New to E-cigs

[Alwaysbored612]

I did alot of research into E-cigs and this site was the main source. Excellent forum you guys have here.
I have a few questions if you guys do not mind answering.

I bought a E-cig starter kit from Wordup-Ecig.com. I wanted something that looked as close to an analog as possible. I also wanted something that felt extremely close to smoking an analog. I have been smoking for 22 yrs. Throughout most of that time, I have smoked Winston Full Flavor shorts. Currently, I smoke about a pack a day. Once I got my started kit in, I set it up, charged the batteries, then tried it for the first time ever. The first pull or two was great, but it got extremely weak after that. Almost like smoking a light analog. So I then refilled it with e-liquid and tried it again. And again, after 2 pulls, it got extremely weak.

Below is what I ordered:
DSE103-M
Batteries: Manual Battery White
Choose Your USP Food Grade Kosher eliquid:
50/50 Mix PG & VG 99.9% Pure Food Grade
e-liquid Flavor: Red Pack Regular
Strength: 24mg

So here are my questions. Hopefully you can help me out with them.

1.) Did I order the wrong PG/VG mix?
2.) Should I have gone with a more common brand like Inferno, Ego, or something?
3.) Is the nicotine strength not high enough for what I am used to smoking?
4.) Is it normal to have to refill the cartridge that often? (every hour)
5.) Could I possibly be inhaling it wrong?
and
6.)(I am sure you get this one alot) Can you recommend something similar to what I am looking for?

I do not care what it tastes like, I am just looking for something that looks and feels like smoking an Analog of my strength.


The E-cig seems like a very viable alternative to quit smoking so I would like to stick it out. Any helpful suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx,
Alwaysbored

 

[WomanOfHeart]

Hi, Alwaysbored! Welcome to ECF!

1) You can never order the "wrong" PG/VG mix. This one is completely up to you. Just remember that VG is thicker and it's going to give you more vapor. PG is thinner and it's going to give you more throat hit.
2) I would seriously look at the eGo/Riva starter kits. These batteries will last from 6-8 hours of heavy vaping and are highly recommended for heavy smokers such as yourself. Take a look at Liberty-Flights. They have awesome prices and fantastic customer service! Click the Discount Code at the top of the page and get another 20% off your order.
3) 24mg might be just fine for you. You really can't base what your nicotine level should be based on what you smoke. There are people here who were only social smokers and have to vape 18mg or higher. There are also folks who were heavy smokers and can't vape over 18mg. This is one you'll just have to find out on your own. I would suggest getting juice in a couple of different strengths so you can try them out.
4) Refilling a cart is going to depend on you and you alone. No one can tell you just exactly how long it will last because it depends on how much you vape.
5) Inhaling vapor is quite a bit different from smoking. Usually a long, gentle draw does the trick. Sucking on it like a straw in a thick milkshake doesn't work so well.
6) As a general rule of thumb, the smaller the battery the less time you'll get between charges. That's why I recommend the eGo or Riva for heavy smokers. Who wants to spend more time charging batteries than actually using them? And who wants to carry around 6-8 batteries all the time when you can just carry one or two?

Believe me, you'll care what it tastes like once you get past the "I need to have it taste just like what I'm smoking." Chances are slim that you'll ever find a juice that will taste just like a Marlboro or a Winston, anyway. There isn't any burning tobacco, so the taste just can't be duplicated. Besides, you have so many more yummy options when you're vaping. Leave your flavor options open and you'll have a much easier time adjusting to vaping.

I hope this helps!

 

[RichardLOZ]

Welcome to ECF Alwaysbored. The previous advice given is great and I don't have too much to add. Most people when they begin try to find something "as close to smoking" as possible in juice, however I think that is a Nirvana that few if any ever reach. Be a little experimental and get a bunch of different juice flavours to try. I am currently vaping pomegranite. Did I ever think I would be? Not on your life. I have not even eaten pomegranite....LOL. It may take you a while to settle into the flavour that you are comfortable with as there are so many to try from many great vendors. Good luck with it as you have definitely started down the path to better health

 

[CES]

Welcome to ECF.


Woman of Heart has it right. There's a learning curve involved in vaping, so give it some time for you to learn what works for you and don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just stick with it. And for emphasis, there's nothing that tastes exactly like a burning cig- turns out this isn't a bad thing.

