So you're thinking about vaping and you hear someone say "This eLiquid is about 70/30 and tastes best on a variable voltage device at about 4.2 volts with your RDA built to about .3 ohms. Did you ever wonder what the heck this means? Luckily you came to the right place for all your vape juice needs, eJuices.com
What is Vaping?
Defined by the Oxford dictionary; vaping is act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. By heating the eliquid to create vapor, the user can get a nicotine hit without smoking a traditional cigarette.
Anatomy of an E-cigarette
After e-cigarettes were initially invented, more and more people who were attracted by the potential benefits of the device began experimenting with it. The result is a burgeoning vape industry filled with hundreds of customizable options for each and every unique user. Navigating these different options can be difficult for a new vaper, so we’ve included a brief breakdown of common e-cig parts.
Batteries:
Batteries are the powerhouse behind the e-cigarette: they provide the energy to heat and vaporize the eliquid or ejuice. Batteries are built into smaller e-cigarettes, especially the ones that resemble traditional cigarettes, and are replaceable and rechargeable in bigger more advanced vaping devices. The size of the battery controls the length of time your vape will last, with larger batteries allowing a longer uninterrupted vape. Rechargeable lithium batteries are typically charged by USB wires or outlets.
Atomizer, Coil, and Wick:
Batteries supply power to the atomizer: the part of the e-cigarette that houses the heating coil and and wick. Although in simpler models, the atomizer can be found within the tank itself, advanced vapers can choose from stand-alone atomizers, RDAs, and RBAs, making it important component in the vape device. Since the atomizer contains the coil and wick, it houses the transformation of the eliquid into a vapor.
A wick carries the eliquid from the tank to the coil to be heated. Wicks can be made of cotton, twisted silica cords, ceramic, steel mesh, or eko-wool. Coils are small pieces of resistance wire that resemble springs. The number of wraps and diameter of the coil affects the coil’s resistance (as per Ohm’s law); the resistance determines the amount of electricity necessary to power the e-cigarette and the amount of heat it produces. Most coils are made of Kanthal, NiChrome, and more recently, Nickel.
Cartomizer, Clearomizers, and Tanks:
Cartomizers, clearomizers, and cartridges are considered subsets of the broad category of Tanks, which are any mechanisms that hold ejuices. However, in the vape world, tanks refer specifically to advanced storage containers with special features and capacities.
Cartomizers and clearomizers are both very similar--both unscrew from the main device when you want to refill the tank. Clearomizers have a clear plastic pane that allows you to see the amount of ejuice left in your tank. Additionally, clearomizers use silica wicks to transport eliquids to the coil and are easy to clean and maintain. Cartomizers on the other hand have no plastic pane, use a polyfill substance to transport eliquid, are hard to maintain, and need to be primed before use.
eLiquids
Eliquids, also known as ejuices, are stored in the tanks until they are heated in the atomizer. Unless you buy a disposable e-cigarette, eliquids are sold separately from the vaporizer in small bottles. They come in a variety of different flavors, strengths and types; the main ingredients usually consist of PG, VG, food flavoring, and nicotine.
PG, also known as propylene glycol, is a common additive and preservative in foods and plastics. For vapers, PG provides more of a throat hit than VG eliquids. Although it provides a more intense flavor, PG is thinner and produces less vapor than VG eliquids. However, while the preservative qualities of PG extend juice life, some vapers are sensitive or even allergic to it.
For vapers with PG sensitivity, manufacturers offer VG, or vegetable glycerin, eliquids. VG eliquid is thicker and sweeter than PG, and often makes denser clouds and thicker vapor. Although it is known to affect the taste of the vapor slightly, it is 100% hypoallergenic making it the ideal option for some vapers. Most eliquids use a combination of PG and VG in order to produce a different vape experience.
Additionally, ejuices come with varying nicotine levels: 0mg is no nicotine, 6mg is low density nicotine, 12mg is medium density nicotine, 18mg is high density nicotine, and 24mg is the extremely high density. Any levels higher than that are considered maximum nicotine levels. Moreover, eliquids come in a variety of flavors including sweet, savory, juicy, sour, and more.
Types of E-cigarettes
Cig-a-like:
True to its name, the Cig-a-like resembles a traditional cigarette. It’s sleek and slender construction makes it portable and easy to use. Most disposable e-cigarettes fall under this category. Typically, Cig-a-likes only have two distinct parts: cartridges and a combined atomizer and battery. These are perfect for initial vaping experiences, but soon become expensive to replace.
Vape Pen:
Vape pens are bulkier than cig-a-likes and come in three parts: a combined atomizer and battery, clearomizer, and mouthpiece. Since it is reusable it is extremely cost effective and delivers great performance, style, and taste. These are perfect for intermediate vapers who have a little experience with e-cigarette products and terminology. The best thing is, all the eliquids we carry can be used in just about any vape pen.
