Ecigarette FABQ’s (frequently asked beginners questions)

We all had to start somewhere right? I have to tell you, when I first started Vaping I wish there were as many resources around about ecigarettes as there are today. So today we are going to answer a few of the more common questions beginners ask about e-cigarettes and Vaping.

Without further ado…

What is an e-cigarette?

An e-cigarette is a battery operated device that emits a vapor from a liquid solution in order to mimic the act of smoking a real cigarette. The major difference is in the vapor. Whilst real cigarettes actually burn the tobacco that you are breathing in(along with the thousands of other chemicals produced from the act of burning), e-cigarettes heat a liquid to produce a vapor not unlike that which you see being emitted by your cup of tea every morning. There are many forms of e-cigarettes:

• Cig-a-likes Devices that are of a similar size and appearance to a real cigarette, an LED on the end of these often light up when you draw on them to mimic a cigarette. Unfortunately the batteries do not last long on these without having to recharge often, and the small power output can give you an unsatisfying vape.
• Ego style These devices are normally 14mm in diameter, and can be anywhere from 50mm – 100mm long. The battery lasts significantly longer than their cig-a-like brothers and it is common to see a ‘clearomizer’ or tank attached to them.
• APV (advanced personal vaporizer) These devices are even larger still, often they will come with lcd screens and/or additional buttons in order to vary their power output. They will usually also contain a circuit inside as a safety feature.
• Mechanical Mods Mech mods, are usually cylindrical tubes in which various rechargeable batteries can be used. They do not feature any safety circuits and it is advised that they only be used by people experienced with testing their equipment correctly.

Are e-cigarettes safe?

As safe as anything else. There have been multiple tests of varying degrees done on e-cigarettes, however there is not one that can cover the broad question of “Are they safe?”. Considering the extremely damaging nature of the tobacco smoking habit, my personal opinion along with many others is that, e-cigarettes are a much ‘safer’ option than breathing in the toxins from a real cigarette. The best advice I can give on this subject, is to do some research, and make an educated decision on whether using e-cigarettes is the path you personally wish to take.

E-cigarettes have made a drastic improvement in my life, health wise and aiding in kicking the habit of lighting up a pack a day. I have more energy, very rarely get ill, my smoker’s cough is a distant memory, my sense of smell and taste has returned and I do not smell like an ashtray anymore.

I have heard that nicotine is addictive and bad for you. Is this true?

Another loaded question. While there will always be people who will shout that nicotine is an addictive drug created by the devil, and all users should be banished to the depths of hell, there have been studies of late that actually point in the opposite direction. Whilst nicotine may very well be addictive, studies have shown that it is an addiction no different than that to caffeine when used in the small doses that e-cigarettes deliver. The other chemicals created by smoking a cigarette are much more addictive. Tests on nicotine users have in fact shown improved cognitive responses, along with many other benefits. In fact nicotine is now being trialled as a treatment for many common ailments.

 I am confused by all of the terminology and what to buy! There are so many options! Can you help me?

You’re right. There are a lot of options, and as e-cigarettes become more popular we will continue to see advances in the technology that drives them. As few choices that were around when I first started, I was confused also. The best thing you can do is join a discussion forum or if you know someone you vapes (uses an e-cigarette), ask them for a little advice. Most e-cigarette users are quite savvy, and should be able to point you in the right direction.

For lack of the former, and you are just starting out, I would recommend an “ego type” battery with a “bottom coil” clearomizer, for example, an “Ego c 650mah – 1100mah” battery with a “Kanger Protank mini” clearomizer as a starting point.

Shane Presser

Shane Presser has been vaping since 2013, and has extensive experience with advanced equipment, coil builds and DIY mixing. He is the man behind VapersGarage, and also more recently Aussie Vape Stores, a resource to help vapers find their nearest Vape Shops, and eLiquid Vendors.