The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Vape Starter Kit: Everything You Need to Know

When you’re new to vaping, the sheer number of products, kits, and terminology can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of devices, thousands of flavors, and countless opinions on what makes the perfect vaping experience. But what if you could skip the guesswork and make a confident, informed decision right from the start? That’s where this guide comes in.

In this ultimate guide to vape starter kits, we’ll take you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right device to understanding the different types of e-liquids, coils, and settings. But first, let's set the stage by addressing the one question every beginner has: How do I avoid wasting money on something I won’t enjoy?

Why a Vape Starter Kit?

Why should you invest in a vape starter kit rather than buying individual components?

Simple: it’s beginner-friendly, cost-effective, and designed to get you vaping with minimal hassle. Kits are curated by manufacturers with everything you need to start immediately—no research on what coil fits what mod or which e-liquid works best.

A starter kit typically includes:

• A vape device (usually a pod or a pen)
• One or more coils (the heating element)
• A charging cable
• E-liquid (in some cases)
• Instruction manual

The idea is that you have everything at your disposal to start vaping straight out of the box. No need to research or buy additional parts.

The Two Main Types of Vape Starter Kits: Closed Pod vs. Open Pod Systems

What are these two systems and how do they impact your vaping experience?

1. Closed Pod Systems: These are pre-filled pod systems. The pods come with e-liquid already inside, and once they’re empty, you discard and replace them. The main advantage here is convenience. For new vapers who don’t want to worry about filling e-liquids or changing coils, this system is perfect. Some of the most popular closed pod systems include JUUL, Vuse, and MyBlu. These are ideal if you’re looking for a smoking alternative with minimal fuss.

2. Open Pod Systems: On the other hand, open pods are refillable. This system gives you greater control over the vaping experience as you can choose from a wider variety of e-liquids and experiment with different nicotine levels. You’ll need to fill the pod with e-liquid manually, but open systems are more cost-effective in the long run because you don’t have to buy a new pod each time. Popular open systems include SMOK Nord, Caliburn G, and Vaporesso XROS.

Choosing Between Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Kits

Your vaping style will significantly influence the type of kit you should choose.

• Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): Similar to smoking a traditional cigarette, this style involves drawing vapor into your mouth before inhaling it into your lungs. MTL devices usually have tighter airflow and lower vapor production, which can make them more suitable for those transitioning from smoking. Starter kits in this category include the Innokin Endura T18 and the Aspire PockeX.

• Direct-to-Lung (DTL): DTL vaping, on the other hand, allows you to inhale the vapor directly into your lungs. It’s more like taking a deep breath, leading to larger vapor clouds and a more intense flavor experience. DTL setups generally require more powerful devices like the GeekVape Aegis Max or the VooPoo Drag S.

Battery Life: The Silent Game Changer

When considering a starter kit, battery life is a critical factor. You don’t want your device running out of power mid-day, especially if you’re using it to quit smoking. Most starter kits are equipped with built-in batteries that last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the usage and capacity.

Here’s a quick comparison of common battery sizes:

• 800mAh: Typically found in smaller, more portable devices like pod systems. Lasts up to a few hours of moderate use.
• 1500mAh: Medium battery, often found in pen-style devices, lasting 6–8 hours.
• 3000mAh and above: Found in larger mods designed for DTL vaping. These can last a full day or longer, but the devices are bulkier.

Pro Tip: If you’re always on the go, look for a device with pass-through charging (vaping while charging), so you don’t need to wait for it to power up.

E-Liquids: Nicotine Strength, PG/VG Ratio, and Flavor Profiles

Here’s where vaping gets personal. The e-liquid you choose will have a massive impact on your overall experience, and the options are endless. However, for beginners, there are three main factors to consider:

1. Nicotine Strength: This will depend on your smoking habits if you’re using vaping as a smoking alternative. Common nicotine levels are 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg.

   • 3mg–6mg: Ideal for light smokers.
   • 12mg–18mg: Best for those who smoke a pack or more per day.

2. PG/VG Ratio: E-liquids are made of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), and the ratio of these two affects the vaping experience.

   • Higher PG: Provides a stronger throat hit, similar to smoking. It’s also thinner, making it a good option for MTL vaping.
   • Higher VG: Produces larger clouds and smoother hits, but less throat hit. This is better suited for DTL devices.

3. Flavor: It’s subjective, but most beginners start with tobacco, menthol, or simple fruit flavors. As you progress, you may want to experiment with dessert or beverage-inspired flavors.

Coils: The Key to Consistent Flavor and Vapor

Coils are the heart of any vaping device, and understanding them will help you maintain your vape kit and get the best flavor and vapor production. Most beginner kits come with a pre-installed coil and a spare, but you’ll need to replace these over time as they burn out.

Coils are usually rated in ohms:

• Above 1.0 ohm: Great for MTL vaping. Produces less vapor and uses less battery.
• Below 1.0 ohm (sub-ohm): Best for DTL vaping. These coils allow for greater airflow and produce more vapor.

Tip: The coil's lifespan depends on how often you vape and the type of e-liquid you use. Sweeter e-liquids tend to burn out coils faster, so be mindful of your flavor choices if you want your coils to last longer.

Final Thoughts: Making Your First Vape Kit Purchase

At this point, you’re armed with everything you need to make an informed decision on which vape starter kit is right for you. Here are the final steps to simplify your buying process:

1. Decide on a System (Closed or Open): Choose whether you want the convenience of pre-filled pods or the flexibility of refillable systems.
2. Identify Your Vaping Style (MTL or DTL): Based on your preferences, select a kit that matches your desired experience.
3. Check Battery Life: Ensure the battery capacity aligns with your lifestyle.
4. Choose the Right E-Liquid: Select a nicotine strength and flavor that suits your needs. Remember to factor in the PG/VG ratio for optimal performance with your chosen kit.
5. Stock Up on Coils: Always have a few spare coils on hand to maintain consistent flavor and vapor production.

Investing in a vape starter kit is about more than just getting a device—it’s about creating an enjoyable and sustainable vaping experience. By following this guide, you’ll avoid common beginner mistakes, save money, and fully enjoy your new vaping journey.