Why can't I find an ecig that works?

[evan le'garde]

I've been getting the liquid as strong as I can--i started with 1.8 because I was smoking regular filtered cigarettes--but now it seems like at that strength you have to get nic salts, which made me cough even at the same level.

Now I am working on eliquid 1.2 that I am adding nicotine to from a small tube.

DIY eliquid... wow! On the one hand, that could be a good idea! On the other, can regular people who are not scientific do it?

Thanks for the intriguing idea!

A lot of us vape with D.I.Y e liquid. Sounds to me like nicotine salts aren't for you. Personally i use 24mg's, and it isn't made with nicotine salt. I wouldn't consider that high at all either. You'll get a much more satisfying throat hit with freebase nicotine.

 

[NCC]

It is true I need a minimum of 2 for a day, but that doesn't bother me When I smoke, I need a lot more and a lighter to boot!

I could sort of maybe see switching to a pod in the future, but for right now, i feel more used to ecigs, if I can get them to work right

I've never used a pod system myself. But, I was overjoyed to escape cigalikes nearly a decade ago. I wish you the best of luck in your quest.

 

[Soon2BX]

Creating your own liquid is nearly as simple as making a recipe for cookies. Get a simple scale that measures in grams (maybe $30 tops on amazon), a few 6oz bottles, some PG, some VG, flavorings you like and some Nicotine base. Stores such as Nicotine River can be a one stop shop for everything but the scale. I've been making my own for years, and I trust ME to be very precise in how I clean and mix my liquids. I'd also recommend you try say a 50/50 PG to VG mix for more throat hit at a 25mg/ml nicotine strength. Try that as a starting point and adjust according to your personal preferences. MORE PG = more throat hit but less cloud plume. Make small batches until you find your ZONE.

@NCC

Well, this sounds doable!

How odd people are--i never turned a hair at the idea of making my own kombucha, but DIY eliquid made me think I needed a lab!

 

[Haktuspit]

@NCC

Well, this sounds doable!

How odd people are--i never turned a hair at the idea of making my own kombucha, but DIY eliquid made me think I needed a lab!

I literally make my juice in the kitchen, as I'm sure many folks around here do.

 

[Soon2BX]

I've never used a pod system myself. But, I was overjoyed to escape cigalikes nearly a decade ago. I wish you the best of luck in your quest.

Thanks, NCC

And given your attitude towards anything resembling a coffin nail, i can see how your escape would make you very happy LOL

 

[englishmick]

I can see why you wouldn't like something that looks like a cigarette (I have to admit I loved the pearlescent colors of V2!) but why do you think they would not be satisfactory?

A lot of us started out using those small cig shaped gadgets. The ones I used ten years ago were called E-light Elite. When I first used them there were dozens of types available. Not very many left now. I kept relapsing back to cigarettes. The problem was they were weak, expensive, and didn't last very long. I picked up something bigger and more powerful and finally got off the cigs.

So many people here tried them in the past with limited success, that's why they get bashed a bit.

One advantage of a mod and tank system is you can adjust the experience. Use more power, try different types of juice with different amounts of nic, etc. Tune it up to your needs. You can do the same with some pod systems apparently, never tried them myself though.

I don't know why you got a good experience with some cigalikes in the past but can't do that today. Maybe it's just you. Different stage in your life. Doing it for the first time. Who knows. Maybe you can find the same satisfaction with a cigalike again, I noticed some recommendations above. But maybe it will be something you are never able to recapture. Give it a try, but if it doesn't work out you know there are other options available.

good luck

 

[vaper1960]

