OK... I give in. I think I need help.

[DC2]

here is what I found so far ....happy reading.

If you find anything about the nicotine being no more addictive than caffeine, I would love to see that!

 

[dormouse]

Just checking - you are bringing the vapor into your mouth first and then inhaling?

And just as you can push the manual button in early to not waste time dragging before there is vapor, you can release the button before the end of your drag since there is already some vapor made in there. That will make the last vapor you pull into your mouth a bit cooler rather than the hottest vapor of the drag. So - press and about .5-1.5 seconds later start dragging...and about a second before the end of your drag, release the button

 

[Newbz]

Hi Mike, Welcome to ECF.

I have a similiar flavor profile and preferences to what you wrote in your OP. I have spent big time bucks and tried tons of flavors to try to escape that artificially sweet or chemically funky flavor in most e-liquids.

First, your equipment is key. I use a Riva510 from Liberty-Flights.com. The vapor is cooler than some devices and therefore doesn't pronounce that artificial sweetness as much as the higher voltage devices do. The second thing is to find a handful of juices that do a good job of fooling your brain into perceiving that the vapor tastes like something you like.

For me, coffee flavors are nice, straight forward, not too sweet vapes. I use the coffee blends from BackwoodsBrew.net. For whatever reason, the coffee mimics cigarettes better for me than the actual cigarette flavors out there. I also like Backwood's Malty flavor for the same reason. It's a super mild non sweet vape that produces tons of vapor no matter what device you use it in. Blast also kills a cigarette craving in a hurry.

I have recently sunk some money into ECOpure flavors from cignot.com.
These are described as tobacco flavors, but they are supposedly the inspiration from which my favorite vape, Backwood's Malty, was derived. They are supposed to be nice mild and nuetral flavors. I'm hopeful ECOpure won't have that chemical sweet so many others have.

Wish I could be more help, but I basically have 4 flavors that I even use and only one on a daily basis after purchasing more than 150 samples. Many of the flavors you buy ready to vape are going to be overly sweet if your tastebuds are sensitive to that kind of thing.

Of course, what works for me, may not for you. YMMV.

 

[loadedlen]

I'm new to vaping as well. So far, I have found that I like mostly PG juices. But it depends on the flavor. Example; I ordered some 18mg pear flavored juice (which tasted like a green apple jolly rancher) and it hit the back of my throat like a freight train. So I decided to cut it with VG. I added about 1ml to what was left of a 10ml bottle after filling one of my ego tanks. It was better, but left a wierd taste in my mouth. Then, since I didn't really like the pear juice, I used it as a base for some experimenting. I added some more unflavoured 36mg nicotine juice, a bit more VG, and about .5ml of PGA. Now it's a juice I actually like, but to be honest, I don't think I could duplicate it because I didn't keep track of anything other than the nicotine content (which right now is at 22mg)

Since I'm still trying to find exactly what works for me as well, and don't have many options due to Health Canada's nose being in my business, I found that the best thing for now is to have a few DIY materials on hand to try and doctor your juices a bit. USE A CALCULATOR OR ASK ONE OF THE EXPERTS before adding nicotine, or you could wind up with a real mess! My current preference is 24mg PG juice with a tobacco flavor and a hint of something sweet (caramel or honey), and I'll vape about 3 or 4ml of that in a day. Ideally I will find a Canadian supplier for a juice I can vape all day every day, order vast quantities of it and not have to think about it. But for now, still experimenting, and still not smoking.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

If you find anything about the nicotine being no more addictive than caffeine, I would love to see that!

this is what I was referring to
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ficial-spin-nicotine-more-addictive-than.html

 

[dreamrush]

here is what I found so far ....happy reading.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/search.php?searchid=3462771


http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ing-your-symptoms-while-adjusting-vaping.html

Sugar!! Thank you! Vaping definitely has not given me the rush that smoking does. This really may be why I'm not satisfied. Plus, I think I am also addicted to carbon monoxide. Ugh! Ok. I'm going to try to stick it out for a couple of more weeks. Maybe it's not as hopeless as I thought.

Thank you!

