The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Vaping – #1 Way to Stop Smoking
With their enthralling vapor and divine flavors, vapes offer everything a traditional cigarette can not. No wonder this trend has become so viral worldwide. If you want to join the trend, this beginner’s guide to vaping will surely assist you in navigating this world.
This article explains what vaping is and how many vaping devices are available in the market. You will also learn about nicotine strength, flavors, inhaling techniques, etc. As a bonus, you will also find information on the contribution of vaping devices to quitting smoking.
If you are a beginner, you must have tons of queries and confusions about vaping. This article will guide you through the basics of vaping devices.
What Is Vaping?
Vaping is the way of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol. It is often referred to as a “vapor,” which is produced by an electronic device. Vape is also known as e-cigarettes. Vapes usually comprise a heating element, a battery, and a cartridge that stores an e-liquid solution.
The e-liquid is essential in vaping. Typically, it consists of a mixture of flavorings, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and nicotine. When the heating element vaporizes the e-liquid, an aerosol that may be inhaled is created.
As an alternative to traditional cigarettes, vaping has grown in popularity because it offers a comparable experience without the damaging effects of tobacco smoke. Since vaping spares users from the hundreds of dangerous chemicals present in regular cigarettes, it is considered a healthier alternative to smoking.
The vaping business has grown quickly, and there is a wide array of device types, from basic disposable e-cigarettes to sophisticated, customized vaporizers. These devices are offered in various sizes, shapes, and power capacities to accommodate vapers’ wide range of tastes and requirements.
One of the main benefits of vaping is the customization capacity. You can access various e-liquid flavors, from traditional tobacco and menthol to inventive and distinctive selections like fruit, dessert, and even bespoke mixes.
Can Vape Stop Smoking?
There are many speculations and theories about the potentiality of vaping to quitting smoking. Many studies have been conducted, but we are still far from finding a shred of conclusive evidence.
Whether smoking or vaping addiction, it all comes down to one boiling issue, nicotine addiction. When you become addicted to nicotine and smoking becomes irresistible, vapes can help to mimic the sensation while adjusting your craving for nicotine.
According to some research, vaping may help smokers cut back on or quit cigarettes. The nicotine concentration of E-cigarettes and vaping devices may roll back cravings and addiction related to smoking.
Other research, however, has shown that behavioral therapy or other nicotine replacement medicines (such as patches or gum) are just as successful at helping people quit smoking as vaping. In lieu of quitting smoking, vaping might encourage young people who don’t smoke to start using nicotine and eventually switch to cigarettes.
If you are committed to quitting smoking but still falling back on your promises, give vaping a chance. Yes, they are not completely risk-free. But you can control the nicotine level as per your cravings. This way, your body will get time to adjust to the new routine, and you will not fall back to smoking so easily.
Types Of Vapes You Should Know About
As a beginner, you must be baffled by the many varieties of vaping products on the market. You need to choose the device that caters to your cravings and requirements. Instead of selecting the most popular choices, you should learn about your options and what suits you best.
Cig-a-likes
Cig-a-likes are the first-generation vaping devices that introduce aerosol or vapor that is borne from e-liquid. They are quite similar to regular cigarettes in size, shape, and look.
The heating element runs on batteries and vaporizes a nicotine liquid to simulate smoking a cigarette. Compared to more advanced and newer devices, cig-a-likes create less vapor and a less pleasurable “throat hit.”
Because they often have smaller batteries, fewer customization options, and less functionality than recent vaping devices, cig-a-likes are generally less sophisticated.
Vape Pens
Vape pens are a type of electronic cigarette that is more compact than typical mod vapes but larger than cig-a-likes. Their size and form resemble pens, making them convenient and portable.
Vape pens usually use pre-filled or refillable cartridges/pods for the e-liquid and have an integrated battery that is more powerful than cig-a-likes. However, vape pens are not the strongest shield in the armor. The power and leniency of customization are severely cut back to accelerate mobility and portability.
Pod System
When we imagine a vaping device, we often think about the pod system. Pod vapes are most popular among vapers and perfect for beginners. These are compact in size and fit perfectly in the palm of your hand.
The reason for its popularity is its convenience. The simple plug-and-play strategy lets the user hit the vape without any protocols and procedures. You just recharge the device and draw. This simplicity makes it the best model for beginners.
The pod system comes with pre-filled and refillable pods. Refillable vapes allow you to try various flavors. The pod system’s e-liquid comes in different nicotine concentrations, which is downright perfect for someone who is attempting to pause their nicotine addiction.
