How to Choose a Vape Kit
How to Choose a Vape Kit a Beginner’s Guide
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Vape Kit Components
- What Do You Want From Your Vape Kit?
- Main Types of Vape
- Disposable Vape
- Vape Starter Kits
- Pod Vapes
- Vape Mods
- What to Consider When Choosing Your Vape Kit
- Finding the Right E-Liquid for Your Vape Kit
- How to Choose a Vape Kit: Our Verdict
Once you’ve decided to quit smoking and replace cigarettes with vaping, you may think all the hard decision-making is over; well, think again. The start of your vaping journey comes with many questions that will leave you scratching your head, the most important of which being, “what vape kit should I buy?”
Choosing the best vape kit to kickstart your quit smoking journey is essential, and with literally thousands of different devices on the market, the quest to find your perfect vape kit can be a mind-boggling and often frustrating endeavour. But fear not; we’re here to help.
Our vape kit guide will cover everything a beginner should know before picking out a device, including how vape kits work, different vaping styles as well as the various types of vape kits available and how they compare. While this isn’t a full, comprehensive guide to vape kits in general, it’s a great place to start for beginners seeking guidance when it comes to picking out the right vape kit to fit their needs.
Vape Kit Components
Before settling on a vape kit, it’s essential to know the basics of how they function. For a full breakdown of the basic components inside your vape kit, check out our Basic Guide to Vaping. But if you’re just getting started, the key features of a vape kit you must be aware of are the battery, the coil and the tank/pod.
● Battery: This is what powers your vape kit. The larger the battery capacity (mAh), the longer the device will last before it needs to be recharged. Some devices, such as disposables, come pre-charged and can’t be recharged once depleted.
● Coil: This absorbs e-liquid and heats it up to create the vapour you breathe in. Some coils generate more vapour than others. High resistance coils create less vapour and provide a mouth-to-lung (MTL) experience, much like smoking a cigarette. Lower resistance coils (less than 1.0 Ohm) create larger vapour production and often provide a direct-to-lung (DTL) or sub-ohm experience, which isn’t suitable for beginners.
● Tank/Pod: This is the part of your vape kit that holds the e-liquid. Many vape kits, such as some pod kits, use pre-filled pods that don’t require refilling. However, most standard vape starter kits require you to top up your tank with your own e-liquid. Some tanks can hold more e-liquid than others, and the larger the tank, the longer it will last before you need to refill it.
Now that you know more about the basic components of a vape kit, it’s time to consider what features are most important to you, and ultimately, what you want from your vape kit.
What Do You Want from Your Vape Kit?
When choosing the perfect vape kit, it’s important to consider where your priorities lie. Do you want a vape kit that generates dense vapour clouds, or are you more concerned about ensuring your vaping experience is as flavourful as possible? Maybe you plan to take your vape kit with you on-the-go and want to focus on a larger battery capacity that can last a whole day of vaping, or maybe you need the most compact device that will easily fit in your pocket.
Whatever your needs are, there’s a vape kit out there that will check all your boxes, but doing the necessary research beforehand is the key to finding the perfect vape kit to suit you and your lifestyle. Let’s start by taking a look at the different types of vape kits available.
Main Types of Vape Kits
When choosing a vape kit, it’s important to review all of your options. No two vape kits are the same, and each type is made with a different user in mind. So even if you’ve dabbled in vaping before and it didn’t seem to work for you, it’s possible that you were using the wrong type of kit for your needs.
To keep things simple, we’ve divided this section into 4 key categories, covering the most popular types of vape kits on the market; disposable vapes, vape starter kits, pod vapes, and vape mods.
Disposable Vapes
Disposable e-cigarettes are a great introduction to vaping and are particularly popular among those trying to quit smoking. Not only are they relatively inexpensive to start with, but they’re incredibly user-friendly and easy to get to grips with. Disposables arrive ready to use right out of the box, so you’ll never have to worry about ongoing maintenance such as recharging and refilling. These devices can be thrown away once depleted.
Most disposable vapes are entirely buttonless, allowing the user to simply inhale on the mouthpiece to activate it and release the vapour, this is known as “auto-draw activation.” Most disposable vape devices sold in the UK will last for roughly 600 puffs and hold 2ml of 20mg strength e-liquid. This high nicotine concentration makes them ideal for ex-smokers, and the discreet vapour production and smooth throat hits effectively mimic the sensation of smoking a real cigarette.
- No maintenance required
- Ready to use right away
- Compact, pocket-sized frame
- Auto-draw activation
- Easy to use
- Affordable to start with
Pro's
- Fixed nicotine concentration
- Can be expensive in the long run
- Short lifespan
Con's
Vape Starter Kits
Vape starter kits are specifically designed for those who want to transition from smoking to vaping. They can come in many different forms, including pod kits and vape pens. The pen style design and slim frame makes them popular among beginners, but they’re also incredibly straight forward to use. Plus, unlike disposables, these devices can be used long-term and require regular refilling eliquid and recharging.
