not happy with e-cigs so far

[Anoregami]

Hello there,


I'm new to this forum, although I own 2 different e-cigs, but both were bought from totally wicked UK.
But so far, my experience was not so good ..

Indeed my first e-cig kit was a torndo e-tank kit (I think it's the same as the 510 kit with cartridges, just re-branded), at first it seemed to work ok but rapidly a strong burnt taste appeared, making the taste awful and eventually making my throat become sore after a few puffs. I tried using another cartridge, cleaning the ato, but to no avail. The same issue happened with the second atomizer. I forgot to mention I had many e-juice leaks, which ended up by killing my three batteries (I got a high capacity one altogether with this kit).

A few months later, I decided to give a try to a new starter kit, but this time it worked using tanks instead of cartridges, so I thought since there was not more stuffing prone to burns, the burnt taste would be gone for good. This kit was the tornado
tank from the same retailer, apparently the same as the more popular eGo-T kit. I got both eGo-T A & B Type Atomizers, varying in the tank capacity that it must be attached to (I don't know whether the resistance values were identical or not though).
I must say that, overall, it was a somewhat better experience, but still far from being perfect or simply what I was expecting from e-cigs. Leaks were still present from time to time, and the taste, albeit less denatured, was definitely not consistently pleasant over time. There was not more burnt taste as with my previous e-cig, however sometimes it tasted like the tank made of plastic was overheating after drawing a few puffs (I did take care to let the e-cig cool between them). The hit was clearly there, but it almost made me cough (more than a tobacco cigarette) systematically after some time of use. As before, trying another brand new atomizer did not really improve things in the long run.

I attempted to mix up my e-juice myself so that I get different levels of nic, flavor concentrate and PG (the latter being of pharmaceutical grade), I felt more or less the nic buzz depending on how high it was in nic, but apart from that, this made
virtually not difference regarding the soreness of my throat. Would for instance a variable voltage battery help get rid of the burnt taste?

I am still considering getting another kit, but this time I hope I won't have to replace it because it is flawed (I have wasted too much money on e-cigs )
Let me know if you think that I did not use my e-cigs correctly and that those issues result from an improper utilization which is possible since I'm a noob.

Before asking for advice on what e-cig should I get, I'd like to know what are the actual differences between Clearomizer, Tankomizer and so on ... versus a standard ato combined with the adequate part? Is one system better than the other concerning the problems I have experienced? Last but not least, can you please tell what exactly a drip tip is, what is that used for/with and what advantages does it offer. Also has it any drawback?

Could anyone please recommend me a good quality, reliable, easy to use, burn and leak proof e-cig ? I hope I'm not too demanding and such a product does exist. So far I probably spent much time tinkering with my e-cigs and with all that that implies, than use them to actually vape.

Any help will be greatly appreciated,

Thank you.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Hi Anoregami and welcome to ECF. Time and time again we read of problems with PVs that come with a tank system. I would suggest a Kgo 1100 mah and cartos with a tank OR if you don't like the stuffing/ filler in cartos add a clearomizer.
Clearomizer= wick+element inside a plastic tank/ no stuffing.
Tank+ Cartomizer-cartomizer (metal tube with stuffing, element inside a metal tube). this carto is per punched and goes inside a plastic tank that holds juice.
I ALWAYS recommend new vapers purchase a good solid PV and then add carto with tank or clearomizer.
Drip Tips prevent hot juice from spurting into mouth and keep lips away from hot carto, atty, etc.
Good Luck.

 

[dragonbone]

Hi and welcome to the ECF. Sorry that you have had a difficult time finding a good solution.

I would recommend since you already have your eGo batteries, you could just get a few different cartomizers to try. It's not really necessary to get everything new unless you want to. Personally I would recommend the Vision Stardust and the EMDCC (eGo mega dual coil carto). Both work fantastically with the eGo batteries. Since you are in France, I think it would be better to shop at Health Cabin since they have a bigger variety and cheaper (also quicker shipping) than Totally Wicked UK.

