I see this argument over and over again, on this forum, on other forums, and really, it just comes down to preference and whatever works for you personally. I'm in the steep everything camp. I haven't vaped anything that didn't taste better with days to weeks to months of steeping. My palate can detect changes, sometimes subtle, but definitely there. As a newbie, I read thread after thread on this subject and decided I didn't want to steep because 1) I was just too impatient 2) it just seemed pointless. And, as a newbie, it's confusing when you read threads and there's conflicting information all over the place - you don't know what to trust or how to determine who's right. So, I basically just did my own thing, using certain threads as a guideline. I know many others did this as well. I think it's important to keep in mind that newbies will be reading and looking for answers and need to understand the foundation of the answers, the science behind them, and the validity behind a given topic. This topic is subjective because taste is subjective. So, it's difficult to find a science to base my answer on, or for the shake and vape camp to base their answer on. I equate steeping to cooking, or marinating, or even the process of infusing herbs/roots into a tincture. None of these processes happen immediately. They take time. This is the logic I base my opinion on, as well as the experience I've had with shaking and vaping compared to steeping. But, I think what
@Cessnapix is saying is there are people new to vaping every day who are looking for answers to these questions. It's important to keep in mind that newbies do look to these posts for guidance. That's not to say anyone's answer on this subject is absolutely wrong or right, but rather keep in mind people are making decisions based on these posts, and for someone new to vaping, they want and need to know which flavors are vapeable right away because most don't have an arsenal of juices yet. I support my opinion, obviously, but also have tried to look at this topic objectively. I've paid attention to the general consensus both to understand the validity of my own view, and to know what information to pass on to others. Most people agree that tobaccos especially benefit from steeping. How long of a steep does seem to vary from person to person. Some fruits seem to be okay right away, while some do benefit from steeping as well. It's also generally accepted that custards, some desserts, and more complex mixes also benefit from steeping. Does that mean you can't shake and vape? No. You can vape a mix anytime you want to. But, these do get better with time. This is what most vapers say. I think that's an important point to make.
People have put a lot of effort into testing the whole steeping process. From UC to SC to various other methods I've read about like rice socks and just using hot water boiled in a pot. People want to know the science behind it. What is truly necessary and valid. I personally question whether heat is an accelerator, but I can't argue with what people have discovered in the testing process. People haven't tested this and found there to be benefits because it's wrong or because there's no validity to it - I have to keep this in mind. If I have doubts, then I test myself. But, I don't think people who made these efforts are OCD or obsessed, other than wanting to seek the truth. They have provided a foundation, a basis for the process of speed steeping. That's what scientists do. They hypothesize, they test a hypothesis under controlled and unbiased environments to seek the truth. People who steep aren't OCD about it - they just want to enjoy a good vape. That's what we are all here for ultimately.
If shake and vape works for you, then that's what you do. If speed steeping works for you, then that's fine, and that's what you do. If only using time alone to steep works for you, then that's what you do. I don't think anyone can say what you do is wrong for you. I just try to keep in mind that newbies will be reading, need advice, and need and want to understand the reason behind a given answer. So, this very long-winded post was just to say that in the end, you do what works for you, but you can also look to what others have done already to find those answers we all seek, at least in vaping.
P.S. Sorry for the War and Peace version lol
