You’ve decided to explore the world of vaping, perhaps to cut down on traditional cigarettes or just out of curiosity. You step into a vape shop or browse an online store, and suddenly you’re hit with a barrage of unfamiliar terms: “mod,” “sub-ohm,” “PG/VG,” “ohms,” “atomizer,” “coil,” “wattage,” “nic salts.” It’s enough to make your head spin!

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Vaping has its own unique language, and understanding it is key to making informed decisions and enjoying a satisfying experience. This  iget vape glossary is your comprehensive guide to the lingo, helping you navigate the world of vaping with confidence.

The Devices: What’s What?

• Vape (or E-Cigarette): The overarching term for any electronic device that heats a liquid to produce a vapor for inhalation.
• Mod (or Box Mod): The main body of a vaping device, housing the battery and the control chip. Mods come in various shapes and sizes, from sleek pen-style devices to larger, more powerful “box” designs.
• Pod System: A compact and often user-friendly type of vape that uses pre-filled or refillable “pods” containing e-liquid and a coil. Popular for their simplicity and portability, especially for beginners.
• Vape Pen: A cylindrical, pen-shaped vaping device, typically more discreet and simpler than a mod, but often with less power and customization.
• Atomizer (or Tank): The part of the vape that holds the e-liquid and contains the heating element (coil). There are several types:
  • Clearomizer: A common type of atomizer with a transparent tank, allowing you to see the e-liquid level.
  • Cartomizer: A small, disposable cartridge that combines a heating element and e-liquid, often found in older or simpler e-cigarettes.
  • RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer): For advanced vapers, RDAs require manual “dripping” of e-liquid directly onto the coil and wick. Known for intense flavor and vapor production.
  • RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomizer): Similar to an RDA but with a tank to hold e-liquid, offering the benefits of rebuilding with the convenience of a tank.
  • RDTA (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizer): A hybrid, combining elements of both RDAs and RTAs.
• Coil: The heating element within the atomizer that vaporizes the e-liquid. Coils are typically made of resistance wire (like Kanthal, stainless steel, or nichrome) and cotton wick.
• Wick: The material (usually cotton) that draws e-liquid from the tank to the coil.
• Battery: Powers the device. Can be built-in or removable. External batteries require a separate charger.

The Juice: E-Liquid Explained

• E-Liquid (or E-Juice, Vape Juice): The liquid that is heated to produce vapor. It typically consists of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and often nicotine.
• PG (Propylene Glycol): A thin, odorless liquid that carries flavor effectively and provides a “throat hit” similar to traditional cigarettes. Higher PG content means more throat hit and less vapor.
• VG (Vegetable Glycerin): A thicker, slightly sweet liquid that produces large vapor clouds. Higher VG content means smoother throat hit and more vapor.
• Nicotine Strength: Measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) or as a percentage (e.g., 3mg, 6mg, 50mg). Indicates the amount of nicotine in the e-liquid.
• Nic Salts (Nicotine Salts): A newer form of nicotine found in some e-liquids. They offer a smoother throat hit even at higher nicotine concentrations, making them popular for pod systems and those seeking a quick nicotine fix.
• Freebase Nicotine: The traditional form of nicotine used in most e-liquids. Can provide a harsher throat hit at higher concentrations.
• Flavorings: Food-grade concentrates that give e-liquids their taste. The variety is endless, from fruits and desserts to tobaccos and menthols.

The Science & Performance: Understanding the Specs

• Ohms ($\Omega$): A unit of electrical resistance. In vaping, it refers to the resistance of the coil.
  • Sub-Ohm Vaping: Vaping with a coil resistance below 1.0 ohm. This typically produces larger vapor clouds and requires more power, often associated with direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping.
  • Above-Ohm Vaping (or Plus-Ohm): Vaping with a coil resistance at or above 1.0 ohm. Generally produces less vapor and is often used for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping.
• Wattage (W): The amount of power supplied to the coil. Higher wattage generally means more vapor and a warmer vape, but it also consumes more e-liquid and battery power.
• Voltage (V): The electrical potential difference. While some older devices allowed voltage adjustment, most modern mods adjust wattage directly.
• Amperage (A): The flow of electrical current. Important for battery safety, especially with mechanical mods.
• Airflow: The amount of air that passes through the atomizer. Adjustable airflow allows you to customize the draw – tighter for mouth-to-lung, looser for direct-to-lung.
• Throat Hit: The sensation in the back of your throat when inhaling vapor, similar to the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette. Influenced by PG content and nicotine strength.
• Vapor Production: The amount of visible vapor produced. Influenced by VG content, wattage, and coil resistance.

Vaping Styles: How You Inhale

• MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): A vaping style where you draw vapor into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs, similar to how you would smoke a cigarette. Often preferred by new vapers or those using higher nicotine strengths.
• DTL (Direct-to-Lung): A vaping style where you inhale vapor directly into your lungs, similar to taking a deep breath. Common with sub-ohm devices and lower nicotine strengths, producing larger clouds.

Safety & Maintenance: Essential Terms

• Dry Hit: An unpleasant, burnt taste that occurs when the coil’s wick is dry and there’s no e-liquid to vaporize. This burns the cotton and can damage the coil.
• Priming (a Coil): The process of saturating a new coil with e-liquid before vaping to prevent a dry hit and extend coil life.
• Coil Life: The lifespan of a coil before it needs to be replaced. Factors like e-liquid sweetness, wattage, and frequency of use can affect coil life.
• Short Circuit: An electrical malfunction that can occur if the coil or device is not properly assembled or if there’s a fault in the wiring. Modern mods have safety features to prevent this.
• Battery Safety: Crucial for vapers using external batteries. Includes understanding battery ratings, proper charging, and safe storage.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Terms

• Squonk Mod: A type of mod with a built-in squeezable bottle that feeds e-liquid directly to a bottom-fed RDA, eliminating the need for constant dripping.
• Mech Mod (Mechanical Mod): A simpler, unregulated mod that directly connects the battery to the atomizer. Lacks the safety features of regulated mods and is only recommended for advanced users with a thorough understanding of Ohm’s Law and battery safety.
• Ohm’s Law: A fundamental electrical formula ($V=IR$) that relates voltage, current (amperage), and resistance. Essential for safe mechanical mod use and coil building.

Conclusion

The world of vaping may seem daunting at first, but with this glossary as your guide, you’re well on your way to understanding the essential terms. Don’t be afraid to ask questions at your local vape shop or consult online resources. Knowing the lingo empowers you to make informed choices, select the right device and e-liquid for your needs, and ultimately, have a more enjoyable and safer vaping experience. Happy vaping!