Let’s Get Back to the Main Point

First things first: today, there are two main types of vaporizers dominating the market — disposable vapes and pod kits (which can be refilled). Since disposables are set to disappear from the Irish market starting in June, we’ll focus on pod kits, which should be the go-to choice for any beginner.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything currently available in Ireland — different types of vape kits and the key factors you should consider when searching for the “best” one to buy. This article gets straight to the point — a guaranteed good read. Let’s dive in!

What’s in a Vape Kit, Really?

Let’s demystify the term:
A vape kit isn’t some secret agent suitcase with lasers and microchips — it’s just a starter pack that includes your vaping device and the basic gear needed to get puffing without calling your cousin for tech support.

Depending on the type of kit — pod, mod, pen, or squonk — what’s inside may vary slightly. But most vape kits include:

What’s (Usually) Inside a Vape Kit:

• ✅ The Device Itself – the star of the show, whether it’s a sleek pod or a chunky mod;

• ✅ Charging Cable – usually USB-C these days (RIP micro-USB);

• ✅ Pods or Cartridges – for pod systems, you’ll get one or two refillable or prefilled pods;

• ✅ Coils – included in mod kits or replaceable pod kits (don’t vape without one, unless you like the taste of burning sadness);

• ✅ User Manual – in case you enjoy bedtime reading;

• ✅ Lanyard – sometimes included, so you can wear your vape like a backstage pass (mostly for smaller pods);

• ❌ E-liquid? Not always. Many kits don’t include juice, so double-check or you’ll be left puffing air like a confused cloud.

One Last Thing:

Not all vape kits are created equal — some are barebones, others come with all the bells and whistles. Always read the content list before clicking "Add to Cart." And if your vape comes with an app? Congratulations — you’re officially vaping in 4K.

Types of Vape Kits – The Real Deal (No Marketing Fairy Tales)

You may have heard someone say, “There are five types of vape kits.”
Well, that’s like saying there are five types of Irish weather — not wrong, but definitely missing a few monsoons.

Let’s clear the fog:

Vape Pens – The Slim Siblings

These are the OGs of vaping — long, slim, and easy to carry in your pocket next to your hopes and dreams.
A vape pen typically comes with:

• a battery,

• a tank or pod,

• and a coil.

Some are refillable, others are closed systems, and yes, they aim to look like a cigarette — if cigarettes were rechargeable and didn't ruin your lungs.

Pod Kits – Small but Mighty

Pod kits are compact, clever, and ideal for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vapers.
They don’t use traditional tanks — instead, they use pods, which are:

• Refillable (like Vaporesso XROS, Uwell Caliburn),

• or pre-filled and disposable (like Vuse ePod or Elf Bar Elfa).

These kits are perfect for switching flavours, vaping on the go, or sneaking a puff between lectures without looking like you're launching a vape bazooka.

And no — they don’t come only with “disposable pods.” That’s marketing nonsense.

Pod Mods – Half Pod, Half Powerhouse

Pod mods are like pod kits after a gym transformation.
They combine compact size with adjustable wattage, airflow control, and bigger batteries. You’ll see them labelled as:

• Voopoo Vinci,

• Smok Nord 5,

• OXVA Xlim Pro, etc.

They’re for folks who like flavour and fog but still want to fit it in their jeans without looking like you’re smuggling an external hard drive.

Box Mods – Customise Everything

These chunky, box-shaped beasts are for seasoned vapers who want total control. Think of them as the Swiss Army knife of vaping.
Features may include:

• Variable wattage (5W–200W and beyond),
• Temperature control,
• Removable 18650 batteries,
• Colour screens,
• and the occasional existential crisis about what flavour to vape next.

They’re not for everyone — but if you love settings, clouds, and custom coils, welcome home.

(And yes, it’s Box Mod, not “Box Kod” — unless we’re talking secret Polish hacking devices.)

Squonk Mods – For the Tinkerers

If you like building your own coils, dripping your e-liquid like a mad scientist, but hate constantly reaching for the bottle — Squonk Mods are for you.

