A Beginners Guide to Vape Tanks
Anatomy of Vape Tanks
Types of Tanks: Explore the various types of tanks available, such as standard tanks, sub-ohm tanks, rebuildable tank atomizers (RTAs), and rebuildable dripping atomizers (RDAs), understanding their unique features and suitability.
Choosing the Right Tank
Compatibility: Learn how to match a tank with your device, considering factors like power requirements and connection type.
E-Liquid Capacity: Understand the implications of different tank capacities and how it affects your vaping routine.
Materials and Design: Discover the importance of material choices (like glass or plastic) and design aspects that can impact durability and ease of use.
Maintenance and Care
Coil Replacement: Understand when and how to replace coils to maintain optimal performance.
Troubleshooting: Learn to identify and resolve common issues like leaks or gurgling sounds.
Advanced Customization
Safety and Best Practices
This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to choose, maintain, and enjoy the best vape tank for your preferences and lifestyle, ensuring a satisfying and safe vaping journey.
Anatomy of a Vape Tank
Exploring the anatomy of vape tanks reveals how these intricate devices function as the heart of your vaping experience. Vape tanks are marvels of engineering, consisting of several key components that work together to produce vapour. Here’s a closer look at each component and its role:
Base: The base is the foundation of the tank, typically featuring a threaded connector to attach it to the vaping device. It often includes the airflow control mechanism, allowing you to adjust the draw resistance and vapour temperature.
User-Friendly Features
Chimney: This is the tube that extends from the top of the coil to the drip tip. The chimney directs the vapour upwards and can influence the flavour and temperature of the vapour.
O-Rings: These small, often rubber, rings are crucial for sealing connections between different parts of the tank, preventing leaks and ensuring the tank's structural integrity.
Understanding these components and their functions is essential for any vaper, whether beginner or experienced. It not only helps in choosing the right tank but also in maintaining and troubleshooting it for the best vaping experience.
What is a Drip Tip?
Personal Interface: The drip tip is the point of contact between you and the vapour. Its design and material can significantly influence the comfort of your lips and mouth during vaping.
Influence on Draw: The size and shape of the drip tip affect the draw. Wider drip tips, like the 810, are typically used for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, allowing more vapour to be inhaled at once. Narrower tips, like the standard 510, are more common for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, offering a tighter draw and simulating the feeling of smoking a cigarette.
Sizes and Compatibility of Drip Tips
710 (10.5mm): Less common, it provides a balance between the tight draw of a 510 and the openness of an 810.
Wide Bore 810 (12.5mm): Designed for DTL vaping, it allows for a more substantial vapour intake and is often found on sub-ohm tanks.
Drip Tip Material Choices
Resin and Glass: Popular for their unique designs and cool feel.
Metal: Durable and stylish but can heat up during use.
Stone: Unique in appearance, offering a distinct feel but can be heavy.
Drip Tip Aesthetic and Thermal Properties
Impact on Vaping Style: The choice of drip tip can align with different vaping styles. For instance, cloud chasers might prefer wider bore drip tips for increased vapour production, while those looking for flavour concentration might opt for narrower tips.
In summary, the drip tip is more than just a functional piece; it's a customizable component that impacts both the physical and sensory aspects of vaping. Choosing the right drip tip can enhance the overall enjoyment and effectiveness of your vaping experience.
What is a Coil?
Understanding the intricacies of coils is fundamental to mastering the art of vaping, as they are central to the performance of your vape tank. Coils are responsible for heating the E-Liquid and producing vapour. Their types and materials significantly influence your vaping experience. Here's a breakdown of the different aspects of coils.
Types of Coils
Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Coils: These coils are designed for a tighter draw, mimicking the sensation of smoking a cigarette. They usually have higher resistance (above 1 ohm) and are used at lower power settings.
Sub-Ohm Coils: Used for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, sub-ohm coils have a resistance lower than 1 ohm. They are known for producing larger vapour clouds and are often preferred by more experienced vapers.
Materials Used in Coils
Kanthal: The most common material, known for its durability and ease of use. It's ideal for standard wattage mode but not suitable for temperature control.
