We've discussed in previous blog posts about electricity and vaping, resistance and power, watts and ohms. We've talked about why people originally bought mechanical mods and about what sub-ohming is. All of which is useful information for those of us who are interested in cloud-chasing, getting massive throat hits or lowering our nicotine levels.

But what about you? You've only just started vaping, or you're perfectly happy with your current setup, but everyone seems to be going on about the latest high-powered devices and why they're the best thing since sliced bread. Maybe you feel a bit pressured to "get with the times" and buy one of those box things you keep seeing everywhere.

The first thing to ask is:

Do I actually need a high-wattage mod?

You definitely need a high-powered mod if:

• you intend to sub-ohm and have bought a sub-ohm clearomizer like the Atlantis or the Sub Tank
• you are moving into the world of rebuildables
• you want to blow massive clouds

Ego-style devices and cig-a-likes do not have the capability to fire sub-ohm coils, and you run the risk of damaging them if you try. If you are intending to start building your own coils with an RDA or RTA, you will need a high-powered regulated mod, because chances are your first few builds may be skirting just under the 1ohm mark. And if you want clouds, you'll need power, and lots of it. Just buying a high VG juice won't do the whole trick.

But let's say you just want one. I get it. They look nice with their metal cases and their bright little blue OLED screens. Maybe you don't care about sub-ohming or rebuilding or cloud chasing. Maybe you just like electronic gadgets, or fancy the idea of having a battery level readout.

I'm totally with you, so the next question to ask is:

How do I know how much wattage I really need?

The answer is in two parts.

Clearomizers

You need enough power to fire your clearo safely and efficiently, so the power level will be dictated by your choice of coil resistance.

If you have a mod with too much power running at low settings constantly, it's bad for the circuitry as it is constantly under load choking the voltage. If you have a mod with too little power maxed out constantly, your battery life will fall through the floor. You need to find a power level that has a "sweet spot", firing your coil at around 65-70% of its full capacity.

OMG, I hear you groan, that sounds way too hard! Well... yes and no. Really, how much wattage you like to pump through your coil depends on how hot or cool you like your vapour, what kinds of juice you vape and your particular choice of atty - in other words, most vapers experiment with different power levels until they find the level they like and stick with it. There really is no "correct" and "incorrect", just "ideal" and "less ideal".

BUT - if you need some guidance, here is a handy little table I just invented then with some recommended wattage levels for popular brands of clearomizer. You're welcome!

Rebuildables

This one is a bit easier.

Basically - get a regulated mod with as much power as you can afford.

Why? Firstly, if you're rebuilding, chances are you also want to push the envelope resistance-wise. Secondly, until you hit your stride with your rebuilding technique, you're going to get all sorts of crazy resistances, so you will need a regulated mod that you can adjust the power levels for. Thirdly, just because you don't want to sub-ohm now, doesn't mean you won't want to in the future - maybe you get an Aspire Atlantis for your birthday, or change your mind and switch to rebuildables. Whatever the case, it makes sense to give yourself plenty of headroom in the power department.

You don't even have to ask, I can just tell that you want to know:

Which high wattage mod is the best?

Aha! Now we're in murky waters that this blog will not muddy its boots in. Obviously, because Vapoureyes stocks a number of different brands of high wattage mods, it would be unconscionable to recommend one over the other as being "better". Plus, it's not as simple as which one is "better" than which.

From the simple mini-mods sporting a modest 10 or 20 watt capacity, to the all-out monster machines cranking out 150, 200 or even 250 watts, all have different features and benefits. Some use the DNA series of chipboards, others the YihiSX kind, still others a manufacturer-exclusive one. Some have temperature sensing capabilities of varying reliability, some have puff counters, some can tell you what day it is, some can show you a photograph - the list goes on.

What we can do is give you a few pro tips to help you find the one that you think is the best:

1. Know what you want.

Do you want to sub-ohm and need an in-built resistance meter? Are you going to be using nickel coils and need temperature sensing? Are you trying to wean yourself off nicotine and need a puff counter to stick to your plan? Decide up-front what you need in a mod, then look for one that has it.

2. Read customer reviews.

Regular vaping customers are not backwards in coming forwards - if they think a mod is rubbish, they will say so in the comments. Likewise if it's the bees' knees. YouTube reviews are OK but a lot of those are skewed because the reviewer got the merchandise for free. Read the reviews on several vendor sites (before coming back home to Vapoureyes of course!) to see what people like you have to say.

3. Search the forums.

Again we won't promote any particular group or forum, but there are plenty to be found with little effort. Search for the mod you have your eye on, and again, see what real users have to say. At first you may get wildly conflicting reports, but if you keep digging you will eventually see where the majority lie.

4. If all else fails, ask your vendor.

Just can't make up your mind? Just not sure if a mod exists with the features you need? Shoot an email to your vendor. If you've picked a good one (coughVapoureyescough) they will be more than happy to assist you in your purchase, and you can rely on the advice they give you.

To sum it all up, here is my personal take on it all:

If you want one, there's absolutely no harm in getting one.

It's way better to err on the side of more power than less.

It's also way better to get a regulated mod first and experiment with mechanical mods later.

Have fun shopping folks!