Sampling Tips & Tricks

Steam Pilgrim · Nov 9, 2015

I recently got into vaping and I'm quite keen to start on DIY liquids, but while I'm looking forward to tasting my way through 30 samples I don't relish the idea of rewicking after each new flavour.

I'd appreciate any tips and tricks for sampling (a succession of) flavours, be it setups, ways to quickly cleanse a wick, or anything else that smooths the process of sampling.

cmoorewv · Nov 9, 2015

I don't have a ton of experience, and I was pondering the same question. I have been sampling with less than a full tank. In between flavors I vape plain VG with no flavor til I don't taste the old flavor. It probably only works with a sub ohm tank capable of max vg. If you are using a different tank, plain vg mixed with distilled water may work. Dripper work better for changing flavors quickly I think, but I have no personal experience with them.

cmoorewv · Nov 9, 2015

Doesn't take long with the plain vg to get rid of the old flavor. If you have a ton of coils you could change coils between, but that would go through a bunch. To clean a coil, you would soak it or rinse it with vodka/ethyl alcohol followed by hot water and letting it dry about 24 hours.

gopher_byrd · Nov 9, 2015

Cisco style bridgeless atomizers. Drip your sample and vape, drip plain unflavored and vape, then drip next sample. They are cheap and should last a while. Just don't vape them dry, it tastes like crap and will burn out the coil. Voice of experience...

Steam Pilgrim · Nov 9, 2015

Hey, cmoorewv.

The samples I'm looking to try come in just 1ml a piece so, like you I'd guess, I'll be mixing up small batches to get the most out of them. It seems sensible, except for the wicking issue.

@gopher_bird: thank you, looking into it. Bridgeless atomisers are, essentially, wickless atomisers?

cmoorewv · Nov 9, 2015

gopher_byrd said:
Cisco style bridgeless atomizers. Drip your sample and vape, drip plain unflavored and vape, then drip next sample. They are cheap and should last a while. Just don't vape them dry, it tastes like crap and will burn out the coil. Voice of experience...

Never heard of em, but after a quick search, the bridge less atty definitely seems like the way to go. Wealth of info to be found here, for sure. Would they work on an istick 40TC?

gopher_byrd · Nov 9, 2015

cmoorewv said:
Never heard of em, but after a quick search, the bridge less atty definitely seems like the way to go. Wealth of info to be found here, for sure. Would they work on an istick 40TC?

Sure will, the TC will do watts with regular Kanthal. Just keep the watts low, you don't your mod blasting out 6 volts or more.

cmoorewv · Nov 9, 2015

gopher_byrd said:
Sure will, the TC will do watts with regular Kanthal. Just keep the watts low, you don't your mod blasting out 6 volts or more.

Just to make sure I understand correctly, a bridgeless atty will work in regular voltage mode as long as I keep it under 6?

gopher_byrd · Nov 9, 2015

cmoorewv said:
Just to make sure I understand correctly, a bridgeless atty will work in regular voltage mode as long as I keep it under 6?

Keep it 3.7 to 4 volts. These things were designed in the pre-variable days. Some folks still use them as their regular atty.

cmoorewv · Nov 9, 2015

gopher_byrd said:
Keep it 3.7 to 4 volts. These things were designed in the pre-variable days. Some folks still use them as their regular atty.

Lots to learn here. I've only been vaping a month or so. I started with an eleaf variable voltage spinner battery with an aspire tank. Not sub ohm. I then bought the istick 40 with a vct tank. (My husband stole the spinner. LOL) I don't use TC much. Don't like switching coils back and forth. I rarely go over 25 watts with my vct or innokin sub. I'm thinking I should definitely invest in a couple ciscos, though, because I'm getting into DIY juice I think.

Steam Pilgrim · Nov 10, 2015

AvidVaper.com warns the Cisco LR 510 atomisers are "not designed to be run on standard (cigarette sized) batteries and are known to significantly reduce the lifespan of eGo | Riva style batteries. Older heavily used batteries and battelries with faulty protection circuits can be instantly rendered useless."

The same warning is not included for the Cisco Spec 501H Bridgeless Atomiser.

Do these two just look alike, or are they alike? And does the caution apply to both?

mjag · Nov 10, 2015

gopher_byrd said:
Cisco style bridgeless atomizers. Drip your sample and vape, drip plain unflavored and vape, then drip next sample. They are cheap and should last a while. Just don't vape them dry, it tastes like crap and will burn out the coil. Voice of experience...

Were is a good source for Cisco style bridgeless atomizers?

