Howdy.
Steve here, from Tampa. Totally new to the vaping thing. Originally smoked only cloves, until they were made illegal and the new "cigars" taste like crap.
For quite some time I considered vaping, with the biggest stumbling block being a clove blend that was comparable to Djarum Blacks. After reading several reviews (including at least one here, I think), I decided on the Clove e-liquid from DIY FlavorShack. The first time, I ordered their in-house blend, 0 nicotine (I don't need the nicotine, I just like the clove flavor a LOT), and the second time, I ordered the double-flavor PG 0 nic. Both times, I can say I am totally, one hundred percent satisfied with their product.
The e-cigs, on the other hand, were a freaken nightmare. So while I did my homework on the juice, I Failed Epically on the smokes. I started by going for a black unit with green LED. The first one I came across was at electronic-cigz.com, which, I found out later, was an auto battery 401. It took FOREVER to get here, so I went down to my local circle-K and picked up a Gamucci starter kit.
AFTER I started using it and noticing the battery issues, did I look into Gamucci batteries and noticed that MANY reviewers note their batteries as the weak spot. But by then I was hooked -- I like the convenience of the auto. On the other hand, I found out the hard way two things: 1) Autos don't like dripping, and 2) Mixing vape with water can have different effects. Detrimental ones when you do both on the same unit.
Oops.
So now I have one gamucci battery that no longer activates, and one that activates but doesn't De-activate until you BLOW into it (ostensibly resetting the barometric pressure switch in the battery). My buddy has had better results becuase he followed the directions...and I didn't.
So, it's my own fault, honestly.
Finally, the little black 401 got here (though it's labeled as a 402 on the box). Complete with empty carts I filled with the clove e-juice..and...
...well, it was a bit disappointing. I don't know if it's the PG e-juice (I used up the first bottle of DIY Clove in the Gamucci...I jumped in with both feet and vaped like a madman the first night), or the smaller unit...but it just doesn't seem to vape like the Gamucci. I've tried cleaning the atty in both HP and Alcohol, and while I DO get vape, it's not nearly the same...and as someone has already mentioned...it's like a kid whistling through a straw that is really annoying -- I'd no idea it would do that.
So, now I'm kinda torn.
I like the throat hit and vape of the Gamucci, but I hate the batteries and they're expensive. I like the 401 but it doesn't have the strong vape like the Gamucci.
Do I try to find compatible batteries for the Gamucci and enjoy the better vape, or do I go ahead and order an entirely new starter kit?
I have a friend who swears by her 501. Reviews I've read here tell me the Volcano L88B is the way to go, and that the 501 drinks its battery; Considering I'm cooped up in an ambulance for 13 hours straight, now destined to be parked on at least five different "smoke free" properties, I really need something ASAP. I like the Volcano/Blu option of the charger pack and the USB pass-through which I can use with the USB port on my computer like a deranged hookah, but the bottom line is cost.
Should I go ahead and order the Volcano, or is there something else out there that would be better for me? I can't keep spending a hundred bucks each time I'm dissatisfied with a product -- and to be honest, it's not the product's fault -- it's MINE...I like to monkey and tinker with stuff.
I noticed that several members on the forum have both a "tinker" vaper for their relaxation time and a "daily" vaper for their everyday needs. I could see going Volcano Magma (The 501) for my "tinker" and the L88B (The "Volcano") for my daily. I read the Blu reviews. I really did. I take them with a grain of salt, because my vaping needs aren't quite the same as many others and the product seems to be closer to what I really need.
Since I'm not jonesing for the nicotine, it's not CRITICAL that I have these immediately...but I DO like smoking and when there isn't much else left to do...it's nice to have my black smoke dangling from my mouth while I distribute nuggets of wisdom from my internetic pez-dispenser.
Ugh. Sorry for the wall of text. So much to say...and not a rhyme or reason to its format. Apologies.
But recommendations based upon my above stated needs would be nice.
And it's okay to tell me "YFU" on my purchases...I'm cool with that. Just give me alternatives that are cost effective.
Thanks in advance.
Steve here, from Tampa. Totally new to the vaping thing. Originally smoked only cloves, until they were made illegal and the new "cigars" taste like crap.