It's too soon to take on DIY juices... first find a device you like(and some juices you like) and just focus on quitting the cigs. It's very hard at first. There are other compounds in cigs besides nicotine that your body craves. Make sure you understand the nic numbers... 1.8 % = 18 mg (for example) I would suggest a pod actually (or small AIO) You really need something that is refillable... prefilled pods/cigalikes will cost too much (and limit your choices of juice/flavors) Don't give up. Many people here to give you advice an devices... much cheaper online (I am the bargain hunter... lots of clearance sales out there) Here's an example (wouldn't be my first choice but it's dirt cheap!
LINCIG HYPNOS ULTRA PORTABLE POD SYSTEM
And extra pods:
Lincig HYPNOS Replacement Pods - 2 Pack
I got one (and a bunch of extra pods) Not bad for a small pod device.
A 50VG/50PG juice works good for those little pods (and many others) Be patient... we can suggest much better devices.
Geekvape Frenzy is nice (they have those too really cheap) Check out the forum here on pods... good info.
"salt" nic juices are a good choice for higher nic. It's normal to cough when first vaping (part of coming off cigs) Learn to do MTL (mouth to lung) Watch some videos too. You will be surprised how much money you will save by not buying cigs. Consider how much you spend in a month... that will buy a lot of vape stuff! Here's a great site for deals:
Cheap Vape Mods + Vaping Deals & Sales

 

[vaper1960]

This was my first vape device:
Aspire PockeX AIO Kit
Whatever you get, make sure you get extra pods/coils!

 

[jjcordone]

Everyone here seems to hate them, but Juul would do the trick for a person that wants a device that hits like a cigarette.

 

[DeloresRose]

Everyone here seems to hate them, but Juul would do the trick for a person that wants a device that hits like a cigarette.

I don’t think most of us hate the device, except that it’s so expensive over time. We don’t appreciate its relationship with BT, is the issue. But if it works for the OP...

 

[Haktuspit]

I've been a mod and tank guy for a really long time and left to my own devices it's what I use. But I do like my Breeze 2 (If anyone buys this get the 1.2 coils) and my Juul for when I can't cloud the room. I would think a pod or a Juul would be a great next step for you.

I get that you had a bad experience with pods but I will say I had a 1.0 coil for my Breeze 2 and I didn't like the device at all. Spit juice in my mouth, had popping like you've described. Not a pleasurable experience. Their other coil option in the box was a 0.6, I've never even tried it thinking all of those problems would just get worse. When I found out they made 1.2 coils I ordered a couple boxes and they are fantastic. I'll get a little gurgling if I let it sit a whole day but if you just vape through it it goes away. As soon as it does it's smooth and it never leaks. They're on 8vape as well. But Juul does give more of a throat hit.

If I were you I'd buy everything mentioned so far and just see what works. Yes it's some upfront costs but most people around here are willing to pay some more now to pay a whole lot less later.

 

[NCC]

I don't know why you got a good experience with some cigalikes in the past but can't do that today. Maybe it's just you. Different stage in your life. Doing it for the first time. Who knows.

You might have a point. Since I switched 10-years ago, naturally my first was a cigalike, since that's really all there was back then. I quickly started seeking out something more satisfactory. But, that first cigalike was *good enough* to convince me that vaping would WORK, and allowed me to dump a 35-year cigarette habit.
But, there's no way I would be happy with one today. Heck, I wasn't thrilled with it then...even so, it was a way off of cigarettes. A beginning.

 

[Haktuspit]

Actually I just remembered, there's an in house cig a like fan in our stocking thread. @UncleJunkle come tell this guy that the latest and greatest cig a likes are.

 

[Coyote628]

I literally make my juice in the kitchen, as I'm sure many folks around here do.

I whipped up a batch once in less than 15 mins in my bedroom before work one morning. It's so easy, even a caveman can do it.

 

[bnrkwest]

Making juice is so easy, I have my base premixed in a squeeze bottle. Add some flavor in a small size squeeze bottle add premix base shake & vape. 5 minutes tops.

 

[UncLeJunkLe]

I used to vape ecigs, NJoy and V2, and they worked ***really well***

Like an idiot (me), i started smoking cigs at a wedding, and... well, ex smoked, and I was out of something for the ecigs and it was a while before I could get it together to get more.

