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The Benefits of Vaping vs. Smoking

Published: 24 May 2019
Written by Kendall Scheufler
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Categories: Blog, Uncategorized
There seems to be a rather significant transition in the world of smokers. Instead of the huddled masses circled around a shared column of tobacco smoke that each member contributed too, there’s now a line of vapers, each one pulling from an electronic device that can look more like a cassette tape adapter than a cigarette. Instead of asking to bum a smoke, coworkers are now asking if you could share your charging cord to make sure their Juul or vape pen is fully charged before their break. Instead of the thick, heavy smell of tobacco smoke that permeated the walls at your aunt’s or uncle’s house, there’s an artificial sweetness aftertaste that lingers in the air. There’s no doubt that vaping is seen as the future of smoking. With customizable vape devices, flavored e-liquids that can cover a wide assortment of different taste buds, and a smokeless byproduct, many people are switching over to vaping in an effort to limit the amount of tobacco smoke in their lives. But, is vaping actually better for you than smoking? It’s a tough question to answer and perhaps the essential point of contention in the vaping vs. smoking debate. With some facts and data on your side, though, you’ll be able to make the best choice for yourself and help enlighten others in your community.

What Exactly Is Vaping?

At its heart, vaping is very similar to smoking. However, there are key differences. While smoking inherently involves inhaling and exhaling smoke, specifically tobacco smoke, vaping is the inhaling and exhaling of an aerosol that is created by an e-cigarette or vape pen. Many people will refer to what an e-cigarette produces as water vapor, which it is, but technically it’s an aerosol that carries with it a flotilla of very fine particles. Whether you’re using an e-cigarette, a vape pen, or a customizable vaporizer (often referred to as a “mod”), the basics of the device are similar. You’ll be dealing with a mouthpiece through which you inhale the aerosol, a cartridge that holds the e-juice, and a battery-powered heating component. When in use, the heating component raises the temperature of the aerosol until an inhalable product is created. The e-liquid or e-juice used is generally a propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin-based liquid that’s fortified with nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals. However, it’s possible to use a vape device for cannabis consumption, as well as any number of inhalables, instead of e-juice.

The Basics of Tobacco Smoke

For the uninitiated, smoking involves the lighting of tobacco and the inhaling of the produced smoke. Typically, the tobacco is wrapped in paper, such as with a cigar or cigarette, or stuffed into a pipe. The tobacco often includes a host of other chemicals, as well, making it particularly harmful to those who inhale it directly or second-hand. In fact, per the Center for Disease Control, cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in the country. Smoking kills more people each year than the combined total caused by alcohol use, automobile accidents, drug use, guns, and HIV. While the number of smokers has declined over the past several decades, the risk of dying from cigarette smoke has actually grown over the past half-century. In today’s organic produce and granola world, there may be some thought that because cigarettes contain tobacco, a plant, while e-liquids contain mostly chemicals, smoking cigarettes may be more beneficial. However, that is just not the case. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds. These chemicals are supposedly added for the benefit of the smoker, to make the smoke less harsh and more flavorful, however many of them are known to cause cancer. Ammonia, arsenic, carbon monoxide, lead, and even uranium are all present in tobacco smoke.

How Vaping and Smoking are Different

The two main differences between smoking and vaping are the device used and the contents of the product being inhaled. Smoking involves burning tobacco in a rolled paper product or a pipe while vaping uses an electronic device to heat a liquid until a vapor-like product is created. If you smoke, you’re also inhaling a boatload of tobacco smoke and tobacco by-products. However, the juice utilized by a vape device typically does not contain tobacco. Diving deeper into the contents of what’s being inhaled, there’s a clear distinction in the two nicotine products. The FDA has investigated some e-liquids to determine the ingredients, and, in doing so, found chemicals that are not present in tobacco smoke, including antifreeze, formaldehyde, and benzene. While these chemicals are found at higher levels in e-liquid than in their tobacco counterparts, it is still believed that the aerosol byproduct of vaping contains a lower concentration of toxic ingredients. In fact, tobacco smoke may provide nine to 450 times the level of toxic substances found in vaping aerosols.

