The complete beginners guide to vaping
E-cigarettes are an excellent option for those looking to switch from smoking, by offering an alternative nicotine source, without the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. In this guide we hope to equip you with some information on getting your device set up and choosing an e-liquid, as well as some general vaping tips to help make your transition from smoking to vaping as smooth as possible!
Reasons to switch from smoking to vaping
With so much research and information out there on vaping vs smoking, it can be hard to know what to think. We’ve compiled some insights below from the most up to date information so you can get the facts!
·Vaping has been identified in research from sources like University College London and the Cochrane review to be the most effective way to give up smoking, especially when combined with the help of a stop smoking specialist.
·The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) have found vaping to be 95% less harmful than smoking, and e-liquids do not contain any of the countless toxic substances that are found in cigarette smoke.
·E-liquids allow you to control your nicotine strength, so you can choose the exact strength that will most effectively manage your cravings, and offer the option to lower it as and when you are ready.
·Vaping feels familiar to smokers, as the act of vaping closely replicates that of smoking in a way that other nicotine replacement therapies like patches and gum do not.
·E-cigarette vapour dissipates in seconds and does not cause discolouration or leave a lingering smell on yourself or your environment.
·On average, vapers spend only a third of the money they were spending when smoking, an average saving of £800 per year.
Which vape kits are available for beginners?
Choosing a vape kit that suits your needs is an important part of getting started on your vaping journey. There are lots of different starter vape kit options available, which can seem a little daunting at first, so lets take a look at the different types of vape kits and how they work.
Prefilled pod kits
Prefilled pod kits are arguably the most user-friendly form of reusable vape kit available, which makes them a great option if you are new to vaping and are a little apprehensive about having to learn how to use and maintain a vape kit.
The pods for these devices come prefilled with vape juice, and are available in different flavours and possibly different nicotine strengths, depending on which brand and device you are using. This eliminates the need for refilling your vape kit or changing the coil, as you can just use the pod until it is empty, the remove it, throw it away, and replace it with a new one.
These types of pod kits tend to have very simple designs and do not have any adjustable settings and often do not even have a button, meaning there is very little to learn to get started with these vape kits.
Refillable pod kits
Refillable pod kits still use the concept of a plastic pod that clicks into place at the top of the device, but as the name suggests the pods are refillable. This means that they are purchased empty and can be filled with your choice of compatible e-liquid.
Refillable pod kits are a great option as they are usually small and compact in size, but still allow you the freedom to choose the exact flavours and nicotine strength that best suits your needs and preferences. The pods can be refilled multiple times, and once the coil starts to burn you can either change the coil or the pod depending on your device.
Some refillable pod kits even offer some adjustable settings, like adjustable airflow which allows you to choose how loose or tight the draw feels, or variable wattage which lets you choose the power output.
Vape pens
Vape pens usually have a cylindrical shape and are easy to use, usually only having a simple one-button operation.
Unlike pod kits, vape pens have the more traditional design of a fixed tank, often made of metal and glass, which can be used indefinitely and will just need to have the coil changed periodically. This means that you don’t need to repeatedly throw away plastic pods. The body of the device is usually made of metal and offers a more robust and durable device than most pod kits, perfect if you are a little more prone to accidents!
Vape pens will usually offer adjustable airflow, and sometimes also offer different power output settings.
Advanced vape kits
Advanced vape kits are for experienced vapers who want more control over their vaping experience and want to move on to a larger vapour and high power output with a direct-to-lung vaping style. Advanced kits do not offer the same cigarette-like inhale as starter kits, and are not recommended for new vapers.
Advanced vape kits allow you to adjust the wattage, airflow and temperature, giving you a highly customisable vape, and are used at much higher power outputs than starter vape kits. The coils they utilise are much bigger and so are better suited to a thicker e-liquid known as high VG, which are not commonly available in high nicotine strengths so are best used by those who has comfortably and confidently made the switch from smoking to vaping.
Disposable vapes
Disposable vapes are an excellent option for people who want to try vaping to see how it could work for them as a stop smoking aid, before purchasing a reusable vape kit.
Disposable vapes come pre-filled with e-liquid, and they're ready to use straight out of the box - once you've finished using them, you throw them away.
Many vapers will also choose to use a disposable vape during situations where they would rather leave their usual vape kit at home, such as on a night out or festival where they want to travel light and not risk losing or damaging their primary vape.
Although these devices are ideal due to not requiring any maintenance such as coil changes or refilling, long-term use of disposable vapes can quickly become expensive when compared to other styles of vape kits.
