How Do I Choose a Vape?

If you’re new to vaping, it can be a bit confusing at first. There are pod kits, disposables, refillable tanks, coils, and liquids that all look slightly different. Every brand promises a better flavour or longer battery life, but which one should you actually choose?

The truth is, finding the right vape depends on your habits, lifestyle, and what you want out of the experience. Some people want something easy and quick. Others want a reusable option that saves money over time. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying your first vape in Ireland.

Understanding the Main Vape Types

Before you start comparing models, it’s good to know the three main categories of vapes you’ll see online or in stores.

Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes are the simplest to use. They come prefilled, precharged, and ready to go. You just inhale, enjoy, and when it’s finished, you throw it away responsibly. Each disposable gives around 600 puffs on average.

They’re ideal for beginners, casual users, or anyone switching from cigarettes who doesn’t want to deal with settings, refills, or maintenance.

Popular disposable options include the Lost Mary Original, Lost Mary QM600, and SKE Crystal Bar Disposable. All of these are compact, smooth, and available in dozens of flavours.

Prefilled Pod Kits

Prefilled pod kits are slightly more advanced but still very simple. You have a reusable battery that charges via USB-C, and separate pods that are prefilled with e-liquid. Once a pod runs out, you pop in a new one.

They cost a bit more upfront but are cheaper in the long run because you only replace the pods, not the whole device. Good examples are the Lost Mary NEW Prefilled Vape Kit and the SKE Crystal Bar Prefilled Kit.

Refillable Pod or Mod Systems

These are for more experienced users. You fill them with bottled e-liquid and replace coils as needed. They give you more control over flavour, nicotine strength, and vapour production, but they require more effort.

For most new vapers, it’s best to start with either a disposable or a prefilled pod kit before upgrading to refillable systems later on.

Step 1: Decide How Much Effort You Want to Put In

Ask yourself a simple question, do you want something you can just pick up and use, or do you enjoy customising your vape?

If you prefer zero effort, go for a disposable. You’ll get instant satisfaction and a realistic cigarette-like draw. If you don’t mind recharging and swapping pods, a prefilled kit gives you better long-term value.

Step 2: Think About How Often You Vape

Your vaping frequency determines what kind of device suits you.

• Occasional user: If you only vape socially or to avoid smoking occasionally, a disposable is perfect.

• Daily user: If you vape every day, a prefilled pod system or rechargeable disposable will be more cost-effective.

• Heavy user: If you vape continuously throughout the day, you may want to consider a pod or mod system with refillable tanks.

For everyday use, rechargeable options like the Lost Mary NEW Prefilled Kit or SKE Crystal Bar Prefilled Kit are solid choices because they combine convenience and economy.

Step 3: Choose Your Nicotine Strength

Nicotine strength matters more than most people realise. In Ireland, the legal limit for nicotine is 20mg, but many users prefer less depending on their needs.

• 20mg: Best for people switching from cigarettes or those who crave a strong hit.

• 10mg–12mg: Suited for moderate smokers who want a smoother vape.

• 0mg: For those who just enjoy the flavour without nicotine.

Most disposables and prefilled pods, including the Lost Mary Original and SKE Crystal Bar, come in 20mg nic salt which provides a smooth throat hit similar to smoking.

Step 4: Find Your Flavour Profile

Flavour is personal. What one person loves, another might hate. The good thing about disposables is that you can experiment without wasting money.

Common flavour categories include:

• Fruity: Mango, watermelon, blue razz, peach ice

• Sweet or dessert: Gummy bear, pink lemonade, strawberry ice cream

• Menthol: Spearmint, cool mint, ice blends

• Drinks: Cola ice, lemonade, energy drink

At Vape Direct Store, fruity flavours dominate the best-seller list, especially Blue Razz Cherry and Triple Mango from Lost Mary, and Cola Ice from SKE Crystal Bar.

Step 5: Understand Battery Life and Puff Count

Battery life decides how long your vape will last. Disposable vapes like the Lost Mary QM600 and SKE Crystal Bar usually last around 600 puffs, similar to 40–50 cigarettes.