 

[swedishfish]

I'd recommed the juice from BWB or tobacco flavors from Vapor Station.

 

[cricket1176]

I have not been off analogs that long, but what made it easier for me is NOT having my brand of cig handy. Once I ran out of mine I didn't buy any more. If I just HAD to have one, I took one of my hubby's (which I couldn't stand even before I started vaping). I found I would take 2 or 3 drags and just put the nasty thing out.

Also, I think getting in the XL Fluxomizer from GotVapes helped. To me it hits more like an analog than the cart/atty that came with my Riva.

I smoke menthol, so I am not much help with the tobacco flavors, but DH smoke marl. lights and likes the USA's Favorite Blend from awesome vapor

Good luck & hang it there!

**Just out of curiosity...after you started vaping did your analogs start tasting gross?

 

[dormouse]

I agree with cricket on that. I did have cigarettes around in case of hardware emergency but they were not my old faves. They were cigarettes I never liked and I was only smoking them because they were cheap. If you want cigs around for emergencies consider getting rid of the ones you like and get some you do not like.

And I think any carto will be more like a cigarette than atty+cart. I would not go right to Floxomizers - they can crack and fall apart and you don't need that right now. Get some standard resistance Boge cartomizers (the ones that are not LR and not HV - I get them at LiteCigUSA.net).

Something else I did - get a totally spare battery so you can leave your ecig set up overnight. I use a 510 mega xl manul as my overnight battery (I would use them all the time but I have a nice PCC for the standard 510 manuals). Leaving it set up overnight gives you no excuse for grabbing a cigarette before bed or when you wake up. Also get those cartomizers. I was ready to kill some mornings when all I wanted were some nice drags and I had a atty+cart acting up and dumping juice or not wicking well.

 

[MikeB]

I'll be honest... I only expected to find maybe ONE OR TWO replies by the time I checked my thread tonight. I never dreamed of 28. This really is an amazing community and I want to thank you all! I have read each and every word from you all, and I have to say I am a little overwhelmed. I guess it is to be expected.

First of all, on the cough, I may be totally wrong (really), but I don't think the cough is coming from mucus or tar breakup due to cessation of smoking. First, I haven't really quit smoking, and second, I've smoked for a long time, and I know what coughing that up feels like. This doesn't feel like that. This isn't in the lungs or deep throat either. Its hard to describe -- its like the back of my through, around and behind the uvula, kind of... tickles? Its strange. I think this may be the throat hit everyone talks about, but I'm not sure. If I'm right, I need less TH, which means higher VG and lower nic, right? And maybe cooler vapor?

On the flavor, I am glad and sad all at once to learn that VG is sweeter than PG. I'm glad because at least that gives me something to try, and sad because more PG should increase TH, which I think might be causing the choke. The sweetness is really the worst part though, so maybe switching to higher PG (or all PG?) might help. Maybe 80pg/20vg? What about 100pg? Is that crazy talk? Also, I think I'll look into some of the flavor suggestions -- particularly DK-TAB, which was suggested more than once.

On the nic strength, I need to re-read the replys, but it seemed there was a sort-of consensus that I should increase from 12mg to maybe 18mg or 24mg strength. I found that 24mg really kicked when I vaped it. Crazy buzz. So I don't know if I want to go back to that, but I might could do 18mg. Bad thing is, that increasing the nic will increase the TH, which is something I don't want, right (see above)? So I'm not really sure what to do here.

Also, some of you mentioned cartomizers, and I'll be honest... I'm not really sure how those differ from a cart and atty. Isn't it basically the same, just constructed in one piece?

 

[MikeB]

I smoked a few puffs from an analog about one month into vaping and like you, I noticed no throat hit.(

Thanks for your reply, good ideas. I particularly like the part quoted here... REALLY glad to know I'm not the only one that feels that way.

 

[MikeB]

For the coughing I would suggest drinking more water, lower nicotine and/or higher VG content.
The problem is, it sounds like you need higher nicotine, and VG is much sweeter than PG.

As for strong earthy flavors, I recommend DK-TAB from Dekang.

