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Harsh Vapor

Perilous3D

Member For 3 Years
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Guys, please help! My vapor is VERY HARSH. I can't chuck even a medium cloud because it's too hard on my lungs. Much worse than a cigarette actually. What am I doing wrong??? I'm using: Wismec Reuleux DNA200 mod, Lush RDA with all holes open, 24 gauge wire for coils (not sure what they are made of since they are premade and doesn't say on the package. The wattage, voltage and temperature settings are very confusing and I can't seem to find any good info on it. My juice is 12mg nic. Could that be why? Any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you!!
 

Jimi D

Gold Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
Yep its the nic. I tried my first subohm mech with 18mg 3 years ago. I was saying these Filipinos have throats of steel ! I then pm'ed a guy in the Filipino forums. He said use 3 to 6 mg. I went to 6mg and it was much smoother. Only downfall was the nic level had my head spinning. I went down to 3 mg and haven't changed since.
 

Perilous3D

Member For 3 Years
Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
Thanks for the replies, folks! Looks like a great community so far! :)

Dammit. I was afraid of that. I used to vape 24mg nic with pen-style ecigs so I went and bought a whole bunch of 12mg juice not thinking anything of it. I have like a year's worth lol. Is there anything I can do to compensate like cut it with nic-free juice or maybe use a lower temperature/wattage? Or maybe a certain type of coil?

To answer your question, AmadaD, I have been smoking for about 20 years and vaping on and off for maybe 5 years. I cut down on my smoking gradually over the past 5-10 years from 2 packs a day to 2 smokes a day but I just can't let go of those last couple. I've been using ecigs to compensate for those really rough days when I want to smoke more but, generally speaking, I don't alternate between them. It's either one or the other. I tend to use vaping as a means of refraining from smoking. In the last year or so, I was able to go 3 months without smoking on a couple occasions by using ecigs as an alternative. Mind you, those were the pen-style ecigs with the tanks and pre-built coils/wicks. A friend told me vaping with a mod would be like night and day, and he's right! But I wasn't expecting it to be so harsh!

Live and learn, as they say. I just wish I had informed myself a little more before investing in such a large quantity of 12mg juice like a doof. o_O
 

Perilous3D

Member For 3 Years
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Oh, and I forgot to mention: I'm using a dual coil build which comes in at 0.16 ohms. I'm still not sure what all that entails exactly but could that also be a contributing factor?
 

AmandaD

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Oh, and I forgot to mention: I'm using a dual coil build which comes in at 0.16 ohms. I'm still not sure what all that entails exactly but could that also be a contributing factor?
For sure - perhaps try something around 0.5? And, as others have said, 12mg is high for the type of setup you're using. I smoked for 40 years, but I make my juice in 3mg now. One way to fix your juice is to buy a bottle of the same flavor in 0 nic and mix it with the 12mg. That will make your juice 6mg (assuming equal parts).
 

Perilous3D

Member For 3 Years
Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
For sure - perhaps try something around 0.5? And, as others have said, 12mg is high for the type of setup you're using. I smoked for 40 years, but I make my juice in 3mg now. One way to fix your juice is to buy a bottle of the same flavor in 0 nic and mix it with the 12mg. That will make your juice 6mg (assuming equal parts).

Do you think I could get away with cutting it with plain VG? Or would that affect the flavor too much? The reason I ask is that the juice I got was on the expensive side. I'd rather not have to dish out another 100 beans for 0 nic juice to mix with if I can help it.
 

AmandaD

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Do you think I could get away with cutting it with plain VG? Or would that affect the flavor too much? The reason I ask is that the juice I got was on the expensive side. I'd rather not have to dish out another 100 beans for 0 nic juice to mix with if I can help it.
You can certainly dilute it, but as you say it will also dilute the flavor quite a bit!
 

MyMagicMist

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
You ought to learn more about your RDA too. This is not a cut, or attack on you. It is just hopefully some constructive critique. I would not vape on an RDA fresh out of a package, pre-built without knowing the build.

You could be drawing on cheap non-resistance wire for all you know, if you just fire up not having looked it over. A good way to start learning more is to visit forums sure. Then, read over stuff and try to let it sink in a little. Many of us in the forums want vaping to work for as many as it can, we want lives saved.

