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Two decades ago, people everywhere would light up tobacco-filled sticks to get their daily nicotine fix. The choices were limited to product variations under different brand names, so when e-cigarettes were introduced in 2003, they quickly took the market by storm. Its novelty and colourful selection of e-liquids gave people a more exciting take on smoking, or in this case, ‘vaping.’ 

Vaping wasn’t as regulated in its heydays as it is now in its golden years, where it evolved from its infamously sketchy, fire hazard tendencies into a well-crafted, safer device that aims to provide heavy smokers with a healthy alternative to their bad habits. Other than that, the delicious flavours serve as the biggest appeal for consumers as it delights the taste buds with their irresistible taste—from traditional, rich tobacco flavours for classic lovers, fruity selections, dessert-inspired, and more. 

A Trip Down Memory Lane: What is the History of Vaping and E-Liquids? 

Vape devices were already written on a blueprint way back in 1927 when Joseph Robinson filed for a patent on his invention known as the “Mechanical Butane Ignition Vaporizer.” The name doesn’t give any reassurance that it will be safe for mass consumption, leaving the project to dust for years until Herbert A. Gilbert tweaked the idea in 1963 by proposing an e-cig-like device without combustion. 

Gilbert’s invention was an eyesore though, that’s why it didn’t fly off the shelves back in his time. But it laid the groundwork for better vape designs and mechanisms, leading up to when vaping became a distant reality more than fan fiction when Phil Ray commercialised the concept of e-cigarettes. Fast-forward to 2001, and a Chinese pharmacist known as Hon Lik put “vaping” under the spotlight. 

The Rise of Vaping: Then and Now 

After Hon Lik’s father passed away due to lung cancer, he took his devastation as a motivation to put old designs of the e-cigarette and make it better for everyone to use. Instead of soaking nicotine on paper without any combustion, Lik found that liquids better reproduce the satisfying lung hit smokers would feel when inhaling tobacco smoke. 

Hon Lik found the best liquid to produce vapour with propylene glycol, along with the assistance of vegetable glycerine, two key ingredients that makeup what people know and love about e-liquids today. With the aid of technological advancements, Hon Lik was able to find a way to power up the devices for hours, thanks to lithium batteries. 

Vaping in 2003: What are the Improvements? 

Hon Lik’s user-friendly design and thrilling choices of e-liquids made vaping an instant hit worldwide, though it also welcomed better improvements that made the device and the act of vaping itself significantly safer. For instance, the following add-ons enable vapers today to adjust their vaping style according to their unique taste. 

• Battery
• Atomiser
• Cartomiser
• Clearomiser
• Cartridges and tanks
• Mouthpiece

The Bottom Line: The Continous Boom of Vaping Today and Beyond

Through the years, many other creators improved on Hon Lik’s e-cigarettes, paving the way for the advent of modding and add-on inventions like the three-piece design made up of important parts like the cartridge and atomiser in one cartomiser. With better devices comes a wider selection of e-liquids that range from fruity, candy, confectionery to classics, all of which vary in nicotine levels. 

Why Shop at V8PR?

We’re an online vape shop in the UK that strives to help grow the vaping community in more ways than one—from busting myths, giving a rundown on how-tos for beginners, and showing the best reviews to enrich your cloud chasing adventures moving forward.

You can also explore our vape kits, flavour-packed e-liquid collection, and wide range of vape accessories for rookies looking to start without a hitch! We also offer over 1000+ branded products, so get in touch with us and see what mods, accessories, tanks, and other upgrades you can buy to improve your vaping experience.