Minis, or so-called “cig-a-likes,” look like cigarettes and use pre-filled cartridges. They come in rechargeable and disposable varieties and have limited flavor options and battery life. Advanced Personal Vaporizers (AVPs), or “Vape Pens,” allow you to control the power level, and subsequently can produce more vapor. AVPs can also hold more liquid and have a longer charge. MODs are a higher vapor, lower nicotine system that are designed for the user to customize. They are usually used by experienced vapers, as the user should know how to define factors such as amount of vapor and battery strength. Many users start out with disposable e-cigarettes to make sure they enjoy vaping before moving onto larger setups.
Propylene glycol is a thin, odorless, colorless liquid that is effective at carrying flavors. It is the most common fluid used to suspend flavors and nicotine. Some users claim PG provides a sensation most similar to smoking tobacco. Vegetable glycerin is a derivative of vegetable oil and is vegetarian friendly. It is a thicker liquid that has some natural sweetness and produces a much smoother vapor. Due to its thickness, vaping high VG liquids can clog coils faster and reduce the life of some atomizers. VG and PG can be used on their own or mixed. Experimenting with ratios and finding the right mix for you will provide the most rewarding experience. Try buying different mixes from your local vape store to see what you like best. Flavor and nicotine strength can also be changed using e-liquid. Try a higher PG percentage for a stronger flavor, and higher VG percentage for more vapor.
0mg/ml means there is no nicotine in the liquid. It can be used to get a fuller flavor, and to satisfy residual habits of those who have quit smoking. It also provides a safer way for people who have never smoked to vape ‘for fun’. 3mg/ml to 6mg/ml is a light level generally used by light to moderate smokers, or people who want some nicotine but more flavor from their liquid. 3 mg/ml is generally preferred for systems with rebuildable atomizers. 12mg/ml to 18mg/ml is a level generally comfortable for heavy smokers. It provides more nicotine and is preferred by those using a cartomizer. Levels above 18mg/ml are available, but it is advisable to stay away from those unless you cannot satisfy a nicotine addiction with lower levels. It is always easier to start lower and increase than to start with too strong a liquid.
Take longer, slower drags than you would with a cigarette. Allow the vapor to build up for 3 to 5 seconds. Once you have a good drag, hold the vapor in longer before you exhale. This allows more of the product to get to the back of the throat and down into the lungs. Pick a flavor that replicates tobacco. If you are looking to replicate the experience of smoking a cigarette, sweet or fruity flavors may diminish the experience. Try a tobacco flavored e-liquid instead.
Hold the vapor in your mouth for a few seconds before exhaling to allow the nicotine to pass through the tissue. Enhance the experience by exhaling through the nose, where the nicotine vapor may also be absorbed.
Sub-ohm vaping does present some dangers because of the wattage needed to power the device. It is important to use only sub-ohm compatible clearomizers with sub-ohm atomizers, and make sure the device has a high enough wattage to handle sub-ohm vaping. Exact wattage depends upon the ohms of the atomizer. Sub-ohm vaping is not recommended for new vapers.
Starting and ending nicotine levels will be very personal. Start with a nicotine level that keeps you satisfied, and gradually decrease from there. Many start from the 12mg/ml to 18mg/ml range, and gradually decrease to 3mg/ml before reaching the 0mg/ml or quitting steps. There is no set protocol for how long you should take at each nicotine level. Many experienced vapers recommend waiting until you adjust to a given nicotine level and stop craving a higher level before you take a step down. Stepping is often cited by former smokers as a method that helped them break their habit, but there is currently a limited amount of scientific research investigating vaping as a long-term means of effectively quitting smoking. Some studies show that most people who try vaping in order to quit smoking end up continuing to use both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. [8] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Never submerge your e-cigarette or get water on the battery while cleaning. Make sure no electrical components are live before you start to clean. Use a cotton swab or paper towel dampened with lukewarm water to wipe around the battery terminal end of the atomizer and drip tip. Blow out any old e-liquid from the tip. Use a dry paper towel or cotton swab to clean inside of the battery terminal. Reassemble your e-cigarette and allow the wick to soak in e-liquid for several seconds before you restart it.
Charge the battery simply by using the charger provided with the purchase of your e-cigarette. Try to only charge completely dead batteries, as this helps extend their lifespan. Allow the battery to charge fully before you reassemble your e-cigarette. This gives the most life possible in between disassembling.
Most batteries will last no more than 300 charges. Cartridges should be used no more than 10 times prior to replacement. If liquid drops out the bottom or bubbles up in your mouth, the atomizer coil may have burned out. Check to see if it needs replacement by taking it into a vape shop for a professional opinion.
Invest in stands and holders for your e-cigarette so that it has a safe place no matter where you take it. This will provide a longer life for your e-cigarette, and a more enjoyable vaping experience.