 

[Alwaysbored612]

Thank you all for the responses. I appreciate the advise. I believe I am going to buy another starter kit from LibertyFlights. Only issue I have with their products is that none of them look like an analog. As stated earlier, I really do not care what the vapor tastes like, it does not need to taste like a real cigarette. I just want something that feels like an analog in terms of the pull when I take a drag and a god amount of Vapor when I exhale.
I read in a few posts here(Forgot which posts) that there is some new type of E-cig that the battery is automatic and some posts were saying it was pretty good. I would prefer an automatic battery over a manual one. Also, looking at the Liberty Flights website, I did not see where I could order a 70VG/30PG with 24ML nicotine e-juice. Could someone offer any suggestions? I do not think I am knowledgeable enough yet to start making my own and would like to order a preferred mix.

I would also like to ask if the Rivo 510 and the Joy Ego-T accessories are interchangable? (Chargers, Atomizers, and Cartridges) They have different size batteries.

Thank you very much in advance for any helpful suggestions.

 

[swedishfish]

I'll offer a suggestion regarding juice- they have you covered as far as kits go and I agree with them.

Two great places to order tobacco juice that I've tried (can't vouch for ones I haven't) are
Backwoods Brew and Vapor Station.

My Mom and two neighbors get their tobacco juice from Backwoods Brew and my nephew and sister like Vapor Station.

Backwoods Brew

E Cigarette, E-liquid - Vapor Station

 

[DC2]

The DSE103 is a tiny little thing.


I suspect your problem is that you are trying to use it like a cigarette.
In other words, you are taking too many drags too quickly, without enough time between drags.

The juice in the cartridge needs a little time to "wick" into the atomizer.

You can give it a little shake, like a thermometer, to help it along.
But if you shake it too hard, you'll flood the atomizer and/or get juice leaking out.

Or you can use a different filler material that wicks better.

The Cartridge Mods subforum here goes into various kinds of filler material you can use.
But your cartridges are so small, I'm not sure it's going to be worth the hassle.

 

[NicLiq]

If you buy any juice from Liberty-Flights.com, get a flavor that is not tobacco, and buy 2 - one in PG and one in VG so you can mix the two however you want. They are not the best place to buy juice from.

Odds are, you are going to get over the "looks like an analog" thing really quickly, so if you place an order there, I would recommend a Riva SE because it has an awesome battery (be sure to click on the 20% off button in the top left-hand corner). You are also most likely not going to care about the automatic vs. manual issue. Holding a button on a manual battery is something you do without thinking.

 

[BiffRocko]

As stated earlier, I really do not care what the vapor tastes like, it does not need to taste like a real cigarette. I just want something that feels like an analog in terms of the pull when I take a drag and a god amount of Vapor when I exhale.
I read in a few posts here(Forgot which posts) that there is some new type of E-cig that the battery is automatic and some posts were saying it was pretty good. I would prefer an automatic battery over a manual one.

A lot of people feel they need something that looks like an analog to make the switch. You'll most likely get over that. If you've got the disposable income to spend trying to find an analog look-a-like that does it for you, more power to you. Just keep in mind that the vast majority of vapers who insisted on an analog look-a-like and eventually upgraded to an eGo/Riva were much happier once they did.

Automatics have a downside that isn't always mentioned when they are recommended. They are either air or sound activated. Take your automatic out on a windy day and it can drain your battery. Bring your automatic to a concert, or some other loud venue, and your battery will be drained.

To answer your original question, I didn't feel like I was close to approximating the same feel as an analog until I went to a 3.7v device with a Cisco 1.5 ohm atty (low resistance), and IMR batteries (high current drain). You're can get 3.7v and use LR attys with a Riva, but you're not going to get high current drain batteries with any mass manufactured Chinese models. You'll have to venture into the world of "mods" which brings a whole new level of info to absorb.

