E-Cig Terminology
Many people are new to the world of vaping and have a difficult time keeping up with all the jargon. We have created this page to help. You’ll find an extensive glossary of terms used in the e-cigarette world along with their meanings.
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18350
Size of battery for a mod. About half the size of a 18650 battery.
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18650
Size of battery for a mod. About twice the size of a 18350 battery.
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26650
Size of battery for a large mod. Larger size battery than a 18650 battery.
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510
Dual usage -- Arguably the most common and popular style of electronic cigarettes of the past. Resembles size of a traditional tobacco cigarette. Also the term is used to describe the smaller and most popular threading on a battery or tank system.
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Adapter
Used to allow a specific style of atomizer or cartomizer to fit onto a different style of battery. Many users prefer the vapor production of one style of atty but prefer the battery life of another style battery. This allows them to have access to both simultaneously.
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All Day Vape
The eliquid that you like the most and can vape all day long.
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Amps
Amps = Voltage divided Resistance
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Analog or Analogue
Slang term for a traditional cigarette.
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APV
An Acronym for Advanced Personal Vaporizer. An APV is basically an E Cig with extra features within the device such as Variable Voltage or LED screens, etc. Generally all Mods are APVs.
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Atomizer (Abbreviated as Atty)
The part of an e-cigarette that actually heats the juice to the point of vaporization. Shop our selection of Atomizers.
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Atty
Abbreviation for Atomizer.
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Auto
Short for Automatic.
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Automatic
A style of electronic cigarette battery that does not have a button to activate the heating element. Rather, when the user draws on the device a switch is activated and the atomizer is activated. This style of e-cig is most like smoking a traditional cigarette.
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Base Liquid
This is the E Liquid’s active mix to create Vapor and activate Throat Hit with flavor. Primarily, an E Liquid is not an E liquid until the flavor and Nic is added to the Base Liquid. Base Liquids consist of mainly Propylene Glycol, Alcohol and Vegetable Glycerine; usually mixed in a ratio.
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Batt
Abbreviation for Battery.
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Battery (Abbreviated as Batt)
The battery piece of an electronic cigarette is the part that provides power to the heating element. This allows the heating element to heat the juice and produce vapor. Shop our selection of Batteries.
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Black Mesa Vapors
An electronic cigarette retailer that provides its customers with vaping information and quality e-cigarettes at a great price while maintaining great customer service.
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Bridge
A small U-shaped covering inside of the atomizer. This is used to absorb liquid and help wick it towards the heating element.
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Cartridge (Abbreviated as Cart)
A plastic tube-like piece that is usually stuffed with some sort of absorbent filler material that holds the juice.
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Cart
Abbreviation for Cartridge.
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Carto
Abbreviation for Cartomizer.
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Cartomizer (Abbreviated as Carto)
A cartridge and atomizer in a single unit. These generally are disposable, inexpensive and hold more juice than a regular cartridge/atomizer combination. Shop our selection of Cartomizers.
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CASAA
Acronym for "Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives.” They are a non-profit group of campaigners and lobbyists fighting to preserve the legal status of E Liquid, E Cigs and Vaping. JoinCASAAA today!
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Case
A containment device or storage bag that a vaper keeps his or her e-cig and accessories.
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CE
A type of Clearomizer with Wicks designed to bring E Liquid to the top of the Coil when Vaping.
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Charger
A battery charger. This is used to recharge your e-cig battery once it has been depleted. Shop our selection of Chargers.
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Clearomizer
A tank system that relies on a wicking system.
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Coil
The heating element for atomizing E Liquid. Generally made of Nichrome or Kanthal, the coil is either wrapped around a filler (the cotton-like material) or attached to wicks soaked in E Liquid.
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DCC
An Acronym for Dual Coil Cartomizer
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DCT
An acronym for Dual Coil Tank.
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Disposable E Cig
A one-time-use E Cig. E Cig comes with no charger; must "dispose” of E Cig.
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DIY
Acronym for Do It Yourself
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Drip Tip
An accessory that can be used in conjunction with an atomizer or cartomizer. These have a larger opening than the original equipment and allows a user to drip Juice directly onto the atomizer. Some people use a drip tip on their Cartomizers simply for looks and/or comfort. Shop our selection of Drip Tips.