Rechargeable kits can last for days depending on how often you use them. The battery in a prefilled kit like SKE Crystal Bar Prefilled Kit can be recharged hundreds of times, while you only replace the pods.

Step 6: Consider Your Budget

Your budget will also play a big role. Here’s a general guide:

If you’re trying vaping for the first time, starting with a disposable is a smart move. Once you know what flavours and strengths suit you, you can move to a prefilled or refillable kit.

Step 7: Know Where to Buy

Always buy from a trusted Irish vape retailer to ensure your device is TPD compliant and genuine. Vape Direct Store offers fast delivery across Ireland and carries only EU-approved brands like Lost Mary and SKE.

Avoid buying unbranded or imported vapes from unreliable sellers. Non-compliant products might not meet safety standards.

Disposable vs Pod System vs Mod - Quick Comparison

Extra Tips for Choosing the Right Vape

• Try one flavour at a time to find your preference

• Store your vapes in a cool, dry place

• Don’t pull too hard, gentle puffs improve lifespan

• Always recycle or dispose of used devices responsibly

• Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme heat

Environmental Side of Vaping

Disposables have faced some criticism for waste. Each contains a battery and small components that should not go into general rubbish. Many vape stores now offer recycling bins for used devices.

If you care about reducing waste but still want convenience, prefilled kits like the Lost Mary Prefilled Kit or SKE Crystal Bar Prefilled Kit are the ideal compromise. You keep the battery and only replace the pods.

Health Perspective

While vaping isn’t completely risk-free, it’s widely regarded as a much safer alternative to smoking. Disposables and pod kits don’t produce tar or carbon monoxide, the two most harmful substances in cigarettes.

In Ireland, all products sold by Vape Direct Store are TPD compliant, ensuring they meet EU safety standards. Choosing legal, regulated vapes is an important step in keeping your experience as safe as possible.

When to Upgrade

After a few months of using disposables or prefilled kits, you may want to explore refillable options. These give you more control over flavour strength, vapour, and cost.

But there’s no rush. Many people stay with disposables for convenience, especially with the newer rechargeable models that offer thousands of puffs per device.

Best Vapes to Start With

If you’re unsure where to begin, here are some top recommendations from Vape Direct Store:

• Lost Mary Original – prefilled, 600 puffs, 20mg nicotine

• Lost Mary QM600 – tighter draw, fruity flavours

• SKE Crystal Bar Disposable – stylish, clear design, strong flavour

• Lost Mary NEW Prefilled Kit – rechargeable device with sealed pods

• SKE Crystal Bar Prefilled Kit – long-lasting with refillable pods

• SKE Original Prefilled Pods – great for reducing waste and costs

All of these options are ideal for beginners and available for delivery anywhere in Ireland.

FAQs

How do I know which vape is right for me?

Think about how often you vape, your nicotine needs, and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Beginners usually start with disposables or prefilled kits.

Are vapes legal in Ireland?

Yes. All vapes sold by Vape Direct Store are fully legal and comply with EU and Irish regulations.

What nicotine strength should I use?

If you smoke regularly, start with 20mg nic salt for a strong hit. If you only vape occasionally, you might prefer 10mg or lower.

How long does a disposable vape last?

A standard disposable offers around 600 puffs, similar to 40–50 cigarettes. Rechargeable pod kits can last much longer depending on use.

Are vapes safer than cigarettes?

While not completely risk-free, vaping avoids tar and carbon monoxide found in tobacco, making it far less harmful according to public health research.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right vape doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about matching your habits with the right device.

If you value simplicity and flavour, start with a disposable like the Lost Mary Original or SKE Crystal Bar. If you plan to vape daily and want better value, a prefilled pod kit like the Lost Mary Prefilled Kit or SKE Crystal Bar Prefilled Kit might suit you better.

No matter what you choose, always buy from a trusted Irish vape retailer to ensure safety, authenticity, and fast delivery.

At Vape Direct Store, you’ll find a wide range of Lost Mary and SKE products, all TPD compliant and ready to order anywhere in Ireland.