I feel like you need an engineering degree just to be a successful vaper. I am good with the simplicity of the eGo twist. However, these tanks/clearomizers are giving me a run for my money. Love the flavor and vapor from the CE4's...just not the expense on continual replacement. Love the idea of just replacing the heads in tanks, so I have now tried the Vivi Nova, Vivi Nova Mini, and Kanger T3's. The Vivi Nova is just too large and awkward looking for me. The Vivi Mini goes through waaaaaaay too much juice to be cost effective. Both the Nova's and the T3 just don't seem to have the flavor I can get from the CE4. Not to mention that they all work fine out of the box, but after I wash and dry them, they never seem to work right again. I'm sure this is operator error, but I really don't want to get into the self rebuilding of making homemade coils and wicks. I haven't yet googled what "dry burning" is, but have seen many posters for it and against it. I took the advice that you can just rinse with hot water, sit it in everclear for a while, rinse again, and dry. Lots of people even said that drying wasn't necessary. I took that advice and ended up with lots of gurgling in my T3 followed by leakage through the mouthpiece when I turned it upside down to take it apart and investigate. (T3's are bottom coil, so you are SUPPOSED to turn them upside down). There is plenty of advice out there being offered, its just all Greek to me. Kind of like when my husband tries to explain how an engine works to me. I don't want to know HOW it works. I just want it TO work. Just venting out of frustration....
The learning curve is killing me...
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Boge carto for simplicity. Or Smoketech. Put in a carto tank- forget about it for a week or more. Fill it once a day. no cleaning or dryburning needed.
They sell Clearos that are reparable. You will see them listed most commonly as a CE5 but there are others. If you have a VV PV/APV you can dial in the amount of vapor. I like the Vivi because I like loads of vapor. But if you bring down the voltage some you can reduce the amount of vapor. More vapor means you burn through the fill more quickly. If you clean the rebuildable you can get more us out of it you can also replace the atty/head when it begins to get nasty or you can rebuild it. I take the heads off between fills and soak them in alcohol then wash them then dry burn the atty with out the tank on. To do it all you have to do is take the silicone thingie off the tip of the atty/head then looking down inside the atty using low voltage you can just push the button and keep doing it until you get to see all the coils with no blobs and a red not orange or white coils. I use low voltage and it takes several tries. Then I wash it one last time or blow it out.
I use mostly VG and lots of flavor and so they clog quicker than with higher PG juice. I hear that the higher PG juice has more flavor with less flavor added to the juice but I prefer VG. You may want to try changing your PG ratio if your not allergic.
Don't know anything about the T3's. OH one last thing the Clearos are made with polycarbonate plastic and are subject to melting with some juice the Vivi is more resistant to that and if you get the metal tank you don't have to worry about it.
Hope this helps there is a learning curve and I guess unless we spend a whole lot of time browsing the forum we are doomed to be victims of that curve. LOL
I use mostly VG and lots of flavor and so they clog quicker than with higher PG juice. I hear that the higher PG juice has more flavor with less flavor added to the juice but I prefer VG. You may want to try changing your PG ratio if your not allergic.
Don't know anything about the T3's. OH one last thing the Clearos are made with polycarbonate plastic and are subject to melting with some juice the Vivi is more resistant to that and if you get the metal tank you don't have to worry about it.
Hope this helps there is a learning curve and I guess unless we spend a whole lot of time browsing the forum we are doomed to be victims of that curve. LOL
Oh on the vivi there is a wrong way to put the silicone thingie back on. Funnels side up flat side down.
Sorry to read that you are having such a frustrating time. The Vivi Nova 3.5 tank and the Vivi Nova Mini don't leak at all under normal circumstances. Assuming that you have in front of you all the parts of a recently cleaned "mini" you will have 1 each of drip tip, metal top cap, small "rubbery" post cap with a metal insert, the post connected to the bottom knurled metal bottom and the plastic tank.
Make sure everything is dry.
Put the post cap on the post making sure that the flat side faces down the funnel side is facing up. Push down gently being sure that the post cap sits snugly atop the post and covers the post slots snugly. Holding the bottom of the mini take the plastic tank and lower it over the post with the wicks and screw them together making sure not to strip the threads on the tank and also do not overtighten. Next, put the top cap on the top of the tank again making sure not to strip the plastic threads and tighten but not so tight as to squash the o-ring. Place the drip tip in the top metal cap and fill with ejuice. Juice should not be filled to where the wicks exit the post cap. Now let your filled mini sit for about 20 minutes to be sure the wicks are saturated. You should be good to go.
