Understanding The Different Types Of Vape Hardware And Their Features

Whether you're a smoker looking to switch to a healthier alternative or a vaping enthusiast looking to upgrade your gear, understanding the different types of vape hardware and their features is essential.

If you’re curious about the vaping world, then you might not know about the different types of vapes available in today’s market. The image of bulky vapes and pens has moved on as the market has raced forward with new designs, modifications and each with a unique vaping experience.

We’ll take a look at the different types of vape hardware and their features, as well as their pros and cons so you can make the best decision on which vape is right for you.

Cigalikes

These were the very first type of vapes to come onto the market. Disposable vape pens have grown in popularity since, but cigalikes have developed their technology and look to evolve into sleek-looking vaping devices.

Pros

For someone looking to quit smoking, the cigalikes can act as the first step in reducing their intake. The fact that they look like cigarettes can help the user to psychologically associate the cigalike with cigarettes, while still reducing their cravings.

Cigalikes are also easy to use and don’t require upgrades to work to their best capacity. These vapes are usually disposable and so no maintenance is required. As they’re disposable they’re cheaper, so they work well for casual vapers.

Cons

If you’re vaping frequently, you may find yourself going through cigalikes quickly and the cost will run up. Cigalikes also have a fixed voltage and wattage, and cannot be adjusted to the user's preferences.

Vape pens

These small and discreet vaping devices have exploded onto the market in recent years. They come in a variety of flavours and can either be sold as disposable or refillable.

Pros

Vape pens are generally considered to be a step up from cigalikes, in terms of vapour production, flavour, and battery life. Vape pens can come in different shapes and sizes, making them an attractive and subtle option for vapers. The refillable types offer more customisation options, while the disposable pens are very easy to use. Both types are inexpensive and good for casual vapers.

Cons

Disposable vape pens often use nicotine salts instead of traditional e-liquids, so the dose of nicotine may be much higher than the user is used to. While they’re a mid-range price point, people who vape often will find they’re spending a lot on disposable vapes and may benefit from a vape mod.

Vape mods

For experienced vapers or those looking to upgrade their tech, then vape mods are the way forward. A more advanced vape, mods typically have a larger battery and can be adjusted to deliver more power.

They also have a variety of features such as temperature control and variable wattage and voltage, which give users more control over their vaping experience.

Pros

Vape mods offer a full range of customisation available on the market. From glass tanks to voltage and wattage, the chance to completely perfect your vaping experience is possible with a vape mod.

These vaping models are much more powerful than vape pens and cigalikes, so they last for a lot longer. You can switch out your vape juice flavours as you like while adjusting the amount of vapour produced.

If you’re a frequent vaper, then the cost of a vape mod will be much cheaper than smoking or disposable vapes in the long run.

Cons

The biggest drawback of vape mods is the cost. They’re significantly more expensive than disposable vapes or smaller refillable models, though if you’re a heavy user then the cost per use is less.

Some vape mods can be complicated to customise and maintain, which is offputting for a casual user. Vape mods are also bulkier due to the larger battery, which can make them difficult to carry at times.

There’s also the possibility of installing upgrades that aren’t compatible with the hardware, which can cause damage to the vape mod. This can be annoying at best when considering the upfront cost of mods.

Pod systems

These vapes are the new kids on the block. Pod systems typically have a rechargeable battery and can be filled with vape juice via plastic pods, but they’re smaller and more compact than traditional mod vapes.

There are two types of pod system vapes - disposable and pod mods, which are better suited for more experienced users but now rival traditional mod systems in power.

Pros

What gives them the edge over other vape hardware is that they’re still customisable, but are smaller and more discreet to use. This makes them more user-friendly to understand and use than vape mods.

Pod mods are powerful enough to match most traditional vape mods while still allowing for a range of customisation. You can change the voltage and wattage, switch out coils and adjust the airflow on many of these models.

The pods are easily interchangeable, which is great for users who like to have different flavours on the go.

Cons

The pod refills can be brand-specific and only work with that brand’s hardware. This can mean you’re locked into buying refills from one brand and limits you from trying others out.

While pod systems have the benefit of switching out multiple flavours regularly, some people complain that the plastic flavour mingles with the taste.

Another drawback is that the batteries are often permanent in pod systems, so they need a full replacement. However, removable batteries are starting to come onto the market.

Wrapping up

Each type of vaping hardware has its positives and drawbacks, depending on your personal preference. The vape industry is always innovating and moving at a rapid pace, so new hardware and devices will be available on the market in no time.

Want to get started with vaping? Our premium vape kits uk have everything you need in one high-quality package. At a range of different price points, these kits are sure to set you up with all you could think of to start vaping.