So, Is Vaping Healthier Than Smoking?

The question of safety and health when it comes to the vaping vs. smoking debate is a complicated one. Yes, on the one hand, smoking is one of the leading causes of death in America and, as previously stated, the number one cause of preventable death in the country. Its smoke contains hundreds of chemicals, many of which cause cancer. There is no disputing that. Further, there’s very little reason to believe that vaping exposes you to more toxic chemicals than cigarettes. There generally is no tobacco in e-liquids, and the vapor-like aerosol mitigates the harshness caused by inhaling smoke than a vape device produces. Additionally, many vapers speak of how vaping has freed their lives and allowed them to cut down on smoking cigarettes. If that’s the case, then vaping can have a benefit for individuals, as long as they continue to use it as a way to wean themselves off tobacco smoke. Yet, it’s difficult to say with absolute, scientific certainty whether vaping is truly healthier than smoking simply because vaping is such a new development in society. To conduct studies on the health impact of vaping, researchers would need decades of data to ascertain and analyze the typical long-term results of years of vape device use. Even when it comes to the use of vaping as a smoking cessation device, the current studies are fairly ambivalent. While most appear to say that those who are vaping are indeed trying to quit smoking, the results show that most of those cases still result with the user continuing to smoke tobacco. While there are individual successes, and it’s possible that you would be one of them, it’s important to note that the FDA has not approved vaping as a treatment for nicotine addiction.

Contact Smoking Buddha Today!

If you have questions about vaping, make sure to reach out to The Smoking Buddha today! Our extensive product lineup makes us perfect for vaping veterans, while our knowledgeable, helpful staff make the ideal experts for newcomers. So, whether you’re looking to try out a new e-cigarette or you’re unsure about the best e-liquids for your device, make sure to stop by our Parker vape shop. You can also give us a call at 303-840-4388, or use our simple contact form to get in touch today!   Image Credit: Shutterstock/Prostock-studio

Our Most Popular Naked E-Juice Flavors

Published: 27 March 2019
Written by Kendall Scheufler
No comments
Categories: Blog, eJuice
Updated on July 22nd 2023
 Warning: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.

Naked is one of the most influential vape juice manufacturers in the United States. The brand has put out numerous profiles over the years. There is something for every personal preference. Whether you enjoy a smoother profile or something a bit fruitier, you will not be disappointed. Here are some of the most popular Naked E-juice flavors available for sale today. You may just find your new favorite flavor.

Lava Flow

When you want to send your taste buds on a tropical vacation, you cannot go wrong with the Lava Flow E-juice. From the very first puff, it will ignite your senses. It contains a rich assortment of tangy pineapples, creamy coconuts, and delicious strawberries. It will feel as though you are vaping the perfect fruit smoothie. Your mouth will water in anticipation when you start using this vape juice.

Amazing Mango

If you prefer mangos, then you need to put Amazing Mango in your vape pen. It is one of the most mouthwatering flavors you can get. It lives up to its name by being a perfect mango flavor that is accentuated with peaches and sweet cream. It is a simple profile, but it gets the job done. It is a great E-juice to use during the summertime when you want a big plate of fruit by your side all the time.

All Melon

One of the most sought-after Naked E-juice flavors is All Melon. You can enjoy the perfect trinity of melon flavors in a single bottle. You can taste delicious flavors of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew all in one. It produces large clouds of vapor so that you can enjoy the scent for even longer. You get the ultimate satisfaction with each puff.

Hawaiian POG

You may not be able to go on a Hawaiian vacation, but you can feel as though you have a lei around your neck with Hawaiian POG. You get a delightful flavor with each puff. You can enjoy exotic guava, ripe orange, and delicious passion fruit all in one container. Whether you are hanging out in your living room or you are poolside, you get total relaxation with each drag. You can also try Hawaiian POG Ice if you want the addition of ice among the same flavors. It is the perfect way to cool down after a hot day.

