Last Updated on March 9, 2024 by Team Spinfuel

Admittedly, everyone here at Spinfuel VAPE believed the whole “pod mod” explosion onto the community was destined to be short, a fad, an ill-fated gimmick. In the beginning, the first pod mods to make it to the vape community felt cheap, produced little vapor, and didn’t deliver much flavor. Then along came newer and better technology, the growth if nicotine salt eliquids, and before we knew it we had the makings of the perfect storm.

The situation today is that the ultra-portable pod mod market is nearly as big as the traditional box mod and sub-ohm tank market. A truth we found hard to believe, but true nonetheless.

The FIVE Pod Mods below are truly the best devices produced in 2018, with the Lost Vape Orion DNA Go being so far ahead of the pack that choosing the other nominees required us to take the Orion out of the equation.

Best Pod Mod Award Spinfuel VAPE

1st Place Winner: Lost Vape Orion DNA GO

First DNA Chip in a pod mod

Best Pod Mod Spinfuel VAPE 2018Without a doubt, this $65 Pod Mod wins the Award for Best Pod Mod hands down. Never seen before precise machining in a small, gorgeous body, lasting quality, and performance most people don’t believe until they see one in action. There have been plenty of excellent pod mods released this year, and as we move into 2019 there will be even better units. Until then, the Lost Vape Orion DNA Go cannot be matched with current technology. Every Staff member carries the Orion Go on their person 24/7.

The “FULL KIT” selection includes two (2) 0.25ohm SS316L and one (1) 0.5ohm SS316L Orion Pods.

NOW AVAILABLE – Black Frame with Black/RED Carbon Fiber Panels [Element Vape Limited Edition]

The Lost Vape Orion DNA Go Starter Kit is the modern advancement of vaping technology, integrating Evolv’s advanced DNA Go chip within an exquisitely machined chassis in a compact, pod-size structure for a spectacular masterpiece! The Lost Vape Orion is constructed with attention-to-details machining, manifesting a highly durable alloy shell with beautiful real carbon fiber or Abalone details to create a truly luxurious all-in-one, or AIO, pod system. The Lost Vape Orion is powered by Evolv’s customizable DNA Go chipset, maintaining the fully sophisticated customizable adjustments, power regulations, and precise output modes Evolv have come to known for. Managed by a responsive bottom adjustment button with corresponding LED lights, the Lost Vape Orion has three standard output: Low (White Light), Medium (Blue Light), and High (Red Light). An additional function is added to the device, Replay Functionality, allowing users to precisely save the most recent desired output for future firing level. Internally, the Lost Vape Orion 40W features an internal 950mAh rechargeable battery with a discreet microUSB port located at the bottom of the device.

Lost Vape Orion 40W Pod System Features:

  • Internal 950mAh Rechargeable Battery | ~450 Puffs Per Charge
  • Advanced Evolv DNA Go Board
  • Maximum Wattage Output: 40W
  • Replay Functionality – Green Light
  • Three Power Outputs: Low (White), Medium (Blue), High (Red)
  • Intuitive LED Lights – Proper Mode Assessment
  • Highly Responsive Firing & Adjustment Button
  • 3mL Refillable Pod Cartridge Design
  • Each Pod Lasts About 400 Puffs Per Pod
  • Proprietary Pod Cartridge Installation
  • 0.25ohm SS316L Orion Pod – Vapor-Focused
  • 0.5ohm SS316L Coil Pod – Flavor-Focused
  • MTL Delrin Drip Tip
  • Dual Adjustable Airflow – Located Below Drip Tip
  • MicroUSB Port – Charge & Firmware Upgrade via Escribe
  • Short-Circuit Protection
  • Weak Battery Protection
  • Temperature Protection
  • Low/High Resistance Protection
  • Frame Colors – Stainless, Black, Blue, Gold Frame
  • Panel Colors – Carbon Fiber, Gold Abalone, Ocean Scallop

Includes:

  • 1 Lost Vape Orion DNA Go
  • 1 Lost Vape Orion Lanyard
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • 1 Instructional Manual

