Vape wicks come in many different materials and some vapers prefer one material over others. The most common vape wicks are made of either cotton or ceramic, however, there are many other popular materials in the market. Each of them has different wicking properties. Moreover, a good wick material is essential for a perfect e-liquid absorption.
Some wicks were more common in the early age of vaping while some others are more popular for RBA and RTA vapes. In addition, some vape wicks are controversial as vapers are concerned about their possible negative health effects. For example, silica particles are known to cause silicosis (chronic pulmonary disease) after a prolonged exposure.
Most Common Vape Wicks: Cotton and Ceramic
These two materials are the most common vape wicks available in the market. In the early ages of vaping, many vape wicks were made with silica. However, nowadays cotton and ceramic wicks are the most common materials.
Cotton and ceramic have different properties. By far, the most popular and used vape wick is cotton. Mainly, because cotton is inexpensive and very effective. That’s why cotton is the most popular vape wick.
A cotton wick is a very efficient e-liquid carrier. In addition, it is ideal for flavor chasers as it doesn’t alter the e-liquid flavor.
Pros
- Very efficient e-liquid carrier.
- Ideal for flavor chasers.
- It doesn’t alter the e-liquid flavor.
Cons
- It can get burned quite easily.
- Dry hits can taste like burned.
What About Ceramic Vape Wicks?
Ceramic wicks are also very popular. These wicks are capable of withstand very high temperatures and they are excellent wicks for heavy vapers as they can last for several weeks. Furthermore, many vapers think ceramic wicks deliver more powerful taste than other wicks. In addition, they don’t get easily burned like cotton wicks, which means that dry hits are very unlikely to happen if you vape with ceramic wicks.
Nonetheless, there are also some disadvantages with ceramic vape wicks. For example, they are not as efficient e-liquid carriers as cotton wicks. Ceramic wicks don’t absorb vape juice as fast as cotton. Consequently, it can take a few seconds for a ceramic wick to get completely soaked and to absorb the e-liquid.
Finally, some vapers are concerned about potential health risks associated with ceramic wicks. Ceramic wicks can release small amount of silica powder, which is the main cause of silicosis, a chronic pulmonary disease common in miners and factory workers that have been exposed to silica particles for a prolonged period. Moreover, some ceramic wicks might contain high levels of lead.
Hemp Wick
Definitely, hemp wicks are much more expensive than cotton. In addition, it’s a bit more difficult to shape than cotton wicks. On the other hand, hemp wicks last longer than cotton wicks. Hemp wicks have their fan base, but it isn’t as common and cost-effective as cotton ones. Nonetheless, some vapers feel hemp wicks are the best of all with outstanding flavor and durability. Again, it depends on your personal preferences.
Stainless Steel Mesh
It’s common in RDA and RBA vapes. It’s not a popular option and it’s only used by experienced vapers. Moreover, they are not easy to manipulate, and they might conduct electricity, which means that it isn’t the safest option. Furthermore, dry hits with stainless steel are unpleasant. In conclusion, we don’t recommend stainless steel as a vape wick.
Rayon Vape Wicks
These wicks are also very efficient vape juice carriers like cotton. However, for RBA vapes, rayon tends to shrink when it is completely soaked with e-juice. In other words, you will need to use more material than with cotton wicks.
Moreover, some vapers claim that rayon alters the flavor and many vapers prefer vape wicks made with natural fibers instead of synthetic ones like rayon.
Conclusion: Wicking Material
It depends on your personal preferences, but both cotton and ceramic wicks are now the most common materials used as wicks. Cotton is very effective and inexpensive while ceramic is very durable and offers a good flavor.
