Getting started with vaping can be exciting but also a bit intimidating. To a newbie vaper, there are so many options for starter kits, devices, and brands out there, that it’s hard to know what to buy. Whether you want to quit smoking or just try out the vaping lifestyle, choosing your first vape device is key, as most people who have a negative first experience with anything are unlikely to keep trying.
So before you go out and guess which product to start with, consider these guidelines for the device type. It will help you make sense of your options and narrow down options.
Understanding the Different Types of Vape Devices
There are several types of vaping devices from which to choose. Each is better adapted to a specific profile or consumer and lifestyle. Below are the device types your local vape shop is most likely to recommend to you as a newbie vaper.
Cigalikes
Cigalikes are designed to look like cigarettes, so they are perfect for those switching from smoking. They’re draw-activated, so you just inhale to produce vapor, and are super easy to use and great for beginners.
Features:
- Ease of Use: Simple with minimal buttons or settings.
- Nicotine Strength: Suitable for higher nicotine e-liquids, for those who smoke.
- Maintenance: Low maintenance with replaceable cartridges.
- Battery Life: Short battery life but usually quick to charge.
- Cost: Cheap to buy but may need to replace cartridges often.
Vape Pens
Vape pens are slightly bigger than cigalikes and offer more customization options. They are pen-shaped and therefore also easy to carry, making them popular with beginners and intermediate users.
Features:
- Ease of Use: Simple with one button or draw activation.
- Nicotine Strength: Suitable for high and low nicotine e-liquids, versatile.
- Maintenance: Medium maintenance, occasional coil changes, and tank cleaning.
- Battery Life: Longer battery life than cigalikes, can last a full day with moderate use.
- Cost: Medium cost to buy and ongoing e-liquid and coil costs.
Pod Systems
Pod systems are small and portable, with either pre-filled or refillable pods. Designed for convenience and ease of use, often with sleek and discreet designs.
Features:
- Ease of Use: Very easy to use, available in draw-activated and button-activated models.
- Nicotine Strength: Suitable for higher nicotine e-liquids, including nicotine salts which are smoother.
- Maintenance: Low maintenance, especially with pre-filled pods. Refillable pods require some effort to fill but offer more e-liquid options.
- Battery Life: Varies by model but good balance of size and battery life.
- Cost: Affordable with pre-filled or refillable pods, affects ongoing cost.
Box Mods
Box mods are bigger, box-shaped devices that offer lots of customization and control. For experienced users who want to adjust settings like wattage, temperature, and airflow to fine-tune their vaping experience.
Features:
- Ease of Use: More complicated with adjustable settings, needs a learning curve.
- Nicotine Strength: Best for lower nicotine e-liquids as they produce more power and vapor.
- Maintenance: Higher maintenance with frequent coil changes, tank cleaning, and battery management.
- Battery Life: Long battery life with replaceable batteries, can be used and swapped often.
- Cost: Higher upfront cost but can be cost-effective in the long run with proper maintenance and e-liquid management.
Vaping Style
Aside from the features listed above, there is another that you should consider when deciding on your first vaping device: the vaping style.
There are 2 categories of vaping styles: Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vs. Direct-to-Lung (DTL). MTL is like a cigarette draw and is mostly found with cigalikes, vape pens, and some pod systems, whereas DTL involves inhaling vapor directly into the lungs and is commonly found with box mods.
The style that’s right for you is really up to your individual preference. If you don’t know which you prefer, it’s recommended that you start with MTL, the more common and popular of the 2 options.
Research and Reviews
Before you make a final decision, you may want to do some additional research and read reviews. Online forums, vaping communities, and review sites have lots of feedback from experienced users. When you’re reading an online review, look for device performance (reliability and vapor production), durability, device weight, and heat and flavor assortment.
Choosing your first vape device is a personal journey that depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and budget. By knowing the different types of devices, choosing your vaping style, and doing your research you can find the right device for you to start vaping. Remember, the goal is to find a device that makes you comfortable and enjoy your vaping.