Need some words of encouragement

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canes52

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Nov 24, 2010
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I think im going to go back to analogs. I ordered a PV about a week ago, was very excited to get it. I finally get it, and vape away. Well the juice i got was i believe 100 pg 16mg redbull flavor. My god was that harsh liquid. I had some friends try it out to make sure it wasnt me, they all gave me the same response "man that burns my throat''. I figured let me go ahead and order some juice from another vendor and lessen the nic mg. i got 60pg 40vg 11mic. swedish fish flavor was great, only problem it, i vaped it like crazy because i wasnt able to satisfy my nic craving. On top of that it also felt like i was vaping air with a hint of flavor. I would take about 10 drags, and flavor would really start too diminish, so i would top off the carto with a few drops, but end up flooding it. This has just been alot more of a pain then i envisioned. First it was the harsh liquid, then it was my nic cravings not being satisfied. Then i have to apparently wait for my liquid to steep, the package date on the bottles are 12/10. The vanilla bean and coconut cream have a coffee/chemical taste to them. Overall this has been a bad experience for me. It just so much easier to by a pack of cigs, not have to worry about the flavor, th, letting them steep for flavor, topping them off etc etc. If anyone could give me some words of encouragement i would appreciate it.
 

Ardeagold

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It just so much easier to by a pack of cigs, not have to worry about the flavor, th, letting them steep for flavor, topping them off etc etc. If anyone could give me some words of encouragement i would appreciate it.

It IS easier from that standpoint, but it's not easier from so many others.

From reading your post the Redbull flavor was pure PG and I've found that to be harsh as well. Plus that was 16 mg. Then you went DOWN in nic content to 11mg yet with a PG/VG blend.

It sounds like you might need to go up to around 14-16 mg nic, but have a bit more of a VG base than you did with your original Redbull flavor. And...if you can, get double flavor. That helps a lot. The VG is smoother to me, but does weaken the flavor.

Also, go to the drugstore and get some VG (or just USP Glycerin), and mix in with your Redbull, while your new ones steep a bit!!

Dont' go back. Keep trying things until you find what works best for you! You can do it!!
 

Liv2Ski

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Sep 14, 2010
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OK here goes. Is smoking easier-----yes. But the reason you tried vaping is because you wanted to quit. starting out the things you listed can be overwhelming and a PITA. You are in the right place to ask questions and get answers. I smoked for 28 years and this is the longest I have ever made it without a cig. It can and does work. If you list the PV you are using members here can help you overcome the problem. If you liked swedish fish why not order some more with a higher nic content? If you feel like you need a smoke have one. You can do this.

10 drags is about normal especially since you are probably take long drags to get nic right now. The flavor drops off since the PV is running low on juice. That is the indicator that you need to top off. When you top off use a little less liquid and you should be all set
 

canes52

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Nov 24, 2010
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It IS easier from that standpoint, but it's not easier from so many others.

From reading your post the Redbull flavor was pure PG and I've found that to be harsh as well. Plus that was 16 mg. Then you went DOWN in nic content to 11mg yet with a PG/VG blend.

It sounds like you might need to go up to around 14-16 mg nic, but have a bit more of a VG base than you did with your original Redbull flavor. And...if you can, get double flavor. That helps a lot. The VG is smoother to me, but does weaken the flavor.

Also, go to the drugstore and get some VG (or just USP Glycerin), and mix in with your Redbull, while your new ones steep a bit!!

Dont' go back. Keep trying things until you find what works best for you! You can do it!!


The redbull is from v9. The other 3 are from vaporrenu, as far as getting double flavor...lol...i ordered TRIPLE, still no dice :( I am also using a v9 defender from www.vapornine.com
 

clark8876

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Nov 12, 2010
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Hi Canes, it can take a little while to get into the routine and find a juice(s) that suit you.

When I started I was using an eGo with attys and carts. One thing I was doing wrong was not lining up the flat sides of the cart with the bridge in the atty. This would melt the plastic of the cart and I'd get a harsh taste from hell. Dry attys & carts will also give you that taste.

I also bought a number of liquids that I didn't like (they're still in the cupboard) and I started with 24mg to satisfy my craving.

I have now switched to cartomiser, Boge soft tip, and gone down in strength to 18mg. I usualy fill 3 cartos in the evening ready for the next day. The three will do me fine from early in the morning until late in the evening (about 3ml/day). During the day, when I get the slightest change in taste I just swap the carto for a fresh one and off I go.

With the chemical taste in the juices, try leaving the caps and nozzles off the bottles for 24hrs. This has worked for many on the forum.

Hang in there, it will all come together for you.

