Harsh hits....

[Tstoy]

Im obviously new to vaping, was a 22 yr smoker. Tried the e-cigs and vape pens a couple yrs ago but the cigs weren't strong enough and the vape pens were like completely acrid to my throat and lungs.

Decided to give it a 2nd try and got an iStick 30w and Kangertech Protank 3. I do like it most of the time, but the problem is it seems like if i haven't used it for an hour or so, it's usually super harsh when i hit it, and thats with a 2.5 sec hit. My usual hits r between 3-4 secs. I have put new coils on, thinking that was the problem, even tho the old one was only a week or so old. Changed juice, still same problem.

What's going on? It's sometimes so harsh, it's hard to get thru all those bad inhales before i start to get the pleasant ones

 

[DARKSIGNAL]

Have you changed the coil recently?

 

[Tstoy]

Have you changed the coil recently?

Yes, I just put a brand new coil in 2 days ago. It's weird, every time I pick it up after not using it for awhile, it's harsh. But after using it for a bit, then it's much better. Does it need to like "warm up" or something?

 

[Tstoy]

I completely took apart every piece of the tank, mouthpiece and coil. Cleaned everything very well and reassembled. Seems to be much smoother now

 

[nightshard]

At what wattage are you using it? The PT3 is quite old and not suitable for 30W or anywhere near it.

 

[Tstoy]

Usually between 15-17

 

[MyMagicMist]

Hmm.

New coils, check.
Nicotine level, jury out.
Power level, check.

You may want to consider a lower strength nicotine. Sometimes, this can offer folks harshness in and of itself, the nicotine strength that is. I consistently vape a 18mg per ml strength. This is considered about middle of the road globally. I notice though here in America many prefer lower strength than what I use.

6mg per ml seems to be what is commonly suggested, if you like stronger than this maybe 9mg per ml. Do not try keeping up with my 18mg, I'm wired off kilter physiologically. And of course, I know there some that hit 24 to 36mg per ml. They would call my 18mg light. Okay. That's fine.

 

[Tstoy]

Ya, i use the 24mg

 

[BigNasty]

Ya, i use the 24mg

Might want to consider a newer style tank and way less nic.

 

[AmandaD]

15-17 watts sounds high for a Protank, no? I thought most people vaped these somewhere around 8-10 watts, but I could be wrong with the Protank 3.

 

[MyMagicMist]

15-17 watts sounds high for a Protank, no? I thought most people vaped these somewhere around 8-10 watts, but I could be wrong with the Protank 3.

Yep, the power is fine. Thinking they need to drop the nicotine. Physiology for folks differs and there's no shame using lower nicotine. You do what is right for you because for you it is right, don't let anyone tell you different. But, if someone is trying to be constructive and offers sound reasoning, you may want to think about it. You may need a change. No shame in that either, that's living, change and adapting.

TL;DR: Not being nasty or rude here. There is some science behind people's bodies being different. Some can handle more or less nicotine. It doesn't matter which you use, as long as it's right for you. If you're having harshness, trying lower nicotine won't hurt at all. I'd love to get lower nicotine myself but it seems 18mg/ml is my 'sweet spot'.

 

[nightshard]

I would say your wattage is too high.
10W is about right, 12W max.

 

[Tstoy]

Y does it go up to 30w then? Did I just buy a battery that's more powerful than I need?

 

[AmandaD]

Y does it go up to 30w then? Did I just buy a battery that's more powerful than I need?

No, it's always better to have room to grow!

 

[Tstoy]

I've recently had a chest cold and it's killing me to even try to vape. I cough my brains out. Actually bought a pack of smokes bc I do kinda need the nicotine, but cigarettes are actually easier on the lungs right now

 

[Tstoy]

And just a question, how do I see all these people on the Internet getting these HUUUUGE clouds, and I can't get anything near that?

 

[The Cromwell]

And just a question, how do I see all these people on the Internet getting these HUUUUGE clouds, and I can't get anything near that?

You need a different tank for moar clowdz.
The protank 3 is around a 10 watt max device with small clowdz.
Something like a Kanger toptank might give you better results if looking for some clowdz. But not overwhelm you.

 

[AmandaD]

And just a question, how do I see all these people on the Internet getting these HUUUUGE clouds, and I can't get anything near that?

Equipment! But give it time - your lungs need a little time to heal

 

[egeorgequi]

How goes the vaping? Welcome back, I think you've made a good choice, the istick and protank are both good devices. Have you tried it on lower power yet? I usually run the PT3 coil between 8 - 12 watts. I am in fact vaping one at 6.5w as we speak and find it very satisfying. The PT3 coil is capable of taking more power but it doesn't need to. The rule of thumb is to start low and work your way up. I honestly think you're still in the crawl => walk stage on vaping. Give it some time and you'll be using that 30 watts and chucking clouds like the bad boys. Also - not much said about juice. The PG / VG ratio - a higher proportion of VG offers a smoother vape, I like 50 / 50 - PG / VG at 18 mg nic. Typical juice might be 70 / 30, not a harsh vape but not as smooth as 50 / 50. Stick with it, give it time, it really is better than smoking!

