Vape-heads? Do You Vape?

[uncommondialogue]

Merry, I got 8 different flavors from ECBlend, including 3 of their different Dragon Blood mixes. I have only used the sample Twinkie so far as I am letting the others steep longer. Got them on the 8'th but don't know how long I can keep my hands off trying more of those flavors right now. I shake the bottles daily and usually do a "quick steep" hot bath on them every day too. Just take the bottles and put them in a ziplic bag, then in another ziploc bag so you don't take the chance of getting the labels wet. Then run very hot tap water over them (I use a big mixing bow to put the bag inl) and let it stay for about 15 minutes. That will help steep them faster and don't forget to shake the bottles daily. Also, taking off the cap and the little rubber tip and letting it stay in a cool area out of light makes it steep quicker too.
I am going to start dripping too as so many say it is a better flavor. ECBlend has the best prices on equipment and juices I have found.
I also got a couple of the blunt tip syringes to fill my cartomizers and clearomizers...much easier to fill that way.
If you upgrade to a new system, merry, I highly recommend the EGo-C Twist, with variable voltage. You can crank the voltage up and it is divine. I got mine at SmokeyStick.com. Got the 2 Ego-C and 1 Ego-C Twist starter kits for $100 total including their $20 shipping charge. Even at that price, it is cheaper than any other site I've seen.
Will give reviews of the other flavors when I try them, merry. Can hardly wait to get my Alice In Vapeland 16 count sampler!

[Loren_Q]

Hardware/Vendor review:
I just got my eGo-VV from Apollo and I'm totally loving it. I do still use my pen-style batteries, they're less noticeable while stealth-vaping.

I've gotten all my gear from Apollo, mostly cause they've gotten good reviews/ratings, they're a local company and their customer service is excellent.

They didn't have a VV starter kit, so I just bought the battery (http://www.apolloecigs.com/ego-varia...e-p/abegov.htm), 2 CE4 clearomizers (Stardust) and a converter so I could use my existing cartomizers on the VV. Apollo often has discount coupons and I took advantage of that. Oh, and shipping's free on orders over $30. My total was $40.08.

I've noticed that if you've already got some hardware, buying a starter kit may not be the best bet (but may be). You may not need a 2nd wall charger or car charger, you may not need the included clearos/cartos if you already have the correctly threaded ones. If you've got juice, you like, you may not need to get that either.

Anyway, I'm totally loving my VV, I like the digital readout and battery life indicator, but I'm geeky that way.

What has been a fail for me is the clearomizers; they really mute the flavor of my juice. Now my cartos on the VV.... heaven.

So I'll be buying more 510 blank cartos and trying different tank types cause even thought I don't mind loading cartos, it would be nice to not have to as often.

Juice reviews:
Disclaimer - taste/flavor is really subjective.

Apollo's juices are okay, I've had better. Of their flavors I like RY4 and Tobacco. I think they're pricy but given I'm not a fan I would think that.

Heather's Heavenly Vapes - big fan here. They're my go-to Vanilla (Vanilla Dream), tobacco (Legend) and coffee (Mocha Java smooth). They also have this really, really good vanilla mint. I've also tried (and like) the pear and this thing called Angels Kiss which is a cool, fruity thing.

EC Blends - my 'best bang for the buck' juice. I lurve their menthol (New Harbor). I like their Vanilla and they have a very good RY4. I've tried a few of the Dragon series, but only Dragon's Milk appealed to me (think of a mild horchata).

Surprisingly, the bacon was good, except it didn't taste like bacon - it tasted like maple, but smells like bacon and that worked for me. I may not buy it again but it was fun.

Tasty Vapors is one I'm going to be trying. One co-worker swears by these guys and I've gotten a few hits of some of the flavors. They have the most ass-kicking cinnamon (atomic cinnacide) and it will crack a tank so be careful. The mango ice cream is one I'll be buying as well.

Call me blasphemous, but I'm not a fan of AiV. Of the 16 flavors I've tried there were only 2 I'd consider getting again. I liked Twas Brilling (blackberry crumble) and would definitely get that again, the other was Frost Blossom (mandarin-menthol) and I might get that again.

I don't think it's AiV as much as me liking stronger flavors. I find AiV too subtle for my tastes.

[uncommondialogue]

Thanks for the info on that Ego-VV...looks interesting with a high variable voltage range. I watched a video review on it and the guy said it isn;t a true pass through battery as you can't vape while it is charging??? Let me know if that is the case.

Still waiting on my Alice In Vapeland order...they have such a LONG time until deliveries. Hope I don't experience a low taste of them like you indicated. That site Tasy Vapaor sure has great prices on their juices. Might order some to try...holy Batman a 29 ml bottle for that price is awesome. If you ordered some, let us know what your experience is with those.