And since then, nothing has worked. There is no throat hit. I do not feel like I have gotten any nicotine. I got new liquid, new carts, new batteries... then a whole new set all at once.

I figured maybe V2 had fallen apart (and thet were sold or closed some time after that).

Since then I tried some ecigs from gas stations, a pod system, 3 more new liquids,

And finally a whole new starter kit (epuffer) and damn if it isn't the same. It's like smoking paper.

Why did the early ecigs actually work and now nothing at all works? Is this some vast cosmic trick? Are the pods and mods out to get us?

I just don't know what to do! I just really want not to smoke cigarettes bit I can't figure out why nothing is working!

And advice would be unbelievably appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Njoy is still in business. So maybe you should try them again? People used to swear by them, but I never tried one.

Switching to vapeing is very much like quitting smoking. You have to really want to do it.

If you compare the vape to a smoke, you will be doomed to never being satisfied. You have to tell yourself, OK, this is what I have and this is what I will do now. I will vape, not smoke. Smoking stinks and it is obviously way more harmful. You have to be mentally prepared to switch just like you do if you quit smoking.

I highly recommend...

These 510 Batteries - auto and manual - 2 different sizes. Mega is like 280mah and the other is like 180mah.
mini e-cigarette BE510/Joye 510-t tank system e-cig series

This Mini H2 clearomizer with the replaceable heads (low resistance).
http://www.bestecig.com/product_view.asp?ID=539

These Mini H2 replacement heads (low resistance)
Japanese organic cotton BCC coil head for Mini H2s clearomizer|510 super slim H2s Bottom Coil head for mini H2s clearomizer
Use no higher than than 50% VG in these heads.

You will need the top 2 chargers here...
mini e-cigarette BE510/Joye 510-t tank system e-cig series
The first in the list is a wall adapter and the second is the charger. I do not recommend charging on a computer.

When you fill the tank, take the tank off, open it, fill it, screw it back together then blow into it hard at one end (doesn't matter which), and catch the eliquid on the other end with a tissue. You will undoubtedly get some liquid in the chimney. This step is important as these batteries are unsealed.

You will be well served if you buy a needle bottle if you want to avoid the mess. They have those too.
E-liquid Refill Needle Bottle with Blunt Needle,10ml Empty Needle Cap E-cigarette liquid Bottle

 

[vaper1960]

Just wanted to pop in and say... many people here with good advice! I might not have made it without the help of ECF and the good advice. Peace out... Vape on!

 

[Katdarling]

I've never used a pod system myself. But, I was overjoyed to escape cigalikes nearly a decade ago. I wish you the best of luck in your quest.

And nearly a decade later, might I please wish you a VERY Happy 10-year Vape-a-Versary, NCC!

Your join date is my B-Day!

Cheers and

 

[BigPappa]

It sounds like you are calling cigalikes and ego's with things like cartos & clearomizers "e-cigs"... Those can still be found online if you search hard enough. You also might need a higher nicotine level than what you are currently at. But with May 12th, 2020 fast approaching, you might be wise to invest in some mods with replaceable batteries, rebuildable tanks, and a ton of 100mg nic to DIY your own liquid.

EDIT: I see some of what I said was already addressed.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Welcome to ecf.
There is a DIY thread here at ecf dedicated to making your own ejuice and other dedicated threads throughout ecf that address just about anything you want to know about hardware, making the switch over, etc. From the main page just scroll down and see if anything catches your eye. May want to start in hardware or devices? Or if you want to learn how to make ejuice you can go here
DIY E-Liquid

Again, just scroll down the page. If you see anything you like click on the links. If you don't know where to start then you can make your own thread and ask questions.

Ecf is full of great wonderful people who are dedicated to not ever smoking cigarettes again. Believe me (and others) when we say we have all been where you are. There is a small learning curve to using ecigs and to making your own ejuice but nothing very difficult. It just takes time and someone to help you along the way.

Good luck and ask as many questions as you like.....we consider no question here to be dumb or asked too many times.