Semi new to vaping

[Merlin 9]

Tried it a few years ago (about 5) to cut back on smoking. Used the cigarette shaped models, a lot has changed. I have not done it in about 4 years as I developed dry mouth and dry eyes so bad I ended up in the hospital. Not SURE it was the vaping but that was the only thing that changed on my daily routine.

Anyway I am going to try again, though will be VERY careful to watch for any symptoms. My dry mouth and eyes ended up being semi permanent, not NEARLY as bad as it was back then but not what it was before the 5 years, ie normal.

Now questions, I bought an Alien 220 mod (it's not here yet, is on the way). Also ordered batteries (which may be fakes) and spare coils. First of all where is a good place to get reasonably priced "juice"? Better to buy premixed or mix your own? I like mint/menthol/cinnamon type flavors. Prices can be WILD, like $30 for 30-60 ml. Seems should be able to get 100ml for about $15-20 max, maybe less? Of course quality a concern. VG/PG food grade liquids are very cheap, no nicotine of course. I'd like a bit of nicotine I think so can help with the cutting back on cigs. Heck ANY tips would be appreciated, juice and anything else. I have read that some people think cinnamon flavors can be bad for your health, is that true, some sites I looked at discontinued cinnamon flavors permanently.

 

[Brewdawg1181]

Welcome back!
I can't help much with the flavors, because I only do tobacco, and diy juice. And there are SO many choices and opinions out there. If you have a local vape shop, I'd see what you could test, or buy very small samples. I know cinnamon can be bad for the health of polycarbonate tanks, but don't know if they're bad for your health. I don't believe that any flavor has been known to cause health problems.

But first, I'd get rid of the potential fake batteries, or confirm they're not fake. They could do far worse than just dry your eyes and mouth. And do a lot more $ in damage than you saved by buying inauthentic. I use IMR, but you should definitely get them from a reputable battery seller. I'm sure you'll get other vendor recommendations. And I've never owned any, but Smok doesn't have the best quality rep around here, so I'd also get a charger, and most definitely not charge in the mod. I only do that with a DNA chip mod, and even then, not unattended. Nitecore and Efest's LUC chargers are pretty well regarded. I use a Nitecore. Good luck! You'll find plenty of knowledgeable and helpful people here.

 

[Merlin 9]

I do a lot of charging so looked into chargers quite a bit. I use an OPUS BT-C3400. GREAT charger, charge, discharge, charge/test, even discharge refresh which runs 3 cycles and can restore some batteries that have been discharged too much. Gives a good reading of capacities too, I tested most of my batteries (a LOT) and was able to finally get rid of the bad ones. I always charge cylinder type batteries in an external charger. You might want to look into the OPUS if you do a lot of battery charging, I was going to get a Nitecore but after researching the OPUS seemed to be the way to go.

When you say Smok does not have the best rep here you mean the mods themselves? Or charging problems?

Cinnamon, it is said too much cinnamon CAN be bad for your health. If just consuming, candy, on/in your food whatever you'd never get enough to be detrimental. BUT vaping, that could be a different story since doing it constantly. May have to research that more.

Juices, seems to me if you are doing no nicotine buying the PG and VG liquids and just adding flavors would be WAY WAY cheaper than buying pre mixed. If you want some nicotine could buy VG/PG with nicotine and add flavors or buy premixed. Some premixed seems outrageously expensive though, considering what it in it..........

 

[Izan]

Hi and welcome,
How long have you been smoking and how many per day?
Where are you located?
Do you have a vape shop local to you?
Do you expect to be able to draw on/ use the "SMOK" like a cigarette? You will be disappointed, I fear.
It will be more similar to a hookah than a roll up.

Yes, mixing your own liquid is FAR cheaper than buying retail juice, however, IMO, If you are trying to stop smoking, fight one dragon at a time.

Cheers
I

 

[DeloresRose]

Can’t help with juice brands as I DIY. But I will say, I suffered from dry eye long before vaping. Although high pg juice still aggravates it for me. Those cigarette like vaped tend to be a higher pg. So that might be a thing to think about.

And if you do try a higher vg juice, you’ll want to use an appropriate tank for it.

