If you’re looking to tailor your vaping experience, you may have come across the terms variable voltage and variable voltage. At first glance these two terms may seem quite technical and even a bit intimidating, especially if you’re new to vaping mods and vape customisations. But once you’re familiar with how these two different modes work, you’ll find it much easier to customise your vaping kit and be that much closer to having the perfect device for you.
What are variable wattage and variable voltage?
Variable wattage (VW) and variable voltage (VV) are two different modes on your vape that can help you modify your vape’s power settings according to your own preferences. When vaping with either mode, you’re essentially changing the power output that your battery delivers to the vape’s heating element — AKA your coil or atomiser head. Modifying wattage, voltage, or even both can help to adjust flavour production, vapour production, and throat hit.
Both variable wattage and voltage are quite similar, and by changing one you’ll usually end up changing the other as well, but there are some slight differences between the two settings.
Variable voltage
Variable voltage mode helps you select the exact voltage level that will run through your device. This mode controls the amount of power running through the device but the amount of energy that is actually output will still be determined by your vape and coil’s resistance.
If you’re vaping with a variable voltage device you’ll also need to make sure you’re vaping with the right voltage that will suit your coil’s resistance. This is because with VV mode your vape will transmit the same amount of power regardless of what coil you have installed, whether it’s 0.6 ohms or 1.2 ohms. You can check what your coil’s exact resistance is pretty easily as its ohm value will be visible on the coil itself.
Variable wattage
Variable wattage is different in that it lets you set the total power output, which some vapers see as being the more user-friendly option out of the two. So, while variable voltage only changes how much power is moving through the device (and the total output depends on this and the resistance of the coil), variable wattage allows you to tell the device the total output of power you desire.
When you use variable wattage mods, the vape’s voltage will automatically be adjusted in order to output your desired wattage. This is why variable wattage is often the simpler option compared to variable voltage; as the ohms on your kit change, the adjustable wattage feature will automatically set the right voltage for your coil.
Why should I use variable wattage/voltage?
Vaping with variable voltage or wattage is great for vapers who want to be able to customise their vape kits and overall vaping experience. By adjusting your vape’s wattage and/or voltage you’ll be able to control the heat of your coils, the consistency of your device, and ensure you’re vaping safely.
Wattage mods are especially useful if you want to have more control over your coil’s temperature. The general rule is that the higher the wattage, the hotter your coil will be, which will produce hotter and denser vapour clouds. With lower wattage, your coil will be cooler and you’ll be producing looser, cooler vapour.
In terms of vape and battery consistency, both VV and VW modes can be really useful in maintaining this. With basic vape kits, you may notice that the quality of vapour and flavour starts to go down over time as your battery starts to die. This happens because the device’s voltage output slowly starts going down. With a variable wattage or variable voltage vape, you’ll be able to control the power settings up to the end of the batteries lifespan, however these two modes can end up reducing battery life.
What do I need to vape with variable wattage/variable voltage?
To start vaping on VV or VW mode, you’ll need the right mods that allow for these two vaping modes. They’re easy enough to find and come in two types depending on their batteries: mods with replaceable batteries and mods with integrated batteries.
If you’re going for one with replaceable batteries, you’ll need to buy some 18-series batteries. Try to find larger batteries as they tend to last longer. The 18650 battery is the most popular option (we recommend the Molicel P26A 18650 Battery Pair) but feel free to try out other types as well. Some of our best selling mods that use replaceable batteries include the GeekVape Aegis X 200W, Vaporesso Gen S 200W, and VandyVape Gaur 21 Box Mod.
If you don’t want to bother with replacing batteries yourself, a mod with an integrated battery is a much more convenient option. But once the batteries degrade and can no longer hold their charge, the whole device will need replacing. Our most popular mods with built in batteries are the SMOK RPM40 Kit and Vaporesso GEN PT60 & PT80 S Pod Mod Kit.
How to use variable wattage/variable voltage
Variable voltage
- Install your e-liquid delivery component into your battery. This will be your coil, atomiser, and tank.
- Find the resistance level of your coil/atomiser and cross reference this with the voltage to achieve your desired wattage output.
- Select the variable voltage option on your device and use the buttons to adjust it up and down until you get to your preferred levels of flavour and vapour production.
Variable wattage
- Install the e-liquid delivery component into your battery.
- Select the variable wattage option on your device.
- Use the buttons on the device to set the wattage to your desired level. The device will then automatically set the right voltage output.
- Adjust the wattage levels until you get your desired vapour production and throat hit.
Exploring variable wattage and variable voltage is a great way to not only customise your vape but also really get to grips with how the entire kit works. By using these two modes, you’ll have a better understanding of how your vape mod, batteries, and coil all work together and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage. With all this in mind, you’ll be a vaping pro in no time!
Ready to find your perfect variable wattage or voltage mod? Browse our full range of vape mods and kits today.
