Common Vape Questions and Answers - From Our Experts

When you're new to vaping, a little guidance from the experts can go a long way.

From start-up costs to safety concerns and common troubleshooting tips, today we're answering some of the most common questions our experts get in-store.

**Updated 19th Dec 2016**

What is vaping?

Vaping is term used to describe act of using electronic cigarette. A small metal coil heats up wicking material (usually cotton) which is soaked in an e-liquid. Heating up the e-liquid causes it to boil. The boiling liquid creates a vapour steam which users inhale through mouthpiece to emulate act of smoking.

Are there different types of vaping?

There are two different types of vaping. One uses low power devices (like pens or cig-a-like) and liquid blend made primarily (60%+) out of PG (propelyne glycol). Most devices in this range are mouth to lung systems where you draw vapour in your mouth first, then inhale it like a tobacco cigarette. This style of vaping is usually associated with people trying to quit smoking.

Sub-ohm vaping, power vaping or volume vaping uses bigger and more powerful battery packs and needs high-VG e-liquids. In sub-ohm vaping, nicotine is not so important because it's more about great flavor and plumes of vapour. The majority of sub-ohm setups are designated for direct lung inhale, just like Shisha.

What kind of e-cig/vape should I buy for the first time?

Everyone is different and requires a different device. The majority of new vapers start on a pen-style device (like the Fuse Starter Kit) and they’re happy with their setup or upgrade in future. It's definitely better to start cheap, see if you enjoy the idea of vaping and upgrade if it's something for you.

How long will an 18650 battery last?

You can expect your 18650 to last around 300 charges.

Is it safe to leave my device on the charge? I've heard stories about e-cigarettes blowing up on the news.

If you follow instructions and use safe hardware (like regulated devices) you're completely safe. 18650 batteries (like any other batteries) shouldn’t be carried around loose in pocket with metal objects because they can cause shorts and explore. We recommend battery travel case, sleeve or simply keep batteries inside your device. All recorded cases of “vape mod exploding” are actually cases of loose batteries and never the actual device exploding.

Why won’t my kit work?

Most commonly users get confused by the system of turning the device on and off by multiple clicks of the firing button. Otherwise, it is generally because the coil has passed its life span and isn’t working to the capacity that it should be. Another common problem is over-tightening the device onto the charger; which can cause the firing pin to be pushed down and requires re setting.

How do I fill up the tank?

Some tanks need to be unscrewed from the device, then after flipping it upside down you can unscrew the base and pour e-liquid into the tank compartment, avoiding the middle pipe/chimney. Some tanks have a top part which can be unscrewed (known as top-fill tanks) and you simply pour it from the top. Some tanks introduced “side-fill” where you can slide the sleeve off a little and it reveals a side filling port. Check the instruction manual provided with your tank if you're not sure or visit local vape shop. Even if hardware wasn’t bought from them they’re usually more than happy to help you with any problems.

Will vaping really help me give up smoking? And will I feel any different?

E-cigarettes can be used as a quit-smoking aid but the only person who can make you quit is yourself. You can help yourself by using an e-cig to ease cravings, but you need to have the will to quit, otherwise no device/chemical/medication/method will do it for you.

Is it healthier than smoking? Are there any health risks related to vaping?

Tobacco cigarettes contain hundreds of added chemicals which have been proved to cause cancer and health issues. E-cigarettes don’t produce tar or carbon monoxide. On top of that you’re inhaling vapour instead of combusted plant matter, chemicals and paper. Common sense will tell you that they’re definitely better (and public health of England agree claiming they’re AT LEAST 95% less dangerous than tobacco cigarettes).

What is the actual benefit of vaping?

Vaping doesn’t leave a lingering smell, causes less harm to your body, is more socially acceptable comparing to tobacco cigarettes and primarily it's your route to a tobacco-free lifestyle. Vaping (no nicotine liquids) is also very popular among people trying to cut back on snacks/sweets and provides a great oral fixation tool for people biting nails.

Will vaping save me money in the long run compared to cigarettes?

Vaping can be between 50-90% cheaper than smoking tobacco cigarettes. For example; a 20-a-day smoker using a Fuse Starter Kit and Vapouriz Premium E-Liquids is looking at £1-2 daily running cost.

Is vaping actually safe? I've heard rumours of them blowing up etc.

If you follow instructions and use safe hardware (like regulated devices) you're completely safe. 18650 batteries (like any other batteries) shouldn’t be carried around loose in pockets with metal objects because they can cause shorts and explode. All recorded cases of “vape mod exploding” are actually cases of loose batteries and NEVER actual the device exploding. We recommend a battery travel case, sleeve or simply keeping batteries inside your device.

When do I change a coil?

Coils have a finite lifetime, based on a number of factors: power, liquid type, and intensity of use. You will know to replace the coil as they impart a distinct 'burnt toast' flavour once they die. Typically this will take around 3-4 weeks for 'pen' type coils, or between 5-14 days for sub-ohm types.

How long will a 10ml liquid last?

Depends on the usage, for a 20-a-day smoker it should last 2-3 days.

Do I need to replace the battery?

Some vape mods have user-replaceable 18650 batteries that are as easy to replace as remote batteries. Units with battery cells sealed in need to be replaced when you notice performance drop - usually around between 8-12 months of regular usage. An 18650 battery will last around 300 charges.

How do I know what nicotine strength to buy?

Everyone is different and looks for different things with vaping so its best to try a few strengths at a store before purchase, but the rule of thumb for vape pens is:

• 30+ cig a day smoker - choose a nicotine strength of 24mg/ml
• 20-25 cig a day smoker - choose a nicotine strength of 18mg/ml
• 10-20 cig a day smoker - choose a nicotine strength of 12mg/ml
• Less than 10 cig a day smoker - choose a nicotine strength of 6mg/ml
• Non-smokers - choose a nicotine strength of 0mg/ml

It’s leaking, what’s wrong with my kit?

In most cases we find that it is either that the coil has become flooded from either over priming or inhaling on the device too hard. Another issue can be that a crack or fracture has occurred in the tank which means the liquid is expelled here.

Visit us in store

Visiting a Vape Store shop gives you a chance to ask questions and get honest answers, see the hardware and get advice about e-liquids. Find your local Vapestore and pay us a visit - we're here to help!