mjradik

I saw a post on another forum about reports being made about nicotine sold by a US pharma vendor is many times stronger than the label states. A 100mg sample is said to have tested at 245mg strength. This means any resulting e-liquid made will be over double the expected strength. This may mean that 24mg liquid you make in good faith could actually be 60mg.

This doesn’t surprise me actually, because a few months ago, I bought 60mg NIC, and ended up being 100mg NIC. Not as big as difference, but still could be dangerous. Ever since then, I stress NIC testing because there are no true regulations that can prevent NIC juice being sold at too high, or too low of levels. Even a well trusted vendor can make a mistake, they are only human. (and the batch that was wrong for me was my regular well trusted vendor, which I ordered from before, and still order from. It was only a 1 time mistake in my case)

http://www.eliquidtest.com/Instructions.aspx is testing procedures with many tips, and recommendations. It’s better to be safe, and have piece of mind knowing exactly what you are vaping.

If you have any questions about the instructions, check out the FAQ page, or if your question isn’t listed there, post it here and I’ll help you out. I’ve been regularly testing all my DIY eliquid for several months now, and consider my self a pro, lol. Also, if you have you own personal story about bad eliquid or something, I’d like to hear about it.

Well for me, and prolly 99.99999% of vaporers, I've made up my mind. I can list the ingredients of the e-cig on a single line. (excluding the contents of the flavorings... which differ) Where I need several pages to list the ingredients on analogs... lol...

I don’t mind the questions, because I’m just like you. I’ve been carto-curious and carto-dissatisfied for over a month.… Until now.

Andrew from CCV said he’s getting in an order of 4,000 of them by the end of the week. So check back in a couple days. I’m going to place an order for 60 of them. (get 2 free drip tips with a 15 pack order) I’m only been using them for a couple days now, but have not noticed any leaking at all. I use an 80/20 PG/VG mix and 8mg nic content. TH and Vapor is INSANE. I’m vaping pineapple right now, and its so strong and TH is much more than I’m used to, it giving me a headache, lol. Need to switch back to bubblegum soon, not as strong, hahaha.

Like all cartos, they aren’t really meant to be cleaned, they meant to be disposable. But the reviews I see on them is that they last a lot longer than your standard carto. Some people do clean cartos, but is it worth it to save $1.25? Also, like all cartos, you do need to ‘refresh them’ every once in a while by putting a couple drops in them. But When I use them when I’m driving, I can get more than an hour of on/off vaping with out refreshing them. They are considered mega, so they hold a lot of juice.

I personally use the condom fill method (2 cap fulls) when I first fill them. Then after an hour or two, when I notice the vapor dying off, and/or getting the burnt taste, I’ll refill them using the condom fill method with 1 cap full, and will repeat filling it that way. I don’t drip refresh, or use a syringe to fill them.

Here is a quote from Andrew when I asked him about them. “They are Called resurrectors cause they bring a better vaping experience to old 3.7 devices, most people stowe there 3.7 device away and get a mod. With these you sorta second guess, ‘do i really need a bulky mod.’ Not sure who started that cleaning idea thing, not true.”

Btw, the eGo- battery, which I use, is 3.7 volts. (up to 4 fully charged, down to 3.2 when almost drained)

Welcome Shelly. I was told about ecigs about 2 years ago, but never followed through. I kind of whish I did, but at the same time, I'm kind of glad I didn't. I look at OLD posts from 2 years ago, and it seemed there still wasn't alot of GOOD products out yet, and alot of people got frustrated and stopped vaping. I mean if I had to use one of the 'analog' looking ecigs, that only lasted an hour, and pay $7 bucks for, I would have given up. But that my opinion, and I could be wrong, maybe I would have stuck it out.

PG has a better throat hit and carries flavor better. VG produces more vapor, but reduces the thoat hit and reduces the flavor. The higher the nic, the better thoat hit. I know some flavors seem like they have a better TH, not sure if stronger flavor would increase the TH, but I could see that it could maybe?? if 18 is not doing it for you, try 24. and if you want the best possible TH, then do 100% PG, but most people after they've been vaping a while seem to like to mix a little VG in there. 20% VG, 80%PG seems to be the most popular, but its all personaly preference. There are TH enhancers out there, like vape wizard. Also putting a drop or 2 of pure menthol per 1 ml of liquid will also increase the TH without making the juice taste like menthol. Sweet-Vapes is very popular and a good place to get juice. Only thing I can reccomend is spend the extra $$, and get a couple different configurations in the same flavor and see what you like best.