Although the pod system offers a limited scope of customization, you can still enjoy a standard vape draw. The battery’s wattage is also lower (typically 5-30W), which might prevent you from drawing a direct lung hit.
Mod Vapes
Mod vapes, named from the short form of Modification, are the king of the king. They are larger and possess a more powerful battery. They are combined with different atomizers, tanks, and other accessories to create a custom vaping configuration.
Mods can produce powerful vapor at very high wattages, often between 50 and 200 watts. Many mod vapes offer features like temperature control, bypass mode, preheating capabilities, and more.
Customizable and reusable atomizers are a common component of mod setups, allowing users to customize their coils. You may mix and match mods, atomizers, coils, e-liquids, and accessories.
Disposable
Disposable vapes are one kind of pod system vape. These come with a pre-filled e-liquid pod, and once the pod quells, you must discard the whole device. Disposable vapes are great if your intention of use is to quit smoking. This way, you won’t restart the habit of smoking, and your pocket will feel a little heavier, thanks to this cheap option.
Which Vape Device Is Best For Beginners?
I wouldn’t blame you if you get more confused and hexed learning about so many options for vaping devices. As a beginner, you must opt for a beginner-friendly and convenient device. In this beginner’s guide to vaping article, I will tell you what to look for when purchasing your first vape.
Easy To Use
You might be attracted to advanced devices with many functions and buttons, but pull yourself back. I understand the temptation, but starting your journey with such heavy-operated devices will only ruin your vaping experience. It’s better to opt for a simple and straightforward device with minimal buttons and draw-activated devices.
Portable And Compact Design
The best beginner-friendly model is the one that you can hold onto your grip firmly. Lightweight devices are always better for adjustment. Go for the vapes that you can insert in your jeans pocket.
Lower Power Output
Vaping devices that are suitable for novices tend to have lower power output. Lower-power devices, usually in the 5-30W range, offer a smoother, more promising vape experience than higher-powered devices. This means beginners may use them without experiencing the unpleasant throat hit and powerful vapor output.
Disposable Vapes
If you want to quit smoking or want to give vapes a try, start with disposable vapes. This way, you can verify what you are getting into. Disposable vapes are great as a trial package. Make sure you opt for the best quality disposable vapes from reputable brands.
Nicotine Strenght
There are ranges of nicotine strength available. You can start from zero nicotine up to 50mg/mL. If your goal is to quit smoking, you should opt for zero nicotine or not higher than 2%. However, if you want the nicotine kick, 5% will provide you with optimal satisfaction.
Low Maintenence
Vaping devices require care and maintenance. Some advanced devices need more attention and upkeep. As a beginner, don’t fall into such deep commitment. Opt for vaping devices that can satiate your cravings but don’t require that much attention and maintenance.
Safety Features
Safety is one of the prime concerns that you can’t put on hold. Poor-maintained or counterfeit products not only ruin your vaping experience but also put your safety at risk. So, ensure the device you purchase offers Automatic cutoff, short-circuit protection, and other safety mechanisms.
Cost
The cost of a vaping device can range from 20$ to 200$ or even higher. You don’t have to invest in high-cost advanced mod vapes as a beginner. A disposable vape from a reputed brand will cost you around $20 and would be totally worth it for a beginner.
Learn About Inhaling
The vaping experience often depends on your inhaling technique. Although it may sound simple, a proper technique can elevate your experience to another level. Here are some inhaling methods that can be applied.
Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) Inhalation
The method that most nearly resembles the experience of smoking a traditional cigarette is mouth-to-lung (MTL) inhalation. It brings the vapor to the mouth, holds it there for a little while, and then pushes it into the lungs. MTL inhalation usually results in a warmer, more intense vapor and a tighter, more constrained airflow.
Since this approach offers a more regulated nicotine concentration and a familiar experience, you can try this as a beginner or if you want to quit smoking. MTL vaping often produces smaller, denser vapor clouds because of the limited airflow and lower power settings.
Direct Lung (DL) Inhalation
Also referred to as “sub-ohm” inhalation, this technique avoids using the mouth altogether and inserts the vapor straight into the lungs. Advanced vapers who want a more open, airy draw tend to favor DL inhaling because it creates more voluminous vapor clouds.
This method needs coils with lower resistance and larger power output to generate maximum vapor. Because the vapor is not filtered by the mouth first, the flavor sensation is even more intense when inhaled directly into the lungs. A stronger throat hit, and a more noticeable nicotine effect are frequently linked to DL inhalation.
