Key Vaping Terms You Need to Know

Whether you’re new to vaping or have been using vaporizers for a while, understanding common vaping terms can help you get the most out of your experience. From technical terms to the language used by seasoned vapers, there’s a lot to pick up on.

In this glossary of vaping terms, we’ll break down the essential words you need to know, helping you elevate your herbal vaporizing journey.

Atomizer (Atty)

An atomizer is the part of a vaporizer responsible for heating the substance and turning it into vapor. Atomizers can vary based on the type of substance, such as dry herbs or concentrates. Different types of atomizers offer unique experiences depending on the material being vaporized. Understanding the vaping terms associated with atomizers, like rebuildable atomizers (RBAs), can help you better customize your device for a smoother session.

Battery (Mod)

In vaping terms, the “mod” refers to the housing that contains the battery and the electronic components of the device. Mods can come in various shapes and sizes, from portable pen-style mods to more complex box mods with adjustable settings. Whether you’re looking for long battery life or powerful hits, knowing how to choose the right mod is crucial.

Coil

The coil is a heating element used in certain vaporizers, primarily those designed for concentrates. Coils are often wrapped around a wick and can come in different resistances, which influence the intensity and flavor of the vapor. Understanding these vaping terms can help you select the appropriate coil based on the type of material you’re consuming and the experience you’re after.

Expert Tip: Regularly cleaning the coil is crucial to maintaining the best vapor quality when using concentrates.

Convection Heating

Convection heating in a vaporizer uses hot air to vaporize herbs rather than directly touching them with a heating element. This method is known for producing a more even and flavorful vapor because it heats the herb consistently without combustion. Vaporizers like Mixturus use convection heating, making it a popular choice for those who prefer pure, unburnt vapor.

Conduction Heating

Conduction heating involves direct contact between the herb and the heating element. While this method can produce vapor quickly, it risks uneven heating and may cause some herbs to burn. However, some conduction vaporizers have temperature control settings to avoid this issue.

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL)

Mouth-to-lung (MTL) refers to a style of inhaling vapor where it is drawn into the mouth first before being inhaled into the lungs. This technique mimics the sensation of smoking traditional cigarettes and is popular among vapers who prefer a more controlled, subtle experience. Knowing vaping terms like MTL can guide you in choosing devices and settings that suit your preferred inhalation style.

Direct-to-Lung (DL)

Direct-to-lung (DL) vaping is when vapor is inhaled directly into the lungs, creating larger clouds and a more intense hit. This style is often used with sub-ohm devices, where lower resistance coils allow for higher vapor production. Familiarizing yourself with vaping terms such as DL can help you decide between a smoother MTL or a more intense DL experience, depending on your preferences.

Temperature Settings for Vaping Herbs

Not all herbs vaporize the same, and the temperature you choose can influence the experience based on the specific herbal blend you’re using:

• Gentle Herbs (like lavender or chamomile): Work best at lower temperatures (320°F–355°F) to preserve their delicate flavors.
• Herbs with Stronger Effects (like peppermint or eucalyptus): Benefit from medium temperatures (355°F–395°F), which balance both potency and flavor.
• Blends with Multiple Herbs: If you’re vaporizing a blend, start at a lower temperature and gradually increase until you find the right balance for the mix.

Ohm

Ohm is a unit of measurement for electrical resistance in a vaporizer’s coil. In concentrate vaporizers, lower-resistance coils (sub-ohm) create more vapor and allow for faster heating, while higher-resistance coils provide a more controlled experience. However, in dry herb vaporizers, ohms are less relevant because they primarily use convection or conduction methods.

Dry Herbs

Dry herbs are the unprocessed, plant-based materials used in herbal vaporizers. They are placed in the heating chamber and vaporized at various temperatures depending on the desired effects or flavors. High-quality, pesticide-free herbs are essential for a clean and enjoyable vaporizing experience.

Wrapping It Up