Also juice from TW is not tasty for me... Which flavors and nicotine content did you buy from them?

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Actually dragonbone's suggestion= 10X.

 

[newboy]

I am not an expert, and I wasted way too much money on these initially, but if you keep with it, you will be successful.

After trying the normal route, I discovered that the batteries (I was using the 808 ones) were not quite enough, and bought a Darwin. It is almost a waste for me, as I usually keep it at 4.2 W all of the time. That usually ends up with a voltage of
4.2. The regular batteries usually operate at 3.7.

That helped. The next step was to find a flavor I liked. I have never found a pre-filled cartomizer to be good. Now, I buy empty cartos, and fill them. Yes, I have a drawer full of flavors I bought before I found one I liked. I also tried mixing my own.

Then, I learned how to smoke them. The cartos require some time for the capillary action to re-wet the wick. So, you have to wait for that to happen, or you get that burned taste. When I was using the 808 batteries/cartos, I would carry two in my pocket, like ink pens. Then, I would alternate them (a puff from one, and than a puff from the other), to give them more time to recover. I also buy the strongest nicotine level available, so I am not having to puff as much. With a cigarette, I would run outside for a break, and smoke as deeply, and as fast as possible, and then go back inside. This method invariably leads to burned taste with e-cigs. Now, I have to keep my e-cig close at hand, and take a puff whenever possible, instead of trying to get everything in a 5 minute break.

I haven't smoked now in almost 2 years, if that is any encouragement.

 

[traveljess]

There are so many "good" e-cigs out there. The best deals are those you have to hunt for. So far, the best deals I have found have been on Electovape and smokeless image, and thanks to them, I am now a vaper, and former smoker. I started with V2, but they are pricey, and I am poor , so the best for me is the ones that save me the most money!

 

[Anoregami]

Thank you both for your warm welcome messages and you replies

Vapoor eyes er: Can you tell me what do you call 'carto with a tank', is it just a normal carto with additional space that contains only e-juice and no stuffing? But as you guessed, I'm slightly reluctant to re buy anything that have stuffing in it and that is likely to burn. A clearomizer sounds good to me, but I have yet to see how it performs in real conditions .
I wonder if you can add a drip tip at the end of any king of e-cig?


dragonbone: Indeed if an eGo mega dual coil carto can work with my current batteries, that would be nice, although apparently it has also a filter in it. Well if I just need to buy that and can fix it to my batteries, I might be temped to give it a try since it won't cost me an arm and a leg
I'll also have a look at Health Cabin. For my first kit, I mostly got pre-filled cartridges. As for the second, I got a batch that included a mix of ten different flavors, a few 54 mg/mL PG based small bottles and a bigger bottle of pure PG as well, so that I can mix up my own e-juice and finally reach a good compromise.


newboy: Perhaps a variable voltage battery would help me find the best value to my liking? I didn't try alternating two e-cigs, but that seems to be a good idea, as it will put less stress on the ato's and allow them to cool down. I generally tried to take slow but long puffs. Well I guess practice makes perfect .

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Can you tell me what do you call 'carto with a tank', is it just a normal carto with additional space that contains only e-juice and no stuffing? But as you guessed, I'm slightly reluctant to re buy anything that have stuffing in it and that is likely to burn. A clearomizer sounds good to me, but I have yet to see how it performs in real conditions .
I wonder if you can add a drip tip at the end of any king of e-cig

?
Cartomizer with a pre punched hole in it in a/ surrounded by a plastic tank. The juice goes into tank and enters the cartomizer by way of the hole. I had forgotten but 2 + weeks ago I bought a recent convert an eGo C kit WITHOUT the tank. It came with clearomizers and he's LOVING it. That's what has prompted me to order some clearomizers. As dragonbone suggested buy some clearos. Here's the kit I bought him- same as yours without the tank:
eGo Vision Stardust & Extreme Vision Custom Kit 1100mAh
Even if you don't like the clearomizers with your eGo you can always purchase another PV and use the clearos on that. I really enjoyed testing the eGo C with the clearos.
Good Luck.

