Breaking Down Your Device

The ecig market is flooded with a wide variety of personal vaporizers and vaping products that all function in different ways.  But, despite their unique differences, they all start with one thing in common--a battery. The device itself is not the actual battery, but simply a structure to house your battery.  

Vapes feature either removable or built-in batteries.  Removable batteries are labeled by size and a couple common battery sizes are 18650, 26650 and 20700.  Ecigs send heat to the atomizer by pulling power from the battery. Many devices have variable wattage or voltage settings that allow its user to control how much power is being sent to the atomizer.  

Each tobacco user comes with their own set of habits.  Some smokers smoke five cigarettes a day while some smoke a pack and a half in that time.  Luckily, with so much variation in products, there is a vape sure to best fit the needs of every person new to vaping and any budget.

Smaller devices that are often about the size of a pen or even shaped like an analog usually contain batteries that are enclosed within the device.  Like many batteries that are charged time and time again, ecig batteries lose power over time and will need to be replaced. Smaller devices, such as pen style vapes, routinely cost less money--making their replacements marginal.

Most ‘mods’, larger and more advanced personal vaporizers, take one or more removable batteries.  For optimal battery safety, we recommend purchasing a stand-alone battery charger. Not only will this charge your battery in the safest way possible, it also gives you the advantage of having multiple batteries charged and ready to go.  It’s common for mods to come without their removable batteries so don’t forget to purchase some!

If you don’t have a standalone battery charger there are other options.  A considerable majority of newer mods on the market also give you the option to charge your battery directly through the device via micro USB port. This is usually not recommended with devices that use more than one battery to power the unit.

Topped with an atomizer

An ‘atomizer’ is the top portion of your vape that connects to the battery housing and holds/vaporizes liquid.  Although most atomizers have the same, common threading (510) they are not a ‘one size fits all’ and some atomizers only work with specific devices.  Some vapes come as a kit and include an atomizer. But, some devices come without so make sure you know what you’re getting!

Atomizers are diverse and come in all shapes and sizes.  There are tank-style atomizers that hold quite a bit of liquid and atomizers that only hold a drop or two.  Some atomizers can withstand extreme heat and power while some function at a lower wattage/voltage. Some examples of various atomizer styles are: Rebuildable dripping atomizer (RDA), Rebuildable Tank Atomizer (RTA), Clearomizer, and Cartomizer.  It’s important to verify you are using the proper atomizer for your device.

Inside each atomizer is what’s called a heating element.  Heating elements are coils made of various materials such as copper, stainless steel, or even ceramic that are used to heat liquid.  Each coil contains wicking materials that pull liquid to the coil. The liquid is then burned directly off the coil as the wicking material works to keep the coil saturated.

Say goodbye to cigarettes and hello to vaping!

As folks who were once newcomers ourselves, we know that making the switch from cigarettes to vaping can sometimes be overwhelming. We’re here to help you process all the new information and get you vaping!  If you have any questions about vaping or what setup might be best for you, please email us here!