Comprehensive Vaping Guide

1. Introduction to Vaping

Vaping involves inhaling vapor produced by heating e-liquid in a device powered by a battery. It’s a popular alternative to smoking, offering customizable flavors, nicotine strengths, and device types. Vape kits typically consist of a tank or pod to hold e-liquid, a coil to heat it, and a mod or battery to power the system.

Key Components of a Vape Kit

• Tank/Pod: Holds the e-liquid and houses the coil.

• Coil: The heating element that vaporizes e-liquid, consisting of a wire and wick.

• Mod/Battery: Provides power and often includes settings for customization.

• Mouthpiece/Drip Tip: Where you inhale the vapor.

• Airflow System: Controls the draw resistance and vapor production.

Types of Vaping Styles

• Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): Mimics smoking a cigarette, with a tight draw and lower vapor production. Best for beginners and high-nicotine e-liquids.

• Direct-to-Lung (DTL)/Sub-Ohm: Produces large clouds with a looser draw, suited for advanced users and thicker, high-VG e-liquids.

• Restricted Direct Lung (RDL): A hybrid between MTL and DTL, offering moderate vapor and flavor.

2. Choosing a Vape Kit

Selecting the right vape kit depends on your experience level, preferences, and understanding of power requirements.

Beginner Kits

• Features: Top-filling MTL tanks, coils above 1.0 Ohm, and prefilled or refillable pods for ease of use.

• Examples: Aspire Nautilus 3, Innokin T18E, or Vaporesso Xros Pro. These are user-friendly with minimal maintenance.

• E-Liquid: Use thinner e-liquids (50% PG or higher) for MTL tanks to ensure proper wicking.

Intermediate/Advanced Kits

• Features: Box mods with adjustable wattage, sub-ohm tanks, or AIO (All-in-One) kits like the Lost Vape Centaurus G 80.

• Examples: Geekvape Zeus for high-VG liquids or Boro kits like the Billet Box for customizable setups.

• E-Liquid: Thicker e-liquids (60% VG or higher) for sub-ohm tanks to handle higher power.

Disposable and Prefilled Pod Kits

• Best For: Vapers avoiding maintenance. Disposable tanks or prefilled pods (e.g., Elf Bar or Lost Mary) are replaced when the coil burns out.

• Pros: Convenient, no coil changes or refilling needed.

• Cons: Less cost-effective over time compared to refillable kits.

3. Understanding Ohm’s Law, Power, and Wattage in Vaping

Ohm’s Law and power calculations are critical for safe and effective vaping, especially when using rebuildable coils or advanced kits. These principles help determine the appropriate wattage and ensure compatibility between coils, batteries, and mods.

Ohm’s Law

Ohm’s Law relates voltage (V), current (I, in amps), and resistance (R, in ohms) in an electrical circuit:

• Formula: V = I × R

• Derived Formulas:

  • Current: I = V ÷ R

  • Resistance: R = V ÷ I

  • Power (Wattage): P = V × I or P = I² × R or P = V² ÷ R

In vaping:

• Voltage (V): The battery’s output, typically 3.7V for a single 18650 battery, though regulated mods adjust this.

• Current (I): The amperage drawn from the battery, which must not exceed the battery’s continuous discharge rating (e.g., 20A for a Samsung 25R).

• Resistance (R): The coil’s resistance, measured in ohms. Lower resistance (e.g., 0.2 Ohm) requires more power and draws more current.

• Power (P): The wattage delivered to the coil, determining heat, vapor production, and flavor intensity.

Applying Ohm’s Law to Vaping

• Example Calculation:

  • Coil Resistance: 0.4 Ohm

  • Battery Voltage: 4.2V (fully charged 18650)

  • Current: I = V ÷ R = 4.2 ÷ 0.4 = 10.5A

  • Power: P = V² ÷ R = 4.2² ÷ 0.4 = 44.1W

  • Conclusion: This setup requires a battery with at least a 10.5A continuous discharge rating and a mod capable of delivering ~44W safely.

• Safety: Always use batteries with a high enough amp rating to handle the current draw. Low-resistance coils (sub-ohm) increase current, risking battery overheating if mismatched.

