Finding The Best Vape and E-Cig Kits In The UK
Cigalikes
Cigalikes are those electronic cigarettes that we saw a lot of back in 2003 when they were first introduced to the market. The technology has come a long way since then, but some still choose this product because it is relatively cheap.
Pro’s
- Cheap starter kits
- Simple to use
- Start vaping straight away
Con’s
- Low voltage devices so limited vapor production
- Limited flavors available
- Refills are expensive
- Not as satisfying as other types of e-cig
- Only designed for new vapers, you cannot upgrade
Vape Pods/AIO
Vape pods and all in one (AIO) vape ecigs were made famous when Juul released their pod a few years ago. They are designed to be as simple as possible to use, but produce a good flavor.
Pro’s
- Easy to use
- Compact and small
- Relatively cheap with some having refillable pods.
Con’s
- Lack of airflow controls to create big clouds
- Limited power, due to size
- Some brands don’t allow refilling the pods, so can be expensive in the long run
Vape Pens
Vape pens were first introduced shortly after Cigalikes with the Ego brand. The technology has evolved producing some decent vape pens that compete against the more expensive vape mods. Sizes vary, generally the larger the vape pen, the more powerful it is.
Pro’s
- Relatively simple to use
- Use any e-liquids so flavours are limitless
- Generally more powerful than Cigalikes and Vape Pods and thus produces bigger vape clouds.
Con’s
- Coils are required to be changed
- Can be a little more expensive initially, but works out cheaper in the longrun
- Many models to choose from, some are bad therefore requires research
Vape Mods
Initially they were released to the market as “box mods”, some still call then by this name as they are shaped in a box style. They usually hold 2 external batteries that are bought seperately, but some have internal batteries. Produce a lot more power, so produce bigger clouds and deaper flavors.
Pro’s
- Most vape mods are variable wattage, so you can choose what power suits you
- Vape mods come in kits which include a tank, but you can interchange tanks
- Many different coils available along with using any e-liquid on the market
Con’s
- Wattage, coil resistance, e-liquid velocity, vape mode and other factors can influence the vape
- Need to buy external 18650 batteries
So Which Are The Best?
V2 Cigs – Classic Cigalike For New Vapers
V2 Cigs closed down in the US after being bought by Juul, but luckily the UK supplier is still going strong and told us they are selling really well. They are a Cigalike style, and we believe to be the best on the market.
The V2 Classic Kit is aimed at new vapers, who have not vaped before and just want to try it out. The kit comes with everything you need to start vaping with a few spare cartridges as well.
Our Verdict – The V2 Classic kit is definitely one of the best Cigalike types of e-cig on the market, but don’t expect to be blown away with flavour or vapour. Great for a first time user to see if they can get on with vaping without spending too much.
Type of vaping – Mouth to lung only.
Buy The V2 Cigs Classic ECig
Vapour2 PRO Series 3 Vape Pen For New Vapers
Moving on slightly, we have the Vapour2 PRO Series 3. There are a couple of advantages to this vape pen over the cigalike. The first is that the Series 3 has more power and thus creates a bigger cloud and a stronger vape. Many people believe Cigalikes are too weak, so this is a good alternative and rated better for new vapers.
The second advantage is that you can use any e-liquid you like, so the cost of refilling is considerably less and you have a wide choice of flavours.
Our Verdict – The PRO Series 3 is a move up from Cigalikes and what we believe to be one of the better choices for new vapers. Although more powerful, they are still relatively low powered devices, so only suitable for new vapers. Stick the the Series 3, no need to spend more on the 3X, it’s bigger but the taste is the same.
Type of vaping – Mouth to lung only.
Buy The Vapour2 PRO Series 3
JacVapour Series S17 Vape Pen For New Vapers
JacVapour’s Series S17 has been specifically designed with beginners in mind, with simplicity in mind. Like the Series 3 above, it is refillable, so your open to try as many flavours that are on the market, but more importantly delivers a little more power again.
