Embarking on a journey into the world of vaping might seem straightforward, but it’s full with diverse terminologies and intricate nuanced terms. If you’re seeking to fully understand vaping to enhance your customers’ experience, this compendium is your guide.
Here, you’ll find a collection of terms to clarify uncertainties, educate you about unique vaping styles, and shed light on the complexities of vaping.
Atomiser
The atomiser is a critical component of an e-cigarette or vaping device. This electronic element, often referred to as a coil, is responsible for heating the e-liquid and transforming it into inhalable vapour. Comprising a metal wire, usually Kanthal, Ni200, Titanium, or Stainless Steel, wrapped around a wicking material that absorbs the e-liquid, the atomiser heats up when electricity from the battery is applied. This leads to the e-liquid on the wick evaporating, producing vapour.
Atomisers vary by design, resistance level, and materials used, and play a significant role in determining the quality of the vape, including flavour intensity, throat hit, and vapour volume.
ADV
ADV stands for All Day Vape, a term that highlights the subjective nature of e-liquid flavours among vapers. ADV refers to an e-liquid flavour that a vaper finds palatable and satisfying enough to vape throughout the day, across various situations. Unlike other flavours that might be too overwhelming or distinct for continuous use, an ADV strikes the perfect balance of taste and aroma that isn’t too cloying or dull. These flavours are typically well-rounded, subtly refined, and able to retain their charm over prolonged use. The selection of an ADV is highly subjective and dependent on individual taste preference.
Airflow
Airflow in the vaping world is a crucial factor in the overall vaping experience, as it influences the amount of vapour produced, the intensity of the flavour, and the temperature of the vapour. Airflow refers to the volume of air that is drawn into an atomiser with each puff.
Depending on the design of the vaping device, the airflow can be adjustable, allowing users to customise their vaping experience. Loose airflows, where more air is drawn in, typically result in a cooler vape with higher vapour output. In contrast, tighter airflows allow less air, resulting in warmer vapour, less vapour production, and a more concentrated, potent flavour.
Automatic
An ‘Automatic’ e-cigarette is a user-friendly device that does not require manual operation via a button to activate the heating element. Instead, these devices are equipped with a sensor that detects the user’s inhalation or ‘draw’, triggering the atomiser to heat the e-liquid and produce vapour. This hands-free operation mimics the experience of smoking a traditional cigarette, making automatic e-cigarettes an attractive choice for beginners or those transitioning from smoking.
Automatic Shutoff
The automatic shutoff feature is a safety mechanism integrated into most regulated e-cigarettes to prevent battery overheating, which can lead to malfunction, damage, or even accidents. This function monitors the device’s operation and shuts it off after a pre-determined period of continuous use, usually 5 to 10 seconds. This feature not only safeguards the device and user but also helps conserve battery life and e-liquid.
Battery
Vape batteries are a critical component of vaping devices and come in various types, each with its own set of unique characteristics. One of the most common types is the integrated battery, which is built directly into the vape device and cannot be removed. These are prevalent in smaller, more portable devices such as vape pens and pod systems, where compactness and simplicity are key. Integrated batteries are recharged via a USB cable, offering ease of use for beginners but necessitate the replacement of the entire device when the battery life eventually degrades.
On the other hand, removable batteries offer a more versatile solution, most common in box mods and larger vape devices. The most widespread removable vape batteries are the 18650, 20700, 21700, and 26650, with the numbers indicating their physical dimensions. For example, an 18650 battery is 18mm in diameter and 65mm in length. These batteries are high-drain lithium-ion cells, capable of handling the high current demands of sub-ohm vaping and high wattage settings.
Another battery type used in certain vaping devices, especially “cig-a-like” e-cigarettes, is the AAA/AA-style batteries, though these are less common due to their lower power capabilities and shorter lifespan.
Blend
A ‘blend’ refers to the specific ratio of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerine (VG) in an e-liquid. This ratio greatly influences the vaping experience, as each component has distinct properties. Propylene glycol is a colourless, nearly odourless, and slightly sweet-tasting organic compound that produces a strong throat hit, comparable to the sensation experienced while smoking a conventional cigarette. It also carries flavour more effectively.
