What is a Vape? Types of Devices, Differences, and Choosing the Best Option

What is vape?

Vaping is inhalation, a modern way of inhaling nicotine and other substances using battery-powered electronic devices. They heat a special liquid, turning it into steam, visually resembling smoke, but without the combustion process.

Initially, such devices were known as electronic cigarettes or "e-cigs" and were positioned as a means of reducing the harm from smoking or even a way to quit smoking completely. The design of a vape includes three key elements: a power source (battery), a heating element and a reservoir with liquid. Of course, you already know all this - but over time, the vaping industry has developed significantly, many new formats, designs and flavors have appeared, which made the devices even more popular.

There are different types of vapes depending on the type of liquid used.

Main categories:

Vapes for electronic liquids (e-liquid):

• Disposable vapes
• Pod systems
• Mods for vape

Vapes for cannabis oils and extracts:

• Cartridge devices (510 and other formats)
• Disposable Vape Pens
• Pod systems
• Vapes for e-liquids

These devices are also called ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems), aka e-cigarettes or vape pens. Powered by batteries, they create vapor from a flavored liquid that usually contains nicotine, but we are against nicotine, so figure out what to replace it with. The main components of e-liquid:

• PG (propylene glycol) – enhances the taste, is responsible for the “throat hit”.
• VG (glycerin) – creates thick vapor, makes the draw softer.
• Nicotine – present in varying concentrations or absent altogether.
• Flavors – give the liquid taste and smell.

Liquid vapes vary in format, power, and method of use. In the next section, we will look at vapes designed for cannabinoid extracts.

Types of Vapes for E-Liquids

Disposable vapes

Disposable vapes are compact, pre-filled devices that do not require recharging or refilling. They are ideal for those who prefer convenience and simplicity, especially when traveling or in situations where there is no possibility to charge the device. These vapes use pre-installed e-liquid, and when it runs out, the device is disposed of. Due to their simplicity, disposable models are widely used by beginners and those who want to try vaping without complicated settings.

✅Advantages of disposable vapes:

• Compact and easy to carry
• Fully ready to use without the need for charging or refueling
• Wide range of flavors
• High nicotine concentration for rich vaping
• Affordable price compared to pod systems and vape mods
• Waterproof and sealed housing
• Great option for travel and short-term use

❌Disadvantages of disposable vapes:

• Negative impact on the environment due to the inability to reuse
• More expensive in the long run than refillable systems
• Fixed nicotine content without the possibility of adjustment
• Non-rechargeable battery, limited life
• Do not refill with liquid.

Pod systems (Vape Pod)

Pod vapes are a modern and convenient vaping format, which is a device with a small plastic cartridge (pod) replacing a classic tank. These devices are much more compact than traditional vape mods, but at the same time provide sufficient performance and ease of use. In pod systems, the liquid is heated by a built-in evaporator, and when the cartridge resource runs out, it is replaced with a new one.

Pod vapes are different from 510 threaded devices that allow you to swap out tanks, as most pod systems only work with cartridges designed for a specific model. However, some manufacturers make cross-compatible pod systems, giving you more options.

Types of pod systems:

• Closed pod systems – cartridges are pre-filled with liquid, the user only has to change them.
• Open pod systems allow for self-filling, making them a more economical option.

✅Advantages of pod systems:

• Compact and convenient - fits easily into a pocket or bag
• Discreet vaping – small size allows you to use the device discreetly
• More affordable price compared to full-fledged vape mods
• Easy to maintain – do not require complex maintenance
• Wide range of liquids for refillable pod systems
• More profitable than disposable ones, because you only buy a ready-made Pod, and not the whole device each time
• The battery can be used multiple times, making pod systems more environmentally friendly than disposable vapes.

❌Disadvantages of pod systems:

• Small battery capacity, which requires frequent recharging
• Less customization options than vape mods
• Prefilled cartridges may not be profitable in the long run
• Some models have fixed or non-adjustable air flow.
• In the next part we will look at vape mods and their features.

Box Mod Vape

Box mods are powerful and customizable vaping devices that are larger in size and rectangular in shape. Unlike pod systems and disposable vapes, they are powered by one or more replaceable batteries, which significantly increases battery life. Also known as APV (Advanced Personal Vaporizer), these devices feature a chipset that allows the user to customize a variety of settings, such as power (watts), voltage (volts), and temperature (TC mode).

The name "box mod" refers to its distinctive shape and the ability to customize the components based on the user's preferences. These devices are most often used with sub-ohm tanks and powerful evaporators, making them ideal for those who like big clouds of vapor.

How does a box mod work?

The operating principle is similar to other types of vapes:

• The battery transfers energy to the evaporator.
• The coil heats up, absorbing liquid through the wick.
• The liquid turns into vapor, which the user inhales through the mouthpiece.
• Although there may be design differences depending on the model, the general operating mechanism remains the same.

