Vaping Info
Batteries
Atomizer, Coil and Wick
Cartomizers and Tanks
Eliquids
Safety
Vape Terms
TYPES OF E-CIGARETTES
CIG-A-LIKE:
True to its name, the Cig-a-like resembles a traditional cigarette. It’s sleek and slender construction makes it portable and easy to use. Most disposable e-cigarettes fall under this category. Typically, Cig-a-likes only have two distinct parts: cartridges and a combined atomizer and battery. These are suited for initial vaping experiences but don't provide a strong vaper hit and soon become expensive to replace.
VAPE PEN:
Vape pens are bulkier than cig-a-likes and come in three parts: a combined atomizer and battery, clearomizer, and mouthpiece. Since it is reusable it is extremely cost effective and delivers great performance, style, and taste. These are perfect for intermediate vapers who have a little experience with e-cigarette products and terminology. The best thing is, all the eliquids we carry can be used in just about any vape pen.
POD SYSTEMS:
A pod vape is a mini vape based on a two-part system: a pod filled with vape juice that snaps into a small battery. They’re available in pre-filled or refillable designs. Some will have power buttons but often they’re automatic — meaning you just take a drag on them to make vapor.
Most pod vapes, also referred to as pod mods, vape pods, mini vapes or pod systems, were designed for smokers transitioning into vaping. Many smokers say they’re the best devices for quitting smoking, even more than the original vape pens.
BOX MODS AND APVS:
Box Mods and APVs, or advanced personal vaporizers, contain bigger batteries and coils. This means that they can produce larger amounts of vapour for a longer amount of time. It comes with a standard clearomizer, atomizer, battery, and mouthpiece, and provides an enhanced hit for more experienced vapers. Since these contain more components and customizable pieces, only advanced vapers should consider purchasing box mods and APVs.
BATTERIES:
Batteries are the powerhouse behind the e-cigarette: they provide the energy to heat and vaporize the eliquid or ejuice. Batteries are built into smaller e-cigarettes, especially the ones that resemble traditional cigarettes, and are replaceable and rechargeable in bigger more advanced vaping devices. The size of the battery with determining the length of time your vape will last between charging, with larger batteries allowing a longer uninterrupted vape. Rechargeable lithium batteries are typically charged by USB wires or outlets.
ATOMIZER, COIL, AND WICK:
Batteries supply power to the atomizer: the part of the e-cigarette that houses the heating coil and wick. Although in simpler models, the atomizer can be found within the tank itself, advanced vapers can choose from stand-alone atomizers, RDAs, and RBAs, making it important component in the vape device. Since the atomizer contains the coil and wick, it houses the transformation of the eliquid into a vapour.
A wick carries the eliquid from the tank to the coil to be heated. Wicks can be made of cotton, twisted silica cords, ceramic, steel mesh, or eko-wool. Coils are small pieces of resistance wire that resemble springs. The number of wraps and diameter of the coil affects the coil’s resistance (as per Ohm’s law); the resistance determines the amount of electricity necessary to power the e-cigarette and the amount of heat it produces. Most coils are made of Kanthal, NiChrome, and more recently, Nickel.
CARTOMIZER, CLEAROMIZERS, AND TANKS:
Cartomizers, clearomizers, and cartridges are considered subsets of the broad category of Tanks, which are any mechanisms that hold ejuices. However, in the vape world, tanks refer specifically to advanced storage containers with special features and capacities.
Cartomizers and clearomizers are both very similar--both unscrew from the main device when you want to refill the tank. Clearomizers have a clear plastic pane that allows you to see the amount of ejuice left in your tank. Additionally, clearomizers use silica wicks to transport eliquids to the coil and are easy to clean and maintain. Cartomizers on the other hand have no plastic pane, use a polyfill substance to transport eliquid, are hard to maintain, and need to be primed before use
ELIQUIDS
Eliquids, also known as ejuices, are stored in the tanks until they are heated in the atomizer. Unless you buy a disposable e-cigarette, eliquids are sold separately from the vaporizer in small bottles. They come in a variety of different flavours, strengths and types; the main ingredients usually consist of PG, VG, food flavouring, and nicotine.
PG, also known as propylene glycol, is a common additive and preservative in foods and plastics. For vapers, PG provides more of a throat hit than VG eliquids. Although it provides a more intense flavour, PG is thinner and produces less vapour than VG eliquids. However, while the preservative qualities of PG extend juice life, some vapers are sensitive or even allergic to it.
