A Beginner's Guide To Vaping

If you are reading this, it is safe to assume that you are new to vaping and want to learn about it. Well, you have come to the right place! In this guide we will be covering everything about vaping kits, from their anatomy and types to their safe usage. This will allow you to make an informed choice and help you to successfully switch to vaping. So, without much ado, let us get started with the guide.

WHAT IS VAPING?

Vaping is an act of inhaling and exhaling the vapour produced by an e-cigarette or similar devices. It is different from smoking a cigarette as smoking delivers nicotine by burning tobacco, while vaping does the same by heating a liquid, which makes it much less harmful. It is a great way to quit smoking habit by getting nicotine with fewer toxins and you can also save money by spending less on vaping kits.

VAPE’S ANATOMY

BATTERY

Every vaping device contains a battery, which powers other components to function smoothly. Most devices use lithium-ion batteries as they are rechargeable. Some devices use more than one battery to increase power capabilities and take the vaping experience to the next level.

E-LIQUID/E-JUICE

E-liquid is the liquid solution used in vaping devices. It can contain numerous ingredients, but the 4 major ones are propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), nicotine and a flavouring substance. The PG/VG ratio and the nicotine strengths can be varied. Heavy smokers switching to vaping might prefer high nicotine strength in the beginning and gradually reduce it.

ATOMISER

The atomiser is the heat-resistant part of a vaping device that converts e-liquid into vapour. It houses a heating coil that comes into contact of the e-liquid and makes flavoured vapour. The atomiser is located at the same place where a filter is located in a traditional cigarette.

TANK/CARTRIDGE

The tank or cartridge is the place where the e-liquid is stored before vaporisation. It is located at the tip of the atomiser. Many vaping devices combine the cartridge and atomiser into one component called a cartomiser. If the cartomiser is designed with a transparent body that tells about the level of the e-liquid and when it is time to refill, it is known as a clearomiser.

MOUTHPIECE

Lastly, every atomiser has a mouthpiece, which is used to guide the vapours from the atomiser to your mouth. The style of a mouthpiece varies according to the device. In automatic devices, inhaling can activate the mouthpiece, whereas in manual devices a push button is provided.

TYPES OF VAPING KITS

The vast array of vaping kits options can be overwhelming for anyone. While new vapers usually look for kits that are affordable, easy to use, maintain, and dispose; seasoned vapers look for kits that can enhance their vaping experience. Below, we will look into the four major types of vaping kits that will help you to understand what suits your needs the best and make an informed decision.

STARTER KITS

Starter kits usually include kits that are affordable, easy to setup, have an average battery life, and are used with high nicotine strengths. They usually comprise of disposables like Cig-a-likes that cannot be refilled with e-liquid. In addition, they have a low output, which restricts them to beginners who are determining if vaping is right for them.

PEN KITS

Pen style kits resemble a pen and are physically bigger and powerful than Cig-a-likes. They are usually rechargeable, but some models come with disposable batteries. They also offer a good level of customisation that allows you to change the coil, tank, and mouthpiece. They are more costly than disposables and are a good option for new vapers looking for more power.

POD KITS

Pod kits combine the portability of Cig-a-likes and pen kits with much more power. These are usually two-piece devices, with one piece being the battery, and the other the pod. There are two types of pod systems, open pod systems that can be refilled and closed pod systems that are disposables. These kits are high on power and are cost-effective in the long run.

ADVANCED KITS

Advanced kits are usually for experienced vapers and offer tremendous customisation options like power adjustment, temperature variation, ventilation, sub-ohmic coil resistance, etc. Such kits have much powerful batteries, are larger and heavier and even have software to fine-tune the vaping experience. Undoubtedly, they are expensive, but they are worth every penny.

HOW TO VAPE PROPERLY

Once you have brought a vaping kit that suits your needs, you need to ensure that you vape correctly. If you are a smoker, you would be used to taking quick and short drags, but when you vape, you need to learn how to take long and slow drags until your mouth is filled with vapour. Hold the vapour in the mouth for 3-5 seconds, then inhale it into your lungs and then exhale it through nose and mouth.

Now, there are two methods to inhale a vape. First is the Mouth-To-Lung (MTL), which involves taking the vapour first into your mouth and then into the lungs. It is good for beginners and can be achieved by a device of 1Ω or higher resistance. The other method is Direct-To-Lung (DTL), in which the vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs. It is achieved by sub-ohm devices and is for experienced vapers.

COMMON ISSUES AND SAFE USAGE

When you switch from traditional cigarettes to vaping kits, you might experience throat irritation, dry mouth, and headaches initially, which will disappear gradually. But if you start using vapes for too long or too frequently, you will feel a burnout in your tongue. This is called ‘vapers tongue’ and you will not feel the flavour of the e-juice. Therefore, it is advisable to rest your mouth between vaping sessions.

While vaping kits are much safer than traditional cigarettes, precautions still need to be taken. Always make sure that the battery is never overcharged, and there is no short-circuit when multiple batteries are used. Keep the e-liquid in a safe place away from children and never ingest it or apply it on any of your body parts. In case of any concerns before or after vaping, always consult your doctor.

VAPE AND HAVE FUN!

Vaping is meant to be fun and help you quit smoking gradually. But, if you are not having fun, you are probably doing it wrong. With all the wisdom shared in this guide, you can now choose a kit that suits your needs perfectly. Remember that every device will give a unique experience. So, keep trying with different devices, flavours, and nicotine strengths until you are wowed by the experience.