BTW: Which model are you using?
 

akcrabslayer

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Mar 4, 2010
130
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Vaping can be a real pain in the .... as compared to the simplicity of smoking,. but once you find the right setup and juice it's not so bad. I started vaping in march of this year and i'm still experimenting with different combo's of pv's and juice so don't give up.When i was just a week in i could hardly tell the difference in flavors,after a few weeks my tastebuds started coming back and wow what a difference!
 

WomanOfHeart

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Sep 19, 2010
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There is a learning curve to vaping. First off, if you don't like strong TH, you need to use more VG in your mix. Secondly, if you aren't feeling satisfied after vaping, increase your nic level. There is no direct correlation between how many analogs you smoked and how high your nic level should be when you vape. Plenty of heavy smokers can only handle 12 or 16 mg and conversely, there are social smokers who aren't satisfied unless they're vaping 24mg.

When you first stop smoking analogs, your sense of smell and your taste buds are going to need time to heal. Everything you smell and taste is going to be "off" for a while. The taste of the juice can also diminish if you vape the same flavor for a long period of time. This is normal because your taste buds and sense of smell adjust. It doesn't really lose it's flavor. Just switch flavors for a while.

Steeping really is optional, but it helps some flavors more. If a juice tastes fine to you as soon as you get it, then vape the hell out of it. If it doesn't, then let it sit for a couple of days. Try other vendors, too. Some people don't like the way vendor "A's" Cafe Mocha tastes, but they LOVE vendor "B's" Cafe Mocha!

Vaping is all about experimenting and learning. If you limit yourself, it won't be a good experience. I can promise you only this: if you keep asking questions, learning, and trying it will all be worth it.
 

free2live

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Nov 29, 2010
83
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Oh My Goodness....I can so relate to what you wrote about....BUT please dont go back to cigarettes. I too have had one whale of a time finding the right juice to vape...still have not found it. Thought I like the coffee flavor but still not getting it for me...I ordered about 6 different juices from backwood brew and I truly believe one of them will be one for me.......Please keep trying. I know I truly enjoy not smelling like a ashtray...also having more energy and feeling free of a terrible terrible burden I had for 30 years. I have been smoke free since Dec. 1st and I truly do understand what you are saying.....just hang in there with me.
 

t9c

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Jul 15, 2010
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I'd try several different vendors and juices till you find one that suits you. Also give them a call and talk to them. Tell them what you're after...they'll help you get there. If that's too much trouble, then I guess you didn't want to quit the stinkies anyway. btw, there's nothing wrong with continuing to smoke AND vape. Depends on what you're after.
 

JulesTx

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Oct 24, 2010
7
0
Texas
I know it can be frustrating but don't give up just yet. What worked for me might not work for you but here is what I did when I first started (been analog free almost 2 months so still a newbie). I ordered 50pg/50vg mix and I used a drip trip all the time. I couldn't get any satisfaction from any other method. In the interest of full disclosure, I had not and still have not tried cartos....I forgot to order some in my original order. I have been just strictly dripping because it was easy and I liked the taste compared to the awful carts that came with my kit. Anyway, I was almost a 2 pad smoker of light 100's for 16yrs and I had started with an 18mg juice for "normal" vaping and I had a 24 mg juice that was rather strong in flavor for when I was really wanting an analog. I think what made me successful was the combination of nic strengths to suit my craving level and the fact that I had ordered quite a few different juices so I always had variety to choose from. Just keep trying and you will find something (a different method or different juices) that works for you. We are all different in our tastes, but if you haven't given dripping a shot then please do. Good luck!
 

pkj

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Apr 18, 2010
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Please think about ordering small bottles of juice. This will allow you to experience several different suppliers, flavors, levels of nicotine, and levels of pg/vg. This way you won't be spending a great deal of money and ending up with large bottles of juice you can not or will not use.

Many suppliers offer samples and/or small bottles of juice.

Please don't throw your unwanted juice away. There is a section here at the forum called PIF. Here is where members of this community pass along juices that are not to their liking. PIF forum has clear explanations as to how the PIF forum functions.

We also have a For Sale / Swap section here at the forum. I have seen many people offer juices at pennies on the dollar. There is nothing wrong with the juices. They simply don't work for the seller. You might find something there too.

Someone has already addressed the pg vs vg issues.

Someone has talked about your sense of taste and smell when you first kick cigarettes.

Some people smoke and vape. Some people stop smoking the day their juice and equipment arrives. Some people vape occasionally (bars, family gatherings, etc) Some only vape at work and smoke at home. Smoking is still legal. Don't beat yourself up if you find yourself with a cigarette in your hand. You will quit when you are ready to quit. I am encouraging you to stick with vaping. It is not easy, but you are just as smart (or smarter) than I am. If I can do it, so can you.