Restricted Lung (RL) Inhalation
This hybrid technique combines MTL and DL inhalation. After drawing the vapor into your mouth, you inhale it more profoundly and tightly. This method may interest you if you wish to experiment with something different from the standard MTL experience without committing to the more severe DL approach.
RL inhalation compromises the more potent vapor generation of DL and the well-known feeling of MTL. As a beginner, you can push yourself to try this method for a balanced inhaling approach.
Learn About Vape Flavors
The most attractive component of vaping is the wide array of flavors you can experiment with. Vaping manufacturers are coming with different, often bizarre varieties of flavors to cater to your taste profile.
Fruity Flavors
One of the most beloved e-liquid flavors is fruit-based e-liquid. There is a fruit-inspired flavor to satiate every palette, ranging from the rich sweetness of berries, melons, and stone fruits to the refreshing citrus notes of lemon, lime, and orange. These flavors can be savored alone, or you may find them in a mixture of a few flavors.
Dessert And Bakery Flavors
The world of dessert and bakery-inspired flavors is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. These tastes mimic the decadent flavor of your favorite desserts, from warm, comforting notes of freshly baked cookies, cakes, and pies to rich, creamy flavors like vanilla, custard, and cheesecake.
Menthol And Mint Flavors
Menthol and mint-based e-liquids provide a distinctive and refreshing vaping experience for those looking for a cold, refreshing hit. These scents span from the traditional, sharp menthol to the more subtle and complex peppermint, spearmint, and even more exotic fragrances like wintergreen or eucalyptus.
Tobacco Flavors
Tobacco flavor might offer a comfortable and familiar experience to you if you are switching from regular cigarettes. These flavors might range from earthy to silky, with subtle aromas of mixes inspired by pipes or cigars. Some e-liquids with a tobacco base also have faint notes of vanilla, caramel, or other flavors that go well together.
Specialty And Unique Flavors
The vaping world always comes out with new and distinctive taste profiles, surpassing traditional flavor categories. These can range from more unusual taste combinations that straddle the boundaries between sweet, tart, and salty to savory or herbal notes, such as those in coffee, tea, or even different spices.
Learn About Nicotine Strength
As a beginner or a smoker on the verge of quitting, nicotine is a crucial element you can mess around with. There is no industry standard for nicotine concentrations in vaping. The amount of nicotine in various e-liquid brands and product lines might range dramatically.
The guidelines below will teach you about nicotine strength.
Nicotine Salts
Nicotine salts are absorbed by the body more quickly than regular freebase nicotine. They enable more significant nicotine concentrations without the uncomfortable throat hit. Typically, nicotine salt e-liquids come in a 20–50 mg/mL range, satisfying the demands of heavy smokers or those looking for a stronger nicotine hit.
Sub-Ohm Vaping
Lower nicotine strengths, ranging between 3 and 6 mg/ml, are typically advised for users of powerful sub-ohm devices. The enhanced vapor generation and airflow system of sub-ohm devices may produce a stronger nicotine hit even at lower concentrations.
Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vaping
If you like the more confined airflow and tighter draw of MTL devices, you would usually use higher nicotine concentrations ranging from 6–12 mg/mL. This increased nicotine content contributes to the fulfilling experience of smoking a conventional cigarette.
Zero Nic Options
A lot of vape manufacturers provide “zero-nicotine” or nicotine-free alternatives for people who want to enjoy the experience of vaping without the use of nicotine. These let vapers experiment with a great range of tastes without feeling the euphoric and addictive effects of nicotine.
What Vape Would Be Best To Quit Smoking?
Vape can be a wise option for someone who is attempting to quit cigarettes. However, there is a fine line between vaping to quit and vaping to vape. You have to ensure that you don’t cross the line. Use vape only as a temporary adaptation mechanism.
If your goal is to quit smoking, use either a vape bar or pod vape. You can also use a vape pen. It is better to invest in disposable vapes. This way, you can be committed more sternly and save some bucks in this process.
You don’t have to purchase zero nic vapes on the first go. This way leads to relapse as your body still craves the nicotine. It is better to start from a lower-ranging nicotine base to let your body adapt.
Once you are accustomed to the feeling, you can gradually cut back nicotine strength and finally come down to zero nic concentration. No matter what type of vape you choose, make sure to use it whenever you have the urge to smoke. This method may not work overnight, but it will help you eventually.
Conclusion
Vaping has taken over the youth world with its cool vapor and mesmerizing flavors. We often fall prey to such trends and attempt to vape without any preparation. In this beginner’s guide to vaping, you learn the basics of vaping. Also, if you are on the journey of quitting smoking, this article undoubtedly helped you.