For vapers with PG sensitivity, manufacturers offer VG, or vegetable glycerin, eliquids. VG eliquid is thicker and sweeter than PG, and often makes denser clouds and thicker vapour. Although it is known to affect the taste of the vapour slightly, it is 100% hypoallergenic making it the ideal option for some vapers. Most eliquids use a combination of PG and VG in order to produce a different vape experience.
Nicotine level
The nicotine level of your e-liquid is a personal preference, but you can help narrow down what’s right for you based on your current or previous smoking habits. Strengths from 0mg/ml to 18mg/ml are the most common, with the most common strengths being 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg. However, some e-juice makers do produce much higher strengths.
0mg/ml – If you’re a nonsmoker or simply looking to give vaping a try for the heck of it, feel free to try the nicotine-free versions of whatever e-liquid sounds appealing to you.
3mg/ml – For light smokers looking to try vaping, this level is usually as low as you’ll find before going nicotine-free. This is also the final stepping stone for former smokers looking to quit their nicotine habit entirely.
6mg/ml – The typical starting point for regular smokers who switch to vaping, a 6mg juice is one of the most popular levels. It allows the user to go up or down with ease, depending on their overalls goals.
12mg/ml – For heavier, pack-a-day smokers, this level of nicotine usually results in a harsher throat hit, which is why it’s not usually recommended for first-time vapers.
18mg/ml – If you’re a chain smoker who burns through packs with reckless abandon, you might find yourself hitting this level. Remember, the more nicotine in the juice, the less overall flavour. Certainly not something to try unless the lower strengths don’t satisfy your cravings.
Always keep in mind that while science often compares the nicotine level of e-juice to that of the tobacco in cigarettes, the actual result is often much different.
When smoking cigarettes there is a natural cut-off point when the cigarette burns out, but vaping is something that can be done continuously with no logical stopping point. This can make the lower nicotine levels more appropriate even for long-time smokers, especially if the user plans on vaping continuously throughout the day.
SAFETY
While e-cigarettes are much safer than traditional cigarettes, precautions do need to be taken to ensure a quality vape experience. Make sure to use the charger explicitly created for battery, and remove the battery as soon as it reaches full charge. Keep batteries separated from one another so terminals do not touch each other and short circuit. Finally, check that batteries are rated for the specific coil and keep them out of extreme heat.
Store eliquids in cool, dark places where pets and children cannot reach them. Never ingest or lick the eliquid, and call poison control if the ejuice is on the body for an extended amount of time. Be aware of PG allergies, and make sure to switch to VG if you notice any complications after vaping. As always consult your doctor before and during vaping if you have any concerns.
VAPE TERMS
Airflow – Amount of air sucked in by vaper
Atomizer – The area that holds the coil and wick, which is heated to produce vapour
Box Mod – APV in the shape of a box, available in either mechanical or variable order
Drip Tip – Replaces the mouthpiece of a regular atomizer to create a space that makes dripping possible without having to remove the atomizer
Drip Well – Space near the connector that catches dripping e-juice
Heatsink – Layers designed to cool the vape quickly
High Resistance – High ohm rating, strains the battery less than LR
Low Resistance – Low ohm rating, products a large amount of vapour, but the battery burns out much more quickly
mAh – The ability of the battery to store energy. If the mAh is high, the long the life expectancy of the battery before it need to be recharged
mg – This stands for milligram strength per millilitre. Determines how much nicotine is in the juice
Ohm – The unit of measurement used for electrical resistance. A lower ohm reading for coils means hotter and thicker vapour, while a higher ohm reading means cooler vapes
Propylene Glycol (PG) – One of the two ingredients used in juices, used in everyday food products
RBAs: Also known as rebuildable atomizers. RBAs can taken apart and reassembled--
Resistance – The build of the coil determines how much resistance in a vape, which is measured in ohms
Starter Kit – This is the beginner’s guide to vaping, bundled together to make the beginning of your vaping journey smoother: usually includes an e-cig, an atomizer, and a charger, with supplementary cartridges.
Sub-ohming – Using coils below 1.0 ohm to produce a warmer vape and therefore more vapour outfits, commonly used by more experienced vapers
Vegetable Glycerol or Glycerine (VG) – The other ingredient used to make e-juice aside from PG
Voltage Drop – A reduction in power
VW or Variable Wattage – Allows users to adjust wattage to their liking
Wick – Can be created from silica, stainless steel mesh, organic cotton and ceramic. This carries the e-juice and ensures the e-liquid is heated without leaks