How to Choose a Vape When You're New to Vaping

How to Choose a Vape When You're New to Vaping

Disclaimer: Vaping products in New Zealand are regulated under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990. They are only available to individuals 18 and over. While vaping is considered a potentially less harmful alternative to smoking, it is not completely risk-free. Always purchase vaping products from licensed retailers in NZ.

An Overview

If you're looking to transition away from smoking or are simply curious about vaping, this guide is for you. Understanding the different vaping styles and devices available on the NZ market can help you make an informed choice.

Vaping involves using an electronic device (commonly known as a vape, e-cig, or vape pen) that heats an e-liquid to create vapor, which is then inhaled. Vapes typically consist of four main components: an e-liquid, a coil, a battery, and a mouthpiece.

E-liquids in New Zealand may contain nicotine salts, flavoring agents, and other regulated ingredients. The coil heats up when activated, vaporizing the e-liquid that has been absorbed by a cotton wick. Some devices are puff-activated, meaning they automatically turn on when the user inhales.

Vaping Styles

As a first-timer, itā€™s important to understand that there is more than one way to vape. Knowing different vaping styles can help you understand your preference and guide your selection of the right vaping device.

  1. Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): In MTL, you take a long, smooth drag of the vapor, hold it in your mouth, and then take it all the way into your lungs. Vaping devices that allow mouth-to-lung inhalation are a great starting point for beginners, as these devices mimic the inhalation style of cigarette smoking. The amount of vapor produced is also subtle.
  2. Direct-to-Lung (DTL): This style of vaping is recommended for experienced vapers, as the inhalation style is different from that of regular smoking. The vaper typically takes a smooth and steady draw of vapor and inhales it directly into the lungs.Ā 
  3. Restricted Direct-to-Lung (RDTL): As the name suggests, this technique is closer in style to DTL in that the vapor draw is restricted but the delivery is direct to the lungs. Itā€™s ideal for beginners or anyone who wants to try the DTL style but with caution. This vaping style is characteristic of better flavor delivery and a thicker vapor formation.

Types of Vapes

Now that we have discussed the three types of vaping styles, letā€™s explore the four main varieties of vaping devices.

Cigalikes (aka e-Cigarettes)

If youā€™re looking for an easy-to-use e-cigarette that closely resembles the traditional cigarettes that they are meant to replace, then a cigalike style e-cigarette might be the one for you.Ā 

Other than being easy to use, cigalikes are also very affordable, making them the first choice for many vaping beginners. You can get disposable refills in menthol or tobacco flavors, and with a wide range of nicotine strengths, you are sure to find something you like.

Pod Vapes (aka Pod Mods or Pod Vape Pens)

These are a newer generation of vaping devices that are really popular among first-time users. These small, simple, and low-cost devices consist of a battery and a pod that can either be refilled or pre-filled.Ā 

If they're pre-filled, they might even go by the name ā€œdisposable vapes.ā€ These offer a range of strength and flavor options, which makes them popular among those switching from smoking.

Vape Pens (aka e-Cig Pens)

Vape pens are compact, pen-shaped vaping devices that come with refillable tanks and replaceable coils. Because they are limited in features, they are user-friendly and popular with both beginners and experienced vapers. Some vape pens can accommodate both MTL and direct-to-lung DTL vaping styles.

Box Vapes (aka Box Kits or Box Mods)

Box kits are sometimes called "box mods" because they feature a box-shaped battery compartment. They are vape kits with refillable tanks and replaceable coils. These are usually larger than pens but can have adjustable features like wattage, voltage, and puff counter.Ā 

There are also disposable vapes. These have simple, lightweight constructions, which makes them user-friendly. Since these devices come pre-filled with a limited amount of vape juice and are not refillable, they can only be used for as long as they last.Ā 

Choosing the Right Type as a Beginner

If youā€™re a vaping newbie, you can have your pick from the options we discussed above. The best type of e-cigarette for you will depend on your experience level and preference, but you should also take into account these factors:

  • Price: How much are you willing to spend on your first vape kit? Beginner vape kits can cost around $66ā€“$92, and if we just talk about a basic device, it can cost around $5ā€“$10. Box mods and tank vapes tend to be costlier but can last longer if properly maintained.
  • Size of Device: Many smokers who switch to vaping look for compact devices that can easily fit into pockets and be taken anywhere. If you, too, would prefer a small, compact device, then you can go for a vape pen or a vape pod.
  • Battery Life and Level of Customization: A key consideration when selecting a vaping device is its battery life. How long the vape device's battery will last can influence the overall enjoyment of the vaping experience. A low-capacity battery that dies quickly can be very frustrating, but a higher capacity allows you to relax and enjoy your vaping sessions. And if you're a fan of customizations, make sure you're selecting a device that has enough power range to accommodate your desired adjustments.

Final Thoughts

If you are an ex-smoker with little to no vaping experience, cigalikes and pod kits will be ideal for you due to ease of use. Intermediate and advanced vapers usually opt for vape pens or box mods, which provide greater control in terms of use, but as a starter, handling these might prove a bit difficult.

When youā€™ve decided on your vaping style and the device type youā€™d like to get started with, you can browse some of the best available vaping devices in NZ here. You can find everything from vaping devices and e-liquids to nicotine salts and shisha flavors for a fulfilling vaping experience.

Before making a purchase, ensure that you are buying from a licensed NZ vape retailer to comply with local regulations. If you're looking for quality vaping products, you can explore options at reputable NZ-based vape stores that offer regulated e-liquids and devices.

For more information on vaping laws in New Zealand, visit the Ministry of Health website.

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