Comparison Eleaf iStick Pico 25 with Ello Kit vs Eleaf iStick Pico 25 85W

— Starter kit. A set also known as a “kit” or “box mod”. It includes everything you need for vaping — both a battery mod and an atomizer; in other words, a “kit” is a ready-to-use electronic cigarette (except that in some models the battery has to be purchased separately). At the same time, this category includes both relatively inexpensive and simple devices and high-end models. In any case, starter kits will be appreciated by tech who do not want to select a battery mod and atomizer separately and would like to immediately receive a device whose components are optimally compatible with each other.

— POD system. A specific type of electronic cigarette that uses replaceable cartridges — “pods” — instead of traditional atomizers. Each cartridge consists of an evaporator and a container with liquid; the “pod” can be either open (with the ability to refill at your discretion) or closed (disposable, supplied filled and thrown away when the liquid supply is exhausted). In any case, POD systems are usually sold as ready-made kits, which have a number of advantages over traditional vapes. Firstly, cartridges are relatively inexpensive and take up very little space; as a result, you can carry several “pods” with different flavors and/or strengths at once, changing them in a battery mod as desired. Secondly, the battery mods themselves...are more compact and lighter than in regular electronic cigarettes, they are more convenient to carry and do not attract as much attention. Thirdly, POD systems are extremely easy to maintain - in fact, there is no point in making replaceable cassettes serviceable. Among the disadvantages of such devices, one can note the relatively small capacity of batteries and reservoirs in cassettes, although there are exceptions.

— Disposable. Disposable POD systems are vaping devices without the ability to fill liquid and recharge the battery. The liquid reservoir in their design has a certain volume, and a specific battery capacity is selected for it (based on the specified number of puffs). When the “disposable” runs out of vaping liquid or the battery runs out, the device can be thrown away. Due to their compact size, disposable electronic cigarettes easily fit into a pocket, a small compartment of a bag or backpack. Also, they often lack controls and settings - the heating element is activated as soon as the customer takes a puff. In terms of flavor, there are many different options for disposable POD systems on the shelves.

— Atomizer. A separately sold vaporizer of an electronic cigarette — that is, the part where the vapor is generated; for operation, the vaporizer is installed on a battery mod (see below). Some types of such devices are also called "clearomizers", but this term is used less and less often; nowadays, all vaporizers are usually united under the term "atomizer". Be that as it may, the overall impressions of the vape are mainly influenced by the characteristics of the vaporizer: in particular, the taste and richness of the vapor, as well as the ability to customize the vapor to your preferences, directly depend on them. So in order to change the sensations of vaping, it is enough to try a different atomizer. In addition, when buying a new vape, many users (especially experienced ones) prefer not to rely on ready-made starter kits, but to choose an atomizer and a battery mod separately, at their discretion.

— Battery mod. The part of the electronic cigarette responsible for powering the evaporator (atomizer). The functionality of such a mod can be different - from the simplest container for a replaceable battery with an on/off button to an advanced device with complex control electronics and advanced capabilities (see "Battery mod"). Be that as it may, separately sold battery mods are designed for tech who want to assemble an electronic cigarette according to individual requirements, without relying on the starter kits.

— Unattended. Maintenance-free called atomizers-tanks (with a container for liquid), in which, in principle, it is impossible to replace the factory heater (spiral and wick) with its own winding. Thus, when using such an evaporator, you will have to periodically (most likely once every 2-3 weeks) change the “heads” (heaters). Maintenance-free vapers are a good option for those who are just about to try vaping, as well as for experienced vapers who don't want to mess around with custom coils. Their main disadvantage is the inability to adjust the atomizer to your own preferences — you have to make do with what the manufacturer originally provided for in the design.

— Serviced. Tank atomizers (with a container for liquid), in the design of which the manufacturer initially provides for the possibility of replacing the heating element (coil and wick) by the user. This is more difficult than changing the whole “head”, as in a maintenance-free atomizer; but winding can be done according to your own preferences, without relying on a factory design, and consumables for winding are cheaper than whole heads. On the other hand, the possibility of replacing the entire “head” in such models is most often not provided for — the only option is manual winding. In light of all this, serviceable atomizers will be a good choice, especially for experienced vapers who want to have the maximum opportunity to personaliz...e their electronic cigarette.

