Vaping 101: All You Need To Know About Vapes!
Vaping has taken over the world, offering a modern alternative to traditional smoking. It is all the rage now and everyone seems to have one. It comes in a wide range of sizes and flavours, with names that make the avid vaper confused.
Vapes are now everywhere and the vaping industry was worth around USD 27.92 billion back in 2023 and is projected to grow to about USD 72.36 Billion by the year 2032. Whether you're looking to reduce your nicotine intake or simply enjoy the wide range of flavours available, vapes provide a customizable experience for every user.
From sleek, easy-to-use disposable vapes to more advanced mod devices, the vaping industry has something for everyone. But where did it come from? What is its origin story? What does it mean for the industry now that new vaping regulations have come into effect in New Zealand?
Well, we at My Blitz know a little bit about the cloud-filled world of vapes and we thought we should let you guys in on it as well. So in the following we will tell you everything you need to know about vapes. Welcome to Vaping 101.
Vaping Origin
So what is the origin of vapes?
Vaping originated in the early 2000s as a response to growing concerns about the health risks of traditional smoking. The first modern e-cigarette was developed in 2003 by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik, who sought a safer alternative to cigarettes after losing his father to lung cancer.
Since then, the technology has evolved rapidly, with vapes now available in various forms, from simple disposable devices to more sophisticated mod systems. This innovation has sparked a global shift toward vaping as a less harmful option for nicotine consumption.
Vaping appeals to many because of its flexibility and convenience, especially when compared to smoking. Products like disposable vapes have made it easier than ever to start vaping, with no need for refills or maintenance. E-liquids, available in a vast array of flavours and nicotine strengths, offer an enjoyable way to personalise your experience.
As more vape shops open around the world, and with vape shops opening in every neighbourhood the accessibility and variety of vaping products continue to grow. So we decided to create this article to help you guide through the vaping world.
What Are The Different Types of Vapes?
Vaping is unrecognisable now from when it began, with various types of devices now available to cater to different user preferences. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a simple, hassle-free option or an experienced vaper seeking more control over your experience, there’s a vape device for you. Companies like Smok and Kangertech became big players in a very short time utilising the trend.
Understanding the different types of vapes will help you choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and vaping needs. In this section, we’ll explore the four main types of vapes:
Each type has its unique advantages, making vaping accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Please keep reading as we dive into the different types of vapes available on the market right now.
1. Disposable Vapes
Disposable vapes are single-use devices that come pre-filled with e-liquid and are ready to use straight out of the box. These vapes are perfect for those who want a hassle-free experience without the need for refilling, charging, or maintenance. Disposable vapes are often compact, making them ideal for on-the-go use. Once the e-liquid is depleted, you simply dispose of the device.
At My Blitz, our K Bar Disposable Vapes are a top choice for users seeking convenience and portability. With a sleek design and satisfying nicotine hit, these disposable vapes offer a quick and easy solution for vaping anytime, anywhere. However, with new vaping regulations in full swing the market has shifted (More on this later).
2. Vape Pod Devices
Vape pod devices, also known as pod systems, are small and portable devices that use refillable or pre-filled pods instead of traditional tanks. These devices are perfect for beginners due to their ease of use and maintenance.
Pod systems offer a balance between the simplicity of disposable vapes and the versatility of vape mods, making them a popular choice for both new and experienced vapers.
Pod devices are designed to be user-friendly, with simple controls and compact designs that make them highly portable. Whether you're using a pre-filled pod or refilling with your favourite e-liquid, vape pod devices provide a straightforward and satisfying vaping experience.
With pre-filled pods all you need to do is buy pods that are already filled with e-liquids. However, with refillable pod devices things are a bit expansive. Refillable pod devices like the Nevoks Feelin X have different components. The e-liquids that you use with pod systems are called salt nic, which is short for nicotine salts (More on the types of e-liquids below).
To ensure you know how these pod systems work we will break down how to use refillable pod devices and the core components of a pod device for you.
What are the Accessories for a Vape Pod System?
Refillable pod devices typically consist of three main components:
The cartridge is where the e-liquid is stored, and it can be refilled multiple times before needing replacement. Inside the cartridge is the coil, which heats the e-liquid to produce vapour.
The battery powers the device and is rechargeable, providing consistent energy to heat the coil. Some refillable pod devices also include adjustable airflow settings to customise your vaping experience.
How To Use Refillable Pod Systems?
Using a refillable pod device is straightforward but offers more flexibility than disposables. You can start by filling the empty cartridge with your preferred e-liquid, ensuring you do not overfill it to avoid leakage.
Once filled, attach the cartridge to the battery unit. Most refillable pod devices are activated either by pressing a button or through draw activation, where you simply inhale to produce vapour.
Always ensure your device is charged before use, and that’s about it. It is that simple. However, with any device there is maintenance and the same goes for pod systems and that’s what we will talk about next!
How to Take Care of Your Vape Pod Device?