I haven’t heard any van on cinnamon due to health concerns, and it’s still in a lot of flavors I use, and also most tanks are glass now, so I doubt you’ll have too much trouble finding that flavor in juice if that’s what you like.

 

[djsvapour]

Welcome to the ECF!

Juice prices are variable, it's true.

Mostly, I won't buy the expensive stuff on principle as I can DIY too.

As ever, avoid the nasty brand stores that call their juice 'premium' when it's dull as dishwater junk.

If a company specializes in e-liquid, it's likely to be better liquid i.m.o.

If they are a branded company selling lots of hardware and supply bulk-made liquid (like Apollo or Vaporfi or Blu) then avoid like the plague. Especially avoid V2... they wouldn't know good liquid if they'd vaped a million flavors. I hate them almost as much as I hate Vaporfi.

I reserve most of my antagonism for Blu. Blu are a greedy tobacco company trying (and succeeding, sadly) to play with the big boys who are genuine vaping companies.

Tobacco vape companies? No thank you.
Vape co's that rip people off on re-branded Chinese hardware... certainly also No thank you.

If you can find real reviews from real vapers for juice from a company that got into vape products for the movement as well as the money, give them a try first. Don't believe a word on the so-called 'independent' review sites... they would sell their own body parts for commission.

Interesting how Vaping 360 place their reviews for Vaporfi and Halo in among all the other reviews. They are usually the first to shove Halo and Vaporfi down people's throats for the $$$. Until these companies drop the price of their hardware to the normal prices, they are not welcome in the genuine community.

 

[Merlin 9]

Hi and welcome,
How long have you been smoking and how many per day?
Where are you located?
Do you have a vape shop local to you?
Do you expect to be able to draw on/ use the "SMOK" like a cigarette? You will be disappointed, I fear.
It will be more similar to a hookah than a roll up.

Ha, too long and too many Around Chicago, have not looked into vape shops but sure there must be plenty.

As for using as a cigarette, well, kind of. A family member had a "mod" and I saw the clouds, looked impressive. If I don't like using a mod I can try something more similar to a cigarette, any suggestions? I like the mod in theory since it uses replaceable batteries/coils and looks easy to fill. I'm "in" for under $100 total so far (the Alien 220 kit, 4 batteries, 15 spare coils and 100ml "juice".) All should be here next week. I want to use the mod to cut back on cigs at this point. Plus can use indoors without stinking up and staining everything (I no longer smoke indoors ANYWHERE)

 

[RigBick]

Ha, too long and too many Around Chicago, have not looked into vape shops but sure there must be plenty.

As for using as a cigarette, well, kind of. A family member had a "mod" and I saw the clouds, looked impressive. If I don't like using a mod I can try something more similar to a cigarette, any suggestions? I like the mod in theory since it uses replaceable batteries/coils and looks easy to fill. I'm "in" for under $100 total so far (the Alien 220 kit, 4 batteries, 15 spare coils and 100ml "juice".) All should be here next week. I want to use the mod to cut back on cigs at this point. Plus can use indoors without stinking up and staining everything (I no longer smoke indoors ANYWHERE)

Dude you got this. What you ordered should take you happily along your way to sub ohm vaping. yeah maybe smok doesn't have the greatest reputation. but to me it seems as good a starting point as any and everything to get and keep you going for a while for under a hundred bucks. Sounds like an awesome start. Most reputable brick and mortars we'll have a tasting bar. So take advantage of it and choose a flavor you like at a price you can tolerate. Also most will have a clearance section. Usually you can't taste those in advance however they are also very inexpensive. I have hit some great scores at my local shop. however as most clearance juices are discontinued if you find something you really like you may not be able to obtain it again. Anyway you're off to a great start good luck and welcome

 

[stols001]

Welcome stay hydrated, Vaping can be drying to the system (PG more than VG) and once your body adjusts and you stay extremely hydrated you should be fine and well if not, see a doctor. There are also products like eye drops and biotene type stuff that will help you produce saliva and etc.

I don't have much to say on juices other than I DIY I try to avoid unhealthy flavors and fortunately I don't like cinnamon but there are many places that will sell you juice certified free of certain things, so you may want to look into that if it's a worry.

