Vaping Crisis :/

[wolverineLEX]

Hey everyone. You might remember my introductory post from not too long ago.

If not, in short I have been vaping for a little over a month. So far I have only invested in cheap gas station disposables and my main set up is an unbranded ego T with a Kanger T2 clearo. Today, I smoked four cigarettes. I have slipped up before but didn't actually enjoy it, but today I did. Those cigs really filled a void that vaping apparently has not replaced yet. Now, I am so worried that I will sink back into smoking...

I have already invested quite a bit of money into clearos that continue to disappoint me. A T3S gave me an airy, flavorless draw. An EVOD that I just purchased initially gave me a great vape, but has already become unreliable in flavor. Tastes plastic-y at times. I mainly use a T2, which is good for the most part but I still feel like I am missing something. Could it be my e juice? Notably I haven't bought a wide variety of e juices, mostly in fear of wasting money on something I won't like, and I've been sticking to flavors that I know I already enjoy. I cannot for the life of me find a good tobacco flavor in any local head shops and I know I would love something that could remind me of a Camel.

My point here is just to ask if I am assuming too quickly that vaping won't keep me satisfied. But how much money do I have to continue to invest? What can I get that will give me the same experience every time? What can I get to really blow smoking away and help me never look back? I don't want to give up on this. I have enjoyed vaping tremendlously at times, but I am afraid I will always be chasing something better than I won't be able to achieve. Any insight/support is appreciated!!

 

[Steamix]

Try iclear16.

One of the few things where size can be deceiving

They're smallish, but have dual coils and produce a surprising amount of dense vapor with good flavour.

IMO best value for money in that price range. Setback is that iclear16 is a liquid hog.

Set up some buddies of mine when they asked for advice or to order starter kit for them - all of 'em merrily vaping away and bumming my liquids

Still don't regret recommending them . DIY, so I can live with the drain on my stash

 

[Steamix]

Look for liquid called 'desert ship'. Due to trademarking they can't call it outright C.... without getting their behinds kicked from the trademark owners legal department...

 

[TheReign]

Well, you might want to consider getting a VV/VW device to satisfy your needs. I had the same problem when i started a while back with eGo styles, I just wasn't satisfied too much to commit fully. Quit vaping then started back with the SVD I now have an As soon as i took a vape off it I instantly new I didn't want another Stinky stick. You might find that most tobacco Juices aren't really what your going to want, That was my thing. I like alot of fruity juices for my taste buds. It comes down to the pgvg ratio and flavors that you like.

Get some Pyrex glass tanks like the Kanger PT2 with an Aerobase or just the Aerotank. Glass will have a better flavor than plastic style tanks. I'm pretty sure theres a site somewhere that has good tobacco flavors i just can't remember what it is..

 

[omyeyes]

Hang in there wolverineLEX!!! You're going to run into some potholes along the way but it's going to be well worth it in the long run. One huge plus, HEALTH!!! I agree with the above post from Steamix, iClear 16's would be the way to go at this point.

 

[Huckleberried]

My boyfriend smoked Camel. He really enjoys Halo Turkish. Actually, I hear/read a lot of people liking their tobacco flavors. Check it out, don't give up. Definitely get a better clearo. You're gonna be hard pressed to find an actual burning cigarette taste. Halo Tobacco Flavors You could always try a sampler.

I prefer the flavor that I get from Pyrex clearos. The ones I have are all bottom coil. Protank 2, protank mini (made by Kanger), Aro 2 (by Smoktech). You get fewer, way fewer, burnt hits with a bottom coil.

 

[natewesselink]

ya id definately do an upgrade. your going to get alot better vape experience out of a variable voltage device and a pyrex tank. id go with a twist battery or winder and either a mini protank or a smoktech aro pyrex tank. the plastic taste is probably your juice reacting with the plastic tank that you have, moving to a pyrex tank will fix that.

 

[wolverineLEX]

Thanks for the quick replies! I've been looking at the iClear 16s, just haven't had my hands on one yet. I will give anything a try though! They are still top coil correct? I do enjoy a warmer vape.

