Blowing Away the Competition: A Look at Cloud Chasing and Vape Tricks

Vaping has evolved far beyond its initial purpose as a smoking alternative. Today, a subculture has emerged that celebrates the artistry and skill involved in creating impressive vapor effects. Vape competitions are a testament to this, with two main categories taking center stage: cloud chasing and vape tricks.

Cloud Chasing: A Race for the Most Massive

Cloud chasing is all about volume and density. Competitors strive to produce the biggest, thickest clouds of vapor possible. This requires a unique combination of factors:

• Device: Cloud chasers favor rebuildable atomizers (RBA) and high-powered mods. RBAs allow for customization of the coils, which are responsible for heating the e-liquid and generating vapor. Mods provide the necessary wattage to produce large amounts of vapor.
• E-liquid: Vegetable glycerin (VG) is the key ingredient. VG produces thicker vapor compared to propylene glycol (PG), which is more focused on flavor. Cloud chasing e-liquids often have a VG/PG ratio of 70/30 or even higher.
• Technique: Inhaling and exhaling techniques play a crucial role. Cloud chasers often employ a technique called “lung-hitting,” where the vapor is inhaled directly into the lungs and then exhaled slowly for maximum cloud production.

Cloud chasing competitions are a spectacle. Judges typically measure the cloud’s size using a laser pointer or a special box. Density is also a factor, with thicker clouds scoring higher.

Vape Tricks: Creativity Takes Flight

Vape tricks showcase the artistic and technical side of vaping. Here, the focus shifts from sheer volume to the manipulation of vapor into various shapes and the execution of complex maneuvers. Some popular vape tricks include:

• O Rings: Blowing perfect smoke rings is a classic trick. The challenge lies in creating multiple rings that link together or even float through the air.
• French Inhale: This advanced trick involves inhaling vapor through the nose while simultaneously exhaling vapor out of the mouth, creating a mesmerizing flow effect.
• Tornado: The vaper creates a vortex using hand movements, causing the vapor to rise in a swirling column.
• Dragon: A combination of tricks where the vaper blows multiple O rings that merge to resemble a dragon.

Vape trick competitions are judged on a variety of criteria, including:

• Difficulty: Complex tricks involving multiple elements score higher.
• Originality: Unique and innovative tricks stand out from the crowd.
• Presentation: Showmanship and stage presence can add to the overall impact.

Beyond the Competition: A Celebration of Community

Vaping competitions are more than just contests; they’re a gathering place for the vaping community. Attendees can:

• Showcase their skills: Competitions provide a platform for turns dispos to demonstrate their expertise and creativity.
• Learn from others: Watching other competitors and talking to experienced vapers allows for knowledge sharing and skill development.
• Discover new products: Vape companies often use competitions to showcase their latest mods, e-liquids, and accessories.

Safety First: A Note on Vaping

It’s important to acknowledge the ongoing debate surrounding the health effects of vaping. While generally considered less harmful than smoking cigarettes, the long-term effects of vaping are still under investigation.

Conclusion: A Cloud of Creativity

Vaping competitions offer a glimpse into a unique and evolving subculture. From the sheer volume of cloud chasing to the intricate artistry of vape tricks, these events showcase the creativity and skill of vapers. However, with the ongoing health concerns, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and make informed decisions before considering vaping.