Contemporary electronic cigarettes fall into three primary categories, differentiated by design, functionality, and user experience:
1. Cigalikes
Resembling traditional cigarettes in shape and size, these are typically the simplest and most disposable-oriented devices.
- Appearance: Slim, cylindrical, often with a light-up tip mimicking ash.
- Power: Pre-charged, non-rechargeable batteries; limited lifespan.
- Operation: Often automatic (activated by inhaling), sometimes button-activated.
- E-liquid: Use pre-filled cartridges or pods; limited flavor/variety choices.
- Target User: Beginners transitioning from smoking; seeking simplicity and familiarity.
2. Vape Pens
The most prevalent category, offering a balance of portability and enhanced features over cigalikes.
- Appearance: Pen-shaped, cylindrical, slightly larger and more robust than cigalikes.
- Power: Equipped with rechargeable, integrated batteries offering longer life.
- Tank System: Typically use refillable tanks (clearomizers) with replaceable coils.
- E-liquid: Wide variety of refillable e-liquids (nicotine strengths, PG/VG ratios, flavors).
- Control: Basic single-button operation, usually fixed voltage/wattage output.
- Target User: Vapers seeking better performance, flavor, and battery life without complex setups.
3. Advanced Personal Vaporizers (APVs / Mods)
Larger, more powerful devices offering extensive customization and high performance.
- Appearance & Size: Larger boxes or tubes, significantly more substantial than pens.
- Power Source: Use high-capacity, external, rechargeable batteries (often 18650, 21700).
- Control & Features:
- Variable Wattage/Voltage (VW/VV): Adjust power output precisely.
- Temperature Control (TC): Regulate coil temperature using compatible wire (Ni, Ti, SS).
- Complex Chipsets: Offer safety features, detailed displays, and firmware upgrades.
- Atomizers: Compatible with a vast range of rebuildable (RDA, RTA, RDTA) and sub-ohm tanks.
- E-liquid: Primarily used with high-VG liquids for massive vapor production or high-nicotine salt liquids in lower-power MTL configurations.
- Target User: Experienced vapers prioritizing customization, power, vapor production, or specific flavor delivery; hobbyists.
Understanding these fundamental types provides clarity when navigating the diverse electronic cigarette market.
