Not sure how to feel.....

[Beachernaut]

Ok, I've had my basic 510 for 3 weeks now, and haven't had a cigarette since the day I got it.

I've got some praise, some rants, and some..... Well I'm not sure about how I really feel.
I guess I'll start with the positive things I've found since I've started. No doubt the negative things will occupy more of this thread. It's always easier to complain than it is to praise.

Right off the top of my head....
1. I don't have to stand out in a blizzard to satisfy my nicotine craving.
2. I don't have to worry about causing my daughter to have an asthma attack.
3. I now get comments on how I smell like a watermellon, chocolate mint, etc rather then people taking a step away from me because I smell like an ashtray. That also goes with may car not smelling. My wife still smokes, so my bathroom at home still smells (only place in the house smoking is allowed).
4. I feel better in the morning, less coughing and no scratchy throat.
5. I'm going to save quite a lot of money. Not yet of course, but eventually.

Ok, those were the top positives I can think of right now. There are however a few things that are really bothering me.
1. Learning curve. Batteries, atomizers, carts, drip tips, tanks, JUICES....... This forum and you fellow members have been indespensable, but there is only so much help without experience.
2. I'm not looking for another hobby. I was looking for a cheaper and safer way to enjoy my addiction. I have an obsessive compulsive personality and when I find a hobby, I jump in with both feet. That usually means it's expensive. Smoking wasn't a hobby for me, and I have no intention of turning this into one, but good god could it become one easy!
3. Is there anything worse than buying a juice that sounds great, only to find out that it's horrible?
4. Inconsistant. I'm using a 510, and have resorted to dripping because the carts don't hold enough and I'm tired of the burnt/dry drag all the time.
5. Having to pack so much stuff around. I have an old eye-glasses case that I'm packing all my stuff in. 3 batts, 2 attys, 3 bottles of juice, and a usb charger.

Ok, I feel better now, maybe I just needed to rant a little bit.

I've taken a few steps to remedy some of my rants.
1. I've ordered a drip tip, which I'll most likely be using 90% of the time.
2. The button broke on one of my batteries the other day, so I took that opportunity to order bigger batts. They came in today, so we'll see how much of a difference they make.
3. I've been searching around and finally found Freedomsmokes.com. I like that they offer a good selection of juices in many different bottle sizes, for a pretty good price. I can order a 10ml bottle to see if I like it, and then order a larger bottle if I like it. I know DIY juices can be cheap, but again, I'm trying to keep it simple.
4. I'm staying away from almost all mods and accessories. I know me, and mods lead to bigger mods lead to different models lead to....... Well, you get the point.


FYI, as I'm typing this post, I'm happily puffing away on my 510 that I just dripped some cappuccino into. Although I'm gonna change to some chocolate mint for the afternoon.

 

[friedmanfan]

I have many of the same thoughts. The thing that I am running into in terms of feedback from the internet is that it seems like the use of the cartomizers like I have isn't as widespread as the regular cartridges. I have the SafeCig 4081 and am tempted to try some of the regular carts but, as you say, have already plopped down a good bit already on vaping and need to prove to my wife that it is actually cheaper.

 

[JupiterV]

Hi and congratulations!
If you sort of look at it not so much a hobby but as a replacement. No more butts, burnt clothes and car seats, no smelly hair, kids nagging you to stop smoking, being a social outcast....well, as you will see here the list goes on and on.
You're right, the learning curve is there. It's a fairly new technology and we're in it during the growing pains. I'm just so happy that it was so easy to quit!!
A lot of trial and error here. Don't get discouraged!!

 

[antfuzz]

Excellent post, I enjoyed reading it.

Now you probably don't want to hear this but, if you upgraded to an eGo you can get 5-6 hours battery life on one battery. You at least won't have to carry so much stuff around. When I started vaping my first consideration was battery life. And I was extremely happy with my choice.

I too drip most of the time.

 

[El Jefe]

I totally agree with you as I sit here contemplating my next purchase......dammit.

 

[HippyJeepChick]

It takes alot more effort these days to get our nicotine fix. I started off with a 510 and moved up to the Ego with the bigger battery. My husband is into all the cartridges and mods and stuff; but I like to keep it simple and just drip. However, dripping gets messy sometimes so I always have a tissue with me. I have bought alot of different flavors that sounded good but just wasn't keeping my interest. So, those are just sitting around now unfortunately. I now have a few flavors I really like and will stick to those flavors. The chocolate mint is really good but can't switch to any other juice after vaping it because everything taste like chocolate mint. lol

The good outweighs the bad for me but I still miss the simplicity to just pulling a cig from a pack and lighting it up. No pre-planning or prep. or making sure the batteries are all charged and fear of running out of liquid before the next order comes in. That can get frustrating.

But I love how much better I feel, look and smell and to me that makes it worth it!

