Vape types

• Simply put, vaping is puffing on an e-cigarette that heats liquid into a mist you can inhale, usually with flavors and sometimes nicotine. Check out what makes up a vape in this article.
• There are user-friendly pod systems, versatile vape pens, cloud-producing sub-ohm tanks, or advanced mech mods. Each type caters to different needs, which types of vapes will be for you?

Understanding Vape Components

1. Atomizer

Vape atomizer

The atomizer is the part that turns your e-liquid into vapor. Usually considered the heart of your vape, it's got two main parts working together to cook up your clouds:

• Coil: This is a small piece of wire wrapped in a coil shape. When electricity runs through it, it heats up. The coil resistance (measured in ohms) can significantly influence your vapor density. The higher the former, the lower the latter.
• Wick: The wick, usually made of cotton, absorbs the e-liquid and transfers it to the coil.

Let’s connect some dots: when you hit the fire button, the coil heats up, vaporizing the e-liquid in the wick, creating the vapor you inhale.

2. Battery

Vape battery

The battery is what makes your vape a vape. Without it, you’re basically just holding a fancy paperweight.

Vapes use the same kind of battery as your phone – a lithium-ion battery. Their capacity is measured in mAh (milliamp hours). The bigger the number, the longer your vape will keep going before you need to plug it in again.

3. E-liquid

E-liquid for refillable tanks

E-liquid, aka vape juice, is what gives your vapor its flavor and nicotine. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Base: This is usually a mix of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG). The ratio of this blend can spice things up; more PG gives more flavor, and more VG produces more vapor.
• Nicotine: Ranges from 0mg (nicotine-free) to 50mg or more. Higher concentrations are typically used in pod systems.
• Flavors: They’ve got all kinds of flavors, from fruity to dessert-like to bacon flavors. No cap! Even complex blends like "strawberry cheesecake" or "blue raspberry slushie" are a possible reality.

4. Mods

Types of mods

“Mod,” short for modification, talks about the part of the vape that holds the battery and controls the device. There are a few types:

• Box mods: These are rectangular and often allow you to adjust wattage or temperature. They’re great for cloud chasers (i.e., people who love blowing dense vapor clouds when they vape) and flavor enthusiasts.
• Pod systems: These are popular with beginners and for on-the-go vaping thanks to the small size and ease of use.
• Mech mods: These have no built-in safety features or regulations. They’re highly customizable, but don’t let that get ahold of you. Make sure you have a firm grasp of Ohm’s law (a law that helps you determine the right balance between voltage, current, and coil resistance) and battery safety first.

Popular Vape Types

1. Pod Systems

Compact pod systems

If you’re a newbie or want a hassle-free vaping session, pod systems might be right up your alley. These portable devices have taken the vaping world by storm, and for good reasons:

• Compact: Pod systems are small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, making them perfect to vape anywhere.
• Straightforward: Pod systems are extremely easy to learn and use owing to their simplicity. Just pop in a pod, and you’re good to go.
• Strong flavor: Despite their petite body, pod systems are known for delivering robust flavors.

JUUL, RELX, and Voopoo Vinci are among the most recognized brands in this category. These names have gained popularity for their friendly designs and impressive nicotine delivery.

Pros:

• Perfect for beginners
• Discreet and portable
• Low maintenance
• Often cheaper than larger mods
• Great for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, similar to smoking a cigarette

Cons:

• Limited battery life due to small size (200 to 600 mAh on average).
• Less vapor compared to larger devices
• Pods could end up more costly in the long term than refillable tanks
• Limited customization options

2. Vape Pens

Slim vape pen

Vape pens are undemanding to carry around but still packs a punch, all the while owning a sleek appearance with the shape of, you guessed it, a pen. You might want to get one after reading these reasons:

• Pen-like design: Slim and cylindrical, resembling a writing pen for discreet use.
• Portable: Easily fits in pockets or bags, ideal for vaping on the go.
• Variable wattage: Many models allow you to adjust power output for a more desirable experience.

Popular examples in this sector are the SMOK Nord and Vaporesso Reno, along with others like the Innokin Endura and Freemax Twister.

Pros:

• Longer battery life compared to pod devices (1000 to 3000 mAh)
• Often compatible with a variety of e-liquid types
• Suitable for both mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung vaping
• Generally affordable and widely available

Cons:

• May require more maintenance than simpler devices
• Some models can be complicated for absolute beginners
• Not as customizable as larger box mods

3. Sub-Ohm Tanks

Sub-ohm tank for cloud chasers

A sub-ohm tank is a type of vaping device that uses coils with less than 1 ohm of resistance (hence the name), meaning more dramatic vapor clouds. You can’t list powerful vapes without mentioning these bad boys. What sets them apart are:

• Cloud production: Sub-ohm tanks are renowned for their ability to produce massive, dense clouds of vapor.
• Intense flavor: The low-resistance coils in these tanks enhance e-liquid flavors, delivering a more robust taste experience.
• Highly customizable: From adjustable airflow to interchangeable coils, sub-ohm tanks offer a high degree of personalization.

Some common names are the Geek Vape Zeus and Vaporesso GT. Other notable mentions are the Uwell Crown and the FreeMax Mesh Pro. Unlike those politicians you see on TV, these tanks actually deliver.

