Blog Highlights
- Understand what a vape kit is and how it works.
- Learn the differences between MTL, DTL, and RDL vaping styles.
- Discover the main types of vape kits: starter kits, pod kits, box mods, and big puff kits.
- See how coils and e-liquids should be paired for the best results.
- Explore tips on choosing the right vape kit based on smoking habits, e-liquid type, budget, and portability.
- Find out how long vape kits and coils last, plus how to maintain them.
What Are Vape Kits?
A vape kit is a complete electronic device designed to deliver nicotine or flavoured e-liquid in vapour form. It combines three essential components: a power source that provides energy, an atomiser system (coil and housing) that converts liquid into vapour, and a reservoir to hold the e-liquid.
It’s a complete package that comes with all the components a vaper needs to start vaping. People usually use it as an alternative to smoking because it delivers almost the same experience.
Fun Fact
Among those who quit smoking in the past five years, over half (2.7 million in the UK) reported using vaping as a cessation tool.
What’s in a Vape and How Does it Work?
Vapes come in different shapes and sizes, but their internal setup and how they function are pretty much the same. Here’s a quick look at the four main components:
Battery: This is the power source of your device. Batteries come in different sizes, from small internal built-in ones in pod systems to larger removable batteries in advanced devices. Good batteries also have safety features to prevent overheating or short circuits, so it’s best to buy from reputable brands.
Tank/Pod: Your vape tank or vape pod holds the e-liquid. Pods are compact and convenient, often using pre-filled or refillable cartridges.
Coil: The e-cig coil is the tiny heating element that turns e-liquid into vapour. It’s made of wire wrapped around an absorbent wick. Choosing the right coil resistance (measured in ohms) affects the amount of vapour and throat hit you get.
Mouthpiece (Drip Tip): This is the part you place to your lips to inhale vapour. Mouthpieces come in different shapes and materials to suit your comfort and style preferences.
Additional Accessories: Vape accessories are also important parts of your setup. Items like spare glass, coil tools, drip tip covers, and carrying cases improve safety.
Did You Know?
The number of high school students using e-cigarettes rose from 1.5 million in 2018 to 3.6 million in 2020. To address this, the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) enforces strict regulations to control vaping products in the UK and the EU.
MTL, DTL & RDTL Vaping: What’s the Difference?
Vaping kits cater to the unique needs of vapers, including those who love throat hits and those who like direct inhales. Here are the different types of vaping styles that every vaper needs:
What is MTL Vaping?
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) vaping feels closest to smoking a traditional cigarette. You draw the vapour into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs. This style is similar to that of smoking, which is why MTL vaping is more popular among ex- or current smokers. Its throat hit and nicotine delivery also mimic cigarettes.
What is DTL Vaping?
DTL (Direct-to-Lung), also called sub-ohm vaping, is a unique style. Instead of holding vapour in your mouth, you inhale it directly into your lungs. You produce much bigger clouds and enjoy a more intense flavour.
What About RDL (Restricted Direct-Lung)?
Some modern vape kits offer a middle ground called RDL (Restricted Direct-Lung). This style gives you slightly looser airflow than MTL, but not as wide open as full DTL.
Note that each vaping kit delivers either an MTL or DTL experience, with many also supporting RDTL. Below is a list of kits and the vaping styles they accommodate.
How Many Types of Vape Kits Are There?
The most common vape kits are:
Starter Kits
Starter vaping kits feature pen-shaped designs. Like cigarettes, they offer a firm grip and longer battery life. Their capacity to hold enough e-liquid allows users to vape throughout the day with frequent charging. The high-resistance coils support MTL styles.
Best for: Beginners moving up from cigalikes or disposables, or anyone who wants easy vaping with more control.
Examples: Innokin Endura T18 II, Aspire PockeX, Vaporesso Sky Solo Plus.