Vegetable glycerine, on the other hand, is a natural chemical derived from vegetable oil. It’s thicker and sweeter than PG, and it produces considerably more vapour. A higher VG blend is often smoother and produces larger clouds of vapour, making it a popular choice for ‘cloud chasers.’ The ideal PG/VG blend depends largely on personal preferences concerning throat hit, vapour production, and device compatibility.
Box Mod
The term ‘Box Mod’ refers to a particular style of APV or Advanced Personal Vaporiser, so named because of its characteristic boxy shape. Box mods are typically larger and more powerful than other types of e-cigarettes. They house a larger, often replaceable, battery or multiple batteries, providing the device with extended lifespan and power capabilities.
Equipped with advanced features such as variable voltage, variable wattage, and temperature control, box mods allow users to customise their vaping experience extensively. Some box mods also have built-in displays that show important information like power settings, battery life, and coil resistance. The larger size accommodates these advanced features and offers a more comfortable grip for the user.
Bridge
The ‘Bridge’ in a vaping device refers to a part of a specific type of atomiser – a bridge atomiser. This atomiser variant is disposable and generally used with e-cigarettes that use cartridges. It consists of a small coil that heats up to vaporise the e-liquid. The bridge, a wick material covering the coil, extends into the e-liquid reservoir, drawing the liquid through capillary action to the coil. Once the e-liquid is depleted or the performance drops due to coil wear, the entire atomiser is disposed of and replaced.
Clearomiser
A clearomiser is a key component of an e-cigarette. It’s a combination of a clear tank (reservoir for e-liquid) and an atomiser (the heating element). Clearomisers are typically made from a transparent material such as plastic or Pyrex glass, allowing vapers to visually monitor their e-liquid levels and refill as needed. Clearomisers often feature replaceable coil heads and adjustable airflow systems, providing users with control over their vape’s intensity. The integration of the atomiser into the tank makes clearomisers more compact and easier to use than separate components, particularly for beginners.
Cig-a-like
The term ‘Cig-a-like’ refers to a type of e-cigarette designed to emulate the look and feel of a traditional tobacco cigarette. They are typically the same size and shape as cigarettes, complete with a glowing tip that illuminates when the user takes a puff. Cig-a-likes are often the first choice for those transitioning from smoking to vaping due to their familiarity. They usually come in two parts: a cartridge containing the e-liquid (also known as a cartomiser) and a battery. Although cig-a-likes are not currently the most popular type of vaping device due to their limited battery life and lesser vapour production, they are seeing a resurgence in popularity for their simplicity and discretion.
Clouds
The term ‘Cig-a-like’ refers to a type of e-cigarette designed to emulate the look and feel of a traditional tobacco cigarette. They are typically the same size and shape as cigarettes, complete with a glowing tip that illuminates when the user takes a puff. Cig-a-likes are often the first choice for those transitioning from smoking to vaping due to their familiarity. They usually come in two parts: a cartridge containing the e-liquid (also known as a cartomiser) and a battery. Although cig-a-likes are not currently the most popular type of vaping device due to their limited battery life and lesser vapour production, they are seeing a resurgence in popularity for their simplicity and discretion.
Cloud Chasing
The term ‘Cloud Chasing’ is a colloquial phrase within the vaping community. It refers to the activity of striving to produce the largest, densest clouds of vapour possible. Cloud chasers often use specially designed vaping devices and e-liquids with high vegetable glycerine (VG) content to create these massive vapour clouds. The pursuit of voluminous clouds has even sparked competitions worldwide, where vapers showcase their skills in creating the biggest clouds or performing tricks.
It should be noted that cloud chasing usually involves sub-ohm vaping (using a device with a coil resistance less than 1 ohm), which requires a thorough understanding of ohm’s law and battery safety due to the higher power levels used.
Coil
The coil is a crucial component in the atomiser that facilitates the heating or vaporisation of the e-liquid. It is typically made of a conductive material such as kanthal, stainless steel, nickel, or titanium. The coil’s resistance, shape, and surface area can impact the vaping experience, dictating the volume of vapour produced, flavour intensity, and the amount of heat generated.
Coil Jig
A Coil Jig is a metal tool designed for rebuilding the coil in an e-cig. It assists in wrapping wire into coil shapes with consistent spacing and diameter, which is crucial for achieving even heating and optimal vapour production.
