Have you ever walked into a vape store to ask a question, but ended up more confused by the answer due to all the technical jargon? If you're new to vaping, understanding the different parts of vapes and how they work can be frustrating. In this article, we'll go over the most common terminology, as well as the various parts that make up vapes and how they work together to produce vapor!
Parts of a Vape Explained
Regardless of the style of vape you use, they all rely on 3 main components - the mod/battery, the tank/pod, and the coil.
Mods and Batteries:
The battery is the power source for your vape. It's typically a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (the same type found in most modern cell phones) that can vary in size and power output depending on the device. Your battery provides energy to the coil to heat it up and vaporize the e-liquid.
A mod is the part of your device that holds the battery pack and the device's electronics, like the chip. The chip is responsible for the display, the regulation of the vape, and making sure that it hits at the desired power and maintains safety by shutting off the power in cases of shorts or overheating. There are some styles that feature built in batteries, like the Voopoo Drag S, and some where the batteries are sold separately, like the Geekvape L200s. On vapes with adjustable power, the mod/battery component is also where you can access those power settings.
When choosing a battery, it's important to consider factors such as its capacity (measured in milliampere-hours or mAh), voltage output, and safety features. Most reputable vape manufacturers will provide detailed specifications for their batteries, so be sure to read up on the recommended usage guidelines before making a purchase. If you'd like to learn more about the different types of vape batteries click here!
Coils:
The coil, sometimes referred to as an atomizer, burner, filter, or vaporizer, is typically made from a thin wire that's wrapped around a wick and held together by a small metal housing. To keep things simple, we usually stick to calling them coils. The coil and wick work together to vaporize the e-liquid. When the battery is activated, power from your battery travels into the connection between the coil and tank, allowing the coil to heat up and vaporize the e-liquid on the wick.
There are a few different types of coils that you can choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. For example, coils have what's called a resistance (measured in ohms). The higher the ohm number, the more resistance.
Greater resistance makes for a hit that is tighter, and often less vapor. The opposite is true for lower resistance, which will produce more of an open hit and more vapor overall. It's helpful to think of a higher resistance coil as sucking through a narrow straw, and a low resistance coil as a much wider one.
Over time, the wick material will break down after being exposed to liquid. As you vape and use your coil, sugar from the e-liquid will begin to caramelize on the coil's wiring. You should replace your coils or pods regularly (approximately once every week to two weeks at the longest) for sanitary reasons and to avoid problems with leaking and burnt tasting vapor.
In a box mod vape, the coil is a separate piece that you insert into the tank. A select few pod styles, like the Uwell Caliburn X also take separate coils. In most pod styles though, like the Vaporesso Xros series, the coil and wick are typically pre-installed in the pod. When the pod is burnt out, you simply dispose of it and replace it with a new one.
Tanks and Pods:
The tank or pod is where you store your e-liquid. Most modern mods have a standard 510 connection that the tank screws into.
Your tank will sit on top of the battery and has a mouthpiece where you inhale the vapor. They can come in various shapes and sizes, and are typically made from see through materials such as glass or plastic so you can tell when it needs to be refilled with juice.
The coil and wick go inside the tank and get surrounded by e-liquid for the wick to absorb. The tank also typically features an adjustable airflow mechanism, which allows you to control the amount of air that passes over the coil and therefore affects the vapor production and flavor intensity.
Putting it All Together
Now that you know the parts that make up a vape, let's summarize how they work together to produce vapor.
When you activate the battery by pressing the power button or auto-drawing, it sends power through the tank/pod connection point to the coil inside, which in turn heats up and vaporizes the e-liquid collected on the wick. The vapor is then pulled up through the tank and out through the mouthpiece, where you inhale it into your lungs.
The type of coil you use, the wattage or voltage output of your battery, and the airflow settings on your tank can all affect the flavor and vapor production of your vape. Finding the right combination of these components can take some experimentation, but once you find the sweet spot, you can enjoy a satisfying vaping experience.
Staying Safe
In addition to understanding the parts of a vape and how they work together, it's important to also understand the safety precautions you should take when vaping. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always use the charger that came with your battery, and avoid charging your battery overnight or leaving it unattended while charging. Never fast charge a vape battery.
- Keep your vape away from heat sources, such as direct sunlight or hot car interiors. Never charge your vape on a soft surface like bedding that will not provide adequate ventilation.
- Make sure to pay close attention to the recommended wattage or voltage output for your coil and battery.
- Clean your tank and replace your coil regularly to avoid buildup of residue or burnt flavor.
In conclusion, understanding the parts of a vape and how they work together is essential for beginners. By knowing how the battery, tank, and coil work together, you can enjoy a satisfying vaping experience while also taking the necessary safety measures.
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