Exploring Different Types of Vapes: Pros, Cons, and Top Picks
Vaping, initially conceptualized as an alternative to smoking, has evolved to cater to diverse preferences, including the delivery of nicotine and cannabis products. The regular e-liquids typically comprise a mixture of water, food-grade flavoring, varying levels of nicotine, and a base of propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG). In contrast, cannabis e-liquids are distinct, containing either THC, CBD, or both, without nicotine.
However, this blog aims to help people quit smoking instead of getting a "high." If you want to get to know more about the myriad of vaping devices that are designed for nicotine delivery available in the market, read ahead with confidence. We will explore their features, advantages, disadvantages, and top recommendations for each category.
Quick Look:
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. Unlike traditional smoking, which burns tobacco, vaping involves heating a liquid (commonly called e-liquid or vape juice) that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. This liquid is turned into vapor by a heating element powered by a battery.
Vaping has become popular in the United States as it mimics smoking but without burning tobacco, which is known for its harmful effects. It's often used as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, and it is proven 95% safer than tobacco cigarettes. Vaping is recommended to adult ex-smokers who plan to quit smoking.
However, the safety of vaping is still under heated debate. Some hold the view that the long-term health effects of inhaling vapor remain unknown, and folks may face the risk of nicotine addiction and respiratory issues, especially for young people. In the US, those aged under 21 are not allowed to buy vapes as they also contain addictive nicotine.
Seven Types of Vaping Devices
Cigalikes
The journey of vaping technology began with cigalikes, first introduced by Herbert A. Gilbert in 1963. These devices were designed to resemble traditional cigarettes, offering smokers a familiar transition to vaping. Cigalikes were lightweight and prefilled with e-liquid but had limitations like short battery life and limited vapor production. It is more of a primarily disposable e-cigarette.
Pros: Easy to use, lightweight, and discreet.
Cons: Limited battery life and vapor production.
Ideal For: Beginners and those transitioning from smoking.
Vape Pens
Vape pens are cylindrical devices that balance the simplicity of cigalikes and the performance of more advanced systems. They usually consist of a rechargeable battery and a tank for e-liquid. Vape pens often provide better vapor and flavor production than cigalikes. They are a popular choice for vapers seeking a portable yet satisfying experience.
They typically feature a button-operated battery and adjustable settings for a personalized vaping experience. However, in the United States, there's a common tendency to broadly refer to various types of e-cigarettes, including disposables and pod systems, as "vape pens." This usage often comes from a generalization of all slender, pen-like vaping devices under one umbrella term.
Pros: Portable, easy to use, more potent than cigalikes.
Cons: Less battery life than larger devices.
Ideal For: Vapers who prefer simplicity with a bit more power.
Box Mod Vape Kits(Tanks and Mods)
Box Mod Vape Kits are known for their advanced features and customization options. These kits consist of two main components: the vape tank, where the e-liquid is stored and vaporized, and the vape mod, the device's control center and battery housing. The tanks usually come in various sizes and designs, allowing users to customize their vapor and flavor output.
Meanwhile, the mods, typically box-shaped and come with displays for vaping metrics, offer modifiable functions like adjustable wattage and temperature settings. They can house larger or multiple batteries for extended use and have updated firmware to stay technologically current. They cater to experienced vapers looking for maximum vapor production, flavor, and customization.
Pros: High vapor production, long battery life, fully customizable.
Cons: Bulkier and more complex.
Ideal For: Experienced vapers who prefer personalization and powerful performance.
Top Pickers: Geekvape L200 (Aegis Legend 2) Box Mod Kit 200W
RBA+Mods
When vape enthusiasts are are not satisfied with the box mod kit with a standard tank atomizer, the rebuildable atomizers areare naturally innovated. Folks call it RBAs, or Rebuildable Atomizers, combined with mods, offer the pinnacle of customization in vaping. RBAs can be further categorized into three types: RTA , RDTA , and RDA.
RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomizer): These devices incorporate a tank to hold e-liquid, allowing for a convenient reservoir of juice. The build deck is usually situated under the tank. RTAs combine the customization of building your own coils with the convenience of a sizable e-liquid capacity.
RDTA (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizer): RDTAs are a hybrid that offers the features of both RDAs and RTAs. They have a tank at the bottom and a build deck above it, allowing users to either drip e-liquid directly onto the coils or rely on the tank below.
RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer): RDAs do not have a tank to store e-liquid; instead, they require the user to drip e-liquid directly onto the coils and wicking material. This process is the best way to produce more intense flavor and more giant vapor clouds.
All these RBAs allow enthusiasts to build and wick their own coils, providing control over the resistance and, consequently, the vaping experience. Building coils for RBAs requires a solid understanding of Ohm’s law and battery safety, as it involves manually setting up the heating element.
Pros: Ultimate control over vapor and flavor, customizable builds.