Concentrates
Concentrates are highly flavourful substances designed to be used either alone or mixed to craft your perfect e-liquid recipe. The flavour concentrate liquids, predominantly sold in 30ml bottles, empower vapers to create their custom flavours with their preferred nicotine quantity.
Custom Mod
This term generally refers to mods created by vapers themselves, as opposed to those purchased pre-built from manufacturers. Custom mods allow for high levels of personalisation and adjustment, catering to the specific preferences of individual vapers in terms of power, aesthetics, and functionality.
Disposable
Disposable vapes, or puff bars, are single-use devices pre-filled with e-liquid or nic salts in various flavours and nicotine strengths. They feature an internal, non-rechargeable battery and are draw-activated, simplifying their use. As a plug-and-play solution, they make an excellent entry point for newcomers to vaping.
DIY
In the vaping context, DIY typically refers to the process of creating one’s own e-liquid. This process allows vapers to experiment with various flavours, nicotine strengths, and PG/VG ratios to create a vape juice tailored to their specific preferences. The DIY approach requires the careful measurement and mixing of ingredients, usually comprising propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, nicotine, and flavourings.
Drip Tip
This is the mouthpiece of an e-cigarette device, often removable and available in various shapes, sizes, and materials. The drip tip design can influence the vaping experience, affecting factors like comfort, temperature of the vapour, and the draw.
Dripping
This term refers to directly adding liquid onto the coil instead of using a cartridge. While swapping coils, it’s vital to allow the liquid to saturate the wicking material to avoid a burnt hit, which occurs when the cotton is heated prematurely.
Dry Burn
Dry Burn is a condition resulting from the operation of an e-cigarette when there’s insufficient or no liquid in the device. The coil heats up without enough e-liquid to vaporise, which can cause it to overheat and potentially damage the coil or wick.
Dry Hit
A Dry Hit is a term used to describe the experience of inhaling from an e-cigarette when the coil has burnt out or when there’s not enough e-liquid to vaporise. It often results in an unpleasant burnt taste and can be harsh on the throat.
DTL
DTL, or Direct-To-Lung, is a style of inhaling where the vapour is drawn directly into the lungs, bypassing the mouth. This method allows for greater vapour production, more robust flavour profiles, and larger cloud generation. DTL vaping is typically paired with high VG liquids, so you’d look for VG to PG ratios like 70/30 & 80/20 when purchasing e-liquids for this style of vaping..
E-liquid
E-liquid is a solution typically comprising nicotine, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerine. However, nicotine-free options are also available.
Hybrid
In the vaping world, a hybrid device is one where the atomiser directly interfaces with the battery, eschewing a 510 connection.
LED
The LED light on the e-cigarette illuminates when the device is in use. These lights also signal low battery by flashing rapidly.
Low Resistance (LR)
Low resistance generates more vapour, but it is notorious for depleting battery life more quickly.
Mechanical Mod
A Mechanical Mod is a simplified device featuring a battery and a switch. These devices usually lack standard safety measures and should be operated with caution.
Mesh coil
Mesh coils surpass traditional coils, substituting wire coils for a mesh strip. This strip is wound tightly into a cylinder and installed vertically, ensuring smooth airflow. In advanced, high-end versions, multiple mesh strips might work in tandem to amplify vapour production. Mesh coils offer superior surface area and improved wick-to-wire contact. They generate larger clouds – ideal for performing tricks. They also operate quieter than traditional coils and tend to last longer due to uniform heating.
MG Strength
MG signifies the nicotine concentration per millilitre of e-liquid.
Mod
Mods are e-cigarettes composed of separate components.
MTL
Mouth-To-Lung vaping simulates the sensation of smoking, mimicking a tight draw into your mouth. While MTL vaping doesn’t produce sizeable vapour clouds, it provides robust flavours and allows maximum enjoyment of your preferred e-liquid flavour. Some vapers prefer MTL vaping as it is often more cost-effective, with MTL tanks using less e-liquid compared to a DTL device.
Multi-Voltage
This term refers to a type of mod with adjustable voltage settings, enabling vapers to customise their experience.
