Buying a first vape can be confusing. Devices come large and small, some take replaceable batteries and others charge by USB, and it is not obvious which of those differences matter. This guide explains the parts every vape shares, what goes in the tank, and the questions that will narrow your choice.
The parts of a vape
Shapes and sizes vary widely, but the basic mechanism is the same in all of them.
- Mod: the body of the device. It houses the batteries and delivers power.
- Battery: some devices use a battery you can swap out, others have one built in that cannot be removed.
- Tank: the section that holds the e-liquid along with the heating coil and wicks. On some vapes it is transparent.
- Coil: a length of wire wound into a coil and wrapped in an absorbent material such as cotton, which serves as the wick. The wick soaks up the e-liquid so the coil can turn it into vapor.
What goes in the tank
E-liquid, also known as e-juice or vaping liquid, is the fluid the device vaporizes. It is normally made from vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and flavoring. Nicotine is included or left out according to what the user wants.
There is a wide range of flavors. Fruit blends and sweet, dessert-style mixes are the most popular.
Four questions to ask before you buy
Models differ a lot, so start by working out what you want from one:
- How often do you expect to vape?
- Is there a size you would prefer to carry?
- Do you want an all-in-one device, or one you can customize?
- Is basic performance enough, or do you want a device that runs at a higher level?
Use the answers as a filter while you browse. Shopping online with a retailer you trust is the simplest route. Many online stores sell starter kits that include everything needed to begin, which makes them a sensible pick for a first device.
In the end the choice comes down to how simple or how advanced you want the setup to be, and neither direction is a mistake.
If the first one is not quite right
Do not worry about choosing perfectly the first time. You can move to a different style of device whenever you like, and there are plenty to pick from. If you get stuck, contact us and we will help you find a vape that fits what you need.