If you find yourself navigating the vape market as a beginner vaper, stop right there. This is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know when it comes to vaping for beginners.
The vape market itself can be a little overwhelming to navigate, especially with all the different vape devices, e-liquid choices, and styles of vaping. It can be a little overwhelming for those who may want to start vaping in order to quit smoking.In this guide, you'll learn everything about the vape world and how to get to grips with vapes for the first time. From the best disposable vapes for beginners to vaping styles and which vaping device to use, you'll be ready to shop for your first vape once you're finished here!
What is vaping?
Let's begin with the basics, what is vaping? A vape or electronic cigarette is a device that hits up a liquid called vape juice or e-liquid as it's commonly referred to, in order to create a vapor you inhale.
This e-liquid may or may not contain nicotine depending on what type of vape juice you pick. Vaping comes in a variety of vaping devices and is considered to be a healthier alternative for those looking to quit smoking for good.
Difference between smoking and vaping
Are there differences between smoking and vaping? Yes, there is. While both deliver nicotine, they each do it differently. Smoking delivers nicotine by burning tobacco and vaping delivers nicotine by heating a liquid.
With smoking, it's considered more harmful because of the mix of chemicals found in the tobacco, whereas vaping doesn't require tobacco to provide a similar experience to smoking, along with the nicotine kick.
Switching from smoking to vaping
When it comes to those wanting to switch from smoking to vaping, vaping is considered one of the best alternatives to smoking because many of the vape kits and vape pens are designed in such a way to look like cigarettes. Making the switch from smoking to vaping is easy to do and for many, it's the transition they need to successfully switch for good. No need to go cold turkey or fall off the wagon because a vape device can help give a similar experience that feels like you're smoking cigarettes.
Vaping styles
There are two types of vaping styles, MTL vaping and DTL vaping. The type of style depends on a personal preference but it's worth exploring both to see which category of vaping style you fall into when choosing a vape pen.
Mouth-to-lung
Mouth-to-lung (MTL) is where the user will draw the vapor into their mouth first before inhaling.
For those looking to transition from smoking to vaping, the MTL vaping style is one that they'll find most useful and closer to the feeling of smoking a cigarette.
Direct-to-lung
Direct-to-lung (DTL) is a vaping style where the vape user will draw the vapor straight to the lungs.
DTL vaping style is a suitable choice for sub-ohm vaping and provides more airflow but less vapor.
How to Vape?
In order to check you're vaping properly, it's important that you've got the right device and you understand the vaping style you're going to be doing.
The experience of the vape is likely to vary each time you try a new brand of vapes or a new type of vape hardware. Here are some tips for vaping as a first-time vape user:
- Check that the vape pen is activated and working correctly.
- Use either the MTL or DTL technique.
- Take in slow draws, rather than short and fast ones.
- Experiment with different starter kits and vape juices to find the right one for you.
How do vaping devices work?
Every vaping device works differently and your previous smoking habits may be able to help adapt a little easier to vaping for the first time. E-cigarette smoking has certainly evolved over the years and even the basic kits are more advanced than they've ever been before. Despite the variety, they all work in the same way. The battery heats up the coil, which heats up the liquid in the tank and forms the vapor that's delivered through the mouthpiece.
For those who are interested in how vaping devices work with each element, here's a brief breakdown of what you'll find in each device.
Battery
The power that's needed to power the electronic cigarette is the battery. These batteries come in different capacities and are in measures of milliamps hour (mAh). The bigger the battery, the longer it lasts. Some batteries are built-in and others are removable.
Coils
Coils are the heating element for the e-liquid and turn the e-liquid into vapor. The coil is a wire wrapped around a wicking material that soaks up the vape juice.
Coils have different resistances depending on your vaping style. They'll wear out over time, meaning any reusable devices will need replaceable coils.
Tank/Pod
This part of the device is where the e-liquid and coil are housed. Again, like other elements of reusable devices, the tank/pod can be removed or it's built-in for disposable vape kits.
Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece is where the vapor comes out of and this is where you inhale from. Just like you would a cigarette!
Which vaping device should you choose?
How do you choose the vaping device that's right for you? With lots of different vapes to choose from, it can be hard to pick, especially if you're new to it all. Let's look at all of the available vape devices so that you can find the right one for you.
