Although they are not as common as other smoking methods, traditional tobacco pipes have been around for a long time, and they are still a favorite choice for a lot of people. Their design and a touch of nostalgia have helped pipes to win many fans, so it is not a surprise to see that vaping devices manufacturers also offer e-pipes that resemble the traditional models used for tobacco. E-pipes feature a bowl, a mouthpiece and a stem, juts like the traditional tobacco pipes, but they are used to vape e-liquid instead. In order to use an e-pipe, you don’t need to compact tobacco and light it up with a lighter or match. The e-pipe uses a lithium-ion battery and you just need to turn it on to start using it. Filling up the bowl with e-liquid is not required.
E-pipes come with a battery that heats a coil in a cartridge or atomizer, which vaporizes the e-liquid. The vapor passes through the stem and reaches the mouthpiece so that you can inhale or puff it. Unlike a tobacco pipe, e-pipes don’t produce ash or smoke (only vapor), which makes them a safer alternative for you and for the environment. They don’t release strong smell, which means that they are less irritating for those around you and won’t leave a lingering tobacco odor in your house.
Design
There is a variety of models available, including some that maintain the general appearance and shape of traditional tobacco pipes and that look almost exactly like them. Many of the e-pipes that look like traditional tobacco pipes use cartridges that can be replaced, in the same way as e-cigs. These cartridges can last up to 800 puffs and there are different flavors available including sweet blends like Chocolate, Vanilla and Cherry, as well as traditional tobacco options. The majority of e-pipes have a bowl made from wood, although different kinds of wood are used. It is also possible to find e-pipes that have bowls made out of other materials such as metal and marble.
Using an e-pipe
You can use an e-pipe in two ways. The first option is to puff on it just like you would with a traditional tobacco pipe. This allows you to inhale the vapor into your mouth, hold it for a few seconds to get the nicotine and then exhale it though your mouth and nose. Some people prefer to inhale the e-pipe vapor partially or fully into the lungs. If you opt for an e-pipe that uses cartridges, you can enjoy mouth to lung (MTL) vaping. In this case, you inhale the vapor into your mouth and then into the lungs. If preferred, you can use the e-pipe in combination with a clearomizer or RTA designed for direct to lung vaping, which is a method in which you inhale straight to the lungs just like when you take a deep breath.
All e-pipes as the name suggests, are electronic, but there are automatic models and some that use a manual switch. If you go for an automatic e-pipe, you just need to inhale or puff to vaporize the e-liquid. You won’t need to complete any additional action to activate it, which is why this type of e-pipe is preferred by new vapers and those who want an experience that feels closer to smoking regular tobacco pipes. With the manual switch style e-pipes, you need to press a button to get the battery to heat up the coil to vaporize the e-liquid. Many experienced vapers prefer a manual switch to get greater control over their vaping.
E-pipes
There are also electronic pipes that let you use an atomizer in the same way as the vaping setup of a mode with an atomizer. In this kind of setup, the vape pipe works as the mod. Since that the atomizer can usually be seen, these devices don’t resemble traditional pipes, but their advantage is that they give more flexibility when it comes to selecting parts. Some people like to combine their e-pipe with a clearomizer, while others prefer a rebuildable tank atomizer (RTA) for their vaping sessions. With clearomizers and atomizers, it is possible to select any flavor that you like.
How to select your first e-pipe
While e-pipes are simple and many of them support safety features, as well as variable wattage, it is important to keep in mind that some knowledge of Ohm’s Law may be required. You should also keep battery safety in mind and have the ability to check the resistance of the atomizer through ohm readers or multi-meters. Thankfully, there are kits that are suitable for beginners and they provide the same high quality. If you don’t have much experience, you can also opt for an e-pipe with regulated power.
The variety of electronic pipes that you can find in the market adds a lot of fun to the selection process. You can find affordable options, as well as high range, handcrafted pipes. The prices can go from $30 to hundreds of dollars, depending on the model. The final decision will depend on your budget, your preferences in terms of the design of the e-pipe and the features supported. Just make sure that you do your research before purchasing an e-pipe.