OK, what am I doing wrong?

[firewalker]

First, here is a list of my new purchases:

1) KGO Starter Kit w/ 1000mah 3.7v batteries (came with 2 attys and 6 cartridges)
1) Sampler of JC's Red Oak VG Smoke juice
2) Ego Vision Stardusts (old short wick verion) Standard (2.5-2.9ohm) resistance.
2) 2.5 ohm Debridged 510 Atomizers by Smoktech (for dripping)
1) Chrome Drip Tip

OK. I used the Smoktech attys to drip the different flavors of juice I got to try and find out which ones I liked (Island and Marcado). I got pretty good vapor with those attys. Then, I juiced up a couple of the carts that came with the KGO and they had pretty good vapor also, but didn't last very long before having to top the off.
So, I filled the two Stardusts with those two juices knowing they'd last much longer than the carts.

My problem is that the Stardusts don't produce anywhere near the vapor I got with the other two methods. What did I do wrong with the Stardusts that could cause such an extreme reduction in vapor quality.
The site I got the KGO from (sweetvapes.com) suggested the SR Stardusts. Should I have gotten the 2.1-2.4 LR Stardusts instead, or does it have something to do with the viscosity of the VG juice I'm using?

I'm at a loss, as I'd prefer something that will last a goodly amount of time, produce decent vapor with my KGO, but not have to be topped off constantly.

 

[Pappy]

I haven't used the Stardusts (either SR or LR) so I can't help you there. But I bought a few packs of the Smok-Tech XL 1.7ohm cartomizers and have been VERY happy with them. In fact, I just re-ordered a few packs from DarkCityVapors. They hold a lot of juice and produce a lot of vapor, and the draw is very easy. They are MUCH better than the cartos that came with my KGO kit.

Try them. I think you'll like them. If nothing else, it will give you a point of reference, and they're only about $7.00 for a 5-pack.

 

[X P3 Flight Engineer]

Star Dusts work best with a thin clear juice. The more VG the harder it is to wick. The wick also acts as a bit of a filter and it does clog up. It`s easily cleaned though.

Try a thinner juice if you have it. The LR are a little better for vapor and flavor. Also, the tanks are sealed and do not get enough air inside usually and the draw starts to tighten up. I open the top and let some air in and it is better for a few draws. You can loosen the top a half turn and leave it like that if you are going to be sitting in one place for a while. This is just a setup for disaster (of the small kind) if you forget to tighten it again before putting it in your pocket.

Relax, Enjoy!

 

[FisherPal]

I think you would have more vaping satisfaction with the LR Stardusts. I have the 2.0 ohm ones and I use them on my Ego 650 mah (3.4V approx) and they are okay on that but also have a Twist and use them at 3.7 - 4V and ... what a difference!

I learned a very valuable equation that has really helped me to determine what resistance atties/cartos to get with the voltage I am using to find out what the wattage output is. That equation is Voltage x Voltage / ohms = watts. A lot of people find their sweet spot at around 8 watts. In your case 3.7 x 3.7 / 2.7(average between range) = 5.07 watts. If you used the LR Stardust, that would then become 3.7 x 3.7 / 2.0 = 6.85 - a lot closer to that magical 8 watts (although your sweet spot may be lower or higher but around 8 seems to be good. At 4 V, you got 8 watts bang on.

Re the cartos, when I fill mine, I set the battery end on a piece of tissue paper and then start dripping into them. Drip 5 -6 drops and let it soak in and keep on going. When I notice that the juice is coming out the end onto the kleenex, that's when I stop. I'll do a quick blow into the kleenex to remove any excess, put the bottom cap back on and let it thoroughly soak for 30 minutes or so. That usually works. But yes ... you do have to keep them topped up and wet to maintain the flavor and vapor production.

Pretty decent starter kit you got there. Betcha it won't be long before you're looking to upgrade, But it's a good kit to get used to the mechanisms of vaping and to find those elusive few ADV juices.

Welcome to the forum and don't be afraid to ask questions. Gosh knows I sure did and still do! Always something new coming along!

 

[sailorman]

You could've gotten 2.9ohm Stardusts by the luck of the draw. In that case, you'd be vaping at 4.7 Watts as compared to the 5.5 you're probably be getting from the atty. Plus, the atty coil is likely to stay wetter than the Stardust coil when you're using VG juice. Combined, those two things will make a noticeable difference.

You need to make sure the Stardust is wicking good, which may be difficult with VG juice. Turn it upside down. Don't worry, it won't leak. See if that helps. If it does, just make sure you tilt it regularly to keep the coil wet. You could thin the juice with a little water, (10% or less), but be aware that it will dilute your nic and your flavoring.

Personally, I would've gotten the LR stardusts, but they shouldn't be working all that bad. I'd guess that the main problem is from the viscosity of the VG. Clearos just don't handle 100% VG all that well.