by Kerrin Atkinson | Aug 25, 2024 | Maintenance
Getting the most from your vape’s battery
We all know that sinking feeling – the anticipation of a long, sweet draw from your most favourite electronic device (and let’s face it, our vapes are quite close to our hearts). And then… nothing! Battery gone!
But aside from devising a charging routine to keep the good stuff flowing, there are other reasons for giving attention to how you treat your vape battery. One of the reasons why vapes or e-cigarettes have such a bad rap, is that it seems to make the news only due to bad news – mostly because of batteries exploding. The main reason for this is bad management of your device, using fake parts and not storing it correctly.
Ensuring that your e-device’s battery is in good nick will not only extend the life of your device but also ensure that you avoid any unpleasant incidents.
Avoid extreme temperatures
A vape is much like us: it likes being cool (!), and it likes being dry. Ever forget your device on a table out in the rain after a braai? Or, lo and behold, left it to the mercy of the sun on the dash of your car? Oops! Except to be in for a new one sometime soon – his type of treatment could shorten its lifespan quite considerably. Always keep your device and batteries cool and dry for longevity.
Follow the instructions
Depending on your device it’s important to unplug it when it’s done charging. As technology develops, batteries and chargers get better and will give you a longer battery span, but it’s still better to unplug as soon as you have a full charge. Overcharging could damage your battery.
Conversely, try not to let the battery die completely. For one thing, it’ll take more power to charge from zero per cent than if it had a bit of charge left.
Never use a battery that looks damaged in any way or that has been in contact with moisture. It’s a good idea to give your device’s batteries a once-over every now and again, inspecting them for damage or anything untoward. Any impact, like dropping your device, could damage the batteries and cause pressure to build up. This could lead to an explosion. Make sure no damage has been caused if you ever should drop it.
And by the way, always make sure you dispose of old batteries responsibly the moment it they don’t hold their charge any longer.
Storing your device
If you won’t be using your device for any period of time, charge it to 100% before storing it – this will prolong your battery life. Make sure it’s turned off completely before putting it away. This will ensure the button isn’t accidentally activated when not in use. Most devices have a safety lock feature, like pressing the power button a few times or holding it in for a few seconds.
Also important is to disconnect the tank and emptying any e-fluids – if your device allows for this – before storage. Leaving the tank connected could draw power, shortening the battery life. The tank could also leak, resulting in damage to the battery and other parts of the device.
Remember: Any battery prefers to be used regularly. Like with your car’s battery, using your vape often could give you better results, while leaving it in storage for too long could result in damage.
Use the right charger
Most of the reported instances of batteries in e-devices exploding were due to the use of off-brand or incorrect chargers.
It is tempting to save a buck or two by buying off-brand equipment, but beware – cheap alternatives could be hazardous to your own safety, and they could damage your device and batteries.
Another safety measure is to ensure that the battery is charged with the right power output. Most laptops and phone chargers are too powerful to charge a vape with.
Safety alert: Only ever use factory chargers and follow the instructions that came with your device. Vaper’s Corner stocks a wide variety of battery packs and chargers, especially designed for your device.
Never leave a charging battery unattended
It is good practice not to leave any type of rechargeable battery unattended while plugged into a power source. Batteries are classed as hazardous objects, and the charging procedure could lead to accidents. You don’t have to sit and watch your device while it is on charge, but do place it somewhere visible, apart from other objects that could be damaged if there were an incident, and check it every now and again. It’s a good idea to put a reminder on your phone or watch so you can take off charge once the battery is full, too, so it doesn’t overheat.
If your battery should start overheating or making a hissing sound while charging, it’s time to replace it.
Takeaway
Your device will be safe to use as long as you follow the guidelines. Make sure you use only factory products, charge it with its own hardware, and store it safely, in a cool dry place. That way you you’ll be able to enjoy your device for much longer, without having to replace the batteries too often, and you’ll avoid any preventable accidents.
by Kerrin Atkinson | Feb 19, 2019 | News
When it comes to starting out as a vaper, you might be overwhelmed by which vape device to buy. The choices are limitless, with vape pens, box mods, mechanical mods, and custom coils being mentioned left, right, and center. So what types of vape device are out there, and which one should you go for? This article should help shed some light on the subject, and blow away the clouds surrounding vaping.
