Beginner's Guide to Vaping

The world of vaping can seem rather overwhelming, especially if you've never bought or tried one before. But finding the right vaporizer and e-liquid is actually much easier than most people think. You don't need to have any previous experience with vaping to get started. Here is a quick beginner's guide to help make the process simple.


Vape Types and Styles


An all-in-one (AIO) style device is usually the easiest style device to start out with. Usually significantly smaller than a traditional box mod and tank, AIO devices are great for beginners and people who don’t want to be carrying around a large device or need a lot of power. AIO’s have the tank portion built right into the device so the only thing you have to worry about is changing coils or pods and refilling it with your favorite e-liquid. 


The traditional box mod and tank setup usually offer more adjustability and can be used with different tanks to suit your needs. They usually utilize replaceable batteries or a larger internal battery than a pod system or AIO style device. Because of the larger battery and wattage output, a box mod can handle sub-ohm tanks that have a higher vapor production.


Starter Kits


Most manufacturers have starter kits that include a mod and a tank. These kits are extremely handy because they come with almost everything you need to quickly get started vaping right out of the box. 


Vaping Components


The three main components of a vape are the mod, the atomizer, and the e-liquid. A mod is the battery portion of the device, and can have a built in battery or use replaceable batteries. The atomizer is the coil that vaporizes the e-liquid, it can be built into the tank portion on devices like pod systems, where you’d replace the entire reservoir portion when the atomizer is burnt. Coils can also be removable, standalone tanks will disassemble to give you access to coil when it needs to be changed.


E-Liquids


After you have selected your vaporizer, you will need to decide on the type of e-liquid to use. There are a wide variety of flavours and nicotine strengths. If you enjoy the tobacco flavour, there are e-liquids that mimic the taste of a cigarette. There are also mint, fruit, and other tasty options that you can enjoy alone or mixed together. The amount of nicotine varies, and you can choose the right strength for your needs. You can also purchase e-liquid without nicotine if you prefer.


Cleaning Your Vape


An important part of vaping is cleaning and maintenance. As a rule of thumb, you should give your tank and mouthpiece a thorough cleaning at least once a week. The coil will also need to be eventually replaced once it has burnt out. A burnt-out coil can produce dry hits and poor flavour. 


Etiquette and Laws


Before you start vaping, you should research your local vaping laws and any bylaws on vaping etiquette. All regulations are enforced at the provincial or municipal level. In Manitoba, for instance, e-cigarettes can only be used in places where smoking is permitted, except for vape shops. You are banned otherwise from vaping inside public places like a hospital or library. In Manitoba, the minimum age for purchasing and using e-cigarettes is 18. Conversely, in Ontario, you must be 19 to purchase vaping supplies, and you cannot vape in any enclosed public places or areas deemed "vape free." There are also special rules regarding vaping inside a specialty vape shop. As you can see, every province has slightly different requirements, so it's important to read up on the laws before you start vaping.


Not sure where to begin? Come see us at Gas City Vapes. Our team will help you find the right vape and liquid for your lifestyle, and we'll show you how to use and clean it.