Different Types of Vapes & E-Cigarettes
By Elina Panayotova
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Different Types of Vapes & Alternatives
Variety might be the spice of life, but when it comes to vaping, the range of devices on offer can be a little confusing. From tanks to mods to cigalikes, the market for vaping seems to be growing all the time, and it can be intimidating for people who have recently switched from smoking to vaping to understand the different types of vapes and e-cigs available.
In recent years, the vaping/e-cigarette market has branched off into different vape categories. For those looking for an alternative to smoking, there are a number of different options available.
In general terms, vape devices can be referred to as vapes or e-cigarettes interchangeably. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of vapes and e-cigs and how they work.
Vape Pen Kits
Vape pen kits feature long, slender vapes that – as the name suggests – resemble pens. They are less bulky than other vape options like tank systems, although they’re usually still larger than cigalikes. Vape pens feature a battery and USB charging port. The mouthpiece leads to the vape juice tank, where the level of remaining juice can be seen. Vape pens use a built-in coil to heat the vape juice and produce vapour.
Different types of vape pens also dictate what sort of vape juice you need. Vape juices are developed by adding a range of flavourings to a blend of vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) and sometimes nicotine. The ratio of VG and PG can vary and most users have their own preferences. As a general rule, VG creates larger plumes of vapour, while PG delivers stronger flavours. A high VG ratio also usually has a mild throat hit, whereas high PG ratios tend to have an intense throat hit.
Vape Pod Based Mods
Vape pod mods are one of the newer additions to the vaping market. They build on the original cigalike designs to offer an experience that resembles smoking a cigarette. Pod mods, like the different types of vape pens, also feature different model options. The pods-based devices come in two choices:
Open pods allow you to refill the cartridge manually with your choice of compatible liquid, although they will need to be replaced after around five uses.
Closed pods are pre-filled and can simply be inserted, vaped, and replaced. There is no need to source or refill vape juice.
Vape pod mod designs can vary but are usually designed to be a more compact vape alternative compared to a tank system. They are activated as you inhale, without the need to press a button.
Vape Tank Based Systems
Vape tanks are the part of a vaping device that holds your vape liquid, as well as the coil that heats it and the mouthpiece. Both vape pens and box mods use them in their designs. Most vaping devices use regular tanks but there are also more advanced tank types available:
RDAs, which stands for Rebuildable Dripping Atomisers, are usually for experienced vapers. They require the tank’s inner coil to be manually made out of cotton and wire.
RTAs, which stands for Rebuildable Tank Atomisers, are also customisable, allowing for personalised wicks and coils to be inserted.
Unsurprisingly, RDAs and RTAs aren’t recommended for new users. Unless you’ve specifically purchased your vape device in component parts, you are unlikely to need to worry about them.
Other Different Types of Vapes/E-Cigarettes
For experienced vape users, box mod kits are highly popular. These are complex devices that allow almost every aspect of the vaping experience to be completely customised, including wattage, voltage, and temperature.
Cigalikes use liquid, like a vape pen or box mod, but it’s contained within a cartridge, like a pod mod. Cigalikes have been specifically designed to resemble a cigarette. In addition, taste selections are either tobacco or menthol flavoured. Cigalikes are often disposable and suitable for use around 20 times. However, some models come with a rechargeable battery that plugs into disposable cartridges.
Other Alternatives to Smoking
Heated tobacco products may be a suitable alternative. Like vapes, heated tobacco devices produce vapour, but the sticks contain real tobacco instead of e-liquid.
Nicotine pouches are another alternative that don’t require any device to use. Essentially, they’re small pouches that are placed under your lip to press against your gum and deliver a dose of nicotine. Like e-liquids, nicotine pouches can be flavoured to cover a wide range of tastes, not just tobacco.
