Article published on Vapenewsmagazine - Author: Ian Jones - Translator: The Vape Club
For many of us, vaping is not just a way to quit smoking, but a healthy hobby. Who can resist the lure of vape ads or checking out the latest products at the local store? And this will lead to you always having a stock of devices and e -juices in your house.
At the same time, with so many negative vaping regulations, and months, if not years, of change ahead, it’s tempting to stock up on as much as you can. If you do this, it’s definitely worth knowing how long your device will last.
And here's our guide to the lifespan of our vape products, including tips to make them last longer.
Box Mods and Batteries
Box mods are always the most expensive part of your entire vape, as it is the device that makes your vape work.
Built - in battery models - Popular models like the Eleaf iStick 50W usually come with a built-in battery, so when their lifespan ends, you won't be able to replace it. Their lifespan is usually between 300-500 charges, which means you can use them for 1-2 years if you charge them daily.
Replaceable batteries - If you want a long-lasting box mod, you should go for a box mod with a replaceable battery like the Sigelei 150TC. If well maintained, these box mods can last for years. The battery will last about a year if charged regularly, but you should make sure to buy a good quality charger like the Nitecore D series is the best. You should also pay attention to the design of the mod. Mods like the Smok Cube II are beautiful, but if the complex circuit board gets dirty with e-juice, it will cost you a lot of money to fix.
Mech Mod - Mech mods have no wires or circuit boards, so they have fewer weak points than regular box mods. Replacement parts are readily available if you accidentally damage any, making them much more cost-effective than using a box mod. However, because of their unusual construction, you need to have a good understanding of battery safety and basic electrical circuitry. Mech mods should only be used by professional vapers .
Tank system
Most other tanks are sturdy and have a long lifespan. However, you should also pay attention to some of its weaknesses.
Most burners have a long life.
Glass Tank - The glass part of most tanks is the weakest point. If you accidentally drop it, you will have a mess of glass shards to clean up in your e-juice. Of course you can buy replacements, but prevention is better than cure. If you like, put a rubber ring over the tank glass. Most vape shops have these, they can protect the fragile glass.
Connectors - Most tanks today use 510 connectors, some older tanks use eGo connectors, but the downside is the same. Constantly removing the tank will cause the screw thread to wear out.
Rubber gaskets - a worn rubber gasket will cause the tank to leak. You should have several spare rubber gaskets and replace them when the ones you are using wear out.
Drip tip - a quality drip tip can last a long time. Avoid glass drip tips as they break easily or cheap plastic drip tips as they absorb the flavour of your essential oils, stainless steel is always the best choice.
Coil available
The lifespan of these coils has always been a big question that still has no clear answer. Here are some key factors that determine their lifespan.
Usage - The biggest factor is definitely how often you use them. If you vape constantly at high wattages, even the strongest coils will wear out very quickly. Be careful with dry hits as the cotton in the coil will burn out, greatly reducing their effectiveness.
E-Liquid - Another important factor. If you like sugary or heavy cream e-liquids, they will cause the coil to clog faster, making it harder to heat up and also causing the e-liquid to lose flavor.
Type - The shape and size of the coil is also a factor. The large coils of the TFV4 can last for weeks, while the small coils of the Aspire Nautilus can only last for a few days. Ceramic coils can last longer than cotton ones, so it's worth a try.
Technology - With the rapid advancements in vape technology today, it means that your favorite coil will soon become obsolete.
Preference - Your preference is also a factor. Some people will immediately change the coil when the e-liquid starts to lose its flavor, while others will continue to use it until the cotton is completely black.
Custom coil build
Tanks and coils naturally have longevity issues. If you want to use coils that can stand the test of time, then consider DIY coils. Whether it’s an RTA, RDA, or RBA, long-term use is not an issue if you have enough wire and cotton.
Cotton core - Like pre-made coils, the lifespan of a self-rolled cotton core also depends a lot on your vaping style. But in this case, the solution is simply to remove the old cotton core and replace it with a new one.
Wire - The type of wire you use to coil your e-liquid is extremely important. Kanthal wire is the most common type, and you can simply burn it to remove any residue. If you are using a mod with a heat setting, use Nickel or Titanium wire, which will last longer because they don’t put as much heat stress on your e-liquid.
Essential Oils
The shelf life of essential oils often depends on the material and how it is stored. Some essential oils will start to degrade over time, while others taste better if left alone for a while.
Storage - Sunlight and heat are the enemies of essential oils. Store your essential oils in a cool, dark place and they will last longer. Make sure to screw the cap on the essential oil bottle tightly so that the scent molecules do not evaporate.
Nicotine - Nicotine will discolor over time, which is why some of your 12mg nicotine e-liquids will darken in color after a while. It doesn't mean the e-liquid has gone bad, but it may taste more bitter and lose its original flavor. It's not dangerous, but it's not worth continuing to use.
Ingredients - Depending on the flavor used to mix with the solvent, the flavor of the essential oil will be lost quickly or slowly, flavors that are heavy on cream and sugar will spoil faster than light fruit flavors. On the contrary, some flavors will taste better after aging. The best way to distinguish is to smell it, if the essential oil has no smell or smells extremely bad, then throw it away.
DIY - DIY is for those who are interested in mixing their own unique flavors, and of course there are some storage rules to follow. PG and VG are pretty stable, just keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Nicotine will degrade over time, so keep it in the fridge with a sticker just in case. The shelf life of flavor bottles varies, but keeping them in a cool, dry, dark place is best.
Conclude
There are still many things to consider when considering the lifespan of vape devices , but remember this is just a basic guide. There are many situations that can affect the lifespan of vape devices and e-juice.
