In this article...
- When were Vapes Invented?
- The Beginning of the Vape as We Know It
- Disposable Vapes to Join the Vaping Hall of History
- What's the best modern equivalent to disposables?
- Vape Starter Kits
- Totally Wicked - Making Modern History
- The Odyssey - the very first electronic cigarette fully designed and manufactured in the UK
- The Odyssey's Modern Equivalents
- The Totally Wicked Revolution VT60
- Your Favourite Vintage Vapes
- The very first vapes
- Alternatives to disposables
- Totally Wicked makes history
- Modern alternatives to popular vintage vapes
As Totally Wicked's Product Development Manager, I've seen my fair share of innovations in the vaping industry. I find it fascinating to see just how far vapes have come and how the earliest designs can still influence the devices we use today. So, as I take a nostalgic look at some of our earlier products, I'll highlight some vintage vapes I believe deserve a place among the e-cig history books.
I'd also like to delve into the history of vapes in general, just to give some insight into the evolution of vapes, and indeed, Totally Wicked.
So, let's start at the very beginning...
When were Vapes Invented?
There are several possible answers to this question.
The answer you're looking for may very well depend on what you would classify as a vape, or indeed, an e-cigarette. The word vape evolved from the word, "vapourizer" and refers to the release of vapour when the e-liquid is heated[1]. But, just to throw a spanner in the works, if you're actually asking when the first electronic-cig was made (electronic being the important term here) , the answer gets even tricker. This is because the products deemed to be the first types of vapes may not have even been electronic.
There have been many iterations of devices that bear a resemblance to today's vapes.
Close – but no cigar
The first documented version of a vape was invented by Joseph Robinson, an American who patented the "mechanical butane ignition vaporiser"[2] in 1930. Although this is the first documented evidence of the intent to create a vape, it was never available commercially. The second attempt at popularising the e-cig was by Herbert A. Gilbert in the 1960s. His patented device[3] was called the "Smokeless". In addition to being touted as a potentially life-saving device by moving smokers away from cigarettes, the Smokeless was also advertised as a dieting aid. Unfortunately for Gilbert, investors didn't share his faith in the product and it was never produced commercially.
The next inventor to try their luck popularising a version of the electronic cigarette was J. Phillip Ray, granted a patent for a "nicotine dispensing device" in 1985[4]. Ray was quite an impressive figure, notably for being involved in the invention of the microprocessor and also for his stint as a NASA engineer[5]. As I alluded to previously, this version of a vape wasn't an e-cig, nor a vape at all in the true sense of the word. This is because it didn't involve using electricity nor the heating of a liquid and therefore, no vapour. In fact, the "device", although fashioned to resemble a traditional cigarette, merely featured a filter paper, soaked in nicotine which the user would then inhale via the cigalike device.
Vaping pedants may not class this as an e-cig, but It did allow those that would usually smoke to inhale nicotine without all the nasty chemicals released by burning tobacco. So, not a bad start!
The Beginning of the Vape as We Know It
“Necessity is the mother of invention“
Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, is widely recognised as being the inventor of the e-cigarette and his version is the closest to the vapes we still use today. Like many great inventions, Lik's e-cig was born out of a great need to find a solution to a problem, and his problem was smoking. The solution was his cigalike e-cig, created in 2003. Lik believed that if he emulated the smoke of a cigarette in a tobacco-less device it would help him quit smoking.[6] Fuelled by his personal ambitions and equipped with an impressive background in Medicine, mechanics, and electronics, Lik was able to create a product that had the potential to save millions of lives.
The electronic cigarette soon grew in popularity and within three short years devices rapidly made their way from China, to America and Europe.
Disposable Vapes to Join the Vaping Hall of History
Love them or loathe them, disposables will remain a significant part of vaping history. The first cigalike vapes weren't refillable or rechargeable yet opened the door to an effective way to stop smoking. Without minimising the environmental impact of single-use vapes, it's necessary to understand the positive impact they've had. These devices provide an accessible way to stop a most harmful habit, and allowed less dextrous ex-smokers access to a potentially life-saving product. These observations are not to be sniffed at. However, with the ban on disposables in 2025, it's important to look to suitable alternatives for what will one day be considered a vintage type of vape.
What's the best modern equivalent to disposables?
With the ban on the sale disposable vapes in the UK commencing in 2025[7], it's time to consider alternatives. If you're not ready to transition to a full-on, bells and whistles vape kit, there are plenty of other options.
