By Spinfuel Staff • Published on May 19, 2020 (Updated on May 19, 2020)
The vaping industry has seen immense growth and evolution, with new devices and technologies emerging constantly. For those new to vaping or looking to upgrade, selecting the right starter kit can be a daunting task.
A starter kit is designed to provide everything you need to begin your vaping journey, offering a balance of ease of use, performance, and portability. With so many options available, from simple pod systems to advanced box mods, finding the “best” can be subjective.
Our goal with this guide is to demystify the choices and highlight the top vape starter kits that stood out in 2019. We’ve considered factors like user-friendliness, vapor production, flavor quality, battery life, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re transitioning from traditional cigarettes, seeking a more discreet vaping experience, or ready to dive into cloud chasing, there’s a starter kit here for you. Let’s explore the best options that helped define the vaping landscape of 2019.
What is a Vape Starter Kit?
A vape starter kit is an all-in-one package designed to give new vapers everything they need to begin vaping. It typically includes the main vaping device (mod or battery), a tank or pod system, coils, a charging cable, and sometimes even a sample e-liquid.
These kits are assembled to be user-friendly, removing the guesswork often associated with piecing together individual components. They aim to simplify the initial setup and learning curve, making vaping accessible to a broader audience, especially those transitioning from traditional cigarettes.
Starter kits vary widely in complexity, size, and features. Some are incredibly simple, requiring little more than filling a pod and taking a puff, while others offer more advanced settings for experienced users. Regardless of the complexity, the core purpose remains the same: to provide a complete, ready-to-use vaping solution right out of the box.
What to Look for in a Starter Kit?
When choosing a vape starter kit, several factors should guide your decision to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences:
Ease of Use: For beginners, a simple, intuitive device is crucial. Look for kits with minimal buttons, automatic draw activation, or straightforward controls.
Vapor Production: Do you prefer discreet, cigarette-like puffs (MTL – Mouth-to-Lung) or large, dense clouds (DTL – Direct-to-Lung)? The coil resistance and airflow design significantly impact vapor output.
Flavor Quality: Different devices and coil types excel at delivering flavor. If rich, consistent flavor is a priority, research kits known for their excellent taste production.
Battery Life: Consider how long you need the device to last between charges. Smaller pod systems have shorter battery lives but are more portable, while larger box mods offer extended use.
Portability: If you plan to vape on the go, a compact and lightweight device is ideal. Pod systems and vape pens are generally more portable than bulky box mods.
E-liquid Compatibility: Some devices are better suited for freebase nicotine e-liquids, while others perform optimally with nicotine salts. Ensure the kit supports your preferred e-liquid type.
Durability: If you’re prone to drops or work in demanding environments, look for kits with robust construction or features like shock and water resistance.
Cost: Starter kits range in price. Set a budget and find a kit that offers the best value for your money without compromising on essential features.
Types of Vapes
The vaping market offers a diverse range of devices, each catering to different preferences and vaping styles. Understanding the basic types can help you narrow down your choices for a starter kit.
Pod Vapes
Pod vapes are compact, often minimalist devices that use pre-filled or refillable “pods” instead of traditional tanks. They are known for their simplicity, portability, and discreet vapor production. Pod systems are particularly popular among new vapers and those looking for a device that mimics the draw of a cigarette, often using high-nicotine e-liquids, especially nicotine salts.
Pros: Extremely easy to use, highly portable, good for nicotine salts, discreet vapor.
Cons: Smaller battery capacity, less vapor production, limited customization.
Vape Pens
Vape pens represent a middle ground between pod systems and more advanced mods. They are cylindrical, slim, and typically consist of a built-in battery and a clearomizer tank. Vape pens offer a balance of portability and vapor production, often providing a slightly more robust experience than pod systems without the complexity of a box mod.
Pros: Good balance of portability and performance, easy to use, better battery life than pods.
Cons: Less powerful than box mods, less customization than advanced setups.
Box Mods
Box mods are larger, more powerful, and feature-rich devices. They get their name from their characteristic box-like shape. Box mods are highly customizable, offering variable wattage, temperature control, and often accommodating external batteries. They are typically paired with sub-ohm tanks, designed for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping and massive vapor production. These are often preferred by experienced vapers who enjoy cloud chasing and fine-tuning their vape experience.
Pros: High power output, long battery life (often with external batteries), extensive customization, massive vapor production.
Cons: Less portable, steeper learning curve, generally more expensive.
The Best Vape Starter Kits of 2019
Here are our top picks for the best vape starter kits that stood out in 2019, each offering unique strengths for various vaping preferences.