Cons: Requires technical knowledge and skill.
Ideal For: Veteran vapers passionate about building and customizing their setup.
Top Pickers: RTA Pod Tank - Voopoo
Squonk Mod Kits
Squonk Mod Kits are innovative vaping devices, available as either Regulated Squonk Mods or Mechanical Squonk Mods, each catering to different vaping preferences.
Regulated Squonk Mods come with electronic controls and safety features like variable wattage and temperature control. They have a display screen for settings and are ideal for those who prefer customizable vaping with added safety.
Mechanical Squonk Mods offer a more basic, direct experience without electronic regulation. They require a good understanding of Ohm's law and battery safety, appealing to experienced vapers who enjoy building their coils and want a raw vaping experience.
Both types feature a built-in e-liquid bottle that feeds juice to the atomizer when squeezed, eliminating the need for manual dripping. The choice between the two depends on the vaper's preference for either advanced control and safety (regulated) or simplicity and direct power (mechanical).
Pros: Convenient e-liquid delivery, large juice capacity.
Cons: More components to maintain, slightly complex.
Ideal For: Vapers who prioritize convenience and long vaping sessions.
Top Pickers: GeekVape Aegis Squonk 100W Kit
Pod Vape Kits
The pod vape kits emerged since the box mod kits are too bulky to carry around. pod vapes are ultra-portable devices that use prefilled or refillable pods instead of traditional tanks. They often come in compact bodies and are easy to use, making them highly suitable for beginners and on-the-go vaping. Most pod systems adopt draw-activated or both button-activated, giving you firing options. Some pod kits are also functional, like a modifiable mor kit, which features an adjustable power output level, adjustable airflow, and even a clear LED display.
The pod mod kits can be your best pick if you want more functionality and power. It is a hybrid between pod systems and more advanced mod devices. They provide pod systems' portability and ease of use while incorporating additional features typically found in box mods, such as adjustable wattage or temperature control.
Pros: Portability, ease of use, and some functional features.
Cons: Limited customization, smaller vapor production.
Ideal For: On-the-go vapers, beginners and intermediate vapers.
Top Pickers: SMOK Novo 3 25W Pod Kit
Disposable Vapes
Disposable e-cigarettes are the most popular vapes nowadays, renowned for their mini bodies and hassle-free vaping experience. In the us, people It is the best way for on-the-go vaping. They are prefilled devices designed for one-time use. Once the battery or e-liquid is depleted, the device is disposed of. They come in a variety of flavors and nicotine strengths and are often used by people looking for a zero-maintenance vaping experience or those trying vaping for the first time.
Pros: Extremely convenient, no maintenance, discreet vaping.
Cons: It's not environmentally friendly; it's only nicotine salt e-juice.
Ideal For: novice vapers, occasional users and travelers.
Top Pickers: HorizonTech Binaries Cabin Disposable Vape (5%, 10,000 Puff)
What kind of vapes are right for you?
Here’s a step-by-step guide for you:
1. Consider Your Experience Level:
Beginners: If you’re new to vaping, start with simpler devices like cigalikes, vape pens, or pod systems. These are user-friendly, require minimal setup, and offer a straightforward introduction to vaping.
Intermediate Users: If you have some experience and are comfortable with basic vaping equipment, you might explore more advanced vape pens or pod mod systems that offer additional features like variable settings.
Experienced Vapers: For those well-versed in vaping, box mods or rebuildable devices provide extensive customization options, allowing you to fine-tune your vaping experience.
2. Ease of Use and Maintenance:
If you prefer a hassle-free, low-maintenance experience, consider disposable vapes or pod systems with prefilled cartridges. If you don’t mind some upkeep for a better experience, look at refillable vape pens or pod systems.
3. Lifestyle and Convenience:
Your lifestyle can significantly influence your choice. If you’re often on the go, portability might be key. In this case, compact devices like pod systems or slim vape pens are ideal. If you vape frequently throughout the day, consider devices with longer battery life or larger e-liquid capacity, like box mods.
4. Customization Preferences:
If you like to control aspects like flavor intensity, vapor production, and heat, opt for devices with adjustable settings like advanced vape pens or box mods. For those who enjoy building and tweaking their setup, rebuildable devices (RDAs, RTAs) can be fulfilling.
5. Budget:
Determine how much you’re willing to spend. Starting with a more affordable option can be wise if you’re new to vaping. Remember to consider ongoing costs like e-liquid, replacement coils, or pods.
6. Nicotine Requirements:
If you’re using vaping as a means to quit smoking, consider devices that offer flexibility in nicotine strength. Pod systems and vape pens are suitable for this purpose.
7. Aesthetics and Design:
Choose a device that appeals to you visually and feels comfortable to use. Vapes come in various designs and styles, so pick one that has your love at first sight.