Make sure everything is dry.
Put the post cap on the post making sure that the flat side faces down the funnel side is facing up. Push down gently being sure that the post cap sits snugly atop the post and covers the post slots snugly. Holding the bottom of the mini take the plastic tank and lower it over the post with the wicks and screw them together making sure not to strip the threads on the tank and also do not overtighten. Next, put the top cap on the top of the tank again making sure not to strip the plastic threads and tighten but not so tight as to squash the o-ring. Place the drip tip in the top metal cap and fill with ejuice. Juice should not be filled to where the wicks exit the post cap. Now let your filled mini sit for about 20 minutes to be sure the wicks are saturated. You should be good to go.
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Actually the cigarettes are killing you......hang in there, its a lot of information to process but it gets easier is worth a little trial and error
I completely empathize with you. Lots of trial and error in the beginning and tons of things to try. It requires discipline to not be lured into too many promises. The limitations are both from us the users and the various devices and e juice types flavors. ECF is a busy site and if you like to read there are a lot of resources here that will help clear up at least some things. Have you explored the whole site? it's been said our world has evolved in to a " learning new things" on regular basis. We can no longer sit in a comfort zone of being right as much any more. Used to be called information overload but it's just learning all the time compared to in the past.
How I keep it simple. I committed to Pyrex or glass tanks and a variety of tips 510 connections. 35 and 45 mm length SS replacement cartos that are LR because I like warm vapes. I transfer my juice to brown glass with droppers and I always wait two weeks before vaping a newly purchased juice just in case it needs steeping and store it as recommended. In dark place. The battery is what I am not committed to yet. LR low resistance seems to be causing me some battery disappointments. I do have variable volt so I have the option because not all carto ohms are exact or consistent. Also, the way the cartomizer is filled with batting to soak up juice is very important after all.cartos and batteries are the complicated part so can't help ya there
How I keep it simple. I committed to Pyrex or glass tanks and a variety of tips 510 connections. 35 and 45 mm length SS replacement cartos that are LR because I like warm vapes. I transfer my juice to brown glass with droppers and I always wait two weeks before vaping a newly purchased juice just in case it needs steeping and store it as recommended. In dark place. The battery is what I am not committed to yet. LR low resistance seems to be causing me some battery disappointments. I do have variable volt so I have the option because not all carto ohms are exact or consistent. Also, the way the cartomizer is filled with batting to soak up juice is very important after all.cartos and batteries are the complicated part so can't help ya there
Greek, Greek, Greek. lol.
I haven't tried carto's yet. So, anything to do with them sounds foreign to me. Once I read about hole punching, finding the right number of holes, etc. I got intimidated.
I have cleaned my larger nova tank. It then continued to leak into the battery even thought everything was nice and tight...maybe too tight. Then I read something about pins being pushed...Greek...Greek...Greek.
I haven't cleaned my mini nova yet since it is still new. However, my main complaint there is lack of flavor and the insane amount of juice it goes through...even at low voltages. Who can afford that kind of juice habit? I used to wonder about people that said they went though 5+ ml per day. Now I know how. No more satisfaction...just less juice.
I just got the T3's yesterday. They are the ones giving me grief. I like them because they go through less juice. However, they also have much less flavor, and are very "airy". I have read about covering an air hole. That just leads me to a burnt juice flavor. Not to mention the difficulty I had after cleaning. Lost an entire sample bottle of AiV juice before it was said and done. Not happy about that at all. I really wanted to enjoy not eating that cupcake. ;-)
Faylool- I agree with you completely. The learning is difficult. Especially when the things people are commonly referring to are things you don't even have a general idea about. And then there are all of the internet abbreviations. I know what LR is. I have no idea what 35 and 45mm length ss replacement cartos are. I really don't know much about cartos at all. Just a very vague idea of the concept. I don't mind learning, but the trail and error of this lifestyle change has quickly cost me more than what I was smoking. Between supplying my husband and myself with eGo Twist batteries, back up batteries, wall chargers, usb chargers, disposable tanks, cases, Vivi Nova tanks, Mini Nova tanks, T3 tanks, replaceable coils, etc...I have broken the bank. We won't even begin to talk the several HUNDRED dollars I have spent on all of those yummy juices I want to try. Better stock up now. They need time to steep you know.
If I spend any more money, my husband may just kill me in my sleep. And...I still haven't found a tank system I am satisfied with. I guess the search is endless. At least going by everyone on ECF that is still searching looking to buy something "better."
