18. Here we answer all the most common and frequently asked questions about vaping!

2020-01-09
What is an e-cigarette?
 
An e-cigarette, more commonly known as an "Electronic Cigarette" is a tobacco smoking substitute, that creates a vapor mist to replicate and/or replace your usual cigarette smoke. There are many types of e-cigarettes, there are ones for those who are beginners, the enthusiasts and ones for those who just want to save money. 
 
What are the benefits of e-cigarettes versus regular cigarettes?
 
Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 carcinogenic compounds and 400 other toxins. These include: nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, as well as formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic and DDT. 
 
E-cigarettes are non-combustible and, therefore, contain no ash, smoke, tar, or carcinogens. They also do not smell like regular cigarettes and are widely considered to pose no cause for concern to bystanders.
 
What is an atomizer?
 
There are many different types of atomizers available in the vaping world. They sit on top of an e-cigarette battery and are used to heat e-liquid in order to create vapor. They can be self-contained and disposable, use replaceable coils, or be re-buildable for experienced vapers who want full control over their vaping experience.
 
What is a coil?
 
These are the heart of your vaping device. Generally, with a manufactured coil, you'll see a wire wrapped around cotton. The cotton soaks up the e-liquid and, when the wire is heated by the battery, it turns the e-liquid into vapor.
 
The resistance of a coil is defined in ohms (You'll see this written on the coil or on the box),which tells you how much current/power the coil will allow to pass through it. The lower the resistance, the more heat will be generated meaning that you will produce more vapor (Lots of clouds!) and experience a more intense flavour from your e-liquid. The downside is that you will go through a lot more e-liquid and your battery life will be reduced quicker.
 
What is sub-ohm vaping?
 
You may have heard of this expression before, within the vaping community. If you have seen a fellow vaper creating huge clouds and doing tricks, the chances are they are sub-ohming.
 
There are two ways to increase the amount of vapor you get out of your coil. The first is to increase the power of your battery/mod in order to increase the heat; but there are limitations on the amount of power you can put through the coil before it stops creating vapor and just gets really hot. Which will eventually burn your coil out, which does not taste good at all!
 
A sub-ohm coil has a resistance of less than 1 ohm; it's a combination of thicker wire and a higher airflow, so you can use more power before you start creating excessive heat. The thicker wire, the more surface area, which is in contact with the cotton which means more e-liquid is vapourised, and more clouds/vape are produced.
 
When should I replace my coil?
 
Coils will need replacing time to time; the length of time between changes depends on a number of factors. The amount you vape, power settings, the e-liquid itself, and other variables, all affect the lifespan of the coil. Generally you would want to replace your coil as soon as the flavour starts disappearing, a burnt taste occurs or the cotton starts to brown/blacken.
 
How do I prime my coil? So that it doesn't burnout too quick?
 
It's important to prime your coils before firing your device or using it; as firing it way too soon could result in getting a mouth full of dry burnt cotton, which is not nice!
 
Here are some ways of preventing dry hits and prolonging the life of your coil:
 
Drip your e-liquid on to the cotton of the coil before filling your tank. It's best to drip it on the sides where the cotton is visible and on top of the coil. Make sure to not over do it, as you will over saturate the coil.
Always make sure to top your tank up with e-liquid even when it's half full. As this will keep the coil constantly saturated; stopping any dry hits from happening.
Once you've filled your tank, allow it to sit for around 10/15 minutes. This is to allow the coil to be saturated.
Take a few puffs without firing the device as this will help drag the e-liquid up through the coil.
After filling up your tank with e-liquid and leaving it to stand for a while. Start off on a lower wattage to allow the e-liquid to pull through properly and then work your way up to your desired wattage.
What is the difference between "Direct To Lung" and "Mouth To Lung" vaping?  
 
These two terms came around due to the new technology available in the vaping world today. If you are a beginner to vaping, you will need to know the difference so that you can make an informed choice about which may be best and well suited for you.
 