SMOK NOVO 2 Starter Kit
SMOK Novo 2
Why it’s a Top Pick: The SMOK NOVO 2 is an upgraded version of the original NOVO, known for its incredible portability and ease of use. It significantly improves battery life and offers a wider range of pod options for different vaping styles.
Pros:
Excellent flavor production
Improved 800mAh battery life
Draw-activated firing
Variety of compatible pods
Compact and lightweight design
Cons:
Small e-liquid capacity (2ml)
No adjustable airflow
The SMOK NOVO 2 is a fantastic pod system for vapers seeking a simple, discreet, and reliable device. Its automatic draw activation makes it incredibly user-friendly, perfect for beginners. The increased battery capacity compared to its predecessor ensures longer vaping sessions, while the diverse range of mesh and quartz pods caters to both intense flavor lovers and those who prefer a warmer vape. It’s an ideal choice for nicotine salt e-liquids and a great companion for on-the-go vaping.
Why it’s a Top Pick: The Vaporesso GEN Kit combines elegant design with powerful performance. Its AXON chip offers advanced features, while the ergonomic, rubberized coating provides a comfortable grip and durability. Paired with the SKRR-S tank, it delivers excellent sub-ohm vaping.
Excellent flavor and vapor production from the SKRR-S tank
User-friendly interface despite advanced features
Cons:
External batteries not included
Bulkier than pod systems
The Vaporesso GEN Kit is a powerhouse designed for vapers who demand performance and customization. The AXON chip’s Pulse Mode continuously fires through the puff, providing a consistently powerful and flavorful vape. Its sleek yet robust design feels great in hand, and the SKRR-S tank effectively minimizes spit back and leaking. This kit is ideal for experienced vapers or those ready to dive into the world of high-wattage, direct-to-lung vaping.
Why it’s a Top Pick: For Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) enthusiasts, the Vandy Vape AP MTL Kit offers an outstanding experience. Its durable construction, efficient battery, and precise airflow control make it a top contender for those who prefer a tighter draw and excellent flavor.
Pros:
Excellent MTL draw and flavor
Robust and waterproof construction
Integrated 900mAh battery
Adjustable airflow for precise customization
Simple one-button operation
Cons:
Limited vapor production (typical for MTL)
Not suitable for DTL vaping
The Vandy Vape AP MTL Kit is built like a tank, making it perfect for active users. Its focus on providing a superior MTL experience means exceptional flavor delivery with a satisfying throat hit, ideal for transitioning smokers. The included tank, designed specifically for MTL, offers precise airflow adjustments, allowing users to fine-tune their preferred draw. If you’re looking for a durable, straightforward MTL kit that performs reliably, the AP MTL Kit is a superb choice.
Why it’s a Top Pick: The Lost Vape Orion Q-Pro is a versatile pod system that bridges the gap between simple pods and more advanced devices. It retains the sleek, high-end design of the original Orion but adds adjustable wattage and compatibility with a wider range of coils, including both MTL and DTL options.
Pros:
Premium design and build quality
Adjustable wattage (5 power levels)
Compatible with Q-Pro, Orion Plus, and Orion Q coils
Excellent flavor and satisfying vapor
950mAh internal battery
Cons:
Pods can be pricey
Limited e-liquid capacity (2ml)
The Orion Q-Pro offers a sophisticated vaping experience in a compact form factor. Its ability to switch between different coils and power levels makes it incredibly adaptable, suitable for both nicotine salts and freebase e-liquids, and capable of both MTL and restricted DTL vaping. The device feels luxurious in hand, and its reliable performance makes it a standout choice for those who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality in a pod system.
Why it’s a Top Pick: The GeekVape Aegis Mini is a compact version of the highly acclaimed Aegis series, known for its extreme durability. This kit offers impressive power (up to 80W) and an integrated 2200mAh battery, all within a rugged, water, dust, and shock-resistant frame. Paired with the Cerberus sub-ohm tank, it’s a small but mighty performer.
Pros:
IP67 water, dust, and shock resistant
Compact and ergonomic design
Integrated 2200mAh battery with 80W max output
Fast charging capabilities
Excellent flavor and vapor from the Cerberus tank
Cons:
Internal battery means no swapping when dead
Slightly heavier than typical mini mods
The Aegis Mini Kit is the perfect choice for vapers who need a robust and reliable device that can withstand daily wear and tear. Its advanced AS chipset ensures stable and powerful performance, while the included Cerberus tank with its mesh coils delivers fantastic flavor and respectable clouds. Despite its “mini” name, it packs a serious punch and is an excellent option for those who want a durable, high-performing starter kit without the need for external batteries.
Why it’s a Top Pick: The Wismec SINUOUS P80 is a compact 80W kit featuring a unique design with a hidden fire button and a centered 510 connector. It’s paired with the Elabo Mini tank, which offers a convenient top-fill system and balanced performance for both flavor and vapor production. It’s an elegant and ergonomic single 18650 mod.
