Tips&Tricks
Whether you’re into vaping or oil cartridges, you’re going to need a vape pen battery. 510 thread vapes originated from early vape pen tech, but have continued to evolve, accommodating the recent trends in oil vaping.
Different types of vape pens
Vape pens come in various battery capacities and features. Some vape pens are button activated, and some are draw-activated (meaning, when you inhale on the cart or tank, the device will sense a change in pressure and activate). Also, some vape pens have adjustable power output, which is the most sought-after function since it allows a tailored experience for the use. The power sent to the atomizer can increase the intensity of a hit, but if there’s too much power, the atomizer can give off a burnt taste. Burning is not what a vape should do!
How to use a vape pen
Using a vape pen is as simple as holding it and pushing the button while drawing on your cart or tank. Still, there are a few tips to make the experience free from hiccups.
- Charge the pen fully before use or putting a cart or tank on it. There is a small lithium-ion battery in the vape pen, and capacity can diminish while not in use for extended periods (like sitting on a shelf waiting to be purchased.) Frequent new users may think a new battery was a dud when it only needed to be charged first.
- If the device has a button, to turn it on requires a five-click quick press of the button. These five clicks need to happen in rapid succession. This is the same way to turn off the device. If the device is draw activated, it goes into sleep mode when not in use, thus there is no physical on/off switch.
- If the device has adjustable power, turn it all the way down before you begin. Take a vape. Slowly adjust up in power and take another vape. Once it feels and tastes to your liking, you’ve found your sweet spot. Most often, the adjustable power will be a rotary dial on the bottom of the pen. The common adjustments are in volts, going from 3.3 volts to 4.8 volts. Very few oil carts should go above 3.7-3.9 volts or it will produce a burnt hit. The recommended range for oil carts is 3.3-3.9 volts.
- When you take a drag on your tank or cart, the pen will stop power to the atomizer once the automatic shutoff limit has been reached. Check your pen’s user manual to see how long its limit is. Typically, the limit won’t exceed 8 seconds for one hit. If you want to take a longer draw, release the button for a split-second midway through your hit, then begin again immediately.
Advantages of 510 thread vapes
The best 510 thread vapes offer some distinct advantages over the standard pen-style batteries. They tend to have more battery life and are more compact and discreet. Some of them even utilize more advanced LED and LCD technology.
Generally speaking, 510 vapes are popular for oil because they are portable, lightweight and easy to use. Another advantage of 510 vapes is having cross compatibility with a variety of atomizers. A good 510 thread battery should also provide a solid connection.
- Portability
- Lightweight
- Cross compatibility
- Solid connection
- Ease of use
- Discreet
- More battery life
Tips for using 510 vapes for oil
Vaping a cartridge on a 510 thread vape is incredibly easy. Always start slow, taking small puffs with breaks in between, until you find your ideal dosage. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using various cartridges and 510 batteries.
- Some of the older oil carts still may utilize silica wicks. If you have a variable voltage vape, keep it at a low voltage to prevent dry or burnt tasting hits. You’ll want to stay in the 2.5-2.8-volt range.
- Newer styles of oil cartridges, like CCELL cartridges, use more current wicking that allows you to utilize more voltage without the risk of burning out your wicks. You can typically use them up to around 3.3 volts.
- Some oil carts utilize ceramic coil systems which may require more voltage than usual to achieve a satisfying puff. Start at around 3.3 volts and try not to exceed 3.6 V or you might experience a burnt taste.
- Every 510 thread vape battery has a different battery life capacity which is represented in milliamp hours, or mAh. Simply put, the higher the mAh, the more battery life your vape is going to have.
Charging a vape pen
Warning: do not use a cell phone wall plug to charge your pen since its max charge voltage will likely exceed the safety limits of your device. Charging a vape pen this way poses a fire hazard at worst, or it could fry your battery.
Vape pens are charged through a USB cord and are meant to be charged like other small electronic devices, like on a computer or laptop, or even in your car.
There are two types of charge cords for vape pens that depend on the one you have.
- The standard micro USB cord to be plugged into the side of the pen, or in the bottom of the device.
- A proprietary connection that threads directly onto the top of the pen (called a 510 connection).
If you need a vape pen charger replacement, and you have a vape pen with a standard connection, any other standard USB cord will work. If you have a proprietary connection that threads onto the 510, you can find replacements on eBay (search for “eGo charger”). A replacement charger for a vape pen should only cost a couple dollars.