Edit: eGo C is relatively the same as yours.

 

[acorn54]

all i can say is that i was a 2 and a half pack a day smoker a year ago. i switched to the ecigs and now i no longer smoke analogs or e cigs. mission accomplished
my two cents. how i did it. i used the two piece ecig because honestly i never understood how the three piece worked and it seemed alot more trouble.
i went shopping and found the first three or four popular vendors of the 808 e cig to be of low quality, low performance
i landed on vapor for life and though they were the most expensive 808's the xl version is what i used to quit the habit of smoking. the caromizers were the wow cartomizers from vapor for life. for juice i bought from lite cig the 555 brand in the 30 ml bottle. at 10 bucks it is the best buy i found.
as you can see for me ecigs were simply a practical tool to quit smoking.
good luck

 

[Anoregami]

There are so many "good" e-cigs out there. The best deals are those you have to hunt for. So far, the best deals I have found have been on Electovape and smokeless image, and thanks to them, I am now a vaper, and former smoker. I started with V2, but they are pricey, and I am poor , so the best for me is the ones that save me the most money!

I imagine I just haven't been very lucky so far. But that would be more economically wise if I could keep some parts of my current e-cigs kits, of course.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Also you're using atomizers and they need cleaning otherwise they will taste burnt/ weird
How to prevent burnt taste when using Joye eGo-T? Joye eGo-T E-Cigarette Troubleshooting E-Cigarette Knowledge Company Info Help Heaven Gifts
I strongly believe the problem is NOT with your PV but the delivery system- tank/ atomizer. You would not be the first to have this problem either...
ego t burnt tatse - Google Search

 

[Anoregami]

all i can say is that i was a 2 and a half pack a day smoker a year ago. i switched to the ecigs and now i no longer smoke analogs or e cigs. mission accomplished
my two cents. how i did it. i used the two piece ecig because honestly i never understood how the three piece worked and it seemed alot more trouble.
i went shopping and found the first three or four popular vendors of the 808 e cig to be of low quality, low performance
i landed on vapor for life and though they were the most expensive 808's the xl version is what i used to quit the habit of smoking. the caromizers were the wow cartomizers from vapor for life. for juice i bought from lite cig the 555 brand in the 30 ml bottle. at 10 bucks it is the best buy i found.
as you can see for me ecigs were simply a practical tool to quit smoking.
good luck

I don't doubt that a 2 pieces e-cig will be easier to use, but then you must change everything (but the battery) as soon as the ato dies, so this solution is, I guess, more expensive. What is the average life that you can expect from this kind of component?

 

[Chrissie]

Aneregami, if you want to buy the Ego Vision Stardusts from the UK, a super fast UK dispatcher, is Vape Escape (use discount code ECF10 for 10% off) -

NEW Vision Ego V2 Rainbow Long Wick £4.99 - Vaping Spares - Cartomisers Electronic Cigarettes | Vaping Devices | Accessories | E-Liquid

You might also find this list of mainly UK (but also some EU) suppliers useful -

ALL ABOUT E-CIGARETTES UK - Recommended & new suppliers (e-cig/juice sellers)

 

[Anoregami]

Also you're using atomizers and they need cleaning otherwise they will taste burnt/ weird
How to prevent burnt taste when using Joye eGo-T? Joye eGo-T E-Cigarette Troubleshooting E-Cigarette Knowledge Company Info Help Heaven Gifts
I strongly believe the problem is NOT with your PV but the delivery system- tank/ atomizer. You would not be the first to have this problem either...
ego t burnt tatse - Google Search

I do my best to keep them in a good condition, i.e. I clean them regularly in boiling water, but is that enough honestly I don't know. I have heard that you could also plunge them into vodka or similar alcohol, is this method an effective way of removing any taste of burnt? I once tried to disassemble my ato to be able to clean it more vigorously, rather than just letting it sit in a casserole for a couple of minutes, but all I did was eventually to break it .

