Wick & Wires

One of the most common resolutions is for people to have a reason to quit smoking. However, quitting is hard and difficult. Making a switch to vaping is a great option to help with this!

Vaping maybe isn't for everyone, but it is a great supplement to help finally kick the habit. Here are our tips and tricks to help you make the switch! 

#1:Don't Get Too Complicated

#2: Try Out Many E-Juices

#3: Swap it Out

#4: Get Involved

If you need a starting point, check out Dragon Vape on Facebook and Instagram!

#5: Don't Use Your Vape All The Time

You must remember that smoking and vaping are two completely different things. A cigarette only takes a few minutes to smoke while vaping can be done at any time. Being so free range, it can be exciting for new vapers and will make your vape constantly. If this becomes the case for you, be sure to moderate yourself. Even vaping has a limit.

We hoped this helped you! Switching from smoking to vaping can seem daunting, but it isn't as scary as you may think. If your New Years Resolution this year is to quit smoking, these tips will be a big help.

If you have anymore questions feel free to head on over to your local Dragon Vape so our team can assist you. If you feel more comfortable using our online live chat, it's available everyday from 10am to 6pm!

Interested in learning how to make an informed choice about vaping if you are completely new to it? We're here to help! Whatever size a vape kit is, it should include the following three elements:

tank and coilA liquid used for e-cigarettesPower is provided by its battery or mod

THE TANK AND COIL

Firstly let's talk about the tank and coil since they will dictate what kind of e-juice you need, and how much power you will need. The two main types of tanks are:
Mouth to lung tanks draws tight, restricting air into the lungs. This simulates the feeling of smoking by transferring the vapour into your mouth before inhaling. As these tanks use high-resistance coils that don't require much power or e-juice, the devices themselves can be small, no matter what the tank's size and amount of vapour it produces. Mouth to lung tanks usually produces a smaller volume of vapour compared to direct lung tanks.

If you use a direct-to-lung tank, you should inhale the vapour straight into your lungs. Compared to higher-power tanks, these tanks use coils that have a lower resistance, so they consume e-juice more quickly, but also produce a stronger flavor.
Vapor is produced by the coil head located inside of the tank. It is composed of two parts: a heated metal wire and a wick to absorb e-juice (usually cotton). Depending on the frequency of use, coils should be replaced every 1 - 4 weeks on average due to degrading over time. In order to increase a coil's lifespan, it is recommended that you not run it at too high a wattage or let it get too dry. If you start noticing burned flavors or experience leaking, it's always a good idea to replace your coil. For some tanks, there are multiple coil choices. In most cases, the coil includes a recommendation for the amount of power that should be used, which is printed on the side. The power rating will show you how much vapour will be produced and how much battery power will be required. Coils are integral parts of most new pod systems, so like the coils themselves, the pods need to be replaced if the coil needs to be changed.

E JUICE

Also known as Vape Juice, E-liquid is made up of four main ingredients:vegetable glycerin (VG)propylene glycol (PG)food flavouringsnicotine (if applicable)It produces very large volumes of thick vapour, because high VG e-liquids are thicker than lower VG e-juices. As a result, they are ideal for direct-to-lung tanks with larger coils. Higher PG e-liquids are thinner, cause less vapour, but produce a stronger throat hit. Because of this, they can be used with mouth-to-lung tanks that have smaller coils. In mouth to lung tanks, it is better to steer clear of high VG vape juices as, with the thicker liquid, the cotton will take longer to wick into the coil and will likely run dry more quickly than it should. Direct-to-lung tanks shouldn't be filled with high PG vape juice, since a thinner liquid combined with a larger coil might lead to leaks. The choices of vape juice flavors are extremely subjective; some vapers prefer to stick with tobacco flavors because the taste is familiar, while others like something a little different like fruit, mint, or dessert. Every vaper has different flavors they prefer, so when finding the flavors that work best for you, go with your gut and try out multiple flavors. Smokers should carefully consider what tanks they use and how much vapour they produce to obtain appropriate nicotine levels, since a higher percentage of nicotine means a stronger throat hit and more overall intake. Most commonly, direct-to-lung tanks should only contain 3mg of nicotine, with 0mg–6mg being the most recommended amount. Having an excessive amount of nicotine can cause throat irritation and a bitter taste in direct-to-lung tanks. To ensure you're getting the right level of nicotine, try a lower strength--the majority of vapers eventually use lower strengths of vape juice, but will likely discard those higher in nicotine. Due to the smaller amount of vapour produced by mouth to lung tanks, they can be used with higher nicotine e-liquid, such as 12mg and above. In the mouth-to-lung vaping market, nicotine salt e-liquid has become more readily available, emulating smoking more closely. Tobacco contains nicotine salts, which are naturally occurring states of nicotine that provide a faster rate of absorption and a smoother inhalation. This is why nicotine salt e-liquids can be found in much higher concentrations, but they should only be used in vaporizers that generate small quantities of vapor. You should avoid using high-level nicotine salts in direct-to-lung devices.