Dixie1954 · Nov 10, 2015

I am a weirdo but I have a bunch of original EVOD clearos that I test all my mixes in. It is easier for me as I only test tobacco flavorings at this time so I just test 1.5ml at a time then water soak the coils overnight then let them airdry for a couple of days. This works well for me. And I have a ton of ego batts that I use for testing out a bunch of flavor mixes at 1 time. I tried the "dripping" cartos but did not like them. YMMV

ScreamQueen · Nov 10, 2015

If you ever have an inclination to drip, then an easy way to test your liquids would be to use a wickless build...drip directly on the coil, no cotton involved.

nightshard · Nov 10, 2015

You can get a rough estimate of the taste of your concentrated flavors and their strength without dripping and without even vaping or making e-liquid.
You can taste them in milk.

talonz · Nov 10, 2015

@Teresa P taught me to drip using rayon for tasting purposes. It's very simple to taste as well as combine flavors using distilled water. Cant get my youtube link to work so with that said there is a YouTube video on it

Steam Pilgrim · Nov 10, 2015

AvidVaper.com just got back to me about the warnings against using certain (bridgeless) atomisers with standard batteries, stating "the warning is old and is not really relevant anymore considering standard ego style batteries are not common. The 510 atomizers require 8-10 watts of power at a minimum to function, standard ego batteries cant output that type of wattage. With most any new vw/vv device, even the adjustable voltage ego style batteries are not an issue anymore.
The 510 are standard 510 atomizers with 510 threading, the 501H are 901 style atomizers with 510 threading.
Without adjustable power 1.5ohm is a good resistance to use on standard 4.2v nonadjustable battery power."

@nightshard: Direct tasting of diluted flavours seems like a good first phase in sampling, especially for trying combinations. Even small doses of 1ml should provide plenty to taste on the tongue. Why milk though, rather than water?

@ScreamQueen: I've never dripped, but bridgeless atomisers seem a good second phase in sampling and I'm looking for them in the EU.

@talonz: I'm looking into it. Wouldn't rayon wicks need to be exchanged like any other to prevent cross-contamination while sampling?

SailCat · Nov 10, 2015

The bridgeless atties are an excellent suggestion. 'Course I'm prejudiced as that's what I use.

Steal back that spinner, cmoorewv, or use a VV/VW box set to volts and keep it at 4V or a smidge less. You'll be able to sample and switch flavors quickly and easily.

kimber · Nov 10, 2015

I use nothing but bridge less Atties for testing juices. I use them on my Istick set at 4 V. Vape a little plain pg or vg in between and once in a while soak them in vodka and rinse with hot water. Let them dry and they're good as new! I have some that are about two years old and they still work. Easy-peasy and they're cheap!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

cmoorewv · Nov 10, 2015

I can't find them in the local shops. I guess they are older tech and both shops are pretty new. Ones been around a year or two and the other is even newer. I guess I'll look into ordering. The owner of the first shop at least knew what I meant but does not carry them. She said they're pretty cheap so maybe I'll score one online. I think my istick will dial down low enough to work.

Teresa P · Nov 10, 2015

Steam Pilgrim said:
AvidVaper.com just got back to me about the warnings against using certain (bridgeless) atomisers with standard batteries, stating "the warning is old and is not really relevant anymore considering standard ego style batteries are not common. The 510 atomizers require 8-10 watts of power at a minimum to function, standard ego batteries cant output that type of wattage. With most any new vw/vv device, even the adjustable voltage ego style batteries are not an issue anymore.
The 510 are standard 510 atomizers with 510 threading, the 501H are 901 style atomizers with 510 threading.
Without adjustable power 1.5ohm is a good resistance to use on standard 4.2v nonadjustable battery power."

@nightshard: Direct tasting of diluted flavours seems like a good first phase in sampling, especially for trying combinations. Even small doses of 1ml should provide plenty to taste on the tongue. Why milk though, rather than water?

@ScreamQueen: I've never dripped, but bridgeless atomisers seem a good second phase in sampling and I'm looking for them in the EU.

@talonz: I'm looking into it. Wouldn't rayon wicks need to be exchanged like any other to prevent cross-contamination while sampling?

Rayon doesn't hold onto flavors like cotton. One or two hits and the previous flavor is gone.

cmoorewv · Nov 10, 2015

cmoorewv said:
I can't find them in the local shops. I guess they are older tech and both shops are pretty new. Ones been around a year or two and the other is even newer. I guess I'll look into ordering. The owner of the first shop at least knew what I meant but does not carry them. She said they're pretty cheap so maybe I'll score one online. I think my istick will dial down low enough to work.