Key Features of Box Mods

• Temperature control (TC mode) – allows you to regulate the heating temperature of the coil.
• Power adjustment (VW mode) – the ability to adjust the power supply for optimal vaping.
• Capacious battery – most commonly used are 18650, 20700 or 21700 batteries.
• High performance – ideal for use with low impedance coils.
• Adjustable tank – the ability to use different evaporators and change components.
• Larger size - requires more space, but this is compensated by the power.
• Replaceable coils allow you to adapt the device to different liquids.

Who is the box mod suitable for?

Box mods are most often chosen by experienced vapers who prefer customization, high power, and control over the vaping process. They are ideal for cloud chasing (creating thick clouds of vapor) and allow you to fine-tune the device’s parameters. If you like experimenting with different liquids, coil resistance, and power, a box mod will be a great choice.

Vapes for cannabis and its extracts (CBD, THC, etc.)

There are many devices on the market designed for vaping CBD oils, cannabis extracts, and THC-containing liquids. These include:

• Cartridge vapes (510, etc.) – use standard threads for compatibility with a variety of cartridges.
• Disposable vape pens are compact devices with a pre-filled cartridge that do not require maintenance.
• Cannabis pod systems are devices with refillable oil cartridges.

While these devices may look similar to classic e-liquid vapes, they have differences in design, heating elements, and cartridge compatibility.

Key Differences Between Cannabis Vapes and Regular Vapes

• Liquid consistency – CBD/THC oils have a thicker texture, requiring special vaporizers.
• Heating Coils – Cannabis vapes use ceramic or wide-pore coils to evenly heat thick oils.
• Design – Cannabis vapes are designed to handle high temperatures, preventing clogging and leaks.
• Cartridge compatibility – oil cartridges are not suitable for classic vape devices, as they have a different viscosity and design.
• Capacity – CBD/THC oils are more expensive and potent, so they usually come in smaller volumes than e-liquids.
• Legal Considerations – It is important to be aware of local laws governing the use of CBD, THC and other extracts before purchasing such devices.

So, choosing a vape device depends on your preferences and the type of liquid you plan to use. In the next part, we will consider what factors to consider when choosing a vape.

Types of CBD/Cannabis/THC Oil Vaping Devices

Cartridge Based Vapes

These devices consist of a battery or mod that connects to a pre-filled cartridge of CBD, cannabis, or THC oil. Cartridges come in a variety of sizes and designs, but most often feature a 510 threaded connection, making them compatible with most standard batteries. This format is convenient for users who want to easily swap out cartridges without the hassle of refilling.

Disposable Vape Pens

Disposable vape pens are the most convenient and simple solution for vaping CBD, cannabis or THC oils. They are completely ready to use immediately after purchase: they do not require recharging, adjustment or replacement of components. Unlike cartridge systems and pod devices, these models are designed for a fixed number of puffs, after which they must be disposed of. This format is ideal for both personal use and business - disposable pens are often chosen by extract manufacturers and small companies producing oils.

Pod systems for oils

Some pod systems are designed specifically to work with CBD/THC oils. They use replaceable or refillable pod cartridges that can be filled with the desired extract. These devices have a more sophisticated heating and vaporization system, allowing for greater control over the vaping process. Before purchasing a pod system, it is important to make sure that it supports oils, as most pod devices are designed for PG/VG-based liquids.

Important! Not all vapes are suitable for vaping oils. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure that the device is compatible with a specific type of liquid. Using unsuitable devices may result in leaks, clogs, or damage to the device.

What type of vape is right for you?

When choosing a vaping device, it is important to consider several key factors that will help ensure maximum comfort, safety, and satisfaction from the vaping process.

• Determine your goal. If you value taste and variety of flavors, it is better to choose a device with the ability to change liquids. For those who want to use CBD or THC, specialized cartridge systems or pod devices for oils are suitable. Do you want to quit smoking or reduce nicotine intake? Then pod systems or vapes with adjustable power will suit you.
• Understand the types of devices. Understanding the differences between disposable vapes, pod systems, box mods, and oil vapes will help you make an informed choice.
• Consider convenience and practicality. Compactness and mobility - if invisibility is important, it is better to choose disposable vapes or pod systems. Autonomy - if you do not want to charge the device too often, you should pay attention to box mods with capacious batteries.
• Ask for advice. If in doubt, it is better to consult with experienced vapers or specialists in our store. They will help you choose the best option based on your preferences.

Ultimately, choosing a vape depends on personal preference, convenience, and purpose of use. It is important to consider safety, device type, power, liquid volume, and compatibility. Regardless of the choice, a responsible approach to vaping and knowledge of recommendations will help make the process comfortable and safe.