Need help from experienced vapers!! Save me from analog cigs!!

[younggun87]

Hi guys, I have only been vaping for about 2 months or so and reached a dead end that I really need help getting out of.
I am getting ...... off at my e-cig experience and really really tempted to go back to analog cigs which I really do not want to

My main problem is that I am not getting anywhere near satisfactory vapor/flavor/TH and continue to face technical difficulties with my gear.
I recently purchased an eGo PT and 510 cartos from liquidxpress, and e-liquid from johnson creek hoping to really boost up my vaping experience.
However, the cartos don't last 3~4 satisfactory puffs and simply stops performing even after refilling the way it should be. I get really harsh burnt taste, no vapor, no flavor, and most importantly no TH even though there is plenty of juice in the carto.
I don't think there is any problem with the battery because it's brand new and always fully charged since its a PT.

Could there be a problem with the juice then? PLEASE HELP!!!
I DO NOT WANT TO SMOKE ANALOG CIGS!!!

 

[ditch.the.pack]

Burnt taste and the lack of "puffs" sounds like a cartridge issue, not a liquid issue. Are you using cartridges or cartomizers? This doesn't seem like it should be a problem with a regular cartridge, but if it's happening with cartomizers, I recommend buying some blanks elsewhere. I get mine from AZsmokefree (for my 808d-2).

Good luck! Stick to it! I've been spending weeks now trying to find the "perfect" e-liquid for me (VG PG percentage, flavor).

~T

 

[Sassyonemeis]

sounds to me like a carto problem. I believe they have filler in them and they dont always wick properly, which is why you are getting the burnt taste (ick).

I would recommend a CE2 carto - no filler in them, and they also come in clear tubes so that you can see your juice level. The point is, there is no filler to cause problems whether or not you get a colored one or a clear one. I am not a fan of any filler as they cause these wicking problems, are a pain in the .... to deal with, and there is always juice stuck in them so to me, its a waste of juice.

 

[The Rebel]

Just a quick question, what method are you using for filling these cartos? I am assuming that these have the poly or fiber fill in them? If they do, I would suggest using one of the covers or condoms that come on them for the battery end and then filling as normal. I drip juice down the sides until it pools at the top. Then I let it sit for a while to absorb, then drip repeat until the juice no longer absorbs. I then remove the condom and put the battery end on top of the juice bottle and allow the excess to drip back into the bottle. Once it stops dripping, I wipe the battery end with a papertowel, throw it on the battery and go to town. Works good for me as I've found that cartos work a lot better when they are nice and full.

 

[tonna11]

Wow, okay, first--breathe. I've been where you are, and I know how frustrating this is, and when you get this upset, your inner child is whispering constantly to you that analogs arent only great tasting, but effing easy to smoke as well. We are going to shut that .... down, today. You've already done the hard part, you only need to get your gear working to succeed in this, and we can do that---no problem. Its possible that you have a few different issues going on, so I'll take them from most likely on down the line, 'kay?

1--It may be your juice, there have been loads of issues with that brand and dying batts--I dont want to give you a negative impression of them, but I think for some its just not a workable solution. I have heard that they have the best customer service and professional CS staff you could wish for, but there may be some issues with their juice. First, what kind of juice are you vaping? Is it pg or vg, or a combo? PG is better for your kit, it doesnt gum up your gear like VG does. This is one of the big "PRO's" with PG--if you've ever used even a VG mix juice, you'll see the black gunk that can come flying out of your cartos. IF you are using VG or a mix, clean your gear each and every time you vape. Just a quick wipe off around the connecters, and a better clean when you put them in to charge. This will save your batts--and your sanity!!!

2-if your getting a harsh hit, and the cartos full, then I suggest removing that carto from your gear, and blowing out the juice into the garbage can. This will remove the excess juice (which will keep you from getting any kind of hit at all, this could actually be your biggest problem, and the easiest to fix ) Blow until nothing comes out and try again. If you still arent getting a hit-the carto may have died on you, but I doubt thats the problem. Cartos dont normally dies that quickly.

I am not going to address the issues you may be having with your gear, as I dont use an ego--but I do want to suggest one other thing to you as I strongly feel the juice and the cartos are your real issue here--
You may want to get a drip tip. This way, when your carto is new and filled perfectly in the beginning, you can simply add a few drops as needed as you go. No more filling and dealing with carto issues, its a wonderful freedom, and makes life so much simpler.

Try to remember that you've already done the hard part--quitting analogs. Thats a huge step, and you should be proud of yourself for doing so---its very normal for new vapers to hit a bump in the road about two months down the line--this is when you really discover what gear is best for you. It sounds as if you've got the right gear, but maybe are having some juice issues. Thats easy to fix, and is a common problem for even experienced vapers. Now I want to invite any experienced ego users to step in and address any gear issues that may be going on--
Good luck sweetie, and stay strong! We are always here to help out, even if you just need to vent!

 

[PoliticallyIncorrect]

Just for the sake of clarity, carts=cartridges. Cartos=cartomizers. It's important that we don't offer a cure for your apples when you're using oranges.

Anywho, from what you describe, you're either using cartridges or the wrong cartomizers; been there, done that.

My advise would be that if you're using cartridges, stop. If you're using cartomizers, try one of these Boge types: Boge Cartomizers, or one of these Ikenvapes: IKV 510 Cartomizer Gold V2 w/out Drip tip (you'll need a drip tip to go along with the latter).

In the meantime, if you have atomizers, try direct dripping. There's a good, relatively short read about that here: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ecf-library/66848-guide-direct-dripping.html

 

[tonna11]

Thanks, I meant cartos---that was a good save, not enough caffeine and nicotine yet today, I guess, LOL!