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

What is the average life that you can expect from this kind of component?

I'm hearing 4-6 weeks. You mention the tank "sometimes" leaks...that's completely unacceptable performance from a PV. The convert that's using the clearos has no leaks whatsoever.

I have heard that you could also plunge them into vodka or similar alcohol, is this method an effective way of removing any taste of burnt?

Yes you can wash them in alcohol but I decided long ago there was too much maintenance required with attys.

but then you must change everything (but the battery)

All you would be doing is adding a different delivery system with the clearomizers. Unfortunately many that buy the eGo C and T eventually put the tanks aside and move up to carto/ tank or clearomizers. I believe that eGo should cease selling these tanks kits as there are far too many issues with them.
Chrissie gave some great links. She is a very highly respected member here at ECF. She gave the link for the new V2...
NEW Vision Ego V2 Rainbow Long Wick £4.99 - Vaping Spares - Cartomisers Electronic Cigarettes | Vaping Devices | Accessories | E-Liquid

 

[Anoregami]

Aneregami, if you want to buy the Ego Vision Stardusts from the UK, a super fast UK dispatcher, is Vape Escape (use discount code ECF10 for 10% off) -

NEW Vision Ego V2 Rainbow Long Wick £4.99 - Vaping Spares - Cartomisers Electronic Cigarettes | Vaping Devices | Accessories | E-Liquid

You might also find this list of mainly UK (but also some EU) suppliers useful -

ALL ABOUT E-CIGARETTES UK - Recommended & new suppliers (e-cig/juice sellers)

Thank you Chrissie for your answer and for the deal, I'll have a deeper look tonight, plus at your list of suppliers. What happens if the wick comes in contact with the ato's heating element, will it also smell like it has burnt? Because I still have the disgusting burnt plastic (or whatever it is made of) filter taste in my head, it makes me have shivers just thinking of that

 

[JudeD]

I don't know if this applies to you or not, but when I started, I would get too much throat hit, too, and I tried adjusting my nic level, using different tanks and cartos, etc. but what I finally figured out was the problem wasn't with my equipment, it was with my draw. I was sucking hard on the tank the way I would suck on a stinky. Once I took slow, easy, long draws, the problem went away and so did my sore throat.

Just a thought.

Oh, and the plastic tanks that come with eGo's made my mouth sore after awhile. I quickly switched to Stardusts and it made a world of difference.

 

[Anoregami]

I'm hearing 4-6 weeks. You mention the tank "sometimes" leaks...that's completely unacceptable performance from a PV. The convert that's using the clearos has no leaks whatsoever.

Yes it does, although I take a great care not to overfill it .. most of the time the liquid escapes between the battery and the ato, certainly from the screw thread.

Yes you can wash them in alcohol but I decided long ago there was too much maintenance required with attys.

I agree those are not something convenient to clean, so you prefer to just get new ones more often?

All you would be doing is adding a different delivery system with the clearomizers. Unfortunately many that buy the eGo C and T eventually put the tanks aside and move up to carto/ tank or clearomizers. I believe that eGo should cease selling these tanks kits as there are far too many issues with them.
Chrissie gave some great links. She is a very highly respected member here at ECF. She gave the link for the new V2...
NEW Vision Ego V2 Rainbow Long Wick £4.99 - Vaping Spares - Cartomisers Electronic Cigarettes | Vaping Devices | Accessories | E-Liquid

Yes thank you I've seen it

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Vaping should be an enjoyable experience. No leaks...no burnt taste...small amount of maintenance/ cleaning. When I first began I used cartomizers. I got tired of refilling them so I bought XL/ extra large cartos. I soon got tired of filling them and graduated to a carto + tank. Fill it twice a day, no burnt taste and cartos lasted 2 weeks. Since testing the clearomizer I've decided it has a cleaner taste, prolly because there's no filler. I've always believed the weak link in vaping was with the delivery systems and finally with clearomizers they seem to have solved that problem. The clearos Chrissie linked to are the new, improved and are getting rave reviews.
Here's video detailing a fix for the leaking eGo T


Good Luck.

