How to Choose a Vape Starter Kit
Picking a vape starter kit comes down to a few questions you want to ask yourself.
- Am I trying to switch from one smoking method to another?
- Am I looking to gradually decrease the amount I normally smoke?
- What kind of flavours am I interested in?
- Do I like a puff that is similar to smoking a cigarette or a hookah?
- Do I prefer something with no smell at all, or am I okay with a faint smell?
And the most important question to ask is: What is my monthly budget?
Budget is relative. For example, someone going through a pack of cigarettes a day could already be spending $600–$700 a month just on cigarettes and vaping can easily cut that cost in half. On the other hand, someone who only smokes on weekends, borrowing a cigarette from a friend here and there, may only want to buy a vape once and keep it for as long as possible.
It all comes down to personal preference and situation.
Boss Vapes has helped many customers achieve their respective goals. Over the years, we have successfully helped many people quit cigarettes completely within weeks of starting to vape. Our biggest customer base is ex-smokers, people who were tired of the burden cigarettes placed on their wallet and the smell left behind on their hands, clothes, cars, and more.
Below, we will use some examples of vape products that fit different needs.
| Disposable | Basic Pod Mod |
⭐ Most Popular Mid-Range Pod Mod |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $15+ per unit | $18 – $30 | $30 – $52 |
| Upfront Commitment | None | Low | Medium |
| Long-Term Cost | Highest | Low | Low |
| Battery Size | Built-in (fixed) | 650 – 1000 mAh | 1000 – 2000 mAh |
| Screen / Wattage | No | No | Yes |
| E-Liquid Type | Salt Nic only | Salt Nic only | Salt Nic + Freebase |
| Nicotine Flexibility | 20mg / Intense only | 10mg – 20mg | 3mg – 20mg+ |
| Pods Included | N/A | 1 pod | 2 pods |
| Wattage Range | Fixed | 8 – 12W | Up to 25W+ |
| Best For | First-time users | Salt Nic switchers | Reducing nicotine |
Disposable Vapes
Disposables are a great starting point as they require zero commitment and allow the user to experience vaping without spending a lot of money. You can usually find them for $15 or more before taxes, and they come in all sorts of options. You can buy one with 500 puffs in a fruity or tobacco flavour, or go with a rechargeable option offering up to 50,000 puffs. There are even disposables available that allow you to turn off the vapour production entirely.
While they are a great entry point for most customers, disposables are not the best option for someone looking to reduce their monthly costs or lower their nicotine intake. Most disposables are available in 20mg nicotine strength or an intense variant that mimics more than twice the nicotine of a standard 20mg vape.
Even though disposables offer a wide variety of choices, they are generally the most expensive way to vape because every time you buy a new one, you are not just paying for the e-liquid inside, you are also paying for a brand new device.
Before we go any further, let's look at the types of e-liquid available on the market today.
When we started Boss Vapes in 2016, there was only one kind of e-liquid, generally available in three nicotine strengths: 3mg, 6mg, and 12mg with 18mg available upon request. This liquid is called Freebase. It is essentially a mixture of VG (Vegetable Glycerine), PG (Propylene Glycol), liquid nicotine, and food-grade flavourings. Freebase e-liquid generally has a 70/30 VG/PG ratio and performs best when vaped at 25 watts or more.
Freebase is a thicker liquid compared to Salt Nic, which uses a 50/50 VG/PG ratio, making it thinner in viscosity. Salt Nic was designed for users who prefer a smaller device with a compact built-in battery, capable of vaping at as low as 6 watts which is why the thinner 50/50 ratio suits it well.
Salt Nic is generally available in three strengths: 10mg or 12mg, 20mg, and 20mg Intense. All disposable vape devices use Salt Nic. If a user prefers a nicotine strength lower than 20mg, a refillable vape device is likely a more suitable option for their needs.
Types of Refillable Devices
The market for refillable devices is huge as there is literally a new device hitting the market every month. We will focus on general categories to help guide your decision, and you can explore the specific options further when you are ready to make a purchase.
Basic Devices / Basic Pod Mods
A basic device offers a very budget-friendly entry point, typically priced between $18 and $29.99 plus tax depending on the brand. Most of these devices have a battery size of 650mAh to 1000mAh, no display screen, and usually come with one pod to get you started.
These devices are a great option for someone who is comfortable with Salt Nic, as all entry-level devices vape between 8 watts on a low battery and 12 watts when fully charged. They also come with a standard 0.8Ω or 0.9Ω pod that is compatible with any Salt Nic e-liquid.
A Step Up: Mid-Range Pod Mods
For a slightly higher budget; roughly $30 to $52 plus tax you can find a device with a larger battery (1000mAh to 2000mAh), a small screen that lets you adjust the power output, and typically two pods included in the starter kit, which alone offers $5–$7 in added value.
Choosing a device with a screen gives you much more flexibility down the road. If your goal is to gradually reduce your nicotine intake to moving from 20mg or 12mg Salt Nic down to 3mg or 6mg Freebase and you will need a device that can adjust wattage up to at least 25 watts. Make sure to also check whether the device is compatible with a 0.4Ω pod or a higher-output pod option.
In a nutshell, if you visit BossVapes.ca and browse our device selection, you can shortlist a few options and then contact our store via live chat on the website or by calling us as we will gladly guide you in the right direction based on your goals. We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Please refer to our hours of operation on Google Maps or Apple Maps for our current store hours.
We are also the only store offering free same-day delivery to any address within 20 km of our Burnaby location.
We are always happy to help!