Vape Pens
The first kind of vape device that you\’ll encounter is a vape pen. Sometimes called e-cigarettes, they\’re fairly common for casual vapers, who are using vaping as a way to kick the smoking habit. As the name implies, they\’re long and narrow, shaped not unlike a writing pen. The size and shape means that they\’re usually powered by a single 18650 battery, or are equipped with a rechargeable, closed-system battery. The benefits from using the vape pen-style vape device, is that they\’re discreet. They\’re small, which means they can fit in a handbag, pocket, or desk drawer without being conspicuous. They\’re a \”fill and go\” style vape device, with very few settings, tweaks, or requirements to be met before you can start using them. A low wattage means low clouds however, so if you\’re aiming to be a cloud chaser, then a vape pen isn\’t the best option for you.
Pod Mods
The next variant of a vape device is the pod mod. This one is similar to a vape pen, but even easier to use. Where the vape pen can often have external batteries, and will need to be filled each time the e-liquid runs low, the pod-based devices don\’t need that. As the name implies, the flavour is stored in small, easy to replace pods. Although this means that you won\’t be able to get every delicious flavour that one can find in a vape store, such as Flavair\’s Mad Mango or Keep It 100\’s Blue Slushie. Howver, the ease of not needing to carry a flavour bottle around, or risk messing during the filling process more than makes up for that. You even get some pod mods that are breath-activated, which means you won\’t need to press a button to heat up the coils. This mod is definitely useful for the discreet vaper.
Box Mods
The third kind of vape device that\’s commonly seen is box mods. This variant of vape device has a larger range and more options for the amateur and professional vaper alike. These vape devices are significantly larger than vape pens, and for a good reason. They generally have a larger battery capacity, and often offer variable wattage. What does this mean for the layman? It means that the flavour and intensity of the clouds created can be adjusted and tweaked to suit the vaper. Mod boxes often allow the vaper the flexibility to attach their own sub-ohm tanks to the vape device, which means that you\’re not stuck with the standard stock coils that you\’d get if you were using a vape pen.
The other useful aspect about this kind if vape device, is because it takes custom tanks, it means that the tank size will be bigger than a vape pod or vape pen. The difference between a 2.0ml and a 6.5ml tank is HUGE, especially for an avid vaper, who likes to enjoy their flavours over long periods of time. Having the ability to add custom coils to the box mod also means that these vape devices serve as stepping stones for the next kind of vape device, namely mechanical mods.
Mechanical Mods
The creme de la creme of vaping, is the mechanical mod. They\’re made up of a few components, but which components are used, makes all the difference in the world. In simple terms, this vape device is a body that houses a power source, and an atomizer. You press the button, and the coils in the atomizer heat up to vaporise the e-liquid into the clouds that we all know and love. However, where it gets complicated, is that each coil has to be hand-built before the device can be used. Many of the vape device accidents that you\’ve heard of in the news happen when beginners use this device without the proper knowhow. You see, the wattage isn\’t regulated, so the coil thickness and length has to be just right in order to achieve the perfect balance between temperature and time.
These vape devices are used by expert vapers and cloud chasers, as they offer the greatest level of control when it comes to perfecting the art of vaping, and that\’s why they\’re so sought after by the experts. If you\’re looking at achieving maximum enjoyment, clouds, and flavour, and you have a great deal of patience when it comes to coils, then this kind of vape device is the one for you.
Which vape device should I pick?
Which one indeed? Well the perfect vape device for one person might not be the same for another. It all comes down to what use you\’ll be needing it for. If you\’re a casual vaper, or are taking up vaping to kick a smoking habit, then a pod or pen would be the best option for you. That being said, if you prefer custom vape flavours, and don\’t mind using a bottle to fill your device, then choose pen over pod.
If you\’re a more avid vaper, and don\’t want to wait as long inbetween charges, then a box mod vape device is what you should go for. These are also recommended for cloud chasers, or vapers who like to tweak their devices\’ wattage and ohms.
If you\’re wanting to become the king of all vaping, with the perfect clouds, and finding the best temperature to unlock all the flavours of an e-liquid, then a mechanical mod is the clear choice for your vape device.
by Kerrin Atkinson | Oct 29, 2018 | News
When it comes to finding the perfect vape flavours, everyone has their own special pick. Some might prefer ones that taste of chocolate, whereas others prefer the rich tobacco flavour akin to cigars. With that in mind, we had a look at our top-selling flavours for this year, and have put together a list of the top 5 sellers, based on your picks!
