If you’ve been a pod-based vaper for a while, you’ve
probably by now come up with the perfect setup for your needs. Chances are that you purchased a pod
starter kit, also known as a pod system, from
a hardware brand that you trust.
Pod systems consist of two components: a pod mod and a
pod
cartridge. These two
components connect to each other so that the mod can provide the coil that’s in
the cartridge with heat, allowing that heat to turn the e-liquid
into vapor.
However, there are many vapers out there who like to
experiment with different hardware components when creating a vaping
setup. So, it’s no surprise that lots of
vapers want to know whether or not they can use any pod cartridge with their
pod mod. As you’ll see, the answer isn’t
so simple.
What are Pod Cartridges, Exactly?
Pod cartridges are one of two components of a pod
system, or setup. The cartridge is what
contains the vape juice, and it snaps directly onto the pod mod. Typically, it’s small and rectangular, and
inside of it you’ll find the coil. This
coil must attach to the mod, and it must be compatible in terms of its
resistance level with the output of the mod.
Pod mods are quite different from traditional vape
tanks in a number of ways. Besides their
size, they are made from different materials, and the coils are most often
attached rather than replaceable.
There are two types of pod systems, and they relate to
the design of the pod cartridge. Open
pod systems utilize empty, refillable pod cartridges, and these must be
replaced every so often. Meanwhile, closed
pod cartridges come pre-filled with e-juice, and when the juice runs out, the
cartridge is thrown out and replaced with a new one.
Can You Use Any Pod Cartridge with Your
Pod System?
Sub-ohm vapers know that most sub-ohm tanks can be
used with any box mod. However, this
really isn’t the case when it comes to pod systems. For one thing, the connections of pod systems
are different. With box mods, the
variety of tanks you can use has a lot to do with the 510-threaded
connection. But, pod systems tend to use
a cartridge that snaps into the device, meaning that the connections are far
less accommodating to a wide range of designs.
Another thing is that with pod systems, the
relationship between the coil’s resistance level and the mod’s output level is
much less forgiving than that of a sub-ohm system. This means that the coil that was designed to
be used with the pod system has the perfect resistance level to ensure maximum
satisfaction. Because pod systems don’t
accommodate such a wide range of output levels, you can’t use such a wide range
of resistance levels with your coil.
Also, vape tanks that are used with sub-ohm systems
aren’t disposable like cartridges are.
This is because the coil is removeable, which means that only the coil
is disposed of rather than the tank.
With pod cartridges, the coil is usually built into the pod
cartridge. This explains why the variety
of cartridges you can use with a pod system is much stricter than the variety
of tanks that you can use with a box mod.
Exceptions to the Rule
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, as you
will see.
Flukes
Once in a while, a pod cartridge made by one
manufacturer will just happen to fit with a pod mod made by a different
manufacturer. More often than not, this
is a fluke. You also must be careful
because just because a random pod cartridge can physically attach to a pod mod
doesn’t mean that it’s going to be the most efficient pod cartridge for the pod
system.
Companies That Make Copycat Cartridges
Some companies intentionally make copycat
cartridges. In other words, they create
a pod cartridge that was specially designed to be used with a specific pod mod
made by another company. They tend to do
this as a way to capitalize off of the popularity of a certain pod system that’s
on the market. However, you must be
careful because some copycat pod cartridges are made with cheaper materials,
meaning that they’re not as reliable and durable as the real thing.
Brands That Make One Cartridge for Many
Pod Mods
Certain hardware brands will make one pod cartridge
design that is compatible with a variety of pod mods that they produce. In other words, their pod cartridge was
specially designed to work with a wide range of pod systems that are in their
catalog. This allows you to enjoy the
same cartridge while trying out different devices. It also streamlines the product catalog of
the company. Note that in this case, the
pod cartridge is still technically compatible with multiple pod systems.
Main Purpose When Properly Compatible
Pod systems are specially designed to provide users
with an easy and enjoyable way to get the perfect amount of nicotine with every
puff. Most companies create their pod
cartridges and pod mods to be compatible only with each other, meaning that you
can’t just use any old pod cartridge with your trusty mod. However, as you can see, there are some
exceptions. Still, it’s always best to
stick to what the manufacturer intended.
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