Green Blast

Vape users looking for an unusual but excellent combination of scents need to try Green Blast. This E-juice combines the profiles of honeydew, kiwi, and apple. You have never had a vape juice like this one before, and it is the scent of your dreams. It is reminiscent of Jolly Rancher apple. It is a refreshingly original vape juice that you can only get from Naked.

Very Cool

Anyone looking to take a stroll on the wild side needs to get Very Cool E-juice. It comes from an exclusive vape juice line containing menthol. It also has an exotic combination of raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry. It will feel as though you are on a camping trip with each puff. All of the berry profiles are coated with the coolness of menthol for a refreshing sensation. It produces a nice, relaxing throat hit, so you do not have to worry about a lot of coughing afterward.

Brain Freeze

Naked has a successful line of fruity flavors, and Brain Freeze is just the latest addition in a long tradition of success. This vape juice also contains menthol to refresh your mouth and throat. It is exceptionally juicy with a mixture of ruby red pomegranates, kiwi, and strawberry. Once you are done, it will feel as though you just drank a delicious margarita. It is a well-balanced E-juice that will leave you wanting more.

Sour Sweet

Sour and sweet are two flavors you would not think would go well together. Fortunately, they blend perfectly in the Sour Sweet vape juice. One puff tastes like you just enjoyed your favorite lemon-lime jelly candies. It is incredibly layered, and it has an excellent sugary sensation, too. You get to enjoy all the flavor of your favorite candy without ingesting all of the calories.

Yummy Gum

Instead of chewing gum that loses its flavors after one minute, you can enjoy the same great taste with Yummy Gum E-juice. This vape juice was created using natural ingredients. It is an artisanal flavor that is unparalleled in its flavor profile. It will feel as though you are chewing strawberry bubblegum with every inhalation. It is an intoxicating flavor, and you will not have to worry about where to spit out your gum afterward.

Berry Belts

Strawberry and blackberry go together perfectly in Berry Belts. One puff will instantly have you coming back for more. It produces a tremendous citrusy sensation. It is not unusual for users to go through three or four bottles of this flavor a month. It is bound to become a signature part of your collection once you try it out.

Naked Unicorn

Naked Unicorn is one of the brand’s most signature flavors. It combines fruits with cream for a thrilling experience. It produces a clean flavor using natural ingredients. You will feel as though you have just eaten dessert when you get a taste of the rich combination of strawberries with cream. It will excite your taste buds like few vape juices are able to do.

Go Nanas

It is not every day you find a vape juice that incorporates the flavor of bananas into its profile. However, that is precisely what Go Nanas has done. It offers the pure flavor of bananas with nothing else getting in the way. You should not have to monkey around when it comes to finding the perfect E-juice. If you enjoy eating a banana every morning, then this product could be perfect for you.

Azul Berries

When you want to produce a seductive cloud of vapor, you need Azul Berries. Its primary flavor is blueberry. When you go deeper, you will also notice subtle hints of raspberry to give it some kick. Finally, there is some creaminess in there to make it feel like a dessert.

American Patriots

A lot of people vape so that they can quit cigarettes. When you still want the smooth flavor of tobacco in your mouth, you need to reach for American Patriots vape juice. It is bound to quench any cravings you have, and it is a great tool to have when you try to quit cold turkey. Upon every exhale, you experience the rich flavor of caramel bourbon. It is a full-bodied vape juice you will never want to run out of.

Maui Sun

You get a bunch of tropical flavors wrapped into one with Maui Sun. You will feel like you are basking in the rich island sun with the aromas of mandarins, oranges, and pineapples surrounding you. You can escape the scorching sun with this delicious combination. Everyone else gets in on the action with every cloud you make.

Here at The Smoking Buddha, we’re here to help. If you have any questions about a given product, then do not hesitate to reach out. Call our team or reach out through our online contact form, and we will get back to you shortly.