BATTERY/MOD

Battery or mod refers to the power source. Each has its own functionality, and their requirements depend on the coil head and tank used. In many cases, the mod's size is directly correlated to how big the tank it is powering is. Vape pens and pod systems typically use small batteries that draw automatically or use a single button to operate, usually without much option for customizing the power. You will be able to customize your vaping experience by using a mod that allows you to adjust voltage, wattage, temperature, and power curve. Mods that use removable high-drain batteries will be needed for larger tanks and coils needing more power. It's true that the more batteries in a mod, the higher the power and longer the battery life, but this also adds to the device's overall weight. To ensure your vaping experience is uninterrupted, it's a good idea to have extra batteries charged for removable battery mods. Those who want something that is similar to smoking may be interested in our mouth-to-lung bundles. Direct to lung bundles are good for those who prefer a bit more vapour production. In either case, it's best to check out our e-liquid bundles for a chance to sample different e-liquids and find which ones work best for you.

I am sure everyone has heard horror stories in the news about exploding vape pens. The unfortunate part is that when you read a headline it will only say, "Vape Exploded", there are never enough details on why the battery inside the vape failed. The best vape shops will even advise their customers about battery safety and when it is the right time to swap out those 18650's out of your favourite vape mod. Though the science is not exactly clear on what causes vape batteries to explode, we made a list of 5 tips for battery safety!

Disclaimer or Rant...

You should always invest in a vape device that has safety features. Now, this may seem a bit obvious, but there are a lot of vape shops out there that are just trying to make a buck. Just like all things in life, the market has a ton of cloned products out there and cheap replicas. Your vape starter kit or mod should have:

Firing lock feature, so you're not firing your vape in your pocket or bag Vent holes, so if your battery for some reason does vent, there is an area for the gases to escape and not build-up Protection from overcharging, usually built in the chipset of reputable vape kits

TOP 5 FAQ'S ON BATTERY SAFETY 

Q: Can I put my batteries in my pocket?

A: USE A BATTERY CASE

Q: How should I charge my vape batteries?

A: USE THE CHARGER YOUR VAPE COMES WITH OR AN EXTERNAL BATTERY CHARGER

Q: Is it safe to leave my vape to charge overnight?

A: DO NOT CHARGE YOUR VAPE OVERNIGHT

Q: Can I keep using a battery that has a tear in the wrap?

A: REPLACE YOUR BATTERIES IF THEY GET DAMAGED OR WET

Q: Can I leave my batteries in my car?

A: PROTECT YOUR VAPE FROM EXTREME TEMPERATURES

Batteries are made up of chemicals, and like ALL chemicals when they heat up the properties within the battery begin to heat and expand. Extreme hot and cold temperatures are not safe for your vape batteries.

If you are looking for a reputable online vape shop in Canada, Dragon Vape is a brand that is trusted by thousands of vapers across the country. We have been helping smokers find an alternative to smoking since 2011 and are not slowing down anytime soon. We have one of the largest selections of vape juice and products in the market. If you are looking for any more information on anything vape, give us a call or chat with us live online!

The following factors should be taken into consideration before buying your first vape kit or e-cigarette kit. Let's discuss the factors you should consider when choosing a starter kit.

POD, PENS AND BOX MODS

Is there anything specific you want from your electronic cigarette kit? The three primary types of vape kits are pod vapes, pen vapes, and box vapes.

