We’re looking at e-pipes, a further development of e-cigarettes that incorporates the structure of tobacco pipes.
What is an e-pipe?
Traditional tobacco pipes have been the oldest way of smoking 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 put tobacco in 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 pod or vaporizer to vaporize e-juice. The vapor then flows through the tube to the mouthpiece to be inhaled and puffed out.
E-pipes do not create real smoke (it’s vapor!), nor do they produce ash. The greatest advantage of using an e-pipe compared with a tobacco pipe is that it is significantly safer for your health. The absence of ash makes e-pipes environmentally friendly. In addition, an e-pipe emits little or no odor, which may be appreciated by family and friends. Some establishments, such as casinos, may be vape-friendly and allow vaping indoors.
E-pipes: style and design
E-pipes come in a variety of styles. They all retain the familiar appearance and form factor of traditional tobacco pipes, with some being almost indistinguishable from the original. And in line with the usual appearance of a traditional tobacco pipe, most e-pipes have a wooden bowl, and there are many types of wood to choose from. Wood types range from traditional hardwoods to exotic trees and even stabilized wood. E-pipes are also available with bowls made of other materials such as marble or metal.
Some e-pipes closely resemble traditional pipes and use replaceable pods just like cigalikes. The pods hold approximately 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.
Puffing 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 while to absorb nicotine, and then exhales through the mouth/nose.
Some users may wish to inhale the vapor from the e-pipe fully or partially into the lungs. Pod-based e-pipes, as well as those with some kind of vaporizer, make it possible to vape mouth to lung (MTL). The user inhales vapor into the mouth and then inhales it into the lungs. Some users may want to combine their e-pipe with a clearomizer or RTA designed for direct-to-lung (DTL) inhalation. This style involves the user inhaling directly into the lungs as they do when taking a deep breath.
E-pipes can be automatic or use a manual switch, but they are always electronic. Automatic e-pipes require no input from the user other than inhaling or puffing as needed, at which point they begin to vaporize e-juice. Some users may find this to be a more natural experience that closely mimics smoking a traditional tobacco pipe. The user must press a manual switch to make the battery heat the coil that vaporizes the e-liquid. Many users prefer a manual switch to have more control over their vaping experience.
E-pipes that produce clouds
A bonus variant of electronic pipes allows the use of an atomizer, just like a regular mod with an atomizer. The vape pipe acts as the mod in this model. Since the atomizer is usually visible, this variant of e-pipes looks a little different from the traditional pipe, but gives the user greater freedom when choosing components. Some users combine their e-pipe with a clearomizer, while others may choose a 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, or they can 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 check the resistance of their atomizer (using an ohm reader or multimeter). If none of this appeals to you, you can choose kits aimed more at beginners (which may be just as high-quality in terms of the actual construction of the pipe itself) or e-pipes with regulated power.
There is such a wide range of electronic pipes that choosing one can be quite fun! Models range from affordable, mass-produced Chinese models to mid-range models and unique handmade e-pipes. Prices range from approximately SEK 250 to over SEK 4000.
Ultimately, only your wallet sets the limit. There are both handmade and mass-produced e-pipes, so if the idea of trying an e-pipe appeals to you, don’t be influenced by first impressions: it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Continue researching until you find an e-pipe that appeals to you, either in terms of appearance or performance. Then, once you’ve found the right e-pipe for you, all that’s left is to start vaping!
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