Trends and fads are notorious for being short-lived and having a meteoric rise and then fall. When a new product hits the scene, it’s always hard to tell what route it will take – will it be a fad that shoots up fast and then plummets to the ground, or will it have a lasting effect?

When e-cigarettes and vaping first hit the scene, many were asking just that question – will it be short-lived or does this product have lasting power? Well, according to the latest statistics that took a look at the number of people vaping in 2016, it looks like vaping is here to stay.

According to statistics, there are over nine million people who vape in the U.S., which accounts for almost 4% of the population. While that might not sound like a huge number, it is one that is growing.

In fact, in 2016, vaping hit such a fevered pitch that it even became a deciding point for many who voted in the presidential election. Because Donald Trump wanted to scale back government regulations across the board, vapers saw him as the ideal candidate, as they hoped he would remove some of the tight regulations in the industry.

So, as the numbers of vapers continue to climb, interest in vaping increases and it becomes more mainstream, people are showing interest in how they can get started. If you’ve been wanting to give vaping a try but aren’t sure where to start, then you’ll want to read on as we’ll cover all the basics in this guide.

What are Vaping and E-Cigarettes?

For the true newbies out there, it’s always best to start at the beginning and explain what vaping and e-cigarettes are. An electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, is still a relatively new piece of technology. It is a battery-powered smoking device that looks very much like a traditional cigarette. The idea is that it looks and feels like the real thing, but the experience is quite different.

Inside the e-cigarette is a cartridge that contains liquid nicotine and other flavorings. Instead of smoking, users will be vaping, as the device is able to convert that liquid into a vapor. The person then inhales the vapor in order to get the effect.

Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes don’t burn tobacco. What this means is that you won’t be inhaling smoke and nor will anyone else around you. Instead, it’s all vapors.

The Allure of the Liquids

A big part of what’s pushing the vaping trend forward is the sheer volume of e-liquids available to sample. People can choose fruit-flavored, sweet, candy, savory, minty, sour, fresh, and or even customizable flavors. It has become a very robust market for people sampling these different flavors and concocting all kinds of unique blends.

What Equipment is Needed?

As a newbie just looking to get into vaping, there will be a few key pieces you’ll need. Instead of buying all the pieces individually, it’s usually most cost-effective and convenient to pick up one of the vape mods available, which can be described as a starter kit. Many of the top manufacturers put out their own version of a vape mode that will include the battery, the mod, tank, e-juice, and coils.

The price of these kits varies greatly depending on the wattage, temperature, and voltage of the equipment. Obviously, the more features you want and the more advanced a kit you want, the more expensive it’s going to be to get started.

For example, advanced features such as temperature control make it possible for you to control the temperature of the vapor, which changes the experience. As a beginner, this may not be important and could be something you can do without. From there, you can also purchase accessories such as a car charger kit, extra batteries, and more.

Look for the Trend to Continue

So, if you’re still unsure of whether or not you want to get started in vaping, chances are high that this trend won’t be fading any time in the near future. This gives you plenty of opportunities to do your research, ask questions, and figure out what kit is best for you.