SMOKING TO VAPING GUIDE
Smoking → Vaping Calculator
Results are intended for guidance purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult our pharmacists for personalised recommendations.
Pre-filled Pod
Comes ready with e-liquid already inside. Replace the entire pod when empty.
Refillable Pod
Empty pod that you fill with your own e-liquid. Reuse until coil wears out.
Pre-Filled vs Refillable Options
| Feature | Pre-Filled (Closed System) | Refillable (Open System) |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use |
Easy
Just replace pods 
|
Medium
Requires refilling & coil changes
|
| Setup Needed |
None
|
Fill with e-liquid
|
| Cost (Long-Term) |
Medium
Pods add up
|
Low
Bottles cost less
|
| Nicotine Options | Usually nicotine salts, fixed strengths | Flexible – freebase & nicotine salts |
| Maintenance |
Low
Swap pod when empty
|
Medium
Refill tank, replace coil
|
| Leak Risk |
Very Low
|
Can leak if filled improperly
|
| Size & Discreetness | Small, discreet, pocket-friendly | Small to bigger less discreet |
| Eco-Friendliness |
More waste
Replaceable pods
|
Less waste
Reusable tank, only replace coil
|
| Best For |
Beginners
People wanting simplicity
|
Intermediate
Better variety & lower cost
|
Nicotine Salt
Nicotine combined with a booster substance to make it smoother and absorb faster.
Freebase Nicotine
The purest form of nicotine, gives a stronger throat hit and slower absorption.
Nicotine Salt vs Freebase
| Feature | Nicotine Salt | Freebase Nicotine |
|---|---|---|
| Best For |
Beginners, recent ex-smokers
|
Intermediate users
|
| Strengths |
Higher
(10-20+ mg)
|
Lower
(3-12 mg)
|
| Effect Speed |
Fast
Quick nicotine hit
|
Slower
Builds gradually
|
| Device Type | Low-power pods (MTL) | High-power mods/tanks (DTL) |
| Cloud Production |
Small
Discreet clouds
|
Bigger
Denser clouds
|
| Flavour Impact Throat Hit |
Milder
Smooth, less harsh
|
Stronger
Harsher hit
|
| Vape Frequency |
Fewer puffs
Delivers a stronger hit
|
More puffs
Required for same hit
|
Here are some scenarios and which type tends to be more suitable
| If You… | Nicotine Salt Is Likely Better If… | Freebase Is Likely Better If… |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke cigarettes heavily and want a quick nicotine fix | You want something that gives strong satisfaction quickly with fewer draws and less harshness | You may appreciate the stronger throat hit and cloud production once you have built tolerance |
| Want something discreet and smooth | Pod or low watt pod-kit with nic salts gives a gentle experience | Might find freebase harsh in small devices; need good airflow / lower nicotine strength to make it comfortable |
| Enjoy flavour subtleties and large vapour clouds | Salts might mute very subtle flavours a bit at high strengths; cloud production limited | Freebase with sub-ohm setups tends to let flavours shine more and produce large clouds |
| Are new to vaping | Nicotine salts are easier to start with; fewer throat irritation problems | Freebase might feel intense initially; might need to start at low strength + device matched well |
| Want to gradually reduce nicotine intake | Salts may be more "all or nothing" if device/strength isn’t well matched | Freebase comes in many “step-down” strengths; more control over lowering dose |