What Vape Should I Get?
If you’ve ever walked into a vape shop, you understand how overwhelming the decision is. Each vape offers different customization options, features, and levels of convenience.
We’ve put together an in-depth guide to help you pragmatically choose the right vape that fits your life.
What Are the Different Types of Vapes?
The vaping industry has evolved at a mind-boggling pace. Manufacturers have introduced new technologies and types of vapes to meet market demands.
There are four types of vapes you should know – disposable vapes, pod systems, box mods, and cigalikes.
Disposable Vapes
Disposable vapes are one-time-use e-cigarette devices with a charged battery and pre-filled with e-liquid. They’re designed to be ready to use, so you never have to worry about adjusting the power settings, replacing batteries, putting together your device, or refilling the vape juice.
Disposable vapes use Nic Salts, a more potent, heavier-hitting e-liquid. It has a higher concentration of nicotine. However, it does create a smoother and less harsh vaping experience.
What stands out about disposable vapes is their sheer simplicity. There are no buttons or settings. Simply take a draw, and the battery activates the atomizer, which vaporizes the e-juice. This creates the vapour that you inhale. If you’re new to vaping or always on the go, disposable vapes are an affordable and hassle-free solution.
Pros:
- Simple to use, with a zero-learning curve
- Affordable
- No hassle
- Widely available
Cons:
- Creates more waste
- No customization
Pod Systems
Pod systems are self-contained devices with a battery, juice, and atomizer. They work similarly to disposable vapes, except they’re slightly bigger and often reusable.
The pod system adds versatility since it can be pre-filled or refillable. They don’t have display screens like box mods and only have one firing button.
However, more steps are involved compared to disposable vapes, which are ready-to-use out of the box. Pod systems require some setup before using them, such as filling the pod with e-juice and charging the device. If you want to customize your flavour options and nicotine strengths, pod systems may be right for you.
Pros:
- Very easy to work with
- Relatively small
- Rechargeable battery
- Low watts are best suited for nic-salt e-juices
Cons:
- Typically only holds up to 2mL to 3mL, meaning you need to refill more often
- No display screens
Box Mods
Box mods are larger, more powerful vaping devices that offer more customizable options than their counterparts. These devices get their names primarily from their box-like shape and will feature a digital display screen, a large battery, and plenty of settings. They also include custom temperature controls, variable wattage settings, and safety features.
With these adjustments, you can control every aspect of your experience, such as the voltage, wattage, and temperature. It’s common to find box mods with a high power range of over 200 watts and a high battery capacity of over 4,000 mAh.
Box mods are specifically beneficial for advanced vapers who want to customize their vaping experience and produce large vapour clouds.
Pros:
- Highly customizable and powerful
- Long-lasting battery
- Able to produce large clouds of vapour and deliver strong flavour
Cons:
- Less portable
- More expensive
- Lots of maintenance and not beginner-friendly
Cigalikes
Cigalikes are equivalent to the electronic version of a traditional cigarette. They’re small and mimic all the design aspects of real cigarettes down to the ash-like LED tip that lights up red and the filter pattern. Cigalikes are draw-activated, meaning all you need to do is inhale to begin using.
Like disposable vapes, there’s no tinkering needed. You won’t have to replace parts or set up the device. When the battery dies, you’ll recharge it with a USB charger. When the e-liquid runs out, you’ll snap a new cartridge on.
Cigalikes are similar to disposable vapes in that they’re designed for those new to e-cigarettes or who want a convenient solution. However, they tend to have fewer flavour options and nicotine strengths than disposable vapes.
Pros:
- Convenient and easy to use
- Small and compact
- Widely available
- Discreet
Cons:
- Limited flavour options
- Contributing to plastic waste
- Little to no customization
What to Think About When Choosing a Vape
Choosing the right vape is highly dependent on your lifestyle. The key is understanding your needs and looking for features that align with them.
Ease of Use
With so many customizable options and plenty of features, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. When it comes to ease of use and convenience, disposable vapes are a revelation.
If you’re new or lack experience in vaping, consider a hassle-free option, such as disposable vapes or pod systems. They will have either a single button or none at all, so you can enjoy your vaping session without fussing over the parts.
As you progress and get experience, you can customize your experience with temperatures and power output.
Budget
Vaping can be costly, especially if you spend on a box mod vape. These units cost hundreds of dollars upfront - not including the cartridge.
Disposable vapes and cigalikes are the most affordable options. However, you’ll want to factor in the ongoing cost as well. Consider how long a vape device will last you and the cost.
For example, disposable vapes and cigalikes are both cheap, but disposable vapes last longer, making them more cost-effective.
Vape Style (MTL or DTL)
The draw is key, especially if you’re new to vaping. There are two ways of inhaling – mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL).
The mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping style mimics how you’d smoke a cigarette. In this method, you draw the vapour into your mouth first, keep it in your mouth for a few seconds, and then inhale it into your lungs. The vapour loses its potency, which facilitates a smoother lung experience. MTL is better for new vapers or those who prefer to be more discreet.
A direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping style means the vapour goes directly to your lungs, which requires a deep breath. This style produces larger clouds of vapours and is often preferred by cloud chasers or more experienced vapers.
Reputable Brands and Models
Vaping is becoming wildly popular, which means more sellers than ever. As a consumer, it’s essential to do your research on a retailer beforehand. Check their third-party reviews like Yelp, Google, and social media pages.
There are rules to ethically sell vaping products. Sellers should have the necessary licenses and certifications to operate. Make sure they’re compliant with the industry standards and regulations. This often includes a restriction or limit on the nicotine strength, clear labelling on products, and quality control assurances in their manufacturing and packaging processes.
So, Which Vape Should You Get?
As you know by now, your vape should fit your lifestyle and needs.
For example, the Essential Starter Kit is the perfect choice for those switching to vaping. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Designed as a leak-resistant MTL vaping device, it has a comfortable temperature and smooth draw, so you won’t have to worry about toggling settings.
Comparatively, the Artisan is better suited to those who appreciate craftsmanship. It’s made with European leather with a sleek design while still providing all the convenience features of a normal pod system.
In general, disposable vapes are best suited for those new to vaping or who prioritize convenience. If you want to customize your flavours and nicotine strength without sacrificing convenience, pod systems are preferable. Experienced vapers or those who want to customize their vaping experience should consider the Box Mods.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still undecided – don’t worry. We have a short FAQ section to help you choose.
How Do I Choose the Right Vape?
Choosing the right vape involves considering your lifestyle, how often you vape, budget, and vape style. First, determine your vaping style, whether it’s mouth-to-lung or direct-to-lung. Then choose the right type of vaping device, such as a disposable vape or a box mod. Lastly, consider your budget and special features.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right vape isn’t about getting the fanciest equipment or the biggest brand name. It’s about finding the right model for you - from a reputable retailer.
RELX is the perfect choice for all things vaping. We offer only a handful of devices, each designed for a specific purpose. Whether you want something on the go or prefer a device built on innovation and quality, we have something to fit your needs.
Check out RELX and find the perfect vape for you.