Looking to switch to vaping or simply want to experiment the vapes?
With so many options on the market, from basic starter kits to advanced vape mods, finding the perfect fit for your needs might feel overwhelming.
There are many considerations to go over before making your first purchase.Including the functionality, build material, design, battery life, and more.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about vape pens, from what they are to how to buy the one that is just right for you!
What is a Vape Pen?
A vape pen is a compact, portable device designed for vaporizing nicotine e-liquids, cannabis oil, or dry herbs.
Known for their slim, pen-like shape, vape pens offer a discreet and user-friendly option for both beginners and experienced vapers.
Many people choose vaping over smoking for the purported health benefits, ability to use discreetly, convenience, portability and more.
Others want to quit smoking and use vapes as a transitional device, helping them wean off of tobacco or weed flower.
How do Vape Pens Work?
A basic vape pen consists of four main components: a battery, such as well-known 510 thread battery, an atomizer or coil, a tank for holding e-liquid, and a mouthpiece.
vape pens work by heating nicotine e-liquild or cannabis oil to create vapor. The heating element, usually a coil, is powered by a battery in the vape pen.
When activated, the coil, heats up rapidly, causing the material, including nicotine e-liquild or cannabis oil, in the tank to reach its vaporization point.
Unlike traditional smoking methods that involve burning the plant material, Vape pens are designed to provide a quick and efficient way of consuming nicotine or cannabis without combustion.
Different Types of Vape Pens
When it comes to different types of vape pens, most can be grouped into four main categories:
1. Disposable Vapes
Disposables are discrete, lightweight and mimic the design and style of smoking.
They’re a one time use variety of vapes. The limitations are they carry a finite amount of vape juice as they’re not refillable and also have a limited battery life.
They’re a starting point for your vaping journey but can end up costing more over time.
2. Pod Systems
These are compact and easy to use, making them great for beginners. Pod systems typically use a snap-in mechanism that makes changing cartridges effortless.
The pods are either prefilled with vape juice or refillable making them a little more cost effective than disposable vapes.
3. Pen-Style Devices
Known for their straightforward design, these devices are perfect for those transitioning from smoking to vaping. They often use standard 510 thread cartridges, which are easy to find and replace.
510 thread is the universal screw connection that lets most 510 vape batteries and oil cartridges fit together.
4. Box Mods
For the more advanced vaper, box mods offer extensive customization options, from variable wattage to temperature control, offering an incredibly customised vaping experience.
Box Mods have significantly more battery capacity, are larger and heavier in size and can be customised more with the option to change to a different tank or atomizer. Like vape pens, they’re also refillable.
How to choose the best vape pen for beginners?
When selecting a vape pen, several features can significantly impact your vaping experience. Here are the key features to consider before buying a vape pen:
- Battery Life
Battery capacity is typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Larger battery capacity means longer Battery Life – less charging and more vaping time.
Look for a vape pen with a long-lasting battery, especially if you plan to use it frequently.
- Portability
Consider the size and design of the vape pen. If you need a discreet, on-the-go option, a smaller, more portable pen might be best.
But note that Smaller sizes may result in shorter battery life.
- Temperature Control
Adjustable temperature settings allow you to customize your vaping experience. Different temperatures can affect the flavor and potency of the vapor.
For those who enjoy experimenting with different settings, a pen with precise temperature control is a must.
- Build Quality and Material
The durability and quality of the materials used in the construction of the vape pen are important.
High-quality materials ensure a longer lifespan and a better vaping experience.
Stainless steel and aluminum are common choices for their durability and sleek design.
- Coil Type
The type of coil used in the atomizer affects flavor and vapor production. Common coil materials include ceramic, quartz, and metal – such as stainless steel.
Quartz heats fast for bright flavor, ceramic holds heat for dense sessions, and metal handles abuse.
- Ease of Use
As a beginner, simplicity is key. Look for starter vape kits, pod kits or big buff vapes that offer pre-installed coils and refillable pods. These kits typically require less maintenance and are designed for a hassle-free experience.
Advanced users may prefer the flexibility of rebuildable atomizers (RDAs) or rebuildable tank atomizers (RTAs), which allow for custom coil building but require more technical knowledge.
- E-liquid Compatibility
Different vape pens are compatible with different types of e-liquids. Make sure it works with the products you want to try.
If you prefer nicotine salts, opt for pod systems that work best with this e-liquid type.
If you’re a fan of high VG e-liquids that produce larger vapor clouds, you’ll need a device with sub-ohm capabilities, such as a box mod or high-wattage vape pen.
- Brand Reputation
Reputable brands tend to be leaders in safety and quality, ensuring you have the right vape product for your needs.
With a reputable brand, you’re buying a cannabis vape pen that’s been rigorously tested for reliability, dependability, and performance.
In Conclusion
Choosing the best vape pen for you involves evaluating your needs, considering the type of vape pen, and assessing key features such as battery life, temperature control, and build quality.
By researching different brands and reading reviews, you can find a vape pen that aligns with your preferences and enhances your vaping experience.
Remember to balance features with budget, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect vape pen for your needs.