Vape starter kits give users the freedom to choose their own e-liquid and top up the device with their favourite flavours. However, some maintenance is required to keep them working smoothly, such as regular coil changes. Even with e-liquid top ups and coil swaps, a starter vape kit can still be a cheaper alternative to disposables in the long run.
- Reusable
- Slim and pocket-sized
- Freedom to use any e-liquid brand
- Easy to use
- Cheaper in the long run
Pro's
- Requires recharging and refilling
- Manual coil changes necessary
Con's
Pod Vape Kits
Pod Kits are ideal for beginner and intermediate users who want a compact and straight forward vaping experience. These devices come in many shapes and sizes, but there are 2 key types of pod kits you need to be aware of: pre-filled and refillable. Pre-filled pod kits, sometimes called closed-pod systems, are the simpler of the two, as they’re compatible with pre-filled pods. This means that you won’t have to fuss around with manual coil changes or messy refills, simply click a fresh pod into the body of your device and you’re ready to go.
Refillable pod kits, sometimes called open-pod systems, are a little different, and require more maintenance. These devices feature empty replacement vape pods, allowing you to fill, and later refill them yourself. You’ll need to change the pod once the coil has reached the end of its lifespan, but they give the user freedom to use any e-liquid they like. All pod devices require regular recharging.
- Reusable
- Slim and pocket-sized
- Freedom to use any e-liquid brand with open-pod systems
- Easy to use
- No refills necessary with closed-pod systems
Pro's
- Requires recharging
- Open-pod systems require pod changes and refilling
Con's
Vape Mods
Just as the name suggests, the phrase vape mods refers to modified vape kits. These are often more powerful than standard kits and vape starter kits as they come with advanced features and settings, allowing the user to personalise every aspect of their experience. Some advanced features include adjustable wattage and airflow, LED screens, and the ability to switch between mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung vaping.
Vape Mod kits are most suitable for experienced users who have been vaping for some time. Beginners or those trying to transition from smoking to vaping are likely to be overwhelmed by a vape mod and should start with something simpler. However, cloud-chasers and fans of sub-Ohm vaping may find vape mods an exciting challenge and enjoy the freedom of customising their own kit.
- Reusable
- Powerful and reliable vaping
- Compatible with a wide range of e-liquid
- Ability to switch between MTL and DTL vaping
- Unlimited customisation options
- Large vapour clouds
Pro's
- Requires recharging and refilling
- May be confusing for inexperienced users
- Expensive initial cos
Con's
What to Consider when Choosing your Vape Kit
Now that you know more about the different types of vape kits available, it’s time to start thinking about what you want from your device. When choosing the best vape kit, there are a few things to take into consideration, most importantly; how easy it is to use, the maintenance involved, how it looks, and the price.
Figuring out where your priorities lie is key when choosing a vape kit that will effectively keep you from smoking cigarettes long-term. If you know you may struggle with regular upkeep and maintenance from the get-go, then it’s best to start with something simple like a disposable vape and slowly work your way up to more advanced kits over time. Plus, some devices may seem more expensive to start with, but with regular use, they can often be the most affordable options.
Evaluating the pros and cons of each type of vape kit will help you in your journey to finding your ideal vape kit, thus making it easier to commit to a smoke-free lifestyle.
Finding the Right E Liquid for your Vape Kit
When shopping around for a vape kit, many users overlook one of the key aspects of the entire experience—e-liquid. The type of e-liquid you use will entirely alter the way your vape tastes and feels, so it’s important to get it right. Some vape kits are only compatible with particular types of e-liquid. For example, e-liquid with a high vegetable glycerine(VG) content is far too viscous to be used with a vape starter kit, so beginners should start with vape juice that has a 50% propylene glycol (PG) content or higher.
The jargon surrounding the realm of eliquid can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a total newbie. Check out our What is an Eliquid? blog to further understand these terms and how the different ingredients can affect your overall experience.
If you already have your vape kit, or have one in mind you want to try out, we strongly recommend heading to our How to choose an Eliquid guide to find out what your options are, which type of e-liquid is compatible with your kit, and what kind of experience you can expect.
How to Choose a Vape Kit: Our Verdict
Choosing a vape kit isn’t always easy but taking the time to learn about the options available and evaluating your priorities is key to getting it right. While our guide aims to help you make the right decision, every vaper is different, so it ultimately comes down to what you need from your vape kit and making an informed decision that’s best for you.
If you’re just getting started and want the most straightforward experience possible that’s totally free of fuss, then a disposable vape is a great place to start.