Know it is difficult trusting strangers. Plenty of trouble doing that myself at times, trouble too trusting myself some. I'm an oddball like that. I also vape 18% across the board, in evods, in RDAs, RTAs, yes, I am physiologically a mutant. :) I have trouble functioning on lower nicotine, can do it but it's rough.

You can learn more about RDA & RTA building as it's called by watching my buddy's videos on Youtube. Look for Super_x_Drifter. He teaches the basics well, does not preach, does not take a stance of being superior. He speaks slowly and clearly so you can understand what's going on easily.

I also see you're using a mod having swappable batteries. Please be cautious with your batteries. DO NOT PLACE LOOSE BATTERIES IN PANTS POCKETS WITH OTHER LOOSE METALLIC OBJECTS. They will indeed arcs, short and possibly cause injury, maybe worse. You may also want to read more about battery safety. Apologies for shouting about loose batteries. We've seen a fair show of some what got no clue.

Also, please enjoy some handy links to materials, to reference. Well, mostly materials. *chuckles* :)

=== Batteries
=======================================================================

Only buy batteries from a reputable supplier (not ebay or Amazon) as there are many counterfeit batteries being sold. Here are several reputable battery suppliers in the US.

RTD Vapor - http://www.rtdvapor.com/
Illumination Supply - http://www.illumn.com/
Orbtronics - http://www.orbtronic.com/
IMR Batteries - https://www.imrbatteries.com/
Liion Wholesale - http://liionwholesale.com/

=== RESISTANCE WIRE
=======================================================================

Buy quality resistance wire from reputable supplier/s only.

TEMCo Tower Electronics Manufacturing Company

Kanthal A1 Resistance Wire
< http://www.temcoindustrialpower.com/search.html?&category=Resistance_Wire&c=0002006 >

Commonly Used Spools
( Items marked with a * are 100 foot spools. )

24ga < http://www.temcoindustrialpower.com/products/Resistance_Wire/RW0249.html >
26ga < http://www.temcoindustrialpower.com/products/Resistance_Wire/RW0158.html >
28ga < http://www.temcoindustrialpower.com/products/Resistance_Wire/RW0117.html >
30ga < http://www.temcoindustrialpower.com/products/Resistance_Wire/RW0106.html >
*32ga < http://www.temcoindustrialpower.com/products/Resistance_Wire/RW0097.html >
*34ga < http://www.temcoindustrialpower.com/products/Resistance_Wire/RW0075.html >


If you want into some DIY e-juice later on, here you go (hugo). You'll find PG & VG where you find nicotine, being sold there at any given.

=== NICOTINE
=======================================================================

Wizard Labs < http://wizardlabs.us/index.php?route=product/search&search=nicotine >
Nude Nicotine < https://www.nudenicotine.com/ >
RTS Vapes < http://www.rtsvapes.com/Flavorless_Liquid_Nicotine_s/42.htm >
Nicotine Labs < http://www.nicotinelabs.com/nicotine-liquid/ >

=== FLAVORS
=======================================================================

!!! SAFETY NOTE !!!

ENSURE E-JUICE IS ALWAYS FREE FROM DIACETYL AND ACETYL PROPIONYL. THESE
ARE CHEMICALS THAT MAY IMPOSE SERIOUS HEALTH RISKS.

TFA < http://shop.perfumersapprentice.com/c-108-the-flavor-apprentice-world-of-flavors.aspx >
RTS Vapes < http://www.rtsvapes.com/Liquid_Flavoring_s/88.htm >
Flavorah < http://store.flavorah.com/All-Vaping-Flavors_c_8.html >
Lorann < http://www.lorannoils.com/ >
DIY Vape Flavors < http://diyvapeflavors.com/main/ >

If you or someone you *cough* give *cough* juice to happens to enjoy the creamy flavors, or buttery ones you may need those two chemicals in the safety notice above. In wee small quantities you may get by alright. Beware though, there are serious risks possible. There are always are though, so just mind yourself with a lick of sense.
 