POD VAPES - A pod vape is typically the most basic design of all three types. In general, they're easy to use, easy to charge, and a fantastic option for beginners. You can refill some pod vapes with your own e-liquid, while others come pre-filled with e-liquid. The downside of pods is that, essentially, they cannot be customized or upgraded.

PEN VAPES - This is a type of vape because it is long, thin, like a pen and it is designed in that way. A vape pen is a refillable and rechargeable device, and is often larger than a pod vape, which means it has a longer battery life. The customizability and upgradeability of pen vapes are limited, even though some of them can have adjustable power settings.

BOX MOD - Box mods offer the most features and flexibility. In box vapes, the battery (or 'mod') is usually shaped like a cube, earning it the name box vape. A small computer chip in these devices allows for a digital display screen, as well as a variety of other features to customize your vaping experience.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOUTH TO LUNG AND DIRECT TO LUNG

When choosing your first e-cigarette kit, another important consideration is the type of draw you want from your device.

MOUTH TO LUNG (MTL) - This type of vape is designed to replicate the inhalation process of a cigarette, by drawing vapour into your mouth, where you inhale later into your lungs. Kits that deliver a mouth to lung hit and a feeling of satisfaction are excellent for people transitioning from tobacco smoking to vaping. Most mouth-to-lung devices produce less vapour than cigarettes and are relatively weak in power.

DIRECT TO LUNG (DTL) - DTL vapes are generally more powerful and produce a higher volume of vapour. As a result, the vapour goes directly into the lungs rather than being inhaled. In these e-cigarettes, the vapour production is more like that of a hookah. For those looking for a greater quantity of vapour, this style may be ideal.

INTERNAL BATTERY vs. REMOVABLE BATTERY

INTERNAL BATTERY - E-cigarettes that use internal batteries have a battery that cannot be removed from the device. Batteries inside the vape have a limited capacity and are charged by connecting a charging cable to the vape. Internal battery vapes are convenient in that you don't need to worry about investing in a replacement battery, but since the battery cannot be removed the device becomes useless.

REMOVABLE BATTERY - E-cigarettes with removable batteries use cells that can be removed and replaced. You can charge some removable batteries from within your vape through a charging cable, but removable batteries last longer when charged via an external battery charger. Devices that use removable battery cells are great since the cells can be replaced as soon as they start to run out of charge, allowing them to be used for a longer period of time. Also, you might consider investing in a second set of batteries so that you can switch them out while they charge. Batteries, although they are not extremely expensive, require care and can be expensive to replace over time, even if they are not very damaged.

BUTTONLESS vs. SINGLE-BUTTON vs. MULTI BUTTON OPERATION

BUTTONLESS OPERATED - By inhaling, the battery is engaged, simulating the experience of smoking. The buttonless e-cigarette has practically no learning curve, and it can be used on-the-go since it is portable and convenient.

SINGLE-BUTTON OPERATED - These vapes are operated by pushing a single button, but they're still very easy to use. By pressing the button, vapour is created and can be inhaled. Additional buttons or features aren't needed.

MULTI-BUTTON OPERATED - These are the most sophisticated vaping devices, but they offer the most customization options. In general, these devices should have at least three buttons: a fire button, plus and minus buttons, and a battery engage button. In some devices, these buttons will function differently based on how they are pressed allowing customization of the screen, heat settings, and other features.

FIXED POWER vs. ADJUSTABLE POWER

FIXED POWER - A fixed power ecigarette does not allow the user to manually adjust the power. Instead, the battery provides the coil with the voltage needed, which will decrease as the battery charge depletes. Fixed power vapes are often buttonless or operated by a single button, so they are very easy to use.

ADJUSTABLE POWER - A vape with adjustable power allows the user to control the amount of power that is applied to the coil. In other words, the user is responsible for knowing the proper wattage, voltage, or temperature settings for the coil, and figuring out how to adjust them. E-cigarettes with adjustable power require some learning, but they are the most customizable and compatible with upgraded tanks.

What is Salt Nicotine?

