did follow instructions and added 2 to 3 drops of liquid but I still got really smokey kind of hits.

Gonna go try your advice now

 

[DizGrizz]

This page has a nice pic of some cartomizers 5 pack of 1.7ohm single coil 510 cartomizer by Smok Tech (don't get clear ones...they break very easily).

Basically, a cartomizer (carto) has the coil(s) in the center and hold the juice in some type of filler material which acts like a really big wick. A clearomizer like you have, hold the juice in a tank and draws it to the coil at the top up through the wicks. The supposed advantage to a clearomizer (besides being able to see the amount of juice left) is a "cleaner" taste because you don't have the filler material in there. However, I have found that, as long as you have a decent carto, and you don't burn it, they taste quite good and give more consistent performance than clearos. I admit that I don't use cartos without tanks because I don't like letting them go dry and, for me, they just don't hold enough juice...but I have several tanks (and more on my Christmas list ).

Carto tanks are just tanks that slip over a normal carto that has had holes punched or drilled into it so that the juice can seep into the filler and replenish the juice you vape from the carto. Here's a pic of some carto tanks.

EDIT: you can get pre-drilled/punched cartos or you can get a punch tool for about $10 to do it yourself. I like the ikenvape 510 MEGA Platinum STD 3.0Ω Punch! cartos from ikenvape.com for use on my variable voltage/wattage PV's but, for your 3.7 volt eGo, it might be better to go with the 2 ohm version (you would have to punch those yourself).

 

[White Rabbit]

Good Day kiki_d,

Can't help out a lot, since I have only been vaping since October, but I have tried a number of methods. DizGrizz's advice is spot on. Do some research on cartomizers that will fit your E Go. Empty ones if you have e-juice to fill them. Either drip to fill them or use the "condom method" by filling the rubber end cap 2/3 full and inserting either end of the cartomizer into the cup. Let it soak for 15 minutes or so, remove the cartomizer tube, wipe it off and blow it out. You should get good flavor for awhile, and when the vapor goes down or the taste, just drip several drops into the carto making sure you avoid getting juice into the center hole, otherwise you will have to blow it out. I have been using one set of 5 cartos since October, cleaning them once a week, drying them out and refilling. Good Luck. Look on You Tube for many videos on cartos and how to fill and use.

 

[bob933576]

You said that you are using 100% vg. High VG content will clog your wicks. Try using a PG/VG blend. 50/50 has been ok for me but most people will tell you to use 70pg/30vg is the best for clearos. Also, don't forget that the "Stardust" style clearos are disposable.

 

[SDOrganicChemist]

Kiki_d, I PM'ed you. Basically what the other posters have said is correct but you also need to do something else. I'm guessing you're getting high VG juice from Vapure so there's some things you need to know about VG juice and Stardust/Saturns.

 

[kiki_d]

Yeah, that's what the wick is supposed to do...but it ain't a perfect system...

You don't have to hold it tip down when you draw just a little off horizontal will help a lot. Also, depending on the juice you use, cartos may work a lot better for you (the clearos don't handle thick juices well if you use thick juce...like high VG content). If you end up liking cartos, you can get a carto tank and have the long-time-between-refills of a clearo and the performance of a carto in one system.

Well I'd hate to have to call you a genius right off the bat but... Great advice, I did just what you said and it really helped eliminate the plasticy taste! I am using high VG content so maybe the carto would be far better for me than the clearo's I've got going now. I'll have to start looking at those.

I noticed I didn't have either of these issues with my 11 mg juice - think that's just coincidence or could the lower nic content actually be making a difference?

Anyway, thanks again for the great ideas!

 

[kiki_d]

Yup, seems I'm getting dried out wicks with the high VG juice. Tipping to keep the coil wet helped but I think the set up just isn't quite right for the juice I've got. Got some good advice though so I'm sure I'll get it right in no time

 

[kiki_d]

Thanks for the info, very helpful!