PG has a better throat hit and carries flavor better. VG produces more vapor, but reduces the thoat hit and reduces the flavor. The higher the nic, the better thoat hit. I know some flavors seem like they have a better TH, not sure if stronger flavor would increase the TH, but I could see that it could maybe?? if 18 is not doing it for you, try 24. and if you want the best possible TH, then do 100% PG, but most people after they've been vaping a while seem to like to mix a little VG in there. 20% VG, 80%PG seems to be the most popular, but its all personaly preference. There are TH enhancers out there, like vape wizard. Also putting a drop or 2 of pure menthol per 1 ml of liquid will also increase the TH without making the juice taste like menthol. Sweet-Vapes is very popular and a good place to get juice. Only thing I can reccomend is spend the extra $$, and get a couple different configurations in the same flavor and see what you like best.

Welcome Shelly. I was told about ecigs about 2 years ago, but never followed through. I kind of whish I did, but at the same time, I'm kind of glad I didn't. I look at OLD posts from 2 years ago, and it seemed there still wasn't alot of GOOD products out yet, and alot of people got frustrated and stopped vaping. I mean if I had to use one of the 'analog' looking ecigs, that only lasted an hour, and pay $7 bucks for, I would have given up. But that my opinion, and I could be wrong, maybe I would have stuck it out.

I total agree with you laura. I to belong to other foums, but this is by far my fav!! I like the layout, and everything is easy to get to (I don’t like the layout of other forums). Plus I feel the less activity 'relatively speaking' helps out alot. Another forum might have 100K+ members, but that just means more possibility of every one throwing in their 2 cents, and their advice might not be the right advice. Here you got very knowledgeable and helpful staff and members, which so far for me, everything has been spot on.

As with birddog and youmaylose, not an ego forum, but is it is reccomended alot to the newbie. Why not, its like the easiest PV out there for the newbie. (well actually the disposable ones are prolly the easiest, but those are crap and expensive when you consider the life span of the disposable) I don't think newbies should start off with fancy mods or high voltage devices. to much to handle in the beginning. I mean they have a hard enough time trying to figure out what strength of nic they need or PG/VG combination or flavors, or even how to use an ecig.

However I think they are missing an import part. The questions should relate to, right after you stopped smoking, and also now. Because Now I vape less and less stength nicotine from when I first quit smoking.

I just took it... 'How many puffs per ml???.." LOL, I never counted... What maybe 50? I guess I'll count next time. I could have chosen 1.. WOW... Thats one super long super puff... haha

Thank for the info maverick, I didn't think about the wick being low being a cause, even though it was mentioned elsewhere in this thread. I guess I was going off my personal experience. I have a total of 4 tank attys (well 3 now that one kicked the bucket after 6 weeks of use) When I first got the eGo-T, all 4 of them leaked. With the pre-punched soft bottoms, none of them leaked. Looking at the atty now, it looks like the wick is even with the ‘low’ part of the spike in the tube, if that makes any sense. Kind of hard to explain. Jen_hayns should have other attys she can try if she bought a starter kit. If they all leak, then prolly a cap issue, if one 1 does, then most likely a wick issue.

I know for a fact I’m in the minority for preferring the tanks, but that’s my personal preference. I also know if I use cartos with a different battery, or mods, I’m sure I’ll get better flavor/TH/Experience. But at this point in time, I’m happy with what I got, and don’t feel like investing more time/$$ in trying other stuff. I’m sure down the road I will though.

I'm a newbie and use the ego-T. My brand new atty's/tanks leak with certian flavors, maybe because they are thinner than other falvors/I dunno. I notice the leaking only happens when I don't vape for a while, then I vape. I have the ego-t sitting up right when not in use.

I now store my ego-T upside down (mouth piece/tank) on the kitchen counter upside down up aginst the wall. I haven't had a single leaking issue since.

Another thing you might try on the soft bottom is to pre-punch a hole. I used a 12guage needle I bought off ebay for 99 cents. I filled down the sharp point, and used that to make a nice clean hole. I haven't had a single leaking issue for a month now. Been using the same 5 tanks/bottoms for the month too.

Here’s my 2 cents. Research shows your body absorbs about 1ml of nicotine per analog. (some goes as high as 1.6, but lets keeps it 1 ml for this argument, and is the more accepted standard and makes it easy, 1=1). So if you vape 3 ml of 12 mg juice per day, that’s 36 analogs, or 2ml of 24 mg juice, that’s 48 analogs, and so on.

BUT here’s the catch. This is assuming 100% absorption rate, which I can tell you IS NOT the case. There is no research or studies on how much nicotine is absorbed through vaping. But I can assure you its not 100%. Remember, an analog has about 8mg of nicotine each before it is smoked, but most of it is lost in the flame/ash, and a little just isn’t absorbed in the lungs (i.e exhaled).

