An Ultimate Guide to Different Types Of Vapes

Every new technology comes with its own new set of terms and definitions. Did you see the new app that searches the web for the latest cryptocurrency prices? Try asking that in 1958! In the world of vaping, there are many types of vapes. And some are similar and some are different. It can be confusing knowing what is what. Especially considering some of the definitions change from time to time. Vaping is still relatively new. But we are going to cover all the different kinds of vape devices and what they do.
This guide will help make sense of it all. We will start with an overview of the different kinds of e-cigs, mods, and vaporizers. Then move on to more detailed descriptions of each. There is a lot but once the foundation is established, it will all make sense. Just hook up a cartridge and vape! But vaping can also be complicated if using a squonk mod and RTA. There are many options to choose from. But all vapor devices are intended for adults only. Vaping is intended as an alternative to smoking. Must be of legal smoking age to purchase any tobacco products.

What Is A Vaping Device?

A vape device is a piece of electronic technology that converts a substance into vapor. The process of vaporization is intended to avoid combustion. Starting a substance on fire to access the active ingredients is the method we have been using for thousands of years. But we don’t have to do that anymore.
To get started, all vaping devices have three basic components. A battery or power source, an atomizer coil or, another heating method. And finally a reservoir of e-liquid or heating chamber. But beyond these three basic components, e-cigs, mods, vape pens, and all the rest each serve a different style of vaping. It is important to know what type of vape device to buy because each has very different requirements. For example, a sub ohm vape mod requires a VG e-juice. Conversely, a vaper cannot put VG juice in a pod vape. Ultimately, you need the right type of vape device for your specific style of vaping.
Next up is the list of types of vapes explained.

Types Of Vapes
·E-cigs – the original design that looks like a cigarette. Also called a cigalike.
·Pod Vapes – second-generation vapes like JUUL are pod vapes. A pod filled with e-liquid inserts into the body of the device. These are small devices that use nicotine salt e-liquid.
·Vape Pen – any small, pen-shaped vapor device. Vape pens may refer to e-liquid and herbal vapes.
·Mod – a larger vape device with more battery capacity than an e-cig or pod vape. A vape tank, RTA, or RDA is connected to a mod.
·Regulated Mod – a vape mod where the user selects the power output. A regulated mod features built-in safety features.
·Mechanical Mod – a type of vape mod that draws raw current from a battery with no safety features of user control. Not recommended because mech mods can be dangerous.
·Vape Tank – a device that is a combination of an atomizer coil, a tank to contain e-liquid, and a drip tip. Connects to a vape mod via a 510 connection. Most mods and tanks are interchangeable.
·RDA and RTA – each is a device that connects to a vape mod through a threaded 510 connection. The difference between a vape tank and RTA/RDA is that the user builds their own coils. Meant for the hard-core vaping enthusiast.
·Squonk Mod – a squonk mod is a box-shaped mod and the body of the device contains both a battery as well as a bottle of e-liquid. The user squeezes the bottle to saturate the wick. Meant for vapers who make their own coils.
·Vaporizer – a device that vaporizes herbal materials. Most often dry herb but some models can be used for wax or concentrates.

What Are The Different Types Of Vaping?
What are the different types of vaping? We need to cover this briefly before moving on to discuss different types of vapes. Because there is a type of e-cig or mod kits for each style of vaping.
·Standard MTL Vaping –  vaping with an atomizer above 1.0 ohms. MTL stands for mouth to lung. As in the user draws the vapor into the mouth and then inhales for a similar throat hit and sensation comparable to smoking a cigarette. Smokers transitioning to vapor should ignore any beginner’s guide to vaping the recommends a sub ohm mod. Instead, smokers should start with an MTL vape device like the Mig Cigs starter kits. MTL vaping used PG e-liquids with a nicotine level up to 24mg.
·Sub Ohm DL vaping – vaping with an atomizer below 1.0 ohms. DL stands for direct lung, as in drawn the vapor directly into the lungs. The advanced vaper may move to subohm mods after gaining vaping experience. Although more and more vapers are sticking with basic MTL e-cigs. DL vaping uses VG vape juice with a 0mg to 6m nicotine level. Includes temp control vaping.
·Pod Systems – MTL vaping but with nicotine salt eliquids with 35mg, 50mg, and even 60mg nicotine level.
·Herb Vaping – uses a dry herb vaporizer or dab pen with herbal materials.

