A pod kit is the most practical way to start vaping or to carry a compact device every day. The range available in Kenya has grown quickly, and the differences between devices are not always obvious from a product listing. This guide breaks down every feature that matters, explains what each one means for your experience and then points you toward specific devices depending on how you plan to use them.
What Is a Pod Kit?
A pod kit is a small, refillable vaping device with two main parts: a battery section (the body) and a detachable pod (the cartridge) that holds your e-liquid and contains or accepts a coil. You fill the pod with your chosen liquid, the coil heats it, and you inhale the vapour.
Pod kits differ from disposable vapes in one important way: you refill and reuse them. You buy your own e-liquid, swap coils or pods when they wear out and keep the device itself for months. Ongoing cost depends on actual liquid consumption, replacement purchases and the upfront device cost; it is not always lower than disposables. For a direct comparison, see the disposables vs pod kits breakdown.
MTL, RDL and DTL: a draw-style continuum
Draw style is better understood as a continuum: tight mouth-to-lung (MTL), looser MTL, restricted direct-to-lung (RDL), then open direct-to-lung (DTL).
MTL: tighter airflow and lower power, commonly used with higher-resistance pods. RDL: a looser draw with more airflow and vapour, often using mid-resistance pods. DTL: the most open draw, generally with lower resistance, more airflow and more power.
Resistance is only one part of the result; airflow, wattage and coil design also matter. Multi-resistance pod systems can cover more than one style depending on the cartridge fitted and the airflow setting. For the full comparison, read MTL vs RDL vs DTL vaping.
Draw-Activated vs Button-Fire
Pod kits use one of two firing mechanisms, and some offer both:
- Draw activation: The device fires when you inhale. Caliburn G5 Lite SE is draw-only; Caliburn A3 supports both draw activation and its fire button. Follow each model’s activation and lock instructions. Compare UWELL Caliburn A3 and Caliburn G5 Lite SE.
- Button-fire: You press a button to fire the coil. This gives more control over when and how long the device heats, but a button can be pressed accidentally. Follow the exact device’s lock or power-off instructions when carrying it. Devices like the VOOPOO Drag S2 and SMOK Nord 5 use button-fire.
Some devices support both activation methods: the Caliburn A3 and SMOK Novo 5 can fire on a draw or with their fire button. Do not assume every device with a settings button supports button firing. For other models, including the Caliburn G4, check the exact manual or stocked device before assigning an activation method.
Battery Size
Battery capacity is stated in mAh. Compare the exact device specifications, settings and use; nominal capacity alone does not establish a puff count or runtime comparison across kits.
- 500 to 900mAh: Examples include the Caliburn A3 (520mAh) and SMOK Novo 5 (900mAh). Actual runtime depends on settings, draw duration, usage and condition rather than a guaranteed evening charging schedule.
- 1300 to 1600mAh: Runtime depends on wattage, puff duration and frequency; capacity alone does not guarantee a full day. Examples: Caliburn G4 (1300mAh), VAPORESSO XROS 5 (1500mAh), Caliburn G5 Lite SE (1600mAh).
- 2000mAh and above: Heavy-use territory. The SMOK Nord 5 (2000mAh) and VOOPOO Drag S2 (2500mAh) are made for those who go through liquid quickly or run higher wattages.
Charging speed matters too. The VAPORESSO XROS 5 charges at 3A, reaching 80% in about 20 minutes, which is fast for a pod kit.
Coil Systems: Built-In vs Replaceable
Pod kits handle coils in two ways, and this directly affects your running costs and convenience:
- Coil built into the pod: When the coil wears out, you discard the entire pod and slot in a new one. This is the simplest system. The A3, Novo 5 and XROS 5 all work this way. No messy coil changes, no separate parts to buy.
- Replaceable coils: A compatible pod body can be retained while a separate coil is replaced as indicated. Compare the actual pack price, units per pack, replacement frequency, liquid consumption and upfront kit cost; construction alone does not guarantee lower ongoing costs. The Drag S2 uses PnP X coils, and Nord 5 uses RPM 3 coils. Compare Drag S2, Nord 5, PnP X coils, and RPM 3 coils.
The GPP platform used by the Caliburn G4 and G4 Pro is a hybrid: the coil is part of the pod cartridge, but the platform offers four different resistance options (GPP pods), giving you versatility without a separate coil-swap step.