Box Mods and APVs:
Box Mods and APVs, or advanced personal vaporizers, contain bigger batteries and coils. This means that they can produce larger amounts of vapor for a longer amount of time. It comes with a standard clearomizer, atomizer, battery, and mouthpiece, and provides an enhanced hit for more experienced vapers. Since these contain more components and customizable pieces, only advanced vapers should consider purchasing box mods and APVs.
Safety
While e-cigarettes are much safer than traditional cigarettes, precautions do need to be taken to ensure a quality vape experience. Make sure to use the charger explicitly created for battery, and remove the battery as soon as it reaches full charge. Keep batteries separated from one another so terminals do not touch each other and short circuit. Finally, check that batteries are rated for the specific coil and keep them out of extreme heat.
Store eliquids in cool, dark places where pets and children cannot reach them. Never ingest or lick the eliquid, and call poison control if the ejuice is on the body for an extended amount of time. Be aware of PG allergies, and make sure to switch to VG if you notice any complications after vaping. As always consult your doctor before and during vaping if you have any concerns.
Additional Vape Terms
Here are a few more terms you may run across on your vape journey.
26650 – The largest-sized battery used in e-cigs and personal vapes, favored by sub-ohm vapers, typically used with atomizers packing less than 1 ohm of resistance
306 – An atomizer you can dispose of, typically very low resistance, known for the ability to increase vapor
401, 402, and 403 – Also called m401, m402, and m403, identical except for size--shortest being m401, longest being m403
510 – Industry standard
808 – Also known as KR808
901 – Atomizers with a female thread
16340 – Smallest battery used
18350 – Extremely small battery, often used by advanced vapers
18500 –18500s offer longer battery life and are slightly larger than 18350s
18650 – Most popular size
AFC – This stands for air flow control. Found in atomizers and clearomizers/tanks to alter the drag (dial or screw shaped)
Airflow – Amount of air sucked in by vaper
Allen Key or Wrench – Wrench used for Allen screws in a rebuildable atomizer or tank
Atomizer – The area that holds the coil and wick, which is heated to produce vapor
Automatic – Activated by a sensor which detects when the user draws from an e-cig
Box Mod – APV in the shape of a box, available in either mechanical or variable order
Bridge – Are where e-liquid is located in atomizer
Cloud Chasing: The act of exhaling large, voluminous clouds. This sometimes occurs at competitions hosted at vaping events and shops. You can find some of the best e-liquids for cloud production on eLiquid.com
Custom Mod – A handmade APV or PV
Deck – The area where positive and negative posts are found on an atomizer
Drip (Dripping) – Refilling an atomizer by dripping e-liquid right onto the coil
Drip Shield – External cover on the outside of an atomizer to catch dripping e-liquid
Drip Tip – Replaces the mouthpiece of a regular atomizer to create a space that makes dripping possible without having to remove the atomizer
Drip Well – Space near the connector that catches dripping e-juice
Filler Material – Used inside of cartomizers and cartridges, it absorbs and holds the e-juice, which then makes it’s way to the atomizer for heating
Genesis Atomizer – Uses steel mesh to transport juice via osmosis
Heatsink – Layers designed to cool the vape quickly
High Resistance – High ohm rating, strains the battery less than LR
LR (Low Resistance) – Low ohm rating, products a large amount of vapor, but the battery burns out much more quickly
mAh – The ability of the battery to store energy. If the mAh is high, the long the life expectancy of the battery before it need to be recharged
Manual – Pressing a button to produce vapor rather than simply inhaling
Mechanical Mod – Foregoing wires or regulating chips, this mech PV has a metal tube with a manual switch to complete the circuit
mg – This stands for milligram strength per milliliter. Determines how much nicotine is in the juice
Ohm – The unit of measurement used for electrical resistance. A lower ohm reading for coils means hotter and thicker vapor, while a higher ohm reading means cooler vapes
Parallel – Wiring with a double battery as parallel increases the battery life of a mod and increases the mAh as well
Propylene Glycol (PG) – One of the two ingredients used in juices, used in everyday food products
RBAs: Also known as rebuildable atomizers. RBAs can taken apart and reassembled--another endeavor taken on by more advanced vapers
RDAs: Also known as rebuildable dripping atomizer. This is a modified atomizer that is not connected to a tank. Instead the vaper refills by adding a few drops of eLiquid directly onto the heating technology. It is more difficult to refill these atomizers, but some believe it delivers a more concentrated taste.
Rebuildables – Users are able to build coils and wicks for themselves using these atomizers or tanks. You can change out wicks, alter resistance and customize your vape easier with rebuildables
Resistance – The build of the coil determine how much resistance in a vape, which is measured in ohms
Silica – Often used as a material for wicks
Starter Kit – This is the beginner’s guide to vaping, bundled together to make the beginning of your vaping journey smoother: usually includes an e-cig, an atomizer, and a charger, with supplementary cartridges.
