As anyone new to vaping will tell you, there are a myriad of vape devices on the market. There are single-use vape pens, rechargeable vape batteries with disposable cartridges, mods with custom coils, desktop, dry herb vaporizers, and so much more. It can be overwhelming to choose between all of the options and feel confident in the choice you’ve made. Don’t panic though, we are here to help narrow down the options to what will fit your vaping needs best. Read on to learn more about the difference between a disposable vape pen and a reusable battery fitted with a disposable 510 cartridge.
First, allow us to explain the most common oil vape pens you’ll see in stores -- the disposable vape pen. This style vape has a lot of appeal if you are new to the practice. It is basically a convenient vape starter kit, with no assembly required. These disposable devices come pre-charged and pre-filled with the juice, oil, or the distillate of your choice. You don’t have to worry about charging cables or figuring out adjustable settings with this vape pen. A disposable vape pen also tends to be less expensive than other vape battery options and can be found in almost all vape stores. This device is as straightforward to use as it gets. All you have to do is inhale.
WHAT IS A DISPOSABLE VAPE CARTRIDGE
Now, let’s break down what a 510 disposable vape cartridge is. Although it might sound like we are speaking about vape cartridges coming from a California area code, we are actually referring to the “threading” on a disposable cartridge. “510” translates to there being ten screw threads and the cartridge being five millimeters long. It is the most common, universal type of vape cartridge on the market and must be connected to a reusable vape battery. The benefit of this is that many 510 vape parts are interchangeable, meaning you can customize your vaping setup to fit your needs perfectly. With this interchangeable vape setup, when the juice in your vape cartridge runs out you only ditch the empty cartridge at the end of the day, not the entire device.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
So what are the drawbacks, if any, of using a disposable vape pen? Well, there are a few that experienced vapers will argue. The most obvious drawback is the environmental impact of throwing away battery after battery, contributing non-biodegradable substances to our world’s landfills. However, the same can be said about disposable 510 vape cartridges. The only difference is that by using a reusable battery and disposable cartridges, you are just throwing away one small piece of your vape instead of the whole device.
PRICE
In the long-run disposable vape pens can also add up to be more expensive than using a rechargeable battery and disposable cartridges. Although the initial price of the disposable vape pen is appealingly low, these pens typically only have 0.25 grams of distillate in them versus the standard 0.5 gram or 1 gram volumes of disposable vape cartridges. That adds up to buying twice to four times as many disposable vape pens as you would if you used disposable cartridges instead.
AUTO-DRAW VS. POWER BUTTON
There is also a noticeable quality difference between the two vaping setups. The disposable pens tend to feature an automatic draw, meaning it only activates when being used and adjusts the voltage depending on the strength of your inhale. Because of this, disposable vape pens tend to be a less efficient method for heating vape oils or distillates. A reusable battery usually packs a bit more power, and comes with adjustable voltage or a power button, allowing you to conserve your vape battery for when you really need it.
DURABILITY AND LIFESPAN
Although vape batteries do eventually wear down and need replacing, a disposable vape pen needs replacing every time you run out of juice. On average, a charged reusable vape pen battery will last anywhere from one to three days, but a 510 cartridge does not need charging and usually lasts an average vaper for longer than a day.
EASE OF USE
On the other hand, a disposable pen is extremely easy to use. A rechargeable vape battery paired with a 510 cartridge does present its own set of challenges for anyone new to vaping. You will have to charge the reusable battery, using the recommended cord and voltage. Most rechargeable batteries cannot be plugged straight into the wall and must be charged via pass through. In other words, your vape will need to be charged through another electronic device, such as a laptop. Also, not all 510 cartridges play nice with all 510 vape pen batteries, and you will need to double check the voltage of each before connecting them. This can backfire in a variety of ways if not done properly, including frying your battery beyond use.
WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU USE?
We’re not going to tell you what you can or can’t use to vape -- but we do have an opinion on the matter. If you’re curious about vaping and want to try it out for the first time, a disposable vape pen is probably the best option for you. It is easy to use, low cost, and you only have to buy one item to get started with vaping. A disposable vape pen is also a great option if you’re traveling and want something easy to use on the go. However, the disposable vape pens will need to be replaced eventually and must be thrown away after use.
If vaping is a good fit for you, then a reusable vape pen paired with a disposable cartridge is probably the route you should take. This option allows you to customize your vaping experience and try different types of oil in disposable cartridges. There are a wide variety of reusable vape batteries on the market, and an even wider variety of disposable cartridges to go with them.
Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, but what it really comes down to is what fits your vaping style.