What is an electronic cigarette box in the world of vape?

History of electronic cigarette MODs in vape

The term "MOD" in the world of electronic cigarettes comes from the contraction of the word MODified. When vaping first appeared, the first models were in no way adjustable: all you had to do was put on your coil (resistance), put on your product (e-liquid), wait 15-20 minutes and you could start vaping. No adjustment was necessary, which was practical for some, but frustrating for others.

Some manufacturers then decided to create adjustable equipment called MODs, and it was a real success. Many people were satisfied, while others stuck with their old, very easy-to-use equipment. Today, the term MOD has become somewhat obsolete, because most of them are now adjustable and are called boxes. Geeks will always say MOD or not...

What is an electronic cigarette box?

A box is the electronic part that you can configure and adjust according to your clearomizer or atomizer, your coil, your vaper profile or your smoking profile. As you can see, it's the bottom part of your electronic cigarette. In the past, the term Mod was used by certain "vape experts". From now on, we'll refer to the lower part as the electronic box.

What is an electronic cigarette box made of?

What are the different Box formats?

There are many manufacturers of electronic boxes, and a plethora of models with and without batteries.

The choice of format: tube, box or AIO?

We can mention three box formats, square or rectangular formats, ' cylinder and round' tube formats or AIO (All In One) formats.

There are no good or bad formats: some people prefer a box format because it's easier to hold (according to box users).

Other vapers will choose the tube format because they can close their hand over it and it can also be reminiscent of a traditional cigarette.

Finally, you can opt for the AIO format. This mini format has the advantage of integrating the clearomizer inside the body of the box to reduce its size.

What are the security features of electronic boxes?

When you buy your electronic cigarette, there are a number of safety features.

CE certification: the manufacturer's undertaking that the product complies with regulatory requirements.
Short-circuit and overload protection systems, which prevent the electronic equipment from overheating.
Power limiter: prevents excessive use of the battery, which can lead to overheating and short-circuiting.
Overcurrent and overvoltage protection: the boxes are fitted with sensors that trigger protection when the power or voltage is too high..
Protection against overheating: thermal sensors are built in and are triggered when a certain threshold is reached.

Your safety is and will remain our priority.

Integrated or rechargeable battery?

Here's a question that many vapers share.

"Team Box with integrated battery" VS "Team Box" with rechargeable batteries: a very, very, very close match.

Boxes with built-in batteries have, as the name suggests, the battery (expressed in Mah) built right into the hardware. You don't have to make any other investment, your equipment is ready to use. Practical, isn't it? Batteries tend to hold less charge over the years. If this happens, you'll need to change your equipment.

Boxes with batteries are sold without the batteries (price: around CHF 8-10 per battery). You can choose either a single-battery box (one battery) or a double-battery box (two batteries). You can also find triple and quadruple-battery boxes, which are becoming increasingly rare because of their size." With this type of box, you'll be able to run for a long time (although you'll need to remember to charge it). To optimize the life of your batteries, you can buy a battery charger (price: between CHF 15 and 30).

As you can see, it's up to you to decide on this tie and come up with your own opinion on the subject.

Choosing an electronic mod or a mechanic mod?

On a planet close to the electronic box, there are also mechanical boxes (Meca for those in the know). What's the difference?

An electronic box is managed by an electronic circuit (chipset) that allows you to modify your parameters, whereas a mecha mod has no such circuit. Everything is managed by the Ohm value of your coil and your battery.

Beware: if used incorrectly, Mecha Mods can be dangerous. You need a basic knowledge of electricity (or at least Ohm's law). Note that these only work with rechargeable batteries.

Mecha Mods are recommended for use with rebuildable atomizers where you make your own coils (DIY).

How do you choose your electronic box based on your clearomizer or atomizer?

1- Choose your box based on power (in Watts)

Depending on your tank, the ohm value of your coil will affect the power of your box. Let me explain, coils have a range of use in order to vaporize.

As you'll have realised, a coil rated at 50-60W should be used with a box rated above that power. But why? If your box is blocked at 40 watts, your coil will take longer to heat up and you'll experience leakage. Don't hesitate to consult our guide on the different potential reasons for a leak on your e-cig.

Some Mods offer wattages up to 220w. What's the point in using a coil that vaporizes between 50 and 60 watts? True and false... Who can do more, can do less. Some clearomizers, such as Smoktech's TFV12 (a real vaping machine) have coils that can be used between 100w and 170w.

But let's not generalise: it's extremely rare to find coils that vapourize above 120w.

2 - What size should I choose for my box?

A question of aesthetics? Yes and no.

A 28 mm diameter tank can be screwed onto any type of box, as long as there are no size constraints.

XXL boxes, which for some will be too bulky, but for others will be a type of equipment they prefer. In this category, we'll find equipment with great autonomy, but also robust boxes.

3 - Choosing between aesthetics and design

Electronic box manufacturers have no shortage of imagination when it comes to seducing you. Indeed, design has become a choice for many vapers. You'll be spoilt for choice in terms of shape, size and colour.

