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Wicking

clemson27

Member For 2 Years
Is there really a difference between something like Cotton Bacon and unbleached organic cotton balls? I've been doing some research and some people say there is a difference, while others say there isn't. I tried the Cotton Bacon, and standard cotton balls, and I don't notice a difference other than price.
 

HondaDavidson

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Too me vaping wise cotton is cotton..... some types are just easier to use imo....

I also use cotton balls..... whatever the wife bought at Walmart. Bleached or unbleached.. idk... I found when learning that ALL cotton performed better after a good boiling and drying out. And you can't beat $2 or less for several years of wicking.

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advancedvapesupply

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Member For 3 Years
Member For 2 Years
Unlisted Vendor
Is there really a difference between something like Cotton Bacon and unbleached organic cotton balls? I've been doing some research and some people say there is a difference, while others say there isn't. I tried the Cotton Bacon, and standard cotton balls, and I don't notice a difference other than price.
There is a difference between cotton types, for sure. Some expand more or less when filled with juice, some are more dense than others. They can be processed differently, which makes a difference when it comes to vaping. In my experience some are perfect for rdas, but terrible for rtas, etc. They each have their own characteristics, but at the end of the day it doesn't make as big of a difference as wire selection / coil positioning and all the other variables..

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pizzadave80

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I was just active in a post from Reddit this week. He was using cotton balls in a Merlin mini. Was having wicking issues. The comments spoke and said he should attempt cotton made for vaping. He purchased cotton bacon and had much better success with wicking.

I would lean toward items that are considered to be more safe than other products. I use native wicks and have had great success. It is easy to work with and seems to last longer than other means. I get a bag for like $7 and it lasts me a fee months and I build and wick a lot.

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Vape Fan

_evil twin_
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I've never tried cotton balls. I've seen it's best to boil them first, but like said, I don't know.
I was using CB2 and liked it, even with a little break-in before slight hint of cotton went away.
Now using CB Prime and the break in is basically non existent.

I think you would notice a difference tween balls and Prime. I got mine from Eliquid.com for $4.86 each w/ free shipping, will last me months and I think that's a good deal.
 

advancedvapesupply

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Member For 3 Years
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I was just active in a post from Reddit this week. He was using cotton balls in a Merlin mini. Was having wicking issues. The comments spoke and said he should attempt cotton made for vaping. He purchased cotton bacon and had much better success with wicking.

I would lean toward items that are considered to be more safe than other products. I use native wicks and have had great success. It is easy to work with and seems to last longer than other means. I get a bag for like $7 and it lasts me a fee months and I build and wick a lot.

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I personally would never use cotton balls for vaping. Rayon is okay, but other than that, vaping cotton only..

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pizzadave80

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I personally would never use cotton balls for vaping. Rayon is okay, but other than that, vaping cotton only..

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I fear using cotton balls because they were never made for vaping... I understand that organic unbleached cotton is probably similar.... yet. I have worked in "food grade" businesses and the process lines are much more regulated. Cotton balls are not food grade, so the machines they are made with, how they are stored, and how the packaging is stored is much more lax.

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PoppaVic

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
"made for vaping" is an amusing form of "cop out". That being said, (and not intended to offend), I tried plain old cotton balls back when I started. Also cotton twine - boiled or not. I was not impressed and invested in a pile of good silica.

Then I tried SS mesh - and that was a massive pain, but omg - the flavor was clean when it worked.

When the organic cotton stuff was first becoming huge a friend shipped me a few pads to try - I bought myself a bag before they skyrocketed: it was that much better. Last month I also bought a box of Rayon "cellucotton". Both work well, rayon wicks slightly better. Anything further will cost more and be in the same ballpark, since they'll be the same materials.

Unlike a lot of folks, I'd tell the OP to buy what he wants and compare them - YMMV. Personally, I have been leaning toward Rayon in most of my stuff, because I already know I can make the organic cotton work - and I want as wide a spectrum of use/experience with the Rayon as I can get. Given the both on hand, I'm good until I die - and I don't believe I spent more than $9 on either of them.
 

PoppaVic

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Rayon is both inexpensive and wicks and tastes better than any cotton.
I think it is debatable, and it's likely even subjective (better). It is certainly, verifiably comparably priced and functions similarly.

I do "waste" more of the Rayon - because it would otherwise SWELL where I don't want it do do so and thus trim it,, Cotton goes the other way, and I trim short to start with, and then just stuff it in.

That said, no number of kibitzers or reviewers are going to make me WANT to spend more on "made for vaping" crap I have been doing well without for years. (heh.. lots of them vape fruits and dessert whatevers ;-)
 

GrayG70

Member For 1 Year
Rayon is yesterday, ive read a lot of bad stuff about it so ive never tried it, ill just stick to the cotton, it just works.
 

Carambrda

Platinum Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
I went from Cotton Bacon v2 to Native Wicks Platinum Blend. I noticed an improvement. Next, I went to Cotton Bacon Prime. I noticed an even much bigger improvement. Vaping at .11 ohms dual coil build (Nichrome80 aliens) on a single battery mech mod. Not trying to point any fingers, but I'll just add that some people don't taste any difference between a fresh juicy steak and cat food.
 

Letitia9

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I'm good with the ease of use and performance of KGD. I simply didn't notice any added benefit from using rayon. If I ever move into higher wattage vaping I might give rayon another go but until then I will stick with ease of using pads.
 

clemson27

Member For 2 Years
Only reason I asked was to make sure it was safe to vape organic cotton balls. I boil them to be sure. Like I said, Ive tried cheap cotton balls, and the cotton bcaon v2, and I couldnt tell you one difference.

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NWOVaper

Member For 1 Year
Only reason I asked was to make sure it was safe to vape organic cotton balls. I boil them to be sure. Like I said, Ive tried cheap cotton balls, and the cotton bcaon v2, and I couldnt tell you one difference.

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It's safe as long as it clearly says unbleached and organic. I'd still boil them, but they just don't wick the same as cotton bacon and such...

I could tell you plenty of differences lol....


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clemson27

Member For 2 Years
It's safe as long as it clearly says unbleached and organic. I'd still boil them, but they just don't wick the same as cotton bacon and such...

I could tell you plenty of differences lol....


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Yes ill agree the cotton bacon was easier to wick, but taste wise, I didnt notice a difference. Ill probably start buying cotton specifically for vaping just to be safe.

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NWOVaper

Member For 1 Year
Yes ill agree the cotton bacon was easier to wick, but taste wise, I didnt notice a difference. Ill probably start buying cotton specifically for vaping just to be safe.

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Like I said, as long as it clearly states "unbleached" and organic" you're fine. If you can find organic Japanese cotton, you're even better off. Whatever works for you though. Everyone is different.

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