They have a squeeze bottle built into the mod, pushing liquid straight into the bottom-fed RDA. It’s messy, niche, and oddly satisfying — like brewing your own moonshine, but legal.

Bonus Myth Buster:

“Pods give fewer puffs than disposables.”
Wrong.
Pods usually hold the same 2 ml as disposables (thanks, TPD!), but you can refill them over and over again.
So while a disposable gives you 600 puffs and goes to vape heaven, a pod might last thousands — with the same coil, battery and housing.

TL;DR Vape Kit Types (for goldfish memory):

How to Choose a Vape Kit | What to Pay Attention To

Where to begin? That’s the key question thousands of new vaping enthusiasts across Ireland are asking themselves.

1. Identify Your Vaping Style

There are two main vaping styles: MTL (Mouth-To-Lung) and RDL (Restricted Direct-Lung). MTL means taking a puff, holding it in your mouth, and then drawing it into your lungs – much like smoking a traditional cigarette. RDL, on the other hand, involves inhaling directly into your lungs in one motion. So, which is better? That really depends on your preferences and whether you used to smoke regular cigarettes.

At Eirhorse, we’re not here to encourage anyone to start vaping just because it’s trendy or because their friends are doing it. If you fall into that group, we ask you to think twice. After all, vaping involves inhaling substances into your lungs – and let’s not pretend they’re completely harmless. On the contrary, some of them are quite questionable. That’s just a side note, but if the urge is stronger than reason, we’re at least here to help you make the most informed, optimal choice.

Back to the technical side: MTL vaping requires low power, while RDL (or simply DTL – Direct-to-Lung) vaping typically requires higher power – starting at around 20W. So, if you’re an RDL type, look for a kit that supports up to 25–30W. For MTL – which is what most beginners prefer – almost any basic pod system will do the job just fine.

2. Vape Type

As we mentioned earlier, from June 2025, disposable vapes will be banned in Ireland. That means your first vape kit should be a refillable pod device. Luckily, there’s no shortage of great options in this category.

For beginners, we strongly recommend starting with something simple. One great example is the Vaporesso XROS 4 Mini – it allows you to choose different pod resistances depending on the e-liquid you use (we’ll cover that in more detail later, since it matters!).

Another option is a semi-disposable pod system with prefilled e-liquid pods. The best example in this category is the Elf Bar AF5000, which cleverly includes a charger to bypass the upcoming ban. You can get it here. Similarly, the IVG Smart 5500 uses the same strategy – you just insert a new pod and keep vaping. You’ll find it here too.

While these options are super convenient, keep in mind that they tend to be more expensive than refillable kits. That’s because buying e-liquid separately is much cheaper in the long run than replacing entire pods every few days.

Pod Capacity and Puff Count

The number of puffs you can get from a 2ml vape pod depends on a few factors: power level, your vaping style, and the length of each puff. On average, a 2ml pod provides around 200 to 600 puffs. Many disposables with the same capacity claim to deliver around 600 puffs – often compared to about 20 regular cigarettes. However, in practice, some users report getting as few as 200–300 puffs, depending on how they vape and what device they’re using.

In contrast, the IVG Smart 5500 offers up to 5500 puffs per device, while the Elf Bar AF5000 delivers around 5000 puffs. These numbers make them attractive for people looking for convenience and longer-lasting performance – but again, cost per puff is higher compared to refillable solutions.

Coil Resistance vs. E-Liquid – How Does It Work?

Since we’ve already covered which vaping device might suit you best (and if you’ve still got questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via @), let’s now talk coils. Coils come with different resistances, measured in ohms (Ω). And that matters more than you think!

Here’s the key breakdown:

🔹 High Resistance Coils (>1.0Ω)

• Vaping Style: MTL (Mouth-To-Lung)
• Power: Low (10–15W)
• Ideal for: E-liquids with higher nicotine strength (e.g., 12 mg+, nicotine salts)
• Recommended PG/VG ratio: 50/50 or even 60/40 PG/VG

Why? Thinner e-liquids wick more efficiently into the cotton of high-resistance coils. If the liquid is too thick (like 70/30 VG), it can cause dry hits.

