My first vape.
Did you know there’s a strange trend happing with smokers? Worldwide tobacco use is on the decline. It was at around 1.14 billion users back in 2000. Now it’s down to around 1.1 billion.
Now here’s the strange part. As the overall number of tobacco users continues to wane, the number of vapers is actually increasing. Almost 1 in 20 U.S. adults now uses some type of e-cigarette.
Note that the term “vaper” includes both tobacco users and marijuana users. So, perhaps the increase is due to the legalization of cannabis in many states. In either case, if you’re thinking of buying your first vape machine, you’re taking part in a rising trend.
You may also be a little intimidated by the sheer number of choices available on the market today. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. The sections below describe what experts look for in their vape pens. When you’re ready to impress your friends with your new expertise, read on.
What to Look for in My First Vape
Before you do anything else, you need to figure out what you want to put in your new vape. What will you be smoking? What types of herbs? Waxes? Oils? Concentrates?
Think about what you enjoy smoking with friends. It should give you a place to start. You’ll find a huge variety of options available.
Also, take into consideration where you like to vape. Do you prefer to do it alone? At home? In the park?
If you vape socially, you’ll want what’s known as a session vape. They’re designed to be passed around in a group. When you turn them on, they heat your product for a specific amount of time. Then they shut down automatically.
If you want to fly solo, on-demand vapes are the way to go. They give you small doses, or micro-doses, and conserve your product. They’re more efficient than their social brothers.
Convection Vs. Conduction
All vapes do not burn the same. It’s the old argument of convection vs. conduction. You see, different heating methods provide different benefits.
When you drop in your oil, wax, or solids, your vape unit does one of two things.
If it uses convection, it heats the air. Then it pulls the air over whichever material you chose to put into the chamber. The hot air vaporizes the product which you then inhale.
Experts agree that it produces a higher quality, tastier vapor. Unfortunately, it also dirties your chamber much faster than conduction heating. Your vape product will melt into your screen and the sides of your chamber.
If you don’t clean it often, the buildup creates a bad taste and may block the airflow. The result is a dirty vape unit that doesn’t work.
Conduction, on the other hand, works with a heating element that must physically touch the vape product. It gives you instant temperature control. It’s also less expensive and more user-friendly.
Vaping units that use conduction require much less cleaning and produces a consistent taste. The science behind conduction units is growing more sophisticated. That’s one of the reasons why almost all the vapes trending are conduction units.
Choosing My Chamber
The chamber of your vape unit is where you drop in your vaping liquid, wax, or solid. If you’re new to vaping, you’ll notice the biggest difference in chambers isn’t the material they’re made from. It’s the size of the chamber.
This is especially important for those of you who want to smoke cannabis solids. Make sure it’s easy to crumble your solids into the chamber. Also, make sure it has easy access for cleaning.
Retailers also sell sealed, pre-filled cartridges. They’re typically filled with a liquid of your choice. You simply screw the cartridge on your device and begin puffing. When it runs empty, you throw the whole cartridge away.
They’re more expensive than traditional chambers, but they require zero maintenance.
It’s also important to keep in mind that larger chambers make for larger vape units. Some vape units are so large that they’re built as stationary units. They’re usually built in a hookah style rather than an e-cigarette style.
Once again, consider where you want to use your vape unit before you buy.
What About the Coil?
The coil is the part of your vape unit that heats up. It works similarly to a cigarette lighter in a car. When electricity passes through the coil, the energy is transferred to heat.
Your unit then heats the air or the vaped material directly.
Coils come in a wide variety, from stainless steel to ceramic. Some use rebuildable coils, while others you never need to replace at all. There’s no right answer.
They all heat similarly, though some have complained that metal coils leave a slight metallic aftertaste. Other experts disagree. Just be aware of your options when you choose.
Scheduled Cleanings
Like a hot tub, vape units require regular maintenance. Convection vapes need more than conduction vapes, but both must be kept clean to ensure a clean, tasty smoke.
Be sure to read the instructions provided with your vape before you purchase it. If you have trouble making your bed in the morning, and couldn’t grow a plant to save your life, chances are that regular cleaning may be a challenge for you.
If that’s the case, pick a conduction vape. You’ll find it a less stressful process.
Where Oh Where Can I Smoke
You will see people vaping everywhere. On your campus. In your restaurant. On your airplane. The list goes on and on.
Unfortunately, the truth about vaping is that many of these enthusiasts are breaking the law. Vaping is such a new trend that many vape laws haven’t been ironed out yet.
Before you start puffing, ask around to make sure you can use your vape unit. Otherwise, you’re in for a citation that may cost you hundreds of dollars.
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve taken into the options available, fill in the following blank. “My first vape is going to have__________.” Use the preferences you just mentioned to narrow down the scope of your search. It’s time to get out there and start hunting.
Are you ready to learn more about vaping and other popular culture trends? Then come browse our library full of health and lifestyle articles. So long and good luck!
