How to know when an atomizer/cartomizer *die* die?

[versaden]

Hi everyone,

Long-time lurker here. Figured it would probably be wise to start making my post count so I can break free from the newbie prison.

I started off with a KR808 and within a few weeks learned of the eGo-C and have since made a few investments in the tech (extra atomizers, some SMOKtech dual-coil cartos, etc.) and have had nothing but smashing success kicking the analogues to the curb (I may have one a week now, down from a pack+ a day).

I've had my eGo-C for roughly two weeks and have been pretty on top of things keeping my atomizers (I've got two in circulation currently) cleaned with nightly alcohol baths and the occasional dry burns.

So far, so good.

So let me get to my n00b question: how the heck do I know when these things should be tossed? A dry smell/taste? No vapor production? Do they do a song and dance routine announcing that they're no longer usable? I'm hoping for the last option, 'cuz that'd be hilarious.

I would also pose the same question for my SMOKtech DC cartos. I bought these to try out new ejuices w/o gunking up my atomizers/tanks with their flavors. Every time I start a new quick session, I drip about 3-4 drops into the polyfill.

Many thanks--and happy vaping!

Kind regards,
V.

 

[expat007]

When the vapor gets weak or the draw of an atomizer or cartomizer begins to get uncomfortably tight, even after cleaning, it's time to replace them.

With an atomizer, the coil can get so gunked up that you need to flood it to get any vapor at all. Time to toss it.

With a cartomizer, it starts tasting burnt. Chuck it out.

Basically, when they're no longer usable, or they're unpleasant to use, they're unusable.

 

[versaden]

Word. Thanks for the tips. So far, seems everything is going okay then.

V.

 

[expat007]

I just noticed you said you bought DC cartos to try out new flavors?

Usually, an atomizer is best for trying out new flavors before you devote an entire carto to a flavor you find out you don't like. I know it's a little different with an ego C type, but an atomizer gives a more accurate idea of a flavor than a carto does, and it takes a lot less juice to evaluate it with an atomizer.

If you can't drip directly into a C type atomizer, my suggestion would be to get a regular 510 2.5ohm atomizer or two, maybe bridgeless, and a drip tip. That way, it would only take a few drops to evaluate a new flavor. An atomizer, especially a bridgeless one, is easy to clean and doesn't hold a flavor very long. You can "clear" an atomizer with straight PG or VG, or pick up a bottle of juice that is specifically designed to erase flavors.

It just seems kind of wasteful to use up a DC carto just to test a flavor and cleaning them between flavors is a giant pain.

 

[versaden]

Alright, thanks. I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

Thankfully, I've been lucky in that I tend to be a "pick a juice and stick with it" kind of vaper. I bought a Turkish Tobacco juice (which is my current main vape) from my primary vendor and while it doesn't quite capture the flavor of my old analogues (which was my initial intent), I've found I really appreciate the hints of banana and caramel that come with it.

I was also happy to discover that their RY4 suits my palate very well--so I wouldn't consider the carto I spent on this to be a waste. Perhaps the blueberry (with a hint of menthol) could have been considered a waste of a carto, but I'll 'suffer' through the bottle on my quest to tastier juices.

And I'll certainly be sure to keep your advice in mind heading forward.

Thanks for the feedback,
V.