Pod Kits
Pod style kits are small and lightweight devices. They contain TPD-compliant pods that usually feature high-resistance coils for MTL vaping. They. They work awesome with nic salts and freebase e-liquids. New vaping brands are also launching two-in-one kits that can deliver both MTL and DTL vaping.
Best for: MTL vapers who want more flexibility than cig-like vapes.
Examples: Uwell Caliburn G2, Voopoo Argus P1, SMOK Nord 5, OXVA Xlim Pro.
Box Mod Kits
Box mods kits are larger, heavier, and built for performance. These devices offer adjustable wattage, temperature control, and compatibility with sub-ohm tanks. These are ideal for producing big clouds and DTL draws.
Best for: Cloud lovers and DTL vapers.
Examples: GeekVape Aegis Legend 2 Kit, Vaporesso Luxe XR Max Kit, Voopoo Drag 4 Kit.
Big Puff Kits
Big puff kits are designed for maximum puff counts and extended use. They are larger disposable-style devices built with higher-capacity batteries and bigger e-liquid reservoirs. This makes them popular among vapers who don’t want to recharge or refill often.
Best for: Users who want long-lasting use without frequent top-ups.
Example: VG Bloody Bar Crystal 10K, Feoba Treo 33K Pods, Elf Bar AF5000.
Pairing Coils & E-Liquids
One of the most important parts of vaping is making sure your coil and e-liquid work well together. Here is your guide:
High Resistance Coils
High-resistance coils are built for a tighter draw, often compared to smoking a traditional cigarette. This is the Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) style of vaping. They run at lower wattages, usually between 10–15W, which makes them more efficient with battery life and e-liquid consumption.
These coils are best suited to:
- 50/50 e-liquids – Balanced VG/PG blends that wick easily.
- Nicotine salts (nic salts) – Provide a smooth throat hit even at higher strengths, making them a favourite for those switching from smoking.
Low Resistance Coils
Low-resistance coils, often called sub-ohm coils, are designed for Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping. They have larger surface areas and run at higher wattages, sometimes anywhere from 30–100W+, depending on the device. This extra power means they produce significantly bigger clouds and a more intense flavour.
These coils pair best with:
- High VG shortfills (70/30 VG/PG or higher VG blends) – Thicker liquids that provide smoother inhales and massive vapour production.
- Lower nicotine strengths – Usually 3mg or 6mg freebase, as high-strength nic salts can be overwhelming in a sub-ohm setup.
How to Choose the Right Vape Device?
The best kit for you depends on your smoking habits, the type of e-liquid you plan to use, how much portability you need, and your budget. Let’s go through each:
| Factor | What to Consider | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| E-liquid Type | Do you want MTL draws or DTL style? In either case, choose a compatible e-liquid that fits your device. | Get nic salts for MTL (Pod/starter kits) and shortfills for DTL (sub-ohm vapes). |
| Smoking Habits | Heavy smokers may want more vapour and stronger nicotine delivery. Light or moderate smokers often prefer simplicity and a cigarette-like draw. | Heavy smokers can get pod/starter kits with nic salts packed with higher nicotine. Smokers who want a nicotine-free experience are advised to use vape shortfills in advanced kits without nic shots. |
| Budget | Initial cost and long-term value differ across kits. | Affordable start (Pods & pens); Mods & sub-ohm kits |
| Portability & Power | Decide whether you want pocket-friendly devices or high-performance kits with bigger batteries and customisation. | If you’re just starting, get starter or pod kits. Vapers who want minimal setup should go for big puffs. |
Final Thoughts
Remember, a good vape kit isn’t just about the device; it’s about the experience. Take your time exploring different options, considering battery life, coil types, and overall design. And don’t forget safety, always buy TPD-compliant products from legal retailers. You can check the product’s registration on the official MHRA website to ensure it’s legal and safe.
If you’re buying your device, Ma Vapour has amazing options. Head over to the website, check out their latest collections, and find your next favourite vape kit today.