E-cigarettes

Vaping all started with e-cigarettes. The first commercial e-cig was invented in 2003. The first e-cigs made their way to the US in late 2006. It is a simple design. The e-cigarette is made to resemble the feel, appearance, shape and size of a cigarette. Also called a first-generation vapor device. This is the type of vape that looks like a cigarette. Most commonly known as a cigalike.
E-cigarettes first hit the market as a disposable product meant for one-time use. As time progressed, rechargeable e-cigs became more popular and certainly more cost-effective. Lithium-ion batteries can be recharged and last a year or longer. Disposable vapes are still available but usually just in gas stations and c-stores.
E-cigs are the easiest to use devices and typically the first choice for smokers making the switch to vapor. Any beginner’s guide to vaping must include e-cig vape kits as a first option. A basic electronic cigarette is made up of the following parts:
·Battery
·Cartridge
That’s it! Connect a cartridge to a charged battery and start vaping. The cartridge, or cartomizer, comes pre-filled with e-liquid. The user does not have to manually fill the cartridge with liquid. There is no complexity to worry about. E-cig starter kits are perfect for beginners. Mig Vapor’s cigalikes feature updated technology that has vastly improved performance over the original designs from ten years ago.

Pod Vapes

Pods are a style of e-cigarette that use a ‘pod’ of e-juice that inserts into the body of the vape device. Pods are small and often look like a USB memory stick. Unfortunately, pods have become popular with underage users in part because of the design but also because of something called nicotine salt. Pod vapes use a nicotine salt e-liquid. Salt nicotine is made by adding benzene to regular pharmaceutical nicotine. The benzene converts the nicotine into a salt. Why? Because salt nicotine goes down easy. Nic salt is easy to inhale in large quantities. As a result, a small device that produces a little bit of vapor can pack a huge nicotine punch.
Pos systems can be either disposable or refillable. In fact, there are also disposable one-time use pods that are sold in gas stations and convenience stores. Depending on who you ask, pod vapes are called second generation or next generation. Ultimately, the defining characteristic is that pods are nic salt devices. And they are best known for delivering throat his and high levels of nicotine.

What Type Of Vape Is A JUUL?
JUUL is a pod vape. In fact, the original pod mod. A portable pod that put nicotine salt e-liquid on the map. Since JUUL, dozens and dozens of pod systems copied the design. Pod systems are now a common type of vape.

What Is The Difference Between A Pod And A Vape?
A pod is a type of vape. What makes a pod system different is how the refillable or disposable pods fit into the device. Pod systems sell for a wide range of prices. Often, pod mods will sell the device for a low price but the price for the e-liquid pods can be expensive. In general, e-cig cartridges cost far less than pods. Always consider the long-term value of all types of vapes.

Vape Pens

Vape pens comprise a huge category of vaping devices and types of vaping. Look at the following examples of the various types of vape pens on the market right now:
·E-liquid vape pens
·Dry herb vape pens
·Wax vape pens
·Oil vape pens
Each of these types of vape pens serve a unique purpose. Plus, they are not interchangeable. For example, e-liquid will not work in a wax pen. And putting e-liquid in a pen style device meant for wax will definitely not work.
At one time, the term vape pen almost always referred to a vape pen for e-liquids. As time has progressed, the term vape pen now most often refers to a device used for herbs like cannabis / CBD. Options include refillable and disposable vape pens.
Pen style devices are the types of vapes that are known as second generation. The original e-cigs were disposable or used disposable cartridges. The second-generation vape pens for e-liquid, also called eGo style, use a larger battery and a refillable e-cig tank.

