How To Choose Vaping Equipment (Beginner's Guide)

Vaping is becoming increasingly popular both for pleasure and for helping to quit smoking. In this guide we look at what you need to start vaping, as well need-to-know basics that are sure to have you vaping like a pro in no time. 

 

Due to the diversity in e-liquid and vape products, we’re sure you can find a range of options that really match your tastes and requirements, including if you’re looking to vape to benefit from CBD. 

 

If you’ve got any questions about any of our thousands of products don’t hesitate to contact us - we’ll be happy to help you find what you need.

Beginner’s vaping equipment - what do you need?

If you’re choosing to start vaping, either to help quit smoking or simply for pleasure or to get your dose of CBD, then there are a few basic bits of equipment you will need:

 

• E-cig device
• E-cig battery and charger
• E-liquids
• Accessories 

 

Vape equipment ranges from simple, pre-filled and ready-to-go disposable e-cigarette devices right through to sophisticated, refillable and interchangeable vape pens. As a ‘beginner vaper’ you can find all inclusive starter packs that include everything you need to start vaping right away. 

 

Alternatively you have the choice of a multitude of different battery packs, coils, e-liquid chambers and devices that you can choose to fulfill your vaping desires. In this way, you can customise your experience to suit you.

Products to suit your individual needs

You should consider your personal needs when buying vape equipment and devices. Some vape devices are designed for creating huge clouds of vapour and others replicate cigarette smoking more closely. You can even buy vape devices where you can control the power output in order to get a bigger or smaller hit.

 

At ICE Headshop we stock high quality, lab tested products from reputable retailers and strive to provide you with the best vape and e-liquid products available on the market today. There are an astonishing range of flavours and strengths of e-liquids available, as well as stylish and customisable vaping devices to use them in.

 

Here is a list of the essential equipment you will need and we’ve included some helpful advice for usage and maintenance of your vape device. Use it to help you get started:

E-cigarette device

An e-cigarette device is a vaporiser that heats e-liquid and vape juice until it turns to vapour ready for inhalation. There are 4 main components in an e-cig for this process:

 

• Battery
• Heating element
• Tank
• Mouthpiece

 

Some of our devices come complete with an in-built battery, tank, mouthpiece and charging port; simply fill the tank with your chosen e-liquid and puff away. Other vape pens and e-cigs are sold in different parts so that you can build your own custom vape device. 

 

Some ‘mod’ or ‘custom’ vape devices require batteries and chargers, as well as a coil and chamber. Some people opt for larger chambers or preferred mouthpieces etc. The choice is yours and to some extent, with a ‘mod’ device, your choices are unlimited - don’t forget to check what is supplied with your purchase to avoid disappointment.

How does a vape pen work?

In much the same way as water is heated and turned to steam, e-liquid or vape juice is heated by the coil or heating element of your chosen device until it turns to vapour. It is then inhaled by the user, through the mouthpiece, in a similar way that a smoker inhales cigarette smoke. Simply charge your device, fill the tank and enjoy.

 

E-cigarettes, with a bit of practise, are simple to use and require a relatively low level of maintenance. Much like any machine or gadget, there are things that will need replacing. For example, the coils used to vaporise the liquid in vape pens and devices will eventually burn out. If you drop your vape then there is a chance you could break the tank or mouthpiece. Don’t worry though, coils and tanks are pretty inexpensive and when used and maintained correctly can last a long time. 

E-cigarette battery and charger

If you choose a reusable vape device, as opposed to a disposable one, then you will need a battery and a charger as well. Check that your device has a battery and charger included before purchasing separately. If you find your chosen products do not include batteries or charger then there are plenty of battery and charger packs in store today. Be sure to check the battery size and compatibility with your machine.

 

Powerful ‘mod’ machines (vape devices modified to deliver more power, produce more smoke and hold more liquid) will use a lot of battery power so will require charging more frequently.

