We’re looking at e-pipes, an evolution of e-cigarettes that incorporates the body of tobacco pipes.
What is an e-pipe?
Traditional tobacco pipes have been the oldest way to smoke tobacco. An e-pipe has the same form factor as a traditional tobacco pipe but is used to vape e-juice with the help of electronics. It consists of a bowl, stem and mouthpiece just like the original. Unlike a tobacco pipe, the user does not pack tobacco into the e-pipe or light it with a match or lighter, nor does the user fill the bowl with e-juice. An e-pipe is an electronic device powered by a lithium-ion battery. The user simply turns it on to use it.
All e-pipes consist of a battery that heats a coil in a cartridge or atomizer to vaporize e-juice. The vapor then flows through the tube to the mouthpiece to be inhaled and exhaled.
E-pipes do not produce real smoke (it's vapor!), nor ash either. The biggest health advantage of using an e-pipe over a tobacco pipe is that it is significantly safer for your health. The absence of ash makes e-pipes environmentally friendly. In addition, the e-pipe emits little or no odor, which can be appreciated by family and friends. Some venues, such as casinos, can be vape-friendly and allow vaping indoors.
E-pipes: style and design
E-pipes come in a wide range of styles. They retain the familiar look and form factor of traditional tobacco pipes, where some are almost indistinguishable from the original. And in keeping with the classic look of a traditional tobacco pipe, most e-pipes have a wooden bowl, and there are many wood variants to choose from. Wood types range from traditional hardwoods to exotic woods and even stabilized wood. E-pipes are also available with bowls made of other materials such as marble or metal.
Some e-pipes resemble traditional pipes a lot and use replaceable cartridges just like cigalikes. The cartridges last for about 600-800 puffs and come in a variety of flavors. Classic pipe tobacco flavors with cherry, apple and vanilla tobacco are common. But there are also special flavors from certain brands, such as fruit or dessert flavors.
Puff on an e-pipe
There are two ways to use an e-pipe. The first way is to puff on it just like a traditional tobacco pipe. The user inhales vapor into the mouth, holds the vapor for a moment to absorb nicotine and then exhales through the mouth/nose.
Some users may wish to inhale the vapor from the e-pipe entirely or partly into the lungs. E-pipes with cartridges as well as those with some kind of atomizer enable mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. The user inhales vapor into the mouth and then inhales into the lungs. Some users may want to combine their e-pipe with a clearomizer or RTA designed for inhalation directly to the lungs (DTL). This style means that the user inhales directly into the lungs as you do when taking a deep breath.
E-pipes can be automatic or use a manual power switch, but they are always electronic. Automatic e-pipes require no effort from the user other than inhaling or puffing as needed, and they then start vaporizing e-juice. Some users may find this to be a more natural experience that closely resembles smoking a traditional tobacco pipe. The user must press a manual power switch to get the battery to heat the coil that vaporizes the e-liquid. Many users prefer a manual power switch to have more control over their vaping experience.
E-pipes that produce clouds
An bonus variant of electronic pipes enables the use of an atomizer, just like a regular mod with an atomizer. Vejppipan acts as the mod in this model. Because the atomizer is usually visible, this variant of e-pipes looks a bit different from the traditional pipe, but gives the user greater freedom when choosing parts. Some users combine their e-pipe with a clearomizer, and others may choose rebuildable tank atomizer (RTA) to vaporize their e-juice. Clearomizers and atomizers allow e-pipe users to choose any e-juice flavor that appeals to their taste buds!
Choosing your first e-pipe
E-pipes can be simple, mechanical devices; they may come with certain safety features and/or variable wattage (VW). Users of mechanical or semi-mechanical devices should have knowledge of Ohm's law, battery safety, and be able to control the resistance of their atomizer (with the help of an ohm reader or multimeter). If any of this does not appeal to you, you can choose a kit that is more beginner-oriented (which can be just as high-quality in terms of the actual construction of the pipe itself) or e-pipes that have regulated power.
There is such a wide range of electronic pipes that it can be quite fun to choose one! Models range from affordable, mass-produced Chinese models to mid-priced models and unique handmade e-pipes. Prices range from about 250 kr to over 4000 kr.
In the end, it’s only the wallet that limits you. There are both handmade and mass-produced e-pipes, so if the idea of trying an e-pipe appeals to you, don’t be swayed by first impressions: it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Keep exploring until you find an e-pipe that appeals to you, either in terms of appearance or performance. Then when you’ve found the right e-pipe for you, it’s just to start vaping!
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