Vape Mods

Vape mods come in all shapes and sizes. The most common form is the box mod. But mods can also be tube-shaped. The difference between a mod and an electronic cigarette is that a mod is bigger and has a larger battery capacity. The term ‘mod’ comes from the fact that the first vape mods were home-made. Vapers in search of more power constructed or modified, their own devices to connect to an atomizer. However, in very short order the vaping industry began making fully-functional vape mods for the mass market.

Vape mods and tanks are called third generation devices. They do not resemble a cigarette and can be large in shape and size.

Vape mods are bigger that e-cigs and pod systems.
The typical battery capacity of a pod or e-cig is about 250 mAh. A mod powered by a single 18650 battery will have a 2000 plus mAh capacity.
Larger battery capacity does not necessarily mean more power. But to deliver more power the user does need a larger capacity battery. The ability to access more power brought about a style of vaping known as subohm vaping.

Regulated Mods Vs Mechanical Mods
Regulated mods refer to the types of vape devices that are operated by a microprocessor that controls how the device works. As an example, a regulated mod will deliver a specific current determined by measuring the atomizer resistance. The power setting may be selected by the user of automated by the processor, which is also known as the chipset. A regulated mod will have additional safety features such as reverse battery and short-circuit protection. And in some cases, regulated mods can connect to the internet for firmware upgrades.
A mechanical mod is a container for a battery and a power switch. That’s all there is to a mech mod. The amount of power drawn from the battery depends entirely on the atomizer resistance. There is no processor to control or regulate current. Using a mech mod requires significant experience and expertise understanding the relationship between current and resistance. Knowing Ohm’s Law is essential. The risk using mech mods is that if too much current is drawn from the battery a thermal runaway can occur. That means the battery blows up. Not good. Consequently, mech mods should only be used by experienced experts. A regulated mod is a better option. Let the technology do the work.
·Mig Vapor does not recommend mech mods. There is no battery safety. Past incidents of vape battery accidents almost always trace back to an unregulated mod.

Sub Ohm Mods
Sub Ohm vaping is using a vape device with an atomizer resistance of less than 1.0 ohms. E-cigs and pod vapes use atomizers above 1.0 ohms. Lower resistance means more power drawn from the battery. More power means more heat. More heat means more vapor. And subohm vaping is all about more vapor!
Mods usually operate with either separate or builtin batteries. The most common type of vape battery is the 18650. Dual 18650 mods are box mods that hold two 18650 batteries. Triple 18650 batteries contain three and quad mods hold four 18650 batteries. Yes, they do make a quad mod! And yes, they are huge.
Subohm vape mods deliver huge clouds of vapor. Made for cloud chasers. The vapor production is the goal. And with wide-bore drip tips, vapers enjoy vibrant flavors.
·Mig Vapor vape mods include the easy to use Morpheus. Cloud chasing vapor production made easy.

Box Mods and Tube Mods
Box mods and tube mods refer to the shape of a particular type of vape mod. Plus, no surprise, box mods are shaped like a box. Tube mods like a tube. That was easy!
Box mods often have a small display screen. For example, the Geekvape and Luxe Edition vape starter kits feature box mods with full display screens. As does the WTF Mini Mod is a less bulky package. The screen displays the vaping mode, power setting, atomizer resistance, and battery level. The user can access the menu through the display screen to select a variety of settings.
·Important Note: Always use a vape device as directed by the manufacturer. Use wattage settings appropriate for coil resistance. The wattage range is listed on the side of the coil.

Temperature Control or TC Vape Mods
Temperature control vape mods are exactly that. They control the temperature of the atomizer coil. For example, if using a regular vape mod set to 55 watts, every time the power button is pushed the device sends 55 watts to the atomizer. With temperature control, if the temp is set at 350 degrees F then every time the power button is pushed the device will send the amount of power necessary to reach 350 degrees.
What is the difference between a TC mod and a regular mod? The idea is that TC mods deliver consistency and efficiency. For instance, if vaping often the atomizer retains heat between puffs. Therefore, less power is required to bring the atomizer back to the selected temperature setting.
Only certain types of atomizer coils are capable of temperature control:
·Nickel, NI200
·Stainless Steel
·Titanium
The Kanthal coils use by most vape devices will not work in TC mode. It should also be noted that most vape mods provide a temperature control option. The user can select regular variable wattage mode or temperature control by scrolling through the menu options built into a mod.
·Some mods use a combination of wattage and temperature sensing to automatically adjust current. Mig Vapor mods utilize both so that our sub-ohm mods are easier to use as well as consistent with the maximum vapor production.