How Vaping Can Help Thousands of Smokers

Published: 14 February 2019
Written by Kendall Scheufler
No comments
Categories: Blog, Vaping
One of the biggest challenges that smokers face is the difficulty in reducing their number of daily cigarettes or quitting the habit altogether. People who attempt to quit smoking often try a multitude of methods with very little success. One key reason that many have shared positive results with vaping is its similarity to the act of smoking. Here are five ways that explain why it’s worked for so many people. Shop the Most Popular E-Juice Flavors Available Now!

1. Vapes May Offer An Alternative to Smoking

The health hazards involved in smoking are mainly centered around the delivery system of the nicotine: the cigarette. Vape devices rely on electronically heated vapors rather than smoke. This means no tar or carbon monoxide is produced. The harmful chemicals that are frequently tied to nicotine are actually associated with the act of inhaling smoke, and experts in the U.K. have estimated that vaping is 95 percent safer than the alternative. By switching to vape options, smokers cut down on the bulk of the risks. Those who switch have typically reported improvements to their health in a short period of time without a debilitating transition.

2. Vapes May Help Reduce Your Smoking Habit

For individuals who are considering vaping in place of their cigarettes, it’s usually recommended to stop smoking altogether. This complete substitution can help to ease the transition off of smoking by providing the nicotine in a safer application. The choices you make with your vaping supplies allow you to adjust the nicotine content. This gives smokers the power to gradually lessen the concentration over time. The decrease can minimize the severity of nicotine cravings and encourage people to kick the habit altogether. Vape cartridges don’t need nicotine; once the craving is near non-existent, you can opt out of products that contain it.

3. Vaping Can Satisfy Nicotine Cravings

One of the most satisfying aspects of smoking a cigarette is the nicotine content. Though vaping still often contains nicotine, it’s incorporated in a completely different way. Even though you’re inhaling vapors rather than smoke, you’re still appeasing that desire to light up without actually doing it. When you reach that point of the day where you feel you need a cigarette to make it through, vaping can help you overcome that dragging sensation. The hours become easier to conquer when you’ve answered your body’s craving, and you get to enjoy the experience in a more personalized and versatile way. E-Cigarettes are an Effective Way to Help Smokers Quit!

4. Provides Variety of Choices in Flavor

Vaping offers hundreds of flavor choices to enhance the enjoyment each time you reach for your device. Whether you prefer sour or sweet, you’ll see something on the market that suits your taste and hits the spot in just the right way. You may find varieties that you quickly become loyal to or else have fun trying out different flavors just to mix things up. E-juice bottles are typically quite affordable, encouraging smokers to embrace the concept and experiment with several different kinds until they find one that pleases them. You just don’t get the same taste experience when you use traditional cigarettes. Flavor options that include blends of melon, strawberry, kiwi, banana, and other fruitful aromas make the process even more relaxing. This variety can often make the difference for those who have tried to stop smoking and haven’t been able to.

5. Fits All Lifestyles

There’s only one way to smoke a cigarette, but there are numerous ways to vape. Products are available that allow smokers to customize their device to fit their specific smoking habit and lifestyle. Some options are more superior in some areas than others, so you can prioritize whatever’s most important to you in regard to several criteria:
  • Battery life
  • Cartridge compatibility
  • Tank size
  • Portability
  • Reusability
Those who are constantly on-the-go may opt for a device with longer battery life, ensuring that they’re able to vape when they need to. A larger tank size or reusability component offers more convenience for smokers who need to satisfy cravings more frequently. In addition, no device looks the same. This opens the door to make choices that express your personality and showcase your style. These added conveniences make vaping a more desirable option, making it easier for smokers to make the transition. At Smoking Buddha, we’ve got every option you need to make your experience better. Vaping helps smokers by satisfying and even reducing nicotine cravings while offering a variety of e-juice and cartridge choices. Let us help you with all your vaping needs, just contact our smokehop with any question you may have, we’re here to help!