— Semi-maintenance. Tank atomizers (with a liquid container) that combine the capabilities of serviced and non-serviced models. In such a “tank” it is possible to install both unattended “heads”, which are completely replaceable, and serviced heaters, which can be rewound by the user himself. Thus, the vaper can choose the option of his choice: either use simple and convenient interchangeable “heads”, or spend a little time and effort, but wind the coil according to his own preferences. On the other hand, most users do not need such versatility, so relatively few atomizers of this type are produced.

— Drip atomizer (RDA). A distinctive feature of this type of atomizer is the absence of a liquid container: before each vaping session, the wick must be moistened directly from the bottle with a few drops of liquid (hence the name drip). This is not as convenient as having a tank with a supply of liquid for several sessions on hand — in particular, also because it is not easy to control the remaining liquid in the drip. On the other hand, this option has an important advantage: due to the excellent blowing of the heating elements, the “drips” give a very plentiful and saturated steam, in this indicator they are noticeably superior to the tanks. And so that such an atomizer does not have to be frequently refilled manually, manufacturers can provide various tricks — for example, in the so-called "squonkers" have a tank installed in the battery pack, and from this tank, by pressing the "feed" button, the evaporator wick is fed.

— Bacodripka (RDTA). Combined devices, in accordance with the name, combining both a tank and a drip. From the first variety of RDTA, they took a tank for themselves, which allows them to keep a supply of liquid on hand for several soaring sessions, from the second — a heater design that provides abundant and intense steam. Thus, such atomizers combine the advantages of both types. On the other hand, baco drips are expensive, have a very high fluid consumption, and are often difficult to maintain: in many models, cotton wool plays the role of a wick, which must be laid in a special way when replacing — otherwise leakage or burning is possible.

— Genesis. A specific type of atomizer tanks, usually serviced (see above). The key difference between the Geneses is the design of the wick: it is a fine stainless steel mesh wrapped with a heater coil. This gives a number of advantages compared to the classical design, where the wick is made of cotton wool, vegetable fibers, etc. Taste is considered the main of these advantages: genesis does not give a burnt aftertaste and provides almost perfect steam purity. In addition, such "heads" can serve without replacement for a very long time (several months), and the replacement of the wick and the heater is quite easy and fast. The main disadvantage of this type of atomizers is their rather high cost. Separately, we note that the installation of a metal wick in a classic evaporator does not turn it into a genesis — the design of the atomizer must be initially optimized for the grid.

The volume of the liquid tank provided in the design of the atomizer. Note that this parameter can be specified even for squonk atomizers (see "Filling type"): although they work with an external tank, however, a certain amount of "liquid" can fit in the evaporator itself.

The larger the tank, the more liquid you can keep in an electronic cigarette and the less often you have to refill it. On the other hand, capacious tanks have the appropriate dimensions, and too large a tank would be inconvenient, and liquids are consumed relatively little even in one long session of soaring. As a result, a volume of more than 6 mL is already considered quite large for vapes, and in the smallest models this figure does not exceed 2 mL.

Also note that when choosing a tank capacity, manufacturers usually take into account the resistance of the spiral, the power of the battery (if it is included) and other parameters that affect the expected flow rate of the liquid. There is no hard dependency here, however, in general, more powerful atomizers are usually equipped with larger tanks.

— Upper. The traditional type of filling was initially quite popular, but now such atomizers are gradually giving way to bottom filling models. The main advantage of this option is the ability to pour liquid without turning the atomizer over and without removing the flask from the battery mod. However refilling usually requires disassembly — for example, unscrewing the cap with the mouthpiece.

— Lower. This option assumes that for refueling, you need to turn the atomizer upside down and pour liquid from the bottom side. At first glance, this procedure is less convenient than top filling, but it provides an important advantage for serviced heaters: if necessary, you can remove and rewind the base without draining the liquid from the tank. Note that squonk format drip atomizers are formally also refueled from below, however, they have their own specifics, therefore they do not belong to this category and are allocated separately; see below for details.