ECF is a great place for info and support. Wishing you all the best,
Happy Vaping,
Paula
 

Jmitchelliv

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It takes a little time to get the hang of things, that's for sure. I'm a noob myself and I can pretty much bet dollars to donuts that the gear and the juice I'm using now will probably be a distant memory a year from now. The same can be said for the guys that have been doing this a long time. It takes a little while to hit your sweet spot.

Even if you have to have some analogs while you're finding your sweet spot, just remember that any time you can cut down on what you USED to smoke, it's a small victory... and any victory big or small is still a victory. :)
 

banjo

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Jul 25, 2010
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Don't give up! 100% PG juice is your problem. Go to one of the juice suppliers here on ECF and order yourself several sample size (3ml to 5ml) bottles of juice flavors that appeal to you with anywhere from an 80%PG/20%VG to 50%PG/50%VG mix and you should be fine. Once you find the 2 or 3 flavors that you like, order some 30ml+ sizes, and you'll be good to go. I was a heavy smoker for over 55 years and have been smoke free since I began vaping 6 months ago - it feels really great.
 

Hrtbrkr1965

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Nov 30, 2010
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I'm still reasonably new but I would suggest cutting the original juice down about 25% with VG and try from there! It's available at walmart for about $3 . Also ask the pharmacist for a small needless syringe that measures ml tell them such as for children's medicines! They will usually give you a couple for free! Mix a very small batch so as not to ruin a bunch if it's to thinned down! Also I would honestly try and find a plain tobacco flavor just to get started with so it's not such a huge taste difference! Sometimes to much change at 1 time is a little sensory overload!
I personally have heard about all the wonderful flavors such as RY4 that everyone raves about and I hated it! Tried several others also such as rum, banana cream,cherry cola(the absolute worse flavor) and none agreed with me so I am back to my plain old marlboro flavor and Like it! Honestly if I want the fancy flavors while vaping I can always eat a life saver LOL Maybe my taste will change later but for now stick with what works!
Hope it helps and keep us posted!
 

judybr

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Sep 5, 2010
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Land of the Dragon, Western NC
I have to agree with all the responses here. Vaping is not easy which is one of our biggest points when it comes to kids fooling with this, it's too much work!

It will take time. I started this just a few months ago and other than an occasional analog, I am smoke free. I am just now getting where my taste buds are tasting some of the juices. I suppose everyone is different in how long it takes for the taste buds to come back to life.

I understand your frustrations with the whole ordeal in making this change. My biggest gripe was the constant charging of batteries and topping off carts all the time. I drive 2 hours a day to and from my job and topping off while driving isn't smart. I finally wound up with a roughstack from madvapes and some cartomizers and now am much happier. Batteries last all day and cartomizers last a long time.

Most of us I think smoked while in transition with this process but found vaping more pleasant after somewhat figuring out what worked for us. I took a month to quit smoking while I tried many things to make this vaping somewhat easier. I have gone through several types of ecigs getting here. It's not cheap either when your starting out. I also am still trying different nic juices and so far tasty vapor and freedom smokes have the best I have tried.

You will be experimenting for a long time and like many find all this to be a hobby as well as a new way to live. It's so worth it!

My son recently started vaping with a 510, what I started with, and he is happy with that setup. I wasn't. So be willing to experiment, have some fun with it.

People here are all about helping so just be patient, ask questions, read a lot in here, and go for the gold. I could not have done this without help from this group!

You have to want better health to want to master this and better health is waiting. (MHO)

I smoked for over 35 years and it was taking its toll on me. I can breath again with no wheezing and especially coughing all the time. All this happened just from cutting back in the first week. I just wish I could have found this earlier.

Be patient but persistant, it will work out. Smoke when you have to and accept this for a process that will take time. We all need to learn new things to keep our brains younger, lol!

Good luck!
 

WomanOfHeart

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Sep 19, 2010
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thanks for the replies so far guys, i am going to take it slow. i was expecting results right away, i have to take into consideration the learning curve associated with vaping. im going to buy some vg to cut the redbull juice i have, as well as look into dripping. hopefully this will solves my problems.

Not everyone has instant results. In fact, a lot of people don't get instant results. I didn't until I found this forum, but I've been a happy vaper ever since! There are lots of good people here willing to answer your questions and give you support. Vaping is very personal and what works for me won't necessarily work for you. Just stick with it and you will find your own vaping nirvana!
 
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