How To Take Care of Your New Tattoo

Published: 22 January 2019
Written by Kendall Scheufler
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Categories: Blog, Tattoos
Whether your new tattoo is a part of your spontaneous personality or was meticulously planned out over a long period of time, proper care is crucial. If you want to make sure your tattoo retains its initial quality and look, follow our guide for proper aftercare. Learn more about Tattoos from The Smoking Buddha

Aftercare Overview

By following a few recommended steps, you can help ensure your tattoo will be a showpiece for the long haul. In general, the aftercare process involves simple care until the art piece has healed.
  • Cleaning after bandage removal
  • Moisturizing with ointment after cleaning
  • Moisturizing with lotion
  • Avoiding a few things that will hinder healing

Bandage Removal and Cleaning

After your new tattoo has been completed, leave the bandage in place for an hour or two. Make sure you remove the bandage in a clean environment to prevent unnecessary germ exposure. Using a gentle antibacterial soap that doesn’t include any scrubbing elements or moisture beads, carefully wash the tattoo and surrounding area. For best cleaning results, make a lather with the soap and water in your hand first before washing the tattoo area. Using a circular motion, apply the soap and gently clean off any ointment left during the initial bandaging process. After rinsing the soap, allow the tattoo to air dry. If necessary, a hair dryer with a cool setting could be used to assist the drying. At this point, you don’t want to rub with a towel or anything that can be too rough on the freshly exposed tattoo. Your tattoo will need to be carefully cleaned in this way twice a day for the first couple of days.

Moisturizing Your Tattoo With Ointment

Each time your tattoo is washed and air-dried it will need to be moisturized afterward. Moisturizing will help with the healing process and prevent excess scabbing of the area. The ointment needs to be thick enough to cover the area lightly but not leave excess. Aquaphor or vitamin E oil are both good options. You will need to rub the oil or ointment carefully into the clean tattooed skin. Any excess can be removed with a paper towel by dabbing gently. If you see any weeping, light oozing or excess ink leaking away this can be typical and isn’t cause for alarm. Simply dab away with a paper towel and continue to use the ointment. You only need a small amount each time, reapplying every four to six hours. This step typically lasts three or four days. The ointment can be discontinued once the tattooed area begins to experience light flaking.

Switch to Lotion For Moisturizing

Several days after your tattoo has been completed, you will be able to discontinue use of Aquaphor or other ointments. As a sign you are ready to move to the next step in the tattoo aftercare process, your tattooed skin will begin flaking. Flaking is a normal part of the tattoo healing process. After flaking begins, an unscented, plain lotion can be used to keep the skin moisturized. It’s important to make sure the lotion is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic in order to avoid irritation. Lubriderm or Eucerin are both good choices for providing moisture without irritation. Application of lotion can be repeated as the tattoo takes time to finish drying out, but overuse of lotion can also cause irritation. If you notice the area is starting to break out, ease up on the number of times per day you apply the lotion or switch to a different brand.

What To Avoid During Tattoo Aftercare

In addition to keeping your tattoo clean and properly moisturized during the healing process, a few more tips can make the experience easier.
  • Avoid wearing tight-fitting or non-breathable fabrics over your tattoo for at least the first several days.
  • Breathable cotton fabrics are best for healing and to prevent damage to your clothing.
  • Avoid anything that might cause excessive itching or irritation, such as wool, a tight bra strap or a tight waistband on your pants.
One of the main roadblocks to proper tattoo healing is the urge to scratch the tattoo once it becomes itchy or pick at any scabbing or flaking that occurs. During the first few days, fully submerging in water should be avoided as well as exposing your new tattoo to the sun. Most tattoos heal fully and without issue within a couple of weeks, but if you notice any excessive redness, swelling or discharge or if you begin to run a fever that can’t be attributed to another cause, you should contact your doctor for direction.

Self-Expression Through Tattooing

If you are looking for a beautiful or exciting new piece of art for your skin, the Smoking Buddha’s in-house tattoo services can provide you with the customized, artistic tattoo of your dreams. An inspired tattoo artist knows how important self-expression can be to the customer,  contact us today to get started on realizing your vision.

Things to know before you start Vaping

Published: 15 January 2019
Written by Kendall Scheufler
No comments
Categories: Blog, Vaping

New to Vaping? We’ll Help You Get Started!