Wattage Range
Wattage determines how much power the coil receives, which affects vapour warmth, volume and flavour intensity:
- No adjustable wattage: The device sets output automatically based on the coil. Simplest possible experience. Example: Caliburn A3.
- Up to 35W: Covers MTL and restricted DTL comfortably. Examples: Caliburn G4, G4 Pro, G5 Lite SE (35W Smart Mode).
- 40 to 60W: Enters full DTL territory with larger clouds. Examples: VOOPOO Drag H40 (40W), Drag S2 (60W).
- 80W: High-powered pod mod. The Nord 5 is DTL only at this output, with no MTL option.
Airflow
Adjustable airflow lets you control how tight or loose the draw feels. This is separate from coil resistance, though the two work together.
- Fixed airflow: The draw is set by the device and coil. The A3 is fixed, tuned for MTL.
- Adjustable airflow: A slider, dial or ring on the device lets you open or close the air inlet. More open equals a looser, airier draw (DTL). More closed equals a tighter, more resistant draw (MTL).
- Dual airflow: The Caliburn G4 and G5 Lite SE take it further with both a body slider and a reversible cartridge, giving you two independent adjustment points.
Devices by Use Case
Rather than declaring one device the outright winner, here are recommendations based on how you plan to vape. All are available at Vapesoko's pod kit collection.
Simplest Option for Beginners
- Battery: 520mAh
- Style: MTL only, draw-activated with a fire button, no screen
- Why it suits beginners: Nothing to adjust. Fill the pod, draw, vape. At 31g and 11.7mm thick, it is one of the slimmest devices on the market. If you are coming from a disposable or from smoking, the A3 makes the transition as smooth as possible.
If you have never vaped before, pair the A3 with a nic salt like ELFLIQ 10ml or BAR Salts. Read how to vape for the first time for a full walkthrough.
Mid-Range: Flexibility and Features
Compare the listed controls, supported consumables and complete first-order requirements of these compact devices. Check current selected prices rather than relying on a permanent price band.
- Battery: 1300mAh
- Output: 35W
- Standout: GPP platform with four coil resistances (0.4 to 1.2 ohm), dual airflow, colour screen. Covers both MTL and DTL from the same device.
- Battery: 1500mAh (3A fast charging, 80% in 20 minutes)
- Standout: Full cross-generation pod compatibility. Every XROS pod ever made (COREX 1.0, 2.0, 3.0) fits this device. Six pod resistances from 0.4 to 1.2 ohms. A strong choice if you value fast charging and pod availability.
- Battery: 900mAh
- Output: 5 to 30W, adjustable
- Novo 5 uses compatible integrated-coil pods and offers adjustable output up to 30W with a 900mAh battery. Compare supported controls and the current selected replacement pack; capacity alone does not establish a charging schedule. Related: Novo 5 replacement pods.
Higher Wattage: Cloud Chasers and Heavy Vapers
If you want more vapour, a warmer draw and the option to run sub-ohm coils, these two devices step up to 60W and 80W. Both are listed.
- Battery: 2500mAh
- Output: 60W
- Standout: PnP X platform with separate DTL and MTL cartridge types and replaceable PnP X coils. Colour screen, 5ml pod capacity. The 2500mAh capacity does not guarantee all-day runtime; power, puff duration and frequency affect how often charging is needed. A genuine all-rounder if you want MTL and DTL in one device with room to push output.
- Battery: 2000mAh
- Output: 80W
- Standout: The highest wattage in a pod format on this list. RPM 3 coils at 0.15 ohm (40 to 80W) and 0.23 ohm (20 to 45W) are both DTL only, so this is not the device for MTL vapers. 5ml pod capacity. Ideal if you want dense clouds and warm vapour from a compact kit.
Choosing the Right E-Liquid
Your device and coil determine which liquid works well:
- Restricted DTL (0.6 ohm): Either type can work, but 50/50 or 60/40 blends tend to perform reliably.
How to Order from Vapesoko
Payment is accepted via M-Pesa and cash on delivery. Vapesoko is an online-only retailer. Delivery within Nairobi typically takes 15 to 90 minutes. Major towns including Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret and Naivasha receive orders by the next business day. The rest of Kenya is covered within 1 to 2 business days. Orders meeting the current Nairobi free-delivery threshold within Nairobi qualify for free delivery.
You must be 18 or older to purchase. Age is verified before dispatch, and our riders may ask for identification upon delivery.
Last updated: October 2026