Beginner’s guide to vape pens
But what is a vape pen? Simply put, it is an ultra-portable vaporizer in a compact pen-shaped device that provides all the benefits of a standard vaporizer. Moreover, vape pens are potentially healthier than smoking, but they also are easy to use, produce discrete, almost odorless steam, and be taken anywhere on the go. You can always find a vape pen that will meet your needs.
If you are new to vaping and want to know more, keep reading and check out our comprehensive beginner’s guide in the following text.
How do vape pens work?
When we get to the basics, vape pens are very simple inventions. Simply put, the only parts you need to be concerned about are the heating element, a herb chamber, a disposable cartridge filled with concentrate, or other different configurations.
The heating element heats up the herb material to a temperature between 150 and 230 °C. At such low temperatures, the active substances present in the material turn into steam, which you can inhale with other vaping devices.
Different types of vape pens
There are a lot of different pens on the market at the moment. You can come across devices made for dry herbs, concentrates, or hybrid vaporizers, which are a combination of the two. As fantastic as this technology is, you must understand the difference between them by the named variations. Vaporizers for dry herbs are, of course, used to vape flowers and other botanical materials. On the other hand, vaporizers for concentrates, as the name indicates, are designed to work with concentrates in liquids of different consistencies. Finally, hybrid vaporizers are designed to work with both flowers and concentrates (the term hybrid is usually also used for vaporizers equipped with both methods of heating system – conduction and convection).
Vape pen anatomy
Some of the most important differences between various kinds of pens can be seen in their anatomy. However, the differences are not that substantial.
For most vape pens, the battery takes up the most prominent part of the device. Being usually lithium-ion type, batteries and are either rechargeable or replaceable. All vape pens have a mouthpiece, which is used for inhalation of the product of your choice. The heating element makes the vape happening. Most of the devices have a master button that activates the heating element. Yet, some vape pens come with no control at all.
Also, there are vape pens that do not rely on battery power whatsoever. Instead, they use the heat generated by a lighter. They are cheap as they lack the necessary electronics without needing a recharge. However, you do not have control over the vaping temperature. Also, the herb material is exposed to the risk of getting burnt if you lack using this type of vape pen. Nevertheless, the difference is not so dramatic, and vape pens that use flame are a great choice too.
Another most important component is the heating chamber. Vaporizers for dry herbs have a chamber section that holds botanical materials. In vaporizers for concentrates, you usually buy separate disposable cartridges, which are replaced as soon as used. Some come with permanently built-in chambers that can hold waxes, but these are not so common. You can also come across a hybrid vaporizer, which can handle both dry plants and concentrates, as we have already mentioned.
How to use a vape pen
Now we can proceed to the much entertaining part. Definitely read the instructions before you do anything. It is not hard to figure the functions out, but the manufacturer knows the vape pen better than anyone else. Finally, please note that our guidelines generally apply to all types of vape pens.
Charging
The first thing you need to do when you unpack your new vape pen is to charge it. Make a cup of tea or go for a walk, as it may take some time to charge the device for the first time.
Refilling
Once your vape pen is recharged (an LED light can signal it if available), you may insert the cartridge into the device. It will be either a cartridge that you fill with herb material or wax or a disposable one, which is already filled with the chosen stuff in it. After inserting the cartridge, set the vape pen together. Please read the instructions to know how to do it correctly.
Vaping
Now you are ready for the action! For most button-operated vape pens, you can turn them on and off by pressing them several times (usually five times). Some devices also allow you to adjust the temperature. When you use a vape pen for the first time, do not make the common mistake of inhaling too hard. Instead, a slow and gentle flow is required when inhaling from a vape pen. Also, there is no need to hold the steam in the lungs since all the good stuff is immediately absorbed.
Best practices when using a vape pen
As with any device, you should keep in mind some best practices. The main thing, of course, is regular cleaning. It does not have to be after every use, but cleaning once a week (if you vape regularly) will significantly extend the device’s life.
The cleaning process is simple - pull the vape pen apart and get rid of the remains in the chamber. Use the attached cleaning tool (these sometimes come with the product) and get it looking new. Of course, this practice applies only to the devices that have permanently built-in cartridges. If the cartridge is for a single-use, you do not need to bother with cleaning. Move on to the mouthpiece. If possible, unscrew it and rinse it with warm water. Do not use water on any other, especially electronic parts of the vaporizer. This could cause extensive damage to them.
In addition, if you follow the basic steps when vaping, no unnecessary mess will be created. In other words, if you use the right amount of herb material or concentrate, it does not get as messy as it possibly could. If you are using disposable cartridges, you do not have to worry about anything. However, if you are using a built-in cartridge, you need to make sure that no material overflows out of it. This will save you lengthy and thorough cleanings.
Pros and cons
As was suggested before, vape pens offer several benefits. However, when considering the benefits, one has to be careful because vape pens are not about improving traditional smoking. Thus, it all depends on personal preferences!
Pros of vape pens
Discretion and portability
Lighting up a joint full of botanical material is not a discreet way to enjoy herbs in public. You do not need to worry about this with a vape pen, though. The steam does not generate an unmistakable smell like smoking, which means that you can use them practically anywhere without attracting too much attention. In addition, vape pens are small enough to be perfectly portable, so you can easily stick them into the pocket.
Simple dosing
Almost every herb enthusiast knows a situation when they have had too much. This is much less likely to happen during vape sessions. Because it is easier to control how much you use, such devices are often recommended for people who use herbs for medical reasons.
Simple use
Inserting a cartridge into a vaporizer and pressing an operation button is not something you need a degree in rocket science. On the contrary, it could not be much easier. Compared to the skill of rolling the botanical material into paper or even using other, more complex vaporizers, vape pens are very convenient and easy to use.
Purity
Since your vape pen does not generate smoke, you can enjoy a much cleaner herb experience. Likewise, when you fill the chamber or cartridge, it does not create such a mess as rolling a joint. But, of course, we all well know the mess on the table after the work is done. Also, at the end of the session, you do not have to bother with stinking ash.
Cons of vape pens
They need regular maintenance.
If you get a cheap vape pen for single-use, this may not be the case. However, if you have a proper device, you definitely want to keep it in good shape to use it as long as possible. Since residues of the sticky resin accumulate during vaping, regular cleaning and maintenance are required. Also, you should not expose your vape pen to conditions where it could get wet or dirty.
You may need to adjust the dose
Concentrates are usually much more efficient than flowers. So if you have just switched from smoking to vaping, you may be better off starting with a smaller dose and gradually increasing it.
Require of charging
Yes, you need to charge a vape pen, but think about it: charging the device is generally easier than crushing herbs and then rolling them into paper. The only time it could be a problem is when you are out with a vaporizer, the battery is getting flat, and you do not have a charger on you, nor the power plug nearby. Thus, experienced users always have two or more batteries and a power bank, having one battery on the charger, the other in use. Thanks to this, they always have a spare battery.
Explore the world of vape pens
It is impossible to discuss everything about vape pens in one article. However, after reading this, you know more than enough to get started. The best way to continue learning is to start vaping to gain experience. There are plenty of vape pens and, therefore, it could be hard to choose. Lucky you have visited our website where you will find enough information, which will help you to make the right choice.