 

[txtumbleweed]

If you want a cigarette size go with the volt or similar pv. They work great and have very good cartos. If you want one that will last all day without refilling or recharging go with the Echo 650 or 1300. These are the best setups I've found in my 18 months of searching.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

Thank you all for the responses. I appreciate the advise. I believe I am going to buy another starter kit from LibertyFlights. Only issue I have with their products is that none of them look like an analog. As stated earlier, I really do not care what the vapor tastes like, it does not need to taste like a real cigarette. I just want something that feels like an analog in terms of the pull when I take a drag and a god amount of Vapor when I exhale.
I read in a few posts here(Forgot which posts) that there is some new type of E-cig that the battery is automatic and some posts were saying it was pretty good. I would prefer an automatic battery over a manual one. Also, looking at the Liberty Flights website, I did not see where I could order a 70VG/30PG with 24ML nicotine e-juice. Could someone offer any suggestions? I do not think I am knowledgeable enough yet to start making my own and would like to order a preferred mix.

I would also like to ask if the Rivo 510 and the Joy Ego-T accessories are interchangable? (Chargers, Atomizers, and Cartridges) They have different size batteries.

Thank you very much in advance for any helpful suggestions.

I believe the automatic that you're thinking about is the Echo, but this is the same form factor as the Riva/eGo batteries. Automatics have a BIG drawback; the batteries aren't sealed. If you take a look at the threaded end, you'll see a hole there. This allows for activation when you draw. It also allows juice to get inside the battery and when that happens it can kill the battery. Manual batteries are sealed, so they don't have the hole. If you have a leak (and leaks can and will happen sometimes with ALL e-cigs) then you don't have to worry about it ruining your battery.

Riva 510 and eGo accessories are interchangeable for the most part. The 510 actually refers to the threading. The different sizes (650mAh and 750mAh) refer to the capacity of the battery and determines approximately how long they'll last between charges. 100mAh is about one hour, so the eGo will last about 7 hours and the Riva will last about 8. These are estimates only! The actual time is going to depend on how often you use it and what type of atomizers/cartomizers you're using.

 

[DC2]

If you buy any juice from Liberty-Flights.com, get a flavor that is not tobacco, and buy 2 - one in PG and one in VG so you can mix the two however you want. They are not the best place to buy juice from.

I don't know about that.


If you are talking about their Dekang juices, lots of people really like the DK-TAB and USA mix.
My favorite juice is DK-TAB in fact, and I use it about 65% of the time.

 

[NicLiq]

I don't know about that.


If you are talking about their Dekang juices, lots of people really like the DK-TAB and USA mix.
My favorite juice is DK-TAB in fact, and I use it about 65% of the time.

Aww, at least I was giving options for making PG/VG mixes since they only carry 100% of either

 

[ethnobot]

Hey Alwaysbored, welcome to the ECF

Yeah vapin' is great but there is a trial & error phase in finding what's best for you. Ask as many questions as you need around here and use the ECF google search at the top of the board and I swear you'll shorten that pesky initial phase.

Thank you all for the responses. I appreciate the advise. I believe I am going to buy another starter kit from LibertyFlights. Only issue I have with their products is that none of them look like an analog. As stated earlier, I really do not care what the vapor tastes like, it does not need to taste like a real cigarette. I just want something that feels like an analog in terms of the pull when I take a drag and a god amount of Vapor when I exhale.
I read in a few posts here(Forgot which posts) that there is some new type of E-cig that the battery is automatic and some posts were saying it was pretty good. I would prefer an automatic battery over a manual one.

You say different stuff about how you want you want your PV to resemble analogs. First you say you want it to look like one, then you say you want it to pull & cloud like one. Are these really both important to you or is only one the real issue. Also could you tell us your reasons for wanting one close to an analog? that may help us advise better

Ok, for now here's a little throwaway advice (from my own limited experience, I've been vaping a little over 1 month myself). A lot of vapers start off wanting something close to an analog but then change their mind after a few days or weeks as they come to appreciate vaping as it's own experience. Also as their tastebuds return to normality & their appreciation of the subtleties of vapour grow. For me it lasted a few days but I find myself wanting to distance myself from smoking once I gave up, not everyone does. A Riva or eGo will almost always have a manual batt (Janty do an eGo auto batt but they require a huge nicotine-vampire suck according to some fellow UK vapers of mine & they're hard to find these days) and the batts are chunky for longer life and better performance so they don't look like ciggies much. I think every vaper should at least try a manual batt at some stage though - I usually find the draw on manuals easier & much prefer the control they give me. They shouldn't be shoved in a pocket with atty attached in case the button is activated accidentally but there are button protectors and carry-cases availabe. eGo-t batts have a deactivation system too.