[Loren_Q]

Originally Posted by uncommondialogue

Thanks for the info on that Ego-VV...looks interesting with a high variable voltage range. I watched a video review on it and the guy said it isn;t a true pass through battery as you can't vape while it is charging??? Let me know if that is the case.

Still waiting on my Alice In Vapeland order...they have such a LONG time until deliveries. Hope I don't experience a low taste of them like you indicated. That site Tasy Vapaor sure has great prices on their juices. Might order some to try...holy Batman a 29 ml bottle for that price is awesome. If you ordered some, let us know what your experience is with those.

The video said if the battery was all the way gone you can't use it while charging, I've not tried that. I have done pass-thru, but I've still had some charge on the battery, and it works just fine that way.

A lot of folks really love AiV, so I'm saying it's me and liking stronger "Here, let me wake you up or kick you in the butt" types of flavors.

I'm planning on ordering from Tasty Vapor next month as I just got my Heather's Heavenly vape juice 2 days ago. I can say I really like the Mango Ice Cream, I'm not particularly a fruit-juicer but my coworker gave me the last of his (about 2ml) and it was really nice.

[Hollylane]

Today I am waiting for my new bottle of "A Quiet Morning", after using the first one up. It is my favorite vape.

So, I cracked open Alice's Black & White Cookie. It is not my favorite, but I added a little of my EC Blends Belgium Waffle w/Blueberry, and it made it just right!

[uncommondialogue]

Soooooo...been vaping a few of the 8 different ECBlends juices I got. Like the Boston Creme Pie and Cheeky Bon Bon and Cherry Swirl Cheesecake I've been vaping. Going to let the 3 different Dragon juices steep longer like they suggest. My 16 bottle sampler AIW order should be coming soon as I think they are on the 4/2 orders now. Also placed an order for bigger bottlse of the Zombie Apocolypse and Crunkberry the week after.
Definately going to try some from Tasty Vapors.

[meridiantoo]

Originally Posted by Loren_Q

Hardware/Vendor review:
I just got my eGo-VV from Apollo and I'm totally loving it. I do still use my pen-style batteries, they're less noticeable while stealth-vaping.

I've gotten all my gear from Apollo, mostly cause they've gotten good reviews/ratings, they're a local company and their customer service is excellent.

They didn't have a VV starter kit, so I just bought the battery (http://www.apolloecigs.com/ego-varia...e-p/abegov.htm), 2 CE4 clearomizers (Stardust) and a converter so I could use my existing cartomizers on the VV. Apollo often has discount coupons and I took advantage of that. Oh, and shipping's free on orders over $30. My total was $40.08.

Anyway, I'm totally loving my VV, I like the digital readout and battery life indicator, but I'm geeky that way.

What has been a fail for me is the clearomizers; they really mute the flavor of my juice. Now my cartos on the VV.... heaven.

So I'll be buying more 510 blank cartos and trying different tank types cause even thought I don't mind loading cartos, it would be nice to not have to as often.

I have a couple of questions. I am looking at this EGo VV unit for purchase and wondering a couple of things:

1) Do you need the converter for 510 threaded cartos on this unit?

2) Can you use dual-coil 510 cartos on it? Have you tried these?

3) Does this unit come with a wall charger or only a pass-through USB charger? Did you get the 6-hour or 12-hour unit?

4) When using single-coil 510 cartos, does this unit burn through the liquid really fast? I refill mine on a pen-style battery every half hour or so.

Thank you for the info your provided!

[meridiantoo]

I am doing research on liquids and wondering if anyone has tried DIY mixing? I am curious if you can do this with all liquids, or if you need to know what you are mixing first LOL

[meridiantoo]

I was shopping around for different options/e-cig sellers, and found this website - Stormy's Vapor Cellar at http://stormysvaporcellar.com/oc_1/i...e=common/home"

They have really good prices on accessories and found on the clearance items page a 4ml or 6ml 510 threaded cartomizer for only 3.99. Plus, this site has concentrated flavors (called capella flavors) and 100% or 48% nicotine juice to mix your own/DIY mixing. Among their flavors are juicy fruit, popcorn, and graham cracker along with the usuals.

The reviews give raves on their customer service with fast shipping.

[meridiantoo]

I am looking at the eGo twist 1100mAh and the eGo VV (650 mAh or 1200 mAh) and comparing them for price, battery charge length, battery life, etc. This is what I am finding:

1) The eGo C twist has a voltage output of 3.2 to 4.8, while the eGo VV has a voltage output of 3.0 to 6.0.

2) The eGo VV has a battery charge length of up to 6 hours for the smaller model and up to 12 hours for the larger model, while the twist has up to 3 hours charge.

3) Neither states the expected battery life, so that's not helpful.

