Vape pens were the first ever commonly used type of vape as an alternative to smoking.
They typically come in a pen style shaped device offering a slim discreet look, similar to that of a cigarette.
What Is A Vape Pen?
A vape pen is a style of a vape device typically in a slim, compact and discreet form that has a built-in internal battery which uses eliquid with nicotine as an alternative to smoking. These devices come in refillable or disposable form, are basic and easy to use, usually found with MTL (Mouth To Lung) atomisers more often aimed at beginners and prices can start from $10.
Who Are Vape Pens For And Why?
The style of vape pens is one design that many brands have utilized for beginners as they are often simple, easy to use and often stylish devices so smokers can make a pleasant transition to vaping.
Due to the simplicity of the devices, it makes it a great choice for people who want to quit smoking as there are many similarities in the way that these types of devices perform compared to traditional cigarettes. The desired experience, flavor and nicotine fix can all be achieved.
What Is The Purpose Of A Vape Pen?
The purpose of a pen is to help those who want to quit smoking but do not want a larger type of device or want something more easy and concealable for everyday life as vape pens are often much smaller compared to sub-ohm devices
Vape pens often use higher MG nicotine but can also use any nicotine the user chooses to refill the tank with. In some cases, some users may use CBD e-liquids as well.
Vape pens are also used by casual users that also do use sub-ohm devices but mainly use vape pens for convenience as well as receiving a higher mg nicotine hit. They are discreet, give off less vapor and therefore vapers prefer them in crowded areas or if they just require something small for travels.
What Are The Main Benefits Of Using A Vape Pen?
Some benefits of using a vape pen compared to other types of devices like pod kits or box mods are more often due to the size of vape pens and the ease of use.
Vape pens are very easy to use overall in comparison to other styles of devices. Vape pens will usually have a single button operation and some may even have a draw to activate features meaning it will automatically work when you inhale on the mouth piece.
You may find that vape pens can sometimes be good but are not always the best option for some individuals as some people may want more of the hits from devices or increased vapor production and flavor, so may move on to other types of devices.
A vape pen however is still a great choice for beginners to get used to other styles of devices such as pod kits or box mods.
How To Use A Vape Pen?
Vape pens are designed to be very simplistic and extremely easy to use as they often only have one button to operate the device. Liquid will be poured inside a tank area where there is a coil. The coil is powered by the battery compartment below, causing a vapor. Is it important to note there is no burning here like a cigarette, it is vapor and therefore considered much more safe.
Most vape pens will come in a kit form with a removable tank and replaceable coils that can be refilled with any e-liquid of your choosing.
Coil types may vary depending on the brand and model of the device but it is often either a simple screw-in replaceable coil that should be changed at least once every 2-3 weeks or when users experienced an unpleasant taste. This means the coil has burnt out and should be changed.
Maintaining a vape pen is very simple. One thing users should know is when it comes to replacing the coil, to add some liquid to the coil before installing. This will help aid the wicking (soaking) process and will not take as long compared to just installing a coil into the tank and filling it, it’s can also prevent unnecessary dry hits at the coils beginning.
Some vape pens may have 3 different modes for power or heat this can be changed with the multi functional single operations button that is also the fire button. You can change the modes by repeatedly pressing the fire button 3 times to cycle through the modes which will be indicated by a led colour change.
How To Charge A Vape Pen
Charging your vape pen is very easy as vape pens will usually have a built-in internal battery that can be recharged via a USB cable that is typically supplied with the device. If not is will typically be a micro USB cable or USB c cable, found used in many electronics, including mobile phones.
You can change the device with many power sources such as computers, games consoles, wall outlets, usb ports on TVs or even portable power banks.
However you must know that you must not use an output source that exceeds the manufacturers recommended input power usually this will be 1 amp for micro usb and 2 amp for usb c devices. Simply check the packaging.
How Long Does It Take To Charge A Vape Pen?
Charging devices may vary depending on how much power remains in the device however from 0% to fully charged most devices can take 1 – 2 hours to fully charge.
Are Vape Pens Safe And Reliable?
Many vape pens will have built-in safety features such as short circuit protection and overcharge protection as well as automatic cut-off features so the battery is not overused.
Vape pens usually will have a LED indicator to show users that is active as well as battery status often they will change colour depending on the battery percentage.
Vape pens are easily one of the simplest devices on the market largely due to their single button operation as well often having no display. The button is the activation button as well as repeatedly pressing the button 5 times will turn the device off and on.
What’s Inside A Vape Pen?
A vape pen usually compromises of the following:
- A battery used to power the device
- A tank where the liquid is held
- A coil to deliver vapor from the battery through the tank
- A mouthpiece at the top of the device
What Are The Different Types Of Vape Pens?
There are some different types of pen-style devices such as all-in-one style systems (AIO), with are usually mouth to lung and as well as sub-ohm devices. Disposable devices are also so often labelled in the category for vape pens as well however these are non-refillable or rechargeable.
