Starting your vaping journey doesn't have to be complicated. This guide compiles practical tips and tricks that make the difference between frustration and satisfaction. Whether you're switching from smoking or just curious about vaping, these insights will help you start right.
Choosing Your First Device
Keep It Simple
The vaping market offers overwhelming options, but beginners don't need complexity. Start with:
Pod Systems: Best for most beginners
- Simple operation (often draw-activated)
- Low maintenance
- Portable and discreet
- Works well with nicotine salts
Starter Vape Pens: Good alternative
- Slightly more vapor than pods
- Still easy to use
- More e-liquid capacity
- Better value long-term
Avoid Initially:
- Box mods with adjustable settings
- Rebuildable atomizers
- Sub-ohm tanks
- "Advanced" anything
You can always upgrade later once you understand your preferences.
Match Device to Purpose
Consider how you'll use your device:
| Need | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Smoking replacement | Pod system with nic salts |
| Discretion | Compact pod or pen |
| Maximum vapor | Not for beginners |
| Budget-friendly | Refillable pod system |
| Minimal maintenance | Pre-filled pods |
Choosing E-Liquid
Nicotine Strength
Getting nicotine strength right is crucial:
For Heavy Smokers (20+ cigarettes/day):
- Nicotine salts: 35-50mg/ml
- Freebase nicotine: 12-18mg/ml
For Moderate Smokers (10-20 cigarettes/day):
- Nicotine salts: 20-35mg/ml
- Freebase nicotine: 6-12mg/ml
For Light Smokers (Under 10 cigarettes/day):
- Nicotine salts: 10-20mg/ml
- Freebase nicotine: 3-6mg/ml
Starting tip: Begin at the lower end of your range. You can always increase, but too much nicotine causes nausea and headaches.
PG/VG Ratios
The ratio affects your experience:
| Ratio | Best For | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 50/50 | Pod systems | Balanced throat hit, moderate vapor |
| 60/40 VG | Versatile | Slightly smoother, more vapor |
| 70/30 VG | Sub-ohm | Smooth, dense vapor |
Pods and small devices work best with 50/50 or 60/40 ratios. Higher VG liquids are too thick for smaller coils.
Flavor Selection
Start with familiar flavors:
- Tobacco flavors if switching from smoking
- Simple fruit or menthol for easy transition
- Avoid complex dessert flavors initially (often very sweet)
You'll develop preferences over time, but starting simple prevents overwhelming your palate.
Proper Technique
Inhaling Methods
Mouth-to-Lung (MTL):
- Draw vapor into your mouth
- Hold briefly
- Inhale into lungs
- Exhale
This mimics smoking and works best with higher-nicotine, lower-power setups.
Direct-to-Lung (DTL):
- Inhale directly into lungs (like breathing)
- Exhale immediately
This requires more powerful devices and lower nicotine. Not recommended for beginners.
Puff Duration and Frequency
- Take slower, longer puffs than you would with cigarettes
- Wait 15-30 seconds between puffs to let wicking catch up
- Don't chain vape (continuous rapid puffing)
- Smaller puffs initially until you know your tolerance
Listen to Your Body
Stop vaping if you experience:
- Nausea or dizziness (too much nicotine)
- Headache (too much nicotine or dehydration)
- Coughing (normal initially, should improve)
- Burning sensation (coil issue)
These signals help you calibrate usage.
Essential Maintenance
Prime New Coils
Before using any new coil:
- Apply drops of e-liquid directly to the cotton
- Fill your tank/pod
- Wait 5-10 minutes for saturation
- Take a few puffs without firing
- Start at low power, gradually increase
Skipping this step burns the cotton immediately.
Keep Tanks Filled
Running tanks too low causes:
- Dry hits and burnt taste
- Coil damage
- Poor wicking
Keep e-liquid above the wick holes visible on the coil.
Clean Regularly
Weekly cleaning routine:
- Empty remaining e-liquid
- Disassemble tank
- Rinse with warm water
- Let dry completely
- Reassemble and refill
This prevents residue buildup and flavor mixing.
Battery Care
- Don't drain batteries completely
- Charge before they drop below 20%
- Use the provided charger
- Don't leave charging overnight
- Keep batteries away from extreme temperatures
Common Beginner Mistakes
Using Too Much Nicotine
Symptoms: Nausea, headache, dizziness
The most common mistake. Always err on the side of less nicotine initially.
Not Priming Coils
Result: Burnt taste immediately
Every single coil needs priming. No exceptions.
Chain Vaping
Result: Dry hits, burnt coils, nausea
Take breaks between puffs. You don't need to vape constantly.
Ignoring Low Battery
Result: Weak hits, inconsistent performance
Vaping on a nearly dead battery delivers unsatisfying experience. Charge regularly.
Wrong PG/VG Ratio
Result: Leaking, dry hits, or poor wicking
Match your e-liquid to your device. Small pods need thinner liquid (50/50).
Holding Fire Too Long
Result: Overheating, possible burnt hits
Most devices have 10-second cutoffs for safety. Shorter puffs are usually better.
Tips for Ex-Smokers
Breaking Smoking Habits
- Keep your vape charged and ready
- Have backup supplies (coils, liquid)
- Vape when you would have smoked
- Don't try to replicate cigarettes exactly
Managing Cravings
Vaping absorbs nicotine differently than smoking. If cravings persist:
- Try higher nicotine temporarily
- Take more frequent, smaller puffs
- Consider nicotine salt e-liquids
The Transition Period
Expect an adjustment period of 1-2 weeks. Many people:
- Initially use both cigarettes and vapes
- Gradually shift to vaping only
- May need to try different devices or flavors
This is normal. Don't get discouraged.
Stay Hydrated
Vaping can cause mild dehydration. The PG and VG in e-liquid are hygroscopic (they absorb moisture).
- Drink more water than usual
- Keep water nearby when vaping
- If you get headaches, drink water first
This simple habit prevents many common complaints.
Building Your Setup
Essential Supplies
- Primary device
- Backup coils (2-3 minimum)
- Charger and cable
- 1-2 bottles of e-liquid
- Cleaning supplies (paper towels, q-tips)
Nice to Have
- Second device for backup
- Variety of flavors to rotate
- Carrying case
- Extra batteries (if applicable)
Buy Quality
Cheap devices often cause:
- Inconsistent performance
- Leaking problems
- Short lifespan
- Safety concerns
Spending slightly more initially usually saves money long-term.
The Bottom Line
Successful vaping comes down to a few key principles:
- Start simple with beginner-appropriate devices
- Get nicotine strength right (start lower)
- Prime every coil before first use
- Don't chain vape excessively
- Stay hydrated
- Maintain your equipment
Everyone's vaping journey is different. What works for others may not work for you. Experiment with flavors, nicotine levels, and techniques to find your ideal setup.
The goal isn't perfection from day one. It's finding an approach that works for you.
Related: Beginner's Guide to Vaping