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How to choose your first e-cigarette starter kit.

How to choose your first e-cigarette starter kit.

Getting you off to a good start.

If you’re new to vaping, finding the ideal e-cigarette starter kit might seem a bit daunting. Especially considering there’s so much choice. That’s why we’ve created this article, to help the many people like yourself pick the perfect vaping device to suit their needs.

In it, we cover what to consider when selecting a vaping device, the best three types of vaping device for beginners (including the advantages and disadvantages of each one), and the types of devices to avoid if you’re new to vaping.

What should you consider when buying an e-cigarette starter kit?

Before we explore the different types of vaping device, it’s worth taking a look at a few factors that will influence which vaping starter kit you should choose, from convenience to budget. It’s also worth remembering, just because a particular vaping device works really well for your friend, it doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

  • E-liquid flavour - Finding a flavour you enjoy is really important. A lot of smokers start with tobacco flavour before trying others later on. If flavour is high on your agenda, this will be a big factor when it comes to selecting your first vaping device.
  • Money, money, money - As with anything, you get what you pay for. And there’s quite a price difference across the vaping device range. Although, you can still get good quality starter kits at reasonable prices.
  • Nicotine hit - Selecting a vaping device that can give you the nicotine hit you need to satisfy your cravings is vital, especially if you’re a former smoker.
  • Simplicity or all singing and dancing? Some people prefer a basic, easy-to-use vaping device, while others opt for a feature-rich one with heat controls and digital readouts.
  • Practicality or power? Are you looking for a lightweight, compact vaping device you can slip into your purse or pocket, or something with more power and functions?
  • How does it feel? Ensure you choose a vaping device that feels comfortable when you use it.

Are pod devices right for you?

These are very popular with new vapers, mainly because they are cheap and simple to use. They are also small and use disposable e-liquid pods that attach to the battery base – the DOT Vape Kit is the perfect example.

The thing with pod devices is they have fewer nicotine levels to choose from. They tend to be higher in strength, which suits heavy smokers, but they can be too strong for lighter smokers. Plus, there are far fewer flavour options. However, pod devices are unbeatable when it comes to convenience.

Advantages of pod devices.

  • Fairly cheap.
  • Compact and discreet.
  • Really easy to use.
  • Minimal maintenance and cleaning.

Disadvantages of pod devices.

  • Short battery life.
  • Some pod devices only hold a small amount of e-liquid – need replacing more often.
  • A smaller range of flavours and nicotine levels.
  • Vapour production is low.

Are 2nd-generation vaping devices right for you?

Not as easy to use as pod devices, but still relatively simple. You also get more e-liquid options, they produce more vapour and have longer battery life.

2nd-generation vaping devices like the Aspire PockeX Kit, come with a refillable tank, so you can choose from countless flavours of e-liquid. Plus, you get greater freedom to choose the exact nicotine level and PG/VG ratio you want.

While 2nd-generation vaping devices give you flexibility and a better vaping experience, they come with more responsibility. You’ll have to refill it, clean it regularly, take care of the atomiser (which heats up the e-liquid) and install and prime the heating coils. Fortunately, it’s fairly straightforward, and once you’ve done it a few times, it just becomes second nature and part of your vaping routine.

Just be careful because some 2nd-generation vaping devices can still be complicated. As a beginner, look for one with pre-built coils and fewer pieces, like the Vaporesso Sky Solo Plus Kit.

Advantages of 2nd-generation vaping devices.

  • Longer battery life compared to pod devices.
  • Greater choice of nicotine level and PG/VG ratio compared to pod devices.
  • Larger vapour clouds compared to pod devices.
  • Relatively simple to use.

Disadvantages of 2nd-generation vaping devices.

  • Higher start-up cost compared to pod devices.
  • More maintenance and cleaning.
  • Bulkier and less discreet compared to pod devices.
  • Have to refill the tank when it’s empty.

Are box mod vaping devices right for you?

Box mods, also known as 3rd-generation vaping devices, are more powerful and feature-rich than 2nd-generation ones. Despite being more technical, there are still box mod devices available that would suit a beginner. You’re best going for a regulated box mod, like the Aspire Zelos Kit 2.0, which has safety features to prevent it from being put on a dangerous setting.

Box mods, such as the Smok Mag Baby 50w Kit, are more customisable too, but as with 2nd-generation vaping devices they require more looking after than a pod device.

To start vaping straight away with a box mod, it’s best if you’re pretty tech-savvy. Or if you’ve got a friend or family member that uses one, you could ask them to pass on their experience to help you get started.

Advantages of box mod vaping devices.

  • Refillable and more durable.
  • Longer battery life.
  • Customisable.
  • Large vapour clouds.

Disadvantages of box mod vaping devices.

  • Can be bulky.
  • The initial outlay is more expensive.
  • Can be complicated to use.
  • Might have to change coils and/or wicks.

Types of vaping devices beginners should avoid.

Some vaping devices require more technical knowledge and are better suited to experienced vapers. If this is your first vaping device, it’s best to steer clear of ‘drippers’ and ‘mechanical mods’.

So – which type of vaping device are you going for?

As you can see, there are pluses and minuses for each type of device. It just depends on what suits your needs best. But choosing the right one to start with is really important as it could be the difference between quitting smoking or not.

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