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Perilous3D

Member For 3 Years
Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
Thanks, MorelyMagicMist! You have given me a lot to digest here and I am grateful for the resources. I'll be sure to read up on all of this and do some more research before continuing with my set up/build.

I noticed last night while playing around that there's a lot of popping going on within a few seconds of holding down the button. Is that normal? On one occasion, I got a mouth full of juice when it popped. I'm starting to think that my coil build is not done correctly. Should I go with a single coil build instead of a double with some thicker wire as suggested by AmandaD? I have some clapton wire that I'm considering using instead, on maybe a single coil build. Any suggestions?
 

MyMagicMist

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
Thanks, MorelyMagicMist! You have given me a lot to digest here and I am grateful for the resources. I'll be sure to read up on all of this and do some more research before continuing with my set up/build.

I noticed last night while playing around that there's a lot of popping going on within a few seconds of holding down the button. Is that normal? On one occasion, I got a mouth full of juice when it popped. I'm starting to think that my coil build is not done correctly. Should I go with a single coil build instead of a double with some thicker wire as suggested by AmandaD? I have some clapton wire that I'm considering using instead, on maybe a single coil build. Any suggestions?

Popping can be a normal happening. You may consider screen mesh put down a chuff cap of an RDA to help block spit back. I would suggest 400 grain stainless steel screen mesh. Or, as you're suspecting too the coil may have a few flaws. I would have to look at it in my hands to actually figure it out. *chuckles*

If you're able to take off a top cap and still fire onto the coil, you might want to look at it as you fire it. There may be what are called hot spots, or hot legs. This is where a section of wire in a coil draws current more readily than other sections. A bit of gentle jiggling, maybe squeezing the coil with tweezers can often help even things out for the current draw. And it really becomes a literal hands on job for each different set up, each being very different. And yes you'll see hot spots easily enough. They'll glow hot quicker.

If you've got a drip tip instead of chuff cap, you can use a small bit of mesh on the part inserted into the cap. To dodge spit back. You may also want to go to the single coil for now. This would likely help improve your experience and satisfaction. This is part of learning the vaping. You didn't really need to learn much smoking, vaping says "ha ha sucker, you need to fidgit a bit here and there, learn every day." It is well worth the effort though, as most times it is small things. None of us vape exactly same and that's okay, we each do what is right for ourselves.

Prime example on my part. I use an RSST which is called a genesis or genny style tank. Many who use it will suggest a purist view that you need to wick it with stainless steel mesh. I have yet to use stainless mesh to wick mine. I tried it with a ceramic type wick, now use rayon. It suits me well. Granted, stainless mesh may blow rayon wick out of the water. Fine, let it if that's your thing. Me? I'm alright doing my thing. :)

Hope I'm helping more than sounding like some mountain top mutt that talks in riddles. *chuckles*
 

Perilous3D

Member For 3 Years
Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
Popping can be a normal happening. You may consider screen mesh put down a chuff cap of an RDA to help block spit back. I would suggest 400 grain stainless steel screen mesh. Or, as you're suspecting too the coil may have a few flaws. I would have to look at it in my hands to actually figure it out. *chuckles*

If you're able to take off a top cap and still fire onto the coil, you might want to look at it as you fire it. There may be what are called hot spots, or hot legs. This is where a section of wire in a coil draws current more readily than other sections. A bit of gentle jiggling, maybe squeezing the coil with tweezers can often help even things out for the current draw. And it really becomes a literal hands on job for each different set up, each being very different. And yes you'll see hot spots easily enough. They'll glow hot quicker.

If you've got a drip tip instead of chuff cap, you can use a small bit of mesh on the part inserted into the cap. To dodge spit back. You may also want to go to the single coil for now. This would likely help improve your experience and satisfaction. This is part of learning the vaping. You didn't really need to learn much smoking, vaping says "ha ha sucker, you need to fidgit a bit here and there, learn every day." It is well worth the effort though, as most times it is small things. None of us vape exactly same and that's okay, we each do what is right for ourselves.