That is the only tobacco flavor I have found that fits the description of what you're looking for.
If you want to try it out, you can get a 10ml bottle from Valley Vapor for $5.00, and about $2.00 shipping.

As far as nicotine strength, it sounds like you should try some 18mg juice.
And make sure you're drinking lots of water.

Thanks so much for the reply -- especially for including where to get it. That too has been a common problem for me. I figure out something I want... then I have to figure out where to get it!

 

[MikeB]

You don't like Desert Ship? Desert Ship isn't sweet to me at all at 70pg/30vg.

I know, its weird, right? Everyone seems to like it, but it just didn't hit the spot for me. Really though, I should retry it, because last I tried it I was flying high from vaping too much 24mg, and everything tasted and felt weird to be honest.

UPDATE: Ok, I gave Desert Ship another try. I blew out my atty until i was light-headed and no more liquid was coming out on the paper towel. Topped of the Cart, and give it a good 5-7min vape. Your're right. It's not as sweet as I remember and not as sweet as the Camtel. Still has a sweet undertone, but good flavor. ....the 24mg sample is still too strong. Big buzz. In a 12mg or 18mg strength with 80pg/20vg, it might do the trick. I'm going to try it again later. Think I'll also do the same with the Wyatt Earp.

I also like to add FreedomSmokeUSA Cocoa to add some muscle to tobacco juices. It is a barely sweet very very dark chocolate. If you have a tobacco juice that is too weak or too sweet, try some Cocoa with it.

Ask Don at Backwoods Brew what he has that isn't sweet but is strong and earthy. The Smoke flavor he has was not sweet to me but I also didn't find it very strong. And ask FreedomSmokeUSA too.

Good Idea

I should have read your whole message. You do not want stronger hit so I erased what was below.

Less hit, less nic

Try lower nic. Nicotine is a skin irritant. And it is pretty easy to overnic yourself. I started on 18mg and then lowered my nic, and I still overnic myself on 6mg! Try 12mg and even 6mg and see which you like. You won't be starving for nic. Remember 2 drags of 12 = 1 drag of 24. You could even go lower. Once you are OFF cigarettes totally and get comfortable with ecigs, then the 4000 chemicals in cigs will disappear from your system including the one that makes nicotine more addictive. Then I think you will find it not hard at all to drop your nicotine even further because the main loss for me was TH.

I agree. I really wonder if its the 4000 other chemicals that are keeping me coming back. Honestly the 12mg feels pretty good. I can vape it all day (and do), but I'm not satisfied with the total experience. Could be taste, or the 4000 chemicals I'm missing, or I need stronger nic, or heck... maybe I just miss using a lighter. I don't know.

And remember to smell the vapor. Do not go by the just the taste. Cigs cover you in smoke and you cannot help smell them. With ecigs you need to let your nose have vapor. Most of the flavor of ecigs is aroma, just like with foods.

GREAT point... just like smelling a scotch, brandy, or wine. Smell is a big part of taste. I'll keep this in mind.

And BTW VG is sweeter. PG is sweet too but VG is sweeter. If all of your juices seem sweet then try less VG along with the lower nicotine. Maybe 70pg/30vg?

And buy Boge standard resistance (not LR on slim 510) cartomizers and try those. So much nicer on 510 for me. You need to get at least 18 drops in them to start plus however many more drops it will absorb easily (I hold a bit of tissue against the threaded end hole while filling). Then clean it up (dry threaded end, blow into threaded end to clear air channel, sop up any loose juice above the stuffing) and let it lay on different sides for awhile to make sure every single bit of stuffing gets damp so you won't singe it. For 70/30 juices 15-20 minutes seems long enough. For thick juices it may take a lot longer. I only use cartos on my 510. My 510 atomizer is only used for dripping to try new juices. Cart and atty can give burned poly taste sometimes but cartos can be vaped longer without needing liquid - you just need to pay attention and if the vapor gets a bit light or a bit dry, add some liquid. I use a plastic drip tip as a mouthpiece on the carto so it's easy to remove to add a bit of liquid, cleanup, then put it back on the battery. if you run a carto too dry you will definitely cough with the scorched stuffing. You keep them damp then I can get at least a week out of a Boge carto.