I am quite sure that the answer to real success is some combination of saving money by rebuilding coils/wicks yourself. I have always been terrible with hands on things, whether it is woodworking, mechanics, or anything else. It just isn't an area my talent shines. Add in little bitty pieces, and I am soooo out. My husband is great with those things, but this whole things hasn't peaked his interest. He happily uses whatever new toy I bring home in regards to esmoking, and makes the best of it. Kind of like dinner. Whatever is on the stove is good enough for him. He instantly understood the mechanics of how everything works. I still don't have a clue. I just try to follow the advice and get by. Mechanics have never made any sort of sense to me. I am sure it is quite simple. It is just lost on me. Battery, coil, wick, juice, vapor, mouthpiece. I get the concept. I just get overwhelmed and lost in the details.
I haven't tried carto's yet. So, anything to do with them sounds foreign to me. Once I read about hole punching, finding the right number of holes, etc. I got intimidated.
I have cleaned my larger nova tank. It then continued to leak into the battery even thought everything was nice and tight...maybe too tight. Then I read something about pins being pushed...Greek...Greek...Greek.
I haven't cleaned my mini nova yet since it is still new. However, my main complaint there is lack of flavor and the insane amount of juice it goes through...even at low voltages. Who can afford that kind of juice habit? I used to wonder about people that said they went though 5+ ml per day. Now I know how. No more satisfaction...just less juice.
I just got the T3's yesterday. They are the ones giving me grief. I like them because they go through less juice. However, they also have much less flavor, and are very "airy". I have read about covering an air hole. That just leads me to a burnt juice flavor. Not to mention the difficulty I had after cleaning. Lost an entire sample bottle of AiV juice before it was said and done. Not happy about that at all. I really wanted to enjoy not eating that cupcake. ;-)
Faylool- I agree with you completely. The learning is difficult. Especially when the things people are commonly referring to are things you don't even have a general idea about. And then there are all of the internet abbreviations. I know what LR is. I have no idea what 35 and 45mm length ss replacement cartos are. I really don't know much about cartos at all. Just a very vague idea of the concept. I don't mind learning, but the trail and error of this lifestyle change has quickly cost me more than what I was smoking. Between supplying my husband and myself with eGo Twist batteries, back up batteries, wall chargers, usb chargers, disposable tanks, cases, Vivi Nova tanks, Mini Nova tanks, T3 tanks, replaceable coils, etc...I have broken the bank. We won't even begin to talk the several HUNDRED dollars I have spent on all of those yummy juices I want to try. Better stock up now. They need time to steep you know.
If I spend any more money, my husband may just kill me in my sleep. And...I still haven't found a tank system I am satisfied with. I guess the search is endless. At least going by everyone on ECF that is still searching looking to buy something "better." I am quite sure that the answer to real success is some combination of saving money by rebuilding coils/wicks yourself. I have always been terrible with hands on things, whether it is woodworking, mechanics, or anything else. It just isn't an area my talent shines. Add in little bitty pieces, and I am soooo out. My husband is great with those things, but this whole things hasn't peaked his interest. He happily uses whatever new toy I bring home in regards to esmoking, and makes the best of it. Kind of like dinner. Whatever is on the stove is good enough for him. He instantly understood the mechanics of how everything works. I still don't have a clue. I just try to follow the advice and get by. Mechanics have never made any sort of sense to me. I am sure it is quite simple. It is just lost on me. Battery, coil, wick, juice, vapor, mouthpiece. I get the concept. I just get overwhelmed and lost in the details.
Stick with it!
I have learned so much (and feel so much better!) from tinkering/frustration, Now I build mods, and repair atties without ever having soldered before, or knowing anything about electronics; and mix my own juices to boot!
There is nothing like a good vape on a mod you made, with an atty you repaired with a juice you yourself mixed!
Not saying that you have to become as obsessed as me or others (you know you're out there- Vapor Freaks!), but don't give up!
Smoking may be easier but breathing is better!
I have learned so much (and feel so much better!) from tinkering/frustration, Now I build mods, and repair atties without ever having soldered before, or knowing anything about electronics; and mix my own juices to boot!
There is nothing like a good vape on a mod you made, with an atty you repaired with a juice you yourself mixed!
Not saying that you have to become as obsessed as me or others (you know you're out there- Vapor Freaks!), but don't give up!
Smoking may be easier but breathing is better!
There are a few brick and mortar vape stores within and around OKC - perhaps you would be willing to take the equipment you are having so much trouble with with you to visit one of them. I'm sure the proprieter would be happy to do a hands-on demo for you so you can not have your eyes glaze over when folks are using "vape language" to explain things.
