The Complete Beginner's Guide to Vaping (Part 1)

Quitting traditional smoking and switching to vaping is an exciting yet challenging journey, especially for those who are hearing about it for the first time.

If you are a beginner, understanding the basics of vaping will help you have a better experience and avoid unnecessary difficulties during and after quitting smoking. In this article, TVC will provide you with useful tips and necessary information so that anyone can confidently start vaping today.

1. Choose the right vape device

When starting out in the world of vaping, choosing the right device is the first and most important step. For beginners, a pod, vape pen or disposable pod will be the most ideal choices. These devices are usually compact, easy to use and do not require any complicated operations. You can easily carry it with you and use it anywhere (except for places with “no smoking” signs, of course). Unlike box mods or AIOs, pods and other smaller vapes don't require you to understand how to adjust wattage or set other complex parameters, so you can focus entirely on the vaping experience without worrying about the technicalities.

A small note is that you should start with a device with a low power level, from 10-18 Watts is enough to clearly feel both nicotine and flavor. This helps you get used to the feeling of inhaling vapor from a vape without being shocked by the smoke being too thick or too hot. Once you are familiar with vaping, you can completely upgrade to more powerful devices if you want.

2. Choose flavor and nicotine level

One of the biggest draws of vaping is the variety of flavors and nicotine levels. You can choose from hundreds of different flavors, from sweet fruits to coffees, candies, cakes, or even more unique flavors like tobacco or the smell of trees after the rain. For those new to vaping, this variety can make it difficult to decide which flavor you like best and want to stick with for a long time. So don't be afraid to experiment with new flavors and discuss the characteristics of each flavor with experienced vapers. In terms of nicotine strength, if you are switching from traditional cigarettes to vaping, choose an e-liquid with a nicotine strength similar to your smoking habits. This will help reduce cravings and make the transition easier. If you are just starting out with vaping and have no previous smoking habits, choose e-liquids with no or very little nicotine to avoid becoming dependent on it.

3. Learn how to use your device

Once you have the right device and e-liquid, the next step is to learn how to use it properly. Most vapes come with instructions, so make sure you read and understand the basics like how to pour e-liquid, charge the battery, and replace the coil before you start using it. A little tip is to pour e-liquid into the tank and let the cotton surrounding the coil soak for about 5-10 minutes before starting to use. This helps the coil absorb enough e-liquid, avoid burning and bring better flavor. Also, make sure the battery is fully charged before use to avoid interruptions during vaping.

4. Inhale and exhale smoke properly

How you inhale the vapor from your vape also affects your experience. There are two main methods of vaping: mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL). With MTL, you inhale the vapor into your mouth and then “swallow” it down into your lungs. This MTL style of vaping creates a similar sensation to smoking a traditional cigarette. This method is suitable for beginners and those using low-power devices.

On the contrary, DTL smoking requires you to inhale the vape vapor directly into your lungs, DL smoking will produce more smoke and is often used with high-power devices. This method is suitable for those who have experience and want to create more smoke in each puff.