4) At the apollo site, the smaller model of 650 mAh is on sale right now for $34.95 with USB passthrough and $44.95 for the 1200 model. In addition, there is an April sale code for 17% off the entire order on top of the sale price. Shipping is free. The smokeystick.com site has the eGo C twist kit with USB passthrough, 1 tank, cover and base for $32.95 with paid shipping.

[Kobi]

Just started looking into vaping and my head is spinning with all the info.

Is there a site that explains all the lingo/terminology that is eluding my comprehension?

Just noticed there is a vaping store in town and will check them out.

[Loren_Q]

My answers below in green italics

Originally Posted by meridiantoo

I have a couple of questions. I am looking at this EGo VV unit for purchase and wondering a couple of things:

1) Do you need the converter for 510 threaded cartos on this unit?

No, like most eGo's, this is 510 threaded already. I needed a converter because my cig-alikes are 906 threading

2) Can you use dual-coil 510 cartos on it? Have you tried these?

I have not tried dual-coil, but I don't see any reason they wouldn't work. From what I gather, it's not a matter of single or dual coil as much as it is about carto resistance. And variable voltage can manage that.

3) Does this unit come with a wall charger or only a pass-through USB charger? Did you get the 6-hour or 12-hour unit?

Just the pass through cable, but if you've previously purchased a starter kit (or a smartphone), you probably already have USB wall charger. If not, they're not that expensive. I got the 6 hour because of the size.

4) When using single-coil 510 cartos, does this unit burn through the liquid really fast? I refill mine on a pen-style battery every half hour or so.

I don't know how to answer that, I think it's more based on how you vape. There's a lot of variables, the most import being how much you puff in that 30mins. Is it 100 puffs? 300? A 1ML carto on my pen style lasts me an hour, same on the VV.

Thank you for the info your provided!

[meridiantoo]

Originally Posted by Kobi

Just started looking into vaping and my head is spinning with all the info.

Is there a site that explains all the lingo/terminology that is eluding my comprehension?

Just noticed there is a vaping store in town and will check them out.

Hi Kobi,

I am new to vaping also and likely only know a little more than you do. There are various sites that explain the whole vaping experience. A good place to start is http://nu-vapor.com/forum/nu-beginni...rence-library/. This site has a good library of topics including terminology, starter kit recommendations, and comparisons of different setup types. Going to a vaping store is likely also a good place to start as they will be able to explain to you better than a posted thread can. The factors that will determine what e-cig you get will be how much energy/time you want to put into vaping (some just want vape and go and not delve too deeply into the mechanics of it) and if you are using this to quit smoking cigarettes. You can start with the usual pen-style kits that look like a cigarette, are about the same size (length and circumference) as a 120 cigarette and are more discrete than some of the other battery models that are larger, but also produce more power and render a stronger vape. If you could let the board know what you are looking for exactly, it may be easier to answer your questions.

There are numerous sites out there to choose for your starter kit. I would recommend a starter kit that will come with a battery and charger, and cartomizers (the apparatus that holds and vaporizes the liquid) or atomizers. These kits often come with a case to carry them in, which is helpful. I would order with the starter kit at least one set of pre-filled cartomizers that you just screw on to the battery and start vaping. This will give you optimal ease in starting and give you an idea of how much you like it. In case you do not like it, for whatever reason, you may not want to order too much at the beginning or opt for the best models (the most expensive ones) until you get a feel for it. Although, I can't say I've heard of anyone that didn't love it. The deciding factor will be the flavor of juices you vape (and the quality). The favorites for flavors on this board seem to be from Alice in Vapeland at https://aliceinvapeland.com/ and EC blends at http://www.ecblendflavors.com/ . As another poster mentioned, taste is highly subjective, but in general, you can go by reviews on the sites for a particular flavor as to whether it is more liked or disliked by users. Some liquids will have to be steeped and do not arrive at your door ready to vape. This is true of both the Alice in Vapeland liquids and the EC Blends liquids. This is one reason I recommend at least 1 package (of usually 5) pre-filled/flavored cartomizers of your choice to begin. If you go ahead and order blank cartomizers, (usually also a package of 5), then you can use them for the steeping liquids when they are ready. Steeping time varies from days to weeks. It involves soaking the bottles in a hot water bath, mechanical shaking of the liquids in the bottle at least once daily, and allowing them to set in a cool, dark place until the taste is good and what you want. This is a long thread, but if you read most/all of it, it will give you some good starting advice once you get the terminology and basics.

Daisy and Loren Q both know a lot and participate on the board regularly and may come along and reply also. They both know a lot more than I do.

Check out youtube videos. Some of them are great in breaking down the mechanics of the e-cig, if you are interested in that. Some also explain models and compare the different ones on the market now.

If you are using this to quit smoking, vaping works very well for that. I am down to about 1 cigarette a day on average. This is from a 1-2 pack a day smoker. The nicotine strength you want for the liquids to be will depend on what you normally smoke (lights, regular) and how much a day. I have liquids that are 36mg, 24mg, and 18mg strength that I vape most of the day. Some are lower at 12mg and I vape these intermittently. I smoked ultra lights, so this gives you an idea of what I needed.

