Vaping is one of the latest crazes to sweep the world. There are now people vaping far and wide, some looking for a way to quit their smoking habits while others taking it up purely for its own merits. However, with so many different devices, liquids, and other accessories to choose from, it isn’t easy deciding on the right vape kit to get you started.
In this guide, we will look at the different vaporizers available, and who they are best suited for. Everyone will have their own individual preferences as to what the best kind of device is, and what the best eliquids are to use with it are to use with it. Once you find the right product for you, however, you won’t want to go back.
Basic Anatomy of a Vaporizer
While vaporizers come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, they all share the same basic components at the center.
Tanks. The tank is the bit of the device that houses the e-liquid. It also contains a heating coil for heating the liquid.
Vape Coils. These consist of a highly conductive wire that carries heat. The coil is wicked using a material such as cotton, which will absorb some of the e-liquid. As the coil is heated, the liquid on the coil is then vaporized.
Batteries. Batteries deliver electrical power to the device, which allows it to heat up and vaporize the e-liquid.
Complete Systems vs. Al A Carte Systems
Complete systems include things like pen vaporizers, and the so-called cig-a-likes which resemble traditional cigarettes. With a complete system, you simply add in your preferred liquid and then let the device run. Complete systems will sometimes contain a replaceable coil or a disposable atomizer, which will increase their lifespan. Newer devices are often sold differently and will come as a collection of components.
These a la carte systems make it possible for the user to customize their device more. They can buy different components from different manufacturers and put together the type of device that they want. This higher level of freedom gives the vaper more control over the experience. However, it also makes the devices more complex and introduces more potential points of failure.
With a complete system, the main benefit is the ease of use. You will no longer need to worry about matching up components that work together. You can also use it straight out of the box; all you need to do is to add in the liquid you want to vaporize.
Pen Devices
A pen-style vape is larger than the cig-a-like options but features improved battery capacity and a longer lifespan overall. Pens are inexpensive and are the simplest devices to use. Their simplicity of use, combined with the low price and semi-disposable nature, make these popular entry-level models for those who haven’t decided if they want to commit fully to vaping.
Some pen models make it possible for the user to adjust the voltage/heat setting on the device in order to produce slightly different results. However, most pen devices will either only have one heat setting or they will only allow the user to flick through presets, not set their own.
VV/VW Devices
These are currently the most popular devices available. This is because they are very effective at what they do, while also coming with an array of features that are only possible with higher voltage devices. In some of these devices, an internal battery is used. Users have the ability to adjust their voltage and or wattage settings themselves, meaning that they can fine-tune the temperature.
Temperature Control
These are the most modern types of devices on the scene, and they are also rapidly becoming one of the most popular. A temperature control device measures change to the resistance of the coil as it heats up. The user can set the maximum temperature that they want the coil to rise to; this will be the temperature that they vape at.
Mechanical Devices
A mechanical device tends to be much more simplistic in its design. These vaporizers do away with any wires or internal circuitry while utilizing as few moving parts as possible. Generally, mechanical devices are considered to be the most durable and resilient. Mechanical devices shouldn’t be used by inexperienced users as they are the easiest to get wrong. The rarely come with any kind of built-in safety features. However, they give advanced users a new way of enjoying their vape.
Cig-A-Like
Cig-a-like devices are the most common type of vaporizer and were the first ones on the market. These are the simplest vaping devices around and are designed to be discarded when the user has finished with them. Some cig-a-like models allow the user to refill the liquid, but once the coil inside has worn out, the device will no longer function.
Some cig-a-like devices have a button which needs to be pressed to start the device heating. Others use a suction activated pressure switch, which is activated by the user drawing breath through the device.
Choosing Liquid
There are a variety of e-liquid options out there. The first thing you need to decide is what kind of flavor you want to go for. There is no point buying a liquid whose flavor you don’t enjoy. Unfortunately, unless you know someone who already owns a kit and the flavor you want to try, there isn’t really any way to try flavors first. You should, therefore, start with the safer options that sound enjoyable and then move on to making blends with the other stuff later.
You then need to decide how much money you want to spend. Buying from a physical retail store will mean that you can ask questions.
Whatever the reason that you want to take up vaping, choosing the right kit is essential. There are plenty of options to choose from, which makes choice all the more difficult. Make sure that you check out all your options carefully before you commit.