The Nominees

Aspire Nautilus AIO

2018 Nominee

aspire nautilus aio pod kit redThe Aspire Nautilus AIO Pod System presents as a modernized 1000mAh all-in-one vape kit, with a 4.5mL maximum juice capacity with adjustable airflow control. Taking highly praised elements of the Breeze 2 and Spryte , the Nautilus AIO Pod Kit provides an ergonomic, modular vape experience that will invigorate the senses. The Aspire Nautilus Pod System’s staggering 4.5mL eJuice capacity is easily accessible by simply removing the silicone plug after the pod has been removed from the device. It’s perfect for those on-the-go or for those that enjoy day trips, as the Nautilus AIO Pods will carry a surplus of juice for even the most avid of vapers.

The new Nautilus BVC coils from Aspire are of a bottom vertical coil configuration, generating intense concentrated flavors within discreet clouds. Operating at 1.8ohm, both nichrome coils are of similar configuration, but the NS Coil is adapted specifically for high nicotine or nicotine salt formulations. Finally, the fully openable and close-able airflow can be fine-tuned to keep in line with Aspires’ vision of allowing people to vape to their preferences, whether it be mouth-to-lung or direct-to-lung.

Quick Links:
Aspire Nautilus BVC Replacement Coils
Aspire Nautilus AIO Replacement Pods

Aspire Nautilus AIO Starter Kit Features:

  • Dimensions – 87.5mm by 37mm by 21mm
  • 4.5mL Maximum Juice Capacity
  • Integrated 1000mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Constant Output Wattage: 12W
  • Single Fire Button Operation – LED Backlit Light
  • Soft-Touch Satin Finish
  • Snap-In Connection – Pod Release Button
  • Adjustable Airflow System
  • Protective Drip Tip Top Cap
  • Bottom-Fill System – Silicone Plug
  • Aspire (BVC) Bottom Vertical Coil Technology – Nautilus
  • 1.8ohm Nautilus BVC Coil – Rated for 10-14W
  • 1.8ohm Nautilus BVC NS Coil – Rated for 10-12W (Optimized for Nic Salts)
  • Bottom Ventilation Hole
  • MicroUSB Charging Port – 1A Max Current
  • Available in Blue, Green Jade, Silver, Black, Red, Purple
  • Note: Install and Prime Coil Before Use

Includes:

  • 1 Nautilus AIO Device
  • 2 1,8ohm BVC Coils
  • 2 Extra O-Rings
  • 1 Silicone Seal
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • 1 Warranty Card
  • 1 User Manual

Shanlaan Laan Lite

2018 Nominee

Best pod mod nominee Spinfuel vapeThe Shanlaan Laan Lite is an all-in-one starter kit that features an extremely thin chassis construction, 1.4mL refillable pod capacity, and a magnetic charging dock to create a sleek and versatile vape that can go anywhere. The thin chassis construction uses a durable lightweight materials and has interchangeable panels for user personalization or for those that would like to replace damaged panels. The refillable pods measures 1.4mL of tasty salt nic that sit within the device behind the removable panels. The magnetic charging dock makes it easier to charge and does not add as much strain to the wire and will result in less wire malfunctions.

Shanlaan Laan Lite AIO Starter Kit Features:

  • Integrated 320mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Maximum Wattage Output: 10.5W
  • Coil Resistance: 1.3ohm
  • Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
  • Refillable 1.4mL Pod Cartridge
  • Interchangeable Color Panels
  • Ceramic Coil
  • Side Fill System – Rubber Stopper
  • Magnetic USB Charging Dock
  • Available in Black, White, Ice Blue, Pine Green, Purplish Red

Includes:

  • 1 Laan Lite Pod System
  • 1 Refillable Pod
  • 1 USB Charging Cable Dock
  • 1 Carrying Case
  • 1 User Manual

Smokjoy OPS-1

2018 Nominee

smokjoy ops 1 ultra portable pod kit package contentsThe Smokjoy x AlurOPS-1 Ultra Portable Starter Kit is a truly revolutionary vape pod with aggressive, yet modern styling, featuring an integrated 1100mAh rechargeable battery and two differing types of refillable pods for reliability and customization. The Smokjoy OPS-1 can adapt to match the resistance of the coil within the different pods to give options for other than just nicotine salts. The compact size and versatile options ensure that this vape will find its way into your social circles as the obvious choice for today’s vapers.

