Vapestore's Essential Guide to Vaping Terms and Expressions
For newer vapers, Vaping can seem like a hobby with a bizarre language all of its own. With this handy Vaping Glossary, you’ll find all the most commonly used terms and explanations to help you navigate this exciting new landscape and get the most enjoyment out of your vaping…
Hey, vapers! Ever found yourself lost in inscrutable jargon while browsing through vaping products on Vapestore or hanging out with other, more seasoned vapers? Are you baffled by words like "coil," "pod system," or "Ohm’s Law"? Well, you're not alone. Understanding the lingo can feel like learning a new language, and so that’s why we've put together this ultimate glossary to demystify the most commonly used vaping terms and expressions. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just someone looking to fill in the gaps of their vaping knowledge, this vaping glossary is tailored for you. Let’s get started!
Quick Note: We want to help you familiarise yourself with common vaping terms, not swamp you with information. For more in-depth explanations, you’ll find a wealth of useful guides among our Vaping Blogs. Want to know more about a specific vaping topic? Just visit our Blogs page and enter your search term in the search bar to find comprehensive guides to everything Vaping.
The Basics
Before we get into the fancy stuff, let's start with the foundational building blocks of vaping. Here are some terms you absolutely must know:
E-liquid:
This is the juice that fuels your vape. Made up of a base mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), e-liquids can come in a variety of flavours and nicotine strengths. It’s the PG that delivers the throat hit and the VG that produces the clouds.
Coils:
These are the heart of your vape. Coils heat up the e-liquid, turning it into the vapour you inhale. They come in various resistances, materials, and styles, affecting both flavour and vapour production.
Vape Kit:
The vape device itself. Think of it as a modern-day equivalent to the cigarette, but far less harmful. Vape kits come in a huge variety of styles and forms, but most all are compact, portable, and simple to use.
Battery:
Powering your vaping experience, batteries can either be built into the device or removable. Always follow safety guidelines, because a poorly maintained battery can be a fire hazard.
The Gear
Alright, so now you know the basics, but what about the hardware that can elevate your vaping experience? Let's get you up to speed:
Pod Systems:
These are the new(er) kids on the block, offering a super-compact design and simple operation. Great for vaping on the go and for those who prefer a more discreet setup with tons of varied form factors and designs to choose from.
Mods:
Mods are a broad term used to describe a vape device’s battery component. This might feature an integrated battery or require external batteries. It also contains all the circuitry, safety protections and other features that grant you control over your vaping.
There are also beefier ‘Box Mods’. Think of Box Mods as the heavy-duty trucks of the vaping world. They offer more features, more power, and are generally best suited for more experienced vapers.
Tanks:
The Tank is the chamber where your e-liquid and coil goes. You’ll encounter terms like pods, clearomisers, RTAs, and RDAs, each with its own set of pros and cons, largely around ease of use and customisability.
Disposable Vapes:
These are your one-and-done, single use options. Ideal for those who want to try vaping without committing to a full kit. Disposables Vape Bars, or ‘Puff Bars’ don’t require any setup, menus, refills, or coil changes – just remove from the packaging and you’re ready to vape!
Vape Kits:
A packaged hardware deal that often includes everything you need to start vaping, and at Vapestore, that often includes FREE or discounted e-liquids. ‘Vape kits’ is a broad term that covers a vast array of styles, like starter kits for beginners and pen-style kits for those who like a classic feel, as well as more advanced vape kits.
Types of Vape Kits
With vaping, one size doesn't fit all. The type of vape kit you choose should align with your vaping style and experience level. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:
Starter Kits:
Ideal for beginners, these kits are easy to use and generally include everything you need to start vaping. Often designed for MTL vaping, they offer a cigarette-like experience.
E-liquid
This is the juice that fuels your vape. Made up of a base mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), e-liquids can come in a variety of flavours and nicotine strengths. It’s the PG that delivers the throat hit and the VG that produces the clouds.
Pod Kits:
Compact and portable, pod kits use replaceable or refillable pods instead of traditional tanks. Great for vapers who want simplicity and stealth.