I don't know why people have such a hard time with the vivi nova. If you buy from a good supplier and get a good battery you should have no problems. Looks are secondary, the important question is will it keep me off cigs. Good advice is given here constantly but people don't take it. They want this or that depending on the looks. You see the results. It takes a bit of time to read through the threads and learn.
Trial and error is what it's all about. With an analog all you have to do is set fire to it and it works. I promise that once you find something you like, you will never look back. No one person can tell you what is right or what is wrong. It's all a matter of personal prefrence. That's what makes the world go round. That's why there are thousands of flavors and different delivery systems, and PV's. Just hang in there. It takes time to figure everything out. Or if you lucky you'll have a dream and all the answers will come to you. (Good luck with that one). Stay strong and ask for advice when you need it. That's why we are all here is to help each other.
Kd did lets take it slow and 1 thing at a time. You mentioned you like the CE4 but not the cost of replacement. If that is true you actually want a CE5 where you can replace the head just as you can on a Nova. If you are getting your CE4 from the local Vapor shops around Oklahoma City tell them you want the "rebuildable" kind and not the throw away.
Here is a link to them only so you can see the price etc:
DV CE5 Clearomizer - Rebuildable
There are many many shops online that sell the same item, the above is only an example. Go get yourself a CE5 and a replacement head or two. Put your CE4/T3/Nova in a shoe box for a while.
Clean your CE5 every time you empty the tank. Take it apart into its 4 piece, run them under Hot Water. You can even get a coffee cup full of Hot Water and let them soak a bit. Lay them out on a paper towel over night and just screw them back together in the morning, add juice and enjoy. If possible rotate 2 of them so you use one every other day.
Come back here and let us know how the CE5 works out. The Social Group - OK should give you a listing of Vapor Stores in the area:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/okie-vapers/187070-favorite-local-suppliers.html
Good Luck
this. people wonder why i recommend a fixed voltage device with cartomizers for beginners....the OP basically summarizes the epitome of just why i do that.
I feel ya...my last analog was a month in half a go....lots of figuring the ins and out is slowly becoming habit ,just like smoking had habits that we didn't think twice about! But it does seem like when one thing goes wrong , they all go wrong!! Hang in there! Your not alone! I switched to the ce5 ...it's cheaper! I boil mine for about two minutes ( take the plastic tip off) pat and air dry for a couple of hours....good to go for a few more rounds of vaping /cleaning....
Blowing off always helps me feel better too!!!!
Blowing off always helps me feel better too!!!!
Keep at it. 2 weeks in and I'm already into rebuilding my own ss wick for a mini nova. I always have my ego-c starter kit as a back up. It is information overload but as many have said - anything that keeps you off analog is a victory. Having said that, I did have one or two analogs during the time when I was playing around with my vivi nova. Don't give up!
I'm new too.. started with prosmoke little cig-a-likes. This did not get me away from ciggs.
I did quite a bit of reading and asking and finally settled on the volt and 2x from smokeless image with their nano thingee to hold juice. So far - I have no leaks or problems with the nanos - yes they are disposable items but they're 2.99 I think and mine anyway are into their 3rd week. (there is a rotation going on for flavors for me) Hubby only has 2.. one for each battery - refills as necessary.. no problems.
It's darn simple. screw the top off the nano.. juice it up.. screw the top back on.. screw the nano to the battery.. *poof* done! I even took the simple no button route. Automatic battery
We did get an interm kit - the E Cab with a manual battery.
Neither of us like the button operation at all.
it is now the backup - just in case appliance.
I did quite a bit of reading and asking and finally settled on the volt and 2x from smokeless image with their nano thingee to hold juice. So far - I have no leaks or problems with the nanos - yes they are disposable items but they're 2.99 I think and mine anyway are into their 3rd week. (there is a rotation going on for flavors for me) Hubby only has 2.. one for each battery - refills as necessary.. no problems.
It's darn simple. screw the top off the nano.. juice it up.. screw the top back on.. screw the nano to the battery.. *poof* done! I even took the simple no button route. Automatic battery
We did get an interm kit - the E Cab with a manual battery.
Neither of us like the button operation at all.
it is now the backup - just in case appliance.
Take a deep breathe, if you have a local vendor I would suggest visiting them if they are knowledge and can see if there is an error pattern are in the habit of performing.
Hang in there, you can do it! The biggest problem I had starting out was just figuring out what it was that I wanted...
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