Steeping – Similar to tea steeping, sometimes allows the juices to become sweeter upon settling.
Sub-ohming – Using coils below 1.0 ohm to produce a warmer vape and therefore more vapor outfits, commonly used by more experienced vapers
Tailpipe – Unfiltered dripping and inhaling
Triple Coil – Produces a vast amount of vapor, but battery life suffers
Vaper – Someone who uses vapes/e-cigarettes
Vegetable Glycerol or Glycerine (VG) – The other ingredient used to make e-juice aside from PG
Voltage Drop – A reduction in power
VW or Variable Wattage – Allows users to adjust wattage to their liking
Wick – Can be created from silica, stainless steel mesh, organic cotton and ceramic. This carries the e-juice and ensures the e-liquid is heated without leaks
Vape Coil Glossary
Air Chamber - This is where your air travels once you allow it into your device through the airflow slots. They come in varying sizes or configurations as each person in the vape community may have different preferences.
Airflow Slots - These are a vital part of your vape tank. You can adjust these based on your tank’s performance to your own personal preferences. Opening the slots maximizes vapor production, but at the expense of flavor; reducing slot size reduces vapor production while enhancing flavor.
Automatic Shutoff - A safety feature that shuts off your vaping device. This prevents your batteries from overheating or your coil from getting damaged. The majority of devices shut off after 10 seconds.
Bottom Coil Clearomizer (BCC) - The heating element within your vape device. Some have only one coil, while others have two horizontal coils, which are referred to as bottom dual coil clearomizers (BDC).
Bottom Dual Coil Clearomizer (BDC) - See Bottom Coil Clearomizer (BCC).
Bottom Vertical Coil Clearomizer (BVC) - A coil that sits in a vertical orientation. This allows for airflow improvement in your vape device.
Cartridge - A small mouthpiece that allows you to hold some e-liquid and a coil.
Ceramic Coil - A coil that uses ceramics to improve longevity and prevents the oxidation of the metal.
Coil - Part of the atomizer that is used to heat up your e-liquid. They are made from various resistance wires. Some of these wires are Kanthal, NiChrome, stainless steel (SS316), and titanium.
Coil Jig - If you want to rebuild a coil by yourself, you’ll be using this thin metal tool.
Drip Shield - Used in some tanks to prevent “spitting” of juice from the coil.
Drip Tip - Advanced vape enthusiasts will utilize this to maximize flavor. Drip tips are usually alternatives to cartridges and cartomizers and allow users to drip their favorite e-juices directly onto the atomizer.
Dry Burn - Firing up a coil without any juice or wick. This is generally used to burn off any residue that impairs the flavor on your rebuildable atomizer.
Dual Coil - Atomizers, cartomizers, and clearomizers with two coils as opposed to one. This uses more battery life but increases the vapor given off.
Flooding - This is what happens when too much juice gets pulled into the coil/atomizer, creating a situation where reduced vapors and gurgling noises happen. This is what happens when your tank isn’t sealed properly.
Fused Clapton - A Clapton coil that features two or more core wires within.
Hot Spot - Glowing spots on your coil that indicate uneven patches of heat. You could potentially burn your wicks.
Kanthal Wire - A type of wire (ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy) used in coils with good resistance to oxidation, holds shape during re-wicking, and is cheap and easy to find. This is most effective with single-coil builds.
Low Resistance (LR) - Reference to an atomizer or cartomizer that has a low ohm rating, typically for coils built with 1.5 ohms or lower.
Mesh Coil - A coil used as an alternative to round wire coils with faster ramp-up time, improved flavor, power efficiency, and lasts longer than its wire counterparts.
NiChrome Wire - An alloy made of nickel and chromium. Generally used for fast ramp-up time and has similar properties to Kanthal wire (easy to work with and holds shape well).
Nickel Wire - Also known as ni200 wire, it is made of pure nickel. Generally used in temperature control builds.
Rebuildable Coil - Coils that are made by the user; they can have their wick removed and replaced, as well as cleaned. Make sure you understand a bit of the science behind vaping before using rebuildable coils!
Resistance Wire - Specific wire that is used for a coil.
Sub-Ohm - Refers to a style of vaping that utilizes low resistance coils (typically below 1 ohm).
Temperature Control Coil - These coils allow you to adjust and regulate the temperature of the wire in a temperature control build.
Titanium Wire - Made out of pure titanium, this wire is also used in temperature control builds.
Vertical Coil - Coils that are laid out vertically to allow increased airflow in the device and more space in the deck.
Wick - Material that is wrapped around or pulled through the coil that soaks up the e-liquid when it is converted to vapor when the coil heats up.
Wire Gauge - Diameter of the wire. The higher the wire gauge number, the smaller the wire diameter.