A Smarter Way to Vape

Welcome to the world of open system vaping where you get more control, better flavor, and long-term savings. Sure, there’s a learning curve, but we’ve helped thousands of people make the leap to refillables, and we’re here to make it painless. This guide covers the most common questions, beginner mishaps, and tips to help you vape smarter, not harder.

Getting the Most From Your Vape

What kind of eliquid should I use?

• Nic Salt (20–50mg): Best for low-watt pod systems

• Freebase (3–20mg): Better for larger, higher-power mods

• PG/VG Ratios: PG = throat hit, VG = cloud. Match to your device and preference.

What’s airflow and why should I care?

Tight airflow = cigarette-like draw

Open airflow = airy clouds, smoother hit

You can adjust this with a dial or slide on some devices. Play around to find your sweet spot.

Why does my flavor feel muted?

• Coil might be nearing the end

• You’ve vaped the same flavor too long = it's a phenomenon called vape tongue and doesn't happen to everybody

• Try switching eliquid flavors and not always vaping the same thing

What’s a pod? What’s a mod? What’s a tank?

• Pod = compact refillable system (easy!)

• Mod = battery base you attach a tank to

• Tank = refillable eliquid container with a coil inside
  
  

Maintenance & Best Practices

How often do I change the coil?

Coil lifespan isn’t about how many days it’s been, it’s about how much eliquid you’ve gone through and what kind you’re using. Sweeter eliquids (especially those with added sweeteners) tend to wear down coils faster by caramelizing on the coil and gumming it up.

If you start noticing muted flavor, a slightly burnt taste, or the vapor doesn’t feel quite right, it might be time to replace the coil. Some customers go through 10ml in a week, others in a day, so there’s no universal schedule. The best habit? Pay attention to the flavor and feel. Your vape will tell you when it’s ready for a refresh.

Pro tip: Mark the install date in your phone or write it on the coil packaging.

How do I clean my device?

Every few days:

• Rinse and dry the mouthpiece

• Wipe down the contacts

• Clean tank parts with warm water and let dry completely (not applicable to pods)

Never rinse the battery or internal electronics!

Battery Safety 101

• Use the charger that came with your device

• If using a device with a removable battery, it is generally recommended to use a dedicated battery charger
  

• Don’t leave it charging overnight

• Avoid hot cars or freezing temps

• If your cable is frayed, replace it
  

Troubleshooting Common Problems

“Why does it taste burnt?”

A burnt taste usually means your coil is either dry or dying. Here’s what could be going wrong:

• You didn’t prime the coil (that means saturate it with eliquid before use).

• You’re chain vaping (taking hits too quickly back to back).

• The coil is simply old and needs to be replaced.
  

• Your power settings are too high. (applicable to adjustable power devices)

Fix it:

• After filling a new pod or coil, wait 5–10 minutes before hitting it.

• Learn to prime a coil: drop e-liquid directly onto the cotton and let it soak. (For mod/tank systems)

• Take gentler, slower puffs. 

• Start from the lowest power settings and gradually work your way up until it tastes good. (applicable to adjustable power devices)
  

“Why is my device leaking?”

Leaks happen, but they’re usually preventable.

Common causes:

• Overfilling the tank or pod

• Not closing everything tightly

• Flooded coil (too much e-liquid in the chamber)

• Extreme temps (hot cars = thin e-liquid)

• Coil or pod is old and need replacement

Fix it:

• Store upright

• Use proper PG/VG liquids (thicker e-liquid = less likely to leak)

• Double-check seals/cracks in pod or tank
  
  

“What’s this gurgling sound or liquid in my mouth?”

That’s spitback or gurgling, and it means your coil is "flooded" and has too much e-liquid.

Quick fixes:

• Put a paper towel over the mouth piece and whip it in quick bursts with a wrist flick towards the ground to free up any stuck liquid inside the pod/tank
  
  

• Remove and dry the pod or coil base

• Check that the coil is seated properly
  

From Disposables to Open Systems: Set Yourself Up for Success

“Why did my coil only last 7 days?”

If you’re switching from disposables, it’s easy to fall into thinking in terms of days. But with open systems, coil life is more about how much liquid you’ve used and how you’re using it than the calendar.

For example, going through a full 30ml bottle on one coil is actually a great outcome, especially if your eliquid has sweetener, which can wear coils faster. Open systems are reusable and refillable, which means even replacing a coil now and then still saves you money over constantly buying new disposables. And unlike disposables, if something doesn’t taste right, you can fix it.

So instead of worrying about how many days a coil lasts, start thinking about how much flavor, satisfaction, and value you’re getting from each bottle of eliquid. That shift in mindset is a game-changer. You'll also be helping the planet by creating less waste.

Save money long-term

It might not feel like it at first, especially when you’re buying a device, coils, and e-liquid. But open systems are built to stretch your dollars. Unlike disposables that are tossed every time they run out, open systems let you reuse the device and refill it again and again.

A single bottle of e-liquid can cost the same as one disposable, but give you the equivalent of several disposables’ worth of usage. Even with the cost of replacement coils, most users start noticing real savings within the first couple of bottles.

The key is thinking beyond the single purchase. You’re no longer buying a whole new device every few days, you’re just topping off what you already own. And that adds up to real savings, fast.

You’ll save a ton in the first few months after the switch.

Don’t love your first device? That’s okay.

Ask staff for help. Different setups feel totally different. There’s no “perfect device”, just the right one for you right now.

You don’t have to be a vape nerd.

Refill, charge, and go. Open systems have come a long way. Most new devices are just as simple as a disposable, with way more benefits.

Bonus Knowledge Nuggets

• Top 5 Beginner Mistakes:

  1. Not priming coils

  2. Overfilling

  3. Using the wrong eliquid

  4. Expecting disposable level sweetness

  5. Not changing coils soon enough

• E-liquid storage: Keep it cool, dark, and upright. It can expire, but if stored correctly can last for years (the nicotine will weaken over time, especially with exposure to light or heat).

• Travel tips: Store in carry-on, no big bottles, and keep things sealed. TSA allows vapes but not in checked bags!

• Vape etiquette: Ask before puffing indoors (most places the same rules apply as combustable tobacco), avoid clouding crowds, and don’t leave your device unattended in public spaces
  

Your Vape Journey = Our Job

Need help troubleshooting your setup or finding a better one? We’re always here to help at Smokeless. Whether it’s your first open system or your fifth, we’ve got the knowledge, support, and gear to keep you going.

Have questions we didn’t cover? Message us at info@shopsmokeless.com and we'll consider adding it to our next guide.