Pros:
Compact and ergonomic design
Hidden fire button for a sleek look
Max 80W output (requires 1x 18650 battery)
Centered 510 connection for compatibility with various tanks
Clear OLED display
Cons:
Single 18650 battery might not last all day at higher wattages
External battery not included
The Wismec SINUOUS P80 is a beautifully designed kit that stands out with its minimalist aesthetic and comfortable form factor. The hidden fire button is a thoughtful touch, making the device feel incredibly smooth. While it requires a single 18650 battery, it offers enough power for most sub-ohm tanks and provides a satisfying vaping experience with the included Elabo Mini. It’s an excellent choice for vapers seeking a stylish, compact, and capable single-battery mod.
Why it’s a Top Pick: The Uwell Caliburn KOKO is renowned for its exceptional flavor production and ultra-portable, square form factor. It builds on the success of the original Caliburn with an improved coil system and a lanyard for easy carrying, making it a favorite for discreet and flavorful vaping.
Pros:
Unmatched flavor quality for a pod system
Compact and lightweight with lanyard compatibility
Draw-activated firing
520mAh internal battery
Uses the beloved Caliburn pods (1.2ohm)
Cons:
Battery life is modest
Limited vapor production (typical for small pods)
The Uwell Caliburn KOKO is a flavor chaser’s dream in a pod system. Its square shape and included lanyard make it incredibly convenient for on-the-go use, easily fitting into any pocket or worn around the neck. While its 520mAh battery is modest, it charges quickly and provides a consistent, satisfying MTL experience. If you prioritize stellar flavor and portability above all else, the Caliburn KOKO remains one of the best pod systems available.
Why it’s a Top Pick: The Joyetech eGo AIO ProKit is an all-in-one (AIO) vape pen known for its simplicity, anti-leaking design, and vibrant customizable tank lights. It’s a fantastic entry-level device that provides a balanced MTL/restricted DTL experience with minimal fuss.
Pros:
Simple one-button operation
Leak-proof cup design
Adjustable airflow
Customizable LED tank light
Integrated 2300mAh battery
Cons:
Glass tank is not replaceable
Less powerful than box mods
The Joyetech eGo AIO ProKit is an excellent choice for new vapers or anyone seeking a straightforward, reliable device. Its all-in-one design means fewer components to manage, and the leak-proof system is a huge plus for portability. The large 2300mAh battery ensures long vaping sessions, and the adjustable airflow allows users to tailor their draw. With its vibrant color options and customizable tank illumination, it also adds a touch of personal flair to your vaping experience.
The year 2019 brought forth an impressive array of vape starter kits, catering to every type of vaper, from those just beginning their journey to seasoned enthusiasts looking for convenience. The advancements in battery technology, chipsets, and coil design have made these devices more efficient, flavorful, and user-friendly than ever before.
Whether you prioritize portability, robust flavor, massive clouds, or extreme durability, the kits reviewed above represent the pinnacle of innovation and performance from that year. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights and helped you identify the perfect starter kit to enhance your vaping experience.
Remember, the “best” kit is ultimately the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. Happy vaping!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best vape for beginners?
For beginners, the best vapes are typically simple pod systems or vape pens that are easy to use, feature draw activation, and require minimal maintenance. Options like the SMOK NOVO 2 or Uwell Caliburn KOKO are excellent choices due to their straightforward operation and satisfying performance.
Are starter kits safe?
Yes, reputable vape starter kits from established brands are designed with multiple safety features, including overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, and low-voltage protection. Always purchase from trusted vendors and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe usage and charging.
How long do vape coils last?
The lifespan of a vape coil varies depending on several factors, including the type of e-liquid used (sweeter e-liquids can gunk up coils faster), frequency of use, and wattage settings. On average, coils can last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks. Signs that a coil needs replacing include a burnt taste, reduced vapor production, or diminished flavor.
Can I use any e-liquid in my starter kit?
While many kits are versatile, it’s crucial to match your e-liquid to your device and coil type. Pod systems and MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) devices often perform best with higher nicotine strength e-liquids, especially nicotine salts. Sub-ohm tanks and DTL (Direct-to-Lung) devices are typically designed for lower nicotine freebase e-liquids. Always check your device’s recommendations.
How do I clean my vape starter kit?
Cleaning instructions vary by device. For most kits, regular maintenance involves wiping down the device with a clean cloth, cleaning the tank or pod (especially around the coil and airflow), and ensuring no e-liquid buildup around the contacts. For tanks, disassembling and rinsing with warm water can be effective. Always ensure components are dry before reassembling and using.
