Vape Tricks: How to Master the Art of Cloud Chasing
Vaping has evolved beyond a smoking alternative to a culture of its own, with “cloud chasing” – the pursuit of big, dense clouds – at the center of the vaping trick world. Whether you're a beginner eager to start or an experienced vaper looking to refine your skills, this guide covers the techniques and tips for mastering the art of cloud chasing.
What is Cloud Chasing?
Cloud chasing involves creating large, thick vapor clouds by using specific vaping techniques, the right device, and optimal settings. Often seen at vape competitions, cloud chasers perform incredible tricks like smoke rings, jellyfish, and more. Achieving these effects requires both the right equipment and practice, so let’s dive into the essentials.
Choosing the Right Equipment for Cloud Chasing
For successful cloud chasing, having the right vape setup is essential. Here’s what to look for:
- Sub-Ohm Devices: Sub-ohm vaping involves using a coil with a resistance below one ohm, allowing for higher wattage and bigger vapor production.
- High-Power Mods: Look for mods with a high wattage output (around 100W or more) to produce dense clouds.
- Low-Nicotine E-Liquids: Nicotine can affect the smoothness of your clouds, so opting for a lower nicotine concentration (3 mg or less) is best.
- High VG E-Liquids: E-liquids with a high vegetable glycerin (VG) content, typically 70% VG or higher, produce thicker clouds than propylene glycol (PG)-based liquids.
Basic Vape Tricks to Get Started
1. The Ghost (also known as “The Mushroom Cloud”)
The ghost trick is one of the easiest and most popular tricks for beginners. It creates a dense puff of vapor that you inhale back in quickly.
Steps:
- Take a long pull of vapor, but don’t inhale.
- Let the vapor out of your mouth slowly to form a small cloud.
- Quickly inhale the cloud back in.
Tip: Practicing in front of a mirror can help you master the speed and flow.
2. The Dragon
This dramatic trick gives you the appearance of breathing out smoke like a dragon, exhaling vapor through your nose and mouth simultaneously.
Steps:
- Take a deep pull and keep the vapor in your mouth.
- Exhale through your nose and the sides of your mouth without letting any vapor escape the front of your lips.
Tip: Loosen your lips and relax your mouth to get the best effect.
3. O-Rings
O-rings are a classic vape trick, allowing you to create multiple smoke rings.
Steps:
- Take a deep inhale of vapor and keep it in your mouth.
- Shape your lips into an “O” and push vapor out with a small cough-like motion from the throat.
Tip: Start with gentle “coughs” to push the rings out slowly. Practice your timing and mouth shape to improve the size and consistency.
4. The Jellyfish
This advanced trick builds on the O-ring, creating a large ring followed by a burst of vapor that forms a jellyfish shape.
Steps:
- Blow a thick O-ring (see the previous section).
- Immediately blow a burst of vapor through the center of the O-ring.
Tip: You may need to practice the timing of the second exhale to achieve the full jellyfish effect. The key is to be quick and precise.
Advanced Tips for Better Cloud Production
To produce denser clouds and enhance your vape tricks, here are some cloud-chasing techniques:
- Increase Your Wattage: High wattage means more heat, which results in thicker vapor. Just ensure that your coil and e-liquid can handle the increase without burning.
- Use Airflow Control: Most high-wattage mods have adjustable airflow, which impacts vapor density. Experiment by adjusting airflow for a balance between flavor and cloud size.
- Warm Up the Coil: Preheat the coil by taking a few quick drags before going for your big cloud. This will help produce denser vapor when you exhale.
- Breathing Techniques: A controlled, slow inhale and steady exhale will allow for a more consistent cloud. Avoid shallow breathing or quick exhales, as this can disperse the vapor too quickly.
- Practice in a Controlled Environment: If possible, practice in a room without fans or open windows, as airflow can disrupt your cloud formation.
Safety Tips for Cloud Chasing
While cloud chasing is fun, it’s important to be mindful of safety:
- Avoid High-Nicotine E-Liquids: High nicotine concentrations can be harsh when inhaling large clouds, and may cause dizziness or nausea.
- Monitor Your Coil Temperature: Cloud chasing can heat coils quickly, so keep an eye on temperature settings to avoid overheating.
- Stay Hydrated: Vaping, especially high VG e-liquids, can be dehydrating. Drink water regularly to stay hydrated.
- Respect Public Spaces: Remember that not everyone enjoys being around large clouds of vapor. Be mindful of others when practicing in public spaces.
Conclusion
Mastering vape tricks takes time, practice, and the right gear, but with a little patience, you’ll be blowing impressive clouds in no time. Start with basic tricks like the Ghost and O-Rings, then work your way up to advanced moves like the Jellyfish. Follow these tips, prioritize safety, and have fun exploring the world of cloud chasing!
Happy cloud chasing!