Advanced Vape Kits (Sub-Ohm):
For experienced vapers who want to cloud chase or get the most out their flavours. These kits usually require a good understanding of Ohm's Law and come with various customisation options.
Pen-Style Kits:
Resembling a large pen, these are a step up from starter kits but still easy to use. They offer moderate cloud production and are popular for their sleek, ergonomic form factor.
Box Mod Kits:
These come with a box-shaped mod and offer a wide range of features, from variable wattage to temperature control. Best suited for those who want to tailor their vaping experience.
Squonk Kits:
Designed for the experienced vaper, squonk kits come with a squeezable chamber built into the mod that feeds e-liquid into the attached RDA. It allows for more juice capacity and less frequent refilling.
Mechanical Mods:
For the experts only, mechanical mods offer no electronic safety features and require an in-depth understanding of electrical concepts like Ohm's Law.
Prefilled Pod Kits:
These kits come with pre-filled pods that you dispose of after use. While not refillable, they offer convenience and are generally leak-proof.
All-in-One (AIO) Kits:
These kits feature a compact design with a tank integrated into the mod. They're user-friendly but offer limited customisation.
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Types of Tanks
Selecting the right tank can profoundly impact your vaping experience, affecting everything from flavour intensity to cloud production. Let's take a look at the main types:
Cartridges:
You might see the word ‘cartridge’ or ‘pod’ used interchangeably, but they always refer to the same thing, e.g. the chamber you attach to the device’s battery component (mod) that contains the e-liquid and the coil.
Pod Tanks:
These are typically used in pod systems and can either be refillable or come pre-filled with e-liquid. They are usually made of plastic and are great for vapers looking for a simple and compact option.
Vape Tanks:
The most common type of tank, these are usually used with box mods and pen-style vapes. They come with replaceable coils and often replaceable glass.
RTAs (Rebuildable Tank Atomisers):
For those who like to get hands-on, RTAs allow you to build your own coils and wicks. They come with a tank to hold e-liquid, offering a balance between customisability and convenience.
RDAs (Rebuildable Dripping Atomisers):
These are for the vaping aficionados who love to build their coils and directly drip e-liquid onto the wick. RDAs are known for producing the most intense flavour but require frequent dripping as they don’t hold much e-liquid.
Closed Pod System:
A type of device that uses disposable pods prefilled with e-liquid and which contain an integrated coil. The body of these devices can be recharged, and the disposable pods can be replaced with new compatible pods.
Open/Refillable System:
These systems require e-liquid and can be refilled at will. Refillable vape kits have tanks or pods that are continuously refilled with vape juice and the pods/tanks are not thrown away after one use. Instead, they usually compatible with replaceable coils.
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Types of E-Liquid
What's vaping without E-liquid? It's the soul of every deliciously flavoursome puff, the essence of your vape. But not all e-liquids (sometimes called ‘e-juice’ or ‘vape juice’) are created equal. Here's what you need to know:
PG (Propylene Glycol):
Known for its throat hit and flavour intensity, PG is a thin, odourless liquid. It's commonly found in higher ratios in e-liquids designed for MTL vaping or starter kits.
VG (Vegetable Glycerin):
VG is all about the clouds. It's a thicker liquid that produces more vapour and offers a softer throat hit. High VG e-liquids are usually used in sub-ohm and advanced vape kits.
Flavourings:
These are commonly used, food-grade flavourings that reproduce a staggering variety of flavours found in the real world, as well as used in unique blends that can only be found in the world of vaping.
Nicotine Strength:
E-liquids come in various nicotine strengths, usually ranging from 0mg (nicotine-free) up to 20mg (high nicotine). Your choice will depend on your previous smoking habits and how you like to vape. In the UK, due to TPD regulations, e-liquids containing nicotine can’t exceed 20mg/ml.
50/50 E-Liquids:
As the name suggests, 50/50 e-liquids feature an equal mix of PG and VG, offering a balanced throat hit and vapour production. They are versatile and work well in most types of devices.
High-PG E-liquids:
Often referred to as ‘Classic E-liquids’, High-PG e-liquids have been around since the birth of vaping, and offer a more intense throat hit and stronger flavours than other types of e-liquid.