 

[Tstoy]

Hey, thanks for the advice. Problem is, I live in a small town and there is really not much selection. I have to go to a tobacco outlet store just for juice. No specialty shops around here

 

[Perilous3D]

I'm having a similar issue. Some peeps on the boards suggested I lower my nic level since that seems to be the culprit, in my case anyway and I concur. I'm only vaping at 12mg though which I thought was low but I was choking pretty bad off my first hit. I can't even imagine 24mg with a mechanical mod! Anyway, as others pointed out, high VG juice seems to help too. Good luck!

 

[Tstoy]

What is VG juice?

 

[Perilous3D]

VG = Vegetable Glycerin. This is one of the more common ingredients in e-juice. Typically, e-liquid is made from VG or PG (Propylene Glycol) or a mixture of the two. I see a lot of juices that have a 70 to 30 ratio (VG to PG). I prefer a high VG but it's a personal choice that's based on tolerance, allergies and/or personal preference. You have to experiment a bit to find which one is best for you. Just make absolute certain that the juice you get is made from 100% pure food grade ingredients and that they are sourced from a North American source. This won't necessarily guarantee that it's pure but will give you better odds. Asian vendors have a bad reputation of cheaping out on their ingredients. I've heard stories of them even mixing their PG with antifreeze and other nasty things.

Here's a link for more info on PG vs. VG.
http://vaping360.com/pg-vs-vg-what-is-the-difference-and-what-should-i-use/

Hope that helps a bit! Good luck!

 

[Ecigclopedia]

I had similar problem with Aspire Triton. Then I found out, that problem is with high PG in e-juice.
Here you can get some useful information - http://ecigclopedia.com/4-step-guide-how-to-choose-e-liquid-nicotine-level/
If lower PG level will not solve the case, probably your tank is not getting enough air..

 

[egeorgequi]

Hello Tstoy, that's a couple of good articles they suggested.
The short answer is VG is Vegetable Glycerin, AKA just Glycerin, it is sold in most drugstores as Glycerin.
Vegetable Glycerin mixed with Propylene Glycol makes up the base of eliquid, add nicotine and flavor and you've got juice. How much of each makes the PG/VG ratio, 80/20 or 70/30 are common but I prefer 50/50. Many people do, it tends to be smoother.

 

[Tstoy]

Ok. I understand the compound levels, but my problem is the only juice around here is the brand Criss Cross. There are some different kinds in gas stations, but they look pretty generic. No brand name or anything

 

[BigNasty]

Order online or learn to DIY

 

[BoomStick]

Buy an aspire nautilus or nautilus mini. Much better tank.

 

[SteveS45]

Y does it go up to 30w then? Did I just buy a battery that's more powerful than I need?

The MOD goes up to to 30 Watts for lower Ohm resistance coils/atomizers and you set it for the coils or atomizers that you are using on the MOD. Not a matched set.

I also agree with the Nautilus Mini recommendation as I have 3 and just got a Nautilus X which the jury is still out on.

 

[MyMagicMist]

The MOD goes up to to 30 Watts for lower Ohm resistance coils/atomizers and you set it for the coils or atomizers that you are using on the MOD. Not a matched set.

I also agree with the Nautilus Mini recommendation as I have 3 and just got a Nautilus X which the jury is still out on.

Question on the Nautilus Mini, specifically those niffty BVCs. Are they easily rebuilt? A lot of you Aspire freaks have been coming out of nowhere lately, like an army or something. Starting to ponder the Nautilus Mini, Nautilus tanks. If the BVCs are easy enough to rebuild it might help tip the scales.

The word freaks here is used in a non-disparaging intention, manner.

 

[SteveS45]

They do make a rebuild-able atomizer but I have read mixed reviews on them (tiny) and at $2 to $3 a pop you throw them away.

 

[Malky1841]

Hmm.

New coils, check.
Nicotine level, jury out.
Power level, check.

You may want to consider a lower strength nicotine. Sometimes, this can offer folks harshness in and of itself, the nicotine strength that is. I consistently vape a 18mg per ml strength. This is considered about middle of the road globally. I notice though here in America many prefer lower strength than what I use.

6mg per ml seems to be what is commonly suggested, if you like stronger than this maybe 9mg per ml. Do not try keeping up with my 18mg, I'm wired off kilter physiologically. And of course, I know there some that hit 24 to 36mg per ml. They would call my 18mg light. Okay. That's fine.

