Looking for some advice on my first vape (510), cart+atty vs cartomizers?

[rach3l]

My 510 came in this week and I'm very happy with it so far. I've been reading a lot around here and elsewhere online, and I have learned a lot more than I knew last week, so that's always a plus! I would consider myself a moderately heavy vaper, especially when I'm not at work and just sitting around at home. I have just quit analogs for good as of yesterday (hooray!) and no problems so far.

My 510 came with 5 separate refillable carts, and 2 atties. After some trial and error, I've begun dripping directly onto the atty for best results (about 2 drops every 15-20ish puffs I think, still trying to get a feel for the happy medium between dry burning and flooding). The default batting that came in the carts is pretty lame, and dripping provides a better throat hit and vapor plume. I've read about a foam mod that looks like a good substitute wicking, but I think I prefer dripping. It just seems to produce more flavorful vapor, and it's a nice ritual to add in--I was a highly ritualistic smoker so this was actually key in helping me quit. I don't have a drip tip yet, I just keep removing the cart to drip at this point, but I am considering ordering one. Herein lies the question:

Should I keep with the atty/cart combo and order a drip tip, or should I go with a refillable cartomizer? I've got my eye on a 5pack of refillable cartomizers for 9 bucks; I was wondering 1) how long do refillable cartomizers typically last? (I would get ceramic but those are currently out of stock where I'm shopping) and 2) What ohm-age should I choose if I go this route? My choice is between 2 or 3.2 ohms. The 510 I have is from a standard starter kit, if that makes a difference.

Or should I just stick with the atty/cart combo and get the drip tip instead? Cost effectiveness isn't a huge concern, it'll be way cheaper than my former analog habit either way, but if one method is significantly more cost-effective than the other, please advise. I'd like to get optimal vapor and TH, easy drag, with as little re-ordering as possible.

Thanks in advance for educating my newbness!

 

[lawnman3]

i say try both if you order 1 and not the other you may find cartos not for you and will have a drip tip to use .. i would say order both and a extra atty too .. that way your covered and only pay for shipping 1 time ...

lawnman3...try vapor kings.com ..

 

[VeeDubb65]

Dripping vs carts vs cartomizers is entirely a matter of preference. Each has it's own strengths and weaknesses.

As far as the default wicking material, yeah, it sucks usually. You'll see a TON of cart mods that work MUCH better. Do a search for blue foam, ADM (Auto Drip mod), and ZFM (Zero Filler Mod).

Some only work with certain atomizers, but all the threads on them are worth reading.

 

[Stifle]

I'm a bit of a noob myself, but I'm also a internet research fiend and I've spent the better part of the last couple of weeks on this site trying to learn as much as possible.

So, what I do..

I drip at home..I completely agree with you about throat hit/vapor/flavor from dripping. I just find it a little strange to be doing when I walk out of of my office and dangerous while driving. I did the same thing you did with the atty and blank carto and I just ordered myself 2 drip derlin drip tips for $5.00. I too was pretty ritualistic with my smoking and I find that the act of dripping while I'm sitting at home absorbed in something else really helps me avoid thinking of analogs.

As for cartos... I definitely use these all the time at work. I am able to fit about 17 - 25 drops into my 2.0 ohm Boge Cartos (i hear average with proper filling is about 20 - 25) and that lasts me at least half of the day while vaping for around 5 20 minutes every couple of hours and most of my lunch. If i load up 2 cartos and bring my Riva battery I am good to go for the my whole work day. Flavor remains good until the last couple of drops and then I know it is time to swap out my carto.

Also, if I'm in a spot where I can just take one quick toot off my PV to get a quick fix it is really nice as I don't often have enough time to pull out my bottle unscrew the cap and drip (vaping not allowed in my office - or rather, I haven't been brave enough to ask). It really is very nice and convenient during the day and GREAT in the car. No need to constantly switch out cartridges or drip during the day, just umm..point and click!

If you can get a couple attys and about 5 cartos I think you'd really be set up for all day. I find the variety really nice and enhances my relaxation while at home and reduces my stress while at work.

Here's a great intro video on carto's that you may have already seen, courtesy and all credit goes to Doctor Vapor!

YouTube - DoctorVapor's Channel

I can't really speak on the difference in the ohms, however. That is a bit out of my realm still and while I think I understand the basic concept, I will let a more seasoned vapor answer that one!

Happy vaping!

 

[trouble2k]

Hi Rach31. I agree with everybody else. Get both. Drip tips are cheap, and you're already doing it. The cartos are great for "on the go" times. If you just have the standard 510 set up, don't get the low resistance or 2.0 ohm cartos, though. They will drain your batteries too quickly. Get the regular 510 or 3.0 ohm.

I prefer the Boge or soft tip cartos since they are so easy to fill. I actually use one of my drip tips as a mouthpiece for them instead of reusing the caps. It makes it much easier to see if your filler is drying out and refilling. It also puts a little extra space between the carto and your lips.

As far as how long the cartos will last, that all depends on the type of juice you're using, whether you have burnt the filler, and just basic quality of the carto. Some can be refilled 10-20 times and others seem to only last for a few refills.

I hope this helps out and happy vaping.

 

[rach3l]

Yeah the blue foam is exactly the mod I saw, on a youtube video. I think I like dripping best, but a little strip of foam like that can't cost more than a buck or two, so what's to lose?

Thanks for the ohmage advice, trouble2k. I wasn't sure what the difference was! I think I'll invest in the drip tip for starters, and get a backup atty and battery just in case the 2 of each that I have go sour. I'll try out a cartomizer after I feel fully familiar with dripping and the difference between juice varieties. The ones I have now are all clear and seem fairly light on my atty, but I'm looking at ordering a deep-colored heavier juice, for stronger flavor, variety (it's the spice of life!), and self-edification.

Thanks for sharing your tips, Stifle! I haven't asked about vaping in the office either, because I am pretty sure they would say no (even if I called it a nicotine vape instead of an electric cig). But there's no policy or state law prohibiting it--it's not a tobacco product! And all we have is a tobacco use policy. So, in the time-honored tradition of doing perfectly legal things without asking permission, I do it discreetly every half hour or so in my cubicle. I just hold it in for about 10 seconds so there is no vapor when I exhale. If I get caught doing it, I'll just explain what it is. I'm sure I won't get in trouble (as in, fired). But I might get asked to take it outside. Which is okay... just would prefer not right now, since temps are in the negative degrees in the windy city!

 

[oldjoe]

Note that using LR carts or cartos will drain the battery faster. I consider myself a moderate to heavy vaper and I go through about 3 full cartos a day on average.

 

[dormouse]

Do you have a manual battery? Auto batteries can be killed by dripping if the liquid gets in the little hole at the end of the battery.

Why not try both carts/atty and cartomizers. Cartomizers provide good flavors (and BTW there are lots of different cartomizers for 510 - if you have a plain slim 510 then do not buy LR i.e. low resistance cartomizers or atomizers, but there still is variety)

drip tip nice but can't be used while driving etc
cartomizer will probably provide stronger flavor than carts
carts are fun for blending ejuices - I use one for tobaccos and one for desserty flavors

You need an atty to use a drip tip anyway, and carts only cost $3 or so.

And if you get carts, also consider some precut blue foam for 510 carts from strictlyejuice.com - 10 pieces for 75 cents. Cheapest way to try blue foam stuffing when the white stuffing in a cart stops working well. Blue foam holds its shape, easy to wash and pat dry, etc.

Carts will be handy if you run low on cartos. Cartos don't have especially long lifespans (though some of the no-stuffing types can last longer)