Pod Vaping System vs Pod Mod - What's the Difference?

Pod systems (pod kits) have proved to be incredibly popular choices with vapers. Indeed, their popularity continues to grow. Most are compact, easy to use and reliable. These kits have certainly helped to popularise nic salts e-liquids.

Of course, pod kits vary in their functionality and complexity. If you began your vaping journey with a simple device, you may wish to explore more advanced options. 

In the past, moving to an advanced device would have meant investing in a tank kit featuring a mod rather than a simple battery casing such as those found in vape pens.

But these days, you can choose from advanced pod kits incorporating mods offering diverse benefits.

You could say that any battery casing is a mod. But the term mod is usually applied to battery casings that incorporate more advanced technology and a screen rather than just a fire button and single operating mode. 

Some devices, such as the Aspire Pixo or OXVA Xlim Classic, bridge the gap between the simplest kits and pod mod kits. These kits are user-friendly, compact pod devices but each features a screen and enables you to choose your wattage.

What are the most common features of pod mods?

When you make the jump from a basic pod system to a pod mod kit, how can you expect your vaping experience to change? Here are a few of the factors that you should consider:

Pod mod kits are generally larger - mods offering advanced functionality are usually larger than entry level devices. This is a consideration if you are seeking a lightweight, pocket-friendly vape. But technology is marching on and it is increasingly possible to pack advanced tech and high capacity batteries into smaller packages!

Pod mod systems are more complex - these devices may feature more than one operating mode and a screen. Advanced functionality enables you to fine tune your vaping experience but does mean that you will need to learn how to use it. You should also be prepared to adjust your settings when you change coils or e-liquid.

You will need to replace coils - advanced pod systems are generally compatible with pods that have replaceable coils. Most are compatible with a range of coils with different resistances, ensuring that you can tailor your draws. This is another complication that you may or may not wish to deal with. The upside here is that replacement coils are usually cheaper than replacement pods with built-in coils.

Does switching to a pod mod kit have any drawbacks?

Pod mods may have some pretty exciting features, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the ideal vaping devices for everyone. Pod mods do have some potential drawbacks that might lead you to reconsider your decision to upgrade. We’ve already highlighted two of those drawbacks - pod mod kits are usually larger than more simple devices and they will require you to learn how to use new functionality.

In addition, it is important to understand that if you upgrade from an MTL device to one with low resistance coils, you will need to change your e-liquid. Low resistance coils are compatible only with high VG e-liquids. Low resistance coils deliver bigger clouds and this means that you will need a lower nicotine strength. That could necessitate you switching from nic salts flavours to freebase nicotine e-liquids as most nic salts flavours are not available with nicotine strengths of less than 10mg. Nic salts e-liquids tend to boast 50PG/50VG bases which could be a little low in VG for low resistance coils.

Conclusions

If you are perfectly happy with your simple pod kit, why change? But if you fancy exploring the potential of different operating modes and are not concerned about the learning curve, then an advanced pod mod could enhance your vaping life.

Not sure? Treat yourself to an Aspire Pixo or similar device that gives you variable wattage and a choice of coil resistance but remains compact and easy to use.