Pod Systems

The first and most important unique feature all Pod Systems share is, of course, the fact they use pods. That’s why they’re called POD Systems after all.

Pods are customized tanks (to match the shape of the Pod System) usually made out of plastic and contain (what acts as) a non-replaceable coil and some sort of wicking material (commonly cotton or ceramic).

It’s important to remember that the coils inside pods CANNOT be changed independently. When it has expired, you need to throw away the whole pod.

This is the main difference between a Pod System and an All in One kit.

They have a filling port to insert e-liquid unless they are what we call “closed Pod Systems”. In this case, they are already pre-filled with juice and can’t be refilled.

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We do NOT recommend buying closed Pod Systems. We’re anti-closed Pod Systems, in fact. So much so, that we don’t present/promote any on our website. It’s part of our “philosophy”. If you want to know more about this, you can read our Welcome Page . We explain everything there. You can also read our article on the crazy cost on vaping on closed Pod Systems, or the one proving that their convenience is all but a myth. Trut us, if you believe that now, read it and it may change your mind.

But, basically, they’re not more convenient than refillable Pod Systems (instead of reaching for a new pod, you can take an e-liquid bottle. 30 seconds to refill it with the e-liquid YOU want and you’re done), yet they deprive you of choice, come with cheap e-juice and, to top it all, are WAY overpriced (vaping on a JULL is at least 10 times more expensive than vaping on a regular open Pod System. We run down the numbers and make all the calculations for you in the article mentioned above).

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Pods connect to the electronics and battery via conductive metal pins. So, a Pod System is comprised of only 2 pieces: the pod and the casing which encloses the electronic circuit (+ chipset) and the battery.

They can have a wide variety of form factors. From simple, stick or pen-like objects to futuristic or unclassifiable ones.

So, they seem difficult to identify just by looking at them. But, as paradoxical as it sounds, it can be a way to recognize them. Yes, because other MTL devices like Box Mods, Cigalikes and Vape Pens are, as their name suggests, more limited in their shape. Less so the AiO vape kits , though. We’ll speak about them, next.

Pod System usually (NOT always):

– Are draw activated

– Have a smaller footprint than All in One Kits, Vape Pens and Box Mod Kits.

– Thus, Pod System have smaller batteries

– Low power output

– High to average resistance coils

– Low to average battery life

– Produce less vapor

– Pod Systems deliver a low to average hit: It depends on the concentration of nicotine in the e-liquid used (as well as the Propylene Glycol vs Vegetable Glycerin ratio with the Propylene Glycol contributing more to the hit sensation) but as the power is relatively low, so is the hit. Though it can be enough for some, like ex-“light smokers” or people who never smoked before.

Pod systems can also serve well as a secondary device.

– Have no airflow control. So, you’re stuck with the type of draw the manufacturer has implemented.

– They’re easy to operate and maintain. But a consequence which can be considered a drawback is that you can’t change the coil of a pod. So, Pod Systems are less cost-effective and contribute to pollution more.

[NB: As soon as you can change the coil, the device you’re holding is not a Pod System anymore, it’s in fact an AiO vape kit. It doesn’t use a “pod” but a, oftentimes, plastic, customized tank. Yes, we are aware that we could make the opposite argument and declare that an AiO vape kit sporting a plastic or customized tank is in fact a Pod System.



But that wouldn’t be the best choice of words since the point of an All In One kit is specifically to integrate the tank and the battery/Box Mod in one unit by way of customization. And the point of a “Pod” System is to combine a tank and a coil into one inseparable unit, i.e. a pod.



Though, today, it becomes more and more difficult to retain these meaningful and useful classifications with all these new devices and shops and manufacturers themselves wrongly calling everything a Pod System and, thus, blurring the lines.]

Still, we think Pod Systems can be great devices depending on the context or mood. We have some many ourselves and use them every day. And they may be used efficiently to stop smoking. Although we would recommend to consider an MTL AiO kit instead.

If you could get both at first, that would be the best option. It would allow for a richer experience. And you would have more choice to help you find what works best for you as well.