There are two things that I 100% know to be true today. Every day the vape community is growing and growing as is the CBD fan base. The vaping companies seem to be coming out with new vape pens, e-liquids, and technology every day. Finding the most bang for your buck is hard in the wild jungle of VAPE and CBD!
But Don’t Worry…
Here at Truthabouthemp.org, we’ve made it our goal to test a few of the very economical vape pens and we want to share our insight. Now, please understand, that with technology the way it is today, you typically get what you pay for. However, with that being said, innovative technology is abundant and easily accessible at a low cost.
There’s no reason why you cannot and will not be able to find an affordable pen that meets all your vape needs.
And Away We Go…
General Information On Vape Pens
This section is going to be a mind-full of information but, bear with me, this stuff is important!
E-Cigarettes or E-cigs:
These specific vapes are an alternative to smoking cigarettes. They are designed to help individuals quit cigarettes by taking combustion and tar production out of the equation. E-cigarettes produce a Water Vapor from E-Liquid, which is purchased separately. E-Cigs are equipped with the following pieces;
- Tank – this is your E-liquid reservoir
- Coil/ Atomizer – This is the replaceable piece that is found in the tank. You will change these out every 2-3 weeks. Also, this piece is what will heat your E-Liquid up and make it into Vapor.
- Battery – This is your power source. Your tank will attach to your battery and the coil will receive the power that will produce your vapor.
- Charger – This is the piece that will charge your battery when it has died. There are two types of chargers on the market which are;
- 510-threaded charger – you will have dissembled your tank from your battery and charge your battery from where the tank was connected.
- Micro USB charger(kinda like an android charger) – you will not have to disassemble your tank from your battery, but the charging port will be located on the bottom or the side of your battery.
All the equipment just mentioned is all that is required in order to have a usable E-Cigarette.
Sub-Ohm:
Sub-Ohm vape pens are mostly going to be MODS but some vape pens on our list today are sub-ohm. And basically, without getting too technical, Sub-Ohm pens get a lot hotter versus pens that are not sub-ohm.
E-Liquid:
E-Liquid is what you are vaping. Now, E-Liquid comes in thousands of different options with various companies, flavors, nicotine content, and VG/PG levels. The Vapor you are inhaling is called Water Vapor. There is no combustion action like there is when traditionally smoking and there are no carcinogens entering your body. YAY!
Now earlier I mentioned VG/PG which is what makes up your e-liquid.
- Vegetable Glycerin/VG – higher levels of VG will give you a thicker liquid, therefore, a thicker vapor production. It is a plant-based ingredient. There are certain E-Liquids that are solely Vegetable Glycerin.
- Propylene Glycol/PG – Now before you freak out, NO, this is NOT anti-freeze. This is completely safe to vape, some would say safer than cigarettes. PG is a synthetic organic compound that naturally carries a sweet taste. PG content will never be above 50% in E-liquid. 50VG/50PG is the thinnest liquid available which carries a lot more robust flavors but does not deliver a thick vapor production.
E-Liquid is designed to slowly help you ween off of your nicotine intake as well. E-Liquid is offered in several different…
Nicotine Levels:
- 0mg – Contains 0% nicotine. Just flavorings, vegetable glycerin, and propylene glycol.
- 3mg – Contains 0.3% nicotine. I know it doesn’t seem like a lot but we are talking about extracted liquid nicotine from a tobacco plant. You will still feel the mild effects of nicotine with this blend and get nice vibrant flavors.
- 6mg – Contains 0.6% nicotine. This is still on the mild side of the scale which will offer you more of the flavor with the nicotine as the after note.
- 12mg – Contains 1.2% nicotine and is right in the middle of the nicotine level scale. Which I recommend people starting to vape to try this MG out first then you can judge whether you need to go up or down one.
- 18mg – Contains 1.8% nicotine and is strong nicotine level. I would compare this nicotine content to darker tobaccos.
- 24mg – Contains 2.4% nicotine this is generally the strongest most companies will offer on their nicotine content. This level definitely packs a punch, but this may be the level for you.
