Vaping was first discovered in the 1930’s by an American Joseph Robinson. His e-cigarette was patented and started a series of developments through the following decades.
It wasn’t until 2003 that the first commercially produced vape was made, in china. This subsequently paved the way for its popularity across the globe from 2006.
So is vaping any good for beginners?
Here’s How Good Vaping Is:
Vaping is a great way for beginners to stop smoking. Considered significanlty safer, regulated in most countries and a multitude of options to suit every need from MTL to DL, Starter kits to High end set ups. Disposable vapes available in many retailers starting from $6 are a great introduction to start vaping.
What Is Vaping And How Does It Work?
Vaping is an alternative to smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes, remaining options or devices to help former smokers quit with ease as well as having a wide range of flavours and nicotine strengths to assist the transition. This is not to say that converting to vaping is easy as some kits are easier for some people.
Vaping can be broken down into a few select components the most important of which is E-Liquids, the atomizer, the device and nicotine strengths.
There are many different types of vaping styles available some that are simulating the way you would normally smoke a cigarette more commonly known as Mouth to lung or MTL this style is great for beginners looking to quit smoking, this style typically is found to be used with higher nicotine strengths.
Another style is is sun ohm or also known as direct to lung or DTL, this offers a much more dense way of vaping often making flavours have a creamier consistency while typically being used at a lower nicotine strength.
There are many different types of devices available on the market some being pen style, pod mods, box mods and all-in-one kits. These mods off fall in line with the fundamentals and all use a similar process of atomising e-liquids to create a vapor to be inhaled. They usually contain levels of nicotine and depending on personal preference, the nicotine levels may vary.
Common Terms In Vaping
Vaping Terminology and meanings
| Terminology | Meaning | |||
| MTL | Mouth to Lung | |||
| Sub-Ohm | Directly inhaling vape | |||
| DL | Direct to Lung | |||
| Wattage | The Power Setting | |||
| Temp Control | Temperature setting | |||
| Resistance | The coil setting | |||
| Coils | The heating element | |||
| Atty | Atomiser | |||
| Tank | The tank which is filled with liquid | |||
| RDA | Rebuildable Dripping Atomiser | |||
| RDTA | Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomiser | |||
| Dripper | Same as RDA | |||
| Pods | Pre fill liquid cartridges | |||
| Cotton | Cotton used to absorb liquid | |||
| Vape Pen | A pen shaed vape | |||
| Mod | The battery/powering part of a vape | |||
| Squonk | internal bottle squeezed to release juice to an RDA | |||
| Mech | Mechanical device – non reglated | |||
| 510 | The connecting plate to join the Mod to the Tank | |||
| Drip Tip | Mouth piece | |||
| Nic Salt | Nicotine Salts – Read Here | |||
| Shortfill | A large bottle that requires nic shots to be added | |||
| Freebase | Regular Nicotine | |||
| Nic Shot | A shot of nicotine to increase nicotine strength | |||
| AIO | All in one | |||
| Wraps | Wraps for batteries | |||
| Battery | 18350, 18650, 20650, 26650, 20700, 21700 | |||
| Lipo | An inbuilt battery | |||
| O Rings | Rubber seals | |||
| Vape Bands | Bands which protect and style the tank | |||
| One Shot | A large bottle with concentrate in – requires VG/PG and Nic shots | |||
| VG | Vegetable Glycerin | |||
| PG | Propylene Glycol | |||
| 50/50, 70/30 etc | Mixing ratio of VG/PG | |||
| DIY | Making your own e-liquid from concentrates and VG/PG |
What Types Of Vape Are There
Mouth to lung is intended to be used for higher MG nicotine often 6 MG or above stimulates a tight draw that you would typically find on a cigarette. This option is great for beginners due to the similarities to smoking.
Some types of devices are Pod style devices that can come as a sealed system or open meaning that users can replace coils and refill the pod with a chosen liquid. Pod style systems are often smaller types as devices.
Aio kits are all-in-one devices these types of products have currently attached thanks to the device or have a built-in tank that is not removable but is refillable these typically are designed for mouth to lung use or a restricted direct to lung.
