Over the last few years, there has been an unprecedented demand in flexible vaping technology. When we say flexible, we are talking about vape devices which give you the chance to control the way that you vape. With the standard cigalike giving vapers only one setting, these flexible devices, often rebuildable tank atomisers and other vape mods give you the chance to explore a wide range of settings which help you to regulate the power, intensity and temperature of your vape hit. One of these innovations is in the use of airflow technology. This can be found on almost all vape mods and vape pens nowadays and gives you the chance to control how much air your inhaling with your vape hit. So, what is airflow and how does it work to make mild your vape hit?
What is airflow?
When we talk about airflow in vaping, we are mostly focussing on the type of inhale you’re getting. The larger the inhale, the hotter the vape hit has the potential to be. Vapers who are more sensitive to hotter hits might be prone to vaping with wider airflows, due to its cooling down of the vapour. The airflow increases the amount of outside, cooler air which reacts with the coil as it is heated up by the electricity from the vape battery, meaning you are inhaling vapour and cool air combined.
How does airflow work?
The airflow is usually controlled by a small O-ring located on your device. This is usually a slider either at the base of the mouthpiece or lower down on the tank. A reduced airflow will increase flavour but will increase the temperature too. This occurs through the Joules-Thomson effect, in which the smaller the orifice air travels through, the less heat energy will be lost.
Why go for airflow
It is easy to answer this question with the reverse, why you’d want to reduce your airflow. Less airflow will keep a more intense flavour to your vape hit, it having not been diluted by extra air. There are a range of vaping techniques which will require you to increase the airflow though, not only for comfort but for maximum efficiency.
Sub ohming
Sub ohming, or vaping with a resistance below one ohm means that more vapour is produced. The lower the resistance, the more energy can travel through your device, making it the perfect solution to the cloud chasers among us. If more vapour is produced, this will mean that you’ll be exposed to potential higher, and overwhelming temperatures. To keep your vape cloud thick but your vapour cool, then an increased airflow will be the perfect solution.
Direct to lung vaping
Sub ohm vaping usually requires you to vape direct to lung. Direct to lung vaping is one of the two main styles of vaping, and has you inhale the vapour straight into your lungs rather than into your mouth first. This is akin to the feeling when you inhale air from a balloon. The force and power of the air exiting into your mouth means that it bypasses the mouth and travels down to your lungs, waiting for the exhale to taste the vapour.
High wattage
High wattage devices, when fully powered by a vape charger are prone to more intense vape hits. Variable wattage devices give you the chance to increase the power and intensity of your vape hit, and so increasing the airflow can counterbalance the potential increase in temperature.