May 10, 2023 Robert Taney

Guide to Vaping and Starter Kits

Guide to Vaping

eJuices.com carries more than just vape juices. We have a great selection of disposable vapes, the best vape starter kits, vape pods and vape mods. No matter your vaping style, we have you covered. As your online vape store, we have a wide selection of nic salts and eJuices. If you are starting your vaping journey, we have everything you need.

Types of Vaping: Mouth to Lung versus Direct Lung (DL)

Vaping devices and vaping in general have become easier to navigate over the years. Two styles of vaping are most prominent. There is mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping and direct lung (DL) vaping. MTL vaping generally uses lower wattage devices that generate less vapor but use higher nicotine strengths to provide more satisfaction. This style of vaping involves inhaling first into your mouth and then into the lungs, an action roughly akin to a combustible. Disposable vapes and pod kits fall in this category as MTL vapes.

Direct Lung or DL vaping is best enjoyed with powerful sub-ohm tanks and mod kits. This style of vaping uses lower nicotine strengths. The devices generate a ton of vapor and usually have a very open or loose draw, the volume of vapor essentially bypasses the mouth. This is the style of vaping associated with cloud chasing and massive vapor clouds.

Nic Salts

Nic salts, also known as nicotine salts, are a type of nicotine used in vaping. Unlike freebase nicotine, which was the original form of nicotine found in most e-liquids and vape juices, nic salts are created by combining freebase nicotine with an acid to form a compound mixture.

This mixture creates a smoother vape experience with a lower pH level. This lower pH allows companies to add more nicotine to vape juice and it will still remain smooth. High potency vape juices almost all use nic salts. The most popular nic salt flavors are fruit or confection inspired, often with a blast of cooling menthol ice to balance the flavor out.

Nic salts first appeared in the Juul but are now found in all manner of disposables and sold in bottled form. Bottled nic salts should not be vaped out of sub-ohm tank or a high-wattage device. They are designed for use in refillable vape pod kits. These draw activated devices mimic the style of prefilled pods but have superior performance and of course are open systems. This means they can be refilled. Disposables are easier to use, although pods are super easy to fill and both require charge, but you can save money filling your own device.

Freebase Nicotine

Freebase nicotine tends to get a bit harsh at levels higher than 18mg/ml. For levels lower than this, there are a few companies that still use nic salts but freebase nicotine is more than satisfactory for lower nicotine vape juices (0-12mg).

Freebase is the nicotine which was found in all vape juices at one point and is available in great lower nicotine strength options. Mod users often use zero nicotine and low-nicotine eJuices, which accentuate the best traits of freebase nicotine. There are now some lower strength salt nic juices on the market, which further muddies the water, but if it is sold in a bottle over 30ml, is 70 percent VG, or has a nicotine strength of 3, 6 and 12mg, chances are this eJuice has been made with freebase nicotine.

Wattage/Resistance/Sub-Ohm

Wattage and resistance numbers may be intimidating to a novice vaper. But the truth is that with starter kits and basic pod systems, these numbers do not come up much. Even on the fanciest mods with displays and navigation buttons, there are presets.

There has been a narrowing of the market in vaping. Basically, there are high-VG juices that are mostly vaped at high-wattages (over 25w) and nic salts that are vaped at lower wattages. Sub-ohm coils and tanks have very lower resistances, below 0.30ohms, which means they heat up lightning fast.

This generates huge vapor clouds from the lower and zero nicotine eJuice they are designed for. Mods have all sorts of wattage controls and settings, but they also have a suite of preset levels so you don't need to master any arcane technology to enjoy big time vapor production.

Cigalikes

There are still a few classic vape devices on the market. eJuice.com is proud to carry White Cloud. Their time tested cigalikes deliver a more authentic experience than any other style of vaping.