E-liquids

As a newcomer to the world of vape you may initially be excited by the amount of e-liquids available to buy. Although many e-liquids contain nicotine (primarily as a non-smoking alternative to otherwise harmful cigarette smoke), there is usually a non-nicotine flavour equivalent for those of you that do not require a nicotine hit. 

 

For the CBD fans among you, you can get high quality CBD vape juice in a wide array of flavours.

CBD and vaping

Inhaling CBD vape liquid is arguably the fastest way to feel the effects of any kind of CBD product. When inhaled, CBD enters the bloodstream quickly through the capillaries found in your lungs, the CBD is then transported directly to the places where it is needed. Other methods of taking CBD can be less efficient because we lose a percentage of the CBD taken during the metabolisation process. 

Vape e-liquid and vape juice flavours

With 100s of unique flavours to choose from, it’s safe to say there is something for everyone. Here are some classic and some less conventional flavours that are on offer:

 

• Tobacco
• Menthol
• Jam on toast
• Confectionary/traditional sweet flavours 
• Chocolate
• Cannabis

 

Make sure to check the information on the e-liquid you shop for. Many established and reputable brands offer a range of tastes, aromas and options for nicotine, non-nicotine and CBD. E-liquid bottles range in sizes from 10ml all the way up to 100s of ml, perfect for pocket sized top ups and bulk buy bottles for refilling at home.

Maintenance and practises

There are some simple steps you can take to ensure your vape device is operating at its highest potential and producing top quality vapour. 

 

By following these easy guidelines you will get the most out of your device for longer:

 

• Do not let your e-liquid run too low. Using your vape without enough liquid can cause damage to the atomiser/element leaving you with an ineffective product.
• Store your e-cig out of sunlight, high temperatures and away from water. Try to keep your device upright to avoid leakages.
• Keep the tank and atomiser/element clean. If you can, disassemble your device, take the tank and atomiser off and rinse with warm (but not boiling) water. Check the instructions for your individual device.
• Clean the battery terminal. Often the place where your battery joins the tank and atomiser can get sticky or dirty. Simply use a cotton bud to wipe it clean.
• Do not run the batteries too low. Similar to many other battery powered devices, too many full empties of the charge can compromise the battery’s integrity.
• Change the atomiser. When your device is fully charged, clean and full of e-liquid there is no reason it shouldn’t work. If you’re failing to get a good hit, try replacing the atomiser.

Accessories

Accessories are the perfect way to customise your e-cigarette device. Long gone are the days of generic vape pens, now you can have oversized tanks with different shaped mouthpieces, bigger batteries and even lanyards or holsters to store your device. Why not create your own perfect e-cig set-up and stand out from the crowd?

 

You will also find any spares or extras you might need in our vape accessories range.

How to pick the right vape equipment

Choosing the right vaping equipment can be a tricky process as there is such a huge choice available. Not all function the same, some are designed for big visual clouds, whilst others provide a delicate and refined vapour for relaxing enjoyment.

 

The main thing is to do your research before you make a purchase. Try to gauge what kind of an e-cigarette will suit your individual lifestyle best. Whether you would just like the occasional vape here and there and would find it simple to carry a small disposable around with you, or you are a die-hard cloud fan looking for a powerful machine to enjoy.

 

If you’re using vape as a method of quitting smoking, then choosing an e-cigarette or vape pen that is small and quick to use will feel more familiar and make for an easy transition. Choose an e-liquid that offers the same amount of nicotine as you are used to and try and slowly reduce the nicotine content. As always, consult with your doctor or GP.

Shop vape kits to get started

If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to get started on vaping then look no further. We stock many vape starter kits from basic pen vapes to powerful e-cig devices - just be sure to read the specifications so that your e-cigarette performs to your expectations. Our kits are not only a great way to get started, they also offer incredible value for money and you can even benefit from money off your next order when you collect ICE points as you shop using your account with us.

Contact ICE Headshop

To speak with our experts about our vape products or for more  information, don't hesitate to get in touch.

 

Email: [email protected] (24/7/365) 

Phone: Mon-Fri, 10am - 4.00pm

Phone orders: 01626 903101

General enquiries: 01626 903102