There have been many brands offering pen-style devices such as Smok, Innokin, Aspire, Eleaf, Vaporesso and many more over the years.
How Long Do Vape Pens Last?
Vape pens can last a very long time with some lasting up to 2-3 years. However the most common thing that may happen is the glass on the tank may crack or break due to accidental damage or falls. This can be a easy fix with a replacement glass section, the glass is a very inexpensive replacement often only costing a few dollars to replace.
Battery life of devices may vary from user to user as some users may take longer drags on the device or have it on a higher power. Typically users can get 1 – 3 days from a full charge. The battery over time like any electronic can fail also. At this time if your vape doesnt have a replaceable battery, it may be time to upgrade.
Coils for vape pens may also vary with time as this too is also dependent on the user and power settings. Coils can typically last up to two week and when you get a burnt taste this is a good indication to replace the coil.
Higher power levels will consume more e-liquid as more liquid is atomized that can increase flavor and vapour production however may shorten the life expectancy of the coil and battery through usage.
What E-Liquids Can You Use In Vape Pens?
Different types of it’s can be put into the attached tank to vape pens the main liquid that is used with these types of devices is freebase nicotine e-liquids and nicotine salt E-Liquid these are mainly used in a higher concentration of nicotine.
However, some people do use CBD e-liquids for recreational use as well as medical benefits due to the nature of CBD. CBD e-liquids that are used in these devices vary from person to person in strength but CBD liquids come in strength from 30mg – 2000mg depending on the manufacturer of the liquids.
You can also find some pre-filled cartridges for vape pens these are often easier to use as users do not need to replace coils or refill the tank they simply screw on and screw off.
What Is Inside the Eliquid in Vapes?
The eliquid inside vapes is made of the following parts:
- VG – Vegetable Gylcerin. This is water soluble and therefore safe for the lungs. It is usually 50-80% of the make up of eliquid, and provides the vapor.
- PG – Propelyne Glycol. This is the flavor carrier, often used in many pharmaceutical products and again deemed as safe to inhale. The higher the PG ratio usually means the thinner the liquid and in some cases harsher. This is useful with cigarette style devices as they are smaller, the coils and thinner and therefore the liquid needs to be thinner to absorb well.
- Nicotine – Usually 99.99% pure pharmaceutical grade. eliquid is available in various strengths, as well as both regular (freebase) and Nic salts.
- Flavoring – This is food grade flavoring usually made up with VG or PG
Vape Pens Vs Vape Mods?
Some of the biggest differences between vape pens and other types of mods are the overall size of their pens as they are slender and cylindrical in design and make for an easy carry as well.
However, box mods and some other types of devices like pod mods typically have a larger capacity battery which makes these types of devices last significantly longer in some cases.
Box mods are typically larger due to the capacity of taking removable/rechargeable batteries such as 18650, 20700 and 21700. These have a larger capacity and can make devices last much longer as well as the device is having a larger output of power being anywhere up to 200 Watts with a dual-battery device.
What Are The Most Popular Vape Pens?
Some of the most popular vape pens on the market are due to their simplicity as well as the functionality of the device, the ease of access in getting replacement accessories such as coils as well as low cost.
These devices are the following:
| Model | Spec/Features | Price |
| Smok pen 22 | Size: 105mm x 22mm Weight: 90g Material: Stainless steel Style: All in one, simple pen-style e-cig kit 1650mAh battery 2ml / 4ml Liquid capacity Fixed airflow (2 ports) Fixed drip-tip Fire button: Single-button operation Battery type: Cylinder (22mm pen style) Display flip and timer features USB charging port | $20- $30 |
| Aspire pocket X | Size: 118mm x 20mm Weight: 70g Style: Pen style device for mouth to lung, sub-Ohm vaping Tank e juice capacity: 2ml Battery type: Rechargeable via USB port Battery capacity: 1500mAh All-in-one, combined battery & atomizer (AIO) One button operation LED status/charge light behind the fire button | $20- $25 |
| Eleaf Ego AIO | Size: 19mm x 118.05mm Weight: 80g Battery capacity – 1500mAh Tank capacity – 2ml Atomizer resistance – 1.5ohm Clapton Leak-Resistant Tank All-in-one, combined battery & atomizer (AIO) One button operation | $18-$30 |
| Innokin t18 ii | Size: 145mm x 18mm Weight: 81g Battery: 1300mAh Tank capacity: 2.0ml 1.5-ohm atomizer resistance 3 Wattage Settings – 10.5w, 12w and 13.5w 4 point adjustable airflow Uses T18E Coils Removable tank Single-button operation | $24 – $35 |
| Vaporesso VM Stick 18 | Product Size : 18mm x 124mm Weight: 85g Refillable Tank Capacity: 2ml Built-in Battery: 1200mAh Charging Current: 1A Easy Top Fill Design Designed for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping Adjustable Airflow Control Ring | $20 – $50 |
What Are Some Alternatives To Vape Pens?