Due to the dehydration effect it may well be that the high VG oriented setup is going to work better for you than what you tried before, and also well our bodies change and age all the time, what might be a problem at one point in you life may not be one now, so don't like rule out that possibility you may be pleasantly surprised. Etc.

Welcome.

Anna

 

[djsvapour]

Plus can use indoors without stinking up and staining everything (I no longer smoke indoors ANYWHERE)

I stopped smoking indoors 15 years before I quit smoking. It made such a difference once we had repainted the house and gradually changed all the furniture.

Just be aware, vaping over a long time (months not days) will leave a smell in your rooms. I used to say not and dismiss this but actually non-vapers can smell it quite easily and vapers are oblivious. In the winter, I will not vape indoors at all now except in the kitchen where there are no soft fabrics and, well.. cooking smells too.

If it's really cold, I will open a window, send my clouds outside and then shut the window. Not perfect but better than going outside in sub-zero temperatures.

Anyway.. staining is gone for ever and if you are wise you can stop the house smelling too. Vape away in front of the TV at night with the windows closed and don't say you weren't warned. I'll vape anywhere this time of the year with all the windows open.

 

[Baditude]

When you say Smok does not have the best rep here you mean the mods themselves?

Mods and coils for their tanks. Although some owners will argue that they have had no problems with their SMOK mods, I see more people having issues with them than any other manufacturer. SMOK coils have a reputation of being short-living, sometimes they are duds right out of the package.

Why is Smok so popular?

Cinnamon, it is said too much cinnamon CAN be bad for your health. If just consuming, candy, on/in your food whatever you'd never get enough to be detrimental. BUT vaping, that could be a different story since doing it constantly. May have to research that more.

This reminds me of a number of studies a few years back that warned that cinnamon flavors were dangerous. In response to those studies, several e-liquid manufacturers pulled their cinnamon flavors off of their list, but when the studies were rebuked as poorly done studies, the manufacturers added cinnamon back onto their lists.

E-cigarette flavourings damage the lungs - cinnamon vape juice ...
Cinnamon-Flavored E-Cigs May Bring Lung Dangers - WebMD
Scientists Identify 3 Very Toxic Vape Juice Flavors | Inverse
E-cigarette flavors found to be toxic - Medical News Today

Above studies are rebuked by experts



I personally vape Coffee Cake from Spring Vapor, which is a spicey cinnamon pastry roll flavor. I've not had any issues vaping this all day for over a year.

 

[BrotherBob]

Now questions,

Welcome and glad you joined.
The information below may help you to obtain a good foundation of vaping knowledge and may answer some of your questions.
Might like to read:
Learn About Vaping Here - Everything Ecigs - From Beginner To Advanced
Vaping and Inhaling: Everything You Need To Know
https://spinfuel.com/new-vapers-start/
ECigarette Academy: Essential Need to Know for New Vapers
http://guidetovaping.com/category/e-cig-beginner/
Vape 101: Here's Everything You Need to Know about Vaping
6 Quick & Useful Vaping Tips for Beginners
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...up-the-vaping-ladder-with-egos-and-mods.5058/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...nk-or-what-a-guide-to-juice-attachments.3230/

 

[Merlin 9]

So many great posts and great info, thanks to all. Great forum, I also searched for some more specific questions I have and found quite a few answers. I think I am set, looks like any other issues that come up I can find answers here too, wish I had found it before I placed my orders. However what I got should get me going, at least if the batteries end up being usable.

 

[Merlin 9]

Mods and coils for their tanks. Although some owners will argue that they have had no problems with their SMOK mods, I see more people having issues with them than any other manufacturer. SMOK coils have a reputation of being short-living, sometimes they are duds right out of the package.

I almost bought the G Priv 2? Which comes with a "Prince" tank? But I ruled that one out when I read reviews that the Prince tank coils wear out VERY quickly. Hopefully my "Baby 3ml" is better. Lot of these mods, 220, 230W etc. What is that good for really, all the coils available for my tank recommend like 40-80W I think.

