10 Useful Vaping Tips For New Vapers
Posted by Victor Johnson on Nov 22nd 2019
New to vaping and looking for some useful tips to get the most out of your e-cigarette or vape? You're in the right place. In this article you'll learn the basics of how a vape works and how the tips below can help you build a setup and routine that fits the way you like to vape.
Tip 1 - Keep That Vape Charged
If you're new to vaping, you may not yet have a feel for how long your battery lasts. That depends on how powerful the device is and how often you use it. Once you've figured out your routine, you'll have a good idea of how often you need to charge.
Whatever the battery life, one truth is worth remembering: at some point you'll need to charge it (unless you're using a disposable that's designed to be tossed once the battery dies).
To stay topped off, keep a charger handy. If you're in the car a lot, a car charger is convenient. If you carry a bag, tuck a spare cable inside just in case.
Tip 2 - Carry A Spare Vape Battery
When your battery runs out and needs recharging, the wait can feel long. That's why it helps to plan ahead and keep a fully charged spare in your pocket or bag. When one battery dies, you simply swap in the other.
With two batteries, you can use one while the other charges, so you're rarely caught waiting.
If you do carry a spare, store it properly. One of the easiest ways is a dedicated battery case. That helps protect against short-circuiting and the hazard it can create. At minimum, keep loose batteries away from metal objects like the change in your pocket, and keep them clear of water.
Tip 3 - Carry Some Extra E-Juice With You
We covered the basics of batteries (carry a spare, keep it charged, keep it safe), but what about e-juice? If you run out of e-juice, a charged battery won't help much, because your vape needs liquid to produce vapor.
If you're new to this, e-juice (also called e-liquid) is what your vape turns into vapor. Without it there's nothing to vaporize, so it's wise to keep a little spare with you in case the juice in your tank or pod runs low.
If you use pods, carry a spare pod or two. If you use cartridges, keep a few spares. And if you have a refillable tank, bring at least a small bottle of e-juice so you can top off on the go.
Tip 4 - Buy The Right Nicotine Strength
If you don't want any nicotine in your e-liquid, choose a nicotine-free juice that contains none. If you do want nicotine, the strength you pick makes a big difference to the experience.
Nicotine levels are usually listed in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) for freebase juice, or as a percentage for nicotine salts. Higher numbers mean a stronger, more pronounced throat hit.
Finding the right level often takes some trial and error. A strength that feels harsh in one device may feel smooth in another, so don't be afraid to try more than one to see what suits you. Many vapers adjust their strength at least once early on, and that's completely normal.
Tip 5 - Explore Different E-Juice Flavors
You might assume the menthol, cherry, mint, and tobacco e-liquids behind the gas-station counter are as good as it gets, but there's a whole world of flavor out there. If you're new to vaping, take a look at the full range available to you, because it goes well beyond the standard options at convenience stores.
Finding flavors you love can be a fun mission given how many there are. Which is best? That's entirely up to your palate, which is exactly why trying a few is the best way to land on your favorites.
There are fruity blends, dessert profiles, and combinations wild enough that you'll hardly believe they exist. With so many options, you're almost certain to find a few you wish you'd discovered sooner.
Tip 6 - Find A Good Vape
A low-quality device can leave you wondering what the appeal is. The vape itself makes a big difference: a good one impresses, a bad one disappoints. That's why it's worth taking time to find a device you'll enjoy.
There are many brands and styles these days. Some are extremely simple, others more involved. New vapers often appreciate the ease of vape pens, pod systems, and cig-a-likes, while more experienced vapers may prefer mods that give them more control over their setup.
Devices with refillable tanks and cartridges offer far more flavor variety than closed systems that aren't designed to be refilled. That's worth keeping in mind when you shop.
Portability matters too. Smaller vapes are easier to carry, while bigger ones generally offer more power. Weighing those trade-offs will help you choose the right fit.
