Trick Vaping – What is it & How Does it Work?

Definition

Trick vaping is the art of manipulating exhaled vapour to create visual effects such as rings, spirals, jellyfish, or tornadoes. Popular in both casual and competitive scenes, it transforms a standard vape session into a performance, showcasing airflow control and device mastery. Unlike everyday vaping focused on flavour or nicotine delivery, trick vaping prioritises dense vapour output and precise mouth or hand movements. Beginners often start with easy tricks like “O rings” before progressing to advanced manoeuvres that require sub-ohm tanks, high-VG e-liquid, and temperature control (TC) settings.

Technical Details

Trick vaping works by exploiting three variables: vapour density, airflow, and exhalation technique. Most trick artists run sub-ohm tanks at 0.15–0.4 Ω, 60–120 W, and 70–80 % VG e-liquid to maximise cloud volume. Temperature Control (TC) with Wire“>Titanium Wire or stainless-steel coils prevents dry hits during long pulls. Some rebuildable users install staggered fused claptons (3 × 26/36 GA, 5 wraps) for extra surface area. Common trick styles include:

  • Single O rings: Basic, produced by a quick throat-hit pulse.
  • Double or triple rings: Require rapid diaphragm control and top-fill airflow manipulation.
  • Jellyfish: Combines a large ring with a second exhale through its centre.
  • Tornado: Uses a flat surface and wrist motion to spin vapour into a vertical column.

Usage & Tips

  • Start with high-VG juice (70 %+) and wide airflow to thicken clouds.
  • Adjust wattage until you feel a smooth Hit“>throat hit without harshness; too much heat collapses rings.
  • Practice in still air; fans or breezes scatter vapour instantly.
  • Safety note: Avoid chain-vaping at max wattage—TC or Titanium Wire coils can overheat cotton if juice runs low.
  • Common problem: Weak rings. Solution: slow, even tongue push and quick jaw snap.

History & Context

Trick vaping emerged in early 2010s US vape shops as a marketing spectacle, then exploded on Instagram and YouTube, spawning global competitions like VC Cloud Championships. Australian vapers adopted the trend around 2014, integrating it into local meet-ups and vape expos, where cloud-chasing and trick battles remain headline events.

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