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Dripping
A method of adding juice to the atomizer. A user will drip a few drop directly onto the bridge before vaping. Many users feel this method produces the best vapor production and taste, since there is no filler material involved with the process.
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Dry Burn
When using an Atty or Carto while attached to the E Cig, only with no E Liquid; Damages the Atty or Carto.
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Dual Coil Tank
An E Cig tank that uses a cartomizer consisting of two coils for better vapor production.
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Dual Coils
Many atomizers/cartomizers use two coils for better vapor production often referred to as dual coils.
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E-Cig
Abbreviation for Electronic Cigarette.
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E Cig Stand
A stand that holds or stores your E Cig.
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E Cigar
An E Cig resembling a real cigar.
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E-Juice
Also referred to as E-Liquid, Juice, or Smoke Juice. This is the liquid that is vaporized when using an electronic cigarette.
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E-Liquid
Also referred to as E-Juice, Juice, or Smoke Juice. This is the liquid that is vaporized when using an electronic cigarette. Shop our selection of E-Liquid.
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eCigology
The science of e-cigs.
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eGo
A style of electronic cigarette that utilizes the 510 threads (smaller) and its own eGo threads (larger) and allows one to use 510 components but with a much larger battery. Many people feel this is one of the superior models of e-cigs that are available.
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Electronic Cigarette (Abbreviated as E-Cig)
A device that heats up a liquid solution consisting of nicotine, propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycol, and flavorings to a point where it actually turns into a vapor which can be inhaled.
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E Pipe
A pipe-looking style E Cig.
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FDA
Abbreviation for the (United States) Food and Drug Administration.
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Filler Material (Abbreviated as Filler)
Material placed inside of a Cartridge that is absorbent. It is used to help keep the juice inside of the cartridge and deliver it to the atomizer at an optimal pace (so as to not flood the device). Most cartridges come with PolyFill being used as the Filler Material, but there are many modifications available that may help enhance your e-cig experience
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Flooding
Something that can occur when too much Juice is applied to the atomizer. Since atomizers require some air to properly vaporize Liquid, adding too much Juice to an atomizer will cause a decrease in Vapor Production and flavor.
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Food and Drug Administration (Abbreviated as FDA)
An administrative branch of the United States government that oversees rules and regulations pertaining to the safety of food and drug products sold in the USA.
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Head
A term for Wick-Style Coils. The Head holds the Wicks, which absorbs E Liquid.
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Hot Cigarette
A slang term for a traditional cigarette.
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HR
Acronym for High Resistance. HR Cartos and Attys are mainly known as High Voltage Cartos and attys. E Cigs vaping at higher voltage should use an HV carto.
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IMR
Acronym for Lithium Ion Manganese Rechargeable. Elements in rechargeable Batteries for E Cig Mods.
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Juice
Also referred to as E-Liquid, E-Juice, or Smoke Juice. This is the liquid that is vaporized when using an electronic cigarette.
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Kanthal
One of two kinds of Resistance Wire. The other is Nichrome.
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Kick
Dual usage -- Another term for Throat Hit. Or A device for an E Cig that regulates the heat of the E Liquid Vapor.
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Lanyard
A rope or fabric typically worn around one’s neck to transport an E Cig.
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Leaking
This can happen when too much Juice is added to an atomizer or cartomizer. Juice can leak out of the bottom of the heating element and onto the battery, which in some cases can cause damage to the device (as is the case with Automatic Batteries).
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LED
Abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode.
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Light Emitting Diode (Abbreviated as LED)
A diode that converts applied voltage to light. These are commonly used in electronic cigarette devices to indicate that the device is actively being used.
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Liquid
Also referred to as E-Liquid, E-Juice, Smoke Juice, or Juice. This is the liquid that is vaporized when using an electronic cigarette.
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Low Resistance (Abbreviated as LR)
An atomizer or cartomizer with a lower Ohm rating than the standard equipment. This generally causes the heating element to get hotter faster and produces vapor more quickly. In many cases it produces more vapor than an atty or carto that has a standard resistance rating.