VLTZ flex Pro
The flex Pro has been designed to deliver the taste of disposables in a more sustainable vape. The range offers the ultimate flex in that not only can you choose between a box or a pen design, but you can also use both pre-filled and refillable pods in each.
Disposable and refillable pods
The pre-filled pods are filled with the intensely flavoured VLTZ e-liquids and make for easy switching between flavours. The refillable pods pair perfectly with VLTZ e-liquid and provide an even more sustainable alternative to disposables. By choosing vapes from the VLTZ flex Pro range you can try over 20 rich flavours in both the pods and the e-liquid.
VLTZ-X Spin 4 in 1
As well as being innovative in our own right, we're also always looking at new products and thinking of ways in which we not only adopt them, but adapt them to make them better. For example, the emergence of Big Puff vapes like 4 in 1 disposables led to Totally Wicked creating the VLTZ-X Spin 4 in 1 Pod Kit. Like the disposable 4 in 1 kits out there, this e-cig allows you to switch easily between flavours without needing to continuously remove and replace pods. The big difference between the 4 in 1 disposables and our VLTZ-X Spin is that the Spin is rechargeable. You'll also note the difference in flavour as the VLTZ-X e-liquid used in each pod delivers an extremely intense flavour - even more so than the VLTZ e-liquid range.
Vape Starter Kits
Some vapers who've only tried disposables may be reluctant to even contemplate using a kit. I can understand the difficulty in getting to grips with something completely new. Yet you'll be happy to learn that kits designed for beginners are so simple to use. We have a collection of e-cigarette starter kits that are perfect if you've just quit smoking, or if you want to make the switch from single-use vapes to a kit.
Three starter kits I'd recommend are:
- Tornado GTL - sleek and simple to use, and popular with both beginners and more advanced vapers.
- Skope Air - can be draw-activated, like a disposable, or button-activated - the choice is yours!
- Arc Mini 2 - compact with a long-lasting battery
As I said previously, I've seen a lot of innovations since I started at Totally Wicked in 2016. Yet the products and developments before my time here give a fascinating insight into how vital Totally Wicked has been (and continues to be) for ex-smokers transitioning to vaping.
Totally Wicked – Making Modern History
We began with our very own e-liquids in 2008 but it wasn't long until we also introduced our own e-cig. The Titan was a sleek, slim refillable vape, available in three stylish colours, red, blue, and white. The slimline design of the Titan reminds me of the petite, yet high-performing Joyetech eRoll Slim. The Titan was quickly followed by the Tornado E-cig in 2010. This vape really took off and because it was so simple to use, I think it played a vital role in helping smokers transition away from traditional cigarettes.
But the old vape that really sticks in my mind and deserves a significant amount of attention is the original Odyssey, which we created in 2012.
The Odyssey - the very first electronic cigarette fully designed and manufactured in the UK
One device that caused more than a ripple of excitement throughout the industry was the Odyssey. Much like the protagonist in Homer's (not that Homer...), epic poem, "The Odyssey", this device of the same name embarked on its own epic journey of adventure and discovery. The Odyssey vape is testament to the engineering skills and ingenuity of a very talented team of experts, including our very own Technical Director, Liam Humberstone, who played a huge role in its design and development. The quest to create the first ever e-cig designed and manufactured in the UK wasn't an easy one. As an all-in-one device, each measurement needed to be exquisitely precise. This was to ensure that once the semi-assembled device was pieced together by customers, it would function superbly - and it did!
When it came to creating the Odyssey, it was important to Totally Wicked that this rechargeable, refillable vape:
- Offered longevity
- Was affordable
- Could be used by all kinds of vapers, including those completely new to vaping
The Odyssey was made from high-quality stainless steel and the robust appearance and design of the Odyssey gave the impression of a weighty vape. Yet this was in fact a light-weight, easily portable device – making it an instantly attractive option.
An elegant Vape
The sleek pen-like design of the vape resulted in a convenient device that could be neatly tucked into a pocket or bag. However, it wasn't just the design that made this a popular e-cig. The Odyssey boasted many features that made it a great choice for all kinds of vapers. The rechargeable vape was powered by a 900mAh battery and could last for up to 7 hours before it needed to be charged. The simple button activation is another appreciated feature. In addition, you could half turn the button to prevent it from being pressed, so no accidental activation in pockets or bags.