 

[Beachernaut]

You're right, the learning curve is there. It's a fairly new technology and we're in it during the growing pains. I'm just so happy that it was so easy to quit!!
A lot of trial and error here. Don't get discouraged!!

Thanks. I just have to point out part of your sig that's hitting home right now.
"Money Saved: None until at least 2014" Makes me chuckle every time I read it.

Excellent post, I enjoyed reading it.

Now you probably don't want to hear this but, if you upgraded to an eGo you can get 5-6 hours battery life on one battery.

Thanks, I have looked into the eGo a bit. However, batt life isn't as much of an issue with me right now as the juice quandry is.

I totally agree with you as I sit here contemplating my next purchase......dammit.

Hehehehe.... I can definately relate to that.

The chocolate mint is really good but can't switch to any other juice after vaping it because everything taste like chocolate mint. lol

I still miss the simplicity to just pulling a cig from a pack and lighting it up. No pre-planning or prep. or making sure the batteries are all charged and fear of running out of liquid before the next order comes in. That can get frustrating.

Yup, I can chain vape chocolate mint all day long.
The simplicity and habbit is missed. How many times in the last 5 years of smoking did you forget to grab your pack on your way out the door? There's been several times in the last few weeks I've had to turn around half way to work because I forgot my "kit". Fortunately, this is just a routine that needs to be learned, then it won't be an issue.


For now, and maybe for another few months, dripping is the answer to my most pressing issues. However, I'm going to need to find another solution when spring hits. I'm a very active person during the summer, so I'll have to find a cartomizer, tank, etc solution that works for me. I can find positives and negatives to each by reading these forums. Unfortunately, I'll never really know which one will be best for me until I spend the money and time to try it.

 

[dormouse]

You need to try some cartomizers! Soft-cap standard cartos to start. A bit more learning curve (I was afraid to try them at first) and I recommend manual 510 batteries with them. You pop the mouth cap out with an unbent paper clip stuck in just far enough to pop the cap. Hold it at an angle, off the battery, and drip juice into the stuffing, letting it absorb. An ml or about 18-25 drops should fit in - be patient, rotate it, etc. Then make sure the bottom is dry and not dripping, I then blow out the air channel (puff into the threaded end), clean up any juice pooled above the stuffing. Pop the mouth cap back in and you are good to go for a while. You may need to let it settle/distribute the juice a bit anytime you add a lot. It may act like a flooded atty when really wet. But you won't have to add juice for a while. When it seems a bit dry or the vapor gets light, try tilting your ecig carto down for 5 seconds to distribute the juice. If that doesn't help. time to add more juice - take it off the battery and add maybe 5-10 drops - whatever it seems to need. Don't let them run dry - you could singe the stuffing. You can probably get 4-7 days or more use out of one carto. I vape 2 cartos (1-each on 2 PVs) and I have been vaping the 510 one for over 3 weeks and it is still working fine. The benefit is other than right after you fill, you are unlikely to get leaks or juice in your mouth and you don't need to add juice as often.

Try these - my fave so far and just have the single thick soft mouth-end cap (no inner seals)
Standard resistance Boge 510 soft-caps
510 Blank Cartomizers

I am also trying the standard SLB soft-caps but they do have an inner seal and the stuffing is messier with a less-defined center air channel. Seems to work ok so far but I wonder how the drag will hold up. Tastes good though.

I know cartos are an extra expense but at less than $2 each, if I can get a week out of most of them then they are worth the convenience. You can stick the flexible "carto condom" end covers on them and toss them in your pocket. Smaller than a juice bottle for bringing along some variety. I do still carry juice for refilling my all-day flavor cartos (2).

And if you like cartos, there are more exotic ones to try. Super long ones, clear ones and other reservoir ones that need a special syringe to fill, etc.

 

[loden813]

Cartos can be very flexable - I always have several filled with different flavors and strengths lying around closeby!

 

[StormFinch]

As to the horrible tasting juices, set them back and then try again later on. You're taste buds are currently burned out (literally) and won't recover for a while yet, not to mention the fact that some juices need some time to steep. Most of us have found that juices we didn't like in the beginning become something we do later on. Stow them in a dark cool place and revisit them in a month or two.

 

[Beachernaut]

Hmmmm.... I may have to try some cartos.

 

[Rosa]

Also, regarding yucky flavors:

I was able to salvage quite a few un-yummy flavors simply by mixing in a few drops of menthol flavoring. I was surprised by how many flavors go with menthol; cherry, apple, grape, chocolate, coffee, tobacco... etc. I never liked menthol cigarettes, but it's been a lifesaver for me now that I vape.

