The world of vaping can often seem overwhelming to a newcomer. From a diverse array of devices and complex terminology to the multitude of e liquid flavors and nicotine strengths, starting your vaping journey requires a little guidance. This comprehensive guide is designed to demystify the process, offering beginners clear, practical advice to help you confidently navigate the world of vape and find the setup that is right for you.
Vaping, at its core, is the process of heating a liquid, known as e liquid or vape juice, until it turns into an inhalable vapor. Unlike traditional smoking, this process does not involve combustion, which means no tar or carbon monoxide is produced. Understanding the basic components and terminology is the first step toward a successful switch.
Understanding the Essential Components of a Vape Kit
Every vaping device relies on four fundamental parts to function:
- The Battery: This is the power source, either internal or external, that provides the energy to heat the coil. For beginner vapers, devices with internal, rechargeable batteries are often the easiest to manage.
- The Tank, Pod, or Cartridge: This component holds the e liquid. Simple devices often use prefilled or refillable vape pods or cartridges, while more advanced kits use a tank.
- The Atomizer or Coil: This is the heating element, typically a metal wire wrapped in cotton or another wicking material. The coil absorbs the e liquid and, when heated by the battery, turns it into vapor. This is a consumable part that needs to be replaced regularly.
- The E Liquid (Vape Juice): This is the substance that is vaporized and inhaled. It is typically made up of Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), flavorings, and optional nicotine.
Choosing Your First Vape Device
The best vape kit for a beginner is one that is simple to use, reliable, and closely mimics the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette.
- Pod Vape Kits: These are highly recommended for new users. Pod kits are compact, feature either prefilled or easily refillable pods, and often use an automated puff to activate the device, meaning there are few or no buttons to manage. They are discreet and excellent for Mouth to Lung (MTL) vaping, which is the most familiar style for ex smokers.
- Vape Pens: A slightly older but still relevant style, vape pens are slim, cylindrical devices. They usually have a simple single button operation and offer a good balance of portability and battery life. They typically use a small tank with a replaceable coil, introducing a minimal amount of maintenance.
- Disposable Vapes: While extremely simple to use, offering zero maintenance, disposable vapes are not the most cost effective or environmentally friendly option for long term use. They can be a good way to test the waters, but most beginners quickly move onto a refillable beginner vape like a pod kit.
The Importance of E Liquid: Nicotine and Ratios
The e liquid you choose will significantly impact your experience. It is crucial to get the right nicotine strength and the correct ratio of PG to VG.
- Nicotine Strength: Finding the right strength is vital for managing cravings, especially if you are transitioning from smoking. Strengths are measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/ml) or as a percentage. Heavy smokers often start with higher strengths (12mg to 20mg), while lighter smokers or casual users may opt for lower strengths (3mg to 6mg).
- Nicotine Salts vs. Freebase Nicotine: Traditional freebase nicotine provides a noticeable “throat hit,” which some new vapers find harsh at higher strengths. Nicotine salt e liquids, commonly referred to as nic salts, are designed to be smoother, allowing users to vape higher nicotine concentrations without the harshness. Nic salts are frequently used in pod systems and are highly effective for ex smokers seeking a quick and satisfying nicotine delivery.
- PG/VG Ratio: The ratio of Propylene Glycol to Vegetable Glycerin affects the thickness of the e liquid and the kind of vape experience you get.
- High PG (e.g., 50PG/50VG): Thinner liquid, better for small, low powered devices (like pod kits and MTL vaping), delivers more flavor and a stronger throat hit.
- High VG (e.g., 70VG/30PG): Thicker liquid, better for larger, more powerful devices (not recommended for beginners), produces larger clouds of vapor and a smoother inhale.
For almost all beginner vape kits, a 50PG/50VG ratio or a nic salt liquid is the ideal starting point.
Understanding Vaping Styles: MTL vs. DTL
There are two primary ways to inhale vapor, and the method you choose should align with your device and e liquid.
- Mouth to Lung (MTL): This is the style most similar to smoking. You draw the vapor into your mouth first, hold it for a moment, and then inhale it down into your lungs. This style works best with high PG or nic salt e liquids, uses less power, and produces less visible vapor. It is the recommended style for all first time vapers.
- Direct to Lung (DTL): You inhale the vapor directly into your lungs in one smooth, long breath, similar to how you would use a hookah or a deep breath. This style requires powerful devices and high VG e liquids to create large clouds. It is generally not suitable for beginners.
Essential Maintenance and Safety Tips
Even the simplest vaping devices require a small amount of upkeep.
- Coil Priming: Before using a new coil, you must properly ‘prime’ it. This means saturating the wicking material with e liquid before you begin vaping. To do this, fill your tank or pod and then let it sit for at least five to ten minutes. Firing a dry coil will immediately burn the cotton, resulting in a horrible “dry hit” and requiring an immediate replacement.
- Coil Replacement: When your coil starts to produce a burnt taste or the flavor becomes muted, it is time for a replacement. Depending on your usage, a coil typically lasts between one and two weeks.
- Battery Safety: Always charge your device with the cable provided or a certified charger. Never leave a device charging unattended, especially overnight, and never use a damaged battery or a device that has been dropped or compromised.
The Conclusion for the Beginner Vaper
The world of vape is one of personal preference and continuous discovery. For the beginner, the key to success is starting simple. Choose a reliable, easy to use pod kit or vape pen, select a suitable nic salt or 50/50 e liquid, and practice the Mouth to Lung inhale technique. By understanding these basics, you can confidently navigate your transition, manage your experience, and make an informed choice that moves you forward on your journey.
Remember, a specialist vape retailer can be an invaluable resource to help guide your initial purchases and answer any specific questions you have about your new vape device.
PushpendraPushpendra Singh is a digital marketing expert with 17 years of experience. He’s helped many businesses grow by running successful online campaigns. Pushpendra knows a lot about digital marketing and understands how to make brands stand out online. He enjoys tackling new challenges and helping businesses succeed.
