Vape mods may have been forgotten, but they're still being made.
Long ago, in a distant time before disposables were in the hands of so many vapers, there were amazing devices called ‘vape mods’. These ‘mods’ were non-disposable devices that vapers charged and filled with e-liquid from bottles. The kits were versatile, from mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices that mimicked cigarettes, to direct-to-lung (DL) devices that produced plumes of vape. Carried by true vaping enthusiasts. Do you remember vape mods?
All joking aside, 15% of vapers have converted to using disposables. But, 65% of adult vapers in England are still using tank type devices (thankfully!).
For those that aren’t in the know, vape mods bring with them some advantages over disposables. Firstly they have a longer battery life. Disposables such as the Elf Bar 600 have around about 550mAh. Even refillable disposables such as the Aspire R1 only have around a 600mAh battery capacity. Most vape mods start at around 800mAh, which is a vast improvement. Also, an open tank system is more cost efficient in regards to e-liquid. One 600 puff disposable has 2ml of liquid and range from £3.39 to £5.99 per bar. A 10ml bottle of e-liquid costs between £2.49 and £4.99 and is 5 times as much liquid as a disposable!
It’s easy to forget about open tank systems, due to the plethora of disposables on the market. So, here’s a handy list of some newer devices that have graced the market.
MTL Kits & Pod Mods
MTL kits are usually smaller devices that provide smaller amounts of vapour, more akin to a cigarette. If you’re a disposable vaper, then these kits combined with a disposable like liquid such as VLTZ liquid or Bar Juice 5000 are a cost effective alternative.
Geekvape Wenax M1
The GeekVape Wenax M1 is a wonderful little device. It has an 800mAh battery, is charged with USB-C and has an inhale activated firing method.
The pods are disposable and can hold 2ml of e-liquid.
The resistances available are: 1.2ohm for those who prefer a more restricted draw, and 0.8ohm for those that prefer an airier vape.
OXVA XLIM Pro
The OXVA XLIM Pro is another disposable pod device, with a bigger battery. This kit boasts a 1000mAh capacity and USB-C fast charge. It has a choice of 0.6ohm and 1.2ohm pod and has adjustable airflow.
The XLIM Pro looks and feels very high quality. Also, the device features a RGB light bar on the front that really adds a flair to the kit. This can be customised with 2 clicks of the fire button.
Eleaf iJust D20
If you’re looking for a decent MTL pen type, then look no further than the Eleaf iJust D20.
The D20 has a large selection of coil resistances. These coils are push fit, and easy to install and change.
The battery capacity is 1500mAh, which is reasonable for an MTL device. Also, it charges with USB-C quick charge.
With the sliding top fill pod tank, quick charge and three power settings, this vape is ideal for new vapers.
DL Kits
DL kits are often larger devices that are powerful and run at a higher wattage. These kits aren’t as convenient as carrying around a small disposable like a Lost Mary, but give much larger amounts of vapour. The liquid used with these kits is often a low strength, higher VG liquid such as Zeus Juice or TECC Urban Chase Shortfill.
VOOPOO ARGUS GT II
The VOOPOO ARGUS GT 2 kit is a fantastic device. It utilises TPP coils, which produce a very consistent flavour. It has a switch adjusted airflow, which provides a smooth vape.
The device is powered by dual 18650 batteries and features a USB-C charge port to top up your kit in a pinch. Also, the charge port is hidden beneath a sliding door, very aesthetically pleasing.
The whole mod looks sleek and stylish, and the leatherette padding makes the device comfortable to hold.
If you’d like to know more why not read Paul’s review?
VOOPOO DRAG 4
This VOOPOO kit is a fantastic addition to a long line of cloud chasing machines.
With dual 18650 batteries and a maximum output of 177W, this kit can chuck out some serious cloud. It uses PnP coils, which are well known for fantastic flavour and a solid performance.
There are two distinct styles to this kit, a kind of tie-dye plastic or a wood like paneling. I think that both look amazing, but I went for the wood when I bought mine.
SMOK MAG-18
SMOK is well known in the vape world for its DL vape mods.
The SMOK MAG-18 is SMOK’s newest iteration of the classic MAG range. It keeps the basic shape of the old MAG, but rounds them. This makes the device more comfortable to grip. It’s sadly missing the iconic MAG battery compartment, favouring a standard spring loaded battery door.
The mod is powered by dual 18650 batteries and performs brilliantly. The TFV-Mini V2 tank is nothing new, but it’s a fantastic tank regardless.
Another fantastic DL kit from SMOK.