With E-liquid there is no right or wrong, just preference. It takes a lot of trial & error with this but it can be a little fun along the way. There is also a product on the market called Nicotine Drops, which can be used to add your desired amount of nicotine. Be careful though it is pretty intense stuff.
How-To Vape:
I know this sounds ridiculous but hear me out. There is a proper way to vape which won’t cause any long-term damage to your Vape Pen, and this goes for any vape pen. The proper way to vape is
- Put your mouth on the mouthpiece
- Begin inhaling slowly
- Press the power button to begin vaping
- Hold for 3-7 seconds or however long is comfortable
- Release the power button
- Inhale the remaining vape out of the Vapor channel
- ALL DONE!
This method will ensure that you will not flood out your coil and you get the most use out it. Also, you have a lesser chance of leaking occurring which is caused by un-vaped vapor in the channel.
Starter Kits:
These setups are pretty nifty and the majority of what will be mentioned here is going to fall into this category. These generally come with everything included except for the E-liquid. Which is great for aspiring vapers. Some will come with minimal power and some will come with an impressive power which I hope to clear some of that up today
Wax/Concentrate Pens:
These pens are similar in set-up and purpose to E-Cigarettes but are used for different consistencies. Which this design is specifically used with Medical Cannabis Extracts or Tobacco Extracts, strictly waxy contents.
With these pens, you still have to replace the coil when it becomes burnt out and charge the battery just like an E-cigarette. Also, when using these you have to load your product onto you coil directly every few draws.
Nowadays there are pre-filled cartridges of E-Liquid, Cannabis Extracts, or CBD Extracts which are bought separately from the battery and charger. The pre-filled cartridges are usually sold individually.
Dry Vaporizers:
These pens are where technology and science perform magic in front of your eyes. They come in table-top versions which require power from an outlet and portable versions which are either rechargeable or refillable with butane. Vaping a dry material is a little more complicated than the vaping of a product that is already wet.
- Vaping at too high of a Temp.- will cause your product to burn, causes combustion, gives your vapor a weird burnt taste.
- Vaping at too low of a Temp. – nothing will happen.
- Vaping at just the right Temp. – will bring the greatest and purest form of smoke from any smokable plant. 350-375 degree Fahrenheit.
Quick Summary:
3 types of vaporizers: E-cigarettes, Wax Pen’s, Dry Vaporizers
Each work with different consistencies and materials
Vaping is based on a lot of personal preference so this is a trial and error process to find what best works for you.
Proper vaping & cleaning habits will prolong the life of your coil’s and vape pen’s
Affordable Vape Pens:
The rest of this article is going to include some of the most inexpensive and luxurious vape pen’s we recommend for people beginning their vape journey, people on a budget, or both. Most of the pens mentioned will come as a kit meaning they will fall under the ‘Starter Kit’ previously mentioned. Starter Kits come with all the necessary pieces to start vaping except for the product which you will be vaping. Hopefully, this guide will give you some valuable insight on some of the trendiest and cheapest vape pens.
#1. Eleaf iCare 140
- 2mL tank capacity
- 650mAh lithium battery
- Output: 10watts
- Spiral drip tip
- Micro USB Charging
- Unibody/ Top-fill design
- Constricted pull, more like a traditional cigarette pull
This E-cigarette is pretty impressive, producing a decent amount of vapor for a vape pen under 20$. It is easy to fill and replace the coil with the top-fill design. The 2mL tank is an average size which you will not have to fill it up as often compared to others. The spiral drip tip is a new innovative design of mouthpiece that enhances your vapor flavor and cools your vapor a little better. A 650mAh lithium-ion battery is on the smaller side which means you will find yourself charging this pen more often than most.
With a 650mAh battery, you have a compact size that is convenient for minimal pockets or quick and discreet use. This is pen is great for people starting out with vaping. It is affordable and delivers above average performance. Just don’t rely on this pen if you are planning to go camping for a weekend, this will not last you.