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LR
Abbreviation for Low Resistance.
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mAh
Acronym for Milliamp Hour. Ego E Cig Batteries eg: 1100 mAh
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Manual
A style of electronic cigarette battery that has a button (usually on the top or side of the battery) that activates the heating element. When the user wishes to use the device, the button must first be depressed in order to produce vapor from the atomizer. This style of e-cig is less like a traditional cigarette than the Automatic, but is preferred by many due to the fact that it is sealed and cannot be adversely affected by Leaking.
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Mechanical Mod
A Mod without circuitry or wires, allowing any input of current to flow through the Non-Electronic device.
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Mesh
A metal covering of the Atomizer Bridge. Usually stainless steel.
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mg
Abbreviation for Milligrams.
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Milligrams (Abbreviated as mg)
The amount of nicotine found in a Juice. Typical levels include 0mg, 6mg, 8mg, 12mg, 16mg, 18mg, and 24mg. Generally speaking, a medium level of nicotine is around 18mg. Those who use Juice with a higher nicotine content than that are generally people who were heavy smokers or have been vaping for quite some time.
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Milliliters (Abbreviated as mL)
The amount of Juice in a given container.
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Mini
One of many styles of electronic cigarettes available. These generally are about the same size as a traditional cigarette and have the shortest battery life of any style.
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mL
Abbreviation for Milliliters.
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Mod
Dual usage – Can be used to describe modifications to a device or accessory (such as getting more vapor production out of your cartridges) or a design variation of a commonly manufactured electronic cigarette. In the latter context, mods typically use larger rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries and allow the user longer battery life and increased vapor production but at the cost of the device looking like a traditional cigarette. Many mods will also allow the user to increase or decrease the voltage or wattage of their device to achieve optimal performance. Shop our selection of Mods.
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Modder
A modder is a person that modifies electronic cigarette devices to their preference. Most modders usally mod devices to be more powerful than your typical e-cig.
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Mouthpiece
A term to describe a Drip Tip.
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Nic
Abbreviation for Nicotine. Nicotine is generally in most E Liquids in a percentage or mg / 100ml ratio. No Nicotine E Liquid is also sold.
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Nichrome
One of two types of metal for Resistance Wire, Kanthal being the other.
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Nic Level
The Amount of Nicotine in an E Liquid.
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Nic Juice
A term for E Liquid.
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NiMH
Acronym for Nickel Metal Hydride; a Type of Mod E Cig Battery.
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Ohm
A measure of electrical resistance. A lower number indicates lower resistance and therefore faster heating.
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O-Ring
Rubber sealant used in many sizes for E Cig Tanks.
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Passthrough
A device that plugs directly into the USB port of a computer or charger and allows the user to vape without having to worry about battery life. Some users report better vapor production and/or flavor while using a Passthrough compared to their regular batteries.
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PCC
Abbreviation for Personal Charging Case.
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Pen Style
One of many styles of electronic cigarettes available. Slightly resembles a ball point pen in appearance.
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Personal Charging Case
A portable charger that can be taken with a user on the go to charge electronic cigarette batteries when away from a power outlet. Particularly useful when using an e-cig that has less than a 2 hour battery life per charge.
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Personal Vaporizor (Abbreviated as PV)
Another name for an Electronic Cigarette. Usually used in reference to the more untraditional style e-cigs (also known as Mods).
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PG
Abbreviation for Propylene Glycol.
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Pod
Tiny plastic tank with integrated mouthpiece that holds eliquid plus a wick and coil. Used in conjunction with a pod system.
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Pod Systems
Newest trend of small electronic cigarettes, similar to the first e-cigs on the market, that now use a better coil system termed a pod and are slightly larger than their predecessor. These innovative devices use better technology that allows the proper amount of airflow and ohms to produce a good amount of vapor.
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Propylene Glycol (Abbreviated as PG)
An ingredient found in many brands of E-Juice. Some users have reported an allergic reaction to it and must therefore use 100% VG Juice instead. This is one of the ingredients used that when heated will produce vapor that can be inhaled. Typically, PG produces less vapor than it’s VG counterpart but provides more flavor and Throat Hit. This substance has been used as a primary ingredient in medical inhalers for years.