Are you new to vaping? Even if you’re a seasoned veteran, wading through the pool of different lingo, equipment, and even etiquette can be frustrating without a proper guide setting the best path. As vaping continues to increase in popularity, having a guide such as the one you’re about to read will be an essential tool for feeling comfortable and cool during your transition into vaping. See some of the popular vapes and vape mods we carry here

What Exactly Is Vaping?

A vaporizer, or another vaping device, consists of a couple of essential components.
  • The tank: where the e-liquid is stored.
  • Cotton wick: the means by which the e-liquid is absorbed.
When you turn on or activate the vaporizer, the tank quickly heats up, turning the juice into a vapor which you can then breathe in.

Key Terms and Vaping Lingo

If your head is already spinning due to terms like “tank” and “cotton wick,” that’s okay. Because the words associated with vaping can be so different from other forms of smoking, it’s necessary to have a solid handle on their meanings.
  • Atomizer: A small tube that is packed with a tight coil, this is perhaps the essential part of any vaporizer, as it is the coil that heats up and converts the juice into vapor.
  • Cartomizer: A disposable atomizer.
  • E-cigarette: A vaporizer that visually resembles a typical cigarette.
  • E-liquid: Another name for the juice you put into your vaporizer.
  • Mods: A customized modified vaporizer with variations on the standard vaporizer design made by its producer. The resulting vape device no longer resembles a mass-produced vaporizer.
  • Propylene glycol: The most common liquidused as a nicotine delivery system.
  • Vapor: The cloud of gas your vaporizer exhales and you inhale..
  • Vegetable glycerin: Another liquid that can serve as a base for a nicotine delivery system. It is made mostly from oils derived from plants and is preferred by those who find propylene glycol-based juices too harsh for their throat.

Get the Right Device

Generally speaking, there are three types of vaporizers you can purchase:
  • Disposable vaporizers: These vaporizers are small, disposable, and closely resemble typical cigarettes. If you’re a cigarette smoker, they make the perfect entry point to the world of vaporizers. Their main downside is you won’t be able to customize the flavor or smoking experience.
  • Mods: Many veteran vapers prefer mods, also known as advanced personal vaporizers, due to the ability to customize the perfect device for themselves. With mods, you can change things like tank size, coil temperature, and battery power. Some even come with electronic displays and adjustable settings.
  • Rechargeable vaporizers: This device is slightly more sophisticated and customizable than a disposable one, yet isn’t nearly as complicated as a mod. These usually come in two to three pieces, including a rechargeable battery, a tank, and an atomizer.

Find Your Preferred Nicotine Concentration Level

As previously mentioned, one of the great things about vaping is that regardless of the device you choose, there will still be a higher level of personalization than what you would find with cigarettes. One aspect of that personalization is nicotine strength. It can be dizzying to figure out the nicotine concentration for your preferred e-liquid. For newcomers, though, it’s always best to start small and work your way up. Starting at too high of a concentration right of the bat, especially if you’re not used to it, can induce coughing and may turn you off from vaping altogether. So, when it comes to nicotine strength, start low and go slow.

Vape Etiquette

As vaping is relatively new, the social rules and etiquette around using a vaping device are constantly shifting. The best practice is to use common sense. Don’t vape in crowded, enclosed spaces like a restaurant, theatre, or bus. Also, make sure to not vape or leave your vaping tools lying around children or pets, as nicotine is a poisonous product to them. However, in your own home or wide-open outdoor spaces, you should feel comfortable enough to vape away. Of course, if you’re renting your house or apartment, check your lease to see if smoking or vaping is allowed. If you’re unsure, reach out to your landlord and explain the difference between smoking cigarettes and vaping so they can have a better understanding of you and other tenants.

Contact Smoking Buddha For All Your Vaping Needs

Smoking Buddha is Colorado’s premier smoke and vape shop. We’re open seven days a week, so whether you want to check out our wide assortment of vaping products or just have a question for our knowledgeable staff, we’re here to provide tons of great information and help you with your vaping needs.

