As vaping is becoming more and more popular not just as an alternative to smoking but as a recreational activity (and yes, competitive vaping is now a thing). Here is some basic knowledge for if you’re new to vaping or even if you just want to know more about it.
Devices
There are different types of devices to suit different needs, but to break it down there are two types of devices:
- MTL
- Sub Ohm
Mouth to lung (MTL)
Mouth to lung refers to how a person inhales, the mouth to lung method involves drawing vapour into your mouth from the device then inhaling it. Another variation of this is direct to lung, this is similar however it involves directly inhaling the vapour, just like breathing it in. Mouth to lung vaping gives a stronger nicotine hit as it goes straight to the lungs.
Sub Ohm
Vaping using a sub ohm device is typically used to achieve a bigger vapour cloud and produce more flavour from the juice, however this has a lower nicotine strength.
Flavours
There are a wide variety of flavoured e-liquid (juices), and even flavourless juices. The flavours fit into these categories and can also be mixed (for example our blueberry cheesecake flavour).
Nicotine Strengths
Generally, e-liquid comes in different strengths that range from 3mg to 50mg, however you can also get juices with zero nicotine. If you’re using vaping as a way of quitting smoking then you may want to start off with a higher strength, whereas if you’ve just started vaping (and haven’t smoked before) then you’ll want to go for a lower strength, or even zero nicotine. The strengths also depend on the type of e-liquid – for example nicotine salts and free based e-liquids. Both come in a high nicotine strength, however nicotine salts are better for a stronger liquid because they are smoother and give a better hit, whereas freebase liquids are harsher but do give off a strong hit.
VG and PG
VG is known for having a much smoother feel when inhaling, it creates a bigger cloud. PG is known to produce less of a cloud, but also has a harsher feel on the throat. E-liquids contain different ratios of VG to PG depending on the strength of nicotine and the flavour of the juice.
Free-base vs Nicotine Salts
Nicotine salts contain a higher level of nicotine (usually 20mg +), and typically have a 50:50 PG-VG ratio. Nicotine salts are used for a better nicotine hit because they are smoother, as opposed to a higher strength of free base liquid which can be harsher. Because of this less liquid is needed for a substantial nicotine hit, whereas freebase liquids are used up quicker because they contain less nicotine. Nicotine salts often come in simple flavours as they can’t handle complex flavours the way free base liquids can. The shelf live for nicotine salts is longer than that of free base liquids. Nicotine salts are better suited for someone who is using vaping as an alternative to smoking.
So, to conclude, vaping is more than just an alternative to smoking, and although we have outlined the beginner’s basic knowledge, there is still much more to know. Feel free to contact us as we are online 24/7 and will respond as soon as possible to any questions or queries you may have.