Just called two more shops. No one has the bridgeless atomizers. Apparently they're considered dinosaurs. LOL. And probably not big money makers. I'll just try to find a couple online.

Teresa P · Nov 10, 2015

cmoorewv said:
Just called two more shops. No one has the bridgeless atomizers. Apparently they're considered dinosaurs. LOL. And probably not big money makers. I'll just try to find a couple online.

MadVapes did have some on clearance pretty cheap, wouldn't hurt to check and see if they still have them.

talonz · Nov 10, 2015

@Steam Pilgrim the rayon doesn't hold the flavor like Japanese cotton, bacon cotton and such. @Teresa P answered it above

SailCat · Nov 10, 2015

Also

cmoorewv said:
Just called two more shops. No one has the bridgeless atomizers. Apparently they're considered dinosaurs. LOL. And probably not big money makers. I'll just try to find a couple online.

:
Also AvidVaper.com, as above. They're legit.

cmoorewv · Nov 10, 2015

Big difference between a Google search and yahoo. Google got me nowhere. I found some smok tek ones for $5.95. I'll look up avid vaper too. Looks like I may try and order a few when I get paid.

SailCat · Nov 10, 2015

Best to ya, cmoorewv. Have fun with it!

cmoorewv · Nov 10, 2015

Teresa P said:
MadVapes did have some on clearance pretty cheap, wouldn't hurt to check and see if they still have them.

None at Mad Vapes, but I did find a couple sources.

cmoorewv · Nov 10, 2015

SailCat said:
Best to ya, cmoorewv. Have fun with it!

Thanks. Hopefully Steam Pilgrim gets a good start too.
Edited due to my apparent lack of skill at negotiating my tiny phone touch keyboard.

Steam Pilgrim · Nov 10, 2015

@cmoorewv: AvidVaper.com is, I think, the "original" maker of the Cisco models, which seem to have a good reputation. Another source you might want to look at is HighDesertVapes.com.

scotterics · Nov 10, 2015

I've got a single coil build in one of mymy drippers set up with stainless mesh that's my "go to" for sampling...
Works GREAT at expos where you're trying different flavors all day

cmoorewv · Nov 10, 2015

Steam Pilgrim said:
@cmoorewv: AvidVaper.com is, I think, the "original" maker of the Cisco models, which seem to have a good reputation. Another source you might want to look at is HighDesertVapes.com.

Even cheaper. Didn't check out shipping, but I bookmarked the page.

SailCat · Nov 10, 2015

Holy Moly. High Desert Vapes has carts! I'm gonna buy some as collector's items.

"Yeah," he muttered. "garbage collectors items."

kimber · Nov 10, 2015

cmoorewv said:
Just called two more shops. No one has the bridgeless atomizers. Apparently they're considered dinosaurs. LOL. And probably not big money makers. I'll just try to find a couple online.

They most definitely are dinosaurs! They were big back when I started four years ago but they're getting hard to find. I probly should stock up before you can't find them at all anymore. I just got three from ECBlend for $5 each. Treat em right they'll last a good long time.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

cmoorewv · Nov 10, 2015

kimber said:
They most definitely are dinosaurs! They were big back when I started four years ago but they're getting hard to find. I probly should stock up before you can't find them at all anymore. I just got three from ECBlend for $5 each. Treat em right they'll last a good long time.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I predict a run on bridgeless atomizers. LOL

Steam Pilgrim · Nov 10, 2015

Am I correct in thinking these atomisers are only half complete without a drip tip?

cmoorewv · Nov 10, 2015

Steam Pilgrim said:
Am I correct in thinking these atomisers are only half complete without a drip tip?

Yeah, it appears they need a drip tip. They may need a ring adapter to work on some devices too, like isticks, but I couldn't find those separately at the High Desert site. Not sure if they're included.

kimber · Nov 11, 2015

No adapter needed. Avid vapor has these, they're a little more pricey because they come with the drip tip. The drip tip has a very tiny hole in the top, less chance of getting hot juice back in your mouth.

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sketchness · Nov 12, 2015

I was completely unimpressed with the bridgeless atomizers. Pretty terrible really and I wanted to like them.

I find a wickless coil set up much better. Pretty simple to build in an old dripper. Some flavors won't come out of rayon. Lots of videos on YouTube.

nabibrian · Nov 12, 2015

Might sound odd but I take a shot glass and add some water to it and I drop a few drops of flavor in it, swish it around in my mouth to get the flavor from it then I spit the water out.

