The Final Count Down -- Are You Ready?

[mikepetro]

Within 6 months of starting vaping I switched to DIY juice, simply because of the tremendous cost savings, AND lack of a local B&M. I was wasting so much money mail ordering juice - that I usually hated when I got it, so many tasted soapy to me. After some trial and error I figured out how to make vapable juice. After dialing it in even more I learned how to make juice that I really liked.

What I found, at least for me, is that less is more. My flavoring percentages on batches that I really liked tended to be far lower that what the DIY recipe folks were saying to use. Nuanced rather than in your face seemed to be my sweet spot.

 

[Doffy]

I'd bite the bullet and go unflavored. But. Does anyone think they're going to remove all the flavors that the food industry uses?

no

that's just what i interpreted what was being debated

menthol crystals have many uses too

 

[Bronze]

For me - and I'm at 18 mg/ml - when I go to a lower % I find I'm vaping constantly. Staying at 18 I vape about as often as I used to smoke, and, for me, that's what it's all about.

I was at 18 for many years. Scaled down to 15 about a year ago and so far it's working. Yes, it would be nice to go lower but doesn't make sense if it's counterproductive.

 

[gnees]

So...

If ALL flavours were banned, unflavoured was the only option...
Show of virtual hands who would go back to smoking?

That is the point, as I read it.

I vape unflavored now, sometimes put some menthol in. I know I will be able to find menthol crystals if and when.

So....

NO SMOKING!!

 

[susieqz]

a thread entitled
RECIPES FOR THOSE WHO HATE MIXING
might be helpful.
just some recipes having few ingredients.

mixers think mixing is a fun hobby, but not everyone does.
me, i think it's as fun as cleaning the bathroom.
let people see it doesn't have to be complicated,

 

[Rossum]

I have no motivation, nor desire, to reduce my nic. I am quite happy where I am at, and have been for 7 years.

Apparently I'm not highly motivated either. I was hoping to be able to get down to 10 or 12 at some point. Maybe eventually. But if I don't, I don't.

 

[gnees]

a thread entitled
RECIPES FOR THOSE WHO HATE MIXING
might be helpful.
just some recipes having few ingredients.

mixers think mixing is a fun hobby, but not everyone does.
me, i think it's as fun as cleaning the bathroom.
let people see it doesn't have to be complicated,

Here...
Recipes for Dummies​

 

[DavidOck]

Recipes for Dummies

has some

 

[classwife]

a thread entitled
RECIPES FOR THOSE WHO HATE MIXING
might be helpful.
just some recipes having few ingredients.

mixers think mixing is a fun hobby, but not everyone does.
me, i think it's as fun as cleaning the bathroom.
let people see it doesn't have to be complicated,

Here...
Recipes for Dummies​

Recipes for Dummies

has some

lol...yep
Recipes for Dummies

 

[Rossum]

If ALL flavours were banned, unflavoured was the only option...

I don't see how this would ever be the case. If push came to shove, we could always make some kind of flavor extracts ourselves. Plenty of NET people do that now. But the reality is flavors for baking and candy-making aren't going to disappear.

Show of virtual hands who would go back to smoking?

OK, as strictly a thought experiment: Oh hell no. I already vape more unflavored than anything else.

 

[Doffy]

a thread entitled
RECIPES FOR THOSE WHO HATE MIXING
might be helpful.
just some recipes having few ingredients.

mixers think mixing is a fun hobby, but not everyone does.
me, i think it's as fun as cleaning the bathroom.
let people see it doesn't have to be complicated,

I think there is DIY for dummies by papawbrett

 

[Nailz]

a thread entitled
RECIPES FOR THOSE WHO HATE MIXING
might be helpful.
just some recipes having few ingredients.

mixers think mixing is a fun hobby, but not everyone does.
me, i think it's as fun as cleaning the bathroom.
let people see it doesn't have to be complicated,

I am with you, I don't like mixing either, but the FDA forcing me to do it again, but this time I have been using 1 flavor shots, and even though still don't enjoy mixing, least made it easy and quick.

 

[Rossum]

I understand what you mean. My example is I bought over 500 bottles of commercial eliquid and most were piffed or poured down the drain. I am very picky. So decided it would be cheaper to make my own. I still only really like maybe 1 out of 10 or 15 that I make enough for ADV but it beats buying it premade and being disappointed. So I don't tell newbies it is a simple thing for everyone cause it isn't always. It is rewarding, though.

This was one of the big pluses of having B&Ms around -- being able to sample the juices they sold.

Technically, the FDA has forbidden that in the Deeming. The B&M I dealt with most in the past no longer has sampling setups on their bar for anyone to try, but if they know you, and you express interest in sampling juices that they have in stock, they will look around to see who's in the store and then hook you up.

 

[Nailz]

I am waiting for the summer heat to go down, then going to order a few gallons of nic, to hopefully last me for years to come.

I have plenty if mods and tanks, but still been picking up a few cheap mods/tanks to stock up.

So when the hammer comes down, I will be set for many years.

 

[Doffy]

This was one of the big pluses of having B&Ms around -- being able to sample the juices they sold.

Technically, the FDA has forbidden that in the Deeming. The B&M I dealt with most in the past no longer has sampling setups on their bar for anyone to try, but if they know you, and you express interest in sampling juices that they have in stock, they will look around to see who's in the store and then hook you up.

0mg drops to lick here in B & M

 

[FAAPOD]

Myself and SMT started a PM session with one of the new vapers who dropped in yesterday concerned about the deadline. He's two months into his journey and does not feel comfortable knowing all he needs to know before the deadline. So SMT and I are getting him going on gear and building so he's prepared.

