My first E-cig experience

[kathy11515]

Hi! I haven't been around in a while-my computer went out shortly after I received my DSE901. So I was not able to come here for any tips and ideas.

So-I ordered mine from Vapor Guys. When I did, the website did not offer me a choice of flavors, and I was sent menthol with nicotine. I also ordered some extra flavored cartridges and some liquid. (one disappointment is that my discount code did not work, but I did not complain because of below)

I spoke with Kurt at Vapor Guys, he said to send back the menthol and he would replace it-which he did very quickly, and also sent me a free box of strawberry. So my dealings with him have been very satisfying.

The problem is the unit-it is very touchy. THe first time I used it, I was so impressed and thought "THis really feels like smoking" However, that didn't last long. It seems either the battery or the cartridges do not last, and I only get maybe 4 good hits on a new cartridge before I do not get anymore smoke. Switching the battery does not help either.

I tried once to refill a cartridge-not sure if I did it right- and it worked awesomely for about 2 hits. Then stopped working completely until I put a new cartridge in.

The other thing I noticed, is you have to SUCK really hard lol. Almost like smoking a joint I guess, and still a lot of time I don't get much smoke.

So I don't know if it is my unit, this type of unit, or if vaping just isn't for me. But so far it seems to be a lot more work than it is worth.
(btw I just got computer back and have not had time to check on the whole forum to see if any of my complaints have been mentioned before. I will do that later after work.)

 

[JustJulie]

I'm sorry it's not all been smooth sailing for you.

Since I've started vaping, I've not had a whole lot of luck with cartridges. I've NEVER been able to drain a cartridge, and I've found that when it gets 1/3 to 1/2 down, it's just not satisfying. I think part of the problem is that I vape heavily enough that I am probably vaping faster than the cartridge can wick.

What's happening with you . . . well, it could be any one of the things you mentioned.

My first thought is that you might be topping off a bit too much and flooding your atomizer. It's actually fairly easy to flood an atomizer. Go ahead and take the cartridge off the atomizer then remove the atomizer from the battery. Take some tissue paper and kind of fold/mold a corner into a finger shape, and then insert in the large end of the atomizer. Gently and steadily blow through the other end (the end you attach to the battery). Continue doing so until you get no fluid coming out.

Then reprime with a couple of drops of fluid and add a fresh cart--either a new one or one that's been freshly topped off. (When you top off a cartridge, it should be moist but you shouldn't have any liquid pooling on top.)

That might help give you a stronger vape.

You really shouldn't have to suck hard on your DSE901. Rather, you should be able to take a very short primer puff and then a long, slow, almost leisurely inhale. Part of this may well be technique. Some people seem to figure it out almost immediately, while others have to stand in front of a mirror and watch the little LED light go on and off to figure out what in the heck works.

If you're still not finding that this works, rather than packing it all in and giving up on vaping entirely, I'd try a 510. You can pick up one dirt cheap at www.widowsbeadwork.com for $50 (s/h is free). The 510 has a manual battery that eliminates the need for a primer puff. It also provides a lot more control because you are operating the battery with a push of your finger as opposed to figuring out how to do it via inhaling.

 

[kathy11515]

Thanks for the response. I have been experimenting a little with dripping, and that helped a LOT. I also tried stuffing, but the batting I bought doesn't seem to hold a lot of liquid.

Now though I am worried about flooding/or drying out the atomizer. I have read that you should keep it moist, but how do you know if it is moist just by looking? It's not like I can put my finger on it to check. Should I just every so often put a drop of liquid on it? And how would you know if you burnt out your atomizer?

Sorry for all the questions. I have read so much on here that my head is spinning. I really enjoy vaping, when it works, and would like to continue. When I get more funds I am planning to try another model too. Thanks for all the help!

 

[wv2win]

Thanks for the response. I have been experimenting a little with dripping, and that helped a LOT. I also tried stuffing, but the batting I bought doesn't seem to hold a lot of liquid.

Now though I am worried about flooding/or drying out the atomizer. I have read that you should keep it moist, but how do you know if it is moist just by looking? It's not like I can put my finger on it to check. Should I just every so often put a drop of liquid on it? And how would you know if you burnt out your atomizer?

Sorry for all the questions. I have read so much on here that my head is spinning. I really enjoy vaping, when it works, and would like to continue. When I get more funds I am planning to try another model too. Thanks for all the help!

Put enough liquid in the cart until it pools up on the top, then take a toothpick and lift up the poly fill to absorb more liquid. It should look moist to the eye.

My first PV was a 901. You will never get consistent performance from any auto switch PV, IMO. The batteries are too small and the auto switch easily gets gummed up and stops working. And at a cost of $12-$20 for replacement batteries, that makes your inexpensive initial purchase not so inexpensive.

I would definitely switch to a manual switch PV with the small button to push. The new manual 901 batteries are suppose to be coming out this week. But if you want long battery life 7-8 hours between charges and cheap replacement batteries, $2, and consistent throat hit/performance, then I would suggest one of the larger battery PV's. Here are some links:

Best liked PV poll:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-discussion/14342-whats-your-favorite-pv.html


The Big Four in Manual Switch PV’s:

Screwdriver: ecigscrewdriver.com
Prodigy: PureSmoker.com - Your #1 Source For PV's, Parts, & Accessories!
GG: THE GG
JantyStick/Dura-C: Janty USA

The 510 is well liked but the batteries only last 2-3 hours.

510 model e-cigs
USA Suppliers
Joye 510 ( e-Smokey Treats - Electronic Cigarette's, The healthy alternative to traditional tobacco cigarette's )
Dura-C ( Janty USA )
Yeti ( AltSmoke - Electronic Cigarettes, DSE901, The Yeti & More. )

China Supplier
Eastmall 510 ( 510 Manual Switch Starter Kit - Black - e-Cigs Manual Switch 510 - Eastmall International Co.,Ltd )

 

[JustJulie]

Now though I am worried about flooding/or drying out the atomizer. I have read that you should keep it moist, but how do you know if it is moist just by looking? It's not like I can put my finger on it to check. Should I just every so often put a drop of liquid on it? And how would you know if you burnt out your atomizer?

A lot of this is trial and error . . . it's not an exact science, I'm afraid.

When I've flooded my atomizer, I can tell because the vapor gets weak and I often hear a bubbling, gurgling kind of sound when I inhale. If I know my battery is good and my cartridge is full, then a flooded atomizer is the most likely culprit. It's easy to remove the atomizer, blow it out, then reprime it . . . takes me maybe 30 seconds.

The trick with dripping is not to flood the atomizer, because then you run the risk of having liquid leak past the atomizer into the battery. That can cause a mess if you don't have a manual battery that is sealed. (And, no, you don't have sealed batteries with a basic 901.)

If you get too low on liquid, you'll likely start getting a burnt, kind of acrid smell/taste and your atomizer will feel hot to the touch. Allow it to cool down a bit, then put a few drops of liquid on the atomizer.

 

[happily]

I top my cartridges off also. I would attempt some cigar puffs, see if you get smoke. Then try very slight slow draws in the mirror and see if you get smoke This is a lot different than cigs. The harder you draw the more air and only air you get