BEST VAPE MOD: DISCOVER TOP PICKS FOR CLOUD CHASERS

What is a Vape Mod?

A vape mod is an advanced vape device designed to enhance the vaping experience by offering advanced features for greater control and customisation than standard e-cigarettes. Unlike basic E-Cigarettes, which are typically disposable and have limited settings, vape mods are more sophisticated and allow users to adjust various parameters such as wattage, temperature, and airflow. These devices often come with larger removeable batteries, providing longer usage times and the ability to produce lots of vapour. Vape mods can also accommodate a wide range of atomizers and coils, giving users the flexibility to tailor their vaping experience to their preferences, whether they prioritise flavour, vapour production, or a balance of both. Beginner vapers or those seeking an easy and convenient way to vape may find a simpler device, like the SMOKO VAPE POD, may be a better choice than a complex vape mod with prefilled pod refills helping users to avoid cleaning, maintenance and filling e-liquid.

What's in a Vape Mod?

A vape mod comprises several key components that work together to deliver a customisable vaping experience. At its core are the vape's batteries, sometimes these are removable batteries but sometimes they are built-in, which powers the device and can vary in size and capacity, influencing how long the mod can be used before needing a recharge. Attached to the battery is the tank, which holds the e-liquid and is typically made of glass or plastic. Within the tank is the atomizer, the part responsible for heating the e-liquid and converting it into vapour. This atomizer contains the heating coil, a critical element that affects the flavour and vapour production. Additionally, vape mods feature adjustable settings, temperature control and a display screen, allowing users to control the power output. Some mods also include safety features, such as short-circuit protection and overheating prevention, to ensure a safe vaping experience.

How Do Vape Mods Work?

Vape mods operate by using internal batteries to power a heating element known as a coil, which in turn vaporises the e-liquid contained in the tank. When the user activates the device, either by pressing a button or simply inhaling (depending on the model), the battery supplies electricity to the coil. This coil heats up rapidly, reaching temperatures high enough to convert the e-liquid into vapor without burning it. The vapour is then inhaled through the mouthpiece, delivering the desired flavour and nicotine hit. Vape mods often come with adjustable settings due to advanced chipsets, like variable wattage and temperature control, which can fine-tune the vapour production and flavour intensity. Additionally, advanced vape mods include safety features and digital displays, providing real-time information and ensuring a secure vaping experience.

How to Fill a Vape Mod

Filling a mod's vape tank is a straightforward process that begins with disassembling the device, typically by unscrewing the vape tank from the mod itself. Once separated, locate the fill port on the tank, which is often sealed with a rubber gasket or a twist-off cap. Ensure the device is not connected to the power source to avoid accidental activation. Use the e-liquid bottle to gently pour the desired amount into the tank, taking care not to overflow or spill. Avoid filling the tank all the way to the brim to prevent leakage. After filling, securely reassemble the tank onto the mod, ensuring all components are tightly screwed together to maintain a proper seal. Let the device sit for a few minutes to allow the e-liquid to saturate the coil properly, which helps avoid dry hits. Finally, wipe any excess e-liquid from the tank and mod exterior before reactivating the device for use. This simple process ensures a smooth and enjoyable vaping experience while maintaining the integrity of the device.

How Does the Heating Coil Affect the Vaping Experience?

The heating coil in a vape mod plays a crucial role in shaping the vaping experience in several ways. First and foremost, the type of coil used—whether it's made from materials like Kanthal, stainless steel, nickel, or titanium—affects both the flavour and vapour production. Different materials have varying heat resistance and react differently to temperature control settings, influencing the overall taste and smoothness of the vapour. The coil resistance, measured in ohms, also determines the amount of power needed from the battery and consequently affects the intensity of the huge clouds of vapour produced. Moreover, there is a range of coils available, such as single coil or dual coil setups, and these can impact the speed at which the e-liquid is vaporised and the warmth of the vapour. Ultimately, choosing the right heating coil based on personal preferences for flavour, vapour production, coil life, and the desired vaping style—whether mouth-to-lung (MTL) or direct-lung (DL)—is essential for maximising the enjoyment and satisfaction of using a vape mod.

If you have heard the term 'sub-ohm vaping', or seen sub-ohm tanks for sale, it relates to the coil resistance being under 1 ohm and results in more vapour production so is perfect for cloud chasing, and features faster heating times and higher temperatures. This type of vaping style requires the safety protections offered by advanced chipsets and is suited to more advanced vapers. Additionally, there is some evidence that sub-ohm vaping produces more volatile compounds than vaping on a low-powered device (1).