🔸 Low Resistance Coils (<1.0Ω)

• Vaping Style: DL (Direct-Lung)
• Power: Higher (20–70W depending on the coil)
• Ideal for: E-liquids with lower nicotine strength (e.g., 3 mg, 6 mg)
• Recommended PG/VG ratio: 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG

Why? Thicker liquids with more VG produce denser vapor and deliver a smoother hit. Too much PG, on the other hand, can cause leaking in DL setups.

Quick Matching Guide

Pro Tip

If you're using a closed pod system like Vaporesso XROS, Uwell Caliburn, or Voopoo Vinci:

• Check the coil resistance marking (e.g., 0.8Ω, 1.2Ω)
• Choose the right liquid (e.g., 0.8Ω = 50/50, 6 mg; 1.2Ω = 50/50, 12 mg)

Bonus Trick

Set a phone alarm for 5–7 days after changing your coil. It’ll remind you when it's time for a replacement — and help you avoid that burnt coil taste.

That’s all on the technical side — now here’s the truth from real life: you’ve got to experiment. We’ve met vapers who actually enjoy the taste of a slightly burnt coil... as long as it’s paired with a pint of Guinness. 😉

3. Who’s Got More Gizmos? Disposables vs. Vape Pods

You might’ve heard that disposable vapes have more features than pod kits. That’s like saying a tricycle with a bell outperforms a Mercedes. Sounds fun, falls apart under scrutiny (or at the first hill).

Disposable vapes are, by design, simple creatures:
– pull, puff, bin.
No screens, no settings, no Bluetooth, and absolutely no weather forecasts for Cork. Despite what some wild marketing claims suggest, you're not getting TikTok, a camera, or step tracking from a device designed to be thrown away.

Meanwhile, pod kits are a whole different league — not quite spaceships, but definitely 21st century tech. They offer:

• Adjustable airflow – so you can choose between sipping through a straw or huffing through a chimney;
• Power modes – soft, boost, or "let’s fog up the room";
• LED lights or even full-on screens – to let you know your battery isn’t ghosting you;
• Visible e-liquid levels – no more guessing if it’s juice or burnt cotton;
• Button or draw activation – pick your poison;
• And yes, sometimes even Bluetooth apps (yep, it’s the pod kits with the tech, not disposables).

So to sum up – if you want control, feedback, and a bit of geeky joy, pod kits are your smart device. Disposables? Well, they’re more like a vending machine snack: convenient, but you don’t expect Wi-Fi with your crisps.

4. Activation, baby – how does your vape say “go”?

There are two main ways to activate your vape: by pressing a button, or simply by taking a puff. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, not if you’ve been reading blogs that sound like spy manuals.

Let’s bust a myth first:

“You have to fake a puff to get the device going...”

Fake a puff? What is this, Mission: Vapo-possible?

Nope.
If your vape is draw-activated, it means one real inhale is all it takes. You don’t have to "pretend" anything or warm up your acting skills. You inhale — it vapes. End of drama.

Two legit ways to power your puff:

• Draw activation – just inhale and the coil heats up automatically. Great for people who don’t want buttons, switches, or reminders of the microwave back home.
• Button activation – press to vape. Perfect if you like a bit more control or you’re using a higher-powered device that needs intentional engagement (because, well, 60 watts isn’t for clumsy pockets).
• Dual activation – some smart devices let you do both. Want to puff casually in the rain? No problem. Want to press a button and look like you’re launching a drone? Also fine.

This dual setup is usually found in pod kits, not disposables — although a few disposables (very few) may support limited dual-function use. But don’t expect full customization in something designed to be tossed after 5000 puffs.