And I will look into different tobacco flavors. Tonight I was smoking Perique blend American Spirits and really liked them, sadly, so maybe a juice can mimic that. Halo is always a vendor that I've only heard good things about though. A sample pack is a good suggestion, thank you!

But should I move to a different device entirely? I was thinking about trying a Spinner but I just wonder if I could save myself a lot by pulling the trigger on a Mod.

 

[JoeDerty]

I find the problem being the hardest part of vaping is finding that one juice that will keep you away from cigs! Mine Is AVE Boba's Bounty. If your not getting the hard hit on the back of your throat up the PG level if your not getting enough vapor Get a higher VG! Good luck hope you find what keeps you vaping!!!

 

[klynnn]

A variable voltage battery as a starter is all I recommend any more. Get good equipment from the getgo. It seems expensive but in the long run will save. If you have a problem with airy draws try a vivi nova by vision only. Not all novas are created equal. It is older equip but for me it works. Spend the money and try several types right off the bat, bottom coil and top coil to find what works best for you. It is all preference and we are diff in that respect

 

[dripdaze]

What is the nicotine level of the juices you are trying? I used to smoke camels and I used 24mg/ml when I started. I never missed the cigs. in the least.

 

[Rickajho]

Hi

You have to branch out. If you have been buying disposables that really isn't a fair cost comparison here as most disposables are really really expensive for what little vape time you get out of them. And a blister pack $14.99 carto/clearo - not great stuff there either.

For the cost of one disposable you could buy a cheap carto tank setup. Like this one for example: GP 510 Dual Coil Cartomizer TANK 3ml and 6ml

It will be a different experience that a clearo. Most people report they get more flavor from a carto. And usually the draw won't be as airy as on something like a T3s. Ten bucks is all it takes to try a completely different experience.

The other problem you have that's already been pointed out is you have a fixed voltage battery. A variable voltage battery allows you to tweak the voltage to best suit the resistance of the device you have attached to it, and different liquids taste different - for better or for worse - at different voltages. The only way you can manipulate things right now is to change the resistance of your clearo to best suit the fixed voltage of the battery - which is a lot harder to do and more expensive to find out.

You can sort this out. Both the blessing and the curse of vaping is the flexibility and all the options. If find you don't care for a CE2 the first time - and it isn't any better the sixth time - it's time to move on and try something else.

 

[CreepyLady]

Hi

You have to branch out. If you have been buying disposables that really isn't a fair cost comparison here as most disposables are really really expensive for what little vape time you get out of them. And a blister pack $14.99 carto/clearo - not great stuff there either.

For the cost of one disposable you could buy a cheap carto tank setup. Like this one for example: GP 510 Dual Coil Cartomizer TANK 3ml and 6ml

It will be a different experience that a clearo. Most people report they get more flavor from a carto. And usually the draw won't be as airy as on something like a T3s. Ten bucks is all it takes to try a completely different experience.

The other problem you have that's already been pointed out is you have a fixed voltage battery. A variable voltage battery allows you to tweak the voltage to best suit the resistance of the device you have attached to it, and different liquids taste different - for better or for worse - at different voltages. The only way you can manipulate things right now is to change the resistance of your clearo to best suit the fixed voltage of the battery - which is a lot harder to do and more expensive to find out.

You can sort this out. Both the blessing and the curse of vaping is the flexibility and all the options. If find you don't care for a CE2 the first time - and it isn't any better the sixth time - it's time to move on and try something else.

