The disposable vape aisle is full of options and can be confusing — it seems like every brand and model offers something new, exciting and promising. Let’s be honest – picking the right disposable vape is not as easy as simply grabbing whatever catches your eye. In fact, it requires an understanding of several variables and preferences that may align with you in unique ways. Based on my own journey of trial and error through various types of disposable vapes, I have narrowed the search down to three main factors: flavor, hardware and feel.
1. The Flavor Frontier: Beyond "Just Fruit"
When I first started vaping with a disposable vape, I picked up a classic Blue Razz. While it was nice – and served its purpose as a simple one note flavor, it didn’t take long for it to become boring. As I continued to try different types of disposable vapes, I found that the true potential of a great disposable vape is achieved by complex flavors.
- All-Day Vape: Balanced, nuanced flavors. Examples include Lush Ice (a watermelon flavored vape with a hint of menthol) and a strawberry kiwi vape. They are not too sweet nor too strong. They are the “comfortable jeans” of disposable vapes. I always carry one of these with me. They do not overpower your senses and provide a solid vape experience throughout the day.
- Dessert Vape: Richer and creamier flavors to give you a little luxury. Examples include vanilla custard tobacco and creamy butterscotch. Note of warning: these richer flavors can be hit-or-miss. When done correctly, they are amazing. However, if they are done poorly, they can taste waxy and fake.
- Ice Blast: Menthol isn’t just a flavor; it is also a sensation. Most brands have perfected their “ice” or “cool” products. Whether it is a cooling sensation after taking a puff of a ripe mango or a juicy peach, the ice blast gives a refreshing sensation that not only adds flavor but also creates a pleasing throat sensation. According to data provided by ECigIntelligence in their 2022 report, the most popular disposable vape products have fruit and menthol flavor combinations due to their ability to create a reliable and refreshing experience.
2. The Hardware Hustle: It's Not Just About the Juice
Hardware is more than just the flavor of the vape. One of the biggest mistakes I made early in my vaping career was purchasing a vape with a high number of puffs and a low quality battery. In the end, I ended up with a vape that tasted burnt after only three days of use. The number of puffs listed on the box is typically the highest possible number under ideal laboratory testing conditions. What really counts is battery size and liquid capacity.
If you purchase a vape that lists 5,000 puffs, but has an 850mAh battery, you can bet the vape will be dead long before you run out of juice. Look for a product that has both a large enough battery and a large enough liquid reservoir. A device that has a 12ml liquid container and a 1200mAh battery will likely provide you with a consistent vaping experience from the first puff to the last. Some of the better devices I have seen come equipped with a transparent window or a visible cotton pod so you can visually check how much juice you have remaining.
3. The Feel Factor: Draw and Design
This is the most subjective variable. Are you a fan of a tight, cigarette-style draw or do you prefer a loose, airier draw? Do you like a big, fluffy cloud or a smaller, tighter cloud?
In the past, I have primarily been a fan of Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) devices as they were easier to conceal and had a more traditional smoking feel to them. However, I recently purchased a larger, more voluminous cloud-producing device and I loved the feeling of taking a deep breath rather than a quick sip. Ultimately, it is your decision based on your preference. Ask the clerk at the store about the draw style as they should know the difference.
Form factor is another element to consider as some devices are slim and compact while others are thicker and more ergonomic. I personally think the sleeker pens are easier to hide in a pocket, however, the larger designs often have bigger batteries and are heavier in your hand.
4. The Nicotine Nuance: Finding Your Sweet Spot
With the advent of nicotine salts, we have finally reached the point where we have moved away from simple percentages of nicotine to a wide range of nicotine salt concentrations. Salts are a breakthrough technology that allow for nicotine concentrations that previously would have been unpalatable in terms of “throat hit”. With the development of salts, it is now possible to achieve a stronger dose of nicotine without the burning sensation associated with the same amount of freebase nicotine.
As a result, I have transitioned to using salts for the majority of my vaping needs. However, if you are looking to reduce your nicotine levels or have never smoked heavily, many manufacturers now offer lower strength products such as 3% or 0% nicotine. Ultimately, you need to determine what works best for you. Avoid starting with a higher strength product simply because it is the most commonly available option. Starting with a high strength product that is not suited to your level of nicotine tolerance may cause a rapid, unpleasant rush of nicotine to your brain.
The Final Puff
Ultimately, finding the perfect disposable vape is a relatively short journey of self discovery. It is about recognizing that you prefer certain flavors, that you value consistency in your hardware, and that the sensation of drawing on the vape is just as important as the flavor of the vape itself.
My suggestion is to be a flavor explorer. Try a variety of different flavors before committing to purchasing two of the same device. Be curious. Ask questions. Pay attention to what you enjoy. In the end, in the crowded, colorful world of disposable vapes, the perfect one – the one that truly feels like it was created specifically for you – is waiting for you.