Wattage and Vaping

• Wattage (Power): Determines how much heat the coil generates. Higher wattage produces more vapor and stronger flavor but can burn coils or e-liquid if too high.

• MTL Vaping: Typically 8-20W with coils above 1.0 Ohm. Low wattage suits high-nicotine, high-PG liquids.

• DTL/Sub-Ohm Vaping: Often 40-100W+ with coils below 0.5 Ohm. High wattage suits high-VG liquids for cloud production.

• Adjustable Mods: Regulated mods (e.g., Geekvape Aegis) let you set wattage manually. Start low and increase until you find the “sweet spot” for flavor and vapor without burning.

• Coil Recommendations: Most pre-made coils have a recommended wattage range printed on them (e.g., 0.4 Ohm coil: 40-60W). Stay within this range to avoid damaging the coil or wick.

Choosing Kits and Coils with Ohm’s Law

• Beginner Kits: Use high-resistance coils (1.0-1.8 Ohm) requiring low wattage (8-20W). These are safe for single-battery mods with standard 18650 batteries (e.g., 15-20A rating).

• Sub-Ohm Kits: Use low-resistance coils (0.15-0.5 Ohm) requiring 40-100W+. Ensure your mod supports high wattage and your battery has a high amp rating (e.g., 25A+).

• Regulated vs. Mechanical Mods:

  • Regulated Mods: Have built-in safety features to prevent over-drawing current, making them safer for beginners. They adjust voltage automatically based on wattage settings.

  • Mechanical Mods: Lack regulation, so you must calculate current draw manually using Ohm’s Law to avoid battery failure. Recommended only for advanced users.

• Battery Safety:

  • Use high-drain batteries (e.g., Sony VTC5A, 25A) for sub-ohm setups.

  • Check the mod’s maximum wattage and ensure it matches the coil’s requirements.

  • Avoid coils with resistance too low for your battery’s amp limit (e.g., a 0.1 Ohm coil at 4.2V draws 42A, unsafe for most batteries).

Practical Tips

• Start Low: When using a new coil, begin at the lower end of the recommended wattage and increase gradually to avoid burning the wick.

• Check Resistance: Use an ohmmeter or regulated mod to verify coil resistance before vaping.

• Monitor Battery Life: High-wattage vaping drains batteries faster. Carry spares for extended use.

4. Mixing E-Liquids

Mixing your own e-liquids allows for tailored flavors, nicotine strengths, and VG/PG ratios. This process requires precision and safety.

Components of E-Liquid

• Propylene Glycol (PG): Acts as a carrier for nicotine and flavor, providing a throat hit. Higher PG makes thinner liquids suitable for MTL tanks and low-wattage setups.

• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): Thickens the liquid and produces more vapor, ideal for DTL/sub-ohm vaping at higher wattages. Higher VG requires more power.

• Nicotine: Available as freebase or nicotine salts. Salts offer smoother hits at higher strengths, ideal for beginners.

• Flavor Concentrates: Food-grade flavorings to customize taste.

Mixing Process

1. Safety First: Wear gloves and work in a clean, well-ventilated area to avoid contamination.

2. Calculate Ratios: Use an online e-liquid calculator to determine quantities. For example, a 70% VG / 30% PG mix with 3mg/ml nicotine might use:

   • 70ml VG, 20ml PG, 10ml nicotine base (30mg/ml), and 5-10% flavor concentrate for a 100ml batch.

3. Mixing:

   • Measure VG and PG into a clean bottle using syringes or a scale for accuracy.

   • Add nicotine carefully, avoiding skin contact.

   • Add flavor concentrates (typically 5-20% of the total volume, depending on the brand).

   • Shake vigorously to combine.

4. Steeping: Let the liquid sit for 1-2 weeks in a cool, dark place to enhance flavor. Shake daily.

5. Testing: Test a small batch in your device to adjust flavor or nicotine if needed. Ensure wattage matches the coil and liquid type (e.g., high VG needs higher wattage).

Tips

• Start with single-flavor recipes to master ratios before experimenting with complex blends.

• Use high-quality, reputable ingredients from trusted suppliers.

