Vaping has taken a couple of different directions regarding how you get your vape fix. On one hand, we have the easy-to-use, draw-activated devices, and on the other hand, the more deliberate, button-activated devices.
I used to be a heavy smoker until I switched to vaping. As someone who has gone through the gamut of vaping products, from disposable pens to high-end mod devices, I've discovered that there is no substitute for the control and satisfaction a button-activated vape provides. There's a difference between driving a car with an automatic versus a manual transmission. The former is convenient, but the latter gives you complete control.
What Is a Button-Activated Vape?
Simply put, a button-activated vape is a type of electronic device in which the heating element (coil) is activated by physically pressing a button as opposed to by the action of your inhale.
These devices typically consist of:
- Battery: Typically a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that powers the device.
- Firing Button: The physical switch/button that you push.
- Tank/Pod: The container that contains your e-liquid.
- Coil: The component that heats up to vaporize the e-liquid.
- Mouth Piece: Where you inhale the vapor.
Button-activated designs provide a better foundation for creating a robust and customizable circuit, they also provide much more flexibility, including being able to support higher voltage levels and a broader range of coil resistances than draw-activated designs do. They can also provide features that cannot be implemented with a draw-activated design.
For me personally, the button is much more than just a switch; it represents a commitment to vaping. It is a conscious decision to vape as opposed to mindlessly putting something in your mouth and inhaling. In many ways, it allowed me to break free of the subconscious habit of always having a cigarette in my hand and ready to go at a moment's notice.
Why Choose a Button-Activated Device?
1. Control and Customization.
Control and customization is, hands-down, the main advantage of button-activated designs. While most button-activated vapes, especially "Mods", have variable wattage/temperature control settings, they allow you to fine tune your experience based on the characteristics of your e-liquids, your mood and your preferred throat hit. When I first started using a Mod to dial-in the perfect amount of wattage for a rich custard flavored e-liquid, it opened up a whole new world of flavor that I had never experienced before.
2. Power and Performance.
Button-activated designs are synonymous with power. These designs are ideal for powering sub-ohm coils (those coils with a resistance value of less than 1.0 ohms) that produce large amounts of vapor and strong flavor. Market trends data collected from various firms that track market data, such as ECigIntelligence show that consumers continue to migrate to "Pod Mods" and Advanced Personal Vaporizers for the increased performance of button-activated designs.
3. Enhanced Safety Features.
One of the advantages of button-activated designs that is often overlooked is the added safety features that are included in the circuitry of these devices. Some of the safety features that are included in button-activated designs include:
- Short Circuit Protection: Protects against accidental firings due to a faulty coil installation.
- Overheating Protection: Automatically shuts-off the device when the device overheats.
- Low Voltage Protection: Prevents the device from continuing to drain the battery beyond safe limits.
- Timeout Protection: Automatically shuts off the device after an extended period of firing (typically 8-10 seconds).
While some may view these safety features as unnecessary, I believe that they greatly enhance the overall safety of button-activated designs.
How Do You Use a Button-Activated Vape?
Using a button-activated vape can be intimidating at first, but the process is relatively straightforward once you understand what to do.
Step 1: Wet Your Coil (The Most Important Step!)
One of the most important things to learn as a vaper is that a new coil should be primed before firing it with a new tank of e-liquid. If you attempt to fire a dry coil, you'll immediately get a horrible, burnt taste that can ruin the coil forever.
Add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton wick ports of the coil. Fill your tank with e-liquid and wait for 5-10 minutes for the coil to soak-up all of the liquid.
Patience is key during this step. Impatience can result in a ruined coil, so I now set a timer on my phone to remind me when it's time to fire the coil for the first time. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Step 2: Turn On Your Device
Most devices will turn on with 5 rapid presses of the firing button. Another 5 presses will shut it off. This is called the "5-click" safety feature, and it ensures that the device will not fire while you're carrying it around in your pocket or purse.
Step 3: Configure Your Device (Optional):
If your device has variable wattage, start with a lower wattage setting. New coils should be fired with a wattage setting that is approximately 10-20% lower than the recommended wattage setting (listed on the coil). Take a few "primer" puffs, then gradually work your way up to your desired wattage setting.
Step 4: The Basic Firing Technique: Press, Inhale, Release!
There is a big difference in how you use a button-activated device compared to a draw-activated device.
- Press the firing button and hold it down.
- Wait for a second or two for the coil to reach operating temperature. Slowly and evenly inhale from the mouthpiece.
- When you're almost finished with your inhale, release the firing button. This helps to clear out any remaining vapor and keeps the coil cooler.
Step 5: Maintenance
Button-activated vapes are generally designed for those who are willing to perform basic maintenance tasks. This includes regularly cleaning the tank, replacing the coil every 1-3 weeks (dependent upon usage), and ensuring that your battery is charged and in working order.
Is a Button-Activated Vape Right for You?
Consider purchasing a button-activated vape if:
- You would like to have more control over the vapor production and flavor of your vape.
- You enjoy the ritual and technical aspects of vaping as a hobby.
- You are a smoker looking for a vape that will give you a similar, satisfying throat hit.
- You are looking to move away from disposables and simple pod-based systems and want to improve your overall vaping experience.
Choose a draw-activated vape if:
- Simplicity and ease-of-use are your top priorities.
- You prefer a vaping experience that is closest to the sensation of smoking a cigarette.
- You have limited dexterity and find it difficult to press the small firing button.