What's the Difference Between MTL and DL Vaping?

The main distinction between mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-lung (DL) vaping lies in the inhalation technique and the resulting vaping experience. MTL vaping mimics the draw of a traditional cigarette, where the vapour is first drawn into the mouth and then inhaled into the lungs. This method typically uses higher resistance coils and lower power settings, emphasising flavour over vapour production. In contrast, DL vaping involves inhaling the vapour directly into the lungs in a single motion. It generally utilises lower resistance coils and higher power settings, resulting in larger vapour clouds and a warmer vape. The choice between MTL and DL vaping depends largely on personal preference and desired vaping experience—whether one prefers a tighter draw with enhanced flavour (MTL) or a more airy draw with substantial vapour production (DL).

What type of e-liquid should you use with a vape mod?

When selecting e-liquid for use with a vape mod, it's important to consider both the device's specifications and your personal vaping preferences. Vape mods typically perform best with e-liquids that have a higher vegetable glycerine (VG) content, such as those with a 70/30 VG/PG (propylene glycol) ratio or higher. High VG e-liquids produce thicker vapour and richer clouds, making them ideal for sub-ohm vaping. These e-liquids also provide a smoother throat hit, which is preferred by many cloud chasers and direct-lung (DL) vapers. However, if you prefer mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping with a higher nicotine concentration and more intense throat hit, you might opt for a 50/50 VG/PG ratio. Always ensure that the e-liquid's nicotine strength and flavour profile align with your taste and desired vaping experience.

The type of nicotine used in the e-liquid can also have a significant impact on the vaping experience. Using a vape device with nicotine salts, also called 'nic salt', provides a smooth throat hit, even at higher strengths so heavy vapers may choose to use a nic salt liquid in order to vape at high strength on a vape mod. It is worth being aware that mods produce more vapour, which can feel harsh on the throat with a high strength freebase nicotine liquid. This means you should be using low strength freebase nicotine liquids with a mod vape to prevent unwanted coughing fits!

In addition, nic salt e-liquids typically contain 3 to 4 times the amount of flavouring used in freebase nicotine liquids (2). This is significant as flavourings are responsible for some of the volatile compounds produced from vaping, so if you want to vape as safely as possible, you may want to choose to vape with freebase nicotine liquids! Do remember that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking, according to Public Health England! (3) 

Will a vape mod help me quit smoking?

A vape mod can be a helpful tool for quitting smoking by providing a satisfying alternative to traditional cigarettes. Vape mods allow users to customise their nicotine intake, gradually reducing the nicotine concentration in their e-liquids over time. This flexibility can make the transition away from smoking easier, as it addresses both the physical addiction to nicotine and the habitual aspects of smoking, such as hand-to-mouth action and inhaling vapour. This may help to explain why Cochrane found high-certainty evidence that E-Cigarettes are more effective for quitting smoking than traditional nicotine replacement therapy products like nicotine patches and nicotine gum! (4)

Additionally, the wide variety of e-liquid flavours available can help keep the experience enjoyable and reduce cravings for tobacco. Many former smokers have successfully used vape mods as part of their quit-smoking strategy, finding that the ability to control and gradually decrease nicotine levels leads to a smoother, more sustainable path to cessation. However, it's important to use vape mods responsibly and seek support from healthcare professionals for the best results.

How Do You Maintain a Vape Mod?

Maintaining a mod vape kit is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the device. Regular maintenance involves several key steps. Firstly, cleaning the tank regularly by disassembling it and rinsing all components with warm water helps remove residue and old e-liquid flavours. It's important to dry thoroughly before reassembling. Additionally, replacing the coil regularly, typically every 1-2 weeks depending on usage, prevents buildup and maintains the quality of flavour and vapour production. Checking and cleaning the battery terminals with a cotton swab and alcohol can prevent connectivity issues. Lastly, storing the vape mod in a cool, dry place and avoiding extreme temperatures or direct sunlight helps preserve its components and battery life. Following these maintenance practices not only ensures a consistent and enjoyable vaping experience but also extends the lifespan of the vape mod.

