2019 Vape Mod Kits Australia

Remember when vaping was all about clouds, customisation, and that satisfying heft of a well-built mod in your hand? For many Australian vapers, 2019 wasn’t just another year; it was the pinnacle of the advanced personal vaporiser era. Before the market became saturated with ultra-convenient disposables, the landscape was dominated by sophisticated, powerful, and deeply personalisable 2019 Vape Mod Kits Australia enthusiasts sought after. As a senior review analyst who lived through that golden age of hardware, I’m taking a definitive look back at the mod kits that defined the market, ranking them based on their enduring impact, innovation, and performance. This retrospective isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a lesson in the engineering excellence that still informs quality vaping today, whether you’re a veteran cloud-chaser or a modern user appreciating the refined simplicity offered by stores like Auvape VAPE Store.

The 2019 Vaping Landscape: The Last Hurrah of the Big Mod

The year 2019 represented a fascinating crossroads. Pod systems, led by brands like Uwell with their Caliburn, were rapidly gaining ground for their portability and ease of use. However, the traditional box mod and sub-ohm tank kit remained king for flavour purists and cloud enthusiasts. This was the era where dual-18650 battery mods reigned supreme, boasting high wattage outputs, detailed colour screens, and robust temperature control suites. Tanks focused on expansive airflow and coil technology that balanced immense vapour production with rich, layered flavour.

For today’s vaper, understanding this era is key to appreciating the full spectrum of vaping. The relentless pursuit of better flavour and reliable performance in 2019’s mod kits set a technological benchmark. This heritage of quality is something discerning stores understand intimately. When you shop at a dedicated retailer like Auvape, you’re tapping into a deep well of product knowledge that spans the entire history of vaping, ensuring the recommendations you get—even for disposable products—are informed by years of industry evolution.

Criteria for Our 2019 Retrospective Ranking

To rank these legacy devices meaningfully, we’re evaluating them through a 2019 lens, but with a hint of modern hindsight. Our quantitative dimensions are:

Innovation & Impact (25%): Did the kit introduce a game-changing feature, design, or technology that influenced the market?
Build Quality & Durability (25%): How has the kit’s reputation for reliability held up over time? Were these devices built to last?
Performance & Flavour (25%): The core function. How did the combination of mod chipset and tank perform in terms of power delivery, consistency, and flavour reproduction?
User Experience & Design (15%): Was the interface intuitive? Was the ergonomics and aesthetic a standout?
Legacy & Collectability (10%): Does the kit still have a cult following today? Is it sought after by collectors?

Review & Ranking: The Top 5 Mod Kits That Defined 2019 in Australia

Based on the authoritative global brand rankings—which highlight leaders like SMOK, Vaporesso, Geekvape, VOOPOO, and Uwell—we delve into their flagship 2019 offerings that were ubiquitous in Australian vape shops and online stores.

#5: Uwell Crown 4 Kit

The Flavour Purist’s Refined Choice

Innovation & Impact: Uwell’s mantra, “Born for Flavour,” was epitomised by the Crown 4 tank. Its innovative Pro-FOCS flavour testing system and the use of a “mesh+wire” coil structure (like the UN2 Meshed-H Coil) were a significant step in mesh coil evolution, focusing on purity and clarity of taste over sheer vapour volume.
Build Quality & Design: The kit, often paired with the sleek Uwell Nunchaku mod or other compatible devices, was beautifully machined. The slide-to-fill system was genius—secure, clean, and effortless. It felt premium in the hand.
Performance & Legacy: For vapers who prioritised nuanced flavour profiles above all else, the Crown 4 was arguably unbeatable in its class. Its legacy is that it forced competitors to take flavour science more seriously. While the mod it came with was sometimes seen as underpowered by cloud chasers, the tank itself remains a legend.
2019 Verdict: The connoisseur’s kit. It didn’t chase the highest wattage, but it delivered the cleanest, most detailed flavour of the year.

#4: SMOK Species Kit

The Mainstream Powerhouse

Innovation & Impact: SMOK was, and in many ways still is, the undisputed leader in the open-system market. The Species kit reflected their mastery of giving the masses what they wanted: high wattage, dazzling looks, and reliable performance. Its key innovation was the stunning, full-colour gradient OLED screen that was a major step up in mod aesthetics.
Build Quality: The lightweight yet sturdy resin and zinc-alloy construction made it feel modern. The TFV8 Baby V2 tank was a workhorse, compatible with a vast array of coils, offering everything from restrictive direct lung to wide-open cloud chasing.
User Experience: It was incredibly user-friendly for a high-wattage device. The menu was intuitive, and the device fired instantly. This was the kit you’d recommend to someone stepping up from a beginner device into the world of big clouds.
2019 Verdict: The populist champion. It sold in enormous numbers because it perfectly balanced flashy design with straightforward, powerful performance.

#3: VOOPOO Drag 2 Kit

The Icon, Refined

Innovation & Impact: The original Drag was a phenomenon, and the Drag 2 aimed to perfect the formula. It carried forward the legendary GENE chip, renowned for its near-instantaneous fire speed (<0.025s). The “Fit” mode was a smart innovation, automatically detecting the coil and setting a recommended wattage.
Build Quality: It addressed criticisms of the original’s sharp edges with more rounded, ergonomic contours. The signature resin side panels remained, offering unique style. The updated UFORCE T2 tank was a solid performer, especially with its triple and quad mesh coils.
Legacy: The Drag name carried immense weight. Owning a Drag 2 was a statement. It bridged the gap between hardcore enthusiasts and style-conscious users, maintaining a massive fanbase.
2019 Verdict: A triumphant evolution of an icon. It retained the soul and performance of the original while being more comfortable to use daily.