 

[Beachernaut]

I got my order from Freedomsmokes today. My previous juices had all been purchased from Electronicstix. Mostly because he's almost local to me, and looked to be easy to work with. I can't say enough how easy he has been to work with, and my 1 issue I had was an atty that was DOA. He replaced no questions asked. My biggest problem is that he only sells 10ml bottles of the juice that I like. I figured I'd give freedomsmokes a try since they have a little better selection, are a bit cheaper (not that Jason is expensive), and offer bigger bottles. My favorite flavor so far from Jason has been watermelon, and I got a 20ml bottle from Freedomsmokes. It's not quite the same, just a bit sweeter. It's still great so I'm happy.

I also got Orange, Green Apple, and Coffee juice. I've only tried the Orange, and haven't made up my mind yet. I'm using the same atty I used with the Watermelon, so I'm still waiting to get a pure orange taste. So far I don't like it as much as the watermelon, but it's not bad.

The order also included an aluminum drip tip, and some 3ml dropper bottles. The drip tip is nice. Its way easier than pulling the tip off to drip. The dropper bottles are convenient also. Now I can carry several different flavors without fear of running out of room in my case. I was not liking carrying around 10ml bottles.

Edit: Just tried the Green Apple. Wow, is it tasty.

 

[AttyPops]

Glad to hear the juice thing is getting better. I've had my share of rant posts too. lol. We can all relate. Remember, though, the most important part of you OP:

Ok, I've had my basic 510 for 3 weeks now, and haven't had a cigarette since the day I got it.

That's a lot of cigs avoided! Keep up the good work. Don't give up!

 

[Beachernaut]

Ok, a little update.
The Green Apple juice is great for a short period of time. Don't know why, but it gets old fast. I still like it, but will remember to keep it for short sessions every once in a while.

I got some blank cartos, and overfilled the first one right off the bat. I got that sorted and started using it. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I'm not geting much vapor, and kind of a dry drag on it. Maybe I'm just used to dripping, but it doesn't seem right.

 

[Jfbrks]

New lifestyle=New adventure. Check out this carto review. He has 248 or so vids that have helped me in the quick quest for K.I.S.S.
YouTube - GrimmGreen's Channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg5AC02Orb0&feature=channel_video_title

 

[swedishfish]

Ok, a little update.
The Green Apple juice is great for a short period of time. Don't know why, but it gets old fast. I still like it, but will remember to keep it for short sessions every once in a while.

I got some blank cartos, and overfilled the first one right off the bat. I got that sorted and started using it. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I'm not geting much vapor, and kind of a dry drag on it. Maybe I'm just used to dripping, but it doesn't seem right.

A freshly filled carto is better if it sits for a day.

I put in about 15 drops either by the condom method or by tilting the carto on an angle and slowly dripping some juice in. Then I shake it a few times like a thermometer. When that's absorbed, I put a few more drops in, shake and repeat. Then while the cap is still off I blow through the open end and put a tissue on the battery end so I don't get juice in my mouth. I think the blowing also might help redistribute a little of the juice. I'm not 100% sure of that but it seems to work.

If it's a dry drag, it sounds like there isn't enough juice down toward the battery end. But if you're saying you overfilled, maybe you put too much juice in at first and it wasn't all the way absorbed.

 

[PButter]

I could have written your post.... I admit, I still smoke 3-6 analogs a day because they are 'easier'.... and my e-cig needs me to switch the battery/ clean atomizer/ get tissue because i flooded it dripping/ etc/ etc. (I threw out the carts early on... carts must be a running joke)

Glad I read on through your post though... I was going to suggest a drip tip and the tiny 3ml bottles.

 

[Stosh]

Welcome to ECF and the wacky world of vaping. Congrats on quittting, and it sounds like you're well on your way up the learning curve. It does get easier as you gain experience, with smokes there was never a flavor to worry about, just ashtray flavor. I use an old hard side cigarette case to carry my 3mL bottles around, it holds 8 flavors, enough to get me thru most days.

 

[Rosa]

Sometimes it helps to just totally and completely throw yourself a curve ball.

Just recently I celebrated my one year vape-a-versary (yes, hooray me!) but at the same time I've been sort of feeling blah about vaping in general.... I've tried the 510, the eGo, cartos, carts, drip tip, tanks, clearomizers, LR atty's, the passthrough... it's all so fussy I started to miss the good ol' days when it was just a pack and a lighter and it worked every time.

So I bought myself a KR808D-1 AUTOMATIC BATTS (yes autos, despite all the warning, I just wanted to try them) and a PCC and a bunch of cartos from V4L. Very nice! Very much more like smoking again, no fussing around, no button, no juice... it was like taking a break from my full-time job of vaping.

I liked it so much that I just bought a second 808 kit (manuals this time because I know I'm going to kill the batts one day) and a crap ton of prefilled cartos and extra batts and another PCC. I just had to shake it up or it wasn't going to last.

Anyway, I'm happy again because I tried something new. There are tons of e-cigs out there and if you bought a new one every month you still wouldn't spend as much as you did on cigarettes (at least I don't), so why not have a little fun?