It is a good looking vape pen, that can easily be carried around with you in your pocket.
Our Verdict – The JacVapour Series S17 is another slight move up, designed specifically to mimic smoking. The battery should last the best part of a day, but depends on how often you vape.
Type of vaping – Mouth to lung only.
Buy The JacVapour Series S17
SMOK Nord Vape Pod Kit For Beginners/Intermediate Vapers
SMOK are well known in the vaping industry, and a market leader. Their SMOK Nord Vape Pod Kit is one of the best vape pods on the market. Easy to use and delivers a great flavor. Whats great about this kit is it comes with 2 coils, one with a 1.4ohm coil, for mouth to lung vaping and a 0.6 mesh coil for direct lung inhale vaping.
Our Verdict – This is a great vape pod choice, because you get the best of both worlds with the 2 different coils. Decide which one you like and buy replacements as and when you need them. Also, the mesh coils are renowned to produce a much better flavour.
Type of vaping – Both, Mouth to lung and direct lung inhales.
Buy The SMOK Nord Vape Pod Kit
SMOK Stick Prince Baby Vape Pen For Intermediate Vapers
Now we are moving on to the more powerful devices! The SMOK Stick Prince Baby Kit is one of the best vape pens on the market for both intermediate and advanced vapers. The kit comes with 2 sub-ohm coils, which means this is only for direct lung inhale vaping.
Our Verdict – One of the best tasting vape pens on the market (especially when using the mesh coil). It is more powerful so not only do you get a strong flavour, but you also get big clouds of vapour. New users may struggle at first with this vape pen.
Type of vaping – Direct lung inhales only.
Buy The SMOK Stick Prince Baby Vape Pen
VOOPOO DRAG 2 Kit For Intermediate/Advanced Vapers
If your looking for the best e-cig, then we have to go with the VOOPOO DRAG 2 Kit. It uses 2 external 18650 batteries, which you have to buy seperately, but combined with the chipset within makes this vape mod the most accurate, customizable and responsive mod on the market. There are plenty of setting on this vape mod which are easy to navigate through, and a superb tank with mesh coils to deliver the nicest, smoothest flavor.
Our Verdict – If your moving on from vape pens, and enjoy the deep flavors of sub-ohm vaping (direct lung inhales) then the VOOPOO DRAG 2 Kit over delivers! Mesh coils, responsive chipset, just a class box mod!
Type of vaping – Direct lung inhales only.
Buy The VOOPOO DRAG 2 Kit
Final Thoughts
Direct Lung Inhales Vs Mouth to Lung Inhales
As we said in the start of this report, we suggest you first think about which type of e-cig will suit you the best. There is no one model that can be called "The Best". The main consideration is the type of vaping you think you want to execute. If you're an ex-smoker looking for an alternative, then you're more than likely use to mouth to lung inhales. This is where you need to look at e-cigs that have a coil above 1ohm. If you have tried vaping before, but want a little more flavor with your experience then you should start looking at sub-ohm vaping which uses direct-lung inhales. We would also recommend looking at mesh coils, they are relatively new, but the flavour is amazing in comparison.
E-liquid
If you decided on an e-cigarette, then your next task is to choose your e-liquid. We can't help you with the flavour choice, but the strength plays a big part in the enjoyment of your vape.
Just because you were a heavy smoker, does not mean you need a really high nicotine content in your e-liquid. Nicotine is quite harsh, and the higher the percentage the rougher the vape will feel in the back of your throat.
We suggest a general rule, if you choose a low powered device like a vape pod or cigalike, then choose no higher than 12mg. With a vape pen we would choose either 3 or 6mg, and for box mods or direct lung inhales, stick with 3mg. Remember, if you feel you're not getting a stronger enough hit, you only have to take another drag!
Questions
If you still have questions about which type of e-cigarette you should choose, or want a better idea about the different models, take a look at our overall best electronic cigarettes where we look in more detail into the best for all types of users.
If you still have questions, then feel free to reach out to us and ask us, we are here to help.