Need to save Money $$$ -- Ideas?

[readeuler]

If you want a thick, hearty vape, I really do think you should look into a high-watt setup, be it regulated or mechanical.

I have a Kayfun clone and a cheapo dripper, and there's really no comparison in vapor production. I've yet to use a Nautilus, and while it may compare to a standard rebuildable tank atomizer, I seriously doubt it can provide the airflow needed to support the big luscious cloud you seem to be after.

You can find all manner of clones for $20 or less, and $8 for 100 feet of genuine Temco kanthal; quite a few coils worth.

I'm just thinking that if you're satisfied with the vapor, you won't need 10 second pulls at 8 watts. Get something that can handle the heat, up the power, and let 'er rip. tanks are great for on the go, but dripping might just feed the need. They're easier to get the hang of, as well.

 

[joelmora89]

SINCE the op doesnt want to do rba/rtas . you should check out the aerotank mega . I personly use that while im driving. perfer that over the nautalis and i have both

 

[rzil]

I need to fine a way to trim my vaping budget. I hope some of you have some ideas, or better yet have tried to trim your own vape budget before.

Current Practice and Costs:
I've recently switched to BVC's (1.8ohm) and I run them in a Silo Tank on a Provari Mini. My daily vape (all the time) is Halo Prime 15, 6mg, at 4.0v. I vape roughly 10-15ml +/- a day, since my 30ml Halo bottles last approximately 2-3 days (closer to 3). Problem is, this is getting expensive! I don't know what the deal is, but these BVCs are only giving me 1 day of use on average, and they cook through a LOT of juice. I love it, but seriously... money.

I calculate my current costs at about $246 a month considering liquid and coils.

(( $0.61/ml * 10ml/day) + $2.00/coil)) * 30.42 days/mo​

$185.56 - juice
$60.84 - coils
​

What can I do to trim this down???

Ideas / Brainstorming:

Clearly the biggest cost is the juice, so my thought is to start there. I've been reading and apparently ITCvapes has quality juice cheap, but I'd like some other options in case I don't like any of the flavors. How much do you think I can save here? Also, I'm not willing to go down the rabbit hole and start DIY. I know that's the cheapest way, but its not for me.

I'm also considering switching from the BVC coils. I love these things, but $60/mo in coils is kinda high. I've resisted it for a very long time, but I'm considering trying to switch to an RTA. I'll admit the idea of building them is intimidating, but wire and wick just can't cost that much a month. I'm thinking this may be my cheapest option in the long run. I'm not afraid of paying a high up front cost if it saves me over time. I know the Kayfun is popular, but I've also been reading about the Erlkonigin and a few others. I hate the idea of having to drain them though just to swap the coils/wick. I just don't know.

Thoughts? Ideas? Comments? Criticisms?

You know , some vendors sell base juice already mixed everything but the flavors , you can start there if you don't want to get into too much trouble but If you don't even want to do that you can try Yaeliq.com - he sells 100ML for 18$ and he also has a section "seal of a deal" where he sells juices for 10$ .

60$ are way of a lot for coils, do you replace heads or buy new atomizers ?

 

[MikeB]

If you want a thick, hearty vape, I really do think you should look into a high-watt setup, be it regulated or mechanical.

I have a Kayfun clone and a cheapo dripper, and there's really no comparison in vapor production. I've yet to use a Nautilus, and while it may compare to a standard rebuildable tank atomizer, I seriously doubt it can provide the airflow needed to support the big luscious cloud you seem to be after.

You can find all manner of clones for $20 or less, and $8 for 100 feet of genuine Temco kanthal; quite a few coils worth.

I'm just thinking that if you're satisfied with the vapor, you won't need 10 second pulls at 8 watts. Get something that can handle the heat, up the power, and let 'er rip. Tanks are great for on the go, but dripping might just feed the need. They're easier to get the hang of, as well.

Actaully... you're right! That just hit me, but yes, THAT is why I take such long hits. I'm pulling until I feel the vapor get thick. I'm vaping a lower wattage now trying not to kill these coils, and I've come to realize that I'm taking even longer drags now. This make perfect sense, since at the lower wattage its taking longer to get the vapor feel I like. Honestly, I know in my original post I said I was not looking for RTAs/RDAs, but I think I am realizing this may be exactly what I really need.

