Best Vape Mods of 2022

Vape Mod Origins

It is hard to believe that the first vape mods were modified flashlights. The origin of the term mod can be traced back to this era and the use of energy dense 18650 lithium batteries, which were pioneered for use in flashlights, continues to this day.
Shortly after these early mods, the crude yet gorgeous mechanical mod had a very short heyday. This was a device for intense hobbyists only and the common box mod form factor was in evidence by 2014, with Kanger and Joyetech early industry leaders. The best vape mods of 2022 may bear a superficial resemblance to these early box mods but are comprehensively superior.
In terms of durability, vapor production, ramp up speed and especially coil quality, the modern vape mod blows these older models out of the water. Yet as the vape mod design has been perfected; you would be excused for thinking there is not much more room for improvement. Afterall, 220 watts has been the peak output for years. The 70/30 VG/PG e-liquid ratio has not been updated for freebase juices. The coils have similar sub-ohm ratings. What separates the best vape mod from say 2018 from the best mods on the market today.

Vape Mods 2022

We live in a consumer society where evolutionary to revolutionary advances are expected year over year. No one is comparing a 2022 mod to a flashlight. But it will be compared to the excellent models sold just a couple years ago.
Comparing such devices head to head, you will find that the quality of coils and tanks has increased dramatically. Press fit coils are easier to use. Extra layers of leak protection and safety features help vapers avoid accidental activation or ruinous oil spills in your pockets.
This is not a situation of planned obsolescence or vape mod makers adding tailfins to last years models. Real breakthroughs that enhance user experience can be found on the best mods of 2022. While there is no doubt that a Smok tank from 2019 looks a lot like a Smok tank from 2015 or 2022, it is evident from the first puff how much things have improved.
And the biggest change is the pursuit of a universal atomizer and true one size fits all device. With adjustable wattage, it is just a matter making coils ideal for both nic salts and freebase. This universal vape mod is closer to being a reality than ever.

Vaporesso Gen Nano Starter Kit

The Vaporesso Gen Nano is a mini-mod with a built-in battery 2000mAh lithium ion battery. It has the form factor of a classic mod but is compact enough to fit in your hand. Thanks to the GTX coil family, it might be considered a near universal device that is suitable for every style of e-liquid and vaping style when equipped with the appropriate coil.

Vaporesso Gen Nano Features

The Vaporesso GTX tank and the GTX coil family makes the Vaporesso Gen Nano a star. This is the rare mod that can function like a vape pod when the highest resistance coil is installed. Even with its diminutive dimensions, the Gen Nano still sports a 0.91” screen.
The standard 0.6ohm GTX Mesh Coil, which comes installed, can handle higher potency e-liquids. It might be too high performance for the most potent nic salts but operates between 20 and 30 watts. This means it can be used for medium strength e-liquids.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the 0.2ohm GTX Mesh Coil. It functions most efficiently between 45 and 65 watts. Mesh coils fire up so much faster and more efficiently that wire wrapped coils that for most vapers this is all the wattage you need for massive vapor production.
All GTX coils are press fit. This is the future of vaping. One device, two coils and two totally different performance envelopes. And a selection of coils sold separately to meet the needs of all vapers.

Vaporesso Swag 2 Starter Kit

The Vaporesso Swag starter kit also mini-mod. Unlike the Vaporesso Gen Nano, it does not have an integrated battery. Instead, it uses an 18650 lithium-ion battery which must be purchased separately. If you already have 18650 batteries on hand, this might be a feature. The Vaporesso Swag 2 has a different tank and form factor than the Vaporesso Gen Nano as well.

Vaporesso Swag 2 Kit Features

The Vaporesso Swag 2 kit design comes with the 3.5ml NRG SE tank. Preinstalled is a 0.4 ohm coil. The innovative GT CCell Coil is a ceramic coil which has a resistance of 0.5 ohms. The NRG tank is a work of art. The simple and easy to use slide top reduces leakage. Compatibility with all GT coils is a huge bonus.
The Vaporesso Swag 2 has an impressively large 0.91” OLED screen. The Axon chip, also found in full-size Vaporesso vape mods, provides amazing performance.

Vaporesso Gen S Starter Kit

If we are looking at mini mods, we might as well look Vaporesso’s full sized offering. The Vaporesso Gen S is a great full sized mod for 2022 vapers. The look is classic Vaporesso, but the Gen S has some major hardware upgrades over the original Vaporesso Gen vape mod. The most obvious is the big 0.91”. Outside of ergonomics, the SKRR-S tank and QF coils make the Gen S are serious improvements over the original Vaporesso Gen tank options.

