Written By Joshua Bainbridge - Content Executive at JM Wholesale
Finding Your Perfect Starting Device
You're ready to take the plunge into the world of vaping and experience what an electronic cigarette has to offer, but with so many options on the market, finding the right device to get started can feel overwhelming.
Whether you're looking for a simple pod kit for nicotine salts, a stylish vape pen for freebase e-liquids, or a more advanced box mod for sub-ohm vaping, we've got you covered. In this guide, we break down the top five beginner vape kits to help you find your perfect match based on your needs and vaping preferences. Read on to discover the pros and cons of popular starter kits from leading brands like Geekvape, Voopoo, Elf Bar and Vaporesso so you can choose a device that delivers the ideal blend of performance, affordability and simplicity.
The world of vaping awaits - let's find your ideal entry point.
Let's start by introducing you to the basics, such as DTL, MTL and Sub-ohm and the devices we’re discussing today.
What is the difference between pod-based MTL and tank-based DTL vaping?
There are two main types of vape devices: pod kits for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping and tank kits for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping. The differences between these devices lie in their structure and the vaping experience they provide.
Pod kits, like the ElfA Pod Kit and OXVA Xlim Pro 30W Kit, typically contain refillable pods with an integrated coil and mouthpiece. They produce an MTL vape with a tight draw, similar to smoking a cigarette. The pods have a higher nicotine strength e-liquid and lower power output, around 10 to 30 watts, suited for nicotine salt e-liquids.
Tank kits, such as the Geek vape T200 and Voopoo Drag H80S, have a mod, tank, coil and drip tip. They generate high-volume vapour for a direct inhale into the lungs. The tanks contain freebase e-liquids with a lower nicotine strength, around 3 to 6 milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml), and the mods provide higher power, 50 watts or more, for sub-ohm vaping, which provides denser and thicker clouds that are more comparable to a shisha than a cigarette.
In summary, pod kits are simple to use, portable and simulate the feeling of smoking for MTL vaping. Tank kits are more advanced, and customisable and produce huge clouds for DTL vaping. The choice between these two types of devices depends on your vaping preferences and experience. With the range of products now available, there are options to suit vapers at every level.
Direct-to-Lung Hits for Sub-Ohm Clouds:
Voopoo Drag H80S:
For direct lung inhales and thick vapour production, sub-ohm starter kits are ideal. The VOOPOO Drag H80S Vape Kit is a compact and powerful device designed for an exceptional vaping experience. Here's why you should consider it:
Compact and Comfortable Design: The Drag H80S is 15% smaller than its predecessors, making it the smallest Drag to date. Its clean lines and edges, clad in classic metal and leather textures, provide a comfortable and stylish feel.
User-Friendly Interface and Charging: The UI Interface integrates the menu and reduces the button combination for simplicity. The charging interaction is also more user-friendly and dynamic. The magnetic battery cover is durable and easy to install, ensuring a tight fit for the single 18650 battery.
ECO Mode: The Drag H80S features an ECO mode that increases vaping puffs by 10% when the battery capacity is at 40%. This mode ensures a satisfying vaping experience even under low battery conditions.
GENE.TT 2.0 Chip: The installed GENE.TT 2.0 chip provides fast ignition, high boost, and multiple vaping modes, delivering a vaping experience like never before.
Voopoo Drag H80S: The Drag H80S Kit comes with the PnP POD II pod, which offers easy top filling and ideal airflow adjustment at the bottom. The pod is compatible with all PnP coils, including RBA coils, for a customizable vaping experience.
Unique Airway Structure Dual In One Tech: The PnP-TW30 and PnP-TW15 mesh coils feature a basin-shaped structure that gathers smooth and soft airflow, allowing you to enjoy rich clouds and fine taste. This structure also improves atomization efficiency by consuming less e-liquid during vaping.
Vaporesso Target 200:
The Vaporesso Target 200 Vape Kit is a dual-battery kit that offers a unique and innovative design, making it an excellent option for someone looking to start vaping. Here's why you should consider this kit:
Compact and Durable Design: The cage-like frame of the Target 200 redefines the size of the dual-battery kit, making it compact enough to carry outside while also suitable for indoor occasions. The water-resistant braid makes it more durable and comfortable.
Enhanced Vaping Experience: The newly developed iTank redefines direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, providing users with bigger clouds and denser flavour. The innovative Turbo Airflow System with the brand new GTi coil ensures a smoother airflow and even heating to fully vaporize the liquid.
Reliable and Safe: The Target 200 kit is powered by the AXON CHIP, which ensures reliable performance and safety features. It also offers various output modes, including Pulse mode and F[t] mode, for a customized vaping experience.
Easy to Use: The kit is simple enough for new vapers to use, while still offering enough options for more advanced users. The included iTank has a large 8ml e-juice capacity and an easy top-filling system, making it convenient for everyday use.
Compatibility and Future-Proof: The Target 200 kit is compatible with the GTi Mesh Coils, providing an extreme DTL experience. It is also future-proof, capable of handling upcoming coil innovations.
Value for Money: the Target 200 kit offers excellent value for money, with a durable mod, a high-quality tank, and a range of features that enhance the vaping experience.
Geekvape T200:
The Geekvape T200 Aegis Vape Kit is a powerful and versatile vaping device designed for both seasoned vapers and newcomers. Here's why you should consider it:
Exceptional Performance: With a 200W output and dual 18650 batteries, the T200 offers long-lasting vaping sessions and powerful performance.