There are lots of alternatives to vape pens and many beginners have skipped vape pens and moved to slightly larger styles of devices such as pod kits which are also very simple to use and often come in a small form factor.
Some alternatives can be going straight to a sub-ohm style device such as a VooPoo drag s pro kit or to an MTL ( Mouth To Lung ) By even using alternatives like disposables or to heat not burn tobacco vaporizers.
Some users that have gone to sub-ohm devices want a more flavorful order hitting experience which is offered by sub-ohm devices due to their increased power.
Heat not burn devices are often an alternative due to the similarity two traditional tobacco consumption however these types of devices still use tobacco that is heated rather than going through combustion so there is less tar than normal cigarettes.
| Model | Type of device | Spec/Features | Price |
| Elf Bar | Disposable MTL | Size: 104mm x 16mm Total puffs: 600 approx. Pod capacity: 2ml E-liquid type: Nic salt Nicotine strength: 2.0% (20mg/ml) Battery capacity: 550mAh battery | $6- $9 |
| Voopoo Drag X Pro Kit | Sub Ohm DTL | Size: 135.5 x 28.8 x 34.5mm Capacity 2ml Resistance: 0.15ohm (TTP DM3) 0.2ohm (TPP DM2) Material: Zinc Alloy + Leather Output Power: 5-100W Output Voltage: 0-8.5V Resistance: 0.1~3.0ohm Battery Capacity: Single 21700 or 18650 (Excluding Battery) Metal and leather provide a premium touch, and the shape is rounded and ergonomic. | $20- $25 |
| Iqos 3 Duo | Heat not burn | Lightweight Design AIO System Robust Shell Pocket Charger Case Dimensions: Holder: D:14.42mm H:92.27mm Pocket charger: W:46.3mm D:22.88mm H:114.68mm Heats specially made tobacco sticks known as HEETS to deliver a more familiar and satisfying experience. | $60-$70 |
What Do Reviewers Say About Vape Pens?
While many brands offer vape pen styled devices some products have stood out more then others and are still being manufactured and are available to the market with the original release of the device being more then 3 years ago.
We look at YouTube reviews to see what the professionals have to say about vape pens.
This review by Matt from SMM is for the GeekVape G18 pen. This kit has been especially designed for beginners and utilizes GeekVapes Gpod coils making for some extra ease of use as they simply are push to install replacement coils.
Can You Use Salt Nic In Vape Pens?
Yes you can use salt nicotine with vape pens however it is not recommended to use salt nicotine with sub ohm direct to lung devices as it can be harsh on the throat due to the higher mg content of salt nicotine.
Most vape pens are designed for MTL ( mouth to lung) use and is more than capable of using a higher mg percentage salt nicotine e-liquids.
Salt nicotine e-liquids come in a variety of flavours and nicotine contents from 5 mg to 50mg, the mg content will be dependent on the country and region you are in as in the UK and EU the maximum percentage of nicotine 2% which is 20mg but in the USA you can get up to 5% which is 50mg.
Tips On How To Use Vape Pens
There are often some things vape companies may not always explain in user manuals or thing some vape shops may not teach you when purchasing a new device.
Some very useful tips to know with vape pens that any beginning or even some advance users should know are the following:
Refilling – when it comes to refilling the tank it can be very easy to over fill the tank which in turn can cause issues with having the coils expressing excess liquid out of the airflow. It is good practice to leave a small gap at the top when refilling as when you close the refill port this will help prevent leakage.
Dont let your tank run to empty as well as this can run the chance of having the coil becoming dry and burning out the coil.
Coils – it is also very good practice to keep a spear coil on you or at least have ease of access to a replacement as some coils can be unpredictable. Having a replacement coils available is always a great idea to keep spears around and ready available when needed.
Can You Buy A Vape Pen Without Nicotine?
You can certainly run any refillable tank with 0mg of nicotine as many brands of E-Liquids manufacturers will offer 0mg, it is entirely up to the user of what nicotine strengths you want to use.
Many refillable tanks will be able to use any type of nicotine strengths without any issues however strong nicotine strengths may have different ratios of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol and if the vape pen is a sub ohm style. Higher mg nicotine is not recommended as it may have a higher ratio of propylene glycol which can cause leaks as well as a harsh throat hit when using. Vape pens should use between 50/50 and 60/40 ratios of VG/PG. This is found on the eliquid label.
Final Thoughts
Vape pens are a great option for beginners as well as the more advanced users even due to the smaller size and less output power of the devices they remain a popular first choice for many first-time vapours. However, there are alternatives on the market that may fit your personal way better than a smaller vape pen device.
Are Vape Pens Worth It?
Vape pens have been one of the easiest to use and typically one of the most inexpensive vape products available to the market. Therefore, they are a great option for any beginning as you can readily pick up a device or kit from many locations, even some supermarkets.
You may also like to check out our other articles:
https://onlyvaping.com/vaping-for-beginners/
https://onlyvaping.com/disposable-vapes-good-reliable/
https://onlyvaping.com/are-nic-salts-any-good/
