Pod Systems & Kits

A pod system is a small rechargeable device that uses a refillable or replaceable pod instead of a tank. It is the format most people move to once they tire of buying disposables, because the running cost drops sharply: you buy a device once (R239 to R449 in this range), then spend on e-liquid and the occasional pod or coil rather than a whole new unit every few days.

Refillable versus pre-filled. Refillable pod kits such as the Airscream AirsPops Pro, OXVA XLIM and Uwell Caliburn G3 and G4 take any nic salt or MTL liquid you fill yourself, and the pod (or the coil inside it) is replaced every one to three weeks. Pre-filled systems such as the Bewolk X Jack Parow Tjoef use sealed pods you swap out. Refillable is cheaper per millilitre; pre-filled is more convenient. Both are listed here.

Coil resistance decides what liquid you use. Pods are rated in ohms. Anything from 0.8 ohm upwards is a mouth-to-lung pod and pairs with 20mg to 50mg nicotine salt. A 0.6 ohm or lower pod is a restricted or direct-lung pod and should be used with lower strengths, typically 3mg to 12mg. Most kits ship with one of each, and the Vaporesso Vibe, for example, offers 0.6 and 0.8 ohm pods. Match the pod to the liquid, or the vape will be either harsh or flavourless.

Battery size in mAh. A 500mAh battery lasts most of a day on a pod system; 1,000mAh and above lasts a full day of heavy use. Kits with USB-C charge faster than micro-USB. Airscream battery kits run from around 350mAh (Kit 1) up.

Spares are the real cost. Before buying a kit, look at what its replacement pods cost and whether they are stocked. Airscream refillable pods are R99 for two; Vaporesso Vibe pods are R80 each. A kit with cheap, available pods will cost less over a year than a cheaper kit with scarce ones.

Replacement pods, coils and batteries are listed under Coils, Pods & Spares. Free delivery over R450 from Cape Town.

Strictly 18+. Contains nicotine, which is an addictive substance. Not for sale to persons under 18.