Ah! this may be my problem!. I used to smoke roll ups and went for an 18mg juice in my new Kangertech drip box starter kit. I cant inhale the vape as its really harsh. I thought I needed to re train myself to inhale differently to a cigarette but maybe a lower mg juice might help. I used the mouth to lung smoking but I wasnt getting any vape exhaling that way, straight to lung had me on the floor!. I was going to give up if it wasn't getting better soon.

 

[Frightnight]

Ah! this may be my problem!. I used to smoke roll ups and went for an 18mg juice in my new Kangertech drip box starter kit. I cant inhale the vape as its really harsh. I thought I needed to re train myself to inhale differently to a cigarette but maybe a lower mg juice might help. I used the mouth to lung smoking but I wasnt getting any vape exhaling that way, straight to lung had me on the floor!. I was going to give up if it wasn't getting better soon.

The inhale part was the thing for me. With cigs, it was mouth to lung like you. The guy at my local vape store mentioned the two ways, mouth to lung and direct lung (like smoking a **** ). That was the difference for me. Direct lung was giving me the perfect smooth hit with nice thick clouds. Of course the type of tank and fluid mixture makes a big difference too.

 

[MyMagicMist]

The inhale part was the thing for me. With cigs, it was mouth to lung like you. The guy at my local vape store mentioned the two ways, mouth to lung and direct lung (like smoking a **** ). That was the difference for me. Direct lung was giving me the perfect smooth hit with nice thick clouds. Of course the type of tank and fluid mixture makes a big difference too.

Agreed. Hitting for direct lung is exactly the same as hitting a *ahem* herbal smoking device. I prefer it over mouth to lung. Yeah, lots of the Evod style tanks are difficult to get direct lung hits from. More easy to use an RDA/RDTA for direct lung. Also, lowering your nicotine helps a great bit. I use the 18 myself but as I've mentioned, I'm a mutated freak & used to that. If I could physiologically find myself capable of dropping to lower level, I would in an instant. I may eventually be capable. For now, I'll stay where I am. 12mg leaves me feeling weird, like someone is touching me in bad places. * chuckles *

 

[Frightnight]

Yep, I'm lucky so far with using 6mg of nic since I started vaping a month ago. Been smoking for 35 years but the 6mg seems to be working fine.

 

[Frightnight]

herbal smoking device.

So that's what they call it. I learned from the Discover channel they were called ****.

 

[MyMagicMist]

So that's what they call it. I learned from the Discover channel they were called ****.

Was not sure **** would be acceptable here, or even pipe. On some forums they are strict about what is said. I am not promoting either.

 

[f1r3b1rd]

per the forum rules please refrain from drug talk or related items


return to your regularly scheduled program
thank you

 

[MyMagicMist]

per the forum rules please refrain from drug talk or related items


return to your regularly scheduled program
thank you

Ah. Yes. Apologies, will now know.

 

[Frightnight]

Ah. Yes. Apologies, will now know.

And me as well. Thank you.

 

[Whitesoxfan2579]

I started at 6mg but dropped it to 3mg when it was killing my throat. Also been vaping at 11 watts. Those setting with that combo for juice seems to be doing the trick for me.

 

[BigNasty]

Usually between 15-17

For a pt3 that is way to high.
Not enough juice flow in those things to keep up.
You also could be getting hot spots.

 

[OneOnOneFlavors]

Hey, thanks for the advice. Problem is, I live in a small town and there is really not much selection. I have to go to a tobacco outlet store just for juice. No specialty shops around here

If you live in a small town maybe you should just order online.... I think One on One Flavors Customer Service will help you.. They are on the chat all day....Google it....

 

[OneOnOneFlavors]

I started at 6mg but dropped it to 3mg when it was killing my throat. Also been vaping at 11 watts. Those setting with that combo for juice seems to be doing the trick for me.

Check out One on One Flavors.. Google them... Hit them up on the chat and they will help you out... They got some bomb flavors too for DIY

 

[BackWoodz]

Hey, thanks for the advice. Problem is, I live in a small town and there is really not much selection. I have to go to a tobacco outlet store just for juice. No specialty shops around here

Same thing with me. Closest vape shop to is about 2 hours and a few years before that was about 4 hours away. All we have is gas station liquid and whatever Walmart can sell. I was a 2 pack a day New Port smoker and the first thing I noticed immediately was the change in hits and after taste. I started with zig zag clove which burnt my throat and tasted like smoked ham, then I found fuma menthol 18% helped a little more with smoking cessation.I have came to realize while nicotine is addictive, the boom in the lungs I get from smoking is just as addicting if not more. May need to shop around and find a good tobacco blend that hits the way you like rather than based on nicotine %. I have all sorts of stuff laying around that is 6% and 3% that hits better than 18%. All mods hit different too, I still buy new ones all the time looking for bigger and better. As for aftertaste, It doesn't take long for you to adapt to the change in cigarette taste to vape.Go back in a year and hit a cigarette and your mind is gonna say "eww WTF I use to smoke these"