 

[kiri]

Not having high expectations with e-cigs, I was fairly satisified with the eGo and cartridges I started out with.
Now after switching to dripping, I am getting much more TH, flavor and vapor.
Have you tried dripping? Don't give up now.

 

[ROTSEN911]

just dont drip and drive

 

[dormouse]

Don't buy those cartos then. Try Boge soft-cap cartromizers (standard resistance) and fill then as intended, by popping the soft-cap and adding juice.

And buy juices you know the PG/VG of.

I love the Boge ones on 510. I usually get them at LiteCigUSA.net - you need standard resistance, not LR

This filling video is for a different model's carto but shows how to straighten the center channel if you ever start getting a hard drag out of any carto that has a defined center channel.

On a fill I also blow out the air channel when down (puffing into the threaded end) and I sop up any liquid that is pooled above the stuffing. If it was a fresh fill of a dry blank, I cay thee carto on different sides over about 15-20 minutes to make sure very bit of stuffing has absorbed juice (else you can singe them). I use 70pg/30vg juice and 15-20 min is long enough. If you use thicker juice you may need to let newly filled blanks set longer.

This is a different model's carto but looks similar to a Boge inside:
YouTube - How-to guide to refilling KR808D-1 or Vapor King cartomizers

Any time the vapor seems light or a bit dry and I can't fix it by tilting the ecig carto down for 5 seconds, I add juice, usually 5-8 drops. And if the drag get real tight I pop the top (or in my case the plastic drip tip I use asa mouthpiece) and check to see if I can see light through the carto. If I can't then I straighten the channel. I can usually gently straighten the center by sticking a thin small unbent straight paper clip through until get it to come out of the threaded end. That will also clear any dried juice down there.

What's the voltage of your PT? If 5v then maybe need high voltage cartos. And what kind of flavor/aroma are you looking for?

 

[ROTSEN911]

I agree! just go with boge 510 soft tip cartomizers (the ones with the silver treads). You can get it at around 6-7 bucks per pack of 5s. Easy to refill, easy to use.

 

[Justy Roost]

Be careful with standard (metal, non-CE2) cartomizers and paper clips. If the clip is bent, too large, or not smooth, it can get caught in the metal bit that the wire is part of and tear it out of the body.

 

[younggun87]

Hi guys, thanks all for the advice! (Sorry I took so long to reply, I was on a vacation)
Currently, I'm using 3.7V PT.. and my e-juice is PG (I think).
I have contacted liquidxpress about the problems but honestly, their CS is really ....terrible/arrogant and ...... the hell out of me and I just had to take a drag off an analog
It took them like a week to get back and each reply was a sentence when I wrote a whole paragraph explaining the problem that I have been facing.
They just simply blamed it on the e-juice that I am using and basically said get lost.

So... I turn to the members of ECF for further advice.
What I can get from your comments is that the problem is in either the carto or the juice.
I really can't tell from my short experience but I can say that I have used all sorts of filling methods.
Should I try to get a higher voltage device?
What I am looking for is strong TH and good flavor, I don't really care so much about the vapor production.
Any recommendations???? Any combinations of PV and juice that works for u guys?

 

[MickeyRat]

What I can get from your comments is that the problem is in either the carto or the juice.
I really can't tell from my short experience but I can say that I have used all sorts of filling methods.
Should I try to get a higher voltage device?
What I am looking for is strong TH and good flavor, I don't really care so much about the vapor production.
Any recommendations???? Any combinations of PV and juice that works for u guys?

Ummm I can't say whether HV is for you or not in the long run. That said, if you're burning stuff at 3.7V, you'll just burn it faster at 5V, if that's all you change. Get what you have working as well as it can, then if you want more, it's time to start looking into mods. Get some Boge cartos. Get some different juice. Make sure you fill them right (slowly 18 to 20 drops angle down the side and turn) and let them sit caps on for a few hours after you fill. While you have the caps off check the air channel. It should be centered or nearly so.

Also hit it right pull into your mouth slowly for 3 to 4 seconds and then inhale.

 

[cactusgirl]

I just recently got my order of clearomizers (fluxomizers) from GotVapes and I must say, so far, in my limited experience, they have given me the best vaping experience ever. The flavours are much cleaner than the regular cartomizers and being able to see the juice level is aweseome.

 

[PoliticallyIncorrect]

Obviously, a key—arguably predominant—part of any personal vaping equation is voltage. If your having trouble fine-tuning yours, a variable-voltage device is the way to go.

I laid a lot of money to waste picking PVs with my eyes, rather than with my head. That came to an end when I got a Buzz; there's several others—Provari, Joker, Darwin—but most are considerably more expensive, and I can only speak from experience about the Buzz.

 

[younggun87]

Obviously, a key—arguably predominant—part of any personal vaping equation is voltage. If your having trouble fine-tuning yours, a variable-voltage device is the way to go.

I laid a lot of money to waste picking PVs with my eyes, rather than with my head. That came to an end when I got a Buzz; there's several others—Provari, Joker, Darwin—but most are considerably more expensive, and I can only speak from experience about the Buzz.

Ok, what is a variable voltage thingie... I am confuzzled.

 

[krykiett]

Ok, what is a variable voltage thingie... I am confuzzled.

A vv is a mod that allowes you to change the voltage depending on what you want.

It's nice because the different voltage and resistances burn juices differently, so with a vv you can get the most out of every drag.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Variiable means you can set the voltage you want......Look at notcigs.com...... And get some ikenvape cartomizers. You will definetly know the difference.

sas

 

[MickeyRat]

You have a guy that is having trouble getting cartos to work right at 3.7V and you're recommending VV??? Don't you think it might make more sense to get a few basics down before stepping off into mods???