The Anatomy of a Vape Mod

Published: 27 November 2018
Written by Kendall Scheufler
No comments
Categories: Blog, Vaping
If you’re new to vaping or looking to explore and discover the ideal vaping experience for yourself, familiarizing yourself with vaporizers is a crucial first step. The overall selection of vaporizers available may look vast, but for the most part, they all fall under a few particular models. E-cigs are fine for casual use, but most folks that want to get seriously into vaping end up looking to more sophisticated devices – this often means a vape mod. Before you buy one, though, it helps to know what you’re looking at, how it works and what makes it tick; this way, you’ll be able to pick the best mod for you and take good care of it so it continues to deliver.

What is a Vape Mod?

Also called a “box mod”, a vape mod is a souped-up version of the assembly at the heart of a vape pen or e-cig, built with advanced power and customizability in mind. This is exactly why they’re called “mods.” The basic set of components, how they work and what they’re meant to do are all the same as with other vaporizers: • The battery, which stores energy and then supplies the power to the heating mechanism in order to vaporize the e-liquid. • The heating mechanism commonly called the coil, which is designed to convert e-liquid to vapor • The tank that houses both the e-liquid and the heating coil, creating a complete assembly that’s often called an atomizer • The drip tip, a mouthpiece that allows e-liquid to be manually poured directly into the atomizer What makes these different from those found in vape pens and e-cigs is that the parts are assembled in a way that makes them more modular – a pen is a complete package and you generally won’t be fiddling much with the details, but vape mods let you do just that to refine your vaping experience for better taste, stronger throat hits and more.

The Battery

Batteries are a familiar part of our daily lives, but it’s good to know the role a battery plays in vaping. Whether rechargeable or replaceable, the battery is what allows the atomizer’s coil to heat up and produce vapor by supplying a current through the coil. The jump to a more potent battery is what often drives switching to a box mod. Batteries in e-cigs often don’t provide enough power for a good hit, or they don’t hold a charge long enough for extensive use. Box mods boast batteries with longer life (rated in milliamp-hours, or mAh) and a higher current output (given as an amperage rating, which can range anywhere from 10A to 35A for higher-end models). Keep these statistics in mind when choosing a battery, especially the latter – the amperage needs to be compatible with the rest of the assembly.

The Coil and Tank

The heating mechanism takes the form of a coil of resistance wire with one end making contact with the battery, while the other is allowed contact with the e-liquid via wrapped cotton or a wicking element. This coil heats up as electricity is passed through it, with the heat generated proportional to the coil’s resistance (measured in ohms), in order to vaporize the e-liquid. Replacing the coil and its cotton or wick every so often prevents a burnt taste from creeping in. These elements, together with the e-liquid, are housed in a glass or plastic tank – the whole thing together is called an atomizer. E-cigs don’t usually allow temperature control, so the coil heats up to a specific temperature – often one too high for a good draw! Box mods allow you to adjust the coil temperature to prolong the life of the component and produce better flavor and hits. Additionally, some atomizers allow what’s called sub-ohm vaping – the resistance of the coil is set to less than one ohm, to increase power output on devices with a fixed voltage. This can put extra strain on the electrical components, but it also produces significantly more vapor for exceptionally strong lung hits.

Drip Tips

Dripping is a practice among more dedicated vapers that makes use of a hollow mouthpiece called a drip tip. Instead of storing e-liquid in a cartridge, the liquid is poured through the drip tip and directly into the atomizer. This allows finer control over your hits, and many report a cleaner, more consistent vapor. Learning to properly drip can be a bit advanced for new vapers, as proper timing and amount are needed to prevent a harsh, burnt draw or an overflowing atomizer. Perfecting it can give users a richer flavor and higher vapor production, and some like to use it to try out multiple different flavors.

Load Up at the Smoking Buddha

Whether you’re picking up your first vape mod or looking to customize with new parts, the Smoking Buddha has everything you need in one spot. Check out our premier inventory, or contact us with any questions you may have regarding our products.