Salt Nicotine is the organic state of nicotine found on tobacco leaves. When using nicotine salt e-liquids are known to produce a smooth throat hit and an increased rate of absorption into your body. The main purpose of nicotine salt is to allow the user to use higher levels of nicotine due to its smoothness.  Nicotine Salt E-Liquid can be deceiving as many users do not realize how much nicotine they are absorbing into their bodies. For this reason, we always recommend to using a smaller Vape Pod style device that is low-powered to prevent inhaling an excess of Nicotine.

What is Freebase Nicotine?Freebase or Regular Nicotine is the most common and most used form of nicotine found in E-Liquid. Freebase nicotine is nicotine in its purest form and extremely high levels of freebase nicotine can lead to harsh throat hits. Hence the reason why most freebase nicotine's highest level is 12mg /ml. They key point of freebase nicotine is that it comes in lower levels within E-liquids which allow the users to slowly lower their levels of nicotine.Check out our video! 

Here is some last thought when it comes to Nicotine safety!

E-liquid should always be out of reach of children and pets. Nicotine in any form can be harmful to them, and can even lead to death in some cases.E-liquid with nicotine can irritate your skin. If you do happen to get some on your body, wash it with warm water and soap immediately.Only use e-liquids with high nicotine concentrations in low-powered devices to avoid nicotine overdose. Symptoms of nicotine overdose include:LightheadednessHeadachesNausea or vomitingTremors or muscle twitches

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to stop vaping immediately and speak with a Doctor.

Did you know that Ontario recently banned the production and distribution of e-juice containing 50mg of nicotine? This is because this level of nicotine has been stated to hold as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. This defeats the entire purpose of switching to vaping.

One of the useful functions of owning a vape is that it is totally customizable to suit your preferences and likings. Not only are there a range of e-juice flavours to suit your taste, you can also choose exactly how much nicotine you’d like in your tank.

If you are looking to quit cigarettes by vaping, start off with a higher percentage of nicotine to match your tolerance, then slowly decrease the amount until you no longer hold the same cravings you once did. The same works for regular vapers who have been puffing for a while but are aiming to decrease their intake.

How to calculate the level of nic?

As helpful a tool this may be, calculating nic can also become quite confusing with the different measurements. Some bottles of e-liquid state that there is just 2% nicotine in the tank whereas others may mention up to 20mg/mL in the bottle.

So which measurement should you trust? Milligrams or percentages? Do the strengths in each differ?

Well, they both actually mean the same. The percentage is simply calculated by dividing the amount of mg (milligrams) per ml (milliliter) by 10. Here are a few examples:

● 2mg/mL = 0.2%
● 5mg/mL = 0.5%
● 12mg/mL = 1.2%
● 24mg/mL = 2.4%
● 36 mg/mL = 3.6%

You can also find e-juice with 0mg/mL nic which means it has zero nicotine and a far healthier choice by any means. Each range of nicotine provides a different level of strength in terms of providing a head-rush.

The higher the percentage, the stronger and harsher the hit. Therefore higher
percentages of nicotine are not recommended for those who aren’t hooked to the substance as it may be too strong for your liking. Strong concentrations could even leave a bitter, burned taste in your mouth.

If the highest level of nicotine isn’t doing you justice, there’s also salt nic, which is essentially e-juice that requires lower temperatures to vaporize but provides a stronger hit. Salt nic holds the same ranges of nicotine as regular (freebase) nic juice. However since it uses lower temperatures, the hit doesn’t feel as harsh.

Check out our DragonVape website to learn more and pick the right nic for your
tastebuds.

We hear at Dragon Vape ensure that all of our E Liquids are manufactured at the HIGHEST STANDARDS in Canada. Why don't we believe in counter mixing of e liquids? Well, we have 1000 reason why you should not buy or vape any e liquid mixed by a shopkeeper at their counter, but here are three main reasons; Nicotine is still classified as a scheduled drug and needs to be handled with the utmost respect and care. Mixing nicotine into a bottle of e liquid might seem easy, but needs to measure by weight for accuracy and needs to be mixed correctly to blend with your vape juice. All vape juices carried by Dragon Vape is manufactured to ISO 9000, GMP and food grade to satisfy Health Canada and most importantly ourselves. Why is this so important? Because we want to ensure that our customers are buying products that are safe for use in a vaping kit and are confident in the sanitization and care that has gone into their product.