PG vs VG, e-juice DIY mixing Opinions/Advice

[crunchytaco76]

So, I know the gist (I think) of PG vs VG-being that PG is supposed to carry flavor better and VG is more for vapor. I've been youtube-ing about mixing your own e-juice because it's supposed to be significantly cheaper and last much longer. I think I'm getting the basics on how you do it, but I was wondering if any of you felt like sharing your personal methods, where you purchase, how often you do it, your PG-VG-Nicotine-Flavor ratio, etc. and maybe some tips on how to get started with this. I just got the money I've been waiting for to purchase my first e-cig and the setup for it, so I'm trying to get everything laid out before I start making purchases.

Also, I'm getting mixed opinions for what I should get. Lots of people say skip the trial and error and get an ego twist because it's a good e-cig while still not being a complicated mess. On the other hand, lots of people talk about the provari, and while they say it's not what you should get as a beginner, I won't exactly have the money to make another purchase for a while, so this first ones going to have to really count, so If I have to I can just get that and figure it out with google, I'm not opposed to having do that sort of thing if I have to. If you could help me make a solid decision that would be really appreciated.

I'm new (if that hasn't been made apparent yet) so if there's already several of these floating around, don't eat my soul. I'm just trying to get some conclusive opinions.

 

[Shilo]

If you can afford the Provari I would get it. There are plenty of people who get that as a first mod and from what I've read its pretty easy to figure out.

For mixing your own juice there are a ton of stickies at the top of this forum with some really good info that you should read. I recommend reading as much of this forum as you have time for or can stand as it will help you down the road. I recommend Wizard Labs or RTS Vapes for nic solution but there others and you can find discussion about differences on the Nicotine Comparisions thread also in the DIY area. Ecigexpress or or onestopdiy are two good ones for flavors---there are plenty others including the nic sellers mentioned above.

Good luck on your diving into to all of it!

 

[Hoosier]

The ProVari is a rock solid, and proven tough, unit. I own two, but I cannot remember recommending one to someone just starting out. I do think it is a good deal when you factor in the durability, so the cost of lifetime is good, but it is an expensive unit. Like Shilo said, if you can afford one...

It seems you are a value conscious person instead of the more typical best price hunter. I respect that and I'm the same way. (My sister is the bargain hunter and I respect her as her skill level in bargain hunting seems to be at an Olympic level.)

Now, with that said, I have a mental block recommending DIY mixing to someone that hasn't established themselves as a vaper. Why? because, in my experience, everyone thinks they know what flavors they will like and the vast majority are completely wrong. This equates to a cash outlay in types of flavoring that have a high probability of never being used. Starting vaping has its own frustration factor. Starting mixing has its own frustration factor. I think combining the two frustration factors along with a high probability of thinking you will like some types of flavor and being wrong is a recipe for going back to inhaling burning tobacco.

There was not a mention of what type of heating unit you were planning on. I'm a dripper because I've never found a clearo, carto, tank, or whatnot, that works for me as well as dripping on an atty. That is another potential cash outlay that can be frustrating, finding the coil/wick combo that works for you. I say potential and really mean it as many folks grab a carto or clearo, in a nearly random manner, and find it works great for them. (As I type this I am using a rebuildable dripping atomizer, a Fatty v1 from Chris Creations, that I am borrowing from a friend as my current financial state does not allow me to purchase one for myself so I am very grateful to this friend.) The type of clearo, carto, or atty you use will also impact what PG/VG mix works best for you.

But if you want to go forward, I can give you a nearly foolproof recipe. Take 15% of Capella's Sweet Tangerine and mix it to your nicotine level in a 70/30 PG/VG ratio. For a 10ml bottle that is 1.5ml of Cap's S. Tangerine and 3ml of USP VG with the remaining PG nicotine solution and USP PG to add up to 10ml at the target nic level. It works in nearly everything and is a good taste with a very simple recipe. If it doesn't work then you can start investigating if it is not because of your sense of taste, your clearo, carto, or atty, your PG, your VG, your nicotine, your measuring equipment, or your voltage setting.

