Oxford dictionary named Vape the word of 2014 in its dictionary. This was after vaping became more mainstream, and it has grown to be a huge industry.
Vaping culture can seem overwhelming to newcomers. It can be difficult to understand the terminology and techniques involved in vaping and it can take some time to get used to them. This guide will help you to understand the terminology and components of vaping so that you can make the transition from Cloud Chaser to Vape Newbie.
Your EJuice is the liquid you use to vaporize. The Tank holds your e-juice. The mod/battery is the power supply.
Anatomy of a Vape
Now that you know everything about e-juice, let’s talk about the things you will use it with.
Tanks
This is not a giant rolling metal death machine. A tank in vaping culture refers to the area where you fill and vape your ejuice. It usually has 3 parts:
Drip Tip
The part you touch is called the drip tip. Most drip tips are made of heat-resistant plastic or metal. However, some third party companies offer wood. If you wish to change the appearance of your vape, they can be easily removed and replaced. To achieve bigger draws, some people prefer large drip tips. Some prefer a smaller opening for a smoother and more controlled hit.
Tank Chamber
This is where the e-liquid goes. These tanks can be made of stainless steel, glass or titanium. Some tanks can be filled from the top while others are filled from below.
Top-fill tanks are generally easier to fill, as you don’t need to take the tank out of your battery or mod to refill it.
Near the tank’s base, most tanks have an air flow control knob. This allows you adjust the airflow resistance to your liking.
Atomizer/Coil
The Atomizer is often called a coil. It is what actually causes the vaporization. Each atomizer contains a coil wrapped around cotton. The atomizer heats the coil in the tank chamber and the e-liquid is drawn to it. The coils are disposable and should be changed every few weeks.
Coils are calibrated according to OHMS. The OHMS (or resistance) is a measure of heat. I could go into great detail, but the easiest way to explain it is that the lower the OHM, you need more power to heat the coil. This ultimately leads to greater vapor production.
Popular Coil Calibrations
Larger clouds, Smaller Clouds
You might want to consider a unit with a variety of coil calibrations, and specifically coils that are 1 OHM or greater if you’re new to vaping. Higher OHM coils feel smoother and are easier to use.
Coil Priming
Before first use, coils must be primed. Many new users overlook this important step when filling up their first vape. A poorly primed coil will not allow juice to flow from the tank to it, resulting in a “dry hit”.
Dry hits are when the cotton wick is only burned and there is no e-juice. Dry hits can occur when your juice is too low or you don’t properly prim your coil before using. The harsh, burned taste that you get from a vape will let you know you have a dry hit.
This will prevent you from getting burned. It may take several applications of the e-juice to ensure that the cotton is fully saturated. Now, you can attach the cotton to the rest the tank once it is moistened.
After assembling the tank, I recommend that you let it sit with the juice in it and the new coil for around a minute. This will allow the juice and new coil to soak in. Next, take a few more draws with no heating to increase the flow of ejuice. After you’ve done all of this, you can turn on your unit and start your first session.
Mods/Batteries
The Mod is the part of your vape that supplies power to the tank or atomizer. The mod controls the temperature and wattage of your vape. The pen style rpm pods are powered by a battery and offer limited control over the wattage.
Why should I control the wattage?
If you want to personalize your vapor experience, you will need to control your wattage. Higher wattages produce more vapor. If you plan to use different OHM coils, power control is important. Power requirements for lower OHM coils (.2 OHM -.5 OHM) are higher, while coils with higher OHM calibrations need less power (1 OHM- 2 OHM).
Temperature-controlled Mods
Many mods with TC are now available. Temperature controlled mods allow you to control the temperature of your vape. The resistance of the coil is monitored while you vape. The resistance of your coil heats up, and this can cause it to fluctuate. This will result in you vaping at higher temperatures throughout the session. The temperature-controlled units sense the change in resistance and adjust their voltage accordingly to maintain the same temperature throughout the session. Dry hits can also be prevented by temperature controlled units. The vape will detect if the coil is heating up too fast and will stop heating.
