A Beginner's Guide to E-Cigarettes and Vape Devices

Switching from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes has become increasingly popular, offering a healthier alternative to smoking. If you're considering making the change, this guide will address some of the most common questions to help you get started.

What Is an E-Cigarette?

An e-cigarette is a device designed to mimic the smoking experience by producing a vapor mist instead of smoke. It uses a battery to heat e-liquid, transforming it into vapor. These devices come in a variety of styles, from budget-friendly options for beginners to high-end models for advanced users.

Benefits of E-Cigarettes Compared to Traditional Cigarettes

Traditional cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known carcinogens and numerous harmful toxins such as tar, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. In contrast, e-cigarettes do not involve combustion, meaning they don’t produce ash, tar, or harmful smoke.

Additionally, e-cigarettes emit little to no smell, are considered less intrusive to bystanders, and are widely viewed as a safer option.

For more details on vaping misconceptions, check out our guide to vaping myths.

Understanding Atomizers and Coils

• What is an Atomizer?
  An atomizer is the part of the e-cigarette that heats e-liquid to produce vapor. They range from disposable, self-contained units to rebuildable atomizers for users who want complete control over their vaping experience.
• What is a Coil?
  The coil is the heart of your vaping device, typically made of wire wrapped around cotton. When the battery heats the wire, the e-liquid soaked in the cotton is turned into vapor.

What Is Sub-Ohm Vaping?

Sub-ohm vaping refers to using coils with a resistance below 1 ohm. This setup allows for higher power levels, which produce larger vapor clouds and more intense flavor.

Modern sub-ohm devices and pre-built coils make this style of vaping accessible to experienced users. However, sub-ohm vaping requires careful attention to device compatibility, battery capacity, and heat management to avoid burning the coil.

When and How to Replace Your Coil

Coils need periodic replacement, depending on usage, power settings, and the type of e-liquid. If you notice a burnt or unpleasant taste, it’s time to replace the coil.

• Priming Your Coil:
  To prevent premature burnout:

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vs. Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Vaping

• MTL: Mimics traditional smoking by drawing vapor into your mouth before inhaling. Ideal for beginners, it provides a tighter draw and works best with higher nicotine levels.
• DTL: Involves inhaling vapor directly into the lungs. This style produces larger clouds and is preferred by advanced users with lower nicotine strengths and higher VG liquids.

What Is E-Liquid?

E-liquid (or vape juice) is the liquid heated by the coil to create vapor. It typically contains four ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavoring, and nicotine (optional).

• Choosing a Blend:
  Experiment with different PG/VG ratios to find your preferred experience. Higher PG offers a stronger throat hit and better compatibility with lower-power devices, while higher VG creates larger vapor clouds and smoother hits.

Selecting the Right Nicotine Strength

Your nicotine preference will depend on your smoking habits:

• 10+ cigarettes/day: 18mg
• Up to 10 cigarettes/day: 12mg
• Light smokers: 6mg
• Occasional smokers: 3mg
• Non-smokers: 0mg

PG vs. VG: What’s the Difference?

• PG (Propylene Glycol): Tasteless, thinner liquid offering a stronger throat hit. Commonly found in foods and cosmetics. Best for higher nicotine strengths and lower-power devices.
• VG (Vegetable Glycerin): Slightly sweet, thicker liquid that produces more vapor and intense flavor. Often preferred for smoother hits and lower nicotine levels.

A 50/50 PG/VG blend is a great starting point for new vapers, but you can experiment with other ratios to suit your needs.

Vape Responsibly

Take the time to learn how your vaping device works and practice proper care. If you have any questions, our team is here to help guide you through your vaping journey.