Highbrow News — e-juice

We’ll be talking about whether or not this is the right choice, and if you should go up or down with your milligram strength, or simply stick to the one that you’re already vaping at.

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Determining the best vaping setup for your needs can be a tricky business.  From choosing the right vaping device to figuring out which flavors tantalize you the most, there are a lot of decisions that the vaper has to make.

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Using a rebuildable atomizer comes with loads of advantages.  It allows you to save money by creating your own coils while enabling you to experiment with a wide range of unique coil configurations.  Plus, this type of atomizer allows you to understand vaping technology on a whole new level.

However, when it comes to changing your e-liquid, things aren’t quite as simple as they are when using a conventional sub-ohm tank.  While sub-ohm tanks allow you to simply throw out the coil, rinse out the glass and refill, rebuildable atomizers require a bit more care.

The good news is that it’s fairly easy to change your e-juice while using a rebuildable atomizer.  The key is eliminating any trace of liquid that’s left behind before you add your new flavor. As you’ll see, this process varies depending on whether you’re using an RDA, an RBA or an RTA.

RDAs

An RDA is made for dripping, so it doesn’t require a ton of effort in order to try a new e-liquid flavor.  And because of the nature of RDAs, all that you have to do is simply remove the cotton wick as it’s saturated in the previous e-liquid.  This will ensure that you don’t taste any of the old e-liquid while trying to enjoy a new flavor.

Sometimes, little cotton fibers will be clinging to the coil after you’ve removed the wick.  These fibers will indeed affect the flavor of your new e-liquid. Luckily, getting rid of them simply requires that you fire your device a couple of times at a low wattage in order to burn them away.

RTAs

Because an RTA has a juice well, you’re going to need to put just a little more effort into ridding it of traces of e-liquid.  This type of atomizer closely resembles a standard sub-ohm tank; hence the cleaning techniques aren’t that different.

1. Just like you would with an RDA, completely remove the cotton from the atomizer.  The cotton is still saturated in your last e-liquid, meaning that it will affect the flavor of your new juice.  
2. Then, burn off any remaining cotton fibers by firing your device at a low wattage a couple of times.
3. Next, take apart the tank and gently run each piece under water for a few seconds.  To ensure that no traces of e-liquid are left behind, smell each piece of the tank in order to make sure that you can’t detect the scent of your last e-liquid’s flavor.
4. Finally, carefully dry each piece off and reassemble your atomizer.

RBAs

An RBA is unique in that it allows you to use conventional, pre-built coils while featuring a build deck so that you can make your own.  When it comes to changing e-liquid with an RBA, the process is exactly the same as cleaning an RTA.

1. Remove the cotton piece
2. Burn off excess cotton
3. Give each component a good rinse.  
4. Put your atomizer back together and you’re good to go.

Something to Keep in Mind

Many vapers experience some despair at the thought of throwing out a piece of cotton that they’ve only just installed.  If you hate the idea of wasting money, consider saving your cotton wicks for the next time that you will be using that same vape flavor.

Atomizer Cleanliness is Key

In order to truly enjoy the flavor of your new e-liquid, make sure that you thoroughly rid your atomizer of traces of old liquid.

While dripping has been around for years, this alternative form of vaping has remained under the radar throughout its existence.  In fact, it’s gotten quite a bad rap because of people mistakenly believing that it’s a highly dangerous activity. The reality is that if you’re using the right equipment, dripping can be an incredibly fun way to enjoy your e-liquid that doesn’t put you at serious risk of harm.

Dripping involves pouring a couple of drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil of your atomizer and taking a couple of hits at a time.  Many believe that this produces a more satisfying vape overall. It’s known to enhance the juice’s flavor on a profound level while strengthening the hit of nicotine.  Another advantage of dripping is that it allows the user to enjoy a wide variety of different flavors throughout the day without having to constantly empty, wash and refill their tank.

Now, in order to drip properly, you need to know what you’re doing as this vape style requires certain equipment and a knowledge of basic vaping technology.  We’ve created this guide to help you understand how to do this activity properly.

Dripping 101

First, you need to purchase an RDA (rebuildable drip atomizer) and is specially designed to accommodate this style.  Without an RDA, you simply can’t drip properly.

RDAs are designed for dripping as they have large airflow ports and an extremely small juice well that’s designed to keep the e-liquid on the coil.  

Once you’ve selected a good RDA, you can begin your dripping adventure:

1. First, take off the drip tip of the RDA.  
2. Pour about four or five drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil.  
3. Then, put the drip tip back on and take a hit.  
4. Take in a massive, thick cloud of vapor that tastes delicious.

You should get only one or two hits out of each dripping session.  When you’re ready for another hit, repeat the process.

What Not to Do

Always be careful not to pour too much e-liquid onto the coil.  This will cause your coil to flood, ruining your vaping session and causing unwanted spit back.

It is also important that you don’t hit your atomizer after that second hit.  Each four or so drops of e-liquid is really only good for a hit or two. If you try to stretch out that vape juice, you’ll likely get a nasty dry hit.  You may even burn out your coil, meaning that you’ll have to get a new one.

Lastly, always make sure that you put your drip tip back on before taking a hit.  Otherwise, you’ll severely burn your mouth.

Have a Safe and Proper Dripping Time

When done right, dripping is an extremely fun way to enjoy the flavor of your e-liquid.

If you have been a sub-ohm vaper for a while, you’re used to the fact that selecting the right coil for your device is just as important as finding the best-tasting e-liquid or the most powerful mod. When it comes to pod-based vaping, however, the variety of coil designs that you’re used to just doesn’t exist.