Direct to lung is commonly found with sub-ohm devices due to the increased power typically required for coils. Is recommended to not use high MG nicotine direct to long as it can be harsh on the throat hit.
Sub-ohm is a very common style of vaping the is intended for a direct to lung not with a lower percentage of nicotine and is not recommended to use 6 MG or above in nicotine strength
Box mods open devices that use one or more removable batteries or that have a built-in battery that can be recharged via a USB cable these box mods typically have variable wattage and settings that can change the power required to a tank either being a sub-ohm tank or a mouth to lung tank.
Pen style devices are often slim and sleek and designs to be easy and convenient to use do sewers portability and size these come in a variety of styles some that are designed to be used as mouth to lung and some that are offered to be used in direct to lung and sub-ohm vaping.
Disposables are often found with higher mg of nicotine come in a variety of flavors and shapes often to be pen-style shapes are designed to be thrown away once the liquid or battery has as been used up.
Mech mods are typically designed for users that are more advanced due to the inherent needs and knowledge that is needed to use the device safely and reliably.
How To Use A Vape
Vaping comprises three main elements: you have the device which delivers power to the atomizer itself which atomises the liquid into a vapour via a coil and the e-liquid itself. Devices come in many different types of styles some being pen style, pod mods, box mods and all-in-one kits.
Most devices follow the same process of how to use them for example with a aspire pocket x or a Voopoo drag x kids is both very similar types of devices however aspire pocket x is a smaller and Celica style of the device. Both devices have refillable and have replaceable coils with the Voopoo drag x this device has a variable wattage control making it more versatile for some users. The pocket x does not have any adjustment in wattage and the power is determined by the resistance of the coil installed.
Using a vape device is very simple many will have a fire button to activate and some devices have an automatic sensor that senses when the device is being used and there is an inhalation Like with disposable products as well as the Uwell Caliburn series and some other devices. This option has been endorsed by the UK’s NHS (National Health Service) and even have some vape shops open in hospitals offering advice and kit to people wanting to quit and former smokers.
E-liquids are comprised of a few main ingredients majority being vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol as well as having natural and artificial flavourings added and the option of having varied nicotine strengths. Propylene glycol is one ingredient that gives the uses the throat hit that is often similar to smoking this combined with levels of nicotine simulator the way is cigarette would normally feel. Vegetable glycerine uses a denser cream vape throw the experience.
What Are The Benefits Of Vaping
The main benefit of vaping is to have a better alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes with many chemicals found in one cigarette and high percentages of tar and carbon monoxide.
Are there still are being tests performed on e-liquids and vaping as a whole the UK’s royal college of physicians has determined from scientific data that vaping is at least 95% safer than smoking.
One extra benefit of vaping is there is no residue of ash and no permanent odour other than the temporary smell of E-liquids which often smell very nice and pleasant.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Vape?
The subject of how old do you have to be is often a topic and talking point however vaping suppose the same laws as tobacco in many regions and countries across the world.
The majority of the world is over 18 to purchase and consume vaping products.
In the UK and Europe you must be 18 or over to purchase a vaping product.
In the USA while previously each state had a different age restriction, all states now follow a strict 21+ law meaning vapor products are only to be purchased by 21 and over.
There have been some cases where vaping has been completely banned for example Singapore, Vatican City, and India are some countries that have made regulations very tight. Australia has a ban by proxy and sales or importation of nicotine-containing e-liquids is illegal.
Where Can You Vape?
Vaping rules typically apply the same as smoking. Public places are allowed, however certain venues will prohibit it. Airports, restaurants, stores and such will usually not allow vaping.
It is also important to note, that vaping can set off smoke alarms. Something to consider in a hotel room.
It is also important to understand that people may be offended by the Vaper, although classified as harmless passively, consideration should be taken into where are you Vape.
Some countries will not allow vaping in public, even in public places such as a boardwalk, High Street, or beachfront. Typically though, these places have a ban in place. It would be worth noting when you’re travelling to check whether you can Vape, and if so where you are allowed to in the designated country you’re travelling to.
What Do I Buy For Beginner Vaping?
One of the biggest things is to find a kit that works for you and your lifestyle as well as a flavour that you will enjoy with a suitable nicotine strength.