Best Vape Mods UK

When considering the best types of vape mod available in the UK, several models stand out for their performance, features, and popularity among enthusiasts. The SMOK Morph 2 is highly regarded for its robust build quality, intuitive touchscreen interface, and impressive vapour production. Another top choice is the Vaporesso Gen S, celebrated for its advanced AXON chipset, customisable settings, and ergonomic design. For vapers seeking compactness without sacrificing power, the GeekVape Aegis Mini is favoured for its durability, water-resistant capabilities, and reliable performance. Each of these vape mods offers unique features catering to different vaping preferences, whether prioritising cloud production, flavour enhancement, or ease of use, making them standout options in the competitive UK market.

Best Vape Design

When it comes to the best vape designs, devices like the sleek and compact Voopoo Drag X Plus combine ergonomic design with a striking appearance, featuring a leather grip and polished metal accents that not only feel comfortable in hand but also exude a sense of luxury. For those who appreciate innovation, the GeekVape Aegis Legend is renowned for its rugged yet stylish exterior, designed to withstand water, dust, and shock.

For casual vapers, or those new to vaping, choosing a prefilled option may be preferable to a box mod design. This avoids messy filling and essential maintenance that comes along with vape mods such as cleaning your tanks, checking and changing coils and checking for internal leaking. The simple design offered by the SMOKO VAPE POD allows easy on-the-go use, including changing flavours with the switch of a refill, as does the SMOKO E-Cigarette that is designed to look and feel like a traditional cigarette which is perfect for quitting smoking!

Are vape mods affected by the disposable vape ban?

Vape mods themselves are typically not affected by the disposable vape ban, as the ban primarily targets disposable e-cigarettes or vape pens that are pre-filled with nicotine-containing liquid and intended for single use. Vape mods, on the other hand, are reusable devices that allow users to refill their own e-liquid and replace components like coils and batteries as needed. These mods are designed for long-term use and offer greater customisation options compared to disposable vapes. There is huge amounts of lithium that could be reused going to waste in disposable vapes (5), and the batteries are causing challenges for waste management companies due to fires caused by the vape batteries inside! (6)

How do vape mods compare with prefilled pod devices?

Vape mods and prefilled pod devices cater to different preferences and vaping styles, each offering distinct advantages. Advanced mod devices are larger, customisable devices that typically have larger battery capacity and can accommodate various types of tanks and coils, allowing advanced vapers to fine-tune their vaping experience for optimal flavour and vapour production. In contrast, prefilled pod vape kits are compact devices and are easy to use, with disposable pods pre-filled with e-liquid. They are often favoured for their simplicity, discretion, and convenience, making them ideal for beginners or vapers who prefer a hassle-free experience. While vape mods offer more versatility and control over vaping parameters, prefilled pod devices are convenient for on-the-go vaping with minimal maintenance. The choice between the two depends largely on individual preferences for customisation, convenience, and overall vape experience.

Best Vape Mod: Discover Top Picks for Cloud Chasers - Conclusion

There is no doubt that vape mods offer a tailored vaping experience, from choosing your specific tank and coils to the control over the power output. This customisation capability comes at a price, though: your time and effort. Filling your tank, cleaning your device and checking the coil degradation regularly is important to keep your mod functioning correctly and safely. Trouble arises when users fail to do this, with potential leaking through to the batteries being a cause for concern, or a degraded coil leeching heavy metals into the e-liquid which are then inhaled.

Essential maintenance means you have to carve out time from your potentially busy schedule to ensure your vaping experience isn't negative. Compare this to the prefilled options, like the SMOKO VAPE POD and SMOKO E-Cigarette, which feature a new coil in every refill, have rechargeable batteries that can be used time and again and can change flavours without any need for cleaning. You can even recycle your empty refills with us for free!

With more evidence indicating that E-Cigarettes are more effective for quitting smoking than traditional forms of nicotine replacement therapy, like nicotine patches and nicotine gum, quitting has never been easier than with SMOKO!

REFERENCES

(1) Sub-ohm vaping increases the levels of carbonyls, is cytotoxic, and alters gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed at the air–liquid interface

(2) Comprehensive Dutch market data analysis shows that e-liquids with nicotine salts have both higher nicotine and flavour concentrations than those with free-base nicotine 

(3) E-cigarettes: an evidence update - A report commissioned by Public Health
England

(4) Latest Cochrane Review finds high certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) in helping people quit smoking

(5) Study finds that vast amounts of waste are caused by single-use e-cigarette batteries

(6) Single-use vapes sparking surge in fires at UK waste plants

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by Dan Overgage

Dan Overgage – is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes.  Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking.  During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke free.