High-VG E-liquids:
Especially suited to more powerful, advanced sub-ohm vape kits, High-VG e-liquids are more viscous and deliver a smoother throat hit with impressive vapour production.
Nicotine Salts:
Also called ‘Nic Salts’, these e-liquids use a form of nicotine that’s closer to its natural state, offering a smoother throat hit even at higher nicotine strengths. Ideal for pod systems and lower-wattage devices.
Shortfills:
These are larger bottles of high-VG, nicotine-free e-liquid, leaving space for you to add a nicotine shot if desired. This way, you can customise your nicotine strength while enjoying a broader range of flavours. Shortfills are especially popular among sub-ohm vapers.
Freebase Nicotine:
This is the standard form of nicotine found in most e-liquids. It offers a more intense throat hit compared to nicotine salts and is available in a wide range of strengths.
Coils
When it comes to vaping, few elements are as essential, yet often overlooked, as the humble coil. Coils serve as the heating element within your vape device that vaporises the e-liquid, turning it into that satisfying cloud of vapour you inhale.
Replaceable Coil:
These are coils usually sold separately in multipacks that can be used in compatible vape tanks or pods. Often available in a variety of resistances, replaceable coils are a great way to customise and control your vaping experience, and they can often last longer than integrated or disposable pod coils.
Types
Standard Coils: These are your basic wire coils, the OG of the coil world. They are affordable and get the job done but don't offer much in terms of flavour or cloud production.
Mesh Coils: A newer innovation, mesh coils offer a greater surface area, leading to better flavour and more voluminous clouds.
Clapton Coils: Named after the guitar string, these coils consist of a core wire tightly wrapped by a thinner wire. They offer greater surface area and are known for intense flavour.
Resistance Levels
Sub-Ohm Coils (<1 Ohm): These are designed for high-wattage devices and produce massive clouds but consume more e-liquid.
Plus-Ohm Coils (>1 Ohm): Suited for low-wattage devices, they offer a tighter draw, similar to a cigarette, and consume less e-liquid.
Integrated/Fixed Coil:
These coils are fixed to the pod they come with and cannot be replaced. They’re intended to dispose of with whole pod once they begin to lose flavour but offer a convenient way to vape without fiddling with replaceable coil changes.
Materials
Kanthal: The most common material, it's easy to work with and great for beginners.
Stainless Steel: Known for quick heating and cooling, this material offers a clean flavour profile.
Ceramic: While not a metal, ceramic coils are praised for their longevity and ability to deliver a pure flavour.
Wicks
A Wick is the material that enwraps the metal wire in the coil. It is this material, often cotton or similar, that absorbs the e-liquid and places it in contact with the coil for heating.
Vaping Styles
So, you've got your gear and your e-liquid and you're ready to vape, but how do you actually want to inhale? Your vaping style not only impacts the gear and e-juice you'll want but also the overall experience. Here are the three primary styles:
Mouth-to-Lung (MTL):
Similar to how you'd smoke a traditional cigarette, you first draw the vapour into your mouth and then inhale it into your lungs. MTL vaping typically requires higher-resistance coils and is popular among those who prefer a tighter, more concentrated draw. This style is common to all disposables and most pod kits.
Direct-to-Lung (DTL):
With this style, you inhale the vapour directly into your lungs, almost like taking a deep breath. It produces a looser draw and much more vapour, hence those cloud-chasing stunts you might have seen online. DTL is generally paired with sub-ohm coils and more powerful vape kits.
Restricted Direct-to-Lung (RDL):
Think of this as the middle-ground between MTL and DTL. You're still inhaling directly into your lungs, but the airflow is a bit more restricted, making the draw tighter. It's a good compromise if you're looking for some cloud production without entirely losing that concentrated draw.
Vaping Styles
So, you've got your gear and your e-liquid and you're ready to vape, but how do you actually want to inhale? Your vaping style not only impacts the gear and e-juice you'll want but also the overall experience. Here are the three primary styles:
Mouth-to-Lung (MTL):
Similar to how you'd smoke a traditional cigarette, you first draw the vapour into your mouth and then inhale it into your lungs. MTL vaping typically requires higher-resistance coils and is popular among those who prefer a tighter, more concentrated draw. This style is common to all disposables and most pod kits.