A stainless steel filler
One of the features I find fascinating about the Odyssey is the stainless steel filler that came with it. It was designed to ensure not a single drop of liquid was wasted and it fitted onto the tank of the vape via a sliding mechanism, once it was pushed and screwed into place. At the time it was seen as an elegant solution to an age-old problem of spillages and it definitely did the trick!
Fantastic flavour delivery
In the days of the Odyssey, it could be a pretty fiddly affair to ensure a flavourful vape, with a lot of waiting around for priming. However, this device was renowned for providing excellent, consistent flavours and so the waiting for priming was well worth it in the end.
The Odyssey's Modern Equivalents
Many of you will remember the Odyssey and may even still have it tucked away in a drawer somewhere - along with its ultra smart blue pinstripe packaging. You might even have one of the 11 further Odyssey branded vape products we went on to produce here in the UK. Yet, as innovative as the Odyssey was, vapes have moved on. That's not to say that some design elements haven't remained but things like battery size, assembly, and filling have notably improved.
Tornado GTL
The Tornado GTL is an extremely popular choice of vape, and like the Odyssey is a robustly built device without being heavy. It's easily portable, slimline in design, and features button activation. The filling method is equally as elegant, but a lot simpler than the Odyssey, and it's sliding top fill makes filling easy. Like the Odyssey, the Tornado GTL is known for delivering great flavour. It's also ideal for all types of vapers, whether you're a beginner or have been vaping for years. The 1600mAh integrated battery ensures a lengthy time between charges
AIO 3
After reminiscing with colleagues about vintage vapes, it was Andrew in Customer Services who commented on how the AIO3 would also be a great choice for anyone who loved the Odyssey. Andrew is a seasoned vaper and has worked at Totally Wicked for several years, and so he really knows his stuff! The AIO 3 certainly echoes the metallic finish of the Odyssey and it's clear tank makes for easy monitoring of liquid levels. Although its LED battery life indicator certainly implies it is a hi-tec vape, it’s still simple to use. So simple, it’s suitable for both new and advanced vapers. The AIO 3 is also hailed as leak-proof vape, similar to the Odyssey, which incorporated a seamless filler mechanism.
The Totally Wicked Revolution VT60
Moving on to another vintage kit, the Revolution VT60 is something very different from the first piece of hardware we produced, the Titan. It’s also different yet again from the Odyssey. This was indeed a revolutionary e-cigarette that maintained flavour intensity and ensured satisfying nicotine delivery. By continuously monitoring the change in coil resistance caused by temperature change, a closed-loop control circuit automatically varies the power that is applied to the coil in order to keep the temperature constant.
This large battery mod offered multiple wattage and temperature modes. This made it popular among cloud chasers who loved nothing more than billowing voluminous clouds of fragrant vapour. The adjustable settings made it more suited to experienced vapers, but with a little patience most vapers could get the hang of the different settings soon enough. This e-cig featured a digital display which showed the temperature, the wattage, the coil resistance, and the battery level. The button above the display would allow for scrolling through the settings and changing them to suit. Vape enthusiasts truly appreciated this kit, notably for the intense flavours it was able to deliver and the smooth nicotine delivery. Yet there is a modern equivalent which can provide a similar but improved experience - the Eleaf iStick Power 2.
Eleaf iStick Power 2
The iStick Power is considered the natural successor to the Revolution VT60. The iStick Power 2 is next iteration in the series and follows on from the original best-selling vape mod. Like the Revolution VT60, the iStick Power 2 provides great flavour and vapour production. It also features an OLED display to make changing settings simple. This mod boasts a 5000mAh battery, a wattage range of 1 - 80W, and, like the Revolution VT60, uses a 510 connection. Complete the kit with your choice of vape tanks and coils.
Your Favourite Vintage Vapes
The vapes I've chosen are just my personal selections. It would be great to hear about your favourite vapes through the years. Leave a comment below with your favourites. Alternatively, head over to the Totally Wicked Facebook group and let us know which e-cigs you used to enjoy.
References
[1] https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/101891/etymology-of-vape
[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2sxWjgnyTBKfr1x7vbVnZHY/how-did-e-cigarettes-and-vaping-get-so-popular
[3] https://patents.google.com/patent/US3200819
[4] https://patents.google.com/patent/US4813437A/fr
[5] https://www.researchhistory.org/2011/04/17/forgotten-pc-history-the-true-origins-of-the-personal-computer/
[6] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ecigarettes-inventor-idUSKBN0OP1YV20150609/
[7] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-crackdown-on-single-use-vapes
[8] https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1727/pg1727-images.html#chap01
