A Glossary of Vaping Terms Every New Vaper Should Know
If you're new to vaping, you may come across words and phrases that seem confusing at first. From "pod systems" and "coils" to "VG/PG ratios" and "MTL," the vaping world has its own vocabulary that can make choosing the right products feel overwhelming.
The good news is that these terms are easy to understand once you know what they mean. Here's a beginner-friendly glossary of the most common vaping terms you'll encounter when shopping for devices, e-liquids, and accessories.
Pod
A pod is the small cartridge that holds your e-liquid. Depending on the device, pods may have built-in coils or allow you to replace the coil separately. Most refillable pods are designed to be filled multiple times before needing replacement.
Coil
The coil is the heating element inside your pod or tank. When you activate your vape, the coil heats the e-liquid absorbed by the surrounding cotton, creating vapor. Since coils wear out over time, they'll need replacing periodically to maintain good flavor and vapor production.
E-Liquid
Also called vape juice, e-liquid is the liquid that produces vapor. Most e-liquids contain vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), flavorings, and optionally nicotine. They come in a wide variety of flavors and nicotine strengths to suit different preferences.
Nicotine Salt
Nicotine salt, often called nic salt, is a type of nicotine commonly used in pod systems. It provides a smoother throat hit at higher nicotine strengths
compared to traditional freebase nicotine, making it popular among former smokers and users who prefer lower-power devices.
Freebase Nicotine
Freebase nicotine is the traditional form of nicotine found in many e-liquids. It's often used in higher-powered devices and is available in a wide range of nicotine strengths. Many experienced vapers choose freebase e-liquids for their versatility and throat hit.
VG and PG
VG stands for Vegetable Glycerin, while PG stands for Propylene Glycol. VG is responsible for producing dense vapor clouds, whereas PG carries flavor more effectively and creates a stronger throat hit. Different e-liquids contain different VG/PG ratios depending on the intended vaping style.
Wattage
Wattage refers to the amount of power your vape device sends to the coil. Higher wattage generally produces warmer vapor and larger clouds, while lower wattage offers a cooler, smoother vaping experience. Many modern vape devices allow users to adjust wattage to match their preferred style.
Airflow
Airflow controls how much air passes through your device during each puff. A tighter airflow creates a more restricted draw, while a wider airflow allows for a looser inhale and greater vapor production. Adjustable airflow lets users customize their vaping experience.
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung)
MTL stands for Mouth-to-Lung vaping. With this style, vapor is first drawn into the mouth before being inhaled into the lungs. It's similar to the way many people smoke traditional cigarettes, making it a popular option for beginners.
DTL (Direct-to-Lung)
DTL stands for Direct-to-Lung vaping. Instead of holding vapor in the mouth first, users inhale directly into the lungs. This style typically produces larger clouds and is commonly used with more powerful vape devices.
Dry Hit
A dry hit occurs when the coil isn't receiving enough e-liquid. Instead of producing smooth vapor, the cotton begins to burn, resulting in an unpleasant burnt taste. Keeping your pod filled and priming new coils helps prevent dry hits.
Priming a Coil
Priming means allowing a new coil to absorb e-liquid before using it. After filling the pod or tank, it's recommended to let the device sit for five to ten minutes before taking the first puff. This simple step helps prevent burnt coils and extends coil life.
Chain Vaping
Chain vaping refers to taking multiple puffs in rapid succession. Doing this doesn't always give the coil enough time to absorb more e-liquid, which may reduce coil lifespan or cause dry hits. Waiting a few seconds between puffs helps maintain better performance.
Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is measured in milliamp hours (mAh). Generally speaking, the higher the mAh rating, the longer the battery can last between charges. Battery life also depends on factors such as wattage settings and individual vaping habits.
Disposable Vape
A disposable vape is a pre-filled, non-rechargeable or rechargeable single-use device designed for convenience. Once the e-liquid is finished or the battery reaches the end of its usable life, the device is replaced rather than refilled.
Refillable Vape
A refillable vape allows users to add their own e-liquid and replace pods or coils as needed. These devices typically offer more flavor choices and can be more cost-effective for regular vapers.
Learning a few basic vaping terms can make shopping for devices, e-liquids, and accessories much simpler. Once you're familiar with the terminology, it's easier to compare products, understand product descriptions, and choose equipment that suits your preferences.
At Vapes UAE, we make vaping easy by offering authentic vape devices, premium e-liquid, replacement pods, coils, and accessories from trusted
brands. First-time buyers and experienced vapers alike will find what they need, with competitive prices and fast delivery across the UAE.
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