Newb .Just got a riva 510 SE and confused .

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Str8V8ping

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I really need to quit smoking cigs (Newports are almost 14.00/pack and indian res stopped selling them ) Well i just got my Riva 510 SE in today . I also ordered a few 5ml VG liquids with it . My question is how do i use it now lol . It comes with atomizers and 10 blank carts i believe . Do i just drip the liquids into the cart and go . How many drops do i put in there ? I would like to use this tonight but need some answers . I have been reading on here for a little while now and just seem to get more and more confused . Some people said that a atomizer and cart is garbage but then why did they suggest getting the riva 510SE ? Thanks for the help in advance .
 

jperk95

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I don't have that specific unit but just drip the liquid into the cart until it starts to pool. If you put in a bit too much just get your paper towel and and dab the extra. It can be really confusing, but just find something that works for you. I spent a bunch of time looking here and watching YouTube videos as well. I hear that is a good starter kit, but most vapers start with a cheaper kit so you don't start spending too much money early. If it is something that you like the skys the limit.
Good luck, and keep asking questions, the people on here are great!
 

PoliticallyIncorrect

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Carts aren't garbage, per se, but they're at the low end of the totem pole; there are assuredly better ways, such as direct dripping or a good cartomizer.

Having said that, filling a carto is easy. Remove the filler, and do like so:
blue%20foam%20cartridge%20instructions.jpg


Then, after replacing the filler (AKA "blue foam" in this purloined graphic), give it a drop or two.
 

fray

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I am going to explain a technique called "dripping".

(if your experience is anything like mine) as you use carts you will quickly realize they kind of suck. Empty a cart of the filling and drip 2-3 drops of e juice directly into the atomizer. vape away. The flavor will drop off after about 5-6 draws and start to get a bad dry atty taste. Drip 2-3 more drops and repeat. In time you will know when to drip so it doesnt get dry. They make drip tips you can drip the liquid through so there is no taking off the cart. It fits into the atomizer in place of a cart.

This is somewhat of a pain at times, but in my opinion gives the best vape.

It's all up to your personal preference, just giving you an option
 

JustaGuy

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Welcome Riva 510!

Many say carts are garbage, but I still use them and I've been vaping 5 months no problem, no smoke. To get you started now, follow this guide: Help: Answer. There is also video on YouTube. I use Riva 510s and other than the battery size, the principle in this guide is the same.

The short version is: drip about 8 drops into cart, it should look slushy not like a lake, screw atomizer into battery (not too tight), drip 3 drops into atomizer, insert cart into atomizer and vape. Take slow, longer draws. This is NOT smoking so don't puff the same way.

You could have bought a Riva that comes with cartomizers, but you would still have to fill them with juice, unless you bought pre-filled cartos.

Good luck! :)

edit: those darn typos...:)

Note: only drip into atomizer the first time you use it, when it's dry. When you top off the cart with juice later, no need to drip into atomizer again.
 
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Stosh

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Carts will work, the worst part of carts is they don't hold much juice so they need refilling often. Too much juice refilling and they will leak a bit, (keep a paper towel handy) too little juice and you'll get a burnt flavor. It's a balancing act, the right amount (good and damp, not wet) and it's a nice vape. :)

p.s. Welcome to ECF !!!
 

976vapoman

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I have been vaping for 2 years there is nothing wrong with carts. Just keep them topped off but not overfull. The Riva is a great starter. Decent battery life and reliable for the money they are hard to beat. Try not to let the filler in the cart go dry if you keep it moist but not overflowing your atomizer will last longer and you won't scorch the filler.

I have tried nearly every cart mod, cartomizer, clearomizer fluxomizer you name it. It's really all about keeping the juice flowing to the heating coil in the atty without flooding it. Once you get that down you have it made.

Good luck and enjoy.
 

swedishfish

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Str8V8ping

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forgot to mention i also got one of those delrin drip tips type d since it was cheap . I ordered everything from libertyflights .

So im gathering there is different options .

1. Using the cart/atomizor . The cart is called a carto? To use this way you have to replace the stock foam with a blue foam or it wont work right ? Blue foam bein from like a pet store ?

2 Dripping - Use the cart without the cotton stuff inside and drip drops onto the atomizer or remove the cart completly and put the drip tip on the atomizor . Wouldnt the liquid go all into your mouth though because nothing is there to stop it ?

3 Replace the cart/atomizor with a cartomizer (cart with built in atomizor ) Seems a lot more expensive ?

Then there the question of how long do each thing last ? How long does a atomizor last and when/how should i clean it . Same with the cart . Can a cart just be refilled and last forever ? I think im starting to understand more .
 

swedishfish

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I'm not a huge help with cartridge/atomizers. I rarely use them except to test new juice. I've been using cartomizers since I started and I'm pretty happy with them. Cartridges do last forever. You can replace the filler. The atomizer that you put the cartridge on can last anywhere from a couple weeks on.