The more you take care of something the longer it lasts and the same goes with vape pod devices. Maintaining your refillable pod device involves a few key steps to ensure longevity and performance.
First, clean the pod and device regularly, especially around the contacts where the pod connects to the battery, to prevent residue buildup. The coil inside the cartridge will need periodic replacement, typically every one to two weeks, depending on usage and e-liquid type. You can find out which coils and cartridge you need from the back label on the box of the device or the store clerks can help you figure it out as well.
Lastly, make sure to charge your battery regularly and avoid letting it drain completely, which can shorten its lifespan. Also, before charging remove the pod to ensure your pod device and pod doesn’t burn up in the process or leak. By performing these simple maintenance tasks, your refillable pod device will continue to deliver a satisfying vaping experience.
3. Vape Mod Devices
If you’ve looked at any cloud chaser videos online then you will know that these vapers usually use mod devices with freebase e-liquids. Vape mods are advanced vaping devices designed for users who want more control over their vaping experience.
Unlike your typical disposable or pod systems, mods allow for customization in areas like wattage, airflow, and coil resistance. This flexibility makes vape mods popular among experienced vapers who are looking for a more tailored vaping experience.
Mods usually come with larger batteries, providing longer usage times and the ability to produce more vapour. One of the most popular mod devices at My Blitz is the Smok Resa Stick that comes with all the bells and whistles that a modern mod device should have.
These devices often come with a range of features like temperature control and variable wattage, making them the go-to choice for those who want to fine-tune their vape to their specific preferences.
Like the pod systems, mods too have a few different components and to make things easier for you we will discuss what the components are and how to use them in the following.
What are the Accessories for a Vape Mod System?
Vape mod devices are more complex than other vaping devices, consisting of several key components:
The tank holds the e-liquid and is designed to be refillable, allowing users to experiment with different flavours. Inside the tank is the coil, which heats the e-liquid to create vapour. The coil is wrapped around cotton, which absorbs the e-liquid and ensures a steady flow to the heating element.
Lastly, vape mods require a separate battery, typically a high-capacity rechargeable battery, which powers the entire device. Some mods also feature variable wattage and temperature controls, giving users more control over their vaping experience.
How to Take Care of Your Vape Mod Device?
Mods are predominantly used by cloud chasers for their ability to generate huge plumes of clouds. Due to its intricate design and enhanced capabilities using a vape mod device involves a bit more setup compared to simpler devices.
First, you need to fill the tank with e-liquid, making sure to allow the cotton inside the coil to soak for a few minutes before use (a process known as priming the coil).
Attach the tank to the mod, and turn on the device. Vape mods often come with adjustable settings for wattage, voltage, and sometimes temperature, allowing you to customise your vape.
Choose your preferred settings, and start vaping by pressing the fire button while inhaling. Mods are ideal for experienced vapers looking for greater control over vapour production and flavour intensity and are usually used with freebase e-liquids (more on this below).
How to Take Care of Your Vape Mod Device?
Mods are intricate devices with several components. Maintaining a vape mod requires regular attention to ensure the device functions properly. The coil inside the tank needs to be replaced every one to two weeks, depending on usage and the type of e-liquid used.
Cleaning the tank is also essential to avoid flavour buildup or residue. The cotton inside the coil should be checked regularly; if it looks burned or discoloured, it’s time to change the coil.
Battery care is crucial for safety—make sure to use the correct charger, avoid overcharging, and replace batteries when they start to lose capacity. Proper maintenance keeps your vape mod performing at its best and prolongs its lifespan.
4. E-Liquids
E-liquids, also known as vape juice or e-juice, are the liquids used in all vaping devices to produce vapour. These liquids are made from a combination of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavourings, and nicotine.
The ratio of PG to VG affects the thickness of the liquid and the intensity of the throat hit, while the flavourings provide a wide range of tastes, from fruity to dessert-inspired options.
What Are The Types of E-Liquids?
There are two primary types of e-liquids:
What is Freebase E-Liquid?
The first experience for the O.G cloud chasers were freebase e-liquids or e-juice. Freebase nicotine is the traditional form of nicotine used in e-liquids, providing a stronger throat hit, and is best suited for higher-wattage devices like vape mods.
The nicotine levels in these e-liquids range from 0mg to 18mg. Freebase liquids are commonly used for sub-ohm vaping, producing larger clouds and more intense flavours.
What is Salt Nic E-Liquid?
On the other hand, nicotine salts are smoother and provide a more satisfying nicotine hit at lower concentrations. These are ideal for use in low-wattage devices such as vape pod systems, as they deliver a higher nicotine concentration without the harshness.
Now, the range of nicotine levels on salt nic starts from 20mg to upwards, however, in New Zealand the limit is capped at 28.5mg.
Each type of e-liquid caters to different vaping styles, with freebase liquids appealing to cloud chasers and experienced vapers, while salt nic liquids are perfect for those seeking a more discreet, satisfying nicotine hit similar to that of traditional cigarettes.