 

[Merlin 9]

Anyway.. staining is gone for ever and if you are wise you can stop the house smelling too. Vape away in front of the TV at night with the windows closed and don't say you weren't warned. I'll vape anywhere this time of the year with all the windows open.

Well I usually smoke outside or in the garage. Could do that a good amount of the time with the vaping too, I am so used to it. But could do inside sometimes. Even if a bit of a "smell" cinnamon and mint smells good to me I stopped smoking inside when I moved, all my "stuff" was stained, looked at the walls with pictures removed etc, could see the difference, I mean REALLY bad.

 

[Glen Snyder]

Mods and coils for their tanks. Although some owners will argue that they have had no problems with their SMOK mods, I see more people having issues with them than any other manufacturer. SMOK coils have a reputation of being short-living, sometimes they are duds right out of the package.

Why is Smok so popular?


This reminds me of a number of studies a few years back that warned that cinnamon flavors were dangerous. In response to those studies, several e-liquid manufacturers pulled their cinnamon flavors off of their list, but when the studies were rebuked as poorly done studies, the manufacturers added cinnamon back onto their lists.

E-cigarette flavourings damage the lungs - cinnamon vape juice ...
Cinnamon-Flavored E-Cigs May Bring Lung Dangers - WebMD
Scientists Identify 3 Very Toxic Vape Juice Flavors | Inverse
E-cigarette flavors found to be toxic - Medical News Today

Above studies are rebuked by experts



I personally vape Coffee Cake from Spring Vapor, which is a spicey cinnamon pastry roll flavor. I've not had any issues vaping this all day for over a year.

WOW, you are awesome! When I started here over 5 years ago you were in the new members forum giving sound advice to us newbs. And you're still here doing it. Much respect.

 

[The Vaped Crusader]

DIY will always be cheaper and more flavorful but Vista Vapors has always provided me with plenty of e-juice porn along with ECBlends. I just scroll the site to gawk at the flavors and prices . . . because it is VAPE PORN I say!

Just get a syringe in mills and use an online calculator and start mixing. Go to Wallie World and get some Humco VG and get to mixing. No need for every using PG as distilled water works far better. Go to a Daiso store and get some of those Japanese devil's paint (make up) removal pads with the organic cotton and get to vaping on a RTA.

After you have done this go running in LA shouting you are a vape god and all will be fine in your world.

 

[Merlin 9]

Well I got the Alien 220. Have never used a "mod", 5 years ago used those stick type, shaped and looked like a cigarette. This mod, not sure if I am doing something wrong but I can't get it to work right. It has the "baby" 3 ml tank with .4ohm Q2 coil. Supposedly the Q2 should be used at 40-80 watts. Best is supposed to be 55-65 watts I think. BUT, no matter what setting I use (started with 40w, went as high as 50, then tried 30 and 20) when I push and hold the button I get a gurgling sound, almost sounds like something is burning. Little to no vapor, if I try to draw on it just like drawing on hot air, REALLY hot air. I prepped the coil with juice before using and let it sit quite awhile. Thought I might have a defective coil so put in a brand new one, same thing. What could be the problem? Kind of wish I had stuck with a pen/tube type at this point, or maybe I'm just unlucky or am doing something wrong.

 

[djsvapour]

What could be the problem? Kind of wish I had stuck with a pen/tube type at this point, or maybe I'm just unlucky or am doing something wrong.

Hmm. Hard to say. Personally I have little interest in Smok but the coils are usually quite good and play nicely when you work out the best watts. Never push them too hard and try to 'get good' at working out how much juice to prep' them with.

I don't believe in defective coils by the way. I call it 'user error' since I've not had a bad coil since February 2014. But maybe I am too much of a newbie.

edit... on re-reading, it just sounds flooded to me, or the mod is weak. Have you got good quality batteries in there?

 

[Merlin 9]

edit... on re-reading, it just sounds flooded to me, or the mod is weak. Have you got good quality batteries in there?

The batteries are good. Possible flooding as it has leaked. But I took it apart, wiped it off and reassembled. Everything snug but not over tightened. Perhaps an O ring problem? It came with a couple spares, maybe I should try one. Think I will look for a video on replacing o rings.