For anyone who wants to make the transition from smoking, a great option is to start off off with a small to midsize device. This is a great choice due to the possible versatility for future options. You can then decide to MTL or DL.
One great example of a kit is the Aspire Zelos 3 kit that utilises two components; the device itself that has a built-in battery and the tank for the eliquid, that comes with the kit. This kit has been designed for a mouth to lung style of vaping simulating the way smokers would normally smoke. This kit has become very popular with former smokers due to its reliability and the ability to use other tanks as well.
For someone who smokes on average 20 to 30 a day, it is recommended that a higher nicotine liquid be used to ease cravings for nicotine.
Another great option that some users may want to have the options is sub-ohm devices. This term is due to the coils being less than 1 ohm and inhaled straight into the lungs. This style of vaping typically offers more vapour production with increased flavour as well. It will also mean a much lower level of nicotine is needed to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
Here’s a quick guide to what levels of nicotine can be used:
| Different nicotine strengths | Who they are good for | Suggested Brands |
| 0mg | Anyone wanting to experience vaping Thos cutting down | Most Brands Offer 0mg Click Here |
| 3mg Freebase (Regular Nicotine) | Sub-ohm / DL Flavor Clouds Users cutting down | |
| 6mg Freebase (Regular Nicotine) | Sub-ohm / DL – Heavy Smoker MTL – Light to Medium Smoker | |
| 12mg Freebase (Regular Nicotine) | MTL – Medium Smoker | Vampire Vape Esauce Hangsen |
| 18mg Freebase (Regular Nicotine) | MTL – Heavy Smoker | Vampire Vape Hangsen 88 Vape |
| 3mg – 10mg Nic salt | Less Harsh than Freebase For Light to Medium Smokers | Element E-liquids |
| 20mg – 50mg Nic salt | Less Harsh than freebase but offering a stronger nicotine level For Heavy Smokers | Element E-liquids Elf Bar disposables Geek Bar disposables |
What’s The Best Vape For Beginners?
With many different types of styles and brands it can be difficult to choose what will work best for you however here are some useful tips on what to purchase.
For beginners and people who are looking to quit smoking some of the best options or often the simplest such as all in one (AIO) kit where the tank/atomizer is either permanently attached to the device or built into it.
You also have disposable products that have a limited amount of puffs before 4eva the liquid runs out or the battery runs out. These come in a variety of flavours shapes and sizes as well as different puff counts
With direct to lung or mouth to lung devices, there are many different brands and styles you can look at from Aspire, Geekvape, Voopoo, Smok and many others that all offer a multitude of different sizes and shapes of products.
Usually, with mouth to lung, this is more for higher mg nicotine typical 6mg and above. This is due to the lower amount of vapor being inhaled in a single puff, an amount similar to that of a cigarette puff. Higher propylene glycol percentage as well as the nicotine will give a harder throat hit while vaping.
With direct to lung offers a wider range of flavour more vapour production. It is typically is seen with a lower percentage of nicotine typically from 6 mg and below this gives users a less harsh throat here overall, but a greater volume of vapor.
What Are Typical Issues With Vaping?
Some of the most common things that most beginners will find and possibly struggle with is replacing coils and to know when to replace the coil.
Generally, you should replace the coil at least every three weeks even if it’s not burnt out or tasting funny. It is largely due to more of a hygiene reason than anything else. Once there is a burnt taste, it is definitely time to change.
You may find that some devices may leak either from the airflow or from the base of the replacement coil. This can be more common in warmer climates or even warmer temperature rooms causing it to become flooded. The easy fix for this is is to fire the device and blow it into the mouthpiece with a paper towel around the airflow and to expel any excess liquid.
With some coils they may not always work straight out the box you may need to reseat the coil to make sure a stable connection is made from the base of the coil to the base of the tank or device.
In some cases some users may experience dry hits. This can be due to either lack of liquid in the tank or lack of liquid reaching to the centre of the coil. You may need to wait for more liquid to be absorbed into the cotton but in some cases, you may just need to replace the coil.
One thing that is is not very common is some devices with built-in batteries may experience battery issues this is typically caused by overcharging a device with a not recommended power source such as quick chargers.