But if you’ve recently quit smoking and want a long-lasting vape kit that allows you to use your own e-liquid, we recommend steering clear of advanced kits and vape mods and instead giving a vape starter kit a try. Pod kits can also be effective for new users, but as long as your device delivers a mouth-to-lung experience, you’re going to benefit from that satisfying throat hit and discreet vapour production that will keep you from smoking.
Find the right Vape Kits at myCigara
At myCigara, we exist to make the UK smoke-free. We believe that offering healthier alternatives in the form of vape kits brings us that much closer to achieving our goal.
We provide a vast range of useful tips and guides to help point you in the right direction if vaping sounds like the right next step for you. If you're brand-new to vaping and have never used a kit before, browse our New to Vaping blog to grasp the fundamentals you'll need to understand before you get started.
If you’ve decided to take the plunge and are ready to start vaping today, why not check out our brand new Best Vape Starter Kits 2023 review, where you’ll see a detailed breakdown of the very best vape starter kits on the market right now.
Feel free to reach out and contact us anytime and we’ll be happy to guide you in the right direction as well as answer any burning questions you may have. Alternatively, head down to your local myCigara store where our expert staff is ready to help you.
What’s the difference between MTL and DTL vaping?
If you’re a beginner, you might see these terms as just another roadblock on your way to quitting smoking for good. In fact, they are an essential part of your vape journey. Without gaining an understanding of these different terms and how to enact them yourself, you will be unable to unlock the world of possibilities that new box mods, sub ohm devices, and pod kits have to offer.
The terms MTL and DTL represent a small section of the ever-expanding vocabulary that has been created by vapers to describe the different styles of vaping. The vast majority of people stick with one style, with the minority switching between the two.
There’s no need to feel intimidated by these terms. Once you’ve learned how to DTL and MTL vape yourself, the process will become as easy as breathing. Simply read through this article to discover the different vaping styles and choose the one that is right for you.
What is mouth to lung vaping?
MTL stands for mouth to lung, which is also sometimes abbreviated to M2L. Beginners favour this style of vaping because it replicates the ‘throat hits’ that occur when smoking a traditional cigarette. As the name suggests, a throat hit is created when the nicotine concentrate in your cigarette or e liquid hits the back of your throat. You can create a stronger throat hit by using high PG blends, e liquids with a higher nicotine concentration, and by decreasing the airflow on your device. MTL vapers favour an intense flavour experience over creating clouds.
When performing a MTL vape, the individual will inhale, hold the vapour in their mouth, and then draw the vapour into their lungs. Most people find that enacting a mouth to lung vape is the most natural way to inhale their vapour.
Once you have familiarised yourself with the technique, you need to consider how long you want to hold the vapour in your mouth. This depends on your personal preferences regarding throat hits. The longer you hold the vapour, the more intense the flavour experience and the throat hit.
It is also important to consider how dense you want the resulting clouds to be. Hold your vapour for a shorter amount of time to create less vapour and have a more unobtrusive vape.
What vape hardware do I need for mouth to lung vaping?
You won’t have to look far to find an MTL compatible kit. This style of vaping dominates the market for beginner and pod kit enthusiasts alike. We recommend browsing through our collection of starter kits and pod kits to find the best mouth to lung vape kit for you.
Our customers love pod kits because they are both affordable and compact. Despite their compressed exteriors, they are packed full of technological advancements, and have the added benefit of hassle-free click-in magnetic systems. We stock both open pod and closed pod systems.
Although direct to lung kits dominate the advanced vape device market, mod enthusiasts will be happy to know that there are some options available to them. Vape mods typically have variable wattage functions that can reach highs of 80W. However, if you want an MTL draw then you should set the output to no more than 15W. You should also be cautious about adjustable airflow features, and make sure to reduce the airflow where possible.
What e liquid should I use for mouth to lung vaping?
High PG e liquids are perfect for MTL vaping. PG, which stands for propylene glycol, is an essential part of your MTL experience because it carries flavour better than its counterpart, VG. Mouth to lung vapers prefer flavour over vapour because they want to create an intense taste sensation when they hold the vapour in their mouth.
It is common to find high VG e liquids that have an 80VG/20PG composition, but the same cannot be said of high PG e liquids. We stock 50PG/50VG and 40PG/60VG compositions in our online vape shop. Browse through our selection of Dinner Lady 50/50 e liquids for an unforgettable mouth to lung experience.
What is direct to lung vaping?
DTL vaping has several names. It refers to direct to lung, straight to lung, and D2L vaping. This style can be difficult to accomplish for people who have just transitioning from smoking to vaping because they are more accustomed to an MTL style.
Straight to lung vaping happens when a vaper takes a slow, long drag on their device. They then inhale the vapour directly into their lung, not pausing to hold the vapour in their mouth as they would do if they were enacting an MTL vape.
