Pod Vape Kits vs Vape Box Mod Kits

Each vaper is on a journey of discovery. That might be an ex-smoker looking to reduce their nicotine intake, choosing vaping as the next step to quit. Alternatively, you might find an experienced vaper wanting a more compact device. Whenever any vaper joins this growing community, the terminology can seem a bit much. Talk of coils, atomisers, PG and VG liquids can boggle the mind.

However, before even thinking about your vape juice, you need to know your device set-up. Will you start with a pod vape kit or opt for a more advanced vape box mod kit?

The easiest and probably the simplest way to describe a vape pod is to think of an e-cigarette and box mod hybrid. A high-powered, super-charged e-cig; vape pods use the sub-ohm technology of box mod within the body of a device the size of a basic e-cig.

We aim to simplify the two types of kits you can choose from and explain how they differ. With so much to consider, let’s narrow down the plethora of options and decisions so you can make a final choice.

What Is A Pod Vape Kit?

For beginners, pods are not just the more affordable option but the most convenient to switch from smoking. With ‘pod vape kits’, you typically get all the essentials included in a purchased bundle to start your vaping experience. Pods are often the preferred choice initially because fewer adjustments are required, compared to more technically adjustable mods. Also, because of the pod's compact nature, slick design and weight, it’s much easier to carry around.

Due to the common compact shape that’s more narrow and long, in some ways a pod resembles a cigarette. This is ideal for ex-smokers just starting in the vaping world, but struggling to resist the familiar urge of smoking. The cost of vaping may seem expensive when you add up buying the device, liquids, batteries and coils, but it’s cheaper than smoking.

Getting the right inhalation technique, level of nicotine and choosing the right device all matter when using a vape. Familiarity is often the difference when making the switch. You can have pre-filled or refillable pod kits (open or closed system), which is a key selling point to some vapers. That versatility and flexibility put a smoker's mind at ease.

The great news about vape pods is their affordability. Expect to pay marginally more than you would for a standard e-cigarette and a lot less than a box mod. From spending under £15 for the VOOPOO VMate Pod Kit to investing a little under £35 for the Smok Morph Pod-40 to something in between with the Aspire Flexus Q - an ideal MTL set-up, vape pods are available to suit a variety of budgets.

However, once you get your head around all the necessary vaping technology, many enjoy tinkering with advanced mods. In the long run, mods work out as less expensive, plus you can provide stronger vapour production by altering settings like the temperature and having a higher wattage to manipulate.

Choosing Pod or Mod Devices For Different Types of Vapers

1. Beginners: The obvious choice is pods for those joining the vaping community. It’s easier to use and technically less complicated to manage. The pre-filled and disposable cartridges are perfect for vaping novices who plan on minimising fuss.
2. Cloud Chasers: While many, including ex-smokers, see the appeal of large plumes of vapour, it’s often the more experienced vapers in the ‘cloud chasing’ category. This is because it takes a greater deal of experience to modify the parts of a device to maximise the potential for cloud chasing. Therefore finding the right ‘mod’ is the dream among cloud chasers.
3. Sub-Ohm Vapers: You can pick a mod or pod with Sub-Ohm vaping. Match the low coil below one Ohm resistance with the suggested low wattage on the coil. Although they offer less control over power and temperature than a mod, pod vape users still prefer instead of vape pens or e-cigs.

Our Favourite Pod Vape Is…

One of the best pod vape systems going has to be the Vinci 2 from VOOPOO for numerous reasons. Let’s run you through the list:

1. Not only does it look stunning and easy to hold in the hand but it’s practical too.
2. You can start mouth to lung vaping like a smoker as a beginner in Smart Mode. This will set the wattage to no more than 35W to prevent your coils from burning.
3. It’s versatile, giving you the option to vape direct lung too. When you feel ready to advance and feel comfortable, switch to RBA so you can fine-tune the device's performance to match your expectations.
4. There is a 1500mAh battery capacity.
5. Features adjustable airflow and weighs a mere 115g!

This is not the only product VOOPOO has created which takes pod vape systems to another level. Because of their innovation and high-quality materials used to make their products, we have seen a wide range of pod vapes such as the VMate and the Drag X with a host of adjustable features and settings.

Disadvantages Of Pod Vaping

1. Less power because of device size and battery capacity as usually single 18650 pod kits or a lower internal battery.
2. Often it is not possible to alter the temperature.
3. Requires charging more often due to smaller battery power.

What Is A Vape Mod Device?

As you may have guessed, 'mod' is short for modification. This kind of vaping device can vary in design and features, giving additional flexibility for more advanced vapers. A mod allows greater freedom and choice by altering the power or changing components like the wicks or coils.

