Smoking causes a complex addiction, which cannot be explained by just a few factors. For years, traditional smoking cessation methods (patches, gum, etc.) have focused on satisfying the smoker's need for nicotine alone. However, we now know that nicotine is not the only source of addiction. Smokers associate the “anchor” behaviour with consuming nicotine – which acts as a chemical marker – and this is reinforced every time they smoke a cigarette. So as well as your brain's physical need for nicotine whenever you feel a craving, there's a psychological aspect to understanding smoking. Any smoker will tell you that they're “addicted to having something to do with their hands” too. And that's where e-cigarettes excel: they satisfy the physical craving for nicotine and fill a psychological void. Vapers use their hands as they did when smoking, with something to hold, a flavour in their mouth and vapour to blow out, so the replacement e-cigarette feels more satisfying. Here are some vaping basics to help you understand it all.
1- The Correct Vape For Every Person
Illustration of a vaper Every vaper has different tastes, feelings and expectations, so there is no such thing as one best overall e-cigarette. The best e-cigarette is the one that will help you quit tobacco cigarettes, so it has to be very personal. That's what makes vaping so great: you can do it in a way that suits you. Most of the products we show you here are “open” systems. That means they are interchangeable with other components (this tank can work with that battery, etc.). That means lots of options for personalizing your vaping device to suit your needs. To give yourself the best chance of quitting with an e-cigarette, we'll give you the basics you need to know.
2- The Correct Power Level
Illustration of a batteryOur first piece of advice is to avoid very powerful models. They'll be much bulkier. Our rankings for the best beginner kits, for example, only include e-cigarettes that are easy to transport and to fit into your pocket. If you want something even smaller, we recommend pod mods. Their particularly small size makes them even easier to use. However, they tend to do worse on battery life, so that's something to think about when you buy. On the other hand, if you choose a kit that uses a variable power box mod and a clearomizer, choose a box with a maximum power of between 30 and 40 W. That will be more than enough to start with.
3- The Correct Clearomizer For The Smoker
Illustration of a clearomizerThe clearomizer is the top part of the e- cigarette you put into your mouth. It is made up of a tank, a coil and a mouthpiece (drip tip). We'd recommend choosing a clearomizer with a tight draw and coils of more than 1 ohm. A high resistance in ohms will let you inhale indirectly. Indirect inhalation is a two-step vaping method. First you pull the vapour into your mouth and then into your lungs, just like smoking a tobacco cigarette. All of the models we've selected above work with indirect inhalation. A good clearomizer is essential, so make sure you get one!
4- Battery Life Matters
Illustration of an other batteryThe battery needs to hold its charge long enough. Battery life is calculated in milliamperes/hour (mAh). It's easy to work out because the higher the mAh, the longer the battery will last. To sum up, 1500 mAh or more will give any new vaper enough power for a day without worrying about the battery. Another important point: the higher the ohm value of the coil in the clearomizer, the less battery power it will use. The e-cigarette must have pass-through functionality, which lets you vape while it recharges it via a micro USB cable. If yours doesn't have that option, consider buying a second battery. Then you avoid being left waiting, which might give you time to reach for a smoke in the meantime.
5- Simplicity Is Key
Stopping smoking can be stressful, so anything that makes your life easier is a good thing. With that in mind, opt for a clearomizer with a top-fill e-liquid tank. It's a lot easier and faster. Along the same lines, the less geeky among you will prefer batteries with non-variable power. Fill the tank, wait a few minutes for the coil to soak through, then press the button and vape. The simpler, the better, at least when you start vaping. If you want the simplest possible solution, choose a pod mod instead. Pod mods are small e-cigarettes that are easy to use, although their battery often lasts less than in a box mod.
How to Choosse the Corect E-juice for myself?
1- A Nicotine Level That's Right For Your Needs
Illustration of the nicotine levelThis is another a key factor in successfully quitting smoking. Start with a high nicotine level (e.g. 12 or 18 mg/ml) for the first few days or weeks, especially if you choose a pod as they're less powerful. The best thing is to test different products and make up your own mind. Finally, don't be afraid of nicotine. What makes smoking dangerous is inhaling the smoke from burning tobacco, not the nicotine. As a smoker, nicotine for you is a bit like caffeine. You can always reduce the nicotine level gradually later if you want to.
2- Flavour - What do you like!
Illustration of an e-juice,The e-liquid you choose can have a big impact on how successfully you transition to vaping. Part of stopping smoking is the pleasure of discovering flavours you like. We suggest you choose several so you don't get bored. E-liquid manufacturers sell a huge range of flavours: tobacco (also called classic), fruity, gourmet, cocktail and mint flavours. Visiting a well- stocked store is the best way to test a lot of different e-liquids and choose the ones you like. Part of vaping is the pleasure of tasting different flavours. For the answers to other questions you might have about the best way to start vaping, we'd recommend reading our article Which e-cigarette is best for you?