Nic Salts
Nic Salt e-liquids provide rapid nicotine absorption into your bloodstream. Designed to emulate the nicotine rush of a cigarette, they offer reduced throat stress and a wider flavour selection. Nicotine salt e-liquids pair well with low-powered starter vape kits like pod kits and vape pens that deliver an MTL (mouth-to-lung) vape.
Nic Shots
Nicotine shots are designed to mix seamlessly with your favourite 0mg vape liquid, attaining your desired nicotine strength without diluting the flavour or affecting its VG/PG rating.
No-Nic / Nic-free / 0mg
This term indicates e-liquid devoid of nicotine.
Ohm
Ohm refers to the resistance of a coil in an atomiser, a measure that roughly defines the current flow through the coil. Most ohms range between 1.5 & 3 Ohms. Lower ohms generally yield a robust throat hit and a warmer vape but can decrease battery life, whereas higher ohms will have the opposite effect.
Pen Kit
Vape pens, or e-cig pens, are the original, most popular vape devices. They are slim and straightforward in design, featuring a cylindrical pen-style that’s ideal for first-time vapers. Contemporary vape pens offer remarkable performance and battery life despite their small size. Many vape pens now come with a pod system in place of the standard tank, simplifying refilling and coil replacement processes.
PG
PG, short for polypropylene glycerol, is one of the two foundational substances in e-liquids. PG enhances the e-liquid’s flavour and imparts a robust throat hit.
Pod Kit
Pod kits are compact, user-friendly, and gaining popularity. These devices require you to fill the replaceable pods with your chosen e-liquid and discard them once the coil wears out. This method offers the closest experience to disposable vaping without needing to purchase a new device each time.
RDTL
This vaping style, abbreviated RDTL (Restricted-Direct-To-Lung), bridges DTL vaping and MTL vaping. Ideal for those seeking a middle-ground inhalation experience, it delivers a tighter inhale while producing moderate clouds.
Rebuildables
Rebuildables are tanks or atomisers that allow vapers to craft their own coils and wicks. These devices are primarily used by experienced vapers.
Regulated Mod
A regulated mod is a vaping device equipped with safety features to prevent overheating.
Shortfill
A shortfill refers to a sizeable bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid. Users can mix shortfills with 10ml nicotine shots (commonly referred to as nic shots) to achieve their desired nicotine strength. The term ’shortfill’ originates from each bottle being filled to 80% of its capacity, leaving space for the addition of nicotine shots. Typically, they are sold as 100ml of e-liquid in 120ml bottles, but 50ml measures in 60ml bottles are also available.
Starter Kit
A Starter Kit is an all-inclusive package designed for individuals initiating their journey into the world of vaping. These kits are meticulously curated, providing all the essential components necessary for a smooth and effortless transition into vaping. A typical starter kit includes a vaping device, which could be a simple pen-style vape, a pod system, or a more advanced box mod, depending on the specific product. The device usually comes with a built-in or removable battery. If the battery is removable, a charger is also included.
Other components of the kit include a tank or pod that holds the e-liquid, one or more coils or pods (the heating elements that vaporize the e-liquid), and often a small bottle of e-liquid to get started. A user manual with instructions for setup, usage, and maintenance is also standard in these kits. Some kits might also include accessories like extra seals or a tool for coil replacement. A starter kit’s primary purpose is to facilitate an easy and comfortable entry into vaping, removing the need to purchase components separately and ensuring all parts are compatible.
Sub-ohm
The term Sub-Ohm in the context of vaping refers to a technique that involves using an atomiser whose coil has a resistance level of less than one ohm. The lower resistance levels allow for greater power output, which translates into increased vapour production and often more pronounced flavour delivery. Sub-ohm vaping devices, also known as sub-ohm mods or simply sub-ohms, are typically more advanced units that provide adjustable settings to control the power output, and thus the user’s overall vaping experience. They use high-drain batteries to accommodate the higher power requirements.
The style of vaping associated with sub-ohm devices is known as Direct-To-Lung (DTL) vaping, akin to taking a deep breath and inhaling the vapour directly into the lungs. This style contrasts with the Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) technique, which resembles traditional cigarette smoking. It’s worth noting that sub-ohm vaping is generally recommended for more experienced vapers due to the knowledge required to use and maintain these devices safely.
