New DIY'er

[HiBrn8r]

Hi all,

Looking to start into the DIY realm, mostly for cost and being able to find a ratio that works for me. For ease since they are local to me the nic base, PG/VG and flavorings will be purchased thru FSUSA (they sell FlavourArt). I was wondering the differences in PG vs VG nic base? FSUSA will blend the base in any ratio of PG/VG, but was wondering would it be better to stay on the higher side of PG for nic base? Been reading the nic will not degrade as fast in PG. Any truth in that?

I tend to like a sweeter juices, 70/30 PG/VG was a bit much on the TH and think I may have a little PG sensitivity as I felt really dry. More so than the 50/50 juices I started out with. 50/50 seemed a little to think for the Vision clearomizers I use and really didn't have quite the amount of flavor I'm looking for. Targeting somewhere in the 60/40 PG/VG range. The nic base will be 36mg (not gonna start out with the 100mg) and final level will be in the 12-16mg range. I'm thinking of buying the nic base in 60/40 PG/VG, does this sound like a good place to start or should I buy a higher PG base and cut it down myself with VG? Also, what guage needle tips should I look for? Any help would be appreciated as I'm having some trouble finding these specific ?'s thru searches.

 

[Levitas]

Okay, well, one thing to think about: I notice that you're looking to have an end result of 60/40? If that's the case, I wouldn't purchase the nic base at 60/40, I think it would be easier to buy it completely PG, or VG, and just cut it with the other (for simplicity). Bear in mind, if you had a 60/40 nic base, and you added PG based flavorings, it's going to raise the total PG in the overall blend.

You said that you think you have a PG sensitivity? If that's the truth, then 60/40 may still be a little much for you. However, this is different for everyone and only you will know how much you can tolerate. Though, I notice that you said the TH was a little too much with a 70/30 blend? Another thing to consider is that it may not be the PG that is causing you issues, but too much nicotine. One of the greatest things about DIYing is the ability to be imperfect, yet make a juice that is perfect, just for you.

Normally, I am a 12mg purchaser/vaper. However, since I've been DIYing, I actually vape ~10mg, and I find that it suits me just fine. Also, I had thought that I too was sensitive to PG, and if this is still the case, it doesn't seem to bother me thus far (all of my blends have 30%PG, or less). If it is indeed the PG that is causing you issues, you might have to sacrifice the clearomizers and move on to something that can handle the thicker viscosity of VG dominate juices. But, I believe that if you lowered the nic a bit, it might surprise, and help ya, just a hunch.

As far as nicotine degrading quicker in VG, well, I dunno? If you're going to start with 36mg, I don't foresee you having an issue with nicotine going bad anyways, as it won't last you too too long. But if it is the case, it seems logical that you go with an all PG base, for simplicity (however, it's completely up to you).

 

[CommaHolly]

Hi there!!!! Almost anything you buy, unless you want your end product to be 100% VG will work,,,,,,it just means you'll add more of something and less of something else,,,,,,

I like 60/40 myself,,,,,,,enough PG to carry the flavor well, yet more vapor than my 70/30 was giving me,,,,I'd never have known this if I hadn't started DIY,,,,,,I bought 100% PG for my nic base, but again, you can pretty much buy anything,,,,just make sure to buy plain VG and PG and the E Juice me Up calculator will tell you how much of what to add to whatever base you bought to get to your target 60/40. You might also want to buy some sweetner, as you like sweet juices,,,,,,,,,and get some real lemon juice at the grocery store for really popping those fruit juices and for stabilizing the flavor so you don't open your favorite juice and find all the flavor gone LOL (yep, happened to me!) You only need about 3 drops per 10 ml of the lemon juice, and the sweetner will vary depending on how sweet you like it,,,,,

another thing I'd never have known, is I LIKE 10mg,,,,,,,more than 10 makes my nose burn, and all I was really able to buy elsewhere was 12 (occasionally 11) or 6,,,,,,,,but DIY allows me to custom blend,,,,,,it's really amazing!

Welcome to DIY,,,,,I've been doing it myself for a month now and I'd NEVER go back!!!!

 

[HiBrn8r]

Levitas and CommaHolly, I want to thank you for taking time to reply!!! Very good comments/info. I guess maybe a little more background could be helpful. I am relatively new to e-cigs, just about a month now. I have been trying various brands/blends/nic levels trying to find what suits me. I started with FSUSA at 50/50 (all ratio's will be listed as PG/VG) in 20mg nic. I found the flavor was ok, but kinda lacked the "pop", a little flat if you will. I switched to a 16mg in 50/50 and the TH was much better, prob could go down to 12-14mg and be perfect. Again tho, the flavor was still on the weaker side for my tastebuds. Next,I purchased Halo ejuices in 12mg. I believe there blend is 70/30, they were much thinner than the 50/50 from FSUSA. The flavor really "popped", but the TH was on the harsh side again. Not as bad as the 20mg, but more than the 16mg from FSUSA, which lead me to believe it was the higher PG level. Also after a few days of vaping the Halo i was dryer than I felt with the 50/50 blend, again my thoughts were the higher PG level. I know this is 2 different brands and not necessarily apples to apples comparisons (i work with a lot of Engineers, so I tend to be on the analytical side lol) I think the 60/40 would be perfect, I think CommaHolly has the same idea as I do. a bit more flavor from the higher PG level, still a good amount of vapor (Halo's was a litlle light there). Levitas..I completely agree with adjusting the nic level can change the amount of TH. As you suggested, I will try lower nic levels.

I have thought about switching from the clearomizers, but they are so easy to use, I get consistent hits/flavor and I have not had one leak yet. A lot of people at work have switched to e-cigs and everyody has a different setup. In talking with them the only thing I can conclude is each has there pros and cons, its all personal preference In the future I will try different setups, but first I would like to nail down a blend that works for me and I think DIY is the way to go. Its all trial & error right now.