Introduction
Basically, vaping is enjoyment, taste and a bit of experimentation. Anyone taking a puff on an e-cigarette or vapor device for the first time will quickly notice that the experience is very different from that of a conventional tobacco cigarette.
Admittedly: It takes a little patience to get started. Especially beginners often underestimate how long or intense a puff should be to really enjoy the full aroma of a liquid. There's only one thing to do here: try it out instead of pondering.
It is important to take a steady, slow drag - and then consciously exhale the vapor in a relaxed manner. This is where the real attraction lies: the taste unfolds as you exhale, the aromas become tangible - and this creates that special moment.
Unlike with tobacco cigarettes, the focus with vaping is not on nicotine intake, but on the sensory experience. The fun begins when you perceive vaping as what it should be: An enjoyable alternative that you can discover individually.
Nicotine - enjoy with moderation and responsibility
The sale of nicotine-containing e-liquids has been permitted in Switzerland for some time now. However, this should be emphasized: The vaping experience is not necessarily dependent on nicotine. Many flavors also develop their taste without nicotine - yet many people switching to vaping do not want to do without the effect at the beginning.
Important to know: The nicotine strength of a liquid (e.g. 3 mg/ml or 12 mg/ml) should not be compared directly with the nicotine information on cigarette packs. When vaping, other factors such as vaping time, device type and vaping behavior have an effect.
For orientation:
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Up to 6 mg/ml: for light smokers or MTL beginners
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6-12 mg/ml: for moderately heavy smokers
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12-18 mg/ml: only for experienced vapers with a high tolerance
Nicotine levels above 10 mg/ml can have a very intense effect, especially for beginners. Levels above 15 mg/ml are generally only suitable for experienced vapers with the appropriate devices. Anyone looking for a high nicotine dose should pay attention to mild, gentle flavors to keep the typical "throat hit" (scratchy throat) pleasant.
The same applies here: try it out and feel your way around. Many vapers reduce their nicotine content over time - some even switch completely to nicotine-free liquids and only enjoy the vapor for its taste and relaxation.
Ready-to-use or self-winding - what suits you?
The ready-to-use vaporizer system is the simplest and most widespread way of vaping. Handling is uncomplicated: You only need to clean the device occasionally and replace the vaporizer head (coil) if necessary. Ideal for beginners or anyone who wants to vape conveniently and effortlessly.
In contrast, the self-winding system requires a little more sensitivity and experience. Here, the heating coil is wound from wire yourself and inserted into the vaporizer. This requires precision in winding, voltage and positioning.
The big advantage: you can adjust the heating behavior individually - by choosing the wire material, the diameter of the coil and the number of turns. This allows you to optimize vapour development, taste and draw characteristics.
You also have the choice between self-winding devices:
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Ohm vaporizers (for classic MTL vaping)
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Sub-ohm vaporizers (for direct lung puffs and large clouds)
Ready-to-use pre-evaporator POD systems
POD systems
Pod systems are among the most popular vape devices - and for good reason. They combine easy handling with versatile options. The interchangeable pods can be changed in a flash and are available in various nicotine strengths and flavors.
They are particularly suitable for nicotine salt liquids, as they enable a gentle yet effective nicotine intake. Ideal for anyone looking for a compact, low-maintenance device for everyday use - whether a beginner or a newcomer.
Disposable vapes
Disposable vapes are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to vape easily and immediately. These compact, ready-to-use devices require no charging or refilling - simply unpack and enjoy.
Thanks to the large selection of flavors - from fruity to fresh - every taste will find its place. Ideal for beginners, occasional vapers or on the go. Simple, practical, carefree.
Attention: It is important that you dispose of disposable vapes correctly. They belong in the electronic waste.
Big Puff Hybrids
Big Puff Hybrid devices combine the advantages of disposable vapes with the features of a rechargeable system. They offer a higher number of puffs, are rechargeable via USB and deliver an intense taste experience - puff for puff.
With large tanks and powerful batteries, they are perfect for anyone who prefers longer vapor sessions but doesn't want to compromise on portability and convenience.
Vaporizer types / Atomizer
Pulmonary draught vaporizer
With a lung draw vaporizer, the vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs (direct-to-lung / DTL), similar to a shisha. This way of vaping produces large clouds of vapor and a particularly intense taste experience.
Lung draw vaporizers have larger air openings and therefore offer a lower draw resistance - they are therefore significantly more permeable than classic MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaporizers. In order to reliably heat and vaporize the larger quantities of liquid produced, they require more power, which is made possible by a stronger current flow from the battery.
So-called sub-ohm coils are used for this. These vaporizer coils have an electrical resistance of less than 1 ohm, usually between 0.25 and 0.5 ohms - hence the name sub-ohm vaporizer.
Important: Sub-ohm vaping requires a suitable device with adjustable power and sufficient battery capacity.
Suitable liquids for sub-ohms
Pulmonary draw vaporizers work best with viscous liquids, i.e. those with a high VG content (vegetable glycerine). The higher the VG value, the more vapor is produced - however, the taste is somewhat softer and sweeter.
For lung draw systems, a VG/PG ratio of at least 60/40 is recommended - many even use 70/30 or 80/20.
Baking vaporizers (also known as MTL or Ohm vaporizers)
Cheek vaporizers are characterized by a higher draw resistance - similar to that of a classic tobacco cigarette or pipe. When vaping, the vapor is first drawn into the mouth ("into the cheeks") and then inhaled into the lungs. This drawing technique is called MTL - Mouth-to-Lung.
Baking vaporizers have smaller air supply openings and more precise airflow, which ensures a particularly intense taste experience. Due to the lower air flow, less vapor is produced, but it is denser and more aromatic.
Suitable liquids for MTL vaporizers
As MTL vaporizers require a slow and even liquid flow, low-viscosity liquids with a higher PG content (propylene glycol) are particularly suitable.
Recommended mixing ratios:
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VG50 / PG50 - the most popular ratio for MTL systems
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VG60 / PG40 - also well suited for more powerful MTL devices
The higher the PG content, the more fluid the liquid and the better the reflow into the vaporizer head. Of course, more viscous liquids (more VG) can also be used - but you should take a short break between puffs so that the wick is completely saturated with liquid again. This prevents the coil from "running dry".
Durability of the coils
The service life of a coil depends on several factors - above all on the intensity of use and the VG/PG ratio of the liquid used. Thicker liquids with a high VG content (e.g. 70/30) can clog the absorbent cotton more quickly, while thinner liquids with a higher PG content are more gentle on the coil.
It is worth experimenting with different liquids and gaining your own experience. Some vaporizer systems react sensitively to viscous liquids and start to "soot up" prematurely - in other words, the wick is clogged and the result is a burnt taste. Other systems can cope with the same ratio without any problems and last much longer. If in doubt, it is worth seeking individual advice from a specialist retailer.
When should a coil be changed?
A sure sign that a coil should be replaced is a burnt taste when vaping - also known as a "dry hit". This occurs when the wick in the vaporizer no longer draws enough liquid and starts to burn.