But if I had to take a guess, I would say between 60-80%.. Maybe? I dunno.. that’s a complete guess. When I first quit analogs, I was a 1.5 pack/day smoker. I vape 3-4ml of 12mg juice/day. And in the beginning, I did suffer from nicotine withdrawal. Its been 4 weeks for me, and I cut back to 2-3ml, and I’m fine now.

Also remember to, the soft bottom caps are thicker than the plastic ones, so you can’t put as much juice in the tank. And leaving room for the ‘air bubble’ at the top, you only get about 75% capacity of the tank. I believe the type B tank advertises 2.5ml, but I think you would be lucky to get 2ml. I know with my type, they advertise 1.2ml, but I could never get more than 1 ml with regular bottom, and only get .75 with the soft bottoms (I measured with a precise 3ml syringe)

Here’s my 2 cents. Research shows your body absorbs about 1ml of nicotine per analog. (some goes as high as 1.6, but lets keeps it 1 ml for this argument, and is the more accepted standard and makes it easy, 1=1). So if you vape 3 ml of 12 mg juice per day, that’s 36 analogs, or 2ml of 24 mg juice, that’s 48 analogs, and so on.

BUT here’s the catch. This is assuming 100% absorption rate, which I can tell you IS NOT the case. There is no research or studies on how much nicotine is absorbed through vaping. But I can assure you its not 100%. Remember, an analog has about 8mg of nicotine each before it is smoked, but most of it is lost in the flame/ash, and a little just isn’t absorbed in the lungs (i.e exhaled).

But if I had to take a guess, I would say between 60-80%.. Maybe? I dunno.. that’s a complete guess. When I first quit analogs, I was a 1.5 pack/day smoker. I vape 3-4ml of 12mg juice/day. And in the beginning, I did suffer from nicotine withdrawal. Its been 4 weeks for me, and I cut back to 2-3ml, and I’m fine now.

Also remember to, the soft bottom caps are thicker than the plastic ones, so you can’t put as much juice in the tank. And leaving room for the ‘air bubble’ at the top, you only get about 75% capacity of the tank. I believe the type B tank advertises 2.5ml, but I think you would be lucky to get 2ml. I know with my type, they advertise 1.2ml, but I could never get more than 1 ml with regular bottom, and only get .75 with the soft bottoms (I measured with a precise 3ml syringe)

It just looks like to much trouble than its worth. Its says its suposed to make thing easier. Doesn't look like it. Now really, how hard is it to turn a bottle over and put in some drops of juice???? Geeze.... Even the condom fill methoer looks much much easier... I've never used it, but it looks like a piece of crap to me. And yes, I could make it my self for less than $2.00

I have an ego-t passthough. I'm assuming the ego is the same connection. I just uses a standard mini USB cable. Same thing most camera's use. (not mico usb, most smart phones use micro, and not standard usb, most printers use standard) The technical specs are 'USB A (Male) to B Mini 5 Pin (Male)' Go to eBay and do a search on that. Very common and very cheep. You can get them for like 50 cents, with free shipping from china, but takes a couple weeks. You can get them from a USA seller for like $1-2 each and get alot faster. Or you can go to your local retailer and get one for like $10-$15.. lol... way more expensive, but you get it right away and don't have to wait a few days. And FYI, don't let someone sell you on a 'super gold plated... turbo charged, high quality, will help you save the planet', type cable, lol.. They are all the same... haha Just make sure its long enough to go from your computer to your mouth. 6ft should be fine..

Hopefully Last but not least......



Supplies:
1.Empty dropper bottles- 3ml, 5ml, 10ml sizes are great for mixing.
2. Pipette or syringe with blunt needle. Personally, I prefer using a syringe for mixing--More accurate.
3. paper towel or rag for handling any spills or messes
4. Labels are good for identifying your new mixes. If using paper labels I have found that applying scotch tape over the

label keeps the label legible.
5. mixing calculator helps with acheiving the correct nicotine strength. There are other calculators out there, but I

like Todd Muellers: http://www.todmuller.com/ejuice/ejuice.php . I usually put my flavor at 30 - 40%. I like lots of

flavor.

Mixing -can be simple (combining premixed liquids to create a new flavor) or more complicated, mixing from scratch. Or

somewhere in between.

1. Always start your mixing or experimentation with small amounts. Its much easier to throw out a small amount of liquid

if it turns out bad. The 3ml bottles are great for experimenting.
2. Its a good idea to keep track of what and how much you have added to your mix--just in case you want to make more.