Using PG heavy vape juices, they deliver satisfaction and flavor with less emphasis on vapor production. Featuring realistic tobacco flavors, if you are looking for a realistic draw and a bit of throat hit and chest burn like a combustible, classic designs like the White Cloud vape pens, cigalikes and prefilled carts are the way to go.

Disposable Vapes

If you are looking for the easiest way to vape, there are always disposables. These arrive prefilled and precharged. They are available in an array of flavors you won't find in a prefilled pod kit at the gas station. They are a much better price performer. The long lasting disposable vapes of today hold close to half the amount of eJuice as a bottle of nic salts (10-15ml). They can be quickly recharged via a USB port. Using a battery provides several advantages.

The first is that more of the space can be dedicated to nic salt capacity because the battery need not be large enough to vape all of it. This allows very compact disposables to hold 10 or even 15ml of nic salts. The second advantage is that disposable vapes do not have sophisticated chips like a mod and their performance does fade with the battery. You can always get full strength puffs until the disposable is vaped dry with a rechargeable battery.

Pod Vapes

Refillable vape pod kits are a great option for users looking for a more customizable experience, without the complexity of some box mod devices. These kits typically easier to use and allowing users to choose which type of e-liquid they want to use. Refillable vape pod kits are often sold with two pod designs. One is optimized for potent nic salts and the other designed to handle lower nicotine, high-VG vape juices with freebase nicotine.

There is a huge range of pod designs. Some have the features of a mod and their distinguishing trait is that instead of a 510 threaded tank they come with low resistance coils that snap into a proprietary pod design. Many less expensive and small pod kits don't even have a button. These are draw activated and designed to compete with gas station pod kits like Juul or disposable vapes.

These have low wattage outputs and work best with potent salt nic juices. Just about every pod kit comes with everything you need. Do not mistake simplicity for quality. These are devices designed for everyday use and have in each pod is a sophisticated coil that delivers great performance. Some pod kits have integrated coils. When the coil is worn out, you toss the pod with the coil inside. There are also pods that can be reused and only the coil is swapped out.

Vape Mods

Vape mods are special vaping devices that allow you to change the wattage and settings. They make bigger vapor clouds than other vaping devices because they have low resistance coils. Mods are best for experienced vapers. Mods use 510 threading to affix the tank. Tanks generally use transparent glass and use large coils that generate a ton of vapor. Coils are now easy to install and press fit. There are even different styles of glass for the same tank. Most tanks have multiple sub-ohm options.

Best Vape Starter Kits

With these vaping concepts out of the way, it is time to look at specific products. Vape starter kits are an ideal solution for those who want to join the world of vaping without breaking the bank. These kits come with everything that a beginner would need to get started with vaping, including a basic device, battery, and charger. Yet do not mistake a starter kit for a cheap or undesirable vape device.

The best vape starter kits are packaged to use right out of the box, but these vape kits feature the best technology on the market. There are two major styles of vaping and hence two primary types of vape starter kits. There is the vape pod starter kit, which is perfect for vaping on the go, nic salts and MTL vaping.

There are also vape mod kits. These include a vape tank, a sophisticated mod, and coils for the tank. If your mod requires swappable 18650 or 21500 batteries, those will be sold separately. But mods with integrated lithium ion batteries are true all-in-one vapes.

Benefits of Vape Starter Kits

One of the biggest benefits of vape starter kits is that everything you need to begin vaping is included. All you need is the vape juice to fill them with. Historically, beginner starter kits were basic but today all the best hardware is available in vaping kits. There are vape kits suitable for every style of vaping, and the vaping industry has greatly improved how reliable and user friendly vape mods and and vape pods are.

Save By Purchasing a Vape Mod Starter Kit

If you are shopping for a vape mod, a vape mod kit is likely to be your most affordable option. Starter kits are also more affordable than buying the components separately. In fact, pod kits simply arrive ready to use. A kit will typically include a couple of pods and charger cord. The battery is integrated and built-in.