Alternatively, you can even adjust the wattage or in some cases temperature on certain devices. Vape mods often operate differently to pod vape systems because of the lower coil resistance. Kicking out heat quicker because Sub-Ohm devices need less electrical current to pass through the coil, you can expect bigger volumes of cloud and a bold taste from your e-liquid in a vape mod once you tweak the settings.

Understanding Variable Wattage

Variable wattage sounds complicated and not relevant but it’s key to improving the vaping experience. Available with the most mods and quite a few different vape pods, it allows the user to change the wattage settings from as low as 1w, to reach as high as 240w. Altering this manually yourself, as well as temperature control with some vape mods, you can tweak the vapour production and overall flavour to what you prefer, aiming to hit that ‘sweet spot’ vapers crave. Your e-liquid changes in flavour based on your wattage setting - whether higher or lower. Going too low in wattage potentially removes your chances of any flavour, so that’s an important consideration before vaping.

Temperature Control Vs Variable Wattage

If you want even greater control over your vape mod, some technology enthusiasts love the option of an adjustable mod where the user has more influence. One of the best ways to do this is by changing temp control vape settings to enhance the life of your coils. It will not only protect your tank from damage or overheating but also prolong your battery life. Like variable wattage, you can play around with this to improve vapour production and maximise flavour. Bear in mind to always check your coil is compatible with the temperature control mode and that many vapers prefer to use adjustable wattage as it requires less knowledge of coils.

Finding A Compatible Mod For Your Tank

Three areas make the difference to your set-up:

1. Picking the right type of coil strength, size and material helps temperature control. Top tip - go for stainless steel which aids both variable wattage and temperature control.
2. Ensure you choose a mod with enough wattage power to improve the resistance of your preferred coil.
3. The tank diameter needs to mirror the size of your mod. If the mod is too small, it could lead to leaked e-liquids.

Disadvantages Of Vaping Mod

1. Can be more expensive.
2. Too technical for some vapers.
3. Chunkier devices - more difficult to carry around conveniently.

Does PG/VG Ratio Matter For Your Pod Or Mod?

Of course, every consideration is important for the PG/VG ratio before taking the plunge with a pod or mod. If you want a stronger throat hit closer to smoking, a higher PG balance is important. It produces less thickness, smaller clouds and in turn enhances the flavour of your chosen e-liquid. To get this right, you can still use either a pod or a mod, with many former smokers choosing a suitable mod with enough power to get the same rhythm going as they did before.

On the other side of the coin, for higher strength Sub-Ohm vaping or those seeking bigger clouds, mods are the preferred choice. This is because they have more features, as discussed before. Therefore, your chosen mod with a bigger tank can be altered and fine-tuned to reach the required level of vapour production.

A pod would not reach this level as it’s not powerful enough. With no temperature or wattage features to go up and down in strength, choices are limited. It’s all about switching devices and trying something new until you find the perfect device. Below are some of our favourite selections of e-liquids that compliment a pod or mod, with red tobacco a favourite for a high PG preference.

Platinum E-Liquid

Hangsen Classic 50/50 E-Liquid

VSAVI 100% VG E-Liquid

The Importance Of Coil Strength To Pod And Mod Kits

Each experience is different for vapers based on what device they use. What you get out of each production of vapour depends on the coil strength, the liquid you introduce to your device and the power of the item. For instance, with pre-filled pod vape systems, the coil is often already added to the device for minimal fuss.

Once the pod loses its flavour, providing it’s not a refillable pod, you throw it out anyway, so a much cleaner and easier process. The coil resistance is often high with a high PG liquid ratio because that suits ex-smokers or beginner vapers seeking a stronger throat hit. It’s also useful for discreet vapers not wanting to stand out with large clouds of vapour.

In contrast, people invest in mod devices to customise their experience. With powerful vaping systems like mods often equipped with tanks, you can add and replace coils to up or reduce the Sub-Ohm strength. Lots of mod users prefer to produce bigger clouds so the more changes you can make to the device, that creates a tailored experience for advanced vapers.

Verdict - Is a Pod Or Mod Kit Better?

The outcome depends entirely on the vapers' final wishes and desired results. A pod device is not typically suitable for somebody who likes to produce vast amounts of vapour because it doesn’t have the strength. And even if it did it would be a lower amount than a mod, which can be adjusted.

Alternatively, a smoker looking to quit wouldn’t go for a mod device, at least initially. This is because they are typically more technical with extra features. The only real suitable feature on a mod for a beginner switching from smoking is the puff counter.

The high level of liquid typically needed in a Sub-Ohm mod would be too thick and not familiar to an ex-smoker too. Therefore, many believe pods are ideal for beginning your journey, gradually moving towards a mod. Neither is better or worse, it all comes down to personal preference.