If we take what you type as read & don't colour it too much with memories of our own vaping journey though what you really want is a small auto system that looks, draws and clouds like an analog. I own two popular systems that might suit, they're everywhere so you could easily shop for the best deal for your needs on either & neither should cost a fortune. Which would be best depends on a few priorities (I prepare for age-long super-mod owning vapers to laugh but I'm trying to advise the OP at face value here) :

1) The standard 510 system (auto batt, separate atty & cart cartos also available). Mine is all black but this is so popular & timeless that loads of colours are available of each part. Pretty close in size to a superking size analog, very portable discreet. The draw isn't bad, nor is vapour production but I got mine early on & the other system. This is the less complicated of the two if you want a separate atty & if you decide you need something bigger later on the atties & stuff are completely compatible with eGos and suchlike big-batt 510 systems. IMO if big throat hit is important to you then these batteries are maybe a little under par for your needs. The biggest problem they have is the relatively skimpy batts don't run too long so if you vape all day you'll need a bunch of spare batts, charging places and preferably a PCC. There is a 510-t system also now and I'm told that the batts and atties fit each other (not the carts tho lol). I don't have firsthand experience of 510-t stuff tho so don't take it as gospel please.

2) There are many much advertised and much forum-scoffed (not necessarily here I'm on others too) 808 carto systems. If you get advice from more experienced vapers on specs and cartos to use, then carefully shop around, you can get a surprisingly kickin' system for little $$$. They're a little chunk bigger than an analog or a 510. They are light enough to use like an analog in most ways though and with white batts and tan cartos being everywhere & almost default options for these systems they can pass casual scrutiny fairly well. I have a cheapy 808SD (model number given in the manual) which I picked up (in unopened packaging) at the end of a large boot sale for a couple of pounds as a spare. To my continuing surprise (& despite my other equipment) it performs well enough & remains so handy that it sees use for a part of most days. The bigger battery definitely lasts longer per charge than a standard 510 & seems to perform better. For a while after charging and with a decent carto it produces at least 80% as much vapour as my eGo ! It just can't keep it up as long but if I ever added one or two spare batts I could see it coming on holiday as an easy option. Cartos are the norm with this system but I'm reliably informed that 901 atties work with batts if you decide you prefer 'em. If you wanna know more about 901s in general you'd have to ask around coz I dunno much about 'em. Adapters are also available to use 510 atties on the batts but I can't imagine that being an all the time solution and confusion is possible with more common adapters that allow 808 cartos to be used on 510 batts (why I have no idea ) If you look in to cartos and decide they could be your thing then at the risk of being flamed I nail my colours to the masthead and say that a beginner could do a hella lot worse than one of these as a first system.

Also, looking at the Liberty Flights website, I did not see where I could order a 70VG/30PG with 24ML nicotine e-juice. Could someone offer any suggestions? I do not think I am knowledgeable enough yet to start making my own and would like to order a preferred mix.

My knowledge of US suppliers is limited as I'm UK based but my US based cousin claims via IM to have tried such a mix from Esmoker online (E-liquid USA range) and liked it but adds that if your set on that mix look carefully as some of the range is a 50:50 mix (he likes it as well apparently but I didn't wanna mislead you)

I would also like to ask if the Rivo 510 and the Joy Ego-T accessories are interchangable? (Chargers, Atomizers, and Cartridges) They have different size batteries.

Dunno about the chargers I'm trying to find that out myself. The T-atties won't fit a Riva batt since they screw in to different depths apparently. I know a traditional eGo atty will fit an eGo-t batt but again I think not the other way around. I know some adapters are becoming available. The smaller 510-t atty does fit any 510 system according to a friend who has one & is less buggy. Obviously it is important to remember that all tank atties take only their own specific carts (that even applies to types -A and -B of the eGo-t even though the batts are the same )

Thank you very much in advance for any helpful suggestions.

No dramas Hope they really were helpful. Good luck, speak up & stick with it

Vape on, ethnobot