It is often said that we now have more computing power in our pocket than that aboard Apollo 11 when it achieved the first moon landing. Of course, such statements are usually referencing smartphones. But it’s getting to the point when you could make similar claims for vaping hardware!
While many vapes remain relatively simple devices, it is possible to invest in far more complex equipment that features multiple operating modes controlled by advanced chipsets.
If your vaping experience has been confined to fixed output devices or those with just two or three output settings, it might be time to explore your options.
Here’s what you need to know about the available operating modes:
In variable wattage (VW) mode, you select the wattage at which you wish your device to operate. The device detects the resistance of the installed coil and automatically configures the battery to operate at the correct voltage to deliver the wattage you've selected.
The capabilities of vape mods vary dramatically. Some can deliver up to 30W while others are capable of producing outputs of up to 240W, often in 5W increments. If you are concerned about dealing with such impressive power, devices boast multiple safety features that will shut down the mod if you choose an inappropriate setting.
Variable wattage is the most common operating mode. If you fancy exploring its possibilities, you have many vapes to choose from.
Variable voltage (VV) mode enables you to select the exact voltage level that will run through your device. The mode controls the amount of power running through the device but the amount of energy that is output will be determined by your vape and your coil's resistance.
VV mode does not require a highly advanced chipset, so VV devices tend to less costly than VW devices. However, certain vape mods will offer both operating modes.
If you vape in VV mode, you will need to calculate the correct voltage for your coil's resistance.
VW mode is no longer a common feature of vaping hardware but you will find devices that boast this capability.
In bypass mode you are simply bypassing the operating modes of your device so that it performs more like a mechanical mod. It will deliver power based on both your remaining battery life and the resistance of the coil that is installed. This means that your output wattage will be higher when the battery is fully charged and lower later in the day.
It is important to note that bypass mode does not bypass the safety features of your vape and so does impose certain limits on your outputs. For this reason, many vapers feel that there are few benefits to the mode. However, some users feel that they benefit from improved performance with bypass mode.
Enabling you to fine tune your draws, custom curve mode gives you the ability to pre-program a sequence of wattage changes. For instance, you might wish to begin each puff at 60W then rise to 70W after a second and then drop to 50W after a further second. This mode can be utilised to give you the power you want at the beginning of your draw but then to taper off the output to prevent the wick from burning. You may be able to set up your curve via controls on your device, but some mods have been paired with apps that enable you input your desired settings via a more user-friendly interface.
Temperature control (TC) mode enable you to set the maximum temperature you wish your coil to reach, and your device will then ensure that it stays within this limit. TC mode helps you to find the sweet spot of your flavour and to prevent burnt wicking. This mode is possible because the changes in the resistances of certain metals as they heat can be estimated and so are predicted by the e cig. Temperature control coils are therefore made from titanium, nickel or stainless steel. Kanthal coils don't work in TC mode as their changes in resistance when heated are minimal.
In TC mode, when your coil reaches your desired temperature, your device will, automatically reduces your output. You may enjoy TC vaping if you favour a cooler and smoother draw.
This vape mode is the brainchild of Innokin but the brand has kept the precise nature of the technology under wraps. The mode utilises thermodynamic heating to impact the flavour and the vapour you experience. You can hear a slight humming when you vape in FO mode which enables you to adjust the frequency of your device from 1 to 100 Hertz. Higher frequencies are more suitable for mouth to lung (MTL) vaping.
You can fire your coil in intervals or pulses using this mode. The quick bursts of power help to maintain a more consistent coil temperature throughout a draw. The result is smoother and more flavoursome puffs. This user-friendly mode is ideal if you are looking for smooth and consistent draws with the minimum of fuss.
You will find that it is easier than you might have thought to utilise advanced vape modes. The safety protections of your chosen device will prevent you from doing anything dangerous. Vape modes enable you to experiment with your e liquids and coils to customise your vaping experience. If you like the idea of optimising flavour and vapour, it is worth exploring the potential of the various modes.
The Vapekit range brings you the best vape kits and the best vape mods. Our product descriptions provide all the information you need to choose a device that is right for you and that offers the operating modes you would like to try. Why not treat yourself to new hardware that enables you to fully customise your experience?