The first vape flavour in our list the Alpha E-Liquid made by Emissary Elixirs. This product topped our charts in vape flavour sales, and there’s a great deal of reasons why! It brings back memories of breakfast cereals you’d eat as a child, with all of the tastes, and none of the unhealthy carbs and sugars. It’s become popular due to its caramel flavour, and sweet taste. What makes this vape flavour popular though, is that the nicotine strength comes in 0mg, 3mg, and 6mg. This means that casual vapers (who don’t want the nicotine) can still enjoy the taste that they grew up eating for breakfast.
Official Description:
Dulcet flakes of nutty corn, toasted until golden, then drenched in malty, full-cream milk layered with ribbons of glossy, soft-crack, caramel, and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Flavour Profile: Cornflakes, Milk, Caramel, Powdered Sugar
Second on our top 5 list of vape flavours, is the Mad Mango flavour by Flavair. Time and time again, the flavour of mangoes has proven to be a very popular treat. Whether it’s in the form of juice, the fruit itself, or candied, everyone loves it. However, they’re a seasonal fruit, and sometimes unavailable to the public. Therefore when a company selling vape flavours offers the mango flavour all year round, customers are going to pounce on it! The flavour is only available in 3mg strength, but don’t let that chase you away. The flavour packs a punch, and that punch is a fruity one. Give it a try, and pretty soon you’ll feel yourself transported to the jungles with this amazing vape flavour.
Official Description:
Every cat knows you need to stay one step ahead on the streets, it’s MAD. As the electric mango tingles at your senses, it starts stimulating your mind. Take a hit and let the smooth mango rush through your body. This liquid gives you a Mango state of Mind. It’s a MAD THING.
Served in a 120ML Authentic Chubby Gorilla bottle cased in a shoe styled box.
Flavour Profile: Mango
Third on our list of popular vape flavours for 2018, is the Blue Milk flavour by TKO. Why is it popular, you ask? Well, for many children, this flavour is a commonly-picked on when you’re out at a restaurant. “Bubblegum milkshake!” is the request from every kid in the 90’s. So when the flavour returns in a e-liquid format, all the now-grown kids want to try it again. Why is this one the third-most bought flavour on our site? Well, the normal Blue Milk comes in a 30ml or 60ml bottle. As this is a limited edition 120ml bottle, we can only assume that vapers can’t get enough of this vape flavour, and so want to buy it in bulk. Either way, it’s popular for a reason, and that one is nostalgic.
Official Description:
Blue Milk is a delicious, creamy thick, bubblegum infused milkshake guaranteed to take you back to your childhood.
Your favourite Blue Milkshake. Now available in a 120ml.
Flavour Profile: Bubblegum, Milkshake
Don’t let the name chase you away. This fruity combo is one of the more popular vape flavours for a reason. Have you ever wanted to have fruit salad and ice cream, but scared about the carbs? Well, that’s the hook that makes this vape flavour so popular. It has strawberries, naartjies, and litchies…all of which are sweet, tangy, juicy fruits. Then on top of that, they add vanilla (a key flavour in ice cream), and the results are a tasty combo of tangy, sweet, and juicy. The fact that the 100ml bottle is the most popular variant of this vape flavour just goes to show that people can’t get enough of it, and it comes in 0mg, 3mg, and 6mg strengths!
Official Description:
Bursting with flavour, this juice is sure to please every fruit lover! An orgasmic combo of mouth watering juicy fruits dance on your tastes buds!
Flavour Profile: Strawberry, Naartjie, Litchi, Vanilla and ??????????????????
The fifth popular flavour in our list, again appeals to the nostalgic side of all South African vapers. When you were in school, you would go to the tuck shop with your cents, and get Wicks bubblegum. Sadly they stopped making the chewing gum many years ago, and all the schoolkids of yesteryear thought that all hope was lost. Then Puffy Puffs created the Wicks Kougom flavour, and hope was found! It has the musk flavour, and the spearmint flavour from the original wicks gum that we all know and love, along with a slight touch of bubblegum too! As it comes in 0mg, 3mg, and 6mg strengths, it’s perfect for any and all vapers!
Official Description:
Wicks Kougom is the newest addition to Puffy Puffs growing e-liquid collection, perfected and made by hand in small batches. Wicks Kougom carries a remarkably accurate flavour of a nice soft bubblegum with a sweet musk and spearmint profile; it has a complex yet
immediately familiar taste that flawlessly balances the crispness of a newly opened wrapper. Wicks Kougom is a category-killer that stands out in a crowded category. Wicks Kougom is a nice soft bubblegum with a sweet musk and spearmint profile.
