When you first get into vaping, choosing a device that’s right for you can be a bit of a task. With so many options, like cigalikes, vape pens, tube mods and box mods, the choice can quickly become overwhelming.

In recent years, pod systems – also referred to as pod vapes, vape pods, mini vapes or pod mods – have become the new player on the market, and their popularity is steadily increasing. But what exactly are they, what’s so great about them, and why could you be better off going for a pod system rather than another vaping kit?

What are pod systems?

As the name suggests, pod systems are made with pods of e-liquids, which either come as “closed” pre-filled disposables or can be refilled with other flavours that are more to your liking, depending on the device you buy. When you have used up the liquid, you can simply pop it out of the battery section and replace it with a new one. As easy as that!

So basically, pods work just like an atomizer or tank in other devices, holding and vaporizing e-liquid. Their (usually) smaller battery capacity (around 300mAh) and limited space (1-2ml) make them very convenient to carry around with you, but can also be an inconvenience if you use them very frequently, in which case you might need to recharge them during the day and have some replacement flavours at hand.

More and more pod systems are being developed with a bigger battery though. So if you opt for one of those, there shouldn’t be any issues if that kind of thing bothers you.

Giving up cigarettes

Pod kits can also be a great introduction to vaping if you are making the switch from smoking tobacco. Unlike many other devices, they are suitable for the mouth-to-lung inhale style, which is what most smokers use, and the majority are switched on using your breath rather than any buttons, making the process more authentic and easier to get used to.

An unobtrusive alternative

Pod systems are not only compact, but also discreet – since they do not produce massive amounts of vapour, they are a little nicer to use in public but might not entirely agree with you if you are more of a cloud chaser. If you have purchased an open pod system and would like to refill it, you should keep it mind that pod kits are not working well with liquids that are high in VG – it’s best to go for higher-PG-blends that have more nicotine to make up for the smaller amount of vapour.

Which leads us to another advantage of pod systems: they are compatible with nicotine salts, which provide you with a higher nicotine content and a smooth throat hit without making any sacrifices when it comes to the flavour. E-juices with nicotine salts have a nicotine content of up to 59mg/ml, compared to ordinary e-liquids, which are usually around 12mg/ml.

This does not make the former harsher to vape, however – if combined with an acid, the overall PH of the nic salt liquid is lowered and results in this smoother experience. Studies show that nicotine salts are the most efficient in delivering nicotine to your body, being absorbed much faster than the “freebase” nicotine found in other e-liquids and leaving you satisfied a little longer.

This makes the pod system stand out: as a low-powered and portable device, it is ideal for use with nic salts, and its size might not matter too much if you’re craving a vape less frequently.

Vaping on a budget

Another factor that makes pod kits quite popular especially with starters is the price point. Being cheaper than most mods – many are around the price range of vape pens – makes them pretty affordable. If you haven’t tried vaping before and want to see if it’s for you, it’s an ideal start. Considering that pod kits are all-in-one devices, you won’t need to clean them or change any coils, which is necessary for other vaping kits like – for example – box mods, saving you the hassle. But even if you are a vape veteran, their compactness, convenience and stronger nicotine hit are great selling points.

And so…

So, are pod systems for you? If you are not too bothered by a potentially lower battery capacity, some limitation in your e-liquid choice and a smaller cloud surrounding you, their compactness, discretion, affordability and convenience might very well draw you in and make them a good option especially for vaping newbies.

We’re definitely convinced by the greatness of these ultra compact devices – and that’s why here at iBreathe, we’ll be launching our own brand-new, easy-to-use pod system very soon. Keep an eye on our website to keep up to date, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!