Nichrome (Ni80): Similar to Kanthal but heats up faster. It's known for its flavour production but is also not suitable for temperature control.
Stainless Steel (SS): Versatile and can be used in both wattage and temperature control modes. It's known for clean flavour production and fast heating.
Nickel (Ni200): Exclusively used in temperature control mode due to its high temperature coefficient. It's not commonly used in standard wattage mode.
Titanium (Ti): Also used in temperature control mode. It heats up quickly and cools down rapidly but requires careful handling due to concerns about titanium dioxide formation at high temperatures.
Coil Design Variations
Wire Coils: Traditional and simple in design, these are spirals of wire that heat the E-Liquid. They come in various diameters and lengths, affecting resistance and vaping experience.
Mesh Coils: A newer design featuring a mesh sheet instead of a wire. Mesh coils provide a larger heating area, leading to more even heating, better flavour, and larger vapour production.
Coil Customization and Experience
Each coil type and material offers a different experience, affecting flavour intensity, vapour production, and throat hit. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired vaping style.
Coil Compatibility and Safety
It’s crucial to match the coil with your device and the chosen E-Liquid. Also, understanding the safety aspects, especially when using temperature control mode, is important to prevent issues like dry hits or overheating.
In summary, coils are a critical component in shaping your vaping experience. From the type of material to the design of the coil, each aspect plays a role in how your vape performs in terms of flavour, vapour production, and overall enjoyment. Understanding these elements can help you tailor your vaping experience to your personal preferences.
Airflow and the Tank Base
The base of a tank serves multiple crucial functions. It not only houses the coil but also plays a pivotal role in managing airflow, which is essential for the operation of your vape tank. Key characteristics of the tank base include:
Housing for the coil: The tank base is designed to securely accommodate the coil.
Airflow regulation: This feature is crucial as it determines the volume of vapour you inhale.
The presence of an adjustable airflow ring: This component in the base enables a smoother; more controlled inhaling experience by managing the air intake and the vapour output.
Top airflow designs: Some tanks have the airflow control located at the top of the tank, usually these’s are referred to as “Top airflow vape tanks”, top airflow tanks have a tendency to produce a much cooler vapour when compared to more traditional tanks, while benefiting from a design that is much less likely to leak.
Different Varieties of Vape Tanks
The vaping world is as varied as the vapers within it, presenting a broad spectrum of vape tanks tailored to different preferences. From the standard options like sub-ohm and mouth-to-lung tanks to the more specialized RDAs (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers) and RTAs (Rebuildable Tank Atomizers), there’s a tank for every style and level of vaping experience. The two main categories of vape tanks are mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung, each offering a unique vaping experience.
If you're a cloud enthusiast in pursuit of the perfect sub-ohm tank, or a beginner seeking a mouth-to-lung tank that replicates the feeling of smoking, there's a tank out there designed with your needs in mind. The secret to finding your ideal vape tank lies in understanding the functionality and unique appeal of each type. This insight helps in selecting a tank that seamlessly aligns with your personal vaping preferences.
If you want to know more about the difference between DTL and MTL vapes, check out our guide going over both in much more detail.
Sub-Ohm Tanks
Sub-ohm tanks, also recognized as direct-to-lung (DTL) tanks, are a top choice for those who relish in cloud chasing. These tanks are engineered to elevate the sub-ohm vaping experience with features like:
Immense vapour production: Designed to create large, billowing clouds of vapour.
Low-resistance coils: These specialized coils are key to achieving the desired sub-ohm experience.
Ample airflow: The design prioritizes generous airflow to facilitate larger and denser vapour clouds.
Enhanced flavour and vapour density: Thanks to the unique combination of low resistance and robust airflow.
These attributes combine to deliver a gratifying and intense experience, particularly suited for advanced vapers.
The direct-to-lung inhalation method employed in sub-ohm tanks is characterized by a slow, deep inhale, allowing vapour to go straight to the lungs, bypassing the mouth. This approach, coupled with the unrestricted airflow, is instrumental in generating significant vapour volume. Furthermore, the resistance level of the coils plays a vital role in shaping the performance of DTL vape tanks, influencing both the quantity of vapour produced and the richness of the flavour.