Depending on your juice, cartomizers can last from about 4-5 days to a week or two. Clear, thinner juices, they last a little longer. Darker, thicker juices they get gunked up a little faster. Many people clean them. I find them easier to use and they hold more juice, but many people like the cart/atty too.
 

jperk95

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1. Tonight don't worry about the blue foam, just put the juice in the cart you have now vape away
2. If you try dipping, just put your drip tip on the atty and you are ready to go, no cart at all
3. Cartomizers are surprisingly cheap and a very easy way to get up and running

The atomizers longevity and cleaning questions are hotly debated, but someone on here will have a better answer then me.
Hopefully this helps
 

JustaGuy

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Chris, from the cart + atty side, carts can last a very long time as long as you don't chew them. Attys can last months to a year, but some die sooner. The carts with white fillings that you have are usable, just does not hold as much juice. I use blue foam now, but started with that poly filler. Yon also buy blue foam pre-cut. I clean my attys everyday, hot water soak and a little dry burning (another story). Unlike smoking, there is maintenance in every vape type.

I spent $3 on carts, $3 on blue foam and bought 4 atomizers when I started. 5 months now and still going. Cartos are easier if you are on the go a lot.
 

madjack

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...after researching here before starting, I ordered the Riva510 lite kits from LF...because of that research, I never used the carts that came with the kit but ordered the 15 for 20 bux deal on Boge2.0LR cartos from Crystal Clear Vaping ...I use each one about 3 days and then toss 'em in a box, when I have a handful, I clean them with the boil/rinse 3 times method, blow excess water out and allow to dry for a couple of days...out of the original bundle, they are all still going strong...the secret to longevity is(I believe) keeping them good and wet...I also got some eGoMegaDualCoilCartos...I am so/so about them and have had one die...as always YMMV............
madjack:2cool:
p.s. when I say "I", I also mean my Wife(aka the poor girl) and step-daughter as well....................mj
 

JustaGuy

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...after researching here before starting, I ordered the Riva510 lite kits from LF...because of that research, I never used the carts that came with the kit but ordered the 15 for 20 bux deal on Boge2.0LR cartos from Crystal Clear Vaping ...I use each one about 3 days and then toss 'em in a box, when I have a handful, I clean them with the boil/rinse 3 times method, blow excess water out and allow to dry for a couple of days...out of the original bundle, they are all still going strong...the secret to longevity is(I believe) keeping them good and wet...I also got some eGoMegaDualCoilCartos...I am so/so about them and have had one die...as always YMMV............
madjack:2cool:
p.s. when I say "I", I also mean my Wife(aka the poor girl) and step-daughter as well....................mj

You know what they say, the family that vapes together...it must be wonderful to share all that equipment and flavors. :)
 

Pamdane

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STOP!!!!! I dont see where anyone told you to blow out the primer in the atty! You will regret it if you dont. Blow into the end that does not attach to the battery. Blow hard and long. Repeat. Drop a few drops of juice on it, and do the same. Then add a few more drops, Vape but dont inhale at least 3 breaths. Now follow the others directions. I use a Riva SE too. They are fantastic. Between them and my GLV, I dont need any other PV's.
Welcome to e-cigs!
 

Str8V8ping

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STOP!!!!! I dont see where anyone told you to blow out the primer in the atty! You will regret it if you dont. Blow into the end that does not attach to the battery. Blow hard and long. Repeat. Drop a few drops of juice on it, and do the same. Then add a few more drops, Vape but dont inhale at least 3 breaths. Now follow the others directions. I use a Riva SE too. They are fantastic. Between them and my GLV, I dont need any other PV's.
Welcome to e-cigs!

Thanks . I already knew that from watching a vid on youtube . Did exactly the above before using . So far i tried with the cartridge and used the other atty with drip tip and a different flavor . Using the catridge worked fine for me . Used VG Cherry liquid and it tastes really good . Its like almost vanillaii at first and then a cherry aftertaste . Plenty of vapor with the cartridge which i was worried about because the first ecig i tried was the fifty-one trio and that had no vapor . This is leagues above that pos . I then dripped and there is a lot more vapor and flavor but the cart worked well enough for me .The flavor i dripped was menthol blend and it was a bit overwelming and spearminty . Definitly not a fan of that flavor . I gotta get me some xhale nuport .

At first i thought the unit i got was broken because it wasnt working at all but after i charged the battery for 3 hours it works great .

Also i wanted to get the blue foam that everyone uses . What exactly is the name and where can ii get it .

Is it this : Hagen Fluval FX5 Fine Filter Pad
 
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Pepsifreak

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Some people will use attys for trying different flavors out, once they find some they like and want to commit to vaping a lot on it they'll fill those flavors into cartos. I myself am still trying out various methods to find what fits me best. I'm on the go a lot so not much time for dripping. I've found tank like cartos like the clearomizers to be my liking, some say they break easy, but they hold a good bit of juice and are easy to fill (I'm lazy ;) ). Each person in these forums has their own way of vaping, you just gotta find what fits your needs. After you get up and running you'll want to read up on different methods and figure out what fits you.
 

baronvoncardo

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I like Fish's suggestion. Cartos work great for me. Boge cartos are nearly all I use.

I understand, that doesn't help you right now, though. I can make atomizer cartridges work, but I am not very patient with them. Just make sure that the filler is good and soaked with juice, slap the cart on the atomizer, and vape away. It's messy but it's a perfectly acceptable way to vape. Good luck!
 
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