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The anatomy of vapes – we’re breaking down devices.

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21/11/19

Vape Devices – What are they really made up of?

We’re going to be brutally honest – there is a dizzying amount of different types of devices and variations on the market. This is one of the many reasons why we love vaping in the way we do – however, sometimes it isn’t all as easy as that. Vaping is a lifestyle and it can be tricky to navigate sometimes, especially if you’re starting off. This is why we’re breaking things down, the anatomy of vapes, in particular, to make sure that no matter where you are on your vaping journey, you’re vaping the right device for you.

A vape or vaping device is one of the two things that you will need in order to get your vaping journey started. The other is e-liquid or e-juice. In this guide, we cover every detail regarding the anatomy of vapes from the basics to rebuildables and everything in between. You can then distinguish between the kinds of vapes on the market and more importantly, hopefully, find the one that is perfect for you.

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The best set up for beginners

We all started our vaping journey somewhere and if you truly want the best chance of success when you’re vaping, you may be better off going for a vape device that is simple to use. This is particularly effective if you’re transitioning over to vaping from smoking.

 

E-cigarettes

If we’re being technical, then all vapes can be called or referred to as ‘e-cigarettes’ but this is a term that is mostly used for devices that mimic or are similar to a cigarette in size, shape and functionality. These usually have the anatomy of one or two pieces and probably the easiest vaping devices to operate.

 

Anatomy of an e-cig pen - SmokeyJoe Vaping Bible Blog images

 

 

 

These are particularly good as many one-piece designs are disposable which means they are less hassle and affordable. Two-piece e-cigarettes tend to come with replaceable cartridges, yet they are convenient, perfect for stealth vaping and discreet. The best thing about two-piece e-cigarettes is that you can mix and match between your preferred e-liquid flavours and with this easy-to-use design, you won’t have to worry about getting your hands messy.

 

Pod Vape Systems

A pod vape system is a mini vape device based on a two-part system: a pod filled with a vape juice that snaps into a small battery

Pod vape systems are some of the most practical vaping devices available on the market. Pod vapes tend to perform at a higher level than most traditional e-cigarettes. You can often find handy spare replacements and with some, you can even go as far as changing coils in and reuse. Other pod vape systems are designed to be refilled a few times and then disposed of as the coils wear out.

 

Anatomy of an pod vape - SmokeyJoe Vaping Bible Blog images

 

The Vape Pen

Once you get the hang of vaping and more importantly, what you like and dislike when it comes to your vaping experience, you can move onto more advanced vaping devices that are still easy to use as a vape pen.

The vape pen is the first evolution of a traditional e-cigarette and they are often large and perform better. While they can vary in size, the common aspect of most vape pens is that they are compact enough to fit in the hand and are more discreet than more advanced vaping devices and tanks.

Their anatomy comes in the form of two parts: the battery and the tank. These can be detachable and they come with internal batteries, however, it is important to keep in mind that their capacity may be limited due to their size. Worry not – these are still solid devices and have a longer battery life than e-cigarettes and are very easy to use.

Anatomy of an vape pen - SmokeyJoe Vaping Bible Blog images

 

For intermediate vapers

It’s completely normal that once you become more of an intermediate vaper and you’ve been vaping for a while, you will develop a desire to try a device on the next level. Being more familiar with e-cigarettes and having a basic understanding of maintenance of your device means you can explore a whole new world of bigger and better vaping mods, tanks and flavoured e-liquids.

However, if you’re still getting used to the vaping world, it can often be tricky as to figuring out what’s the best vape for you, especially as beginners vapes are a lot more easier to spot in comparison to intermediate vapes.

 

Box Mods

Box mod kits are larger in size and have the capability to give you a more advanced vaping experience. The extra size usually means better performance and a better and longer battery life, usually in the form of external vape batteries.

Box Mod vapes come with a variety of settings and features such as variable wattage or even temperature control. This range of vaping devices also includes the mouth to lung clearomizers or straight to lung sub-ohm tanks.

The most common anatomy for a box mod starter kit would be a single-battery mod with variable wattage and temperature control capabilities, paired with a mid-range .sub ohm tank. The best thing about box mods is that there are plenty of devices to choose from and they can be used with other tanks.

 

Anatomy of an box mod - SmokeyJoe Vaping Bible Blog images

 

Advanced – the masters of building

If you’re looking for some real fun and have been vaping for some time whilst accumulating the proper understanding of 0hms Law and Joules Law, then you can experiment with different devices in the more advanced category of vaping.

A Smokey Tip

 

There’s no mistaking when you’re an advanced vaper. You’re clear on ohms law, battery safety, as well as the best batteries to use for your device. If you’re not at the stage where you can fine-tune your experience to precisely what you want it to be and have all the power needed to push it as far as you want, do not use these devices.

 

Sub-ohm Vape Kits

Sub-ohm vape kits are some of the most popular vapes on the market. They are box mod starter kits with the extra power that additional batteries are offering. In most cases, high wattage box mods are paired with tanks that take replaceable coils, but you may also find them paired with rebuildables such as RDAs, RTAs or RDTAs. You get a huge variety in size, performance, specs and capabilities which means you can really make this device your own. The tanks are interchangeable and with the capability of having more batteries means you have longer battery life.

 

Anatomy of an sub-ohm device - SmokeyJoe Vaping Bible Blog images

 

Regulated Squonk vapes

Squonk vape devices are the most advanced out there. Though they are technically a sub-category of the sub-ohm and box mods family, squonk vapes setups are increasingly becoming more and more popular and we think that is definitely worthy of their own category.

Squonk vapes provide a practical method for feeding your atomizer with e-liquid. A typical regulated squonk setup comprises of a squonk capable box mod and a bottom-fed RDA. The mod houses a pistol-like, squeezable pump that is connected with the atomizer deck through a shallow part that practically functions as an external tank section.

Due to the bottle occupying the space where a battery would have been placed, a single battery squonk mod will have roughly the same size with a dual-battery box mod and tend to be single battery configured.

 

Anatomy of an RDA device - SmokeyJoe Vaping Bible Blog images

Choosing the right e-liquid for you

Some vapers may argue that the most aspect of any anatomy is not where the e-liquid is held, but what the e-liquid is.

E-liquids can come in an ever-expanding number of flavours as well as a multitude of different strengths in terms of nicotine levels as well as differing VG/PG levels. Those who are making the switch from smoking over to vaping tend to start a little higher nicotine strength and lower their intake over time. Some folks use an e-liquid that is completely void of nicotine, simply for the relaxing effect vaping can have. What you choose is completely up to you.

If you’ve been following our instalments of The Vaping Bible, you’ll be able to see we live and breath vaping and e-liquids, so much so, we even wrote a whole blog on choosing the right e-liquid for you. So take a read and once you’ve chosen the perfect e-juice for you, get all of your parts working in unison and enjoy your delicious, relaxing puff of vapour.

via GIPHY