Introduction: A Blast from the Past

 

The world of vaping has undergone a radical transformation over the past decade. For those who entered the scene recently, early electronic cigarettes might as well be ancient relics. But for veterans, these clunky devices represent the roots of a revolution.

In this deep dive into vape history, we’ll explore:

✔️ What early e-cigarettes looked like (spoiler: they were huge)
✔️ How vaping technology evolved (from basic cigalikes to AIO pod systems)
✔️ Why some old-school vapers still prefer “outdated” gear
✔️ A side-by-side comparison of 2014 vs. 2024 devices

 

Whether you’re a nostalgic vaper or just curious about vape history, this journey through time will surprise you.

Chapter 1: The Stone Age of Vaping (2010-2014)

 

The First-Gen “Cigalikes” (2007-2010)

 

Before sub-ohm tanks and box mods, there were cigalikes—disposable e-cigs designed to mimic traditional cigarettes. Brands like Blu and NJOY dominated this era.

🔹 Key Features:

• 300mAh batteries (died after ~2 hours)

• Prefilled cartridges (flavors: tobacco or menthol)

• Weak vapor production (more like a faint mist)

 

🔹 Why They Failed:

• Poor battery life

• Lack of flavor options

• Expensive refills

 

The Rise of “Ego” Batteries & Clearomizers (2010-2012)

 

The introduction of eGo-style batteries and CE4 clearomizers marked the first major leap in vape history.

🔹 Iconic Devices:

• eGo-T (2010) – First “tank” system (leaked constantly)

• CE4 Clearomizer – Famous for its silica wicks (tasted like burnt rope)

 

🔹 User Experience:

• Manual voltage adjustment (3.3V, 3.7V, or 4.2V)

• No airflow control (you got what you got)

• Frequent dry hits (the infamous “burned cotton” taste)

Chapter 2: The Mechanical Mod Era (2012-2014)

 

Unregulated Power & Cloud Chasing

 

Before regulated mods, mechanical mods ruled the scene. These were metal tubes with no safety features, relying purely on battery output.

🔹 Popular Mechanical Mods:

• Nemesis (2013) – Adjustable pins, hybrid connections

• Chi You (2012) – Sleek brass design, frequent voltage drop

 

🔹 The Risks:

• Battery venting (if built wrong)

• No short-circuit protection

• Required Ohm’s Law knowledge (or you’d fry your coils)

Rebuildable Atomizers (RDAs & RTAs)

 

This era also saw the rise of rebuildable atomizers, where vapers wrapped their own coils.

🔹 Legendary Atomizers:

• IGO-L RDA (2012) – Simple single-coil design

• Kayfun RTA (2013) – The first great MTL rebuildable

 

🔹 Why They Were Loved:

• Better flavor than stock coils

• Cheaper long-term (just buy wire and cotton)

• Customization (different coil builds for different styles)

Chapter 3: The Regulated Mod Revolution (2014-2016)

 

Variable Wattage & Temperature Control

The introduction of regulated mods changed everything. Suddenly, vapers could adjust power output precisely.

🔹 Game-Changing Devices:

• iStick 20W (2014) – First affordable regulated mod

• Sigelei 150W (2015) – Durable, powerful, and reliable

 

🔹 New Tech Features:

• OLED screens (showing volts/watts/resistance)

• Temperature control (prevented dry hits)

• USB charging (finally!)

 

Sub-Ohm Tanks Take Over

No more rebuilding—sub-ohm tanks made big clouds accessible to everyone.

🔹 Popular Sub-Ohm Tanks:

• Kanger Subtank (2014) – First major sub-ohm tank

• Aspire Atlantis (2014) – Huge airflow, massive vapor

 

🔹 Why They Were Revolutionary:

• Plug-and-play coils (no building required)

• Better flavor & vapor than older clearomizers

• More user-friendly for beginners

 

Chapter 4: 2024 vs. 2014 – A Side-by-Side Comparison

 

 

The Verdict:

• 2014 was simpler (but required more tinkering)

• 2024 is more convenient (but less customizable)

Chapter 5: Why Some Vapers Still Prefer Old Devices

 

1. Nostalgia Factor

Many vapers miss the DIY culture of rebuilding coils and modifying devices.

2. Better Flavor?

Some claim older RTAs had purer flavor than today’s pods.

3. Durability

A 2014 mechanical mod could survive a car crash—unlike fragile pod systems.

Chapter 6: What Will Future Vape History Look Like?

 

🔮 Predictions for 2034:

• Biodegradable pods (eco-friendly vaping)

• Smart AI coils (auto-adjust for perfect hits)

• Holographic displays (no more tiny screens)

Conclusion: How Far We’ve Come

 

From leaky cigalikes to high-tech pod mods, vape history is a story of constant innovation. While today’s devices are objectively better, there’s something charming about the raw, unregulated early days.

 

What was your first vape device and vape history? Share your memories in the comments!