In this article...
The world of vaping can be a very weird and wonderful one, with different kits and liquids for all types of vapers. But just how extensive can vaping habits and trends be, and what are the main types of vapers? More importantly, what type of vaper are you?
While the different types of vapers outlined in this article may be slightly tongue in cheek, the point that there are various options for everyone is an important one. Knowing what type of vaper you are, and choosing the right kit for your own personal preferences, could be pivotal in successfully quitting smoking and remaining smoke free.
The ‘Average Joe’ Vaper
The vaping industry may have previously been branded as a cult community for tattooed, cloud chasing hipsters. However, this is no longer the case, and for the vast majority, vaping is an essential tool to help them quit smoking.
If you are reading this, you are likely to fit into this 'Average Joe' group... You like to keep things simple. You have that one trusty device, probably a Tornado EX2 or an Arc 5, and that's all you really need. Usually, you will opt for a fruity or menthol e-liquid in a 0.6% or 1.0% strength, even though you keep telling yourself you want to try something new. You are often overheard calling your e-cig a 'puffer', your e-liquid goes by 'oils' and your atomizers are called 'little thingamajigs'. But don't worry 'Average Joe', you call them what you like, we know exactly what you mean.
The 'Average Joe' is the most common type of vaper for a reason. This combination of a reliable, easy to use e-cig and a popular e-liquid is a winning formula for quitting smoking. As the proverb goes, if it's not broken, don't try and fix it. Be proud to be an 'Average Joe' vaper and have pride in the fact that you've made the switch from smoking to vaping.
Are you an 'Average Joe' type of vaper?
The ‘Disposable Dan' Vaper?
If this article was written a year ago, 'Disposable Dan' wouldn't have made the cut. In the past 12 months, disposable vapes have risen in popularity at an extraordinary rate. Elf Bars and Geek bars burst on to the scene along with our disposable vape pen, thanks to their simplicity and strong, vivid flavours.
A 'Disposable Dan' doesn't fancy themselves as a vaper. They can't be dealing with the changing of atomizers, refilling of tanks and recharging of batteries, it's all too much faff. However, they're also sick of spending £12 on a 20-pack of cigarettes and waking up with a nasty cough, every time they go on a night out. That's until the emergence of disposable vapes.
It's Friday night and 'Disposable Dan's' getting revved up for some white wine spritzers with a few pals. Wallet, check. phone, check. Keys, check. Elf Bar 600, check. Three hours into the night and the phone's broke, the wallets lost but that sweet, watermelon disposable is still going!
While 'Disposable Dan' may not be consciously vaping as a way to quit smoking, that's exactly what is happening. This rise of disposables could be revolutionary and may potentially de-normalise smoking for a generation.
There's a lot of 'Disposable Dan's out there, are you this type of vaper?
The Hardcore Vaper
The vaping industry has somewhat moved away from huge clouds and big flashy mods. However, there still is a strong subsection of people out there who will always opt for a high-powered, sub-ohm e-cig. The bigger the cloud, the happier they are as they practice new vape tricks in the mirror to perfect their latest TikTok.
For this shameless stereotype, I'm pitching heavy metal fans with piercings and tattoos. they'll have vape bands around the glass, a thick custard e-liquid in the tank and 2 spare 18650 batteries to make sure they're not caught short.
Despite my judgemental comments, I must admit that this vaper is the backbone of the industry. They've been there through thick and thin and are proud to vape. We salute you for vaping proudly and sticking by the industry through thick and thin.
Are you a Hardcore Vaper?
Shiny syndrome Vaper
Over the years, the vaping industry has been subject to an enormous amount of innovation and new product introduction. 'Squonkers', mechanical mods, temperature control and pod systems, just to name a few. To many vapers, this will be complete gibberish, but for those with shiny syndrome, it all makes complete sense.
If it's new and on trend then this vaper is getting it, and often in more than one colour. As shown by their collection over 80 pairs of shoes, one, two or even 10 of something just isn't enough. Similar to those shoe habits, the reality is that 90% of the time they will opt for their trusty, reliable vape. Once their new e-cig has been snapped, filtered and 'Instagrammed', this vaper is probably going straight back to their arc 5.
There is no shame in shiny syndrome and I could name a lot of people at Totally Wicked HQ who can't wait to get their hands on the latest hardware. Variety is the spice of life, so if you want 40 e-cigs, then go for it!
Are you the type of vaper who has shiny syndrome?
The Careless Type of Vaper
It doesn't take a genius to guess who the careless vaper is. Whether it's smashed glass, bent USB cables or broken screens, this vaper knows exactly how to break their e-cig. The careless vaper doesn't just break e-cigs but also has a habit of losing them. They're often overheard saying "Have you seen my e-cig", "can I borrow a charger" or "arghh, my tank's smashed again".
Despite the constant replenishment of new kits and tanks, the careless vaper rarely takes precautionary measures. After picking up their fourth replacement EX2 glass in as many weeks, it's still unlikely they'll opt for a vape band. The counterargument made is a fair one... "I could smash another 4 Tornado EX2's this week and it would still be cheaper than smoking".
I must admit, I was a careless vaper. That's until I embraced my inner 'Disposable Dan'. Whilst I still clumsily drop some e-cigs, I often have some spare disposables. This is the perfect solution for if I'm going on a night out, day trip or on holiday.
Do you know a careless vaper?
The Type of Vaper Who Doesn't Actually Vape
What? Well bear with me. We've already talked about how many people manage to successfully quit smoking through vaping. Everyone's journey is different, some people find vaping is a great 'stop-gap' while giving up smoking. They are then soon able to give up both smoking and vaping altogether. Others steadily reduce their nicotine strength but find the odd vape on their 0.3% keeps them on the straight and narrow and away from cigarettes.
There are some people who have previously struggled to quit smoking and truly cannot kick the habit completely. They find switching to vaping offers them a healthier and safer alternative while providing a ritual that keeps those cravings at bay. Then you have our final case subject here.
The vaper who doesn't actually vape is more common that you think. They’ve used vaping to quit smoking and successfully weaned themselves off nicotine and vaping. But they still carry their trusty vape around in their pocket every day. You might even catch a panic-stricken look if they realise that they've misplaced or forgotten it. But why?! You've known them for 3 years and only actually seen them take a puff on the thing a handful of times.
A lot of people find that once they've successfully quit smoking, they don't 'need' to vape in the same way they were addicted to cigarettes. After years of relying on the crutch of that pack of 20 in your back pocket though, it can feel downright terrifying to get through the day without it. That's why you'll actually find quite a lot of vapers who don't 'really' vape, who just like the comfort of knowing they have it with them if need it.
An Option For Every Type of Vaper
The point of all this is that there are countless options available to suit and provide solutions for all types of vapers. Whether you're an 'Average Joe', 'Disposable Dan', a hardcore vaper, a careless vaper or if you have shiny syndrome, Totally Wicked will find the perfect kit for you.
Which of these types of vaper are you? Or do you fit into your very own category? Let us know in the comments.