Smokjoy OPS-1 Replacement Pods

Smokjoy OPS-1 Ultra Portable System Features:

  • Dimensions – 81mm by 46mm by 21mm
  • Weight – 224g
  • Integrated 1100mAh Rechargable Battery
  • 2mL Maximum Juice Capacity
  • Self Adapted Wattage Based on Coil: 8W or 12W
  • Voltage Range: 3.3V-4.2V
  • 0.6ohm D-POD Resistance – Direct-to-Lung
  • 1.2ohm M-POD Resistance – Mouth-to-Lung
  • Durable Zinc Alloy Construction
  • Single Button Operation – Top Mounted Fire Button
  • LED Battery Life Indicator
  • Bottom Fill Vertical Juice Injection
  • MicroUSB Charging Port
  • Pass-Through Technology
  • Switch Timeout Protection
  • Short Circuit Protection
  • Overcharge Protection
  • Over-Discharge Protection
  • Available in Black, Blue, Rainbow, Gold, White, Gunmetal

Includes:

  • 1 OPS-1 Pod System
  • 1 0.6ohm D-Pod
  • 1 1.2ohm M-Pod
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • Instructional Manual

SMOK Nord Pod Mod

2018 Nominee

Any time SMOK manufactures a Pod Mod we take notice. This time out, the innovative approach with The NORD has led to a pod mod with Direct Lung capability, replaceable coils, and incredible performance. The NORD will provide a quality vape for DL Vapers looking for the ultimate stealth mod.

The SMOK NORD Ultra Portable Pod System draws inspirations from the elegant NOVO, integrating a long-lasting 1100mAh rechargeable battery and a refillable 3mL cartridge design capable of utilizing mesh and ceramic coils. Maintaining the signature cobra-plated panels, the SMOK NORD Pod Kit offers phenomenal handling with compact size and weighted feel for an amazing in-hand vape experience. The rechargeable 1100mAh internal battery offers one of the bigger capacity in the pod system segment, activated via a single-button operational device. The NORD Pod System has a maximum capacity of 3mL, featuring a refillable cartridge design with replaceable coil system. The kit includes a pair of 0.6ohm Nord Mesh Coil catering to the sub-ohm, cloud-focused segment while the 1.4ohm Nord Traditional Coil is suited for MTL-draw users and nic salts. There is an optional use with the 1.0ohm Nord Ceramic Coil – sold separately in the link below.

Quick Links:
SMOK NORD Replacement Coils
SMOK NORD Replacement Pods

SMOK NORD Ultra Portable System Features:

  • Dimensions – 94mm by 30mm by 18.8mm
  • Weight – 80g
  • Integrated 1100mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Wattage Output Range: 10-15W
  • Voltage Input Range: 3.3-4.2V
  • Charging Current: 370mA
  • Direct Voltage Based Output
  • One-Button Firing Mechanism
  • LED Light Battery Indicator
  • Cobra Plated Panels – Exquisite Design
  • 3mL Juice Capacity – Fillable Pod System
  • Replaceable Coil Design
  • 0.6ohm Nord Mesh Coils – Optimized for Sub-Ohm Experience
  • 1.4ohm Nord Regular Coils – Optimized for MTL Experience
  • 1.0ohm Nord Ceramic Coils – Sold Separately
  • Air-Driven Pod System
  • Ergonomically Curved Mouthpiece
  • 8 Seconds Cut-Off Protection
  • Short-Circuit Protection
  • Low Voltage Warning
  • MicroUSB Port Charging System
  • Propreitary Magnetized Connection
  • Available in Full Black, Prism Rainbow, Prism Gold, Bottle Gold, Red, White Black

Includes:

  • 1 NORD Pod System
  • 1 0.6ohm Nord Mesh Coils
  • 1 1.4ohm Nord Regular Coils
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • 1 Instructional Manual