Choosing the right vape kit for you is an important step in your vaping journey, especially if you are new to vaping and making the switch from smoking.
In this post we’re going to be taking a closer look at the different types of vape kits available, to help you answer the question ‘which vape is right for me?’
Starter vape kits
As you may have guessed from the name, starter vape kits are devices specifically designed with new vapers in mind. They are optimised to offer a similar feeling inhale to smoking a cigarette and are usually pretty simple and easy to use.
There are two main types of starter vape kits, prefilled pod kits and refillable vape kits, each catering to a slightly different audience.
Prefilled pod kits
Prefilled pod kits are arguably the simplest vape kit available, requiring very little maintenance or existing vaping knowledge, which makes them a popular option among those who are just getting started on their vaping journey.
Prefilled pod kits tend to be small, compact and lightweight devices will minimal or no settings and adjustable features. For example, the popular Lost Mary BM600 is an incredibly simple kit with no buttons or settings, you simply need to insert a pod and inhale through the mouthpiece. This is because the pods for these devices come prefilled with e-liquid and do not need to be refilled or have the coil changed. The pod can be inserted straight into the vape kit and once the e-liquid has been used up, you can simply replace it with a new one.
Depending on what kind of device you are looking for, there are two different options to consider when it comes to prefilled pod kits. If you want something very small and simple, a 2ml prefilled pod kit like the Elf Bar 600 or SKE Crystal Bar are great options to consider. These devices can hold one 2ml prefilled pod at a time, usually offering up to 600 puffs per pod, and are very compact vapes that are super easy to travel with.
On the other hand, if you are usually out and about for long stetches during the day you might want to consider a big puff vape kit, as the pods offer greater longevity before they need to be replaced. This is because big puff vapes can hold more than 2ml of vape juice at a time, allowing you to keep vaping for longer before needing to change pods. For example, the DOJO Blast 10K pod vape kit can hold a 2ml prefilled pod & 10ml refill, for a total of 12ml of e-liquid and up to 10,000 puffs per pod change. These big puff vapes also tend to hold slightly larger batteries, which allows them to last longer between charges, ideal if you have a busy day and need a device that can keep up.
Another benefit to big puff vapes is that some of them do offer simple adjustable settings, which remain easy to use but also allow you to tailor your vape to best suit your needs. The Elf Bar JoinOne15 Classic is a great example of this, with a handy display screen and a choice of two different power settings.
One important factor to consider with prefilled pod kits is that the vast majority of them are only compatible with high nicotine strength pods. Most prefilled pod ranges are available only in a 20 mg/ml, which is the highest nicotine strength available in the UK and will not be suitable for all vapers. If you were a lighter smoker this is definitely something to consider, as you would likely be better suited to a lower nicotine strength.
Refillable vape kits
Refillable vape kits are a more versatile vaping option, but with this does come a little more maintenance. These devices can be refilled with any compatible vape juice, giving you a huge variety of flavours to choose from and allowing you to use the exact nicotine strength that will be most effective for you.
Refillable vape kits will most often use replaceable pods, although some may use a tank which can be used indefinitely with replaceable coils. Because the pod can be refilled it will not need to be disposed of and replaced as frequently as it’s prefilled counterparts but instead can be repeatedly filled and replaced when the coil inside starts to burn out. This not only makes it a more cost-effective option but also more environmentally conscious, which can be important considerations for some vapers.
The category of refillable vape kits also opens up the field for a lot more versatility and ability to adjust your device to best suit your preferences. For example, if you like the sound of the simplicity of a prefilled pod vape kit but also want to be able to use any flavour and nicotine strength you fancy, there are simple refillable pod kits like the Elf Bar ELFX Mini which can offer you the best of both worlds.
Alternatively, if you like the idea of being able to adjust the power output of your vape kit and tailor your experience, something like the Vaporesso XROS 5 or OXVA Xlim Pro 2 may be a better fit. These vape kits allow you to turn the power output up and down to find the setting that best suits you and your chosen pod.
Intermediate vape kits
If you have been vaping for a little while and find yourself wanting more power or to experiment with different vaping styles, it may be time to upgrade to an intermediate vape kit.
Intermediate vapes do not tend to differ too much from starter kits in looks and size but do offer more powerful batteries and higher wattage outputs, ideal if you want a denser vapour production or a longer lasting battery. For example, the OXVA VPrime features an impressive 2600 mAh battery and can offer a maximum wattage output of 60W.
Additionally, while starter kits will all offer a MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping style, as this best replicates the feel of smoking, intermediate devices will often allow you to choose between a MTL or RDL (restricted-direct-to-lung) vaping style. We delve deeper into the difference between the two in our post ‘What is RDL vaping?’
Sub-ohm & advanced vape kits
For the experienced vapers who are looking for a powerful device with all the bells and whistles, an advanced sub-ohm vape kit is the logical next step.
These vape kits offer much higher power outputs along with a wide array of variable features, so you can enjoy maximum vapour production and precisely control your vaping experience.
These devices will usually have a choice of multiple different pod/coil options in a range of different resistances, making it easy to find the one designed to match your preferred power output and vaping style. For example, the Vaporesso LUXE XR Max is compatible with pods in a choice of three resistance options, offering great flavour payoff and a wide power range.
Another benefit with advanced vape kits is that some devices, like the VOOPOO Drag 5, have removeable batteries. This means that rather than having to wait around for your vape kit to charge, you can keep a spare set of charged batteries with you and just swap them out when needed, ideal if you’re on-the-go most of the day.