How To Start Vaping

Are you ready to take the plunge into the world of vaping? If so, this quick introduction will set you up with all the basics that you need to know about an activity that has taken the world by storm.

Although vaping may seem intimidating and overwhelming to those who are just starting out, with a few helpful tips, answers to common questions, and the right guidance, you will be well on your way to vaping like a pro in almost no time.

Medical Disclaimer: The content of this webpage is provided "as is" and for general information only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is the use of an electronic cigarette (“e-cig”) to inhale an e-liquid ("vape juice") in vapour form. These vape juices come in all types of flavours and can either be nicotine-free or contain nicotine in varying concentrations. The ingredients of these juices usually contain a base substance (either propylene glycol or vegetable glycerine) along with flavourings and often nicotine. At Vaper Empire, we manufacture and sell a wide variety of vape juice flavours in varying nicotine strengths, ranging from nicotine-free to high strength with various options in between.

To make vapour from this vape juice, the device uses a heating element called an atomiser. This consists of a porous wick surrounded by a coil heating element. When the coil heats up, the liquid-soaked wick turns the liquid into vapour which can be inhaled and exhaled. Vaping devices are rechargeable using USB charging cables or charging packs, much like a smartphone. You can find various vape chargers for sale in the accessories section of our online vape store.

Why Start Vaping?

Every person has their own reason to start vaping, however, for many, the main reason is to quit smoking.

The U.S. CDC and the U.K. NHS both have reported that cigarette smoking has vast negative effects on health. In contrast, studies into vaping suggest that vaping is likely much less harmful than smoking.

How to Start Vaping: Choosing Your Hardware

It is impossible to write a cover-all guide about how to start vaping that everybody can follow to the letter. This is because everybody is different. What you want and need from vaping is entirely different from what the next person wants and needs, and this will have a direct influence on the vaping equipment and supplies that you need to buy.

However, there are some things that you should ask yourself first:

• How often do I smoke, and how much?
• How serious is my smoking habit?
• How often will I be using my vape?
• How much do I want to spend on getting started?

Once you have answers to these questions, you can start looking at vaping kits that fall within your price range. If you are a less “serious” smoker, you may get by on a more basic kit. If you are somebody who smokes a whole lot, you may need a more powerful device to calm your cravings.

Basic Devices

Your “basic” devices cover the likes of cig-a-like “e-cig” devices and, in some cases, pod systems. Both are extremely easy to use, often requiring little knowledge of vaping to master, making them ideal for beginner vapers. While not as powerful as some of the more advanced systems available, cig-a-likes and pod vapes are great for casual smokers who are making the switch to vaping. While similar to one another, pod vapes often utilize nicotine salts instead of freebase nicotine, making them suitable for heavy smokers.

While cig-a-likes are generally less powerful than other types of nicotine vapes, their cigarette-like design provides smokers with a level of familiarity that may make it easier for some smokers to switch.

Intermediate Devices

Intermediate devices are what people usually graduate on to from basic devices, however, some people may start on them directly. These cover your more powerful e-cigs and vape pens and commonly feature devices with bigger tanks, more powerful batteries, and variable controls like voltage and wattage. They are a good starting point for heavy smokers.

Advanced Devices

Finally, we have more advanced devices, commonly called “box mods” or “vape mods”. These devices come with the biggest tanks and most powerful batteries that are capable of pushing through enough power to create thick, dense vapour clouds. They are commonly used by vaping fanatics who like to participate in “vaping games” and tricks. They are not often a good starting point for beginners due to their power and the knowledge required to use them, however, there are exceptions. One such exception is Vaper Empire's very own Vibe Series, which boasts a powerful battery and large tank without the complexity often associated with such devices. With the Vibe Series, all it takes is the press of a button to start vaping.

How to Start Vaping: Choosing Your E-Liquid

Aside from your device, the most important choice is that of which e-liquid you will be using with it. Due to all the choices available, though, this is easier said than done.

One of the main things you need to consider is what concentration of nicotine it contains, which is known as its “strength”. Deciding which nicotine strength e-liquid to buy can be difficult, especially when you are trying to balance enjoyment with your nicotine cravings. This is because many ex-smokers don’t know exactly how much nicotine their bodies have been exposed to on an average day.

Choosing the right e-liquid with the right nicotine level is essential for getting the best vaping experience, especially if you are just switching over from cigarettes. Choose one that’s too low and it may not quell your cravings, which can potentially lead to a smoking “relapse”. Choose one that is too high and it may be too intense and off-putting.

Most e-liquids are sold in a range of concentrations. As a beginner, we recommend employing trial and error by putting a range of them to the test so that you can find the right one for your nicotine cravings. As a guide, Vaper Empire recommends the following:

• Those smoking strong, unfiltered cigarettes should start at around the 30mg/mL to 36mg/mL nicotine strength range.
• Those smoking “regular’ cigarettes should start at around the 16mg/mL to 20mg/mL nicotine strength range.
• Those smoking lighter and ultra-light cigarettes should start at around the 6mg/mL to 12mg/mL nicotine strength range.

Nicotine strength is always clearly marked on the bottle (and, if buying online, on the product page) and tends to go up in sixes from 0mg/mL up to 36mg/mL plus.

As time goes by and your cravings begin to be less severe, you can start reducing the strength of the e-liquid you use in stages. There are many examples of former smokers who have started all the way up at the higher end of the nicotine strength scale and then gone all the way down to 0mg/mL (nicotine free) e-liquid over time.