Vaporesso Gen S Features

The Gen S weighs 107-grams but does not feel cheap. This one of the most comfortable vape mods to handle thanks to the tactile feel of the soft touch surfaces and high-quality interfaces. Vaporesso Pulse Mode is automatically activated when selected on the easy to navigate menu. This unique firing program extracts optimal flavor and vapor from every pull.
The Vaporesso Gen S uses a Micro-USB port for charging, but you will need to purchase a pair of 18650 lithium ion batteries.
The Vaporesso SKRR-S Tank holds a massive 8ml of vape juice. If this is too much, a straight glass option cuts the volume to 5ml. The preinstalled QF Meshed Coil has a resistance of 0.15 ohms. The Vaporesso Gen S Starter kit also comes with a QF Strip Coil. This is a slightly more efficient model with a 0.2 ohm resistance. The recommended wattage for both is 65 to 75 watts. Both extraordinary coils are perfect for fans of high-VG vape juices.

Smok Scar 18 Starter Kit

The Smok Scar 18 is IP67 certified for water, dust, and splash resistance. These new protections are stacked atop a full allotment of temperature and wattage controls. Safety features and protections are part and parcel of this reliable vape mod.
The Smok Scar 18 is a durable box mod meant to be vaped all day and not left at home.
Unlike the Vaporesso Swag and Vaporesso Gen Nano, it is a fully sized vape mod that pumps out 230 watts with a pair of 18650 batteries. The grippy leather insets are designed to help you avoid drops and the durable frame is there to protect it from falls.

Smok Scar 18 Features

The 0.96” screen of the Scar-18 is legible and east to navigate. An improved chipset, the Smoktech IQ-X, optimizes battery life and fire speeds.
The Smok TFV9 vape tank is a perfect accompaniment to this durable mod. Each Smok Scar 18 kit comes standard with a pair of V9 Meshed 0.15 ohm coils. The Smok TFV9 vape tank holds 6.5ml of vape juice. If you live an active lifestyle or simply are always vaping on the go, the Smok Scar 18 starter kit should be near the top of list.

GeekVape Legend 2 L200 Starter Kit

The Geek Vape L200 Aegis Legend 2 200w Vape Mod builds upon the success of the amazing GeekVape Aegis Legend. It is IP68 certified splash, dust, immersion, and shock resistant. The Aegis Legend 2 offers amazing durability but remains very user friendly thanks to its large and easy to navigate screen.

GeekVape Legend 2 L200 Starter Kit Features

The Aegis Legend 2 has a 1.08” TFT screen and this starter kit comes with the world beating Z 2021 tank. With superior leak resistance and superior Zeus coils, the L200 might be the best full-throated vape mod on the market today.

Voopoo Drag 3 177w Starter Kit

The Voopoo Drag series of vape mods are among the most legendary in the vaping industry. The mighty Voopoo Drag 3 is attractive, innovative, and intuitive to use. Just like its popular predecessors.
The use of a USB Type-C dock increased battery charging speeds by 50 percent. The 1.08” TFT screen is a huge improvement on the undersized dual color interface used on the Voopoo Drag 2. The mighty Voopoo TPP Tank features amazing vapor and flavor production. The coils are incredibly long lasting.

Voopoo Drag 3 Features

The Drag 3 uses an improved GENE.FAN 2.0 Chip. It offers High Burst Super Mode, not dissimilar to the Pulse Mode found in the larger Vaporesso Mods. The Drag 3 kit comes with a pair of TPP atomizer coils: the Voopoo TPP-DM1 0.15ohm coil and TPP-DM2 0.2ohm coils. While the Voopoo PnP Coils and Pod Tanks get a lot of attention for their innovative design, the Voopoo TPP Tank is also a beautiful design and their flagship, as the larger coils extract a ton of performance from each puff.

Vape Mod Starter Kits

In 2022, most vapers are going to buy a vape starter kit that pairs a new tank with a new mod. With over 200 watts of power on tap, modern vape mods take advantage of this wattage with an amazing selection of tanks and coils. The 18650 batteries that power the device, unless it has an integrated battery, are sold separately. A USB charger cable may be included but it is best practice to use a wall charger for 18650s. The vape mod starter kit will also include at least two coils. Usually with two different resistances but occasionally two identical coils.
Year over year, vape mods offer improved screen interfaces, superior coils, additional leak protections, enhanced safety features, faster ramp up speeds and improved durability. And in 2022, companies are looking to demonstrate their durability with certification.
Vape Mods versus Vape Pods
Let us take a few moments to clarify the difference between a vape mod and a vape pod. This distinction was once clear cut. A vape pod was an autodraw device with a coil built into a plastic pod. It was designed to vape nic salts.
In pursuit of the elusive universal device, companies are increasingly adding lower resistance coil options to vape pods that are perfect for freebase e-liquid. They are also increasing wattage and vapor production potential. A Smok RPM 80 has a lot more in common with a small mod than the Smok Novo under the hood. Yet a firm line can be drawn.
Vape mods use 510 threaded tanks. Tanks with this threading are compatible over multiple devices and brands. Vape pods use proprietary pod sizes and magnetic connections.
If you are a Suorin or Smok user, your replacements are going to product specific pods from those manufacturers. In the case of AIO vape pod kits with swappable coils, you are still buying from the pod’s manufacturer, but these coils may work in more than one of their vape devices.