E-liquids come in various nicotine strengths, allowing users to choose the amount that suits their needs. My Blitz's K bar Disposable Vapes feature e-liquids with a nicotine content of 28.5mg and 0mg, offering a strong and satisfying hit for those who need a high-nicotine option and no nicotine option for those who are trying to kick their smoking habits.
The Dark Side of Vaping: It’s Not All Sunshine & Rainbows
What started as an alternative to smoking tobacco has become its own thing with new vapers being added to the demographic each year in droves. The New Zealand Health Survey published that the vaping rate of those aged between 15 and 17 years old has almost doubled. So it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
Even though vaping has gained popularity as a less harmful alternative to smoking, it's essential to recognize that it is not without risks. The long-term health effects of vaping are still being studied, and concerns have been raised about the potential for lung damage, particularly with the use of certain ingredients and additives in e-liquids.
Some studies suggest that vaping can lead to respiratory issues and inflammation, especially in individuals who use high-nicotine products or engage in frequent vaping. Additionally, there have been cases of vaping-related lung injuries, most notably linked to black-market THC products.
Another concern is the rise of vaping among young people, with flavoured e-liquids often appealing to underage users. This has led to fears of a new generation becoming addicted to nicotine, with potential consequences for brain development and overall health.
It is one of the reasons why countries like New Zealand and Australia have introduced new smoking regulations that seek to limit and in some cases outright ban selling vapes to the youth.
Despite being marketed as a tool to help adults quit smoking, vaping can create its own cycle of dependency, especially when high-nicotine products like nicotine salts are used. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay informed and use vaping products responsibly.
We at My Blitz do not condone smoking of any kind and we take our responsibility to protect our youth very seriously. Which is why we believe in having an open forum where everyone can discuss and express their opinions while also protecting their basic civil rights. That is why in the following we hope to inform you about the new smoking regulations that came into effect in NZ in 2023.
What You Need to Know About New Zealand's Recent Vaping Regulations
In New Zealand, recent changes to vaping regulations have significantly impacted the industry. The Smoke-free Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act, which came into effect in August 2021, introduced stricter rules on vaping products. This legislation includes a ban on the sale of flavoured e-liquids in general retail stores, with only tobacco, menthol, and mint flavours allowed.
Specialty vape stores, however, can continue to sell a broader range of flavours. Additionally, the law mandates clearer product labelling, restricts advertising, and places limits on nicotine content in vaping products. The maximum nicotine content that is permissible now is 28.5mg of nicotine.
These new regulations are designed to curb youth access to vaping products while ensuring that adult smokers have access to safer alternatives. The impact on the industry has been mixed: while some specialty vape shops have benefited from the new rules, general retailers have seen a decline in sales due to the flavour restrictions.
For consumers, this means a more controlled market with fewer options in general stores but continued access to a variety of products through dedicated vape shops. The regulations are part of New Zealand’s broader effort to become smoke-free by 2025, emphasising harm reduction and responsible use of vaping products within the country.
Overall
Vaping has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional smoking, offering a variety of devices to suit different preferences. It is a fairly new introduction to society and is still being studied by scientists to fully understand its impact on the human body. However, there have been studies and reports that vapes have helped people kick their cigarette habit.
From the simplicity of disposable vapes, like My Blitz's K Bar Disposable Vapes, to the versatility of vape pod devices like the Nevoks Feelin X and the customization options available with vape mod devices, there’s a vape type for everyone.
Additionally, e-liquids come in different forms, such as freebase nicotine for sub-ohm vaping and nicotine salts for smoother, higher-nicotine hits in low-wattage devices. Understanding the various types of vapes and their specialties allows you to make informed choices based on your vaping needs. Full disclaimer, make sure you check if you have a PG or VG allergy before investing in e-liquids.
As vaping continues to grow, it's essential to remain aware of the potential risks, from health concerns to the possibility of nicotine addiction, particularly among young people. New Zealand's recent vaping regulations aim to balance the need for harm reduction while protecting public health, creating a safer and more controlled market.
With that being said, we arrive at the end of this guide. If you are interested in exploring vaping further, visit vape shops nearby to discover My Blitz’s range of products, including the latest disposable vapes and accessories. Whether you're new to vaping or an experienced user, you'll find something to suit your needs at My Blitz. However, please make sure you bring your ID with you.
To learn more about vaping, or any of the products we sell, explore our related articles and visit the My Blitz website to buy vapes and other things online. Stay updated on new products and special offers by following My Blitz on social media.
You can find us on all the major social media like Facebook, Instagram & TikTok where you will find us posting memes, videos and a host of other updates on deals and events we organise for our community!
We will come back with something new about the cloud-filled world of vaping soon or who knows something completely new. Until then you can check out our other blog about all the things we specialise in My Blitz here in our introductory blog. Here’s to new friendships and experiences Blitz Fam. Stay cool, Stay Funky. See ya on the next one