Type of devices
To choose your first vape, you need to understand how they work, what types of vape devices exist, and how to get the most out of them for a great vaping experience.
Here are the types of vapes you'll expect to see when shopping online or in-store.
- Cig-A-Likes
Cig-a-likes are some of the smallest and simplest of vapes to use. They're very much like cigarettes in their shape and size and you simply dispose of the vape like you would similar to a cigarette- but in the bin, rather than on the floor.
These e-cigs are great for discreet vaping and are very affordable compared to other options.
- Vape pens
Vape pens are a step up from the cig-a-likes and they're slightly bigger. Although they perform a lot like cigarettes, they offer more versatility in flavors.
There are lots of fantastic vape pen brands that are easy enough to operate for beginners like the Banana Ice Fume Extra Disposable and the Mango Ice HQD Cuvie Disposable.
Banana Ice Fume Extra Disposable
They're used with nicotine salts to provide a smooth throat hit and are typically button or draw-activated.
- Pod Mods
Pod mods are typically larger in size and are one of the more powerful vape devices. they have a stronger power output and give better performance due to their long battery life.
Box mods will have replaceable tanks and more versatility when it comes to wattage and temperature control. There are plenty of options to choose from and they're longer running for those who want a longer-lasting vape device.
- Mods
Mods are one of the largest vape device options and they're usually shaped like a box. The vape mods come with higher battery capacity and deliver a DTL vaping style. There's more versatility in vape flavors with this one and as a vaping device, it's considered the best.
While a disposable and limited in its features, the Fume Recharge is similar to a mod device in its small-box-like shape.
Which e-liquid should you choose?
Just like vape devices, there are a variety of e-liquid choices too. The type of e-liquid you choose will depend on the vape you have, whether that's pod vape kits or a standard e-cigarette like the cig-a-like.
Type of e-liquids
Here are all the types of vape juice to look out for when shopping for vape liquid. Be sure to try out a variety until you find the right type of vaping juice for you.
- Nic Salt E-Liquid
Nic salts provide a smoother hit for those who like a stronger nicotine kick. Nic salt e-liquids tend to be available in either 10mg or 20mg strengths and are considered the best when transitioning from smoking to vaping.
- 70 PG / 30 VG E-Liquid
With a 70PG percentage, you can expect this e-liquid to be mainly focused on providing a consistent and well-rounded flavor profile. Ideal for discreet vaping, the lower percentage of PG content makes for less vapor production.
- 50 PG / 50 VG E-Juice
A 50/50 PG/VG e-juice is going to help deliver a well-balanced e-liquid that delivers a delicious experience of vape juice. It's an enjoyable one when it comes to those that find an equal balance of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine work best for them.
- 70 VG / 30 PG Vape Juice
With a 70VG/30PG e-liquid, it provides a considerable amount of vapor, while still delivering a delicious amount of flavor. The more VG in an e-liquid, the more vapor is going to be produced, making this one that isn't necessarily suitable for discreet vapers.
However, it would be a good option for those looking at vape tricks for beginners.
- 80 VG / 20 PG Vape Juice
If you're looking for big, big clouds then the 80VG option is a great one. Another ideal pick for vape tricks, the high VG content is going to help show off to all your friends and fellow vapers.
It still provides a nice flavor hit though and is ideal for sub-ohm vaping too.
Where is the best place to buy your first vape?
If you're looking for the best place to buy your first vape, look no further than the SmokyBox. The SmokyBox is an online store stocking a range of disposables and vape devices that are perfect for beginners.
Whether you're looking to quit smoking for good, if you're wanting to try vaping just out of curiosity, this is the best place to find disposable vapes. From Juucy to Elf Bar, Fume to HQD, there's plenty of variety to get stuck into.
Buy from the SmokyBox and join our membership club to get 15% off your order and free US deliveries over $50!
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Vaping for Beginners FAQs
Is vaping safe?
Yes, vaping is safe and is considered safer to do than smoking. With smoking, you've got a lot of chemicals being inhaled, which can lead to health problems further down the line.
Does vaping hurt your lungs?
As long as vaping is done correctly, it shouldn't hurt your lungs. However, for those with lung problems such as asthma, many find it worsens this condition, just like smoking would.