Within the mod and pod kit category, starter kits come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This means that whether you're looking for a sleek, pocket-sized device or a larger, more powerful option, you're sure to find a starter kit that meets your needs. Vape mod starter kits include a tank specifically optimized for the mod. Any issues of a large tank overhanging a mod are removed when you get an all-in-one vape mod starter kit,.

Now let us take a look at the top vape starter kits. There is a device here for every vaping style.

Vape Pod Starter Kits

We will start out looking at the most basic starter kits. These are draw activated vape pods optimized for nic salts. If you prefer salt nicotine and want a vape that focuses on flavor, you may not need anything more than these proven designs.

Smok Novo 3 25W Starter Kit

Sometimes a basic design is so effective it does not require much revision. Such is the case with the Smok Novo series of vape pods kits. The form factor has been a winner from day one and has not changed once. It fits easily in the hand. In fact, the Novo 2 and Novo 3 are almost indistinguishable and both have 800mAh batteries. The Smok Novo 3 looks like a smaller Nord but is draw-activated and optimized for nic salts.

The first generation Novo was a refillable alternative to gas station and convenience store prefilled pod kits. Today, nic salt disposables are just as much in the crosshairs of this durable device. The Smok Novo 3 uses an integrated coil built into the pod. There is a 0.8ohm option which can handle higher-VG vape juices with freebase nicotine but this device was designed with nic salts in mind.

The Smok Novo 3 25W Starter Kit is a long-time staple of the popular Smok Novo series of vape pods. The kit comes with everything you need to get started with vaping, including a Novo 3 device, a battery, two pods with integrated coils and a charger. Smok Novo 3 replacement pods are the 0.8ohm design which is similar to the Novo 2 pod.

Vaporesso XROS 3

The Vaporesso XROS 3 is a direct competitor to the Smok Novo 3. The XRos and Novo collections are so similar that it may boil down to personal preference. But the Vaporesso XROS more closely resembles the famous UWell Caliburn than the Novo. It has dual activation, which means it works as a draw activated device like the Novo but also has a fire button. It is a bit more angular in appearance and perhaps more innovative. But anyone who is looking to vape nic salts or more potent freebase juices instead of a disposable will find both to be excellent choices. Vaporesso XROS Replacement pods come in 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2ohm resistances.

Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini

The Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini has the power of the XROS 3 but is even more compact. It is compatible with the same Vaporesso XROS pod family. All it really lacks is a fire button, but this doesn’t matter to nic salt vapers who prefer draw activation. This pocket-sized vape kit comes with all the features of a full-size mod at an affordable price - including a 1000mAh internal battery, Type-C fast charging and SSS Anti-Leak Technology. Plus, its sleek design makes it easy to carry around wherever you go. Get ready for an enjoyable and satisfying vaping experience with Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini!

Suorin Air Pro 18W Starter

The Suorin Air Pro 18W Starter Kit is a perfect device for those who are looking to take their vaping experience to the next level. It occupies the same market space as the XROS and Novo pod kits. Its slim and compact design makes it easy to carry around, while its powerful 18W output ensures it can still deliver satisfying vapor. The unique card shape allows the Air Pro to hold significantly more e-liquid than its rivals, 4.9ml versus 2ml or less for the XROS and Novo family.

It has an integrated 930mAh battery which provides long-lasting vaping performance. Its unique card shaped form factor makes it an usually practical device and the advanced coils in each pod generate amazing flavor. The Suorin Air Pro replacement pod will keep your compact and credit card shaped vape pod starter kit generating optimal flavor.

Pod Mod Starter Kits

Pod mod is an open-ended term. In the simplest terms, it describes a vape that uses a pod but delivers performance comparable to vape mod. These devices have controls, features and power. They can throw clouds with aplomb but with a high-resistance coil are great for nic salts as well.