— Side. Refueling through a special hole in the side of the atomizer. Like the top one, this design allows you not to remove the flask from the battery mod; the opening usually opens and closes easily and quickly, without the need, for example, to unscrew the cap. This option is quite popular in baco drips (see "Type of atomizer"), althou...gh it is also found in other varieties.

— Squonk. A specific type of bottom filling used in models with drip atomizers (see "Type of atomizer"). These vapes have a rather large e-liquid reservoir installed in the battery mod, and each time you press a special button (or the elastic wall of the reservoir), the liquid is fed into the atomizer in small portions directly through the connector. This design eliminates the main drawback of drip atomizers — the need to constantly add liquid manually, "drop by drop": instead of the hassle of manual refueling, it is enough to periodically press the button. At the same time, most of these evaporators allow installation on a regular battery mod, without a squonk — for this, the kit provides a replaceable connector of a standard design, without a channel for supplying liquid; and on battery mods with a squonk, usually, you can put ordinary atomizers without restrictions. The disadvantages of this option can be somewhat higher cost than analogues with traditional types of refueling.

The type of blowing provided in the atomizer of an electronic cigarette.

This parameter is indicated by the location of the cells for the intake of air entering the evaporator. According to this criterion, lower, upper and side airflow are distinguished, here are their main features:

— Lower. The most popular option nowadays. Such popularity is primarily due to the fact that many vapers consider the “lower” vapor to be the most delicious. In addition, bottom blown atomizers are easier to maintain than "side" models, they are not so demanding on winding quality. The disadvantages of this option include an increased likelihood of leakage, including during liquid overflow; and the condensate, which is quite intensively formed at the air intakes, tends to flow down onto the battery mod. However, these points are not particularly critical.

— Upper. A format that has appeared relatively recently. In general, such an airflow conveys taste somewhat worse than the lower one, moreover, the steam turns out to be hotter; however, this point is largely subjective, and some users like this type of steam. The objective advantages of the “upper” atomizers include the minimum probability of overflow, the almost complete absence of condensate flowing onto the battery mod, and the absence of splashes even when using coils with very low resistance.

— Si...de. The type of blowing used mainly in "drips" (see "Type of atomizer"). If the bottom airflow gives the most delicious steam, then the side airflow is the most dense and saturated. This is achieved due to the fact that the air flows around the spiral as intensively as possible and captures the greatest amount of evaporation. In addition, the likelihood of liquid overflow and splash formation in such atomizers is very small, and with the right settings, the taste is transmitted almost as well as in the “lower” models. The main disadvantage of this option is the actual need for careful tuning and proper installation of the spiral — so that there are no blind spots on it. So side airflow is generally designed for experienced users; maintenance-free atomizers are an exception, but this format of operation is rarely used in them.

Also note that there are combined options for sale, for which two types of airflow are indicated at once. Here the specifics can be different. So, it is unrealistic to combine the upper and lower airflow in one evaporator, therefore this option is indicated only for sets of several atomizers with different types of airflow. But the side format of work may well be combined with the top or bottom — this allows you to combine the advantages of both options and provide saturated steam. On the other hand, the need for careful tuning for such devices is just as relevant as for "pure" side ones.

The material from which the body of the device is made.

This parameter is relevant primarily for battery mods: they can be made from a wide variety of materials, while atomizers do not differ in variety (the standard option is stainless steel, with a few exceptions; see below for details). Actually, for ready-made kits (including POD systems, see "Type"), this paragraph just indicates the material of the battery mod. Here is a more detailed description of specific options:

— Stainless steel. Perhaps the most popular material for electronic cigarettes and their components — of all types and price categories. At a relatively low cost, stainless steel is strong, reliable, durable and not subject to scratches and corrosion. Of the shortcomings of this material, one can only note a rather large weight, but some, on the contrary, consider this moment an advantage: a massive metal case gives the impression of solidity and quality. Also, steel, like any metal, can cool the skin at low air temperatures and slide in the hands; however, in order to avoid all this, various linings (for example, made of rubber or soft-touch plastic) can be provided on the case to eliminate this drawback.