SINCE the op doesnt want to do rba/rtas . you should check out the aerotank mega . I personly use that while im driving. perfer that over the nautalis and i have both

Actually, I am rethinking my ban on RBA/RTAs. This thread is all about cutting my vaping budget, and after looking into it, I could nearly eliminate hardware maintenance costs going that direction. AND it seems as though they may be able to solve my chain vaping too if they put out more/thicker vapor.

 

[MikeB]

You know , some vendors sell base juice already mixed everything but the flavors , you can start there if you don't want to get into too much trouble but If you don't even want to do that you can try Yaeliq.com - he sells 100ML for 18$ and he also has a section "seal of a deal" where he sells juices for 10$ .

60$ are way of a lot for coils, do you replace heads or buy new atomizers ?

I have put in a big order to ITCVapes and Mt Baker Vapor. Both allow me to order in bulk for like $40/240ml or something like that. Once I find a flavor from them to replace my daily vape, I think that'll nip my liquid costs in the bud.

I replace just the heads. $2 a head x ~30day/month = ~$60.

 

[readeuler]

Actaully... you're right! That just hit me, but yes, THAT is why I take such long hits. I'm pulling until I feel the vapor get thick. I'm vaping a lower wattage now trying not to kill these coils, and I've come to realize that I'm taking even longer drags now. This make perfect sense, since at the lower wattage its taking longer to get the vapor feel I like. Honestly, I know in my original post I said I was not looking for RTAs/RDAs, but I think I am realizing this may be exactly what I really need.


Actually, I am rethinking my ban on RBA/RTAs.

I heartily endorse this decision

I felt kind of like I was ignoring the rules by suggesting an RDA, but you want what you want; it just seems to me that you should at least throw a few dollars at a cheap dripper.

I know vaping on a budget pretty well, and I also know wreaking havoc on clearomizers trying to get something satisfying.

I knew I wanted to get into rebuilding, but I thought a dripper would be a huge pain. I found a deal on a 15watt box mod, Kayfun clone, and Trident clone. I use the RDA 90% of the time. It holds way less than the Kayfun, but I can go on 40 minute drives without needing to redrip (this was a complete surprise). 24mg at 13 watts, and I just don't need to chain vape or trigger the auto shutoff!

I'll just put it this way: I haven't spent a dime on hardware since getting the above, 28 gauge Kanthal (30 for dual coils would be nice), and rayon for a wick. It isn't hard to get the hang of, and takes me about 15 minutes for a complete rebuild/rewick, which happens about once a week. I'm not a pro, but it doesn't take long to graduate from being coil-illiterate.

 

[MikeB]

I heartily endorse this decision

I felt kind of like I was ignoring the rules by suggesting an RDA, but you want what you want; it just seems to me that you should at least throw a few dollars at a cheap dripper.

I know vaping on a budget pretty well, and I also know wreaking havoc on clearomizers trying to get something satisfying.

I knew I wanted to get into rebuilding, but I thought a dripper would be a huge pain. I found a deal on a 15watt box mod, Kayfun clone, and Trident clone. I use the RDA 90% of the time. It holds way less than the Kayfun, but I can go on 40 minute drives without needing to redrip (this was a complete surprise). 24mg at 13 watts, and I just don't need to chain vape or trigger the auto shutoff!

I'll just put it this way: I haven't spent a dime on hardware since getting the above, 28 gauge Kanthal (30 for dual coils would be nice), and rayon for a wick. It isn't hard to get the hang of, and takes me about 15 minutes for a complete rebuild/rewick, which happens about once a week. I'm not a pro, but it doesn't take long to graduate from being coil-illiterate.

I think I'm finding myself agreeing with you. I've been reading threads over on the Rebuildable Atomizer Systems sub-forum and I'm seriously thinking about going this route. I think it may give me the experience I'm after, and between rebuilding and ITCVapes I'm going to slash my budget to maybe 5-10% of what it was. I started a thread this morning over there titled "1st RTA? Which one?". I've gotten some great suggestions.

