Vape Tanks, Mods, Juice, Oh My! Essential Vaping Terms Explained

Are you new to the world of vaping? There are a lot of different words that might be thrown in your direction, and when you're a newbie it can be a little more than overwhelming. Who knew there was so much to such a simple hobby?

Like anything that's new to you, it helps to do a little research. You do need to be aware of the different terms so you know how to actually use your vape. Good news, we're going to do some of the work for you!

Here are a few common vaping terms that you will come across, and what you need to know about them.

1. Atomizer/Tank

The atomizer is the part of your vape that houses your wick/coil. It's responsible for holding the liquid. 

Some people use this vape terminology to describe the whole device or just the coil, so it can be a little easy to get it mixed up. There are three different main types of tanks/atomizers that you can choose from.

 A Clearomizer is a refillable tank, usually a disposable type of item though

A Tank, which is also refillable, but rather than being disposable, will have replacement coils. It's a sturdier type, more likely to be metal than plastic. 

Lastly, you have a dripping atomizer where you drip the liquid right onto the atomizer. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of these, but the clearomizer is the best for newbies.

2. Battery

The battery is a little self-explanatory. It's the thing that's responsible for powering your device. Your device can either have these batteries internally, that don't come out. Or some have the ability to remove the batteries so you can charge them externally. There are a few safety precautions with batteries that you should be aware of.

Most of them use lithium-ion batteries, which have the potential to combust on you. This hazard exists if you use them wrong or don't listen to basic safety instructions. Mostly this applies to the externals, but it's important to make sure you're using the right chargers on both the internal type and external type. 

For example, if you're taking your vape on a plane with you, your batteries and vape materials have to be stored in a carry-on. The reason for this is because if you put it in a checked bag, it can very well explode due to pressure.

If you are purchasing external batteries, you also have to make sure that the battery you use goes with the vape you have. If you use one too powerful for the vape, that can cause it to combust as well.

3. Coil

A coil is a device inside the atomizer that heats and vaporizes your e-liquid. It has to be changed out ever so often and it will give you clear signs of when you need to do so. The quality of your juice flavor and vape clouds will diminish significantly.

You'll usually come across top and bottom coils, and they're pretty easy to change out. For a bottom coil, you just unscrew the base of the device, unscrew the coil, toss it, and then screw on a new one.

If it's a top coil, you unscrew the mouthpiece, unscrew the atomizer head, toss it, and then screw on the new one. If you start vaping as soon as you change it out, your hits might taste a little burnt. To avoid this, just let your pen sit upright for a bit so the liquid rushes to the wick.

4. Dripping

Dripping is vape slang that refers to when you drip your liquid right onto the atomizer. Dripping has its advantages and disadvantages.

The biggest disadvantage is that it's actually pretty inconvenient. You'll drip a few drops of it on your coil, take three or four hits, and then have to add more. If you vape a lot, it can get a little old, pretty quickly.

The advantage is that you'll get the purest taste by dripping.

5. E-Liquid

E-liquid is the liquid that is vaporized to create the vapor. It can contain nicotine, or not depending on your preference. The juice is typically made up of four ingredients:  nicotine (or none), food grade flavorings, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerine.

Food grade flavoring is found in most foods and is completely safe to consume, propylene glycol is used to enhance these flavors and make sure they are evenly distributed, vegetable glycerine is vegetable based and usually thick and sweet and what helps create the vapor. 

6. Flooding

Flooding is a problem that occurs when too much e-juice rushes into the atomizer. There are a number of reasons why you could be having this issue.

The biggest cause is a faulty atomizer coil. Just try replacing the coil to see if that fixes the issue. You could also have it in the wrong wattage setting, put too much juice in the tank, or took your hits too forcefully.

Usually, the easiest way to fix flooding is to take the tank off the battery, place a paper towel over the mouthpiece, and blow from the bottom of the tank until you can hear it clear up.

7. Heatsink

The heatsink is layers that stick out of the atomizer. Their main function is to dissipate heat rapidly.

This means that they keep your vape tank cooler so it doesn't overheat. Your tank will still get pretty warm, but don't let that discourage you, that doesn't mean it's not working.

Key Vaping Terms That You Need to Know

Before you start up, you have to understand these common vaping terms. Knowing them will give you a better understanding of how to use your device, and make your experience a lot more enjoyable.

If you've never vaped before there are probably a lot of things that you don't know about it. Visit our blog for more info.