Vape Kits
What are the best vape kits?
In truth, the answer to this comes down to personal preference. While some might value the portability and low-maintenance features of a pen or vape pod kit, others might prefer the larger clouds and greater versatility of a high-powered sub-ohm kit.
In the past, larger and more expensive sub-ohm kits were the only option for vapers chasing higher performance. But, as mentioned previously, the introduction of nicotine salts has revolutionised what lighter kits can do.
One factor that you might consider when picking a vape kit is your vaping style, as pods and pens are generally favoured for MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) while sub-ohm kits are typically for DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vaping. However, advances in vaping technology mean that there are plenty of devices on the market which are capable of both, like the Smok Nord. If you're unsure whether you are an MTL or a DTL vaper, check out our blog post: What is MTL and DTL Vaping? Your #1 Comprehensive How-To Guide.
Which vape kits are best for MTL or DTL vaping?
The vape kits listed here are all clearly labelled as being for MTL, DTL, or both MTL & DTL. This is because the two vaping styles require different hardware and E-Liquid types.
Mouth-to-Lung (MTL)
Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping replicates the experience of smoking a cigarette. It happens in two stages: a) draw in the mouth, b) breathe into the lungs. MTL produces less vapour, so it's great if you're trying to be discrete.
Vape tanks for MTL are usually designed with narrow mouthpieces. Additionally, if your device comes with an adjustable airflow, many vapers choose to keep this closed or almost closed. However, there are no hard and fast rules, so you should experiment to see what works for you.
Direct-to-Lung (DTL)
Direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping is similar to how we breathe: straight to the lungs. This is a process favoured by some more experienced vapers. This style requires mods which are capable of reasonably high wattage and specific coils. If this sounds like your preferred style, a sub-ohm kit is likely what you’re after.
What is the best vape starter kit to buy for new vapers?
Newer vapers might prefer to start out with something straightforward and easy to use. Learning about tanks, coils, variable wattage, and sub-ohm vaping can be intimidating—in which case, it's probably best to choose a simple starter pod kit.
Additionally, if you're transitioning from smoking, you’ll likely be more comfortable with MTL vaping. Thankfully, beginner-friendly pod kits are designed with ex-smokers in mind, so most of them will support MTL vaping.
There's a wide array of brands and devices at various price points. Some are built better than others, so we recommend checking out customer reviews before making your purchase.
Which nicotine strength E-Liquid is best for the different types of vape kits?
The type of vape kit you choose has a bearing on the E-Liquid you buy.
Pens and Pod Kits
If you're trying to quit smoking or have recently quit, vape pens and pod kits offer excellent nicotine options. These kits generally support E-Liquids with higher concentrations of nicotine, including nic salts, which provide a satisfying throat hit with nicotine derived from tobacco leaves. In addition, most vape pens and pod kits are compatible with 50/50 E-Liquids, which come in nicotine strengths of 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg. We recommend these kits to vapers who rely on nicotine because they support a wide range of different nicotine strengths.
The question of how much nicotine you'll need in your E-Liquid is dependent upon how many cigarettes you smoked (or smoke) per day. For an in-depth guide on how to choose the right strength for you, check out our blog post: Which E-Liquid Should I Buy? Your #1 Beginner’s Guide to the Best E-Liquids.
Sub-ohm Kits
With higher wattage comes greater flavour and clouds. The downside to sub-ohm, if you're reliant on nicotine, is that you generally shouldn't use any E-Liquid with a nicotine strength above 3mg. So, if you buy a sub-ohm vape kit, you'll have to use lower-strength E-Liquid like a shortfill. Sub-ohm kits take nicotine salts off the table, as they’ll be much too harsh to vape.
Need more help buying your first vape kit?
With so much jargon and choice to get your head around, the vaping world can be incredibly confusing—even for long-term vapers. So, we’ve created a detailed and exhaustive beginner's guide to vaping to help you on your journey.