With "Mouth To Lung" (MTL),you inhale the vapor and collect it within your mouth before breathing it fully into your lungs, more realistic to a cigarette. The atomizers used for this style of vaping, provide a tight draw and are what new vapers should start off with.
 
"Mouth To Lung" (MTL) was the first method around, as nearly all e-cigarettes were low in power thus not creating much vapor. MTL is still very desirable today, as people are using Nic Salts and higher Nicotine Strength e-liquids which is perfect for "Mouth To Lung" (MTL) set-ups.
 
"Direct To Lung" (DL) vaping is much closer to breathing normally. The DL devices are newer, more advanced setups and their atomizers have a much looser draw that require the use of your lungs directly to inhale.
 
Far more vapor is produced by "Direct To Lung" (DL) set-ups. More flavour, more clouds and more satisfaction. Though, you will not be able to cope with higher strength e-liquids, such as 12mg & 18mg. As these higher strength e-liquids will be much more harsh on your throat. Avid "Direct To Lung" (DL) vapers tend to go for 6mg nicotine strength or lower, as this is far much smoother.
 
What is e-liquid?
 
E-liquid also known as e-juice, vape liquid, vape juice or coil sauce. It consists of just four ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG),Vegetable Glycerine (VG),flavoring and nicotine. The VG and PG are additives from the food industry that are typically used to sweeten or preserve food, they are also consumed regularly by me, yourself and everyone else on the daily. 
 
Ultimately, the blend you choose will be a very personal thing so it's a good idea to experiment with a few different brands to find the perfect vape juice for you.
 
You may prefer more PG for the throat hit or more VG for increased vapor production and intense flavour.
 
Which nicotine strength should I go for?
 
The nicotine strength listed for e-liquid is the number of milligrams of nicotine per milliliter in a bottle. That means a 10ml bottle of 6mg nicotine e-liquid would have 60mg of nicotine (6mg x 10ml).
 
If you smoke Ultra Light cigarettes (like a Silk Cut),there is approximately 0.5mg of nicotine in each cigarette, or 10mg of nicotine per pack (0.5mg x 20 cigarettes).
 
If you smoke light cigarettes (like a Marlboro Light),there is approximately 0.7mg of nicotine in each cigarette, or 14mg of nicotine per pack (0.7mg x 20 cigarettes).
 
If you smoke regular cigarettes (like a Marlboro Red),there is approximately 1.2mg of nicotine in each cigarette, or 24mg of nicotine per pack (1.2mg x 20 cigarettes).
 
From what what we have gathered from our studies and research; this guide should help you in picking your desired nicotine strength:
 
10+ regular cigarettes per day = 18 mg nicotine strength
 
Up to 10 light cigarettes per day = 12 mg nicotine strength
 
Up to 10 ultra-light cigarettes per day = 6 mg nicotine strength
 
Very light/occasional smokers = 3 mg nicotine strength
 
Nicotine free = 0 mg nicotine strength
 
What is propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG)?
 
PG and VG are the liquids that help burn the nicotine to vapor. They are both recognized as safe by the Food Standards Agency and are in many cosmetics and processed foods .
 
PG is tasteless and derives from plants. It is used in baked goods, medicines and cosmetics. The liquid is thinner in viscosity than VG and so produces less vapor.
 
PG produces more of a throat hit that is very similar to smoking a cigarette. It is better partnered with a lower powered device. One of the downsides of a high PG e-liquid is that it may cause a bit of a dry throat. 
 
VG tastes a little sweet but it hasn't got any flavour to it. It's used in multiple things, such as: baked goods, sweeteners, and as a filler in different foods. The liquid is very viscous which helps to produce a lot more vapor and, it also helps carry the flavour. High VG vape juice provides a more intense taste sensation. The vapor also carries the nicotine, so vapers who prefer high VG liquids generally go for a lower nicotine strength or even nicotine free e-liquids. In order to produce very large vape clouds, more power is required so you should consider more powerful hardware to heat the VG effectively.

 

0