Common Vaping Mistakes to Avoid

Common Vaping Mistakes to Avoid

Whether you are new to vaping or a long time customer, experiencing an issue with your device can be frustrating. Luckily, many of the common issues customers experience can be easily fixed or prevented. Even experienced vapers can overlook these common vaping mistakes. This guide will help you identify and troubleshoot the issue you may be experiencing, and prevent issues arising in the future.

Guide for a Smooth Vaping Experience

Prime or Replace Your Coil/Pod

The coil, or pod, is the component of the device that heats up the e-liquid, turning it into vapour. An issue with your coil or pod can significantly diminish your vaping experience, which is why it is important to be priming and replacing them correctly. 

If you are noticing a drop in vapour or flavour production, it may be time to replace your coil. The lifespan of a coil will vary between 5 days to 2 weeks depending on usage, e-liquids and wattage. 

If your tank or pod uses replaceable coils, priming a new coil is vital to preventing premature burning or dry hits. Priming a coil is the process of saturating the wicking material with e-liquid prior to first use. Priming allows the wick to absorb the e-liquid more efficiently and uniformly. It also increases the lifespan of the new coil because it prevents overheating and burning. 

If you are using a pod kit without a replaceable coil, when first filling your pod, allow the coil to soak up the eliquid for approximately 10 minutes before beginning to vape. This has a similar effect to priming, as it will extend the lifespan of the coil and provide a more flavourful vaping experience.

Check Wattage Settings

Incorrect wattage settings will lead to an unsatisfactory vaping experience. Some devices, like vape pens, have a fixed output that matches your coil, so that you don’t have to worry about tinkering with wattage settings. However, more powerful devices, such as a sub ohm kit, allow for more customization. A wattage setting that is too low will result in little vapour production and weak flavour. Too high of a wattage setting will cause dry and burnt tasting hits, and can damage your coil. Most coils will have instructions that state an optimal wattage range. The best way to find the perfect setting for yourself is to start at the lowest recommended setting and work your way up until your preferred vapour and flavour is achieved. Stay within the recommended range to not risk diminishing the lifespan of your coil. 

You should also adjust your airflow depending on your wattage settings. When using low wattage settings, having your airflow too open will stop you from drawing a sufficient amount of vapour and may result in a lack of flavour. 

Keep Tank/Pod Sufficiently Filled 

Keep an eye on your e-liquid level to ensure you do not burn out your coil prematurely. Most coils have a minimum fill line so it is easy to know when your e-liquid is getting low. 

With larger devices, or a new device, knowing how to fill the tank or pod can be confusing. Check the user manual to make sure you are using the dedicated filling port. Accidentally pouring e-liquid down the chimney of the tank/pod can flood the tank or pod and cause the device to spit when fired.

Keep The Airflow Clear

Many user friendly devices, like pod kits, now have an auto-draw feature alongside the usual fire button. However, e-liquid build up in the base of the pod up can block the airflow sensor, preventing the auto-draw feature from functioning correctly. If you haven’t used your device for a few hours, or store it on its side, it is a good idea to remove the pod before using the device again to make sure there is no build up at the base that could block the airflow.

Secure Connections

Ensure your coil and tank are fitted correctly. If not secured properly the e-liquid can get into the gaps and cause your device to leak. You should also be checking all the rubber fittings to make sure they haven't worn out. 

PG/VG Ratios

Almost all e-liquids contain a mix of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG). Each liquid has different properties, meaning changing the ratio will alter your vaping experience. When determining your optimal e-liquid ratio, there are a number of factors to consider including flavour, smoothness and cloud production. E-liquids containing high VG create thick clouds and provide a smoother throat hit. However, VG is less effective at carrying flavour. It also does not provide much of a throat hit, making e-liquids with high VG less suitable for people looking to quit smoking. On the other hand PG offers a “smoking-like effect”, and provides a more flavourful experience. 

The type of device you are using will also impact your ideal ratio. PG vaporises at lower temperatures and therefore e-liquids with high PG are ideal for low wattage devices. VG, is a more viscous liquid and work best with high wattage devices or sub-ohm vapes. E-liquids are available in a range of PG/VG ratios. Alternatively, you can purchase VG and PG separately and mix your own e-liquid to create your ideal balance. 

Nicotine Strengths

If you are unsatisfied with your vaping experience, you may need to adjust your nicotine strength. There are two main factors to consider when choosing a nicotine strength, your smoking habits and the type of device you are using. Our e-liquids are available in a variety of nicotine strengths from 0mg to 20mg/ml.  Heavy smokers transitioning from traditional cigarettes, may prefer to start at 20mg. Whereas occasional or light smokers are better off with nicotine strengths of 3-6mg/ml. Additionally, some devices release more nicotine than others. For instance, many vapers go down one or two nicotine strengths from their usual preference when using a sub-ohm device. Ordering a couple of different strengths when first starting out will allow you to play around and determine your ideal strength. 

Further Assistance 

If, after reading this article, you are still having an unsatisfactory vaping experience please reach out to Wicks & Wires using this form or call 905-597-8273 and our team will be happy to assist you.

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