The "Looper Vape", is a well-known name among many who vape and shop for vape products and also may be mentioned by friends frequently when discussing their own personal experiences. However, while there are many names for vaping products, you may have been left wondering what the term "Looper Vape" means and how they function.
Therefore, we have created an Ultimate Guide to provide you with the information necessary to understand what a Looper Vape is and how it works. We will break down the information in such a way as to help clarify any confusion and provide a comprehensive overview of Looper Vapes.
What Is A "Looper" Vape?
In the most basic terms, a "Looper" is a term for a refillable pod style vape or a pod vape that is intended to be used with "loopable," or "reusable/disposable" style vapes.
Are you confused yet? Think of it like this: Disposable vapes like Elf Bars, HQD, and Flum are all pre-filled, pre-charged, and disposable (meaning you throw them in the trash after using them). A "Looper" is a reusable container that is similar in appearance and functionality to a disposable vape, however, you can remove the top and refill it with your favorite bottled e-liquid.
This "looping" aspect comes from the idea of taking the experience of using a disposable (convenience, tight draw, etc.) and "looping" it back to the beginning by refilling it, rather than throwing it away. Essentially, a Looper is a reusable version of a disposable, similar to how a reusable coffee pod works.
I still vividly remember the first time I held a "Looper" device. At the time, I was getting frustrated with the constant expense and waste of disposable vapes, but I loved the simplicity of them. A friend handed me something that looked identical to my usual disposable, he stated "the top pops off, just refill it." That was eye-opening. I could get the exact same satisfying hit as a disposable, but at a fraction of the cost and with less environmental guilt.
The Anatomy of a Looper Device: How It Works
While a Looper may look simplistic, there is quite a bit of technology behind it. Here is what is happening under the hood:
- Shell / Battery (Where the Magic Happens): This is the casing of the Looper device. It is a small, lightweight, nondescript tube or box that holds a rechargeable battery (via USB-C). Most Looper shells will have an LED light to display battery life. It looks boring, but the shell is the least important part of the Looper.
- Pod / Cartridge (Heart of the Looper): This is the detachable portion of the Looper device that allows it to function. Within the pod:
E-Liquid Tank: Empty reservoir ready for you to add your favorite e-liquid.
Coil: Small, built-in heating element and cotton wick. Coil is the consumable part of the Looper. When the flavor starts to taste burnt, or the vapor production drops off, you replace the whole pod. Typically Looper pods include a pre-coiled unit and you add the e-liquid.
- Loopable Design: This is the technical aspect of a Looper. The pod is engineered to match the precise size, airflow and other characteristics of a particular disposable vape model. As a result, you receive the same tight, MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) draw that is the hallmark of disposables.
How To Use A Looper (From My Everyday Routine):
You buy a Looper device (shell and one pod)
- You charge it: Plug it in for 20 minutes and the light will turn green when charged.
- You fill the pod: Pop off the silicone stopper and fill the 2 ml tank with your preferred nic salt e-liquid (I prefer fruit/ice blends). Wait 5-10 minutes for the coil to prime.
- You vape: Snap the pod onto the battery and take a hit. It is auto-fire – no button presses needed. The sensation is virtually identical to vaping with a high-end disposable.
- Repeat & Refill: When the pod runs dry, you refill it. I typically reuse my pods 5-6 times before the coil burns out.
- Replace Pod: After the flavor fades, I buy another pack of empty pods and begin the process again. I can keep the shell functioning for months.
Why Go Through the Trouble? The Looper Advantage.
Why not simply use a disposable, or a standard refillable pod? In my opinion, here are some of the benefits:
- Cost Savings: This is the number one advantage. Disposable vapes cost between $15-$25 and last a week. A 30ml bottle of nic salt e-liquid costs approximately the same amount and can refill a Looper device approximately 15 times. That is pennies per day compared to dollars.
- Sustainability: Tossing a lithium ion battery and a plastic device in the garbage every week or two is unconscionable. With a Looper, you only toss a small plastic pod every few weeks. While not a true zero-waste solution, it is exponentially better.
- Flavor Freedom: Disposable vapes limit you to their flavors. With a Looper, the options are endless. Want to try a tropical mango-pineapple with a hint of vanilla? There is a juice for that. Your flavor options are now limitless, not limited to what is available from a manufacturer.
- Perfect Experience: Many people – myself included – consider advanced mods to be overly complex and generate too much vapor. Disposables provide a perfect, low-key nicotine fix. Loopers allow you to maintain that experience, while eliminating the downsides.
Reality Check: Challenges, Cons & Insights
It is not all sunshine and rainbows. There are some potential pitfalls that you should be aware of:
- Initial Search: Finding a reliable Looper device is sometimes difficult. These products are usually sold as generic names or as "refillable kits". You have to know what you are looking for. Research the product.
- Consistency is Important: The overall success of a Looper depends entirely on the consistency of the replacement pods. I have experienced packs where one pod was defective or burned out faster than the rest. Choose reputable sellers and read customer reviews.
- It is Not a Complete Solution: Even though Looper devices offer incredible value, the battery life is subpar. If you are a heavy user, you may need to charge the battery mid-day. It is a trade-off for the compact nature of the device.
- Learning Curve: Simply filling a small pod without spilling, making sure the coil is primed, knowing when to replace the pod...it takes a little extra effort than simply opening a disposable.