With devices that use replaceable batteries like 18650s or 21700s, this can be a better option for many as the device will just need a replacement battery rather than having to replace the whole device.
Broken tanks can be a common thing, but can be prevented by simply adding a vape band or some kind of protection around the glass section of the tank. However many brands do offer spare replacement glass and can easily be found in vape shops or online. More and more companies are now using perspex instead of glass to prevent damage, but plastic can wear over time and crack.
Are Vapes Safe And Reliable?
Many vapes have CE markings, a quality assurance certification, they carry warranty, and are made by reputable companies.
There are regulations in Europe under the TPD (Tobacco Products Directive), which means all eliquids sold must be tested for emissions and toxicity, to ensure that are safe for human use. The UK even has vape shops inside some hospitals, and public health England endorses vaping as a much safer alternative to smoking.
In terms of devices, most are regulated and have variable wattage control are controlled by a chipset that has built-in safety features to protect the device and the user. Some of the most common safety features are short circuit protection reverse battery protection and temperature protection.
Many types of coils have a recommended wattage for example a Voopoo PNP vm5 which is a 0.2-ohm resistance coil it is recommended to be vaped at 40 to 60 Watts.
Mechanical Mods are more recommended for the more advanced user as there are many aspects to know and have knowledge oif such as ohms law and maintaining battery safety. Mechanical mods do not have any built-in safety features and rely on the user’s knowledge for safety. They are not reccomended for beginners.
It is worth knowing which batteries will work best for devices that use removable batteries there are plenty of guides available as well as you can ask your local vape shop for any tips and recommendations on batteries.
What Is Warranty Like For Vaping Devices?
Depending on the brand warranties may vary but typically warranties are from 30 days to 90 days. These warranties cover manufacturing faults and do not cover the following:
- Liquid damage
- Misuse
- Wear and tear/cosmetic
- Modification / customizations
- damages caused by accidents
- Coils
- Pod
- Accessories
What Is The Quality Of Vaping Like?
Brands offering different types and styles of products the quality may differ from the product however generally there is a level of standard that must be met to provide satisfaction and reliability to the end-user
The EU and UK are governed by the TPD (tobacco product directive) and regulate and maintain quality for the liquids produced and entering the country via importation. Liquids over 10 ml must contain 0 mg of nicotine and follow the TPD regulations
Many vapour brands will conduct internal testing of products to ensure products are of adequate quality before entering the market and many products will go through quality control after original testing.
How long do vapes last?
Due to the construction of some products, they can last many years with some reports by product owners having some for more than 7 years.
It is worth knowing that the steps are very easy to follow. Here are a few to know:
- Regularly replace coils at least every 1 – 3 weeks
- Remove tanks from devices and wipe any liquid residue from the bottom of the tank,
from on the top of the device. Also, check the 510 where the tank screws into doing this can prevent leaks.
- If using a device using removable batteries, check the quality of the battery wraps for tears, nicks, scratches, and holes.
How Much Does It Cost To Start Vaping
Vaping is significantly less expensive than purchasing traditional tobacco products, especially while prices for cigarettes continuously go up.
For a typical starter kit a pretty common price is around the $50 to $60 range. This will give you a device and a tank however depending on the device it may require one or two batteries that are removable and rechargeable either through USB charging the device or on an external charger.
Liquid prices may vary from brand to brand as well as countries and regions however in the average price for E-Liquid is around $20 for a 60ml bottle and around $20 to $30 for a 120 ml bottle. Some companies advertise liquid as cheap as $0.99.
Disposables average around $6-$20 for devices that have a 600 – 3500 puff count, price may vary depending on puff count and brand.
Replacement tanks and coils typically start from $15 and can reach prices up to $50 depending on the brand and and and if it is a standard plug and play tank which uses replaceable coils or if it is a rebuildable product.
The price of replacement coils or pods may vary as well however the average price for a pack of coils and pods is around the $15-$20 price range.
NHS provides a calculator that you can input the price that you pay for a packet of cigarettes and the amount you roughly smoke and it will show you your yearly spending this is a great indicator to show no that vaping is a cheaper alternative as well.
