If you want to know all the different types of vapes, you are in the right place.
We get it – it’s a busy world out there. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options if you’re new to the scene, and making the wrong decision can leave you pretty disappointed – especially if you don’t have a backup.
If you’re looking for the most updated and accurate overview of the different types and styles of vaping out there today, you’re in the right place. In this article we’ll cover 5 types of vapes and vaping styles and provide you with all the necessary information you need to make an informed decision.
Different Types of Vapes
Disposables
The newest kid on the block, and for good reason. Disposable vapes are widely available in stores and online, and are a perfect fit for minimalistic vapers and those on the go.
Whether you’ve forgotten or lost your vape, or for whatever reason you can’t use it – a disposable vape is affordable and provides up to 50mg of nicotine per unit. This is the highest nicotine profile available today and although it might seem excessive, it enables people to vape less, and satisfies nicotine cravings in just 2 – 3 drags.
They cannot be disassembled, and their price depends on the amount of puffs (drags) one can get out of a single disposable vape. They’re usually available in ranges from 850 – 5500 puffs, after which it can simply be disposed of. Easy to replace, cheap and minimalistic.
They’re a great fit for those who don’t want to make “thing” out of vaping, and are super-aesthetic as a bonus.
Pros
- Affordable
- Widely available
- Available in 0 nicotine and up to 5% (50mg) nicotine
- Easily replaceable
- Compact designs
Cons
- Shorter lifespan
- Cannot be refilled
- A single flavour throughout the device lifespan
- Only devices exceeding 2000 puffs can be recharged
Note: Never dispose of any vape in a normal bin, even less a recycling unit. Vaporizers are powered by lithium-ion batteries and have an extremely negative impact on soil and the environment – taking up to 100 years to decompose!
Pod Systems
Another very popular type of vape device. Pod systems usually consist of 2 or 3 pieces: the battery, the pod and in some cases the mouthpiece is removable/replaceable as well.
The “pod” contains both your e-liquid and your coil.
Important: Some pod devices are not refillable (closed system), and the entire pod is replaced when either your coil is burnt out or your e-juice has been depleted. Other pod devices are indeed refillable, and their coils can be replaced (open system) – making it as close to a permanent device you can get.
Pros
- Portability
- User-friendly & chipset technology
- Affordable
- Amazing flavours
- Stealth
Cons
- Short battery life
- Closed systems have limited flavour options
- Anti-cloud-chasing (limited vapour)
Vape Mods (Box mods)
Vape mods are essentially the “bottom” part of a vape – aka the battery and all operational & performance settings that may be included on it.
“Box mods” is the more popular term used, as they are rectangular in shape. Box mods generally do not include the following, and thus must be purchased separately:
- Tank
- Coil
- E-juice
- Mouthpiece
This might seem disadvantageous at first, but in fact it opens up a door to a whole new world of personal customization! People who vape from mods are usually vape connoisseurs, as they offer by far the most settings and customizability.
Pros
- Produces ample, thick vapour
- Offers more control
- Strong batteries
- Customizable to large extent
- Superior flavour delivery
Cons
- High power may not be of use to everyone
- Advanced features may be difficult to understand
- Size, due to power delivery
- Expensive
Vape Pens
This is the “original” vape, which has since been massively improved on. Vape pens are, as the name suggests, shaped like a pen and fully supports swapping out e-liquid, coils and batteries. Their batteries are also rechargeable.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Aesthetic appearance
- Open system (swap out coils, e-liquid etc.)
- Cheap
Cons
- Prone to leaking
- Not shockproof – can damage easily when dropped
- Lacks chipset technology
- Slightly outdated
Cigalikes / E-cigarettes
These are vapes that look and taste exactly like a tobacco cigarette, the only exceptions being that it’s electric and contains no tar or actual tobacco.
It goes so far to replicate a cigarette that it even mimics the filter pattern all the way down to the LED ash-tip, which lights up when you drag.
Cigalikes are closed systems, mostly rechargeable, it’s disposable after 6 – 8 months (in case not rechargeable) and has a set number of puffs per cartridge.
Pros
- Replicates smoking a real cigarette
- User friendly (no buttons)
- Little to no maintenance
Cons
- Slightly outdated
- Set nicotine profiles (medium, high)
Vaping styles: MTL VS DTL
It’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll stumble across these vaping-niche terms either on the internet or with friends. MTL & DTL are simply two different ways of inhaling the vapour your device produces:
MTL – Mouth to lung. A tight drag. This refers to first having the vapour in your mouth, and then inhaling it into your lungs afterwards. For comparison, smoking a cigarette is smoked MTL. These devices support high nicotine e-liquids, all the way from 0mg – 50mg.
Types of vapes that support MTL vaping: Vape pens, cigalikes, open and closed pod systems and some box mods as well. (Adjusted airflow settings)
DTL – Direct to lung. A loose drag. This refers to inhaling the vapour directly into your lungs, without it taking a pause in your mouth first, as with a cigarette. For comparison, smoking hookah or hubbly bubbly is done DTL. These devices should NOT be used with high nicotine e-liquids, with a recommended maximum of 3-6 mg. Using high nicotine e-liquids with DTL vapes can result in nicotine poisoning and severe side effects due to, frankly, consuming way, way too much nicotine.
Types of vapes that support DTL vaping: Box mods and selected open pod systems. Notable that open pod systems only support semi-DTL (or loose MTL), which is somewhere in the middle of MTL & DTL.
Summary
There are generally 4 types of vapes:
- Cigalikes (simulating a cigarette smoking experience)
- Vape pens (pen shaped, open system
- Mods (Box-shaped, extremely customizable)
- Pod mods (compact MTL devices – ideal for nicotine salts)
Each type of vape has its unique features for different kinds of vapers. Whether you’re an ex-smoker trying to quit, simply choosing vaping as the healthier alternative or even if you vape just for its social effects – there’s something specifically tailored for each and every person.