• Store e-liquids in dark glass bottles to prevent degradation.

5. Cleaning Vape Kits

Regular cleaning extends the lifespan of your vape kit, maintains flavor quality, and prevents residue buildup.

When to Clean

• When changing e-liquids, especially with contrasting flavors (e.g., menthol to fruit).

• If you notice reduced flavor or vapor production, often due to incorrect wattage or gunked coils.

• Every 1-2 weeks for regular maintenance.

Cleaning a Vape Tank

1. Disassemble: Remove the tank from the mod, discard old e-liquid, and separate the coil, mouthpiece, glass tube, and base.

2. Rinse: Run all parts (except the coil) under warm water to remove residue. Use a soft brush or toothbrush for stubborn spots.

3. Soak (Optional): For deeper cleaning, soak parts in warm water with a drop of dish soap or use an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes.

4. Dry: Air dry on a paper towel overnight or use a microfiber cloth to avoid water spots.

5. Reassemble: Check O-rings for wear, replace if needed, and reassemble the tank securely.

Cleaning Coils

• Replaceable Coils: Soak in warm water, vinegar, or ethanol for 2 hours, rinse with distilled water, and air dry. This extends life slightly but doesn’t fully restore them.

• Rebuildable Coils: Remove wicks, lightly dry-burn to remove residue (pulse at low wattage until coils glow), rinse under warm water, and re-wick. Avoid dry-burning at high wattage to prevent coil damage.

Cleaning the Mod

• Wipe the 510 connector with a dry or slightly damp paper towel to remove e-liquid or dirt, ensuring proper coil connection and accurate resistance readings.

• Avoid over-tightening parts to prevent thread damage.

• Store the device upright to prevent leaks.

6. Building Vape Tanks and Coils

Building your own coils and tanks allows for customization but requires understanding Ohm’s Law and wattage requirements.

Types of Rebuildable Atomizers

• Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer (RDA): No tank, requires manual dripping of e-liquid onto coils. Offers intense flavor and vapor but needs frequent maintenance.

• Rebuildable Tank Atomizer (RTA): Has a tank for e-liquid and a build deck for coils, balancing convenience and customization.

• Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizer (RDTA): Combines RDA and RTA features, with a tank and manual dripping option.

Tools Needed

• Coil wire (Kanthal, Stainless Steel, or Nickel)

• Cotton wicks

• Coil jig or screwdriver for wrapping

• Wire cutters and tweezers

• Ohmmeter to check resistance

• Screwdrivers for build deck

Building Coils

1. Choose Wire: Kanthal is durable with high resistance (e.g., 1.0-1.5 Ohm for MTL); Stainless Steel offers low resistance (e.g., 0.2-0.5 Ohm for DTL) and clean flavor.

2. Wrap Coils: Use a coil jig to wrap wire into a coil (e.g., 5-6 wraps for 0.4-0.6 Ohm). Ensure wraps are even and tight.

3. Install Coils: Secure coils to the build deck, tightening screws gently. Trim excess wire.

4. Check Resistance: Use an ohmmeter to verify resistance. For example, a 0.4 Ohm coil at 4.2V draws 10.5A and produces ~44W. Ensure your battery and mod can handle this.

5. Wick Coils: Thread cotton through the coil, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight. Trim ends and tuck into the deck’s juice wells.

6. Test: Attach to mod, pulse at low wattage (e.g., 10-15W) to check for hot spots, and adjust with tweezers if needed. Gradually increase to the desired wattage.

Setting Up a Tank

• RTAs: Install the coil on the build deck, wick, and fill the tank with e-liquid. Ensure O-rings are intact to prevent leaks.

• RDAs: Drip e-liquid directly onto the wick until saturated, then vape. Re-drip every few puffs.

• RDTAs: Combine tank filling with occasional dripping for flexibility.

Wattage for Rebuildable Coils

• MTL Coils (1.0-1.8 Ohm): Use 8-20W for a cool, flavorful vape.

• DTL Coils (0.2-0.5 Ohm): Use 40-80W for warm, dense vapor. Check the coil’s recommended range or calculate using P = V² ÷ R.

