Need a hand navigating your way through the world of pods and mods? Whether you’re a veteran vapor or want to stop smoking and start vaping, the choice presented to you when it comes to vaporizers, e-liquid and the array of accompanying accessories can at times seem a little devastating. As the numbers of different devices are made available, let’s take a look at the key differences between Pods and Mods, as well what the best e juices to use with each device are.
The critical differences between pods and mods will primarily come down to a few factors – size, power, affordability and e-liquid. However, what are pods and mods anyway?
What are Mods?
Mod or Mod Boxes are, as the name suggests, the modifiable (mod), box-like devices, which use sub-ohm technology to give vapers more power and subsequently more vapor. These advanced devices allow vapers to modify the moveable parts of the vaporizer such as coils and wicks, which alter the mechanics and resistance of power. By doing this, you can play with the power and temperature of your vaporizer, which in turn can help improve flavour and vapor cloud size.
Mods will use a tank to store e-liquid, with many vapers choosing to mix their own blends of e-liquid to suit their tastes. As you may know, e-liquid is typically made from pharmaceutical grade freebase nicotine, flavorings, as well as PG and/or VG liquid. PG is known for enhancing flavor and the thicker consistency of VG will increase the density of vapor produced, therefore, you’ll be able to play with ratios of PG and VG to find your perfect vape, unique to you. Being able to adjust and tailor the settings of box mods to enhance flavour and cloud production makes this the ideal device for those keen on playing with their vaping experience.
The downside to mods is size and affordability. Due to the variety of moveable parts and choice of e-liquids, carrying around a box mod isn’t necessarily the easiest thing to do. You’ll ideally need a carry case for your equipment and space to set up your device as and when you’re keen on a vape.
What is a Vape Pod?
Perhaps considered, the mods long lost and some might say, better-looking brother, over the past year, or so, pods have come to the fore as one of the major players in vaping devices. Sleek, stylish, slender and compact, pods are ideal for those looking for a quality, fuss-free and convenient vape for those with an on-the-go lifestyle. More powerful than a conventional e-cig or vape pen and less hassle than a mod, pods use the same kind of sub-ohm technology as a mod to create vapor, though with lesser power and temperature.
When compared to an e-cig, the combination of relatively high power together with low temperature, mean that pods are the perfect vaporizer to use with nic salts. This alternative to conventional e-juice uses the naturally occurring nicotine salts found in and on tobacco leaves as opposed to the pharmaceutical grade or freebase nicotine commonly found in e-liquid, cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy products.
Nic salts have higher nicotine content than regular e-liquid and are becoming known for their similarities to smoking cigarettes due to the throat and nicotine hit they provide vapers. Due to the nicotine content, it’s thought that nic salts may give vapers the nicotine dose they need faster than standard e liquids, which may, in turn, lead to vaping less frequently.
With a cost comparison closer to e-cigs than Mod boxes, pods could soon become the go-to vaporizer for the masses.
So, Which is Right?
Like all things in the world of vaping, it’s almost entirely down to personal preference – finding the perfect product for you might take a bit of trial and error, but with the help of our experienced team and plenty of helpful guides on your side it will be a breeze! When you’re choosing between a pod or mod system, however, there are a few questions that you should be asking yourself.
How much power do you need? If a high-powered and intense sub-ohm vape is your go-to, then a vape mod will almost certainly be the better option for you. Mod systems have far more technology under the hood, and generally are able to carry much higher battery power in their larger casing, resulting in improved performance at high wattages, better firing power, faster heating, more intense flavour and larger, thicker vapor clouds on the exhale. However, if you don’t mind sacrificing a little power in the name of practicality and convenience, you’ll be perfectly happy with a pod system. There are plenty of pod systems on the market today that still pack a pretty powerful punch, even without the same bulk as a mod kit!
What is your preferred shape and size? Traditionally, one of the major drawbacks of vape mods was their bulky shape and size, and their potential for leakage, as they were primarily made by users themselves. Today, however, this couldn’t be further from the case. Every day new developments are made which allow for the manufacture of smaller and slimmer vape mods, without having to compromise on performance or power, though it doesn’t always come cheap! Vape mods are becoming far more user friendly, whether this is thought smart, leak-proof casing or more ergonomic shapes for a comfortable hold. Pod kits, on the other hand, have been prioritizing ergonomics for many years now, with their smaller, sleeker, lighter and more modern designs. These are much less bulky to carry around and fit comfortably in pockets, bags and purses, without any leaks. If portability is very important to you, a pod kit will be the best option for you!
What is your price point? While vaping is considerably cheaper than smoking tobacco or cigarettes, there are types of vaping that are more economical, and others that are less so. Closed system pods (disposable cartridges you pop in and then throw away when you replace them with a new one) are the least cost-effective way to vape, though they are ideal for new and beginner vapers, and those looking to quit smoking as they are the most convenient way to vape. Open system pods (replaceable and reusable pods that you fill with your choice of e-liquid) are a slightly more affordable option, though you do still have to replace the pods on a semi-regular basis. Vape mods almost exclusively use e-liquid to refill, which is the most affordable way to vape, and the eco-friendliest, as there is less waste with this kind of refill method.
Do you want to be able to customize your vape? For more advanced vapers, this can be an incredibly important part of their overall experience. Things like coils which can be added or removed, interchangeable tanks and different batteries can all have a big impact on the overall vape experience. This kind of customization can only be done with advanced vape mod devices. Vape mods also offer experienced vapers far more options and controls even without changing out the hardware of the vape. Temperature, wattage, battery power, voltage and more can all be adjusted to optimize for the perfect vape experience. Alternatively, if this doesn’t matter to you as much, a pod vape will do just fine and save you a lot of mess, money, fuss and hassle when setting up your new device.