Direct-to-Lung (DTL):
With this style, you inhale the vapour directly into your lungs, almost like taking a deep breath. It produces a looser draw and much more vapour, hence those cloud-chasing stunts you might have seen online. DTL is generally paired with sub-ohm coils and more powerful vape kits.
Restricted Direct-to-Lung (RDL):
Think of this as the middle-ground between MTL and DTL. You're still inhaling directly into your lungs, but the airflow is a bit more restricted, making the draw tighter. It's a good compromise if you're looking for some cloud production without entirely losing that concentrated draw.
Safety First
Safety should always be your number one priority when vaping. Here's what you need to know:
Ohm's Law:
It's not just for science geeks; it's helpful for any vaper. Ohm's Law helps you understand the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in your coil, ensuring you're vaping safely within the limits of your battery.
Battery Safety:
Whether your battery is built-in or removable, proper care is a must. Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer and never leave a charging battery unattended. Look out for any signs of damage, like leaks or rust, and replace the battery immediately if you spot these.
E-Liquid Handling
Always keep your e-liquids away from children and pets. Ensure the bottle is tightly sealed after use and avoid getting the liquid in your eyes or mouth.
General Precautions:
Don't neglect routine maintenance. Regularly check for any signs of wear and tear on your device and its components. A small issue can quickly turn into a significant problem if not addressed.
Law and Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape of vaping is important for any vaper, especially if you're travelling or looking to import vape products.
UK Law:
In the UK, you must be at least 18 to buy vaping products. The TPD rules largely apply, but there's no nationwide vaping ban in public places—although some areas may enforce their policies. Compared to countries like the USA, where laws can vary greatly by state, the UK offers a more uniform regulatory environment in-line with the European continent.
TPD Regulations
The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is an EU regulation, but it's been implemented in the UK as well. It sets limits on e-liquid bottle sizes, nicotine strength, and tank capacity, among other things. Although it was initially met with some resistance, the TPD ensures a certain level of safety and quality in vaping products.
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Vaping Communities and Culture
Vaping isn't just a hobby; for many, it's a lifestyle complete with its own subcultures and communities.
Cloud Chasing:
Cloud chasing involves using specialised vape gear to produce massive clouds of vapour. It's not just about the spectacle; there's a competitive element, with vapers showcasing their skills in cloud competitions.
Vape Meets:
This is the juice that fuels your vape. Made up of a base mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), e-liquids can come in a variety of flavours and nicotine strengths. It’s the PG that delivers the throat hit and the VG that produces the clouds.
Vape Meets:
Vape meets are social gatherings where vapers can share tips, try new products, and socialise. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned vaper, these events offer a great way to immerse yourself in the vaping community.
Extras
Before we get into the fancy stuff, let's start with the foundational building blocks of vaping. Here are some terms you absolutely must know:
Throat Hit:
The sensation that most smokers are accustomed to, of the smoke tickling the back of the throat, is what we call the ‘Throat Hit’ and this can increase or decrease in intensity depending on the type of vape kit and e-liquid you use. Generally, High-PG e-liquids produce a stronger throat hit, while High-VG e-liquids and Nic Salts provide a gentler, smoother throat hit.
Steeping:
Steeping is the process of letting your e-liquids age to enhance their flavour, much like you'd age a fine wine. It's optional but recommended for DIY e-liquid mixers and flavour chasers.
Conclusion
Hopefully we've covered everything from the nuts and bolts of vaping gear and e-liquids to the lingo that'll help you blend right into the vaping community. While this guide provides a solid foundation, the world of vaping is ever-evolving. So don't stop here—your journey has only just begun. With your newfound knowledge, you're ready to explore further and find what truly makes your vaping experience unique.
At Vapestore, we sell everything you need to enjoy your vaping to its fullest. From the best vape kits, tanks and box mods to the most delicious e-liquids and more, Vapestore is your one-stop-shop for all things Vaping, with FREE UK Next Day Delivery on all orders over £20!
