Vaping Tips for Beginners: Devices, E-Liquid, and Technique
Posted by Courtney McElligott on Sep 19th 2016
Vaping hardware has come a long way since the first devices hit the market. If you are an adult who is new to vaping, a little guidance up front makes the learning curve smoother. Here are some practical tips on choosing a device, exploring e-liquid, and getting comfortable with technique.
Go for Quality Hardware
As vaping has grown, plenty of low-cost devices have flooded the market, and the cheapest options often deliver a disappointing experience. On many bargain devices, the body and the battery are a single sealed unit. If you want more flexibility, look for a device with a removable battery so you can swap in a fresh cell or upgrade later. Devices built around replaceable batteries tend to offer more consistent power and longer overall reliability.
Explore Different E-Liquids
Nearly every e-liquid is built on a base of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), or a blend of the two. These bases carry the flavor and produce the visible vapor when heated. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are widely used as food additives and are recognized by the FDA as safe for use in food (this is a statement about food ingredients, not a claim about vapor products).
Because PG and VG ratios and flavor profiles vary so much between bottles, it is worth trying several to find what suits your taste. A higher VG blend tends to produce thicker clouds and a smoother draw, while a higher PG blend carries flavor sharply and gives a more pronounced throat sensation. It also helps to keep a backup bottle of your favorite on hand so you are not caught empty.
Keep Your Device Charged
The battery powers the coil that turns e-liquid into vapor, so keeping it charged is part of everyday upkeep. As a battery discharges through the day, its output voltage gradually drops, which can change how the device performs. This is especially noticeable on higher-capacity batteries. Charging regularly, and following the manufacturer's instructions for your specific cell and charger, keeps your device performing the way it should.
Get Comfortable With Technique
Drawing on a vape is not quite the same as you might expect, and the right approach depends on your device. Many smaller, tighter-airflow devices are designed for a mouth-to-lung (MTL) draw: you pull the vapor into your mouth first, then breathe it into your lungs. Larger sub-ohm devices are built for a direct-to-lung (DTL) draw, where you inhale the vapor straight into your lungs in one motion.
New vapers often find an MTL device the easiest place to start. A slower, longer draw of roughly four to six seconds usually works better than a short, sharp puff. Give yourself a little time to settle into the rhythm that feels right for you and your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MTL and DTL vaping?
Mouth-to-lung (MTL) means drawing vapor into your mouth and then into your lungs, usually on a tighter-airflow device. Direct-to-lung (DTL) means inhaling vapor straight into the lungs in one breath, typically on a larger sub-ohm device built for bigger clouds. Many people new to vaping start with an MTL device.
What is the difference between PG and VG in e-liquid?
Propylene glycol (PG) carries flavor and gives a more pronounced throat sensation, while vegetable glycerin (VG) is thicker and produces larger, smoother clouds. Most e-liquids blend the two; a higher-VG ratio leans toward clouds and a higher-PG ratio leans toward sharp flavor.
Should I choose a device with a built-in or a removable battery?
Built-in batteries are simple and recharge over USB, which many beginners prefer. Removable batteries let you carry a spare and swap a fresh cell when one runs low, which suits heavier daily use. If you choose removable cells, always follow the manufacturer's guidance on batteries and chargers.
How long should I let my new e-liquid steep?
Some e-liquids taste best right away, while others develop a fuller flavor after sitting for a few days to a couple of weeks. Steeping times vary by recipe, so it is worth tasting a new bottle when you open it and again later to see whether you prefer it after some rest.
Why does my device feel weaker by the end of the day?
As a battery discharges, its output voltage drops, which can make the device feel less powerful. This is more noticeable on higher-capacity batteries. Recharging regularly keeps performance consistent.
Do I need to buy expensive gear to start vaping?
Not necessarily, but the very cheapest devices often deliver an underwhelming experience. A reliable starter device, a flavor you enjoy, and a backup bottle of e-liquid are usually enough to begin comfortably. You can always upgrade your hardware as you learn what you like.
These products are intended only for adults 21+. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. This article is general product information and is not a smoking-cessation claim.