4 - Fast-recharge (FC) batteries

Many manufacturers have decided to incorporate fast charging (FC) into their equipment. But why? Every vaper has run out of battery, and we all know how long it can take to fully recharge your favourite equipment.

5 - Choose a lightweight, compact mod

When you start out in the world of electronic cigarettes, you're looking for a substitute for cigarettes, but also something that doesn't take up too much space. Bear in mind that there are hundreds of devices available that are the size of a packet of cigarettes, or even smaller.

6 - Choosing a robust Mod

Ah, the famous unbreakable mods... We'll talk about robust or shock-resistant, but unbreakable is almost impossible. Today, two manufacturers are leaders in this field, Geekvape with the Aegis range and Voopoo.

7 - What type of Mod should I choose for my clearomizer?

As mentioned above, we recommend using an electronic box with a clearomizer. It's easy to customise your settings and, above all, it's EASY to use.

To find out more about clearomizers, take a look at our guide "What is a clearomizer and how to choose one".

8 - What type of box should I choose for my atomizer?

Boxes for rebuildable atomizers are becoming increasingly rare, as are atomizers. They used to come in pairs (a mecha mod with a rebuildable atomizer). Unfortunately, this is no longer the case... A number of vaping accidents have been reported, scaring off vapers, some of whom have turned back to cigarettes and tobacco.

After investigation, it turns out that a lack of knowledge led to misuse.

What are the benefits of only buying a box?

Buying your own box is a real form of personalisation, because you can get unique equipment that no-one else has. Sometimes in a Vaporesso kit or another brand, you may not like the tank, but you will like the box.

You could very well put your favourite Innokin clearomizer on a Voopoo Argus box! All you have to do is check the product description to see if there are any restrictions on the diameter.

Some forward-thinking people have 2 boxes with built-in batteries, a single tank and a small pod so they never run out of liquids and battery.

What are the different settings available for an electronic box to optimise its setup?

There are many possible settings, but in reality, there is no such thing as a perfect setting. Equipment manufacturers will give you advice on how to use it. However, YOU are in the best position to define the best settings for your inhalation style.

Power adjustable manually or in Power or Wattage mode

This is the most commonly used mode in the vape world. It lets you adjust the power level set on the coil of your clearomizer, expressed in W (watts).

Variable voltage (VV) mode

Available on many electronic boxes, this mode is recommended for use with a rebuildable atomizer.

It allows you to adjust volts rather than watts. Some boxes have a potentiometer. The higher the voltage, the higher the power.

Le mode contrôle de température (TC - CT)

Temperature control is a mode available on most electronic boxes. It lets you choose a temperature rather than a wattage or voltage. It can be used with a clearomizer or atomizer, but BE CAREFUL, this mode is only compatible with certain resistive wires such as SS (Stainless Steel), TI (Titanium) or NI200 (Nickel 200).
As you can see, KA1 (Kanthal) coils are not compatible with this mode.

If you're new to the world, we advise you not to use it.

Curve mode

Curve = Curve is, as the name suggests, a mode where you can customise your power in a curve.

Let's develop this together: I want more power in the first second, less power in the second, etc. This mode can be used in Watt, TC and even VV.

Bypass mode (BP)

Another mode available on many electronic boxes. It allows you to stop managing power; everything is automatic, a bit like a mecha MOD, but with all the electronic safeguards. It takes several factors into account: the battery level, but also the coil value expressed in ohms.

The closer your autonomy is to 100%, the higher the power.

Your box will adapt its power according to the value of the coil, but also according to your autonomy.

We recommend using this mode with rebuildable atomizers.

Pulse mode

This mode works by sending constant pulses of energy every 0.01 seconds. It gives you a constant vape, while preserving your battery.

Eco mode

Some set-top boxes have this feature, but below 30-40% autonomy, your set-top box will SAVE battery power (reduced responsiveness). It is entirely possible not to use it.

Smart mode

Some manufacturers will be adding a new mode called "SMART". This allows you to adjust the power automatically according to the coil installed in your clearomizer.

NB: some people will say that the settings of your box affect inhalation, hit or flavour (this isn't totally untrue, but it's your tank that's most affected by this).

DIY mode

This DIY mode includes the VV, TC, Curve, BP and Pulse modes.

Pre-Heat mode

Pre-Heat mode is a bit like Curve mode, with one exception: it manages your customisation for just a few seconds before reverting to the predefined settings.

- Soft: 5 - 15% less power or voltage.

- Normal: same power setting.

- Hard: 5 - 15% more power or voltage.

How do you maintain your electronic box?

The 50,000 vape or one-year service must be scrupulously carried out.

Rest assured, maintenance is very light. A slightly, but very slightly damp cloth will be useful for cleaning your box to remove fingerprints or possible liquid leaks from your tank.

Finally, vaping products are intended for an adult and informed public. If you don't smoke, don't vape.