Beginners Guide to Vaping

If you’re contemplating stepping into the world of vaping, the array of products and technical jargon can seem quite daunting. But there’s no need to worry, this comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with all the information you need to get started.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling aerosol, often referred to as vapor, produced by an e-cigarette, vape pen, or personal vaporizer. Unlike smoking, where tobacco is burned and smoke inhaled, vaping heats a liquid until it turns into a vapor, which is then inhaled. This liquid, known as e-liquid or vape juice, typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, and flavorings.

Although vaping was initially marketed as an alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes, it’s important to note that there is no universal consensus on the long-term health implications of vaping. It’s less harmful than smoking but still not completely risk-free.

Understanding Vaping Equipment

Vaping devices vary considerably in design and functionality, but most consist of the same core components:

1. Battery: The battery powers the device. It can be a built-in rechargeable battery or removable cells. The battery’s power determines how much heat is applied to the coil.

1. Atomizer/Coil: This is the heart of the device. The atomizer heats the e-liquid in the wick, converting it into tiny droplets that are then inhaled. Coils typically have a resistance, measured in ohms, which determines how much of the battery’s power is converted into heat.

1. Tank: The tank is a reservoir for e-liquid. There are many types of tanks, including sub-ohm, top-fill, clearomizers, and RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer).

1. Drip Tip/Mouthpiece: This is where you draw vapor from the device into your mouth and then inhale.

1. Buttons/Screen: Many vape devices feature a fire button to activate the device, as well as adjustment buttons and a screen to control and display settings like wattage, voltage, and coil resistance.

Choosing the Right Vape Device

There are numerous types of vapes, each with their unique attributes, and what’s right for you depends on your personal preferences and vaping goals. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Cig-a-likes: Resembling traditional cigarettes, these are the first generation of vapes. They are straightforward, often disposable, and typically used with high-nicotine e-liquids.

1. Vape Pens: A step up from cig-a-likes, vape pens offer more battery life and usually come with a clearomizer style tank. They are easy to use and more powerful than cig-a-likes, making them a popular choice for beginners.

1. Pod Systems: Pod systems are compact, rechargeable devices that utilize pre-filled or refillable pods. They are simple to use and maintain and ideal for stealth vaping or vaping on the go.

1. Box Mods and Tanks: Offering more features, including variable wattage, temperature control, and more extensive batteries, these devices provide a more customizable experience. Paired with a tank, they allow for great vapor and flavor production.

1. Mechanical Mods: For advanced vapers only, mechanical mods offer no safety features and require a thorough understanding of Ohm’s law and battery safety.

Selecting Your E-Liquid

E-liquids can make or break your vaping experience. They come in a vast array of flavors, from fruits and candies to tobacco and menthol, and varying nicotine strengths.

When it comes to nicotine strength, if you’re trying to quit smoking, you might start with a higher nicotine level and then gradually reduce it over time. For those who’ve never smoked, zero-nicotine e-liquids are available.

Understanding the PG (propylene glycol) to VG (vegetable glycerin) ratio in your e-liquid can help you get the best vape experience. High-PG e-liquids produce less vapor but provide more flavor and throat hit, while high-VG e-liquids produce large amounts of vapor with a softer throat hit.

How to Vape

Here’s a basic step-by-step guide on how to vape:

1. Ensure your device is charged, and your tank is filled with e-liquid.

1. Turn on your device. This typically involves pressing the fire button five times.

1. If your device has variable wattage, start at a lower wattage and gradually increase it until you find the “sweet spot” where you enjoy the vapor production and flavor.

1. Press and hold the fire button while drawing vapor into your mouth. Some people then inhale the vapor directly into their lungs (direct lung vaping), while others first hold it in their mouth and then inhale it into their lungs (mouth to lung vaping).

1. Exhale the vapor.

Vaping Etiquette

Vaping etiquette is just as important as understanding how to vape. It’s crucial to remember that not everyone may be comfortable with you vaping around them. Always abide by local laws and regulations, avoid vaping in close proximity to others, especially children, and never vape in private businesses or other places where it is prohibited.

Final Thoughts

Getting started with vaping can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember, the best vaping setup is the one that makes it easiest for you to avoid smoking and enjoy vaping. Always prioritize quality and safety, don’t rush the process, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help from more experienced vapers or reputable vape shops. Happy vaping!