Different Types of Vapes You Should Know About
The first thing to understand about different vapes is that there are two main categories of vapes.
There are other substances that people vape. Like various herbs and vitamins; some daring souls choose to even vaporize coffee. Many of those products and activities are on the fringes, but the devices used are no different from nicotine or cannabis vapes—they're just different substances that happen to "work" in the devices.
There's some overlap between cannabis and nicotine vapes, like the classic vape pen, which functions in both realms. This may explain why it's the most popular type of vape in existence.
Nicotine vapes
Disposables
Pros
- Small and convenient
- Perfect for stealth vaping
- Discreet
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Single-use increases waste
- Flavor output is average
- No refilling
Pod vapes
Pros
- Very easy to operate
- Practical form factor
- Refillable or replaceable pods
- Button or draw-activated
- Ideal for stealth vaping
Cons
- Quality and performance can vary greatly between devices
- Low vapor
- Frequent recharging of batteries
Box mods
Box mod kits are larger and more powerful vapes. The extra size usually means better performance and longer battery life, usually in the form of external vape batteries. Most box mods come with settings and features such as variable wattage or even temperature control. The included tanks can be mouth to lung clearomizers or direct lung sub ohm tanks.
The most common configuration for a box mod starter kit would be a single-battery mod with variable wattage and temperature control capabilities, paired with a mid-range sub ohm tank.
Pros
- Many options to choose from
- Higher performance
- Long-running internal or external batteries
- Can be used with other tanks
Cons
- Complicated
- Too advanced for novices
- Expensive
- Not very pocket-friendly
Regulated squonk starter kits
These are the most advanced vapes on this list. Technically a sub-category of box mod starter kits, squonk setups have enough features to set them apart that are worthy of their own category. Squonkers provide a practical method for feeding your atomizer with e-liquid. A typical regulated squonk setup bundles a squonk capable box mod and a bottom-fed RDA. The mod houses a squeezable bottle that is connected to the atomizer deck through a shallow 510, practically functioning as an external tank section.
Due to the bottle occupying the space where a battery would have been placed, a single battery squonk mod will have roughly the same size with a dual-battery box mod. As a result, most squonk kits come in single battery configuration, but dual-battery squonkers are available for those who don’t mind the extra bulk.
Pros
- Very high-performing devices
- RDAs can be built to one’s needs
- No need to drip
- Increases liquid capacity
- Turn non-tanks basically into tanks (extra liquid storage)
- Freshly soaked wicks offer fresh flavor
Cons
- Complex; not for beginners
- Small parts to keep up with and maintain
- Required cleaning to ensure clean flavor performance
Cannabis and CBD vapes
These vaporizers come in various forms. Similar to smoking accessories like bongs, bubblers, bowls, and dab rigs, cannabis and CBD vapes are plentiful. Still, when it comes down to it, there are two main types: desktops and portables. Portables can be small to hardly pocketable but still portable, with desktops needing to be parked at your session station.
Desktop vaporizers are typically the most efficient option for dry herb and wax. But if you’re on the go, there are solid portable and pen-style vapes that provide vaporization with all the benefits of the substance and none of the issues of smoke, either obnoxious odors or negative health effects from inhaling smoke.
CBD vape pens
Pros
- Small and convenient
- Perfect for stealth medicating
- Better bioavailability than tinctures
- Discreet
- Affordable
Cons
- Low power
- Single-use
- Low vapor
Weed and THC oil pens
A weed pen, or THC oil pen, is a relatively simple two-part electronic device used to vaporize THC/CBD oil or distillate. Every weed pen houses a small battery that heats your oil in an atomizer cartridge containing a wick and a heating coil, or just a ceramic coil. This heating process turns concentrates into vapor.
Previously, THC carts were only available in cannabis dispensaries. Today delta 8 carts are growing in popularity. They provide the physical and mentally stimulating effects of THC, but are derived from hemp instead of marijuana. That means they are more accessible to a wider range of people who previously didn't have access to cannabis products.
Pros
- Small and convenient
- Personal use for small sessions
- Perfect for stealth medicating or for recreational use
- Discreet
- Versatile
- Low odor
- Easy to use
Cons
- Small batteries need more frequent charges
- Lacking power
- Required cleaning
- Not very advanced but prices can be a bit high
Portable cannabis vaporizers
Pros
- Small and convenient
- Personal use for small sessions with others
- Perfect for stealth medicating or for recreational use
- Discreet
- Versatile
- Low odor
- Easy to use
Cons
- Need to recharge battery
- Typically have several parts to keep up with
- Required cleaning
Desktop vaporizers
Pros & Cons
- Small and convenient
- Personal use for small sessions with others
- Perfect for stealth medicating or for recreational use
- Discreet
- Versatile
- Low odor
- Easy to use
- Need to recharge battery
- Typically have several parts to keep up with
- Required cleaning
What type of a vape should you buy?
This is a common question but rarely can it be answered for you. It will always be a personal choice. Most important are your needs, your budget, and your willingness to tinker with electronics. Furthermore, though it may seem shallow, you should really consider the look and size of the device. If a big bulky device doesn't fit your lifestyle, you can effectively rule out half of your options. Of course, the same is true if your budget isn't limited or you aren't concerned with pocketability.
Bottom line: if you're interested in vaping as an alternative to smoking, there's a better chance than not there's a perfect device for you! Hopefully, this guide brought you a few steps closer to finding it.
Spyros Papamichail
Vaping for: 9 years
Favorite products:
Favorite flavors: Sweet tobaccos, fruits
Expertise in: Nicotine, beginner devices, advanced devices
Spyros Papamichail
Having quit smoking using vapes in 2016, I quickly developed somewhat of an obsession with all things vaping. I managed to turn my hobby into a full-time job, and I now work as the content manager here at Vaping360. In my free time you'll find me gaming on my PS5 or playing fetch with my dog, Buffy.
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