It is a great way to really get the full flavor profile. Keep in mind that it will be different than you expect but doing this will help you identify notes you otherwise did not know were hiding in your favorite flavor concentrate.

Steam Pilgrim · Nov 12, 2015

Bought a couple of Cisco's from AvidVaper in the end. Two days of Googling and the only place I found in the EU didn't have the model I wanted and charged more shipping it across the channel than AV does shipping halfway around the world. There are Bauways to be had, but the stainless steel Cisco's just look too good. (Bauways $1,80 a piece from bauway.de, but the postage is horrific.)

As to using a shot glass for sampling, it seems eminently sensible to me. As I'm thinking of 1ml batches to sample, I'm more likely to end up with a glass thimble. If I can swing it.

Steam Pilgrim · Nov 16, 2015

The part about actually buying the flavours.

Rather than bottles, I'm pretty much decided on starting with 1 and 1,5ml samples which seems plenty for the 1ml batches I'm looking to use to get a sense of flavours, but now that it actually comes to choosing which concentrates to get, I'm a little stumped whether to go by brand or by flavour.

Any wisdom?

gopher_byrd · Nov 16, 2015

Steam Pilgrim said:
The part about actually buying the flavours.

Rather than bottles, I'm pretty much decided on starting with 1 and 1,5ml samples which seems plenty for the 1ml batches I'm looking to use to get a sense of flavours, but now that it actually comes to choosing which concentrates to get, I'm a little stumped whether to go by brand or by flavour.

Any wisdom?

Choose a couple of recipes that you think you would like. Then just buy the flavors to make those recipes.

MysticRose · Nov 17, 2015

j3rian said:
Might sound odd but I take a shot glass and add some water to it and I drop a few drops of flavor in it, swish it around in my mouth to get the flavor from it then I spit the water out.

It is a great way to really get the full flavor profile. Keep in mind that it will be different than you expect but doing this will help you identify notes you otherwise did not know were hiding in your favorite flavor concentrate.

I do this as well, I put 1 drop in about 5ml of water, and swish and spit. Can get an idea of the strength as well. Nibble a cracker or bread in between to clear palette. Then once mixed and steeped, I just put 1 drop on fingertip and lick, gives the general idea, just tastes a little less sweet than will vape usually.

Steam Pilgrim · Nov 28, 2015

Zero-ing in on water as a test medium. This seems like an excellent way to start. No steeping, no processing, no waiting. Just mix, taste and nibble to reset your taste buds.

How does tasting flavours in water generally compare to vaping them?
Do percentages hold up? Are notes muted or amped?

big mac · Nov 29, 2015

I'm gonna try to remember some stuff from about 3 yrs ago so bear with me please. I'm old, did too many drugs in my youth and have a wife who fills my mind with lots of other stuff. Thats why I can't remember, yeah, yeah, that's the ticket.

Back in the day, I kinda remember having a few smoktech drippers that are about 1/2 the size of a normal carto (I have 2 in my vape box). I remember something though, about reaching inside with some long nose pliers and removing the screen to actually make it ....... something or other. That's where I draw a blank. Since I'm starting up on DIY again, like alot of you I'm gonna have to do some heavy sampling. What was the reason we removed that damn screen....anyone know? Was it to make sampling easier so there was less to hold the last flavor in the carto, less to contaminate the new juice flavor??

Thanks folks.

Big Mac

big mac · Nov 29, 2015

Hmmmm, trying to pull the screen out sure didn't work well. Pulled all the innards out as well.

Bucky205 · Nov 29, 2015

I have a set of claptons on a Troll with no wick that I use. Claptons with no cotton hold plenty enough juice to sample the vape. You can sometimes even hit it several times and it vape, Burn off any residual between tasting different juices. Every once in a while, I will heat them up and run them under water to clean off any gunk build up. That and a cup of coffee to cleanse my pallet works for me.

Steam Pilgrim · Nov 30, 2015

@big mac: the topic you're onto is bridged vs bridgeless atomisers. If you go back in the thread you'll find some talk about them and links to purpose made bridgeless atomisers. The basic notion behind removing the mesh (bridge) is that you can sample multiple flavours in succession as the atomiser retains less fluid while also allowing you to drip directly onto the coil. I think.

big mac · Nov 30, 2015

Howdy @Steam Pilgrim ,

Yeap, was just trying to remember if turning the bridged into a bridgeless worked as I have a couple laying around from back in the day. Thanks SP.

Sampling Tips & Tricks

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