• Adjustments: Start at the lower wattage and increase until optimal flavor is achieved. Avoid exceeding the battery’s amp limit.

Safety Tips

• Use Ohm’s Law to ensure coil resistance and wattage are safe for your battery.

• Use high-quality batteries (e.g., 18650, 21700) from reputable brands.

• Check for shorts or loose connections before firing to prevent battery failure.

7. Using RBA Boro Kits and Tanks

Boro kits, popularized by the Billet Box, are advanced, compact AIO devices using borosilicate glass tanks for durability. They’re ideal for hobbyists who enjoy customization.

What Are Boro Kits?

• Boro Tanks: Use borosilicate glass (hence “Boro”) and a sliding cover. Compatible with pre-made coils or RBAs.

• Boro Mods: All-in-one devices with integrated tanks, often using Evolv DNA chipsets (e.g., DNA60C) for precise wattage control.

• Examples: Stubby 21 AIO by Suicide Mods, Cthulhu AIO V2, or Lost Vape Centaurus G 80.

Features

• Customizability: Adjust airflow, wattage, and coil types (e.g., mesh or Clapton).

• Battery: Typically use 18650 or 21700 batteries for long life.

• Versatility: Support MTL, RDL, or DTL vaping with interchangeable bridges or coils.

• Durability: Made from premium materials like stainless steel or PCTG.

Setting Up a Boro Kit

1. Choose a Bridge or Coil: Use a pre-made coil (e.g., Nord Adapter) or an RBA bridge like the Blaze Bridge for custom coils.

2. Build or Install:

   • For RBAs, build coils as described above, ensuring resistance aligns with Ohm’s Law and mod capabilities (e.g., 0.6 Ohm for 15-30W).

   • For pre-made coils, insert into the bridge and secure.

3. Fill the Tank: Slide open the Boro tank, fill with e-liquid (50/50 for MTL, high-VG for DTL), and close securely.

4. Adjust Wattage: Use the mod’s chipset to set wattage based on coil resistance (e.g., 0.4 Ohm coil at 40-60W). Start low and increase gradually.

5. Test Airflow: Adjust airflow pins or slots for desired draw (tight for MTL, open for DTL).

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Disassemble the tank, rinse with warm water, and dry thoroughly. Clean the bridge or coil as described in the coil cleaning section.

• Coil Replacement: Swap pre-made coils or rebuild RBAs every 1-2 weeks, depending on usage.

• Storage: Store upright to prevent leaks, and keep spare O-rings for replacements.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Highly customizable, compact, durable, and supports various vaping styles with precise wattage control.

• Cons: Requires advanced knowledge of Ohm’s Law, more maintenance, and higher initial cost.

8. Vape Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

• Battery Safety: Avoid overcharging or undercharging. Use a dedicated charger and store batteries in a case. Verify amp limits for your coil’s resistance.

• E-Liquid Storage: Store in original bottles, not in the tank, to prevent oxidation and clogging.

• Avoid Overfilling: Prevents leaks and flooded coils.

• Regular Checks: Inspect O-rings, threads, and connections for wear or damage. Ensure wattage is within coil specifications.

9. Safety and Best Practices

• Ohm’s Law: Use V = I × R and P = V² ÷ R to calculate safe current and wattage. For example, a 0.2 Ohm coil at 4.2V draws 21A, requiring a high-drain battery.

• Battery Safety: Use high-drain batteries from trusted brands (e.g., Sony, Samsung). Check for damage before use.

• Wattage Safety: Stay within the coil’s recommended wattage range to prevent burning or overheating.

• Age Restriction: Vaping is for adults (18+) transitioning from smoking. Never recommend to non-smokers or minors.

• E-Liquid Handling: Handle nicotine with care, as it’s toxic in high concentrations. Store away from children and pets.

10. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Leaking Tank: Check O-rings, ensure proper coil installation, and avoid overfilling.

• Burnt Taste: Ensure wick is saturated, lower wattage to within coil’s range, or replace/rebuild coil.

• Poor Connection: Clean 510 connector and check coil seating for accurate resistance readings.

• Low Vapor/Flavor: Clean tank, replace coil, or adjust wattage/airflow to match coil resistance and e-liquid type.