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PV
Abbreviation for Personal Vaporizor.
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RBA
Acronym for Rebuild-able Atomizer.
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RDA
Acronym for Rebuild-able Dripping Atomizer.
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Rebuildables
Rebuildables are meant for advanced vapers who must rebuild their coils and wicks. Shop our selection of Rebuildables.
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Sanitary Drip Tip
A drip tip cover that can be used to sanitarily share an E Cig as seen with many sample flavor bars in a brick and mortar E Cig location.
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Smoke Juice
Also referred to as E-Liquid, Liquid, Juice, or E-Juice. This is the liquid that is vaporized when using an electronic cigarette.
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Smokeless Cigarette
A term used to refer to an electronic cigarette. This term is used commonly due to the fact that no actual smoke is inhaled or exhaled while using an e-cig.
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Squonk Mod
A vaping device that has a built-in squeezable bottle that feeds e-juice to the atomizer.
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Starter Kit
A kit that includes basic e-cigarette equipment. Typically includes everything needed to begin vaping beside eliquid. Shop our selection of Starter Kits.
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Steeping
The Process of aging E Liquid in a cool dark place. The cap of the E Liquid bottle is removed along with the spout, and E Liquid is re-capped every day and shaken. Some E Liquid may require steeping for up to 3 weeks to reach full fruition of flavor.
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Tank
The sealed tube or reservoir that attaches atop an E Cig for holding E Liquid. Shop our selection of Tanks.
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TH
Abbreviation for Throat Hit.
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Thread Cover
The functions of the thread cover are to make the electronic cigarette look uniform and to protect the threads.
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Throat Hit (Abbreviated as TH)
The tingling feeling one feels in the back of the throat when vaporizing juice that contains nicotine. Typically, since nicotine is a large contributing factor in throat hit, when a juice that contains zero nicotine is vaporized, there is no throat hit.
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Vape
The action of "smoking” an electronic cigarette. Since e-cigs actually produce vapor (rather than smoke) people refer to this as "Vaping”.
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Vaper
A person who vapes. A smoker, smokes. A Vaper, vapes.
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Vapeology
The Terms for E Cig, Vape and E Liquid lingo.
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Vapor Cigarette
A term used to refer to an electronic cigarette. This term is used commonly due to the water vapor that is exhaled when using an e-cig.
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Vapor Production
Typically associated with Juices. Indicates how much vapor is produced using an average inhale of an e-cigarette.
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Variable Voltage (VV)
Variable Voltage lets you control how many volts your device will produce. Usually with a variable voltage e-cig, you’ll be able to dial in the voltage by a click of a button or sequence.
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Variable Wattage (VW)
Variable Wattage lets you control how many watts your device will produce. This will allow you to set it and forget it, no matter what atomizer or cartomizer you use with the device.
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Vegetable Glycerol or Vegetable Glycerin (Abbreviated as VG)
An ingredient found in many brands of E-Juice. This is one of the ingredients used that when heated will produce vapor that can be inhaled. Typically, VG produces more vapor than its PG counterpart but provides less flavor and Throat Hit. Some users who are allergic to Propylene Glycol must use 100% VG Juices.
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Vent Holes
Holes in an e-cig battery or tank for releasing gasses.
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VG
Abbreviation for Vegetable Glycerol or Vegetable Glycerin.
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Voltage
The Volts are the flow of current from the E Cig Battery to the Atty / Carto / Coil.
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VV
Acronym for Variable Voltage. A VV E Cig will have at least one button or dial to tune the voltage setting of the E Cig.
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VW
Acronym for Variable Wattage. Newer Mod E Cigs are VW. Once setting the Watts, the E Cig device will automatically read the Atty or Carto Coil Resistance and set the Voltage accordingly. Remember: Watts = Voltage squared divided by Resistance.
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Watts
Watts = Voltage squared divided by Resistance; Total Power.
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Wick
A narrow piece of poly string that is inside of many styles of atomizers that allows easier delivery of juice to the heating element.
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Wire
A key tool for advanced vapers who build their own coils. Usually consists of Kanthal or NiChrome.
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