Vaping has gained lots of popularity over the last decade as people look for alternatives to smoking cigarettes. If you’re new to vaping, you might be wondering how it works and what you need to get started. This guide will cover the basics of vaping so that you can get started on your journey to a smoke-free life.
What Is Vaping?
When you vape, you inhale and exhale vapor that comes from an electronic device called a vaporizer or e-cigarette. E-cigarettes use battery power to heat up a liquid until it turns into vapor. The user then breathes in the vapor.
Vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes because it doesn’t involve the inhalation of smoke. However, there is still some controversy surrounding vaping because the long-term effects are not yet known. Other benefits of vaping over traditional cigarettes and tobacco products include:
- It is more discreet than cigarettes
- There is no bad breath or yellow teeth associated with vaping
- Vaping can be less expensive than smoking cigarettes
- You can customize the flavor and nicotine strength of your e-liquid
However, it is important to remember that its ease of access, discrete nature, and lack of stigma can make it easier for young people to start vaping (and subsequently get addicted.
How Does Vaping Work?
E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce vapor. The liquid is usually made up of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and nicotine. When the liquid is heated, it turns into a vapor that can be inhaled. The user then exhales the vapor.
In more complex terms, e-cigarettes work by heating a coil of wire to produce vapor. The coil is usually made up of resistance wire, such as kanthal, nichrome, or stainless steel. The coil is wrapped around a wick, which is soaked in the liquid. When the user presses a button, the coil is heated and the liquid is vaporized. The user then inhales the vapor.
E-cigarettes come in various shapes and sizes, from disposables to mods. The three main components of an e-cigarette are the battery, the atomizer, and the cartridge. The battery is the power source for the e-cigarette. It provides power to heat the coil. The atomizer is the part of the e-cigarette that contains the coil and wick. The cartridge is the part of the e-cigarette that holds the liquid.
Different Types of Vapes
A lot goes into choosing the right vape pen, but there are a few different kinds of vapes to choose from:
- Mods
- Refillable e-cigarettes
- Disposable vapes
Mods
Vape mods are the large, box-shaped devices that you might see people using. They have a large battery capacity and can be customized with different atomizers, coils, and tanks. Mods usually have features like adjustable wattage and temperature control.
With their features, customizability, and potential for massive clouds, vape mods can take your vaping experience to the next level. They might be a bit overwhelming for beginners, but they’re worth it once you get the hang of them.
Refillable E-Cigarettes
Refillable e-cigarettes are the most common type of e-cigarette. They usually look like cigarettes and can be reused after the cartridge is empty. All you have to do is refill the cartridge with your desired liquid. Common brands of refillable e-cigarettes include:
- JUUL
- Suorin
- Phix
- Vaptio
Refillable e-cigarettes are a great option for people who want to vape without having to buy a new device every time the cartridge is empty. However, they are more expensive than disposable vapes if you frequently need to replace the battery, so if you have a problem with losing your vape, it might be better to go with a disposable option.
Disposable Vapes
Disposable vapes are single-use vapes that are disposed of after the liquid is gone. They are usually cheaper than refillable e-cigarettes, and you don’t have to worry about recharging them or refilling them with liquid. Especially since the FDA banned JUUL products earlier this year, disposable e-cigarettes have gotten much more popular. Common brands of disposable vapes include:
- Puff Bar
- Flum
- NJOY
- Vuse
Disposable vapes are a great option for people who want to try vaping without committing to it, or who are infrequent users. They’re also perfect for people who are always on the go and don’t want to worry about carrying a charger or refilling their vape.
Vaping Liquids
E-liquids are made up of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and nicotine. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are both clear, odorless liquids that are used as bases for the liquid. The ratio of propylene glycol to vegetable glycerin in the liquid determines how much vapor is produced. Flavorings are added to the liquid to give it flavor, and nicotine is added to give the user a nicotine hit.
E-liquids come in a variety of flavors, from fruit and candy flavors to coffee and tobacco flavors. They also come in numerous nicotine strengths, from 0mg/ml to 36mg/ml (although most disposable vapes are standardized).
0mg/ml liquids are nicotine-free and are perfect for people who want to vape without the nicotine hit or who have just recently quit nicotine. 5mg/ml liquids are considered light, 12mg/ml liquids are medium, 18mg/ml liquids are strong, and 36mg/ml liquids are extra strong. Most vape shops won’t carry 36mg/ml liquids due to the high nicotine content, but they can be found online.
E-liquids are available in both pre-filled cartridges and bottles. Bottles are usually cheaper and allow you to choose your own nicotine strength and flavor, while cartridges are more convenient and easier to use.
How to Choose a Liquid
When you’re first starting out, it’s best to choose a nicotine strength that is similar to the cigarettes you smoked. In general, a few puffs of a 5mg/ml liquid is equivalent to a standard cigarette, which is why it is the standard nicotine content for most disposable vapes.
If 5mh/ml is too strong for you, try a 3mg/ml liquid. And if 5mg/ml is not enough, try a 12mg/ml liquid. Nicotine is addictive, and vape juice is highly concentrated, so it’s best to start low and work your way up until you find a nicotine strength that suits you.
There are thousands of flavors available, so try out a few until you find one you like. If you’re not sure where to start, look for a tobacco flavor or a flavor that is similar to the cigarettes you smoked. Once you’ve found a nicotine strength and flavor that you like, you can either buy an individual e-cigarette at a local smoke shop, buy disposable vapes wholesale at VapeRanger, or buy a starter kit online.
Endnote
Vaping is a great alternative to smoking, and it’s a great way to enjoy nicotine without all of the harmful chemicals in cigarettes. With so many different products on the market, there’s sure to be a vaping device and liquid that’s perfect for you. Remember to start low and go slow when it comes to nicotine, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors.