I gave further thought about a separate gear thread. My fear is this: Every time a newb asks about gear he gets inundated with people who recommend THEIR favorite piece of gear. I termed it "dogpiling" in an earlier thread. We see it almost every time someone new hops on ECF and asks about an atomizer or a mod or whatever. Poor guy ends up more confused than when he went in. So many people telling him so many different things. The newb hasn't got a chance! So if we start a separate thread dedicated to gear for newbs I'm afraid it will end up being the same thing. Counterproductive. Newbs haven't got years. They have only months.

However, I am convinced SMT and I will have this new guy up to speed in plenty of time working thru PM. I have no doubt. We're off to a nice start. We will have him channeled in and he will progress swiftly with gear that will take him well beyond the deadline. I believe this is the very best approach for newbs...1-3 people working directly with the newb thru PM. It's possible a separate thread could be useful but it would operate more like a dating site. A newb shows up and we match him/her up with 1-3 experienced people (volunteers) and they go off on PM to give him/her their undivided attention. Maybe a lady hops on looking for help and would prefer working with other ladies instead of one of us manslobs. The thread could also be used as a guideline or course of action to get newbs up to speed (not gear recommendations, just action plans) But if it's like all other gear threads we will see dogpiling and make things worse for the newb.

I'm open to more thoughts.

I'll speak from the receiving end of this scenario, since I happen to be the newb in this situation. I think this mentoring approach that @Bronze has laid out here is perfect. Setting up a thread where newbs like me could be matched up with a couple experienced and thoughtful vapers would be amazing. It was overwhelming enough as a new vaper, with all of the gear choices out there, but then I stumbled into this thread and started reading about what is coming in May, and just about lost it. How the heck could I ever get schooled up enough and be able to make good choices in time? Bronze invited me into the PM conversation with @ShowMeTwice, and those guys really have gotten me off the ledge. First, they asked about how I'm vaping now, what have I found that I like and dislike, what does my budget look like for stockpiling, how I felt about my ability to handle rebuildables, and on - got a feel for where I'm at and where I would like to get. They didn't overload me with a bunch of options at all. Instead, they presented a few excellent options in each category of equipment and, most importantly, took the time to lay out for me in detail why each piece was suggested for stockpiling and taking me well into the future after the deadline. We've talked about pros and cons, they've posted videos and reviews and links to some very helpful threads here on ECF, and have introduced me to reputable vendors where I can begin to acquire the things that I'll need. A few short days ago I was overwhelmed and didn't have a clue where to start; today I am focused and have a real good feel for what I need to do to get ready. Bronze and SMT have spent a lot of time with me, and really have gone above and beyond. I am extremely grateful to them both.

I really hope that this idea takes off. I have benefitted greatly from this approach, and I am certain that other newbs would, as well.

 

[Zazie]

Dovpo Safe Links are out of stock at Vaporider, unfortunately. I found them at a couple of other places for more than three times the price, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if they turned out to be unavailable if I tried to order them. They are not listed on the Dovpo site.

I was able to get a bunch of these, at least.

 

[440BB]

So...

If ALL flavours were banned, unflavoured was the only option...
Show of virtual hands who would go back to smoking?

That is the point, as I read it.

As smokers we were looking for a way out, ANY way out of the death spiral. With most vapers using premixed flavored liquids that may be regulated off the market, it's time to get pragmatic.

In order to be prepared for the worst, I suggest those concerned about losing their preferred flavor switch to unflavored liquid for a week or two. It may not be as pleasant or satisfying, but it will let you know whether the flavor alone is going to decide whether you will return to smoking. If you end up moving back toward smoking, coming up with a Plan B is necessary. DIY with recipes or snus seem like good options.

For those who buy premixed liquids that are comfortable with unflavored, they can simply order a nic base mixed to their preference of pg/vg and nic concentration and just vape it. If they have an interest in flavoring it later, that is certainly doable. Bottom line, if necessary one should be prepared to vape unflavored before further restrictions. Current DIY folks are fine but in the minority. All the rest of the vaping community in the US are at risk of returning to smoking.

While DIY is a good option, stockpiling flavors and mixing equipment isn't really necessary to continue vaping. As long as one has access to nic, knowing they can handle unflavored if necessary is the first thing to establish. It's not a hobby for most vapers but it is certainly a life or death issue for many.

Perhaps we became spoiled by all the flavors and choices, deluding ourselves that we couldn't possibly continue this healthier lifestyle without them. I suspect there are only a few where this is genuinely the case.

 

[rosesense]

Dovpo Safe Links are out of stock at Vaporider, unfortunately. I found them at a couple of other places for more than three times the price, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if they turned out to be unavailable if I tried to order them. They are not listed on the Dovpo site.

I was able to get a bunch of these, at least.

A bit more expensive but I got one here:

Safe Link Mechanical Mod Safety Device

 

[hittman]

I don't see how this would ever be the case. If push came to shove, we could always make some kind of flavor extracts ourselves. Plenty of NET people do that now. But the reality is flavors for baking and candy-making aren't going to disappear.


OK, as strictly a thought experiment: Oh hell no. I already vape more unflavored than anything else.

I got some NETS that another member made themselves and the ones I tried so far are great. I have a lot of flavors that would last a long time but if for some reason I couldn’t get more then I’d probably learn to extract my own. I’ve heard of people doing that with coffee too.