What Are The Parts Of Vapes To Buy?
In today’s market, there are many different brands to choose from that offer many different styles and ways of vaping. However there are some that have been well reviewed an globally seen as reliable and a great choice for beginners.
Here you of the best products and brands by type:
Tanks
Aspire Nautilus 3 tank – is the latest addition in the Nautilus series while offering a top-fill method as well as a mess-free replaceable coil method while having the coils widely available in many retail providers.
Horizon Tech falcon 2 Tank – this sub-ohm tank is designed for direct lung use with easy top refill offering great flavour.
Voopoo Tpp Tank – is a tank that has been adopted for many of their devices make me very universal between their line of products while using the same type of coil it makes it a great choice as there are different variations of coils offering different ways of vaping.
Liquids
This can be very subjective as some people may not like certain flavours or combinations. However one great choice is to choose a subscription box such as zamplebox. These offer a monthly subscription of e-liquids that you can custom tailor what types of favours you wish to receive and also nicotine strengths.
Devices
Devices can be broken into two different categories some being stand-alone some being all-in-one.
Uwell Caliburn AK kit is a small sleek pod style kit designed for mouth to lung what are utilising a replacement pod instead of a coil this makes it a no-fuss type of device.
Geekvape solo 2 is a great option for users who live an active lifestyle or who are prone to breaking devices as this device is tri-proof and is shockproof waterproof and dustproof and making it a very hard-wearing device. The device can be paired with a sub-ohm tank or a mouth to lung depending on the user and their needs.
Starters
Starter kits are some of the best options for beginners as they will have everything in one package with the device and a paired tank from the brand.
Drag s pro kit is one kit that offers everything in the box this device has a built-in internal battery of 3000 mAh and utilizes the TPP coils and tank.
Geekvape AEGiS 2 kit is a hard-wearing and very durable kit or featuring a power output from 5 – 200 watts. It is powered by a pair of 18650 batteries and comes with the Geekvape Z sub-ohm tank as intended for direct along with use. The Aegis legend 2 is also shockproof and ip68 water-resistant.
Batteries
The batteries you will need will vary on the device as not all devices will take the same battery type. Some of the best batteries available on the market are the following:
Molicel p26a has a capacity of 2600mah h&a maximum discharge rating of 25 amps this battery is a 18650
Vapcell k25 battery has a capacity of 2500mah and a maximum discharge rate of 20 amps and is also a 18650
Samsung 40T has a capacity of 4000 mah and a maximum discharge of 30 amps this battery is a 21700
MOLICEL P42A battery is also a 21700 it has a maximum capacity of 4200mah maximum discharge rate of 30 amps
What Are The Best Vape Brands For Beginners?
If you are looking to buy a vape and want to know what are the best brands. Here is a list of brands recommended for beginners:
| Brand | Where to Buy | Price Range |
| Voopoo | Click Here | $40-80 |
| Geekvape | Click Here | $30 – 100 |
| JUUL | Click Here | $20 – 30 |
| SMOK | Click Here | $25 – 90 |
| Innokin | Click Here | $25 – 55 |
| Vaporesso | Click Here | $30 – 60 |
| Aspire | Click Here | $20 – 65 |
| Uwell | Click Here | $20 – 60 |
What Are There Any Alternatives To Vaping?
There are some alternatives to vaping such as nicotine gums patches sprays and nicotine inhalers as well as a heat-not-burn type of device.
IQOS and Ploom are heat not burn technology that heats tobacco rather than using combustion to smoke through the device this uses traditional tobacco but does not produce as many toxins. You can check out more about Iqos Here
Some users will report at this may not always work for them once they tried vaping it helped them quit smoking and later on quit vaping.
Final thoughts
It can be very easy to get started with a basic kit one of the hardest parts of vaping is choosing a flavour that will be timeless for you and that you all want to vape over and over again.
With many options brands and styles, it is difficult to make a decision of which direction some beginners who what’s a quit smoking. If you are looking to explore vaping, or simply want to stop smoking, it is worth exploring the options out there.
You may like our article on disposable vapes found here.
Resources
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking/
https://www.zamplebox.com/e-liquid-awards-best-e-juice-flavors