This ^^ exactly. Instead of packs of smokes this week, spend $35 on a cartotank and a VV battery then use the rest of what would be your cig budget for the next week (or a little more if its affordable) and get a little assortment of sample packs. Try Halo as already mentioned and look through some of the posts in the eliquid section here on the forum and find a few more (also E-Liquid Samples - Cheap 1mL samples of boutique e-juice allows you to get little 1ml samples for a buck/buck fifty from a multitude of vendors in 1 spot). (also to address your mod question - if you want that you can certainly go that route now and save the 20 bucks from a VV spinner or twist. If you are interested in them now - you will probably want one sooner rather than later )

When you have a good setup like above you will find its on the spot easier to enjoy your ecig with *few* thoughts of smoking. Add a perfect liquid for you to that equation and it becomes quickly favorable

Check out some of the NETs on the sample site. That may be a good route to go for you, it is a naturally extracted tobacco. Also - get some off the wall flavors that sound good to you- I wanted tobacco until I got started and tried some flavors that I thought were "weird". It turned out that when I stopped trying to find something that tasted like my cigarettes I figured out I could feel like I smoked but taste something very delicious instead

Beyond all of that - just remember during times like these - every cigarette you didnt smoke is a victory! Example, if you were a PAD smoker and you had 5 every day this week - you still have 15 victories per day and that is A LOT. 105 Cigarettes not smoked - over 5 packs. SO if you keep the determination up and focus on what you didnt smoke - it may help during the tough times.

Good vibes and good luck!! Keep us posted!

 

[danny4x4]

1) Your taste buds may still be going through the healing process. May not be the equipment. Give it some time.

2) Plasticky/rubbery taste from bottom coil clearos are likely caused from the burnt grommet which trap the legs in position. If you're new and not into recoiling your own heads, the only option is to install a new head. There is a thread by Trayce? which talks about using silicon tubes for the grommet. I've been using it, and it works.

3) Vaping is fiddly diddly. It's never gonna be like picking up a cigarette and lighting it. One moment every vape is wonderful. The next moment, everything goes downhill. With experience, the downhill parts can be minimised or easily solved once you understand your equipment thoroughly.

Keep at it! Good luck!

 

[celticluvr]

I don't know myself if this juice tastes like a camel but several others says it does. Desert Joe is one of my favorite juices and is my all day vape. Check it out for yourself.

Smokeless Image | The Best Electronic Cigarette

 

[neec77]

when you don't have a cigarette for a while your taste buds will change. Get away from the flavor of a cigarette. If your really wanting to quit smoking get away from the cigarette taste. Get a fruity, cinnamon or sweet flavor. Every 2-3 weeks change the coil, that will stop the burnt rubbery taste. dont give up. you will find the right flavor. vavavape and nic quid have great flavors with tons of variety.

 

[Sweetab]

Get an Mvp2 and an iclear30. You will be set for months!

 

[Katya]

What's the resistance of your coils? Your set-voltage (most likely 3.3v) battery may not be supplying enough voltage if your coils are in the 2.2-2.6Ω range--and Kanger coils tend to run a bit higher than listed (usually 0.1-0.2Ω higher). Try 1.8Ω coils--or invest in a variable voltage battery.

Also, coils are disposable. How long have you been using your eVod coil before it started tasting bad? Coils need to cleaned, especially if you're using sweet, dark juices. A soak in PGA (or vodka) works well. Denture cleaning tablets are great too for cleaning gunked up coils.

 

[wolverineLEX]

Wow, so many helpful replies. Thank you all so much! Sorry if I don't get back to you directly, but I'm just gonna hit on a few points that will help everyone understand my position. Generally speaking, I haven't used any tobacco flavored e juices because the ones I've tried from local shops have been awful. I do like sweet juices, menthols, and fruity flavors. I'm just wondering if a tobacco juice, a good one, might help!

What is the nicotine level of the juices you are trying? I used to smoke camels and I used 24mg/ml when I started. I never missed the cigs. in the least.

I have been sticking to 18mg/ml juices. They seem to serve me well. Nicotine cravings have not really been the problem, as much as just wanting a cigarette---for whatever reason. Haha. It seems ridiculous now, but damn, I never realized it would be so difficult to turn them away. I am determined to stay away from them though, and willing to try all of your suggestions!

For the cost of one disposable you could buy a cheap carto tank setup. Like this one for example: GP 510 Dual Coil Cartomizer TANK 3ml and 6ml

It will be a different experience that a clearo. Most people report they get more flavor from a carto. And usually the draw won't be as airy as on something like a T3s. Ten bucks is all it takes to try a completely different experience.

