What to Know About Buying a Vape Mod for the First Time
Posted by Courtney McElligott on Aug 22nd 2019
New to vaping? There's a short learning curve. You'll need a mod or vape pen, some eJuice you actually like, and the right coils for your tank. That's the starting kit.
It helps to know the kind of experience you're after before you spend a dollar. A pocketable pen and a high-wattage box mod are very different things to use day to day.
Below we walk through what a first vape kit purchase looks like, part by part, plus a realistic budget so you know what you're getting into.
How vaping hardware actually works
Before you shop the newest gear, it helps to understand the basics. A vape device heats concentrated eJuice into vapor. That's the whole job.
The device goes by a lot of names: mod, vape, ecig, vape pen. A mod is usually the larger device with more power and an upgraded tank. A pen is usually smaller, often a beginner-friendly unit, and sometimes literally pen-shaped.
One good way to narrow it down is to visit a local vape shop. There's no obligation to buy, and the staff can answer plenty of beginner questions on the spot. Our Central Vapors team in McKinney is genuinely happy to talk through it, even if you just want to come in and ask a hundred questions.
Local vape shops
Local shops often carry a limited selection, but the people behind the counter know the vaping industry. They can walk you down the shelf and get you acquainted with the different product types so you have a clearer idea of what fits you.
How to buy a vape pen or mod
Buying your first device is simple once you know the moving parts. A lot of people start with a starter kit to get the hang of vaping before upgrading to something more their style. Whatever you choose, make sure you have everything you need to actually use it. A "kit" usually means you get both the tank and the battery portion, so you only need to add juice. Some mods take external batteries, though, and 99% of the time those aren't included, so check before you buy.
Here's what to weigh on a first purchase.
Battery
There are two kinds: internal and external. Internal batteries are common on less expensive mods and on devices running roughly under 50 to 80 watts.
With external batteries, you can keep a charged spare set on hand and swap them in. For a lot of vapers that's either a deal-breaker or a must-have. You will replace cells from time to time, but the convenience is worth it for many people.
The vaping experience you want
Another reason to visit a shop first is to get a feel for the experience you're after. You can try different mods and tanks in person, sample different liquids, and start figuring out which flavors you like.
You'll also learn what kind of draw you prefer. That changes with the wattage of the mod and the coils. Some people like a direct-lung hit; others prefer a tighter mouth-to-lung draw.
Features and customization
Mods and tanks are highly customizable. You can pick everything from color to battery size to overall style, and the eJuice options to match your palate run deep.
Size
Just because a mod comes in your favorite color doesn't make it the right one for you. Think about size before you buy.
If you plan to carry it everywhere, a smaller mod travels better. If you prefer the draw a larger tank and mod deliver, a bigger device is worth it, and it'll also run longer on a charge if you're always on the go.
Coils
Look at the coils your mod takes. It shapes both the buying decision and your monthly budget, and it affects that mouth-to-lung draw we mentioned.
Some mods accept several coil styles. There, the coil's "ohm" rating helps you dial in your preference. Lower-resistance and more advanced coils generally push more vapor, more flavor, and tend to last longer, though smaller coils still give a satisfying draw.
eJuice and nicotine strength
The kind of eJuice you vape depends on the mod or kit you're running. Nicotine strength is part of that choice too. Higher-wattage mods produce a much bigger draw, so a strength that feels right on a small, low-power device (say 18mg) can feel like too much on a larger, more powerful one. On bigger setups, many vapers step down to 12mg, 6mg, or lower. Pick the strength that suits the device and your own preference.
Upkeep
How often do you plan to vape? How often will you clean the device and change coils?
Regular upkeep keeps your setup running well. If you want something low-maintenance, a pen with a disposable cartridge means no coil swaps or cleaning, versus a mod that asks for both.
How much do vape pens cost?
One of the first questions people ask is simply: how much is a vape pen? It varies. Pens cost much less than full mod setups, but they aren't built to last as long.
For a quality device, plan on roughly $80 to $100 for your first setup, then anywhere from $20 to $80 a month after that depending on how much you vape.
Where to buy your first vape pen
Buying a vape pen for the first time shouldn't be overwhelming, and you shouldn't feel pressured at a shop to grab something you're unsure about. Keep this rundown in mind when you start shopping so you know what to look for. Visit Central Vapors for a no-pressure experience. We'd rather you leave with the right device for you, or just more information, than the wrong one.
Questions about our product line? Get in touch any time. We're here to help you have a great vaping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a vape pen and a mod?
A pen is usually a smaller, simpler device, often pen-shaped and beginner-friendly. A mod is typically larger, runs at higher wattage, and pairs with an upgraded tank. Pens are easier to carry and cheaper; mods give you more power, more customization, and bigger vapor.
What do I need to start vaping for the first time?
At minimum: a device (pen or mod), eJuice, and the correct coils for your tank. Most "kits" bundle the tank and battery so you only add juice. Check whether your mod takes external batteries, since those are usually sold separately.
Should I pick internal or external batteries?
Internal batteries are common on lower-power, less expensive mods and are simpler to charge. External batteries let you keep a charged spare set and swap them in, which suits heavier or on-the-go vapers. You'll replace external cells over time, so factor that into your budget.
What does the coil's ohm rating mean for me?
Ohms measure the coil's resistance. Lower-resistance, more advanced coils generally produce more vapor and flavor and pair with higher-wattage mods, while higher-ohm coils suit a tighter mouth-to-lung draw on lower-power devices. Match the coil to the draw you prefer and the wattage your device runs.
How much does it cost to get started?
A quality first setup typically runs about $80 to $100. After that, ongoing costs for juice, coils, and the occasional battery land somewhere between $20 and $80 a month depending on how much you vape.
Which nicotine strength should a beginner choose?
It depends on the device. Smaller, low-power devices pair with higher strengths like 18mg, while larger high-wattage mods produce a much bigger draw, so many vapers step down to 12mg, 6mg, or lower on those. Pick the strength that fits both the device and your own preference.
These products are intended only for adults 21+. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. This article is general product information and is not a smoking-cessation claim.