**It is easy enough to mix 2 or more premixed liquids together to get a new flavor. This is easiest if you are using the

same nicotine strength.
i.e.- Tobacco 18mg/Watermelon 18mg/menthol 18mg/pina colada 18mg. The amounts would depend on taste.
Start with 5 drops of each in a 3ml bottle, shake and vape--can adjust the flavor as you want by adding more of one of

the flavors.
with the menthol--using just 1-2 drops/3ml will give a nice cool throat hit without tasting like menthol.

** Can use PG/VG or both to cut a higher strength liquid. i.e.- 24mg premixed liquid 1ml can be mixed with 1ml PG or VG

to make 12mg/ml liquid. If cutting a premixed flavor, keep in mind, it will also decrease the flavor. If you don’t want

the flavor loss you can cut with 0 nicotine strength in the same or a different flavor. You can also use flavorings to

boost the flavor. use the calculator to determine how much PG/VG to use to achieve the desired strength. Just put 0 in

the water and flavor boxes.

** Adding Flavoring to premixed liquids
This is actually one of the easiest forms of mixing and is a great place to start the DIY journey. We all have flavors

we don’t really care for, but by adding flavoring you can create a flavor you like.

Keep in mind--when adding flavoring it will dilute the nicotine strength of the premixed liquid. one way around this is

to get some unflavored higher nicotine liquid- i.e. 36mg that can be added to your mix to keep the nicotine strength at

your desired level.

My preferred nicotine level is 12mg/ml--so I will use that dose for mixing examples.

i.e.-- cappuccino 36mg/ml, 1.7ml + FlavourArt apple pie flavoring 1.5ml + VG 1.8ml for a total of 5ml 12mg/ml.
This is where the calculator comes in handy. Just put in the numbers, hit enter and the calculations are done for you.

This is where having a syringe is helpful.
However if you are using drops, I have found that 30 drops of PG = 1ml and 20 drops of VG = 1ml.
You can use more than one flavoring: cappuccino 1.7ml + apple pie flavoring 1ml + Vanilla 1ml + VG 1.3 ml = 5ml 12mg/ml

Don’t be afraid to mix more than one flavor. When cooking, most dishes require more than one flavor to get the right

taste.

** mixing from scratch
You will need PG and/or VG
Unflavored Nicotine liquid ( I usually use 36mg/ml)
Flavorings of choice

i.e. Easy
Watermelon 12mg/ml
3 ml PG or VG
1 ml Lorann Watermelon flavoring
2 drops Menthol flavoring (Flavourart)
2 ml 36mg/ml Unflavored liquid

i.e. using multiple flavors:

Apple Pie (6ml) 18mg/ml

3 ml 36/mg unflavored
1 ml FlavourArt(FA) Apple Pie
6 drops (Flavourart) Irish Cream
2 drops (FA) perique black (tobacco)
3 drops (FA) menthol
.5ml PG
.5ml VG
3 drops hazelnut
6 drops vanilla


** Misc Notes
Tobacco Flavorings are very, very strong--a little goes a very long way. A couple drops to 5ml will give a nice

background flavor. If using more, add a drop or 2 at a time to taste.

Lorann flavorings are very concentrated. You would use less Lorann than you would with other flavorings.

Avoid flavorings with oils or sugars--both can damage your atomizer.

If you find your mix needs to be sweeter there are a couple of options:
1. Loranns cotton candy or Marshmallow flavorings are great for adding sweetness.
2. DIY flavor shack carrys Eythol Malto which is a sweetener.
3. I actually prefer the Lorann--overall sweeter tasting.
4. I add a few drops of Menthol to all my mixes-adds a cool throat hit and enhances the flavor. Just a little does not

taste like menthol. If you like menthol, just add more.
5. always start mixing with small amounts and keep track of what and how much.
6. For taste testing--dripping works best.

Mixing is a lot of trial and error in the beginning.
Add flavoring a little at a time until you find the balance you like will help keep waste to a minimum.

I am hoping others will be able to add their tips and ideas. the above is just my own opinion and my own experience.

If all or part of this is confusing please let me know-writing documents is not my strong suit !!!!

Merry Mixing

I too recommend the eGo. But I personally use the eGo-T model. The mouth piece and tank are a single unit. I like it because its easy to refill, and a single 1 ml talk lasts almost all day with out needing to drip all the time, but its personal preference. The one draw back is the tanks are more subject to leaking after being re-used a few times. But I ordered (but not yet received so I haven't tried them out yet) a softer plastic tank, instead of the normal hard tank, which is suposed to be better at preventing leaks because it forms a tighter seal around the wick. The 1000mah battery lasts me two days under normal, non-chain vaping, use. (using a normal atty too. As a LR atty reduces battery life)