Can anyone give a quick rundown on how the refill liquid works? Probably going with V4L starter kit but don't won't to load up on catridges if refilling with juice is as easy as it sounds. Are there certain cartridges I should buy in order to use the juice?
Each brand is a little different. I went with Volcano because they make "cartomizers" that are designed to be refillable. Some of the other brands you had to develope your own "system" to refill. Eyedroppers, paperclips to get into the cartridge, etc. A lot of people are disappointed in the throat hit aspect of e-cigs. The problem is that there are so many people using these that have never smoked so there are a TON of really cutesy flavors that only have taste but no impact. For those of us that like (NEED) that sensation... you hust have to sample different flavors, companies, etc.
Most e-cig companies sell blank cartos that are refillable, as well as 3-piece systems, drip tips, etc..The 4 basic ingredients in e-juice are Propylene Glycol (PG), vegetable based glycerin (VG), flavoring, and nicotine. As for the throat hit, it really has nothing to do with flavoring...it has to do with the ratio of VG to PG in the juice. The VG is what produces the vapor, the PG gives the throat hit. You can vape juice made with just VG that will produce tons of vapor, but you wont feel the hit much. Conversely, juice made with little or no VG will hit hard, but will produce little to no vapor (VG is also known to dilute flavor strength). Many believe you need to have at least 10-20% VG in a juice to produce sufficient vapor/throat hit combo. Ive noticed most vendors give buyers a few options on the VG/PG ratio on juice they order (in addition to nicotine strength), and most offer juice made with 100% VG for those that have allergic reaction to vaporizing PG. Higher nicotine amounts (18+mg) will also contribute to the throat hit. So when I order juice, I usually opt for the 80/20 (PG/VG) mix (30% VG maximum), with 18 or 24mg nicotine so I never worry about feeling it, or vapor production. I also opt for extra flavoring if offered.
If you get a cartridge that has flavor but doesnt produce much vapor, you can add a couple of drops of pure glycerin into the cart and it will solve that problem (glycerin can be found at drug storesin the skin care section, I got a
6oz bottle for $4 at my local CVS). Ive experimented a bit with it with some of the juice I have, and Ive noticed that while it will increase vapor, it waters down the flavor and throat hit. My girlfriend couldnt care less about the feeling, she just wants to see lots of vapor, so I add glycerin to the juice she orders to give her extra vapor. I also ordered some 36mg nicotine strength juice that I cut with the glycerin, which takes the juice down to about 24mg nicotine, has an insane throat hit and produces tons of vapor.
Wow Mango- light flavor very little vapor, no throat hitCranberry-Apple-Cinnamon- Same as the MangoFrench Vanilla Ice Cream- Sweet discernible flavor, does taste like ice cream, but no vapor.Kant- This one's ok. Good vapor and throat hit, just a step below the Hilton.Overall, I'm disappointed. If it weren't for the Hilton and the Kant, I'd be fairly positive that I have defective batteries. I've also been getting slightly better results by "hotboxing" the cart. As it is, I believe there is a V4L kiosk in the mall near my house. I am going to head up there tomorrow and see if they have any suggestions.
