A Crash Course in the Types of Vaping Devices
Before you make your decision, it helps to understand what you’re actually choosing between.
E-cigarettes all work in the same basic way – vaporising e-liquid using an electrically-powered heating coil – but there are big differences between cigalikes, tank systems and mods it’s important to know about:
Cigalikes: These are e-cigarettes that look quite similar to tobacco cigarettes (hence “cig-alike”). They have small batteries, and the heating coil and e-liquid are contained in a “cartomizer.” You usually use these in the way as you’d smoke a cigarette.
Tank systems: These devices move away from the cigarette-like appearance, having a size comparable to a marker pen or mid-sized cigar. They have a tank to store e-liquid and replaceable coils, and the batteries last longer than cigalike batteries. Unlike most cigalikes, these start vaporising e-liquid when you press and hold a button.
Mods: These are the biggest e-cigarettes, but come in a range of shapes and sizes. Most these days are box-shaped (and called “box mods”) but basically work like big tank system e-cigarettes. Along with bigger, longer-lasting batteries, they also offer extra features and can support a wider range of different tanks. Mods bear no resemblance at all to cigarettes.
Pod Systems: These offer a compromise between the simplicity of a cigalike and the functionality of a mod system. At least that was the original idea – continuous innovation since the introduction of pod systems mean that some pod systems now offer the power and performance of a decent mod devices.
This all means there’s a huge choice of systems. Closed pod systems, such as the Hexa Vape 2, are perhaps closest to cigalike systems and come with replacements pods.
Pod Mods: Pod Mods such as the Oxva Velocity combine the power of a mod with the design of a pod. They may also have some of the functionality of a mod system. While often easier to use than a mod, these are not really for beginners.
This is a very basic introduction, but it gives you the key facts you need about each type of e-cig to decide which is the best option for your needs.