The other problem you have that's already been pointed out is you have a fixed voltage battery. A variable voltage battery allows you to tweak the voltage to best suit the resistance of the device you have attached to it, and different liquids taste different - for better or for worse - at different voltages. The only way you can manipulate things right now is to change the resistance of your clearo to best suit the fixed voltage of the battery - which is a lot harder to do and more expensive to find out.

You can sort this out. Both the blessing and the curse of vaping is the flexibility and all the options. If find you don't care for a CE2 the first time - and it isn't any better the sixth time - it's time to move on and try something else.

This is embarrassing, but so far my only experience with cartomizers has been with pre-filled Blu cartos from the gas station. I loved the warmth but the flavor, or lack thereof, was just sad. That Dual Coil cart looks amazing. I will definitely check it out! Also yes, I realize that I really should upgrade to a VV device, just haven't invested in one in fear of again, losing money, only to not be satisfied. On that note, do you think a VV batt or just moving right on to a solid MOD would be a better investment? I'm really putting all my hope into finding a magical product that is going to blow my mind, haha.

Beyond all of that - just remember during times like these - every cigarette you didnt smoke is a victory! Example, if you were a PAD smoker and you had 5 every day this week - you still have 15 victories per day and that is A LOT. 105 Cigarettes not smoked - over 5 packs. SO if you keep the determination up and focus on what you didnt smoke - it may help during the tough times.

Good vibes and good luck!! Keep us posted!

This was quite inspiring. Thank you for the reminder that even small victories are still all getting me to the bigger picture. I honestly felt a lot better after reading this. Thank you so much.

What's the resistance of your coils? Your set-voltage (most likely 3.3v) battery may not be supplying enough voltage if your coils are in the 2.2-2.6Ω range--and Kanger coils tend to run a bit higher than listed (usually 0.1-0.2Ω higher). Try 1.8Ω coils--or invest in a variable voltage battery.

Also, coils are disposable. How long have you been using your eVod coil before it started tasting bad? Coils need to cleaned, especially if you're using sweet, dark juices. A soak in PGA (or vodka) works well. Denture cleaning tablets are great too for cleaning gunked up coils.

I am going to sound like a total noob here but I am unsure of the resistance of my coils. I have cleaned my clearos multiple times though, usually with good results. I have made a T2 last for over two weeks with routine cleaning and using the same stock coil head. My EVOD though, started tasting bad the second day of use. I decided to clean that too and noticed that the flavor wick was dark in the center, probably burnt. Cleaning did not clear that up but I managed to clean the gunk of the coils. It worked well initially, but now still mostly gives me a plastic taste. :/

In terms of e-juice...I completely feel you when you say you concerned about wasting your money on something you might not like. There are a lot of "e-juice clubs" out there right now that can really reduce the risk of that. My personal recommendation is www.thedripclub.com. You can get 45mL+ of samples every month for $29.99. Cool part is you fill out this questionnaire that lets them know what you like and the customize your sample pack to fit your tastes. I got some really awesome stuff from them just a couple of days ago.

Wow, that's awesome. Thanks for the heads up! I will have to check this out for sure.

 

[Hypatia]

Get an Mvp2 and an iclear30. You will be set for months!

^This. Although a stick style VV like the Vision Spinner in 1300mah size is an excellent "next step" as well. I have both, and still have these little workhorses in my rotation. It does sound like you like top coils best, and (IMO-YMMV) iclear16 and 30 do it best for the price.

As far as juices, I feel your pain. There isn't a single local place in my area that has anything I like. I will as echo others on the Halo suggestion. As a former Camel smoker myself, Halo Turkish and, surprisingly, Halo Freedom Juice give a full, satisfying tobacco experience I was looking for early on. If need be, do not shy away from 24mg nic strength if you think that's what you may need. Other than Halo, Alien Visions (NOT Alien Vapor) has some interesting, full flavored, tobacco based juices. Good luck, welcome to vaping--It gets better, my friend!!