Intuitive Touch Screen: The 2.4-inch full touch screen with 4 dynamic UI themes provides a more interactive and user-friendly interface, allowing you to easily navigate through various settings and personalization options.
Compact and Durable: The 2nd Gen of Geekvape Tri-proof Tech makes the T200 more compact, while its IP68-rating water & dust resistance and a higher level of shock resistance provide better protection in harsher environments.
Leakproof Dual-Coil Airflow Master: The T200's dual-coil airflow system and premium Geekvape Z Coil provide excellent flavour and a double service life, enhancing your vaping experience.
These kits are ideal for the vaper looking for an airy draw and thick vapour. However, higher wattages and sub-ohm coils mean e-liquid consumption is greater. Battery life may also be reduced. For the beginner, it is best to start at a lower wattage and build up gradually based on your needs.
For Mouth Lung devices check out both of these suggestions:
Elfbar ElfA Pod kit system:
Convenient and Cost-Effective: The ELFA pod kit uses pre-filled replaceable pods, allowing you to easily switch between a variety of delicious flavours without the need to buy a new kit. This makes it a more affordable and sustainable option compared to disposable vapes.
User-Friendly Design: With its inhale-activated system, the ELFA pod kit is incredibly easy to use - simply take a puff, and it will automatically activate. The 500mAh built-in battery provides a long-lasting vaping experience, and the Type-C charging ensures quick and efficient recharging.
Great Performance: The ELFA pod kit delivers satisfying nicotine hits with its 2% (20mg) nicotine strength, which is the maximum allowed in the UK. Each 2ml pre-filled pod can provide up to 600 puffs, ensuring a long-lasting and enjoyable vaping experience.
Compact and Portable: The ELFA pod kit's sleek and compact design makes it easy to carry around, fitting comfortably in your pocket or bag.
Wide Range of Flavours: With 13 unique flavours to choose from, you can find the perfect e-liquid to suit your taste preferences.
Environmentally Friendly: By opting for the ELFA pod kit, you are making a more sustainable choice compared to disposable vapes, as the battery section is reusable and rechargeable.
OXVA Xlim Pro:
The OXVA Xlim Pro is a top-of-the-line vape device that offers a seamless and enjoyable vaping experience. Designed as an upgrade to the previous models in the Xlim series, this device is perfect for beginners and experienced vapers alike. Here's what you can expect from the OXVA Xlim Pro:
Output: The device features a 5-30W variable output, allowing you to customize your vaping experience to suit your preferences.
Display: The 0.42in OLED screen provides clear and easy-to-read information about your vaping settings and battery life.
Pods: The OXVA Xlim Pro uses top-filling pods with built-in mesh coils, which offer enhanced flavour and a smooth vaping experience. The device is compatible with most of the existing range of XLIM pods and comes with 0.6ohm and 0.8ohm pods.
Operation: The OXVA Xlim Pro is easy to use, with a simple power on/off function, both auto-draw and fire-button activation modes, and a battery indicator on the screen.
Flavour and Cloud Production: The OXVA Xlim Pro delivers dense, flavourful clouds, making it a top choice for vapers who prioritize taste and vapour production.
Adjustable Airflow: The device features adjustable airflow, allowing you to customize your vaping experience even further.
Build Quality: The OXVA Xlim Pro is built to last, with improved build quality and a move from bottom-fill to side-fill, making it a sturdy and reliable device.
Compatibility: The OXVA Xlim Pro is compatible with a wide range of e-liquids, including 50/50 PG/VG blends and nic salts.
Personal preference is king:
To conclude, with so many great options on the market, vaping device selection comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer high-voltage sub-ohm vaping with major clouds, or a discreet mouth-to-lung pod kit, there is a perfect starter kit for every vaper.
High Voltage Sub-Ohm Vaping
For those seeking powerful direct-to-lung hits, the Geekvape T200 or Voopoo Drag H80S Refresh Edition are superb choices. These mods offer high wattage, sub-ohm vaping with replaceable coils, producing huge vapour and intense flavour. However, higher e-liquid consumption and shorter battery life are downsides to consider.
Mouth-To-Lung Pod Kits
If discretion and convenience are priorities, a pod kit like the Elf Bar or Oxva Xlim Pro will suit perfectly. These compact, button / draw-activated devices deliver a tight mouth-to-lung draw with nicotine salt e-liquids for a satisfying throat hit. While more affordable and longer-lasting, the vapour and flavour production is more modest.
In summary, sub-ohm mods excel in vapour and flavour at the cost of efficiency, whereas pod kits shine for their convenience and affordability with slightly muted performance. For the beginner vaper, either style can provide an enjoyable experience. The most important factors are choosing a device appropriate for your needs, learning proper usage and maintenance, and finding e-liquids with a nicotine level and flavour profile that satisfies. With time and experience, you can experiment to find your sweet spot. The vaping world is your oyster!
Conclusion
In summary, there are vaping devices to suit every need and experience level. Whether you prefer the convenience of a pod kit, the versatility of a box mod, or the simplicity of an all-in-one, this list provides an excellent starting point. Any of these beginner vape kits would make a great first device to help you start your vaping journey. With time and experience, you'll determine what works best for your needs and preferences. The key is to start simple, learn the basics, and have fun exploring all that vaping has to offer. The vaping world awaits - time to dive in!