#2. SMOK Vape Pen22
- 2mL tank capacity
- 1600mAh lithium ion battery
- Delrin Widebore Drip tip
- Micro USB Charger, Pass-through charging
- Unibody/ Top-fill design
- Fixed Airflow, more airy hit, less like a cigarette
- Sub-Ohm Coils
SMOK has been and still is making a grand entrance into the vape world, this company is famous for producing luxurious vape pens that deliver vibrant flavors and thick vapor. They are truly the MVPs of the year. This starter kit vape pen will definitely deliver a punch as well as last you a good while before you have to charge it again. This pen will deliver the vapor straight to the back of the throat which is not a good or bad thing, just personal preference.
The assembly of this vape is unlike most where a glass sleeve hugs over the top of your battery with only an O-ring for a seal. This is good because it’s easy to assemble and easy to keep clean. There are flaws in this tank that some would think are deal breakers and others really don’t mind. I mentioned before that a lot of vaping is personal preference this is where that applies.
With this SMOK tank, it has a reputation of leaking which can be caused and resolved in numerous ways. The causes can be because the coil isn’t screwed in all the way, the coil is due for replacement, your o-rings need to be replaced, or you are not clearing out un-vaped vapor from the channel. Proper vaping methods are discussed at the beginning of this article. Some good stuff up there.
You will definitely be getting your money’s worth out of this vape. With a simple but high-quality vaping experience you will be kicking cigarettes to the curb before you know it!
#3. Eleaf iJust ONE
- 2mL Tank
- 1100mAh lithium ion battery
- Output: 50watts
- Traditional Drip tip
- Micro USB Charger
- Unibody/ Top-fill design
- Sub-Ohm Coils
- More airy pull, less like a cigarette pull
Eleaf is coming through strong with high-quality affordable vape pens. Similar to their iCare 140 this vape pen will deliver an above average vape experience. The iJust One is way more powerful with a powerhouse 1100mAh lithium-ion battery as its power source. The larger battery will last longer per charge which is good for people on the go that don’t have a lot of time to stop what they are doing to charge their vape pen.
The size is great for people that are looking to purchase a small and compact vape pen that doesn’t lack in performance. Who wants to sacrifice quality or convenience? Well with this vape pen you don’t have to give up anything besides cigarettes.
This is honestly a very luxurious starter vape. If you are looking to quickly replace your MOD this is the closest in comparison at the affordable price it is at. We recommend this one highly.
#4. SmokeStik ULTRA Portable
- 1mL tank capacity
- 650mAh
- Output: 10watts
- Traditional mouthpiece
- 510-threaded charger
- Bottom-fill design
The Smokestik is different than the vape pens I have already discussed. This one is a bottom-fill which are generally a little bit more of a hassle, but this is a preference thing again. With this design, you are required to detach the tank from the battery completely and then you can access your coil and fill your tank from the bottom. These ones are prone to more leaking than top-fill designs but that can be avoided with proper vaping methods.
Housing a 650mAh battery and 1mL tank this pen is not ideal for busy people that don’t have a lot of downtime during the day. You will find yourself re-filling and re-charging more often with this set-up. The Smokestik is built to mimic the experience of a cigarette so it has a more constricted pull.
The convenience of this pen comes in its compact size that can easily be placed in a shirt pocket or in a fashionable clutch perfect for keeping things discreet. Also, this is a perfect selection for beginner vapers because it is more to mimic that of a cigarette.
#5. Joyetech eGo A10 Pen
- 2mL tank capacity
- 1500mAh lithium ion battery
- Spiral Drip Tip/ Traditional glass drip tip
- Micro USB charger
- Unibody/Top-fill design
- Sub-Ohm Coils
- Adjustable Airflow, you can decide whether you want a more airy hit or a constricted hit
This pen is simple in appearance but it is an intricate pen that will deliver a heavenly vape. This vape pen houses a powerful and long-lasting battery which is better for anyone who finds themselves on the go with minimal downtime. Equipped with a spiral drip tip that enhances flavors and protects your lips from hot vapor.
