Choosing a vape can feel like walking into a coffee shop with no idea what to order. There are pods, pens, mods, disposables… and suddenly you’re staring at a shelf full of gear, wondering where to begin. The truth is, vape devices aren’t one-size-fits-all. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, your experience, and what you enjoy most when you vape.

That’s where the help of a good vape shop comes in, somewhere that doesn’t just try to sell you what’s trendy, but actually takes time to figure out what fits you. But before you make that visit, this guide will walk you through all the important things to think about.

Start With the Basics: What Types of Vape Devices Are There?

Cigalikes (Looks Like a Cigarette, Vapes Like a Starter)

• Tiny, discreet, and simple
  
• Ideal for those switching straight from smoking
  
• Usually pre-filled and disposable
  
• Not great for flavour variety or battery life
  

Vape Pens (Your Everyday Reliable Companion)

• Slim, refillable, and portable
  
• Gives a stronger hit than cigalikes
  
• Works well for moderate nicotine users
  
• Affordable and beginner-friendly
  

Pod Systems (Small Device, Big Satisfaction)

• Comes with replaceable or refillable pods
  
• Great with nicotine salts
  
• Low maintenance, discreet vapour
  
• Hugely popular among first-time vapers

No matter your level of experience, today’s vape shop shelves are packed with user-friendly vape devices that offer a balance of power, flavour, and ease of use.

Box Mods (Customisation Lovers, This Is for You)

• Bigger, bolder, and more powerful
  
• You can control wattage and temperature
  
• Ideal for cloud chasers and flavour fans
  
• Bulkier and better suited for experienced users
  

Mechanical Mods (Strictly For the Pros)

• No circuitry, just raw battery power
  
• Very niche and not beginner-friendly
  
• Honestly? Most people can skip this one

Let’s Find Out What Kind of Vaper You Are

You don’t need to put a label on it, but knowing your style can make the choice much easier.

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL)

• Feels more like smoking a cigarette
  
• Slower draw, tighter inhale
  
• Perfect with higher nicotine strengths
  
• Usually done on pens or pods
  

Direct-to-Lung (DTL)

• Bigger clouds, open airflow
  
• Often used with lower nicotine
  
• Needs a device that can push more power
  
• Best done on sub-ohm mods or pod-mods
  

You’d be surprised how many people choose the wrong vape devices simply because they didn’t understand their inhale style. Match the device to how you like to vape, not the other way around.

Your Lifestyle Should Influence Your Device

If you’re always on the go…

• Look for something compact and quick to use
  
• Pod systems are great, they fit in your pocket and charge fast
  
• Battery life matters if you’re out all day
  

If you work from home or chill a lot…

• A bigger device, like a box mod, won’t be a hassle
  
• You can experiment with flavours and cloud production
  
• Charging and refilling are less of an inconvenience
  

A smart vape shop will always ask how you live, not just what you vape. Your daily routine can say a lot about what type of kit will work for you.

Budget: Let’s Talk Money

You don’t need to drop £100 on your first vape. Really, you don’t.

• Entry-level devices: £10–£30 (pens, disposables)
  
• Mid-range setups: £30–£70 (refillable pods, mid-wattage pens)
  
• Advanced mods: £70+ (box mods, rebuildables, high-capacity batteries)
  

Think beyond the starter cost. Factor in coil changes, pod replacements, and e-liquid. Long-term, refillable systems save more money than disposables.

Open vs Closed Systems: What’s Best for You?

Open System Vapes

• You refill them with your choice of e-liquid
• More flavour and nicotine control
  
• Better for long-term savings
  
• Slightly more maintenance
  

Closed System Vapes

• Use pre-filled pods
  
• Super easy to use
  
• Limited flavour and strength options
  
• Perfect for total beginners
  

How Strong Should Your Nicotine Be?

Some vape devices are designed specifically to handle higher nicotine levels without burning out coils or affecting flavour. It’s all about picking the right wattage and resistance.

Maintenance: Are You a Set-It-and-Forget-It Type?

Low Maintenance

• Disposable vapes or closed pods
  
• No refilling or coil changing
  
• Just charge (if rechargeable) and puff
  

Moderate Maintenance

• Refillable pod systems
  
• Replace coils once a week
  
• Occasional tank cleaning
  

High Maintenance

• Rebuildable atomisers, box mods
  
• Change wicks, build coils, and clean tanks
  
• Battery safety knowledge is required

What’s in Your Pocket? Consider Size and Battery Life

• Pod systems: Easy to pocket, charge via USB-C, last a day
  
• Vape pens: Slightly longer, but still portable
  
• Box mods: You’ll feel it in your pocket, but it’ll last days with dual batteries
  

Battery matters. If you’re out and about, a dead vape isn’t just annoying, it’s a day-ruiner.

Most decent vape shop staff will walk you through the pros and cons of battery sizes and types before you buy, so take advantage of that expert advice.

Real Talk: Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t chase clouds if you hate inhaling deeply
  
• Avoid super high nicotine in sub-ohm devices (unless you like coughing fits)
  
• Don’t skip reading the manual
  
• Always check coil compatibility with your e-liquid
  

Buying vape devices without understanding how they work with your nicotine level or e-liquid type is the fastest way to ruin your vaping experience.

How to Know You’re Making the Right Choice?

You know you’ve picked the right vape when:

• It feels comfortable in your hand
  
• You enjoy the flavour and vapour
  
• You don’t feel overwhelmed by buttons and settings
  
• You actually use it, daily, comfortably, and consistently
  

It’s also okay to test a few out before committing. Many shops let you try demo units or sample liquids.

There’s a Perfect Vape Out There For Everyone

It doesn’t matter if you’re here to quit smoking, explore flavours, or just relax; there’s a vape that fits your lifestyle. The best vape devices aren’t always the flashiest; they’re the ones you enjoy using day in and day out.

Don’t rush it. Take time to figure out what feels right. Ask questions. Visit a trusted vape shop. You’ll find something that fits your hand, your habits, and your needs, without the guesswork.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Vape? Visit Bollivapes Today

At Bollivapes, we believe finding your perfect vape should be simple, honest, and satisfying. Our collection includes the best vape devices on the market, whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade.

Why Bollivapes?

• Real people who actually vape and care
  
• Curated product selection that balances performance and value
  
• Guidance without pushy sales
  
• UK-wide shipping, bundles, and returns
  

Explore your options, because your next favourite vape is just one click away.

FAQ’s 

• What type of vape device is best for beginners?

Pod systems or vape pens are ideal, easy to use, portable, and low-maintenance.

• Can I use any e-liquid in any vape device?

Not always. High-PG liquids suit MTL devices; high-VG works best in sub-ohm setups.

• How do I know if I should vape MTL or DTL?

MTL mimics smoking with tighter draws; DTL offers more vapour and a looser inhale.

• Do vape devices come with adjustable power?

Some do. Box mods offer full control, while pods and pens are usually fixed.

• Where should I buy my first vape device?

A reliable vape shop like Bollivapes offers expert advice and quality products.