 

[Hemptation]

Yea. In the end. You will appreciate the rebuilds more than the tanks. It def takes some practice and tinkering to get the right tho. Wicking correctly is everything. And what you wick with. That's the trick. I prefer my taifun GT over all others. I have fogger and kayfuns to. But the taifun gives me the best flavor for easy builds. That's just my opinions. Grab you one Or two. And start playing. You will be surprised how much money you will save rebuilding But be ready to invest some sit down time Practicing. Learning. Spilling a little juice. Lol.

 

[aikanae1]

Something I've just tuned into that I didn't see mentioned is a bottom feeder. I tried out the Vmod from Vapage + $4 atomizer + drip tip and good to go. I'm getting the effect of dripping without the hassle.

This is an educational thread. I know I started to vape to save $ and it's real easy to spend the same or more.

 

[MikeB]

Something I've just tuned into that I didn't see mentioned is a bottom feeder. I tried out the Vmod from Vapage + $4 atomizer + drip tip and good to go. I'm getting the effect of dripping without the hassle.

This is an educational thread. I know I started to vape to save $ and it's real easy to spend the same or more.

I remember looking into those way back over a year ago. Neat concept. I'm a bit surprised no one has built an RDA that works with a bottom feed. Back when I was reading, everyone was waiting on the "surge tank", I think it was called, to be released.

 

[klynnn]

The only way to save money is to make your own liquids and rebuild your heads. If you rely on anything else it will cost you plenty.

 

[crxess]

I picked up a couple of Nemesis clones under $20ea.
Several Kayfun Clones under $14ea.
a 4Nine under $13
Magma clone $15
28ga and 30ga Kanthal(100ft ea.) $12
500ft Cellucotton Rayon $12

I DIY my e-liquids and avg. $3 for 50ml

My total Orders placed the past 2 months - $0

I am a compulsive Shiny Shopper, but when the budget gets tight you have to lock down. I can go with what I have right now for Years.

 

[aikanae1]

I remember looking into those way back over a year ago. Neat concept. I'm a bit surprised no one has built an RDA that works with a bottom feed. Back when I was reading, everyone was waiting on the "surge tank", I think it was called, to be released.

What kind of tank would a person need? All their eliquid is already in the bottle. Just squonk it up to the top where the atomizer is = flavor and vaping of dripping without dripping. ECF has a forum for bottom feeders. One more option.

 

[SpyderBite]

Jeebzuz.. $246? I'm a heavy vaper and I rarely spend more than $75 in a single month for regular supplies.

 

[AntC]

Someone already mentioned this, but I do this regularly and it saves me ALOT of money. I order from Mt Baker Vapor, get the 24mg with extra flavor shots (.25 cents a piece) and also the unflavored pg/vg 0nic juice (8 bucks for 236ml). I dilute it down to where I like it, really low nic for drippers,a lil higher nic for my tanks. But I double my juice,12mg nic being the highest I go. I really enjoy it, I vape alot so I don't ever feel guilty about drippin my money away lol. Haven't tried diluting other companies' juices yet, so far I quit all of the regular priced juices and went MBV only. I'll be going back to some of the higher priced juice again, but only because I can dilute it lol.

 

[brightshoes]

That is so smart! Why didn't I think of that?

I'm planning on buying from MBV in the next couple weeks, I use a tank at 6mg, how many extra shots and what's your ratio to the unflavored pg/vg juice do you use to dilute?

Someone already mentioned this, but I do this regularly and it saves me ALOT of money. I order from Mt Baker Vapor, get the 24mg with extra flavor shots (.25 cents a piece) and also the unflavored pg/vg 0nic juice (8 bucks for 236ml). I dilute it down to where I like it, really low nic for drippers,a lil higher nic for my tanks. But I double my juice,12mg nic being the highest I go. I really enjoy it, I vape alot so I don't ever feel guilty about drippin my money away lol. Haven't tried diluting other companies' juices yet, so far I quit all of the regular priced juices and went MBV only. I'll be going back to some of the higher priced juice again, but only because I can dilute it lol.