This nifty pen offers pass-through charging which is a nice feature to have because it allows you to charge and use your E-cigarette at the same time. This Sub-Ohm setup has a lot to offer at its low cost. This is able to handle 100% Vegetable Glycerin based liquids which will provide you with a nice thick vapor. Also, with the adjustable airflow, you can choose your desired air intake with every pull.
Perfect for people beginning the vaping journey and cherish the finer things in life. You will love the tasteful smooth vapor that is produced by this pen.
#6. VaporFi’s New Air2 Mini
- 4 mL tank capacity
- 350mAh lithium-ion battery
- Output: 15watts
- Traditional Flat Mouthpiece
- Micro USB charger
- Unibody/ Top-fill design
- Constricted pull to mimic a traditional smoking experience
Innovative technology and simplicity are what VaporFi strive for this is a perfect product of both. The best thing about this vape pen is the compact size that it is. Making it great for people who work in offices, or want to keep there vaping habits a secret. Fits nicely in the palm of your hand.
This is a top-fill design which is preferable to a lot of people. Easy to fill your tank and change your coil. The biggest flaw about this pen is the 350mAh battery, it won’t stay powered for long especially if you consistently puff away all day. This is ideal for people who are trying to completely stop vaping/smoking because the battery does not contain a reliable long-lasting battery. So minimal puffs is what you want to use this pen for.
This is great for beginner’s to get an idea of what vaping is but you will get annoyed with how much you will have to charge it.
#7. Eleaf iJust Mini2
- 2mL tank capacity
- 1100mAh lithium ion battery
- Sub-Ohm Coils
- Traditional Drip Tip
- Micro USB charger
- Airy pull, less like a cigarette
- Bottom-fill design
Another Eleaf pen graces this list. The iJust2 Mini is different than most now coming out because it stays true to the traditional design. Meaning the tank is one whole piece of itself and so is the battery. Having a universal 510 Threading on both this makes the pieces interchangeable among other units. Also with this type of vape pen, it is a bottom-fill, which calls for you changing your coil and filling your tank from the bottom of the tank.
The battery will last you a good bit of the day even if you are puffing away like a choo-choo train. This is a small but mighty vape pen that will impress the professionals. This pen packs a powerful punch that will give you a lung-full of great high-quality vapor. Highly recommended for performance and convenience.
#8. KangerTech Top Evod Pen
- 7mL tank capacity
- 650mAh lithium-ion battery
- 510-threaded charger
- Constricted pull, similar to a cigarette
- Traditional mouthpiece
- Top-fill/Bottom-fill design
Kanger is a highly respected E-cigarette company that produces great quality products. This specific pen is the most basic setup that Kanger offers. It comes with the vape pen with a pre-installed coil and a charger. Which is great for the price it is at. With this pen, it will give you a similar experience to traditional smoking which is recommended for people just starting out with vaping.
This tank is a little funky because you have two options for filling your tank with E-liquid. You can fill it from the top which is better because you are able to put more liquid in per filling this way. You can also fill it from the bottom where you exchange out your coil but you get as full of a tank this way.
This pen is straight-forward and delivers decent performance for aspiring vapers. Inexpensive and worth every penny.
#9. Platinum E Series
- 5mL tank capacity
- 1100mAh lithium ion battery
- 510-threaded charger
- Bottom fill design
- Constricted pull similar to a cigarette
- Kit comes with free vape juice
This is a very liked starter kit among lot’s of avid vapers these days. It is the only vape pen that literally comes with all the things you need to get vaping right away. The low-cost just make it that much a sweeter deal. This is a bottom-fill which requires you to fill your E-Liquid and replace your coil from the bottom.
This is a very compact and discreet vape pen that can fit in most pockets with ease. The universal 510-threading makes it easy to replace parts like the tank or battery if anything should happen. Overall this pen is on the list because it is an inexpensive starter kit that is worth the money put into it and we recommend it for beginners.
Conclusion:
All in all, with technology you get what you pay for but innovative technology is becoming more abundant. We hope that this has helped a bit to guide you in the right direction of this jungle of a community. Whatever works best for you may not be the best for the next person but that is okay that is why there are hundreds of different types of vape that do the same thing differently.