There are a lot of different types of vape devices, but most fall under five distinct categories. We Vape Mods have compiled an informative list for you to better understand your options. Some devices or vape mod kits are more suited to beginners, like a vape pen, whereas mechanical mods, for example, should only be used by advanced vapers.
Whatever your level of experience, it’s important to be aware of the different types of electronic cigarettes out there.
There are now more types of vape devices available than ever, with new designs and features continuing to be developed. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of the five main vape device variations that we have included in our different types of vape mods list.
The 5 Different Types Of Vape Mods
1. Vape Pen
A vape pen or vaporizer pen is a small, pen like device that is relatively simple to use and easy to carry. Most vape pens have an internal battery and little to no settings. This makes them a straightforward option for people who want a simple vaping device.
Vape pens are generally lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around. Depending on the model, they may use a refillable tank, pod, or cartridge, while others may be designed for a specific type of e-liquid or cartridge.
Vape pens have come a long way since their creation in the early 2000s. In the beginning, manufacturers designed many vape pens to look very similar to a cigarette. Nowadays, there are lots of different types of vape pens, including devices that look more like a thin box mod. The term “stick” is also commonly used when describing some pen-style devices.
2. Pod System
The pod system or pod mod is a compact type of vaping device that has become extremely popular over the years. Pod systems became widely known in the late 2010s, with devices such as JUUL helping bring the compact pod format into the mainstream.
These types of devices are small in size and offer a simple user experience. Pod systems use a pod or cartridge to hold e-liquid. Depending on the device, the pod may be prefilled or refillable, and some pods contain a built-in coil while others use replaceable coils.
Many pod systems don’t even have a firing button; they simply start working when you inhale. Other pod systems use a physical firing button and may offer adjustable wattage or airflow.
As you could imagine, pod systems are ultra-portable because of their size and weight. Modern pod devices are available in many different designs and can range from extremely simple devices to more advanced pod mods with adjustable settings.
3. Box Mod
Box mods are bigger and more powerful than many vape pens or basic pod systems. They can also be heavier, particularly when they use removable batteries.
Most regulated box mods use a chipset that controls power delivery and provides various features and safety protections. Depending on the device, box mods can use internal rechargeable batteries or removable batteries.
Some removable battery box mods can take 18650 or 21700 batteries, although the exact battery type depends on the device. Always check your instruction manual to see which battery your mod can take.
The advantages of using a box mod are that they are very customizable. Many box mods come with a universal 510 threaded connection, which allows you to swap out your tank or atomizer. Regulated box mods can also offer features such as adjustable wattage, resistance monitoring, battery monitoring, and other settings.
Many box mods have a digital display that can show information such as wattage, voltage, resistance, battery level, and other device settings.
4. Squonk Mod
Squonk mods are a variation of the box mod. They have a built-in squeeze bottle which is used to feed e-liquid from within your device up through the 510 connection to your atomizer.
Most squonkers tend to use an RDA as their choice of atomizer, as it removes the need to frequently drip e-liquid directly onto the build deck.
Squonk mods became particularly popular among enthusiasts who use rebuildable atomizers. They tend to attract intermediate to advanced level vapers because they require additional knowledge of atomizers, coils, and e-liquid handling.
Although squonk devices are more of a niche category today, they remain a popular option among some rebuildable atomizer enthusiasts.
5. Mechanical Mod
Mech mods are not for beginner vapers. They are considered unregulated devices. To use a mech mod safely, you will need a sound knowledge of Ohm’s law, battery safety, and coil resistance.
They can be similar in size to a box mod or vape pen, but they don’t have the electronic safety features and protections found in regulated devices. The battery in a mech mod sends current directly to your coil when the firing button is pressed. The power delivered to the coil depends on the battery’s voltage, its condition, and the resistance of the coil.
Mech mods have been popularized by the vaping community and are commonly available as tube-style devices with a bottom or side firing button. Because mechanical mods have minimal hardware and circuitry, they can be relatively simple in construction.
However, their lack of electronic protections means mechanical mods require considerably more knowledge and care than regulated devices. Battery condition, battery specifications, coil resistance, and proper battery handling are all important when using a mechanical mod.
Anyone unfamiliar with Ohm’s law and battery safety should avoid using a mechanical mod.
And that rounds off our in-depth article on the different types of vape mods. From simple vape pens and pod systems to customizable box mods and specialized squonk and mechanical mods, each type of device offers a different experience.
Understanding the differences between these devices can help you decide which type is best suited to your preferences and level of experience.
