In recent years, most new vaping devices have followed a similar pattern. We have devices and atomizers, both of which have evolved rapidly, but the basic structure remains the same – you choose a device to power it, and an accompanying atomizer to create the vapor.
And that’s changing. In recent months, a new trend has emerged: pod mod systems. What are they? Can they make waves in the market?
Pod mods are based on a standard cig-a-like and have been radically upgraded. They are designed to be convenient, suitable for the target audience of smokers who want a simple alternative. To do that, they have the same basic structure as a cig-a-like, but the manufacturing technology is taken in a different direction.
Cig-a-likes are often limited by their small size, you can't expect too much from them. To solve this problem, pod mods are made a little larger, so the battery capacity, which is the biggest weakness of cig-a-likes, is increased. For example, Cig-a-likes with a battery capacity of 90-180mAh usually can't last more than an hour or two. The slightly larger shape of Pod mods allows this capacity to be pushed up to 300mAh or higher.
The real difference is the atomizer. Cartos are not bad, but they have limited juice capacity and power. This is mainly due to the wicks burning too easily, and once that happens, the Carto is pretty much dead. Pod Mods solve this problem by putting all the juice, coil, and wick in a disposable tank , like a mini clearomizer.
Pod Mods are still a small part of the e-cigarette market, and many people think they will soon become popular. Do they have this potential? Let’s take a look at the top Pod Mods and evaluate their performance.
JUUL
JUUL is made by PAX, the same makers of the popular PAX 2. Currently, JUUL is only sold in the US, but it is expected to be released internationally in the near future.
The JUUL is designed to appeal to people who are still smoking. The device is tiny, only slightly larger than a Cig-a-like, and is an oblong box. The mechanism is simple, with an automatic switch and LED lights to indicate charging and use. The user takes a puff and the device turns on immediately. It's as simple as any other Cig-a-like.
Instead of using Carto, JUUL uses JUULPOD. JUULPOD is a very small plastic tank with a drip tip attached, containing about 0.7 ml of e-liquid along with a wick and coil. Users simply insert the JUULPOD into the top of the device and can use it right away. Currently, JUULPOD comes in four flavors: tobacco, mint, fruit, and crème brulee.
Each pod doesn't seem to hold much e-liquid, but PAX says each pod is equivalent to a pack of cigarettes. Is that believable? Of course it is, because the e-liquid in the pod is very strong, about 5% nicotine, which is 50mg/ml. But the nicotine in the e-liquid is also different, it's a natural nicotine salt, which PAX claims gives a stronger hit. The proof for this is still unclear, but the JUUL is still quite powerful for its small size. With such a high concentration of nicotine in the e-liquid, the JUUL will have a hard time selling in the European market because of TPD.
Aside from being a little too high for TPD, the JUUL has two other issues. One is the charging head, which is a small USB plug that plugs into the back of the device. It works fine if you plug it into a laptop or computer, but you’ll have trouble if you try to connect it to a charging cable. On the plus side, the JUUL lasts a long time after being fully charged.
The second issue is the price of the JUUL. As a starter kit, $49.99 is for a JUUL, four pods, and a charger. A single pack of four pods costs $15.99, so if you use one pod a day, it’s not much cheaper than smoking.
My. Von ERL
The My. Von ERL isn't too different from the JUUL. The My. Von ERL's slim, four-inch body is made from premium aluminum and houses an automatic switch and a 350mAh battery.
The larger form factor gives Von ERL a huge advantage, with its e-juice pods being larger than the JUUL. Each pod holds about 2ml of e-juice, along with a wick and coil. The pods are currently available in six flavors, including tobacco, mint, caffe latte, and ginseng ginger.
The Von ERL is available in Europe and the US, and is also cheaper than the JUUL. A starter kit with one pod costs €23.95, and a box containing four replacement pods costs €9.95 and holds three times the amount of e-juice as a JUUL replacement pod. The charger is also more convenient with a USB cable.
What future for Pod mods?
How much potential can pod mods have? For cloud chasers and hobbyists, probably not much. They are so simple that users can’t design or change anything.
On the other hand, they appeal to smokers who have thought about vaping but are reluctant to deal with coils and e-liquids. These things come naturally to experienced vapers – but for those who have smoked for decades and have simply drawn and lit, most vaping devices are too complicated. So in short, pod mods won’t replace today’s vapes and atomizers, but they can convince a lot of smokers to switch to vaping.
Author: Fergus Mason - Vapingpost
Translator: The Vape Club