Tanks
Tanks, in the context of vaping, are essential components of most vaping devices. They serve as the reservoir for the e-liquid and house the atomiser coil that heats and vaporises the e-liquid. Tanks are predominantly made of high-grade, heat-resistant materials like Pyrex glass and stainless steel to withstand the high temperatures generated during vaping. They come in varying sizes, with larger tanks capable of holding substantial amounts of e-liquid, reducing the frequency of refills and facilitating longer vaping sessions. Tanks also feature a drip tip or mouthpiece from where the vaper inhales the vapour.
Modern tanks often come with adjustable airflow systems that allow vapers to control the amount of air drawn into the tank, affecting the vapour production and tightness of the draw. Some tanks are designed for specific styles of vaping, with Sub-Ohm Tanks and MTL Tanks being the most common types. They also come in rebuildable formats (RTAs and RDTAs) where vapers can build and install their own coils and wicking material, offering a more personalised vaping experience.
Proper maintenance of the tank, such as regular cleaning and timely coil replacement, is crucial for optimal performance and longevity of the device.
Throat Hit
A Throat Hit refers to the sensation one gets at the back of the throat when inhaling e-cigarette vapour. It can vary from smooth to strong depending on the power of the device, type of e-liquid used, and personal preferences. The ‘throat hit’ is part of the satisfaction derived from vaping, closely resembling the experience of smoking tobacco.
Unregulated Mod
An Unregulated Mod, also known as a mechanical mod, is a simple device that directly transfers the battery’s voltage to the atomiser without any form of voltage regulation. These mods lack safety features, making them risky for inexperienced vapers but attractive to hobbyists seeking a purer and more direct vaping experience.
Vaper’s Tongue / Vape Mouth
This term refers to the taste dulling, mainly due to intense vaping or prolonged use of the same e-liquid.
VG
VG, short for Vegetable Glycerine, is one of the primary ingredients used in e-liquids for vaping devices. As an organic compound, it is derived from vegetable oils and is often lauded for its natural sourcing.
VG is a colourless, odourless liquid with a slightly sweet taste and a syrup-like consistency. The primary characteristic that makes VG essential to vaping is its ability to produce thick, dense clouds of vapour when heated. Vapers who prefer large vapour output often opt for e-liquids with a high VG concentration.
Furthermore, VG imparts a smoother throat hit than its counterpart, Propylene Glycol (PG), which is appreciated by vapers who find a high-PG blend too harsh. Its thicker consistency, however, can lead to a higher likelihood of gunk accumulating on the device’s coil and requires more regular cleaning of the equipment.
VV
Variable Voltage, often abbreviated as VV, is a feature found in advanced personal vaporisers or mods that allows vapers to precisely adjust the voltage output of their device. The ability to change voltage output provides the user with a greater degree of control over the vaping experience.
By adjusting the voltage, vapers can modify the temperature of the vape, the intensity of the flavour, the heat of the vapour, and the size of the vapour clouds. Voltage adjustments should be made carefully, in line with Ohm’s law, to prevent coil burnout or battery failure. Devices with VV functionality often have digital displays that show the current voltage setting.
VW
Variable Wattage, abbreviated as VW, is another adjustable feature found in more sophisticated vaping devices. Unlike variable voltage, which requires the user to calculate the correct power setting based on the resistance (ohms) of the coil, variable wattage automatically adjusts the voltage to deliver the selected power (wattage) consistently, regardless of the resistance of the coil. This can lead to a more consistent vaping experience as the wattage will remain constant even if the resistance changes, such as when switching tanks or atomisers.
Variable wattage vaping allows for a high degree of customization, enabling vapers to fine-tune their devices to produce their preferred balance of flavour intensity, throat hit, and vapour production. As with variable voltage, it’s crucial to ensure your device’s wattage is set within the safe operating limits of your coil and battery to prevent damaging your equipment.
Wicking Material
A wick is a strip of cotton or fabric within the cartridge that absorbs the e-liquid, priming it for vaping.
The multitudes of terms describing components, devices, liquids, and even vapers themselves can be overwhelming. By dissecting these terms, you can enhance your understanding of vaping and better navigate conversations around it.
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