 

[ohai]

Hi, Anoregami, I love your screen name, does it have a special meaning?

I'm pretty new to vaping myself, and started out with a smaller 808 ecig and cartomizers (the ones with stuffing in them). They look nice, and they are handy because they are small, but the batteries didn't last long, I found them annoying and messy to clean and refill, and that burnt taste near the end of them was not satisfying either. When one of the batteries died after only a month of use, I decided it was time to look for something better.

After some research, I replaced that kit with an Innokin Lea Kross, because of it's longer battery life (650 mah) and it's versatility- it comes with adapters that allow you to use any type of threaded cartos or atomizers, a pass through usb charger that allows you to vape while its charging. It's very attractive and discreet looking- it looks like a rather large expensive pen, and feels very natural in your hand. I ordered a few atomizers to go with it, because that kit only comes with extra large cartos, and I wanted to try something new.

The mouthpiece/tank cartridges that fit the Lea atties are very easy to clean and refill, there's no polyfill stuffing, you don't need any tools to get the cartridge open, you don't need a syringe to fill them, and they don't leak at all unless you overfill them. Very little fuss, no mess at all. I don't use the mouthpiece/tank as a tank unless I'm going out, as I prefer to drip a few drops at a time into the atty itself- it tastes worlds and worlds better to me than cartomisers- I just use the mouthpiece/tank without the endcap on. It works nicely as a drip tip, so you don't need to buy them separately unless you want something prettier. I like to sample a lot of different flavors, so dripping is my thing, but the mouthpiece/tanks on the Lea work very well; I've never had one leak, and they're so much quicker and more convenient to fill than cartos.

Since you already know you dislike cartomizers, I would suggest that you try the Lea 800- it comes with atomizers instead of cartos. It's been so much easier and more satisfying for me, and while it's certainly not the most powerful battery or the top of the line, for ease of use, flavor and versatility, I think it's really ideal for newer users- it has been for me.

Having a sore throat is not uncommon when you start vaping, but it should go away if you make sure you're drinking plenty of water, and if you find you are just plain vaping too much, you might try a higher nicotine level. I have also heard that decreasing the percentage of PG can help some people with that.

Whatever system you choose, keep your atties wet while you are vaping and super clean to avoid the nasty burnt taste. How often you need to clean them will depend on the juices you use, I generally clean mine whenever I'm making a drastic flavor change, or once every 4 or 5 days if I'm on a dedicated flavor atty (best way, imo). There are lots of simple cleaning methods, but I prefer the baking soda/vinegar method:

Put a small amount of baking soda into the atty, add vinegar, quickly cover the opening and shake, allowing the foam to spurt out the hole in the battery connection end. Repeat several times, continue adding vinegar til there is no foaming action left. Rinse very well in very hot water, blow out excess water, dry in a low temp (around 170 F for me) oven for a half hour, followed by a dry burn on your battery, another hot water rinse, blow out, dry out in low temp oven again for another half hour. Make sure you prime your wick with the flavor of your choice before you start vaping on it again. This method should remove any lingering burnt flavors, it's worked very well for me, but if you still detect a bad taste, some people have recommended soaking in vodka or even boiling your atties. I haven't need to try either of those so far, but I do try to keep certain atties for certain flavors- cinnamon flavors tend to linger in an atty, and my dill pickle atty, needless to say, only ever gets refilled with dill pickle.

Whatever you choose to try, good luck, and don't give up! It's a pretty high learning curve, but it's worth it- it will save your life. Look at it as an adventure, and make sure you keep it fun for yourself. Try lots of interesting flavors and experiment til you find your best system for success.