Because of the nature of salt nic e-liquid, pod systems are a little stricter than sub-ohm devices. In order for the liquid to properly vaporize, your coil’s resistance level must stay within a fairly small range. This means that you can’t really experiment with different coil builds like you can when you’re using a sub-ohm tank or an RDA.

In fact, pod cartridge coils and tank coils are dramatically different from each other in basically every way. As you’ll see, each have unique properties that promote two totally different vaping experiences.

Resistance Level

While vape tank coils tend to have resistance levels below one ohm, pod cartridge coils are often 1.2ohms or higher. This is because of the fact that salt nic e-juice must be used with a mouth-to-lung (MTL) device. A higher resistance level and a lower wattage level help preserve the integrity of the salt-based nicotine, allowing the juice to be turned into smooth, satisfying vapor.

Size

If you’ve recently gotten a pod system, you may have struggled to locate the coil. Pod cartridge coils are extremely small. That’s because they don’t require a huge amount of e-liquid in order to create vapor. Sub-ohm coils, on the other hand, need to have enormous wicks in order to absorb a lot of juice at once.

Material

If you’ve been using sub-ohm coils with a conventional mod, you know that organic Japanese cotton is a must if you want to experience smooth, clean flavor and massive clouds. Surprisingly to many, pod cartridge coils typically don’t contain a cotton wick.  That’s because cotton is so absorbent that it can cause the pod cartridge to flood. Pod mods are low-wattage devices that don’t require that their coils stay extremely saturated with e-juice. Therefore, they tend to have wicks that are made from synthetic fibers. This material absorbs just enough liquid to turn each hit into a satisfying experience.

Purpose

Many people who prefer sub-ohm devices are cloud chasers who crave abundant, thick vapor and high wattage levels. Pod systems are designed for vapers who want to experience a good throat hit and a nice nicotine buzz.  

Sub-ohm coils are made to accommodate the needs of those who want to chase clouds.  They’re specially designed to absorb a massive amount of e-liquid so that each hit produces a ton of vapor. Pod cartridge coils take in a small amount of liquid since the vaper wants a nice hit to the throat more than anything else.

Longevity

Because sub-ohm coils are heated to such high temperatures, they tend to die out pretty quickly. The average heavy vaper will go through one sub-ohm coil every two weeks.  Because pod cartridge coils are exposed to lower wattage levels, they tend to last for long periods of time. Many vapers can go a month or so before it’s time to invest in a new cartridge.

The Differences Are There

As you can see, pod cartridge coils and sub-ohm coils are extremely different in every way. If you’re new to pod-based vaping, it is crucial that you understand how pod cartridge coils differ from the coils that you’re used to.

For vapers going through those bottles of e-juice at a ridiculously fast rate, it's time to reconsider your vaping habits. How frequently you have to restock your juice supply depends on so much more than how often you vape. This guide will help you make that vape juice last for a long time, saving you a good amount of money in the long run. 

Tip #1: Lower Your Wattage Level

Many people who are new to vaping don't quite grasp the relationship between wattage and e-liquid supply. As it turns out, the wattage that your device is set at directly affects how quickly you go through vape juice. The higher the wattage, the more your e-liquid will evaporate. 

People who enjoy blowing huge clouds enjoy high wattage levels because of how much liquid is evaporated per puff. However, if you're trying to make your juice last for a long time, lowering that wattage level would be a good idea.

Tip #2: Select a Vape Juice with More Propylene Glycol (PG)

Juices that have a high amount of vegetable glycerin (VG) don't last as long as those that have more propylene glycol (PG). That's because VG is a thicker substance that evaporates at a different rate from PG. 

Always look at a bottle of liquid to see the VG/PG ratio. This will help you choose an e-juice that won't burn as quickly. 

Tip #3: Choose a Higher Nicotine Concentration

Some vapers go through a tremendous amount of e-liquid weekly because they're simply addicted to nicotine. Many beginners make the error of choosing a low-nicotine juice after coming off of tobacco cigarettes. The problem is that those who crave a lot will end up vaping excessively to get the proper amount of nicotine in their system. 

If you're physically addicted to nicotine, opt for a high-nic e-juice. You'll likely find that you hit your mod less frequently.

Tip #4: Stay on Top of Your Coils

Always change your coils when they begin to lose their functionality. Coils that are past their prime will negatively impact the e-liquid that's in your tank, causing it to burn and develop a poor flavor. A dead coil can also cause your tank to leak. 

As soon as the flavor of your juice tastes burnt or weak, it's time to change your coil. Always opt for high-quality coils that are made with materials that last for a long time. 

Tip #5: Don't Leave Your Tank in Hot, Bright Areas

E-Liquid going to evaporate. In fact, the act of steeping involves letting it evaporate just enough to create a stronger, richer flavor. However, it’s possible to accidentally let your juice evaporate too much. 

Leaving your vape tank in a hot or sunny area will inevitably result in more evaporation. It's wise to store your tank and liquid in a dark, cool place when not in use. 

Final Tip: Maintain Your Tank

Another reason for wasted e-juice is a poorly maintained tank. If your tank is extremely old or improperly cared for, it can end up leaking trace amounts of juice throughout the day. Always check your tank for signs of damage. 

Save Some Cash and Keep a Longer-Lasting Vape Stash

By following this guide, you can say goodbye to wasting money on e-liquid each month. These tips will help you make the most of your juice supply.