For quite some time I considered vaping, with the biggest stumbling block being a clove blend that was comparable to Djarum Blacks. After reading several reviews (including at least one here, I think), I decided on the Clove e-liquid from DIY FlavorShack. The first time, I ordered their in-house blend, 0 nicotine (I don't need the nicotine, I just like the clove flavor a LOT), and the second time, I ordered the double-flavor PG 0 nic. Both times, I can say I am totally, one hundred percent satisfied with their product.
The e-cigs, on the other hand, were a freaken nightmare. So while I did my homework on the juice, I Failed Epically on the smokes. I started by going for a black unit with green LED. The first one I came across was at electronic-cigz.com, which, I found out later, was an auto battery 401. It took FOREVER to get here, so I went down to my local circle-K and picked up a Gamucci starter kit.
AFTER I started using it and noticing the battery issues, did I look into Gamucci batteries and noticed that MANY reviewers note their batteries as the weak spot. But by then I was hooked -- I like the convenience of the auto. On the other hand, I found out the hard way two things: 1) Autos don't like dripping, and 2) Mixing vape with water can have different effects. Detrimental ones when you do both on the same unit.
Oops.
So now I have one gamucci battery that no longer activates, and one that activates but doesn't De-activate until you BLOW into it (ostensibly resetting the barometric pressure switch in the battery). My buddy has had better results becuase he followed the directions...and I didn't.
So, it's my own fault, honestly.
Finally, the little black 401 got here (though it's labeled as a 402 on the box). Complete with empty carts I filled with the clove e-juice..and...
...well, it was a bit disappointing. I don't know if it's the PG e-juice (I used up the first bottle of DIY Clove in the Gamucci...I jumped in with both feet and vaped like a madman the first night), or the smaller unit...but it just doesn't seem to vape like the Gamucci. I've tried cleaning the atty in both HP and Alcohol, and while I DO get vape, it's not nearly the same...and as someone has already mentioned...it's like a kid whistling through a straw that is really annoying -- I'd no idea it would do that.
So, now I'm kinda torn.
I like the throat hit and vape of the Gamucci, but I hate the batteries and they're expensive. I like the 401 but it doesn't have the strong vape like the Gamucci.
Do I try to find compatible batteries for the Gamucci and enjoy the better vape, or do I go ahead and order an entirely new starter kit?
I have a friend who swears by her 501. Reviews I've read here tell me the Volcano L88B is the way to go, and that the 501 drinks its battery; Considering I'm cooped up in an ambulance for 13 hours straight, now destined to be parked on at least five different "smoke free" properties, I really need something ASAP. I like the Volcano/Blu option of the charger pack and the USB pass-through which I can use with the USB port on my computer like a deranged hookah, but the bottom line is cost.
Should I go ahead and order the Volcano, or is there something else out there that would be better for me? I can't keep spending a hundred bucks each time I'm dissatisfied with a product -- and to be honest, it's not the product's fault -- it's MINE...I like to monkey and tinker with stuff.
I noticed that several members on the forum have both a "tinker" vaper for their relaxation time and a "daily" vaper for their everyday needs. I could see going Volcano Magma (The 501) for my "tinker" and the L88B (The "Volcano") for my daily. I read the Blu reviews. I really did. I take them with a grain of salt, because my vaping needs aren't quite the same as many others and the product seems to be closer to what I really need.
Since I'm not jonesing for the nicotine, it's not CRITICAL that I have these immediately...but I DO like smoking and when there isn't much else left to do...it's nice to have my black smoke dangling from my mouth while I distribute nuggets of wisdom from my internetic pez-dispenser.
Ugh. Sorry for the wall of text. So much to say...and not a rhyme or reason to its format. Apologies.
But recommendations based upon my above stated needs would be nice.
And it's okay to tell me "YFU" on my purchases...I'm cool with that. Just give me alternatives that are cost effective.
Thanks in advance.
As far as clove e liquid goes. You might like johnson creeks marcado blend. I personally find clove's disgusting, and thought the marcado was just as disgusting, so maybe you'll like it. 
