How To Choose a Vape Pen

Don’t let too much choice put you off finding the perfect vape. If you’re looking to get a new vape, whether it’s your first or one of many, you must invest in the right one. After all, randomly choosing a device might mean it's not the right fit, and you could feel like you’ve wasted your money.

So, make the selection process easier by following these simple steps. Once you know what you want from your device, picking a vape will become easy.

1. Determine Your Vaping Style

MTL

Mouth-to-lung vaping (MTL) is the most similar to traditional tobacco smoking. It’s where the vaper inhales from the vape and holds the vapour in their mouth for a second or two before inhaling it directly into their lungs. Inhaling using this technique is like the breathing sensation when drinking through a straw. 

Manufacturers will often make vapes and vaping kits that are MTL technique-friendly. They typically use a thinner e-liquid and a different resistance in the coil. That’s why it’s essential to know if this technique would suit you so you get the right components to make your vaping experience pleasurable.

If you’re still in doubt as to whether this technique is for you, it’s likely going to be easier if you were previously a cigarette smoker, you’re new to vaping, or you know you like the sensation in your throat when inhaling into your mouth.

DTL

As the name suggests, the direct-to-lung (DTL) technique bypasses the pause in the mouth, and the user will inhale the vapour straight into their lungs, much like using an inhaler. Vapes that suit this technique will differ from the MTL vapes in that they will use a low-resistance coil and generally have thicker and high-VG (vegetable glycerol) e-liquid. Aside from long-term vapers, this method is particularly popular with those who want to create large clouds and prefer a more gentle throat feeling. 

RDL

If neither method sounds right for you, and you’re still left wondering what kind of vape to get, then consider the restricted-direct-lung (RDL) technique. A middle ground between MTL and DTL, with the RDL method, you simultaneously inhale the vapour into your mouth and lungs, making it an “airier” version of the MTL technique.

While MTL and DTL remain the primary techniques, more manufacturers make vapes specific to the RDL method. 

2. Prioritize Functionality

Ultimately, the vaping device for you will also come down to how you want to use it and what functionality you’d rather have. For example, some vapers wish to have as much control over their vaping experience as possible. That means having LED lights to illustrate battery levels. 

Others want to be able to control the strength of their nicotine, the power of their battery (usually when wanting bigger or smaller vapour clouds), and their e-liquid levels. Every vape is different, but you’ll look for one displaying extra information if you want maximum control. 

However, if you’re always on the move, don’t have time to check e-liquid levels, or don’t mind your vape running out occasionally, then a more straightforward design is for you. And with less control generally comes slimmer, more discreet designs; it’s essential to be realistic, so the more power and control your vape offers, the bulkier your vape will likely be.

So, knowing your vaping intentions will be beneficial if, for instance, you prefer a simple one-button activation device that you can carry around in your pocket.

3. Choose Between Refillable and Disposable

Once you know your technique preference and functionality, it’s time to choose whether you want a refillable or disposable vape. Disposable vapes have many benefits, including ease of use and affordability. However, if you’re eco-conscious, you’ll know they can contain harmful single-use plastics and that these disposable vapes aren’t good for the environment. 

If your eco-friendly conscience won’t allow it, consider refillable vapes instead. In the long term, using a refillable device rather than a single-use one can save you money, even if they typically have a more expensive up-front cost. 

4. Select a Battery Capacity

Understanding battery capacity is crucial when choosing a device, as it’s frustrating to assume your new device has a long-lasting battery when the opposite is true. It’s best to check the milliamps per hour (mAh), with a higher mAh equalling a battery lasting longer before recharging.

Equally, knowing whether you want a single-use or rechargeable battery is essential to save yourself disappointment and choose the optimal device for you. 

5. Choose an Appropriate Wattage

A vape’s technical terms can start to get confusing, especially if you haven’t been vaping for long. However, think of wattage as your device’s power. If you want control over the power, you’ll need to check to see if your vape allows you to do that.

While other factors can influence wattage, the general rule is that the higher the wattage, the more vapour you’ll produce from an inhale. Remember that if large vapour clouds are essential to you, you’ll want a high wattage. If not, you can get away with a lower-wattage device.

The wattage and inhalation techniques often coincide as MTL devices will have a lower wattage range between 5-15 W, whereas DTL vapes will have a range that gets as high as 200 W. But don’t push your vape beyond its limits; always check the recommended wattage on the package before using it.

6. Pick a Design

Whether choosing your first vape or replacing your current device, this should be the most straightforward part of your selection process. With so many exciting new designs, like the Artisan, it can take time to choose, but remember, if you can’t decide, you can always buy more than one.

BONUS: Consider a Vape Kit

Vape kits are growing in popularity as a viable and affordable option for vapers. There are a few different kinds of vape kits available on the market, each catering to a different type of vape. 

Pod System Kit

Pod systems or pod kits are unique compared to a usual starter kit of a mod and a tank. Pod systems are typically affordable and offer excellent portability and convenience. Pod systems have a removable cartridge for either pre-filled pods or an empty refillable cartridge you can fill with your favourite juice.

Pen-Style Kit

The classic pen style of a vape is the most common that people think of. It has more battery power output compared to pod systems, but they're often more expensive. However, they're the ideal choice for those who prefer direct mouth-to-lung vaping. 

They usually have customizable settings such as temperature control, wattage output, sub-ohm tank pairings, mouth-to-lung preferences, and more. 

Box Mod Kit

Box mod kits are the most complicated kits of all. You have a tank, a replaceable coil, and the box mod. Some of these allow for removable batteries, and others offer built-in battery options. They'll often have a high-power output. The most expensive box mod kits will have screens, voice recognition, and more. 

If you decide to purchase a vaping kit instead of just the vaping device, you may include the cost of materials and cleaning equipment in the purchase's total cost.

Frequently Asked Question

How Do I Choose a Good Vape Pen?

Choosing a good vape pen all comes down to selecting the best vape that suits you. Try to ensure you know what inhalation technique you want to use, and then your preferences on functionality, reusable versus single-use, battery capacity, and wattage, and then pick your favourite design. 

Final Thoughts

While there are so many great vape devices, the selection process doesn’t have to be stressful. Following these steps will help you find the perfect vape for you. So why not start your selection process and discover all the exciting vapes in RELX’s collection today?