 

[synthsiggy]

I've been using the same e liquid from the same vendor for a year and a half. Recently got several bottles through the post. I started one and it wasn't right at all.Far to sweet and i got a burnt taste from it. I emptied my clearomizer and opened another bottle, filled up my clearomizer with it and it worked as it should. Simply put i got a bad bottle of e liquid. I use 100% vegetable glycerine 4.5mg. Usually it always tastes the same. And i always use vision clearomizers. Never have a problem with the hardware.

 

[The Ocelot]

Hi and welcome! I'm glad to read that you have figured out the clearos. They can be finicky little critters, but I like to have a few around because they're inexpensive. I also like ritualistic behavior, so getting them to work consistently keeps me entertained.

One thing I didn't see mentioned (although it may have been, I only skimmed the thread), is how long you've been vaping vs how long you smoked. Smoking cigarettes wrecks havoc with your senses of taste and smell, so a lot of e-liquids can taste yucky for awhile or you may not taste them at all. It took about 2 months for me to be able to taste something other than menthol or minty; some of the fruits still taste like plastic to me. You might find this article of interest: Taste Buds and Vaper's Tongue

 

[kiki_d]

Hi and welcome! I'm glad to read that you have figured out the clearos. They can be finicky little critters, but I like to have a few around because they're inexpensive. I also like ritualistic behavior, so getting them to work consistently keeps me entertained.

One thing I didn't see mentioned (although it may have been, I only skimmed the thread), is how long you've been vaping vs how long you smoked. Smoking cigarettes wrecks havoc with your senses of taste and smell, so a lot of e-liquids can taste yucky for awhile or you may not taste them at all. It took about 2 months for me to be able to taste something other than menthol or minty; some of the fruits still taste like plastic to me. You might find this article of interest: Taste Buds and Vaper's Tongue

Hi there Ocelot

Thanks for that article, was a good reminder that I really am going through withdrawls and that my taste and smell are going to be wonky for some time still. I do think the issue I was having is related to using clearos with all VG juice. I have some PG/VG that's working much better.. It's snickerdoodle flavor so I'm digging it!

So far I've avoided the tobacco flavors as I really am trying to quit smoking alltogether... plus I'm pretty sure I never really liked the taste of cigarettes in the first place! Haven't tried either menthol or cinnamon type flavors yet, might like those! Not sure I'm really into tinkering with tanks and cartomizers too much yet so I think a little PG in my VG is the way to go for now.

 

[Baditude]

I'm using an eGo S with V2 Clearomizers.

My problem is this...After vaping a minute or so I start to taste plastic .

So why the burned plastic taste? YUCK!

There are some individuals who are just sensitive to tasting the plastic that some of these devices use. I know my buddy here Zapped is. He and myself use pyrex cartomizer tanks. Pyrex glass is a totally inert material that imparts no off-taste to juice flavors, which some individuals swear that plastic does. Zapped always says, "If given a choice to drink from a glass or plastic container, I'll pick the glass container every time. That is why most finer restuarants and bars serve drinks in glass."

Perhaps research into getting a pyrex glass tank. IBTanked - Get Tanked With Us! makes a slim and relatively inexpensive pyrex tank (under $25) that can be used on an eGo. Pre-punched cartomizers and drip tips are available on the website, too.

 

[kiki_d]

Hi there Baditude,

Ok so it's not just me then!? I hate drinking water out of a plastic bottle! Guess I'm one of the sensitive ones The advice to tip and use a little PG in my VG has helped, but not eliminated the problem. I like your idea of a pyrex set up, I hate that the plastic ones are throw away too... I'm assuming with care the pyrex one will last!

I'm doing some research now to see if I think I can handle a rebuild type set up. I'd really prefer to have something that doesn't clog up landfills. YUP, trying to be an environmentalist now that I'm not littering our poor earth with nasty cigarette butts daily!

I'm gonna go for a provari too so I'll see what kind of set up might work with that.

Thanks!