Flavour Profile : Musk, Spearmint, Bubblegum
by Kerrin Atkinson | Jul 4, 2018 | News
One of the biggest problems faced by vapers these days, is the fact that the general public don’t know the difference between vapor smoke and real smoke. They see a large billowing cloud and think “disgusting, don’t they know it’s bad for you?!”, but is it really? Let’s have a closer look at the two clouds, and see if vapor smoke really is as bad are real smoke, or whether it’s the healthier alternative.
Many people will look at two clouds, one of real smoke, and one of vapor smoke, and say they don’t see any difference, and that’s is the purpose of this article. To look closer than eye-view, to the microscopic and molecular levels, to see what the real differences are between the two of them.
The Contents
There is one element that is present in both vapor smoke and real smoke, and that is nicotine. It’s the addictive substance that helps smokers transition to vaping. Some vapers prefer the nicotine-free e-liquids though, as their goals are aimed more at unlocking flavour, and creating billowing clouds. Either way, nicotine is the only similarity between vapor smoke and real smoke.
Knowing what goes into cigarettes and vape e-liquids, can often help in determining what level of danger you’d be in if you smoke, as opposed to if you vape.
Vapor Smoke Contents
What is in vapor smoke? Usually, there’s a combination of Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin )VG), Acetaldehyde, and Nitrosamines. Over and above that, you will get a combination of chemicals related to the flavors you find in vape flavors, but most of them are considered safe for consumption, and are marked at food grade. There have been extensive tests that show vaping has minimal harmful consequences for the human body, however the same can’t be said about real smoke.
Real Smoke Contents
What’s in real smoke though? Well, there’s a list of chemicals that probably should be locked away in a lab, but here’s the most common ingredients found in cigarettes. As mentioned earlier, nicotine is found in cigarettes. However, there’s also carbon monoxide, benzene, hydrogen cyanide, lead, arsenic, ammonia, and a few other chemicals. If you had to name each chemical, it would take a long time to get through them all, so most people just refer to them by their more common name, which would be “tar”. Yes, that’s correct, cigarette smoke contains the road you drive on.
The Differences
Now onto the real issue at hand, the differences. What’s in real smoke that makes it so different from vapor smoke, they look the same don’t they? Well, the answer is a very big “no”. Real smoke is produced by burning substances, and smoke (as everyone knows) is a particle-based gas. That’s where the carbon monoxide comes from in cigarette smoke, from burning carbon-based ingredients. If you look closer, you’ll discover that what’s in the smoke, is every different from what’s in the cigarette, due to the addition of fire.
Vapor smoke on the other hand is very different, as the vapor you’re looking at is the evaporated ingredients of the vape e-liquid. No combustion means no chemical changes, which means you know exactly what’s going in and out. As the chemicals used in vaping are safe for human consumption, it means that there’s no long-term effects on the human body, compared to regular smoking.
Effects on your body
The next question that everyone asks is “what’s the difference in the effects of vapor smoke vs real smoke?”. A very pertinent question indeed, and luckily we have a few insights into the effects of both methods. Let’s have a look at real smoke first. If you have a glance at the list of ingredients above, you’ll notice that they look quite harmful, and you’d be right. Many of them are on the list of carcinogenic substances, which means they have a high chance of causing cancer in the human body. Understandably, it makes sense why people rather switch to vaping, as vapor smoke has none of those ingredients. Long term effects of smoking includes poor skin, weak hair, yellowed teeth, lung cancer, and more. The long term effects of vape smoke have yet to be discovered (as it’s a fairly new invention), but tests thus far haven’t found any long-term detrimental side effects to vaping.
The Final Word
So then which should you go for, vaping or smoking? Well if you look at the facts above, you’ll agree that vapor smoke is a lot healthier than the commonplace alternative, and that should help you in your fact-finding, and subsequent decisions. There are many vape devices to choose from, some advanced, and some easy enough for anyone to use.
That being said, if you look at it closely, you’ll find that vapor smoke isn’t even smoke. It’s just plain vapor, as that’s short for “evaporated”. Smoke on the other hand, has carbon particles in it, which is why it appears grey instead of white, and stays in the air for a long time. If you’re ever wondering how to explain the difference between smoke and vapor, just place a pot of water on an open fire. Show everyone the smoke billowing around the pot, and the steam coming out of the pot. That’s the difference between smoke and vapor.