 

[hubseven]

To start I recommend a Reo Grand or Mini. It's a mechanical mod, tough and easy to use. Get LR atties or cartos to start. Wish I had done this I would have saved a lot of grief and money. Good Luck.

 

[mainevaper]

My only advice is to get a dripper for testing juices. Nothing worse than filling a 2+ ml tank with juice you just made, only to find out it sucks, and have to dump it all out, and clean your tank, and repeat till you get what you want.
For juices you already like, a vivi nova should do just fine... But if you can't purchase anything for a while after this initial purchase. I would also recommend either ordering a bunch of extra heads, or some bulk wick and wire. and learn how to rebuild them yourself. Its easy, and very cheap.

 

[crunchytaco76]

The ProVari is a rock solid, and proven tough, unit. I own two, but I cannot remember recommending one to someone just starting out. I do think it is a good deal when you factor in the durability, so the cost of lifetime is good, but it is an expensive unit. Like Shilo said, if you can afford one...

Jesus..I took a look at the provari and that's DEFINITELY a project for a later time XD no way I'm gonna be able to afford that.

 

[crunchytaco76]

My only advice is to get a dripper for testing juices. Nothing worse than filling a 2+ ml tank with juice you just made, only to find out it sucks, and have to dump it all out, and clean your tank, and repeat till you get what you want.
For juices you already like, a vivi nova should do just fine... But if you can't purchase anything for a while after this initial purchase. I would also recommend either ordering a bunch of extra heads, or some bulk wick and wire. and learn how to rebuild them yourself. Its easy, and very cheap.

I did have intentions of dripping to test flavors. Which brings up a question, which may sound stupid, but can you drip with all atomizers? Or do the atomizers have several different builds and only some of them work for dripping? As far as I was concerned they were all the same, with the exception of the tank system atomizers for the ego T/C's and whatnot.

 

[darkhood]

+1 Reo and dripping atty. My sig link has some suggestions for DIY, voltages, etc if you want/

 

[crunchytaco76]

+1 Reo and dripping atty. My sig link has some suggestions for DIY, voltages, etc if you want/

We keep meeting XD lol I posted this at the same time as the one like it in the new members forum. I'm getting ready to make my purchases just trying to find the best prices on some of the stuff. Kinda stuck on whether or not I should just pay for a vivi nova, or the cheaper redux clearomizers I've seen. Agh if only I still had my job this wouldn't be such a pain

 

[~Sue~Feb2012]

Hi crunchy
I use LR 510 atomizers for dripping and they've been working fine. Some are "no name" brands lol. Just sitting here at the pc dripping and tasting/vaping away.

I use ego-T tank A atomizer and cartridges on my 650 ego mah twist batteries to throw in my purse for running out and about. They don't break but they don't look that great, meh who cares how they look?

I use vision stardust clearomizers at home because if I throw them in my purse to take out, they tend to break. They hold 1.6 ml of liquid and last many months of cleaning and dryburning, until I crack one or break them (user error)

Good luck!

 

[Rin13]

Digital Cigz has a 5 pack of JoyeTech atomizers for $9.95. Free shipping over $10. I think they're amazing and I was referred by another member who has used one of them (nonstop) for a couple months with no issue. They are very well made.

 

[bigbells]

Although I devour with great interest the endless threads about different equipment, I am so happy with my initial choice of PV that I may well never try anything else even if I'm vaping for another 40 years, at which point I'd be 101 years old. I got an Apollo Superior eGo starter kit. Ego electronic cigarette Don't forget to type in the discount code March to get 19% off if you should happen to go that way.

For $18 plus $3 shipping you can this basic Ego kit which has a pass-through battery that will let you vape while you charge the battery. Rawr Vapor: Ego Basics Kit - eGos & Accessories - Hardware

In either case the kits contains EVERYTHING you need to start, although I'd get additional juice to make sure you don't run out before you can get more.

Dripping attys, cartos, mods, all very interesting but all I know is the one type of set-up that I've used in my short time as a vapist and I'm totally and completely happy with it.

Juice-testing can be done by putting a tiny drop in the middle of your palm and licking it off. Since I don't know any better, I find that to be completely accurate and acceptable. (Don't try it with the flavorings all by themselves! Mix them first with your other ingredients!)