Good luck!

[meridiantoo]

Originally Posted by Loren_Q

I started vaping as a way to quit smoking, is that true for you?

If it is, how successful has vaping been for you?

For me, vaping's been quite successful. Yes, I've had a few cigarettes since I started vaping, but I've had fewer in the 3 months I've been vaping than in 1 day of smoking.

Loren

I started vaping to quit smoking and it has been very successful. It's different than smoking and I had an adjustment period before I settled into vaping as naturally as I smoked a cigarette. Whereas I smoked a full cigarette, then put it out and did not light another cigarette for a while (about 20 mins), I started vaping and was basically chain vaping for the first few weeks. This worried me. But, now I am not doing it was much and my smoking has dramatically decreased. I think as long as you don't expect it to be exactly like smoking, you can definitely use this as a method to quit. I've tried other NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) products like the patch and gum and did okay with them, but still had the drive to smoke when I could. Now, I can go an entire day without smoking and really don't miss it much. I wish I had tried this years ago when someone first mentioned it to me and I ignored the recommendation at the idea of it not working.

[uncommondialogue]

Meri, I get a lot more than 3 hour battery life on the Twist, hon. I can use it all day/night without having to charge. I do think in the future I may get that Ego-VV, it looks interesting. The dual coil tanks are superior to regular ones. I also bought a Nova tank but not used it yet as I want to sample all the juices I've bought recently before smoking the whole 3.4 ml of a particular favor. There is such a difference in the dual coils, meri, you may want to get some.

[meridiantoo]

Originally Posted by uncommondialogue

Meri, I get a lot more than 3 hour battery life on the Twist, hon. I can use it all day/night without having to charge. I do think in the future I may get that Ego-VV, it looks interesting. The dual coil tanks are superior to regular ones. I also bought a Nova tank but not used it yet as I want to sample all the juices I've bought recently before smoking the whole 3.4 ml of a particular favor. There is such a difference in the dual coils, meri, you may want to get some.

I was just reading the specs of each model of each website. About how much battery life do you get if longer than 3 hours? I'm weighing each unit now and planning to purchase sometime this week.

I was looking at the dual tanks and wondering if they were superior. Thanks for the input. I may get a couple of them with this purchase and test them out.

Thanks Unc!

[Loren_Q]

Originally Posted by meridiantoo

I was just reading the specs of each model of each website. About how much battery life do you get if longer than 3 hours? I'm weighing each unit now and planning to purchase sometime this week.

... snip ...

Meri,

Battery life is based on at least 4 factors. The mAH (mili ampere hour), the voltage of your device, the resistance of your carto/clearo/atomizer and how you actually vape (long draws, how frequent).

The rule of thumb is 1 hour per 100mAH, so a 600mAH is approximately a 6 hour charge. That time is impacted by voltage and resistance. The higher the voltage and/or resistance, the more power it draws.

Bear in mind that battery life is use time not elapsed time. My 600 mAH lasts me all day (and then some); I waver between 3.5 to 4.2 volts on standard resistance single coil cartos/clearos.

[Loren_Q]

Originally Posted by Kobi

Just started looking into vaping and my head is spinning with all the info.

Is there a site that explains all the lingo/terminology that is eluding my comprehension?

Just noticed there is a vaping store in town and will check them out.

I would definitely check out your local vaping store, a lot of them have test gear you can try. If you don't want to make a big $ investment, maybe try a disposable first. That could give you an idea of how well vaping will work for you.

Good luck!

[Hollylane]

Originally Posted by Loren_Q

I would definitely check out your local vaping store, a lot of them have test gear you can try. If you don't want to make a big $ investment, maybe try a disposable first. That could give you an idea of how well vaping will work for you.

Good luck!

The vape store is a great idea, if you have one. To me, the disposable does not compare to what I am doing now. One is nothing like the other. I left my gear at work a few days ago, and tried using my Blu, and it was not enough for me, I drove back to work to get my kit.

[meridiantoo]

Originally Posted by Loren_Q

Meri,

Battery life is based on at least 4 factors. The mAH (mili ampere hour), the voltage of your device, the resistance of your carto/clearo/atomizer and how you actually vape (long draws, how frequent).

The rule of thumb is 1 hour per 100mAH, so a 600mAH is approximately a 6 hour charge. That time is impacted by voltage and resistance. The higher the voltage and/or resistance, the more power it draws.

Bear in mind that battery life is use time not elapsed time. My 600 mAH lasts me all day (and then some); I waver between 3.5 to 4.2 volts on standard resistance single coil cartos/clearos.

Oh, this is very helpful! Thank you, Loren.