Vapes vs Cigars: What to Choose

The debate between cigars and vapes has continued to gain traction among users recently. Some would argue that vapes are more convenient and can be used as a smoking cessation tool. Others prioritize the tradition offered by the cigars.

Choosing between the two can be tough, especially for those who are new to smoking or want to find an alternative to cigarette smoking. After all, both cigars and vapes have their own pros and cons.

Let’s know more about vapes and cigars to help you choose the best option for you.

What Are the Differences Between Vapes vs Cigars?

Vapes and cigars come in varying compositions that make them work differently.

A vape is a type of electronic cigarette or e-cigarette that delivers an aerosol containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals to one’s body. Vapes are composed of the cartridge and the coils. The cartridge contains the e-liquid or vape juice, which is converted into aerosol or vapor by the coils or the atomizer. Puffing often activates the device, pushing both components to process the e-liquid. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, vapes may be either disposable or rechargeable.

Disposable vapes, like the Krush 5000 Puff Disposable Vape, must be disposed of when they run out of e-liquid, while rechargeable vapes can be recharged and refilled multiple times until they no longer work effectively.

A cigar, on the other hand, is a cylinder of tobacco wrapped in tobacco leaves. To ensure everything is intact, the wrapper leaf used for the cigar must be strong and elastic. It should also possess a satisfying flavor and good burning qualities for pleasurable puffs.

Cigars nowadays range from 3.5 to 6.5 inches in length. As for their appearance, they may come with a straight shape with a rounded top, a torpedo shape tapered at the lighting end, or a thin structure that is open at both ends.

Do Vapes or Cigars Cost More?

Vapes and cigars can cost you a lot of money, especially if you will be using them regularly. 

Rechargeable vapes can usually be charged around 300 times throughout their product life. One rechargeable vape you can purchase is the STLTH Type C Vape Battery Device.

But if you keep on charging the device excessively, expect to replace and discard your device after several months, costing you around $15 or more. Just ensure to know how to dispose of a vape properly to avoid causing harm to the environment.

The coils of rechargeable vapes, which cost $2 to $5 per unit, must be also replaced every 1-2 weeks.

Vape juices can also, however, affect your spending since you have to replace them once or twice a week to avoid getting a dry, flavorless hit. A vaping juice has an average value of $20 per 30 ml.

If you opt for disposable vapes, which can cost $10 or more, your spending can go higher as you cannot refill the device.

Similar to vapes, your frequency of smoking cigars can affect your overall expenses. But unlike vapes, you do not need to worry about any devices and e-liquid. The only things you have to consider are the cigars themselves, a cigar cutter, and a lighter.

The cost of a cigar pack here in Canada may range between $15 and $110. A premium example of a cigar is the duMont Grape-Flavoured Cigars. If you will be buying multiple packs of a premium cigar brand in a year, your spending is expected to go higher than going for vaping.

Spending for a cigar cutter and a lighter can be minimal compared to the cigar packs, but they can also affect your expenses in the long run, especially if you purchase them from reputable brands.

Do Cigars Have More Nicotine Than Vapes?

Nicotine, a substance often found in electronic cigarettes and cigars, triggers one’s brain to release the feel-good hormone dopamine that tricks a user into thinking that smoking cigarettes or cigars is relaxing. But since this hormone wears off quickly, it only pushes one to smoke more, leading to nicotine addiction.

On average, a cigar may contain between 25 and 600 mg of nicotine, which is higher than those found in vapes that only consist of up to 50 mg/ml.

The nicotine content of cigars, however, reaches the users more slowly than those using e-cigarettes. Cigar users only puff on the cigar and let the smoke linger in their mouths, resulting in less nicotine absorption and a longer-lasting nicotine experience.

Vaping, alternatively, induces a more immediate nicotine hit. But with lower nicotine levels, those who are quitting smoking tend to go for vaping. Young adults also prefer vaping due to low perceived harm and health risks.

Are Cigars or Vapes Easier to Smoke?

Many people choose vapes over cigars as the latter can be complicated to prepare and smoke.

Before savoring the flavors of a cigar, you must cut the cap properly. Remember to cut not far enough down the cap or the end of the cigar where you will be smoking to avoid messing up the wrapper leaf. Next, you must light up the other end of your cigar by holding it near the lighter’s flame while turning it around slowly to produce the best flavors of the cigar.

Once lit, you must puff out the cigar before taking the first draw to get rid of the bitter taste. Afterward, you must draw the smoke into your mouth and swirl it around for a couple of seconds to savor the taste and scent before exhaling it slowly. For a flavorful smoke, you can try the Cognac Backwoods Cigars as they feature the flavor of natural tobaccos with the aroma essence of cognac.

Vapes, alternatively, are much easier to use and smoke.

Preparation time for using these devices is significantly shorter. As long as they have enough power and are filled with e-liquid or vape juice, you can already use the e-cigarette to puff.

As you puff from your vape, you must draw the vapor into your mouth and hold it for a few seconds. Next, you must open your mouth and breathe it into your lungs. As it reaches your lungs, you must exhale the vapor and avoid swallowing it. This whole puffing session with vapes can be done in shorter intervals than smoking with cigars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Vapes Better Than Cigars?

Vapes with juice and battery filled and charged are better than cigars since they can be used right away. They are also easy to carry and smoke with. These e-cigarettes even come with various vape types, vape juice flavors, and price ranges, catering to not only young adults but also long-time cigarette smokers.

Is It Better to Smoke Cigars or Vape?

Compared to cigar smoking, vaping is known to be less harmful as it avoids the carcinogenic compounds and harmful tar induced by tobacco smoke. It also offers better control over the flavors and nicotine levels. Both options, however, carry significant health risks like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, and respiratory issues.

Can You Use a Vape Like a Cigar?

A vape can be used like a cigar by adopting mouth-to-lung or MTL vaping. This technique can be done by drawing the vapor into your mouth first and savoring its flavor. After a few seconds, you must exhale the vapor and avoid inhaling the vapor into your lungs. Using an e-cigarette with higher resistance coils and tighter draw as well as tobacco-flavored vaping juice can mimic the sensation of smoking cigars.

Is It Easier to Find Cigars or Vapes in Canada?

In Canada, finding vapes is much easier than cigars. You can find and purchase electronic cigarettes, e-liquids, and accessories in convenience stores, vape shops, gas stations, and online stores. Cigars tend to be more challenging to find as they can only be bought from cigar shops and high-end liquor stores.

Summary

Vapes and cigarettes cater to different demographics and specific groups of cigarette smokers. 

For those who prioritize ease of use on a daily basis, vapes are their go-to e-cigarettes as they only require a short time to charge, set up, and use. They are also more affordable to maintain and easier to purchase. But if you want other alternatives to vaping, you can explore our comparison of vapes vs nicotine pouches.

Cigars, alternatively, are for individuals who value luxury and sophistication. With their traditional way of preparation, lighting, and smoking, these tobacco products are best saved for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and special holidays.