Puffing Away the Confusion: Demystifying Vape Jargon

Puffing Away the Confusion: Demystifying Vape Jargon

The world of vaping can be shrouded in a thick cloud of terminology, leaving newcomers feeling lost in translation. From “atomizers” to “cloud chasing,” this jargon can be a barrier to understanding how vapes work and choosing the right device. Fear not, fellow vaper (or vaper-to- be)! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the lingo and confidently explore the world of vaping.

Vape Device Basics:

• Mod vs. Pod System: Mods are like the Swiss Army knives of vapes – customizable and offering a wider range of power and features. Pod systems are more user-friendly, pre-filled with e-liquid (the vape juice) and often disposable.
• Vape Battery: The power source, typically measured in milliamp hours (mAh). Higher mAh means longer Pac man disposable time between charges.
• Atomizer (Atty): The heart of the vape, housing the coil (which heats the e-liquid) and a wick (that draws the e-liquid to the coil).
• Coil: A small metal element that vaporizes the e-liquid. Coils come in different resistances (ohms), affecting power usage and vapor production.

E-Liquid Lingo:

• VG (Vegetable Glycerin) & PG (Propylene Glycol): The base of most e-liquids. VG creates thicker vapor, while PG provides better flavor.
• Flavorings: Food-grade flavorings that add taste to the vapor.
• Nicotine Strength: Measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). Choose a level that satisfies your needs, but remember nicotine is addictive.
• Freebase vs. Nicotine Salts: Freebase nicotine provides a stronger throat hit, while nic salts are smoother and come in higher strengths for lower-powered devices.

Vaping Actions & Techniques:

• Vape/Puff: Taking a drag from the vape device.
• MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): A vaping style similar to smoking cigarettes, drawing vapor into the mouth first, then inhaling into the lungs.
• DTL (Direct-to-Lung): A looser draw, inhaling vapor directly into the lungs for a smoother and airier experience (often used with high-VG e-liquids).
• Sub Ohm Vaping: Using a coil with a resistance below 1 ohm, generally producing more vapor and a warmer vape experience (for experienced users only).
• Cloud Chasing: Vaping with the aim of producing large, thick clouds of vapor, often in competitions.

Vape Hardware Terminology:

• Tank: The refillable container for e-liquid in a vape mod.
• Cartridge: A pre-filled pod containing e-liquid, used in pod systems.
• Drip Tip: The mouthpiece where you place your lips to inhale the vapor.
• 510 Thread: A standardized connection system between the battery and atomizer.
• Variable Wattage/Voltage: Mods allow adjusting the power output (wattage) or voltage for fine-tuning the vape experience.
• Airflow Control: A mechanism on the atomizer that regulates the amount of air entering the coil, affecting vapor density and flavor.

Beyond the Basics:

• Steeping: Letting e-liquid sit for a while to allow flavors to mature and blend.
• Dry Hit: When the coil doesn’t receive enough e-liquid, resulting in an unpleasant burnt taste.
• Prime: Saturating the wick of a new coil with e-liquid before use to prevent dry hits.
• Rebuildable Atomizers (RBAs): Advanced atomizers where users can replace coils and wicks for a more customized vaping experience.

Remember: Vaping is not risk-free. It’s important to do your research and choose high-quality e-liquids from reputable vendors. If you’re considering vaping to quit smoking, consult a healthcare professional. By understanding vape jargon, you can make info