How to Choose the Right Open Pod Vape Device or Replacement Pod
When it comes to open pod vapes, the right choice depends on your preferred vaping style, nicotine type, and how much control you want over your experience. Below, we’ll compare our most popular Uwell and Vaporesso pod systems, their pod compatibility, and tips on pairing with e-liquids.
Device Power & Features
-
Uwell Caliburn G3
Compact and feature-rich with an OLED display, adjustable power up to 25W, and 2mL refillable pods. Great for vapers who want screen visibility. -
Uwell Caliburn G3 Lite
A more affordable option with a larger 1200mAh battery, simple draw activation, and the same G3 pod compatibility. Perfect for vapers who want value and ease of use without adjustments. -
Vaporesso XROS 4 / Pro / Mini
Offering adjustable airflow, up to 30W power output, and COREX 2.0 coil technology for extended pod life and stronger flavour. With USB-C fast charging and 2mL or 3mL pod formats, the XROS line balances performance and convenience.
Vaping Style & Coil Resistance
Choosing the right resistance pod will impact how you vape:
- MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) – Tighter draw, smoother hit. Best with 0.9Ω – 1.2Ω pods and 20mg nicotine salt e-liquids.
- RDL (Restricted Direct-Lung) – Airier draw, more vapour. Best with 0.4Ω – 0.8Ω pods
This flexibility means you can tune your device to your preferred style without buying new hardware.
Pod Compatibility Overview
|
Brand |
Device |
Pod Compatibility |
Best Use Case |
|
Uwell |
Caliburn G3 / G3 Lite |
G3 Pods (0.4Ω, 0.6Ω, 0.9Ω, 1.2Ω) |
Flexible: MTL + RDL |
|
Vaporesso |
XROS 4 / Mini / Pro |
XROS Pods (COREX 2.0, 2mL & 3mL) |
MTL + RDL, long use |
All Uwell G3 Pods work with both the G3 and G3 Lite.
All Vaporesso XROS Pods are cross-compatible across the entire XROS lineup.
Value Tips
- Want fewer refills? Go for Vaporesso COREX 2.0 3mL pods for extended capacity.
- Looking for simplicity? Choose Caliburn G3 Lite or XROS 4 Mini, both draw-activated with no buttons to adjust.
- Need precision control? Pick the Caliburn G3 (adjustable power + display) or XROS Pro (customizable output + multiple modes).
- Care about pod longevity? The Vaporesso COREX 2.0 pods are designed for extended coil life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long do refillable pods last?
A: On average, 1–2 weeks depending on resistance, e-liquid type, and usage. Higher-resistance pods used with nicotine salt typically last longer than lower-resistance freebase pods.
Q: What’s the difference between MTL and RDL vaping?
A: MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) feels similar to traditional smoking — a tighter draw with less vapour. DTL (Direct-to-Lung) is more open and cloud-focused, usually requiring high-powered sub-ohm devices. RDL (Restricted Direct-Lung) offers more airflow and vapour than MTL, but still less intensity than a full DTL setup.
Pod kits like the Caliburn G3 and Vaporesso XROS 4 are designed for MTL and RDL only. For full DTL performance, you’ll need a higher-wattage device (45W+).
Q: Can I use the same device for both nicotine salt and freebase?
A: Not all devices can handle both.
- Nicotine salt e-liquids are thinner and work best in pod systems like the Caliburn or XROS, using pods in the 0.4Ω–1.2Ω range, typically at 10–25W. These devices are designed exclusively for nicotine salt e-liquids.
- Freebase e-liquids are thicker and require more power to vaporize properly. They perform best in high-wattage (45W+) sub-ohm kits with low-resistance coils (0.15Ω–0.6Ω).
Q: How do I know which replacement open pod to buy?
A: Start by identifying your preferred draw style:
- MTL: Higher resistance pods (0.9Ω–1.2Ω) for a tighter draw.
- RDL: Mid-range resistances (0.4Ω–0.8Ω) for a looser draw with more vapour.
- DTL: Requires sub-ohm tanks and high-wattage mods, not Caliburn or XROS devices.
As a general rule, lower resistance = more airflow and vapour, while higher resistance = tighter draw and less vapour.
Q: Which pod kit is best for beginners?
A: The Caliburn G3 Lite and Vaporesso XROS 4 Mini are the easiest to use—simply fill, click in, and draw.
Also Explore
- Nicotine salt E-Liquids — Best suited for Caliburn G3 and Vaporesso XROS devices
- Freebase E-Liquids — Recommended for high-powered sub-ohm kits (45W+) and DTL setups
- Replacement Pods — Stock up on compatible G3 or XROS cartridges