Beginner vapers who want to try the DTL vaping style should be warned that their first attempt might result in a coughing fit. Because they have just transitioned to vaping, their lungs are still coated in tar from cigarettes. A direct to lung hit can be somewhat of a shock to their system.
Once vapers have grown accustomed to the DTL style, they are able to inhale for between five and ten seconds. For an optimal vape experience, we recommend attempting to inhale for nearer to ten seconds. Exhaling quickly increases vapour production and creates dense, immense clouds.
What vape hardware do I need for direct to lung vaping?
Most pod devices and starter kits do not accommodate DTL vaping. People who want to attempt a direct to lung vaping style should opt for a variable wattage kit or a box mod. Sub ohm kits are ideal for DTL vapers because they often come complete with the hardware needed for a successful hit.
Unlike MTL kits, the ideal DTL kit should have a wide 810 drip tip. This allows you to inhale as hard as you can to create the power needed to suck the vapour straight into your lungs. Direct to lung enthusiasts should also opt for sub ohm coils because they contain low resistance and are compatible with the high wattage output that is needed to draw on your device for longer.
An adjustable airflow option is vital for DTL vapes. Luckily, most sub ohm kits come complete with this feature. A wider airflow is essential for inhaling more vapour into your lungs and creating bigger clouds.
What e liquid should I use for direct to lung vaping?
Whereas MTL vapers should opt for high PG e liquids, DTL vapers should buy high VG vape juice. VG stands for vegetable glycerin, which is known for providing a smoother throat hit. This is essential when you are inhaling a great deal of vapour, as the resulting throat hit can be overwhelming.
There is much more variety when it comes to high VG compositions in comparison to high PG blends. There is a range of compositions with as much as 60, 70, 80, and even as much as 90% VG. It is important to note that VG is considerably thicker than PG. Because of this, it is not compatible with very sub ohm tank on the market. To check whether your tank is suitable, have a look at the size of the wicking holes in the coil itself. If they are on the smaller side, it will be difficult to pull viscous high VG e liquid through the holes when you inhale. If you are ever in doubt, make sure to research your tank before filling it with high VG concentrates.
It’s also important to consider the amount of nicotine you want as a DTL vaper. We recommend low levels of nicotine for people who prefer a direct to lung vape. Any higher than 6mg nicotine strength will create a harsh throat hit that most beginner vapers will find overwhelming.
Mouth to lung or direct to lung coils?
It is important to choose the right coils for your personal vaping style. MTL coils are a lot smaller than DTL coils. The smaller the diameter of the coils, the less air that can be pulled through the coil, which makes for a tighter draw.
In contrast, sub ohm coils have a wider diameter to allow for more holes in the coils and therefore more air. DTL coils need to allow more air to pass through the coils in order to accommodate a longer inhale.
Are cigarettes mouth to lung or direct to lung?
People who want to kick the habit for good often opt for a mouth to lung vaping style, because it replicates the ‘throat hit’ that occurs when smoking a normal cigarette. This is also why new vapers might struggle to integrate a direct to lung vaping style into their lives. Most people are not accustomed to ‘bypassing’ their mouth whilst smoking.
Can I smoke direct to lung on a sub ohm tank?
When learning about MTL and DTL vaping, it can be difficult to find the right kit for you. In fact, most sub ohm tanks are designed with direct to lung vaping in mind. You’ll get the most satisfying vape experience out of advanced kits. These kits have variable wattage features, which are crucial for DTL vapers because their kit requires a strong power output in order to accommodate the long draw time.
Are JUULs mouth to lung?
Beginners love the JUUL starter kit because it provides an intense mouth to lung experience that recreates the feeling of smoking a traditional cigarette. This device comes complete with a tight airflow, which is essential for creating a satisfying MTL draw.
The JUUL has a slimline design which is perfect for vapers who want a lightweight and discrete device. It has the added benefit of a JUUL app, which monitors usage, allows you to secure your device, and even has the ability to find your JUUL in case you misplace it. We recommend this kit for vapers who want all of the benefits that come with modern technology.
Mouth to lung devices at myCigara
Here at myCigara, we understand the importance of helping beginners make the first step in their vape journey. We stock a wide selection of mouth to lung devices from industry-leading brands. When you buy MTL devices from our online vape shop, you can rest assured that you are buying products that have stood the test of time. With everything from the Aspire PockeX and the Smok Nord Pod kit, there’s something to satisfy every taste bud in our MTL range.
Direct to lung devices at myCigara
If you’re unsure about which devices boast direct to lung capabilities, look no further than our selection of sub ohm kits. Because these kits typically come with bigger coils and variable wattage capabilities, they have all the hardware required for long draws. We recommend the Geekvape Aegis Boost Pod System, and the Voopoo Drag 3 Kit because they are all firm fan-favourites.
