The transition from smoking tobacco products to vaping is a decision that many people make for various reasons. Public Health England has even stated that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking, but where do you start if you’re looking to make the switch and are brand new to the vaping world?

In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed vaping guide for beginners. From finding the right type of vape device to discovering the ideal e-liquid that can satisfy your nicotine cravings – all of the information you need on making the switch to vaping is right here.

Finding a Vape Device

Vaping is a great way to transition from smoking tobacco products, but you also want to make the right investment that will both satisfy your cravings and produce an enjoyable vaping experience. Before you start browsing vaping devices, it’s probably a good idea to consider the following;

Battery Life

Consider how much you intend on using the vape device. If you tend to travel a lot for example, or don’t have regular access to a charger, you’ll probably want a vape device with a larger battery for a longer-lasting charge.

E-Liquid Compatibility

Some devices work best with higher PG e-liquids, while others are optimised for high VG juices. Ensure the vape device you are going to choose is compatible with the type of e-liquid you plan to use.

Budget

It’s also worth considering your budget for a vape device. It might be helpful to count up how much you would spend on tobacco cigarettes for 1-2 months, then you can evaluate how long it would take you to offset the cost of a purchased vape device.

Consider Future Needs

If you think you might want to delve deeper into vaping in the future, consider investing in a device that offers some room for growth and customization.

Types of Vape Devices

If you’re searching for your first vape device, you’re probably already confused. From disposable vapes to tanks and pods, it can be hard to understand the difference between them all and determine which one is right for you.

Check out the different types of vape devices below.

Vape Starter Kits

Vape starter kits are designed to provide beginners with everything they need to begin vaping. They are typically more user-friendly than advanced vape kits and they aim to offer a straightforward introduction to everything you might need for vaping.

A typical vape starter kit will include;

Mod: This is the main body of the device, housing the battery and the controls.
Tank: This holds the e-liquid and contains the coil that heats the liquid to produce vapour.
Coils: These are replaceable elements that heat the e-liquid. A starter kit usually comes with one or two coils to get started.
Charging Cable: Most kits come with a USB cable for charging the device.
User Manual: Instructions on how to use and maintain the device.

Starter kits are generally more cost-effective for beginners to vaping, especially when compared to buying vaping device components separately. They can provide you with everything you need to get started and make the healthier switch from smoking to vaping.

Vape Pod Kits

These are also commonly referred to as ‘pod vapes’ and are designed for simplicity and convenience. They have become increasingly popular, especially among those who are new to vaping or those looking for a more discreet and portable option.

A vape pod kit offers a compact and lightweight vaping solution, they are also often shaped like a USB drive or a small pebble, which makes them easy to carry around in a pocket or purse.

Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes are designed to be used once and then discarded, they are a great option for those seeking a quick and efficient nicotine solution, without being tempted to purchase tobacco products.

They are pre-filled with e-liquid and come with a pre-charged battery; once the e-liquid is used up or the battery dies, the entire vaping device stops working. They are also quite user-friendly as you only need to simply inhale to activate and vape.

Many disposable vapes are also made with nicotine salts, which allow for higher nicotine concentrations without a harsh throat hit. This can be appealing to tobacco smokers who are making the transition from smoking to vaping.

Finding an E-Liquid

Finding the right e-liquid (sometimes referred to as vape juice) is crucial for satisfying your cravings and ensuring an enjoyable vaping experience. You choose from a wide range of flavours and throat hit intensities, check out these e-liquid details below to find the right one for you.

PG/VG Ratio

If you have been looking at different e-liquids, you might have seen the PG/VG ratio displayed on them, but what does that actually mean? E-liquids contain propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). The ratio between these two can affect your vaping experience:

Higher PG: More flavour, stronger throat hit, less vapour.
Higher VG: Smoother on the throat, more vapour, slightly sweeter taste.

You can experiment with different PG/VG ratios in order to find one that suits your preferences, however, if you are transitioning from smoking tobacco products, we would recommend starting out with a higher PG ratio for a more similar experience to smoking tobacco.

Choosing Nicotine Strength

One of the benefits of vaping compared to smoking is that users have a lot more control over their nicotine intake. The nicotine strength of e-liquids is displayed by the ‘mg’ on the bottle and they typically come in 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg or 20mg.

Heavy smokers might start with higher nicotine levels (18mg or higher). Light smokers or those looking to reduce nicotine intake might opt for 3mg to 12mg, while some vapers use 0mg e-liquids to eliminate nicotine completely while still enjoying the act of vaping.

E-liquid calculator

For some dedicated vapers, they will mix up their own e-liquid formula, combining a certain amount of nicotine, PG, VG, and flavour to produce an ideal e-liquid. There is a calculator you can use for this process, but if you are new to vaping then an e-liquid calculator is probably too advanced.

Contact us for advice on vape devices, e-liquids and more

If you would like some advice or guidance on finding the right vape device or e-liquid, you can contact us at KIX, either by email or by visiting one of our stores.

Remember, that the best vape device is one that fits your personal needs and preferences. It might take some experimentation to find the right set-up and e-liquid, but compared to smoking tobacco, the benefits are very much worth it.