Rebuildable Tanks
Rebuildable vape tanks are a distinct attraction for DIY aficionados within the vaping community. These tanks offer the unique opportunity to create your own coils, a choice that not only personalizes the vaping experience but also can be more cost-effective than using pre-made coils. The process of building coils involves carefully winding wire with specialized tools, securely installing it on the tank's deck, fine-tuning for peak performance, and conducting thorough resistance checks to ensure both safety and functionality.
The allure of rebuildable tanks lies in the level of customization and control they offer over the vaping experience. However, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with their use. These risks include the chance of E-Liquid leakage, the generation of harmful substances if the E-Liquid is overheated, and the hazards posed by improperly constructed coils, particularly when used with mechanical mods. These factors underscore the importance of knowledge and caution in the use of rebuildable tanks.
Mouth to Lung Tanks
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) tanks, often the go-to choice for beginners transitioning from smoking to vaping or for those who seek a smoking-like sensation, are known for their distinctive inhalation style. These tanks enable the vapour to be first drawn into the mouth and then inhaled into the lungs, closely resembling the act of smoking a cigarette.
Moreover, MTL tanks are favoured for their ability to produce smaller vapour clouds, which further contributes to a cigarette-like experience. This feature makes them appealing not only to novice vapers but also to seasoned users.
The advantages of using MTL vape tanks
A sensation akin to smoking: Offering a familiar experience for ex-smokers.
Enhanced control over vapour production: Allowing for a more discreet vaping experience.
Economical usage: MTL tanks tend to consume less E-Liquid, leading to cost savings.
Compatibility with high-strength E-Liquids: Ideal for users who prefer stronger nicotine concentrations.
Prolonged coil life: Due to lower juice consumption, the coils in MTL tanks typically last longer.
When it comes to E-Liquids, MTL tanks are particularly suited for high PG (Propylene Glycol) or 50/50 blends, including nicotine salts. These types of juices enhance the MTL vaping experience by providing the right balance of throat hit and flavour.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
Cleaning your vape may seem arbitrary, but good vape maintenance is crucial for having a vape that lasts you a long time and runs as well as it did out of the box.
You can find our comprehensive guide to cleaning your device here
Essential Storage Tips for Vape Tanks
Maintaining your vape tank in optimal condition involves more than regular cleaning; proper storage is crucial. Effective storage practices not only help in preventing leaks but also safeguard the tank's integrity and contribute to its longevity. The ideal storage condition for vape tanks is at room temperature, specifically within the range of 20 to 22 degrees Celsius. This helps avoid damage that can be caused by extreme temperatures.
Neglecting proper storage of vape tanks can result in several issues, such as:
- Contamination of the mouthpiece with lint and germs.
- Damage to the internal components of the tank.
- Potential issues with battery overcharging.
- Leakage of E-Liquid.
To ensure the best care for your vape tank, it's important to store it in a tightly sealed manner and at a stable temperature. Additionally, incorporating routine cleaning into your maintenance routine will significantly extend the life of your vape tank. It’s also important to regularly use your tanks, as you might find that when you leave one for a while unattended, o rings can dry out and the plastic can go brittle without e-liquid present.
Maximizing Vape Experience through Optimal Settings
Your vape kit is more than just a tool; it's a customizable device that allows you to tailor your vaping experience to your preferences. One of the key elements in this customization is the wattage setting. Adjusting the wattage alters the temperature produced by the coil, which in turn affects the flavor, vapor production, and the throat hit of your vape.
Changing the wattage and temperature on most vape devices is straightforward.
These devices typically feature a settings menu where you can tweak these aspects to your liking. Starting with a lower wattage and gradually increasing it is a smart approach. This method allows you to enhance the flavor progressively and find the perfect equilibrium for your preferred vaping style. By carefully adjusting these settings, you can fine-tune your vape to achieve maximum satisfaction.