Smok Nord 4 Starter Kit

SMok Nord 4

The Smok Nord 4 Starter Kit is a step up in power and capabilities from the Novo. It has a similar form factor but there are a few important differences. The first is that the Nord 4 has a button fire activation. It is also a significantly more powerful vape device, with adjustable wattage that allows it to function as low wattage vape pod or a vape mod, depending on what coil is installed. The Nord does have swappable coils, unlike the Novo 3 which has integrated coils in each pod.

VooPoo Drag S Mod Pod Starter Kit

The VooPoo Drag S Mod Pod Starter Kit is the perfect device for vapers looking to upgrade their vaping experience. This starter kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a Drag S mod, two pods and a charger. The Drag S mod has an impressive wattage output range of 5-60W and supports the amazing TPP coil collection. This group has a wide range of options that cover every style of vaping. The TPP-X coils have the power necessary to earn the VooPoo Drag S Pro as the ultimate mod pod and pod mod. This versatile mod alternative has the performance veteran vapers want, is easy to use and very stylish.

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Vape Mod Starter Kits

A vape mod starter kit is slightly different than the pod kits listed above. Mods often do not have integrated batteries which have to be purchased separately. They are more advanced devices with great controls and menus. They are not to be used with nic salts. They produce too much vapor with their low resistance coils. But if cloud chasing is your thing, there is no better way to update your existing gear than with an all-in-one kit.

Geek Vape L200 Aegis Legend Starter Kit

The Geek Vape L200 Aegis Legend Starter Kit is an advanced vape device that will satisfy even the most experienced vapers. It's powered by a pair of 18650 lithium ion batteries and has a maximum wattage output of 200W, making it perfect for sub-ohm vaping and producing big clouds. The device also features Geek Vape's proprietary protections. These include dust, drop, immersion and a full safety suite as well.

GeekVape L200 Aegis Legend Mod Starter Kit Includes

1 x L200 Aegis Legend 2 Mod
1 x Z Subohm Tank (2021)
1 x Z Series 0.2ohm Coil (pre-installed)
1 x Z Series 0.25ohm Coil
1 x Coil Tool
1 x Spare Glass (5.5ml)
1 x Spare Parts

Smok ArcFox 230W Vape Mod Starter Kit

Every part of Smok ArcFox 230W vape mod is as precisely crafted as ever, and its performance and efficiency are still of utmost priority, keeping pace with advanced technology. Powered by two 18650 lithium ion batteries, it's a tri-proof box mod with a maximum output of 230W that offers both VW mode and TC mode. Dust, drop and water resistance are a must with a modern mod.

The powerful Smok TFV18 tank comes with TFV18 meshed coils. This excellent design delivers huge vapor and brings out a more immersive vaping to let you indulge in the rich vapor and mellow flavor.

Included in Smok ArcFox Vape Mod Kit

1 x ARCFOX Mod
1 x TFV18 Tank (7.5ml)
1 x TFV18 Meshed 0.33ohm Coil (Preinstalled)
1 x TFV18 Dual Meshed 0.15ohm Coil
1 x Bulb Glass Tube Replacement
1 x Type-C Cable

Final Word on Vaping

There are a ton of vaping products and flavors on the market. While flavor preference is subjective, the performance difference between a vape mod starter kit and a draw activated pod kit is substantial. They are not designed for the same type of eJuice and deliver entirely different experiences.

The mod unleashes massive clouds of lower nicotine smoke where the refillable vape pod, or disposable vape for that matter, focus on satisfaction through potent nicotine strength and flavor.

Most beginning vapers flock to the smaller and simple vape pod kits and disposables, these MTL devices are discrete, low maintenance and easy to handle. But thanks to advances in technology, mods are easier than ever to use and have the huge advantage of having lower nicotine concentrations.

While disposable vapes are extremely good price performers compared to the prefilled pod kits found at gas stations, and still are available in flavors in many areas, refilling your own device is always the cheapest and most environmentally friendly option.

No matter what type of vaping you prefer, eJuices.com has you covered. We carry all the products a vaper needs and have worked hard to develop a reliable shipping network to get you your products quickly.