Totally lost on that last part. Lol. Sorry. You did a good job. This is just all a bit to take in. On that though, I don't think my cough/throat/taste problem is a dry cart or atty. I read the guides and watched the vids. I top off constantly. My carts only will take another 1-2 drops before pooling when I refill them (and I do wait for them to settle, just to see if the pool goes away).

 

[MikeB]

I am so with you, Mike. I'm new to vaping also -- almost a month now. For some reason, I still can't seem to choose e-cig over analogs. I read all these success stories on ECF and was beginning to get discouraged. They all make it sound soooo easy. Then I see your post. What a relief! I'm not the only one having problems converting! Like you, I do like the flavors (mines are from V4L and Gourmet Vapor). And like you, I find all of them too sweet, with liquids at the 80PG/20VG ratio. I, too, like the earthy flavor. I've been smoking pack-a-day Marlboro Lights or Ultra Lights for over 25 years. I have been able to cut down to <10 a day. So, that's good news, I guess.

Anyhoo, I just wanted to let you know that I'm in the same boat and you're not alone.

Oh, and as always, the members on ECF are awesome! The comments on this thread are helpful and honest. Thanks, guys!

That is exactly what I needed to hear! It just nice to know that someone else out there is having a similar experience. Also, I too am smoking much less, around <10-15 a day, which is a big improvement from about 30 a day! So I still consider this e-cig thing a success even if I haven't quit completely yet. Any you're not kidding, these ECF members are awesome!

 

[MikeB]

here is what I found so far ....happy reading.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/search.php?searchid=3462771


http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ing-your-symptoms-while-adjusting-vaping.html


Here it is \http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/dvap/403-its-not-just-nicotine.html

Thanks for the links! Good reading.

 

[cricket1176]

Flavor: I have not shopped at Backwoods Brew or Kick Bass Vapor yet but from what I have seen If you were to write them and describe what flavor you are looking for I'm sure they could point you in the right direction...they seem to be two popular vendors here on the board.

Backwoods Brew
KickBassVapor E-Liquid

 

[MikeB]

Just checking - you are bringing the vapor into your mouth first and then inhaling?

Yes, but I've also tried dragging directly to the lungs. I've tried several "methods" really but nothing has felt quit right or prevented me from choking up yet.

And just as you can push the manual button in early to not waste time dragging before there is vapor, you can release the button before the end of your drag since there is already some vapor made in there. That will make the last vapor you pull into your mouth a bit cooler rather than the hottest vapor of the drag. So - press and about .5-1.5 seconds later start dragging...and about a second before the end of your drag, release the button

...But I haven't tried this. Neat idea. I'll give it a go.

 

[MikeB]

For me, coffee flavors are nice, straight forward, not too sweet vapes. I use the coffee blends from BackwoodsBrew.net. For whatever reason, the coffee mimics cigarettes better for me than the actual cigarette flavors out there.

Thast's really interesting. I've always thought coffee reminded me of cigarettes and vice versa. I think I'll try some coffee flavors. And thanks for the other suggestions... all very helpful

 

[MikeB]

To those that mentioned getting rid of cigarettes completely, or at least my brand... I totally understand your point... and it's a good one. However, I don't want to quit that bad just yet. I'll definitely follow your advice when I do, but I've only been at this two weeks, and I still want to see if I can wean back and switch to the ecig more naturally. I'm thinking if I can get the e-cig experience to be a bit better, I might actually decide to reach for the 510 more and more, and be able to cut down analogue use to just a few cigs, and then quit. I've already cut my use by roughly a third to a half. But if I can't start to resist them better, then they'll definitely have to go.

 

[FrontierADX]

I started vaping about a month ago with Blus (wow not even going to say anything) then decided that it wasn't for me and couldn't keep away from analogs, then came the 510 a week ago and for whatever reason i haven't picked up an analog since, the vapor is taking care of the cravings. I was told by a friend if you are having trouble with cravings to add Menthol, i have no idea why it worked but it worked for me and i hated methol cigarettes. Smoking sucks and i hope you can beat it entirely