I have been vaping for a number of years now and have gone through everything from the first, cumbersome vapes to the sleek devices we have today and I have come to admire the humble vape cartridge as an example of modern personal vaporization. The purpose of this article is to explain how to select and utilize a vape cartridge and blend the technical data of the cartridge with the experience of using a cartridge in order to fully understand how to use a cartridge successfully.
What Is a Vape Cartridge?
In the simplest terms possible, a vape cartridge is a completely contained chamber for the liquid concentrate, an atomizer to vaporize the liquid and a mouthpiece to breathe the vapor produced. To put it simply; think of it as the "pod" or "cartridge" for your vaping device. While there are a lot of different standards for vape cartridges, the most common type of cartridge is the 510-thread cartridge.
The name for this cartridge comes from the 10mm diameter and .5mm pitch threads that allow the cartridge to connect to virtually any 510-compatible battery. The first vape product I purchased was a cheap, disposable pen battery and a 510 cartridge and while the technology has advanced since then, the basic ability to connect the cartridge to virtually any battery remains the biggest advantage of the 510 thread.
Two Main Types of Cartridges: THC and Nicotine
Although it may not be apparent to the uneducated eye, THC and Nicotine cartridges are intended for two vastly different uses and should never be used interchangeably. Understanding this difference is the first step toward safe and successful vaping.
THC Cartridges
Cartridges intended for cannabis concentrates contain a cannabis extract such as distillate, CO2 oil or live resin as the base oil and may be blended with minimal amounts of terpenes and thinning agents to achieve the correct viscosity for the wick to properly feed.
The quality of a THC cartridge is much more important than the price. A good THC cartridge will use cannabis-derived terpenes to create a rich, genuine flavor profile that replicates the original plant. Conversely, low-quality options may employ botanical terpenes or excessive amounts of thinning agents creating a harsh, chemical-tasting experience and diminishing the overall effectiveness of the cartridge. Since the regulated market has ensured lab-testing of potency and screening for contaminants, this is particularly true.
Nicotine Cartridges (E-Liquid Pods)
Nicotine cartridges, also referred to as e-liquid pods in the vaping community, contain "e-liquid" or "vape juice." E-liquid is primarily comprised of Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG) which carry flavorings and nicotine salts or freebase nicotine. The focus is on providing a satisfactory nicotine experience along with a pleasing flavor without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
I have experienced both systems, and I find the throat hit of a nicotine pod to be distinct from the throat hit associated with a THC cartridge. Nicotine salts, in particular, provide a smooth and strong hit that is akin to the feeling associated with a traditional cigarette, and are therefore extremely effective for those looking to quit smoking.
How a Vape Cartridge Works
The operation of a cartridge is remarkably simple and relies on the laws of thermodynamics, specifically Joule's Law of Heating.
All cartridges contain a reservoir for the liquid, a chimney leading to the mouthpiece, and a key internal component known as the atomizer coil. The coil is a small, resistive wire, often manufactured from Kanthal, nichrome or ceramic, wound around an absorbent wicking material, typically porous ceramic or organic cotton.
When you activate your battery, electrical current flows from the battery's positive terminal, through the coil, and back to the battery's negative terminal. The coil generates a significant amount of heat nearly instantly as a result of the coil's resistance. The heat generated is directly applied to the wick that has previously saturated itself with liquid from the reservoir. The heat vaporizes a thin layer of the liquid, however, it does not burn the liquid, and the vaporized liquid is then drawn through the chimney into your lungs when you inhale. The beauty of this system is its simplicity and speed of operation.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using a 510 Thread Cartridge
While using a 510 cartridge is relatively simple, there are some subtle steps that can greatly enhance your vaping experience.
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
You will require a 510-thread cartridge and a compatible battery. Virtually all standard 510 batteries will operate, but I would strongly recommend a battery that allows you to adjust the voltage. A variable voltage setting will give you enormous control over your vaping experience.
Step 2: Attach the Cartridge to the Battery
Carefully attach the 510 threads of the cartridge to the battery. My cardinal rule here is: Do Not Over-Tighten. Snug is sufficient. Excessive tightening can damage the threads on both the cartridge and the battery, and can displace the battery's center pin, resulting in a "No Atomizer" error. I have damaged a perfectly good cartridge by overtightening the threads.
Step 3: Pre-Wet the Cartridge (The Often Overlooked Step)
Before you take your first puff, especially with a new or thick-oil cartridge, you must wet the coil. Wetting the coil is accomplished by allowing the wick sufficient time to saturate itself with the liquid. Allow the cartridge to stand upright for 2-5 minutes after attaching it. I also perform a few quick, light "priming puffs" (taking a breath without activating the battery) to help pull liquid into the coil. Failure to wet the coil is the most frequent cause of a burnt taste, which will ruin the coil and the flavor of the cartridge.
Step 4: Choose the Proper Voltage Setting
If your battery has adjustable voltage, begin at a low setting. I prefer to begin between 2.8V and 3.2V. Low temperatures will preserve the terpenes and produce cleaner and more flavorful vapor. Voltages higher than 3.6V will generate larger and hotter clouds, but can potentially scorch the oil and the wick producing the undesirable "burnt taste". Find your optimal setting through experimentation.
Step 5: Inhale and Enjoy!
Most 510 batteries are "Draw-Activated", meaning you simply inhale through the mouthpiece to turn them on. Some older or more powerful models may have a button that you must depress to activate the battery. Perform a slow and steady draw for 3-5 seconds. Aggressive, long pulls can cause flooding of the coil and subsequent leaks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues Associated With 510 Thread Cartridges
Even with excellent equipment, problems will occur. Below are examples of common problems and solutions based upon my years of trial and error.
Issue: Clogging or Gurgling
You attempt to draw on the cartridge and discover it is difficult to pull air through the cartridge, or you notice a gurgling noise and/or see liquid spraying from the mouthpiece.
Solution: Clogging is usually a result of condensation within the central chimney or the cartridge lying horizontally. The first potential remedy for clogging is to warm the oil prior to drawing. Many batteries possess a pre-warming function or you can rapidly fire the battery for 1-2 seconds to warm the oil. If neither of these methods works, remove the cartridge from the battery, cover the mouthpiece with a paper towel and rapidly flip your wrist back and forth to expel the excess liquid from the cartridge. Always store your cartridges upright to prevent clogging.
Issue: Burnt Flavor
The vapor tastes severely charred and unpalatable and the flavor will not return to normal.
Solution: Unfortunately, this is generally a permanent problem. The coil has been damaged, most commonly by firing at too high of a voltage, taking excessively long draws or failing to properly wet the coil. Prevention is the only method to resolve this issue: properly wet your coils, fire at lower voltages and limit the duration of your draws. Once the coil is damaged, the cartridge is no longer functional.
Issue: Oil Leaks
Oil is dripping from the mouthpiece or the bottom of the cartridge.
Solution: Leaks are typically the result of either a failure of the internal seals, or environmental conditions. Extreme heat (such as leaving a vape in a vehicle during extreme heat) can thin the oil to the point where it begins to leak past the seals. Storing a cartridge in a horizontal orientation for extended durations can also cause leakage. Store your cartridges in a cool, vertical position. If a cartridge continues to leak, it is most likely faulty.
Final Thoughts and Views
The vape cartridge is a testament to the relentless pursuit of convenience and stealth in consumption. However, my own experiences have shown me that not all cartridges are created equally. The marketplace is flooded with options, and the phrase "you get what you pay for" has never held truer. Investing in cartridges from licensed and reputable manufacturers and pairing them with a high-quality, adjustable voltage battery is not only a superior experience, it is also safer and more consistent.