So remember:
There’s no need to “fake” anything — your vape isn’t testing your acting chops.
Just draw, press, or both — depending on your style, your kit, and whether or not you like pushing buttons in life (literally and metaphorically).

5. Nicotine Levels – The Truth Behind the Puff

Let’s get this straight — not every vape is pumping out 5% nicotine like it’s the Wild West. In fact, if you’re vaping in Europe or Ireland, the legal limit for nicotine strength is 20 mg/ml (2%), thanks to the lovely folks at the TPD (Tobacco Products Directive).

🇪🇺 EU vs 🇺🇸 USA – Big Difference

So no, your Elf Bar in Dublin won’t be hitting the same way as one from Florida. And if it is — you might wanna check that label again...

Nicotine or No Nicotine?

When picking a vape, you’ve got two basic options:

• ✅ With Nicotine – usually 10 mg or 20 mg nicotine salts; smooth, satisfying, great for quitting cigarettes.
• 🟢 Nicotine-Free (0%) – same fruity flavours, no buzz. Good if you just like blowing clouds and pretending you're in a perfume ad.

And if you're after reliable, tested liquids, here's a tip from someone who’s been around too many burnt coils:
Eirhorse e-liquids – tested under laboratory conditions at Trinity College Dublin, and available in both nicotine and nicotine-free versions. Trusted by science nerds and flavour freaks.

Bonus Myth Buster:

“Most vapes contain 5% nicotine.”
Wrong... if you're in Europe.
That 5% figure is mostly US-specific. In Ireland, you won’t find 5% unless someone’s importing it illegally or mislabeling products.

6. The One Where Everything Else Matters

Let’s face it — choosing a vape kit isn’t just about puff counts or fancy coils. It’s about you. Your style, your habits, your budget, and your desire not to carry around something that looks like it came from a scrapyard sci-fi prop box.

So here’s what really counts when you’re putting together your perfect setup:

What Actually Matters (No Marketing BS)

✅ Battery Size – Bigger battery = less charging = more time to vape while pretending to be productive.
Tip: 1000mAh is good. Anything more? Welcome to cloud city.

✅ Flavour Variety – If you’re switching from disposables, go for a refillable pod system. That way you’re not locked into one brand or a “mystery fruit” blend that tastes like confused bubblegum.

✅ Puff Efficiency – It’s not about how many puffs, but how good they taste. A 300-puff session of premium liquid beats 5000 bland ones.
(Pro tip: Try Eirhorse e-liquids – not only crafted in Ireland, but also lab-tested at Trinity College Dublin. Science says “yum.”)

✅ Form Factor – Maybe you want a pocket-friendly pen, maybe a statement-piece mod that says “I vape and I vote.” Either way, size and shape matter — and not just for storage.

✅ Features You’ll Actually Use – Some devices offer airflow control, adjustable wattage, puff counters, and lights. Great. But ask yourself: Do I really want my vape blinking at me like it’s trying to order takeaway?

Budget & Brains

Don’t overspend just because someone on Reddit called your kit “entry-level.” Entry-level is perfect if it keeps you off cigarettes, tastes good, and doesn’t explode.
Price tiers:

• 💸 €20–30 – Slim pens and basic pods.
• 💰 €40–60 – Pod mods with options and style.
• 🧠 €70+ – High-performance box mods, squonk setups, or the kind of tech NASA might borrow.

💸 €20–30 – Slim pens and basic pods.

• 💰 €40–60 – Pod mods with options and style.
• 🧠 €70+ – High-performance box mods, squonk setups, or the kind of tech NASA might borrow.

Final Advice (From a Vaper Who’s Been There)

Build your kit around what you need — not what’s trending.
Choose a device you like to hold, flavours you actually enjoy, and liquids you trust (like those Eirhorse bad boys with the Trinity-tested seal of flavour excellence).
And if your kit doesn’t fit your life? Swap it. Vape freedom means vape flexibility.

By Alex Quinn
"Age, gender, it doesn’t matter – what counts is feeling like yourself. In vaping, there are no rules, except for one: Be free."