— Zinc alloy. Another fairly popular material, which is actually a compromise between stainless steel and aluminium. Zinc weighs less than steel and costs less than aluminium alloys; at the same time, this...material perfectly resists corrosion and has high strength, which led to its prevalence.

— Aluminium. Perhaps the most advanced metal in terms of practical characteristics: aluminium is light, strong and absolutely insensitive to corrosion. Its main disadvantage is a rather high price, while the described advantages are rarely decisive in comparison with the same steel or zinc. Therefore, aluminium cases are quite rare; at the same time, it is worth noting that this material is found not only in battery mods, but also in atomizers.

— Plastic. Inexpensive material, which also has a small weight and is able to take on a wide variety of colours. However, this is where the advantages of plastic, in fact, are exhausted: in terms of strength and scratch resistance, it is noticeably inferior to metals, and it can melt from strong heat. However there are advanced grades of plastic, but instead of them, most manufacturers prefer to use steel or other metal in vapes. As a result, plastic cases are rare, and mostly among entry-level models.

— Copper. The material used mainly as a design material — to give the case an unusual appearance (copper has a characteristic reddish tint). From the point of view of practical properties, such cases are similar to steel ones — in particular, they are strong, massive and scratch resistant. On the other hand, copper tolerates moisture worse, stains can appear on it even from constant contact with the skin. However, the main drawback of this material is its high price, which determined the specifics of its application.

— Brass. Another metal used primarily for aesthetic rather than practical reasons. It is similar in properties to copper described above and differs only in colour (shades of yellow) and somewhat greater resistance to oxidation (although it all depends on the specific type of brass).

— Wood. Wooden cases look interesting due to the characteristic colours and patterns. At the same time, this material is not very practical: it is prone to cracks and splits from impacts, it is easily scratched, and it can swell and warp from prolonged exposure to moisture. In addition, wooden cases are quite expensive (in part, this is a payment for the style). So, choosing a battery mod in such a design is worth it only in cases where the ability to “stand out from the crowd” is more important for you than the shortcomings described.

— Ceramics, Special high-strength ceramics are highly resistant to wear: such a case is very difficult to scratch, so it looks like new for a long time. On the other hand, this material may crack on impact (whereas metal is more likely to only slightly bend). Therefore, ceramic cases are extremely rare — especially since they are not cheap.

The material from which the flask of the complete atomizer is made. Most often, it means the material from which the transparent insert in the body (usually steel) is made, with the exception of all-steel flasks, see below for more details about them.

— Glass. The most popular flask material in modern vapes. The glass does more than just allow you to see the contents of the flask — this transparency is maintained for a long time, as the glass surface is highly resistant to scratches. In addition, the walls of the flask are chemically inert, they do not react with the "slurry", whatever its composition; and the fragility of the walls is compensated by their thickness, and sometimes by special additives in the composition of the glass. This material is somewhat more expensive than plastic, but in fact this difference is insignificant.

— Plastic. Plastic flasks, like glass, are usually made transparent, which allows you to monitor the amount of liquid; at the same time, they are much cheaper, it is very difficult to break such a container, and fragments from plastic are not as dangerous as glass ones. At the same time, this material is easily covered with scratches and quickly becomes cloudy during use. In addition, some types of plastic (especially inexpensive ones) can react with substances that make up e-liquids (manufacturers of both flasks and refills try to avoid this phenomenon, but...a full guarantee cannot be given). As a result, this option is not particularly popular, it is typical mainly for low-cost devices created with the expectation of maximum cost reduction.

— Stainless steel. Stainless steel flasks are notable primarily for their high strength — even under a very strong load, the steel tank is more likely to flatten than crack. Yes, and resistance to corrosion can also be written down as advantages. At the same time, this material has a critical drawback that negates all its advantages — it is opaque. As a result, it is possible to monitor the liquid level in such a flask only by indirect signs — for example, by changing the taste or the amount of steam. This, to put it mildly, is inconvenient, so steel flasks are used extremely rarely — and not so much for practical reasons, but as an element of unusual design.