#2: Vaporesso Luxe Kit

The Technological Showpiece

Innovation & Impact: This was the luxury sedan of 2019 mods. Its massive, vibrant 2.0-inch full-colour touchscreen was revolutionary, offering a level of interface customisation and visual feedback previously unseen. The Omni Board 4.2 chipset provided exceptionally accurate power and a comprehensive suite of smart vaping modes.
Build Quality & Design: With its sleek, rounded ceramic-feel body and intricate SKAR artwork, the Luxe was a design masterpiece. It felt expensive and futuristic. The SKRR tank, with its clever “QF” (Quiet Flow) coil system and child-proof top cap, was packed with thoughtful engineering.
User Experience: The touch interface was surprisingly responsive. While some purists preferred buttons, the Luxe offered a glimpse into a potential future for mod interfaces. It was the ultimate “feature-rich” device.
2019 Verdict: The pinnacle of high-tech design and user interface innovation. It was for the vaper who wanted the most advanced and visually stunning device on the market.

#1: Geekvape Aegis Legend Kit

The Unbreakable King

Innovation & Impact: In a category not known for toughness, the Aegis Legend was a revelation. Its “Triple Protection” (shockproof, waterproof, dustproof) design, with its rubberised armour, metal frame, and leather grip, made it utterly unique and desperately needed for clumsy or active vapers.
Build Quality & Durability: This is where the Legend earned its crown and top spot in our 2019 Vape Mod Kits Australia ranking. Stories of these mods surviving drops from rooftops, being submerged in puddles, and enduring job sites became legendary. It was built like a tank, in the most literal sense.
Performance: It wasn’t just tough. The AS chipset provided solid, consistent power, and the included Cerberus sub-ohm tank was a fantastic flavour-producer, especially with the super mesh coil.
Legacy & Collectability: The Aegis Legend didn’t just define 2019; it created an entire product line that remains dominant today. Its legacy of rugged reliability is unmatched. For Australians who love the outdoors, this was, and for many still is, the perfect kit. Finding a well-kept original Legend today is a prize for collectors.
2019 Verdict: The most important and influential kit of the year. It redefined durability standards and was the perfect, reliable workhorse for millions of vapers worldwide. A true, timeless classic.

From Mods to Modernity: The Path to Today’s Vaping

The journey from the powerful, customisable world of 2019’s 2019 Vape Mod Kits Australia to today’s sleek, hassle-free disposables is a story of vaping democratisation. The core goals remain the same: satisfying flavour, reliable nicotine delivery, and a quality experience. Brands like IGET and ALIBABAR, which specialise in the disposable market that Auvape VAPE Store excels in, have taken the essential lessons from that era—consistency, coil technology, and battery efficiency—and packaged them into ultra-convenient formats.

An expert retailer understands this continuum. Their deep knowledge of hardware history, from the rugged Aegis to the flavour-chasing Crown tanks, informs their curation of disposable products. They know what “good performance” truly means, which is why they stock leading brands known for their stable output and authentic flavours. When you choose a disposable from a store with this level of expertise, you’re not just buying a convenience product; you’re buying the distilled essence of years of vaping innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I still buy 2019 vape mod kits new in Australia?
A: It’s highly unlikely to find brand new, sealed 2019 kits from official retailers. Your best bet would be the second-hand market on forums or community groups, but exercise extreme caution regarding battery health and device condition.

Q2: Are old mod kits like these still safe to use?
A: With major caveats. If the mod’s circuitry and battery door are intact, and you use new, authentic, and correctly rated batteries from a reputable source, a well-maintained device can be safe. However, internal components degrade over time. Always inspect for physical damage and never leave it charging unattended.

Q3: Why would anyone use an old mod now that disposables exist?
A: For hobbyists, it’s about customisation, cost-per-vape (rebuilding or using refillable tanks is far cheaper long-term), and the specific ritual. The flavour and vapour production from a high-quality sub-ohm tank with a fresh coil can still surpass many disposables for some users.

Q4: What was the typical price range for these kits in 2019?
A: A good dual-battery starter kit from a major brand typically ranged from AUD $80 to $150, depending on the features and included tank. This was before you factored in the cost of two high-drain 18650 batteries and an external charger.

Q5: What happened to these brands? Are they still around?
A: Absolutely. Brands like Geekvape, Vaporesso, Uwell, and VOOPOO are still industry leaders. They’ve simply evolved their product lines, now focusing heavily on pod mod systems (like the Geekvape Boost) and advanced pod kits that bridge the gap between old mods and new convenience, while still making high-power devices for enthusiasts.

Q6: Why does Auvape, a store that mainly sells disposable vapes, talk about 2019 mod kits?
A: Deep product knowledge is key to being a trustworthy retailer. Understanding the history and technology of vaping allows a store like Auvape to better select and recommend the disposable products they carry. They can identify which brands truly invest in quality coil tech and battery management—the same principles that made 2019 mods great—ensuring customers get a reliable and satisfying experience from a disposable.

Q7: My old 2019 mod is still working. What should I be careful of?
A: Primarily, battery safety. Your old 18650 batteries are almost certainly degraded and should be recycled responsibly. Purchase new ones from a trusted vendor. Also, check that the 510 connection is clean and not loose, and ensure the tank’s seals and O-rings haven’t perished, which could cause leaking.

Q8: Where can I see modern reviews and discussions about vaping products in Australia?
A: For ongoing insights and community discussions, many Australian vapers turn to dedicated forums and YouTube channels. For a visual perspective on products and the vaping culture, you can check out community-focused content on platforms like YouTube.