Prime example on my part. I use an RSST which is called a genesis or genny style tank. Many who use it will suggest a purist view that you need to wick it with stainless steel mesh. I have yet to use stainless mesh to wick mine. I tried it with a ceramic type wick, now use rayon. It suits me well. Granted, stainless mesh may blow rayon wick out of the water. Fine, let it if that's your thing. Me? I'm alright doing my thing. :)

Hope I'm helping more than sounding like some mountain top mutt that talks in riddles. *chuckles*

Haha, no not at all man! Your insights have been extremely helpful! I truly appreciate all the feedback you all have been giving me and it reaffirms my first impression that this is a solid community of caring, conscientious people. I can only hope to return the favor and pay it forward once I learn all the ins and outs of vaping. There sure is a lot more to learn that I first thought.
 

Perilous3D

Member For 3 Years
Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
Update: I'm hesitantly optimistic that I have solved the problem. After watching countless videos on my particular mod and its configuration settings, my RDA, and various coil builds, I believe I've landed on something that works for me.

The biggest contributing factor surprisingly was the nicotine level. I guess with these types of mods, 12mg is just too much for me. I had some 0-nic PG laying around so I cut my juice with some of that and some pure VG I had ordered and it did the trick. I'm now getting a nice, smooth vape with a significant throat hit but nothing overpowering like before. I'm finally blowing some decent sized plumes! :) Although this was not really my goal, it's a nice bonus. However, I'm mostly interested in A) Max flavor and B) a decent kick that closely mimics a drag from a medium-strength cigarette.

I'm still confused about a few things though. Should I be locking my ohms? And if so, what purpose does that serve? Should I also be using temperature control? I'm currently using:

-500 F temp control
-30 Watts
-Dual Clapton coil build (24+30 GA Comp Wire)
-0.26 ohms

With those settings and my juice tweaks, I'm finally getting the best vape I've had so far!

Any suggestions as far as overall vape quality, experience and safety go? I also read that it's best to charge your batteries outside the mod and not use the USB charging. Is that actually the case?

Sorry for so many questions but I feel like I've turned a new leaf today! :D
 

VapeS1000r

Member For 3 Years
Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
Sometimes too much wick can cause juice strangulation (wow, such a hefty term lol).

Too little wick and you'll get dry hits because it's not soaking up juice fast enough for your draw, cowboy.
 

MyMagicMist

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
Yep yep yep. :) Look for youtube videos about putting in wick. I use Rayon, others use cotton, some use silica, some wire mesh. A lot of the basic principles are the same no matter the material use. It needs to be the right sweet spot of wick, not too much, not too little. Learning it is trail by error for yourself mainly, and it can change each build too. Vaping is much more subjective than smoking.

I always chuckle over threads asking which is best or better, it ultimately comes back to what each person wants. For example I think the Velocity style clones are the bees knees. @Hank F. Spankman loves the Goon rdas, @Train likes the Pan cake type of rdas. Do I tell them their choices in rdas eat toe jam? No. That's what they like to use, I can use what I like. Recently, ordered a different type of rda for myself to try out, an Origen Little.
 

Train

Gold Contributor
Member For 5 Years
I like the O-16 too. And Nuppins. I like Nuppins. And Narda, despite the whistle, I like Nardas.
LOL


Yep yep yep. :) Look for youtube videos about putting in wick. I use Rayon, others use cotton, some use silica, some wire mesh. A lot of the basic principles are the same no matter the material use. It needs to be the right sweet spot of wick, not too much, not too little. Learning it is trail by error for yourself mainly, and it can change each build too. Vaping is much more subjective than smoking.

I always chuckle over threads asking which is best or better, it ultimately comes back to what each person wants. For example I think the Velocity style clones are the bees knees. @Hank F. Spankman loves the Goon rdas, @Train likes the Pan cake type of rdas. Do I tell them their choices in rdas eat toe jam? No. That's what they like to use, I can use what I like. Recently, ordered a different type of rda for myself to try out, an Origen Little.
 

MyMagicMist

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
I like the O-16 too. And Nuppins. I like Nuppins. And Narda, despite the whistle, I like Nardas.
LOL

*chuckles* And I'm getting the O-16(?) Origen little, it is 16mm diameter so I would think that's the same one. Not seen a Nuppins for sale at my regular vape porn sites. Have seen the Nardas though. :)
 

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