Choosing the best vape kit for your first time
Choosing your first vape kit can be challenging because so many choices are available. However, the choice comes down to your preferences and the experience you want to enjoy.
Refillable vape kits: the most cost-effective solution
Refillable vape kits are the most cost-effective vaping option, as after the initial cost of purchasing the kit the only ongoing cost is coils/pods and e-liquids.
Vape pens like the Aspire PockeX and Innokin T18 II have been highly popular among new vapers for years, as they offer a reliable and durable design, that remains easy to use and approachable.
Refillable pod kits like the Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini and VOOPOO Argus Z are popular among new vapers due to their simplicity and compact design, that still allows the freedom to choose the exact vape juice that suits the user.
Prefilled pod systems: discreet and user-friendly
Prefilled pod systems are similar to vape pens in many ways, but they can be more convenient as you don't have to fill them with e-liquid. Also, a pod system usually contains high-strength e-liquids, so they'll satisfy your cravings if you move from smoking to vaping.
Prefilled pod kits like the Elf Bar ELFA PRO and Lost Mary Tappo kit are a great option for new vapers looking for something convenient, simple to use, and with a wide range of flavour options.
Before choosing a prefilled pod kit it is important to bear in mind that you are limited to the flavours that are available within your chosen devices pod range, and the nicotine strengths are often fairly limited too, meaning that they will not necessarily be suitable for all vapers.
Disposable vapes: easy to use and convenient
Many people turn to disposable vapes as an alternative, and there's no doubt that they offer a lot of convenience. However, heavy smokers might find that disposable vape pens cost them a lot of money, as you have to replace the pen each time, which can get expensive.
These devices are usually better for light vapers, as they'll last longer, but the main selling point is convenience.
How to set up your device
Once you receive your device, you will find a user manual with a device specific set-up guide to help you get your new kit set up effectively.
If you are using a pre-filled pod system, it is as simple as popping the pod into the device and you are ready to go.
If you are using a device with fillable pods and a fixed coil, simply fill the pod with e-liquid and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before inserting and beginning to vape.
If you are using a device with replaceable coils, squeeze a few drops of e-liquid onto any exposed cotton on the coil, this is known as priming. Avoid putting e-liquid into the centre of the coil, as this may not be absorbed straight away and may spit out of the mouthpiece when you use the device. Once you have primed the coil, insert it, and fill the tank with e-liquid, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes to become fully saturated.
It is important to ensure the coil is fully saturated with e-liquid before you use the device. If you use your device before the coil has fully absorbed the e-liquid this could lead to unpleasant dry hits and even cause the coil to burn out prematurely.
Once the tank is ready to use turn on the device, this is usually done by pressing the fire button 3-5 times in quick succession. If your device has an adjustable wattage feature make sure the wattage is set to the correct output for the coil you are using, and then your device will be ready to use!
How to choose an e-liquid
There are a few things you need to consider when choosing the best e-liquid to suit you.
First ensure you are purchasing the right type of e-liquid for your device. Starter kits and pod systems are best used with 50/50 and high PG e-liquids to help with absorption and coil longevity.
Next, select a nicotine strength that will match your previous nicotine intake to help keep your cravings at bay. Your previous smoking habits will help inform what strength will suit you best. We usually recommend the following as a good place to start:
·Heavy smoker - 20+ cigarettes a day: 18mg – 20mg
·Moderate smoker – 10 - 20 cigarettes a day: 10mg – 12mg
·Light smoker – 5 - 10 cigarettes a day: 6mg
·Casual smoker – Smokes few cigarettes or not every day: 0mg – 3mg
You can then move up or down a strength as needed to find the best one.
There are two different types of nicotine: salts and freebase. Nicotine salts offer an extremely smooth inhale and absorb into the bloodstream quickly to satisfy nicotine cravings in seconds. Whereas freebase nicotine offers a ‘throat hit’ and absorbs a bit slower for those who prefer lengthier vaping sessions.
Finally, find a flavour that you enjoy, as this will help you to keep picking up your e-cigarette and not think about smoking. While tobacco flavours are a good place to start, many vapers quickly find they prefer more adventurous flavours like fruits, desserts, and sweet flavours. We recommend starting with flavours you know you like, such as your favourite fruit or sweet treat.
If you are using a prefilled pod system you will not need to buy e-liquids, but instead can choose from the range of prefilled pods designed for your device. These will usually be available in a range of different flavours and nicotine strengths.