What Vape Should I Get?

December 22, 2018

*Updated for 2020

OMG THE CHOICES...

We get it. The sheer number of vaping devices can be overwhelming. 

With components like atomizers, coils, pods, rebuildables, batteries, and squonk bottles, it's enough to keep your head spinning for hours trying to figure out what you need to buy.

We're here to help de-mystify the number of vaping devices targeted toward juices / vape oils.

This guide will break down things down by skill level: beginner, intermediate, and advanced vapers.

THE BEGINNERS

These devices are brain dead simple to use.  For many people moving on from smoking, being able to just pick things up and go will give them the best chance for success.

For beginners, we will cover the following devices: Cigalikes/Disposables, Vape Pens, and Pod Mods.

CIGALIKES / DISPOSABLES

For anyone coming from the smoking world, cigalikes and disposable vapes are the easiest devices to transition into.  They are often called cigalikes or e-cigarettes because they look just like the evil sticks.

Using one is easy.  Open up the package and start puffing. 

While some cigalikes come with replaceable cartridges, many cigalikes, like the Cali Bar, can be thrown away once the e-liquid is gone.

That convenience provides the highest value for beginning vapers.

Benefits:

• Simplest to use
• Can be disposable
• Most affordable

VAPE PENS

After trying a cigalike, many people venture into the realm of vape pens, which are basically a battery and a tank.

Vape pens can come as all-in-one (attached) or detachable devices.

The Joyetech eGo AIO (pictured) is an all-in-one device that is also simple to operate.  Just fill the tank with e-juice and press the power button as you puff. 

Benefits:

• Easy to use
• Better performance than cigalikes
• Rechargeable battery
• Refillable with your choice of e-liquid
• Replaceable coils

POD MODS

Pod mods have increased in popularity because of the JUUL (pictured).  These devices offer the versatility of a vape pen, but the simplicity of a cigalike.

All you have to do is grab a pod (pre-filled or filled with your preferred e-liquid), and puff away.

Pod vapes are often are geared toward the use of nicotine (nic) salt juices, but more users are looking at pod mods to use with alternative vape juices as well.  

It should be noted that more and more intermediate / advanced vapers are using pod mods as their daily driver.

Benefits:

• Super simple to use
• Can use pre-filled or empty pods (choose your own juice)
• Compact and discrete
• Quick recharge times

THE INTERMEDIATE

After vaping for some period of time, you may want to look into a device that has more power and performance.

Box mods are generally seen as the next level of vaping. 

BOX MOD KITS

Box mods are generally boxy in shape (well duh).  They tend to offer adjustable settings so you can fine tune the amount of vapor and flavor.

For intermediate vapers, box mod kits, like the SMOK Rigel Kit are usually paired with a sub-ohm tank. 

Unlike beginner devices, the available number of coils, settings for the box mod, and air flow options for the tank may require you to do some homework.

Finding your sweet spot will take some trial and error.

Benefits:

• Higher performance than beginner devices
• Can personalize settings on the device
• Can mix and match tanks and devices
• Customizable for optimal flavor and cloud production

ADVANCED

If you've graduated to a box mod, you may get curious about reaching the pinnacle of performance and customizability.

Instead of using a sub-ohm tank, many advanced vapers opt for rebuildable dripping atomizers and/or rebuildable tank atomizers (RDA's & RTA's).

These accessories require you to work with wire, cotton, and the proper tools to get the right build.

If you're getting to this point, a good understanding of OHM's Law, battery safety, and a knack for working with electricity should be at your foundation.

 

SQUONK MOD KITS

Squonk Box Mod Kits offer the best packaged kits for the advanced vaper.  The difference between these devices and normal box mods is the use of a squonk bottle that is fitted into the device.

To use a squonk kit, like the IPV V3 Squonking Kit, get your build into the RDA, fill the squonk bottle with juice, squeeze it and get the wicks get nice and soaked, then finally, let her rip.

Many brands now offer bottom feeding (BF) RDA's, to replace the one that comes with your kit for additional customizability.

If you are looking for the ultimate experience, a squonk kit will get you there (as well as patience).  Fine tuning for the perfect balance of cloud and flavor requires a lot of time and attention.

Benefits:

• All the benefits of a box mod
• More customizability with BF RDA options
• Squonk bottles mean less dripping directly onto the RDA
• Highest performing devices in capable hands

A VAPE FOR EVERY OCCASION

And there you have it.  The vaping world isn't so daunting after all.

Many of us have multiple devices for use at home, the bars, and music festivals.

At home, we generally use a box mod setup.

At the bars, a disposable is perfect for those who tend to lose things (like us).

At music festivals, pod mods allow us to bring extra pods so we don't have to lug a container of juice for an entire day.

Each device has its strengths and its weaknesses and you have to decide if you're looking for performance or convenience.

Finding the right vape can be an amazing adventure.  If you're looking to get started, or are getting deeper into your journey, we hope this guide helps point you in the right direction.

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