Pros:

• Makes huge clouds
• Super intense flavors
• Lots of ways to customize, make it work just how you like
• Works with pretty much any e-liquid
• Often has advanced coil tech for better performance

Cons:

• Uses up e-liquid really fast
• Needs a powerful mod to work well
• Not great for secret vaping (those clouds are hard to hide)
• Can be tricky for beginners to figure out
• Usually costs more than basic vapes

4. Mech Mods

Bulky mech mods

Mechanical mods, or “mech mods”, cater to experienced vapers who prefer customization and sheer power over convenience. Key features consist of:

• No electronics: They don't have any fancy computer chips or circuits inside - just a straight shot from the battery to the part that makes the vapor.
• Highly customizable: With mech mods, you have full control over every aspect, from coil builds to battery selection. That’s how special these models can make you feel.

Due to their lack of safety features, mech mods are recommended only for those with a solid understanding of Ohm’s law and battery safety. They make up for this with unrivaled custom options, which is both their greatest strength and their most significant challenge.

Pros:

• Unparalleled customization options
• No internal electronics means fewer points of failure
• Built tough - these things can take a beating
• Preferred by many vaping enthusiasts for their “pure” vaping experience

Cons:

• No safety net, gotta be extra careful with the battery 
• Only for experienced vapers who know what they're doing
• No power regulation means power fades as the battery drains
• Regular maintenance and careful handling are a must.

5. Vape Pods

Colorful vape pods

Vape pods have emerged as an in-demand choice for both beginners and experienced vapers. However, they’re often confused with pod systems, Need help to tell the two types apart? We’ve got you:

• Design: They’re commonly bigger than those tiny pod systems but not as bulky as the full-sized mods. 
• Customization: With vape pods, you can often tweak things like how much vapor you get or how strong each puff is. On the other hand, pod systems do the job, but you can't mess with them much.
• E-liquid capacity: Vape pods generally can hold more juice than regular pod systems, so you don't have to refill as often.
• Battery life: Thanks to their bigger size, vape pods usually last longer between charges (200 to 600 mAh on average, but can go up to 1000 mAh in some models).

Popular vape pod examples include the Lost Vape Orion and Aspire PockeX. As with all vaping devices, you want to find one that does what you need, works well, and isn't a pain to use. Vape pods are great because they hit that sweet spot for a lot of people but with certain costs.

Pros:

• More powerful and versatile than pod systems
• Battery lasts longer = fewer pit stops for charging
• Lots of settings to play with
• Works for different vaping styles, from mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung
• Generally easy to use yet has more features than simpler types

Cons:

• Might make your pocket bulge a bit
• More expensive than basic pod systems or disposable e-cigarettes
• May be too complicated for absolute beginners
• Not as powerful or customizable as full-sized box mods
•  You'll need to change pods and coils more often than with tanks

How To Choose The Right Vape

1. Purpose

First, consider why you’re vaping. Are you trying to quit smoking? Look into pod systems or vape pens with higher nicotine strengths. Flavor chaser? Sub-ohm tanks or advanced pod systems might be your jam. Cloud enthusiast? Sub-ohm tanks or mech mods (for experienced vapers only) will give you those billowing clouds.

2. Experience Level

Beginners should start with user-friendly devices like pod systems or vape pens. These offer simplicity without sacrificing satisfaction. As you gain experience, you can explore more advanced options.

3. Budget

Vapes come in all price ranges. Here are some specific numbers: 

• Pod systems: $15 - $50
• Vape pens: $20 - $60
• Sub-ohm tanks: $20 - $50 (tank only)
• Mech mods: $50 - $300+

But, and this is a big one, cheaper isn’t always better - invest in quality to ensure safety and satisfaction.

4. Size and Weight

Need something pocket-friendly for outdoor vaping? Stick to pod systems or compact vape pens. If portability isn’t a concern, larger mods offer more features and battery life.

5. Ease of Use

Safety Guide For Vape Users

1. US Vaping Laws

Federal law prohibits selling vaping products to anyone under 21 to keep vapes far from young hands. 

Additionally, a lot of places treat vaping just like smoking, namely restaurants, bars, and even where you work. Do yourself a favor and check out the local laws before you start puffing away in public spaces.

Bottom line: Be smart, follow the rules, and everybody stays happy.

2. Potential Health Risks

Vaping can cause inspiratory problems

Sure, most people think it's not as bad as smoking cigarettes, but that doesn't mean it's totally safe. Nicotine is still addictive, especially harmful for young people with a developing brain. Your lungs might get irritated, resulting in prolonged coughing. Finally, we still don't really know what those yummy flavors might do to you after years of usage.

Vaping might make you look cool, but it won’t help you blow smoke rings around health problems!

3. Safe Usage

• Storage: Keep your vape and e-liquids away from children and pets for obvious reasons and in a cool, dry place where the sun doesn’t shine.
• Battery safety: 1) Use only the charger provided with your device. 2) Don’t charge overnight. 3) Replace damaged batteries asap.
• Cleaning: Regularly clean your device, particularly the mouthpiece and tank, to stop bacteria buildup and make sure it works its best.
• E-liquid handling: Completely avoid skin contact with e-liquids and wash your hands after refilling. It’s not dangerous, but you might get mild irritation or accidentally swallow it after touching e-liquid bare hand.