Starter Kits
If you’re new to vaping, a Starter Kit can be a great place to start. Starter Kits are available from most companies. They include a tank, two coils and a battery. These starter kits are made for beginners and include everything you need to get started with vaping.
E-Juice
E-juice can be compared to wine in that it comes in different flavors, strengths, and brands. E-juices are not all created equal. It is your personal preference that will decide which juice you like.
What’s in E-Juice?
- Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
- Propylene Glycol (PG)
- Nicotine
- Flavoring
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable Glycerin (also known as VG) is an organic sugar alcohol compound, which is derived from vegetable oils. It only contains three elements: carbon, oxygen, or hydrogen. Viscous liquid VG, which is slightly sweet, is used to make vapor clouds denser. A VG-based liquid is more pleasant on the throat and offers more options for novice vapers.
Some people might still be apprehensive about putting unknown substances in their bodies. You may still be apprehensive about putting a relatively unknown substance in your body. To ensure high quality juices, vape companies use pharmaceutical-grade VG. It is also listed on the FDA’s “Generally Recognized As Safe” list. The liquid is broken down in the body and metabolized by a process called “betoxidation”. This turns it into CO2 and H20. These are natural elements that the body can discard easily. It is hypoallergenic which means that it cannot cause an allergic reaction unlike its PG counterpart. More information below.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol, also known as PG is a petroleum byproduct. It is colorless, odorless and less thick than its VG counterpart. Also, it produces less visible vapor. It is used in vaping to carry nicotine and flavor more effectively. The “throat hit” is an irritation that occurs in the throat similar to smoking. Because the sensation of smoking is similar, some former smokers may prefer a liquid with a higher PG.
What is it used for?
- Asthma Inhalers
- Medical products
- Pet foods
- Beauty products
Some people might find PG dangerous to ingest as it is a chemical. The majority of concerns are due to the fact that most studies refer to industrial grade propylene glycol. However, the vapor community has adopted the same approach as the medical community and uses pharmaceutical grade PG. FDA has listed pharmaceutical grade PG on its GRAS List. Some people may be allergic to PG. This could cause a slight irritation of the throat. Max VG juices are recommended for those who suspect that they might be allergic to PG.
Ratios
E-juice companies offer different PG/VG ratios. You can enjoy your vapor in a different way depending on the ratio.
Higher PG E-Juices will produce thinner clouds and more distinct flavors, but they will also cause irritation to the throat. People who want the smokey sensation in their throats but are trying to quit smoking will prefer this flavor.
Higher VG E-Juices will taste sweeter and produce thicker clouds. They will also cause less irritation to the throat. Because it is easier to draw, this is the preferred choice for most users who want to switch to vaping. This is the best option for those looking to produce large clouds.
PG/VG Ratios are frequently used
It is up to you to find the right mix for you. To help you decide, it is a good idea to test out different brands. A liquid with a higher VG content is better for new users. It is easier on the throat and causes less irritation. You may prefer a liquid that has a higher PG if you’re trying to quit smoking or are looking for something similar to smoking.
Nicotine
Nicotine is an addictive chemical that makes smokers smoke. It is found in E-Juice in liquid form. We don’t recommend the consumption of nicotine-laced juices and encourage you to use nicotine-free juices.
Flavoring
E-juice companies use food grade natural and artificial flavorings in their juices. These flavoring ingredients are similar to those found in candy, soda-pop, and other confections.
Flavoring is subjective and not everyone will enjoy the same flavor. Companies offer a variety of flavors to appeal to different tastes. You can choose from baked goods, pop, fruit, candy, mints, and even coffee. For those who don’t want any taste, there are e-juices that contain tobacco flavor.
E-Juices can even be made organically by some companies. These E-Juices are made with only Organic Food Grade Flavor extracts. They do not contain colorants, artificial flavor, fillers, diluting agent, or preservatives.
If you’re new to a flavor, we recommend trying a few different flavors to help you find the right one. You can even try the flavors in the shops before you buy.