Squonk Mods
Squonk mods are entirely different types of vapes. The type of vaping known as ‘squonking’ is intended for advanced users. Squonk vapes, with a few exceptions, are unregulated mods. The device is made to hold one 18650 battery and a pliable plastic bottle for e-juice. A squonk mods works with a “bottom-feeding” RDA or RTA. In this case, bottom-feeding means that the vape juice that saturates the coil is pumped up to the atomizer from the e-juice bottle through a hollow 510 center pin.

RTA and RDA
RTA and RDA
RTA stands for rebuildable tank atomizer. RDA stands for rebuildable drip atomizer. What is the difference between an RDA and RTA? The difference is that an RTA has a tank to contain a small reservoir of vape juice. A rebuildable dripping atomizer has no real reservoir to hold vape juice and the user must manually drip juice on the atomizer as needed. The idea behind a squonk mod is to replace “dripping” with squonking. Rather than manually dripping e-juice onto the coil, a squonk mod allows juice to be pumped into the atomizer base without doing so manually.
Overall, squonking requires the user to make their own vape coils. Include the fact that squonk mods operate as mech mods and it is apparent that squonking is intended for advanced vaping enthusiasts.

Vaporizers

Vaporizers represent another different type of vape device. Instead of vaporizing e-liquid, vaporizers vaporize herbal materials. This type of vaporizer is not for nicotine addiction. When we talk about herbal vaporizers, the first thought that comes to mind is weed vaporizers. But that is not necessarily so. Many kinds of herbs can be vaporized. Although medical cannabis and CBD are the most popular herbs to use in a vaporizer.
A vaporizer uses a heating chamber as opposed to an atomizer coil. A desktop vape plugs into a wall outlet whereas a portable vaporizer operates with a rechargeable battery. Plus, vapers use a different type of vaporizer for different herbal materials.
·Dry Herb Vaporizer – vaporizes the dry herb or flower.
·Dab Pens – a vape pen that works with dabs, also known as waxes and concentrates.
·Oil Pens – vaporizer pens that use oils. CBD vapes are oil pens.
Dry herb vaping continues to grow in popularity. The vapor produced contains the active ingredients of the herb. As a result, herb vaping delivers more potency and efficiency. The vaping community recently embraced vaping CBD oils. But do not put oil in an herb vaporizer! And don’t put dry herb in a type of device meant for wax and concentrate vaping. Use the right vaporizer for the material.

Vape Tanks

Vape tanks contain the e-juice and the atomizer coil. And vape brands make tanks for all styles of vaping. Examples include the Smok Prince tank, Baby Prince, TFV8 Baby, TFV12 Prince, Freemax Fireluke, Uwell Crown and many more. Tanks are 510 threaded to fit on the majority of vape mods. Most are subohm but not all. And unlike RDAs, vape tanks use pre-built replacement coils. In fact, coils are perhaps the heart of any vape tank.

Notes On E-Liquids
E-liquids, or vape juice, come in a range of options suited for specific types of vapes.

E-juice with at least 50% PG content made for standard MTL e-cigs with atomizers above 1.0 ohms.
E-juice with more than 50% VG content made for advanced cloud chasing vapes.
Nicotine Salt E-Juice – high nicotine level juice made for pod systems.

Summary
So far, we have covered a large amount of information. If you are new to vaping and wondering about mod kits, vape kits, advanced vapes, or just how to start vaping, don’t feel overwhelmed. Begin with easy to use vape starter kits.

With so many types of vaping devices, the options never end. Vaping is a technology and as such can do many different things. Be it eliquid vapes, concentrate vapes, pod devices, or the original electronic cigarette, you make the right choice for you.