Tip 7 - Learn How To Inhale
This may seem obvious, but learning how to draw on your device properly is an important part of getting a good experience.
There are two main draw styles. Mouth-to-lung (MTL) means you first draw the vapor into your mouth and then inhale it, similar to a tight straw. Direct-to-lung (DTL) means you inhale the vapor straight into your lungs in one smooth motion, which produces bigger clouds.
Depending on whether your device is built for MTL or DTL, adjust your technique to match. Using the right draw for the device makes a noticeable difference.
Tip 8 - Vape Only High-Grade E-Juice
The lowest-quality juice is anything but ideal. What you want is premium e-liquid made in a clean facility by a reputable manufacturer using high-end ingredients. Just like the device, the juice you choose matters. If you wouldn't eat food from a dumpster, why vape juice mixed in a dingy facility? Get the most out of your experience by choosing only the best e-liquids on the market.
Tip 9 - Know Your Vaping Laws
Vaping rules differ from state to state and country to country. Knowing the laws where you live, and anywhere you travel, helps you avoid unnecessary trouble, so take a little time to learn them.
In some countries vaping is banned outright. That's an important reality if you travel, because you don't want to run afoul of the law somewhere it isn't allowed. Knowing the rules ahead of time can make all the difference.
Tip 10 - Know How To Maintain Your Vape
Some devices are easier to maintain than others. Whatever you use, learn what upkeep it needs. That may include changing coils, replacing cartridges, filling tanks, and charging batteries. Knowing what to do, when to do it, and how to do it makes a big difference. For example, if you don't replace coils on time when a device requires it, you may notice weaker, off-tasting vapor.
Some vapes also need occasional cleaning for best performance. Before you start, make sure you know the correct method. Checking your device's manual or manufacturer is the best way to learn how to clean it properly.
Now that you've read these tips, you're well on your way to getting more out of your vaping. If you have friends who are new to vaping, consider sharing these tips with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between MTL and DTL vaping?
Mouth-to-lung (MTL) means you draw vapor into your mouth first and then inhale it, similar to sipping through a tight straw. Direct-to-lung (DTL) means you inhale vapor straight into your lungs in one motion, which produces bigger clouds. MTL devices tend to use tighter airflow and higher-strength juice, while DTL devices use looser airflow and lower-strength, higher-VG juice. Pick the style that feels most comfortable to you.
What nicotine strength should a new vaper choose?
There's no single right answer, since it depends on the device and your personal preference. Freebase strengths are listed in mg/mL and nicotine salts as a percentage, with higher numbers giving a stronger throat hit. Many new vapers try a couple of strengths before settling, and zero-nicotine options are also available if you prefer none. If a strength feels harsh, a lower one in the same device often feels smoother.
Should I start with a pod system or a mod?
Many new vapers like the simplicity of pod systems, vape pens, and cig-a-likes because they're easy to use with little setup. Mods offer more power and adjustable settings, which experienced vapers often prefer for fine-tuning their experience. If you want flavor variety, look at refillable tanks and pods rather than closed systems that can't be refilled.
How often do I need to replace my coil?
It varies by device, how often you vape, and the juice you use, but a common sign is weaker vapor or a burnt, off taste. When you notice that, it's time for a fresh coil. Priming a new coil with a few drops of juice and letting it sit a minute before use helps it last longer.
Why does my e-juice taste burnt?
A burnt taste usually means the coil's wick has dried out or the coil is worn out. Make sure your tank or pod has enough juice, let a new coil soak before vaping, and avoid chain-vaping faster than the wick can re-saturate. If the taste persists, replace the coil.
How should I store my spare vape batteries safely?
Keep loose batteries in a dedicated battery case rather than loose in a pocket or bag. This helps prevent short-circuiting from contact with metal objects like keys or coins. Keep batteries away from water and extreme heat, and inspect the wrap for any tears, replacing batteries with damaged wraps.
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.