How to use the Innokin Endura T18E: the classic MTL pen, explained

The Innokin Endura T18E starter kit is generously stocked. You get the Endura T18E Prism tank, the 1000mAh battery, two 1.5 ohm Prism coils (one installed), two spare drip tips, a USB charging cable, an Endura vape stand and a user manual.

The tank holds 2ml and is made from stainless steel and Pyrex glass. The battery delivers a fixed 14W, so there is nothing to set. The whole pen is 13cm long and weighs 77g.

The charging port is Micro-USB, so keep the included cable rather than assuming a phone lead will fit.

The T18E tank uses a quick-fill twist-top system, which makes refilling quick with a reduced chance of leaks. Twist the top section to open the fill port, fill to just below the top, and twist it closed.

Before the very first puff on a new coil, prime it: put a few drops of e-liquid onto the cotton through the coil's side holes, fill the tank and leave it standing for five minutes. A dry 1.5 ohm coil scorches easily.

When it is time for a new coil, unscrew the tank from the battery, swap the coil, prime it and refit. The Innokin Prism coils come in five-packs.

A single button does everything: it fires, locks and unlocks the device. There are no menus, which is a big part of why the T18E is easy to live with.

The battery offers pass-through charging, so you can keep vaping while it is plugged in. That is handy at a desk, though charging is gentler on the battery if you let it charge without firing constantly.

The included Endura stand holds the pen upright when you are not using it. Storing a tank upright keeps the coil evenly fed and reduces the chance of a slow leak overnight.

Innokin recommends high PG e-liquids of 50% and above for best performance, and notes the T18E is highly compatible with salt nicotine for a smooth throat hit. That makes a nic salt or a 50/50 freebase the right choice.

Nicotine is addictive. At a fixed 14W and 1.5 ohm, the vapour is discreet, so many users run 10mg or 20mg nic salt or 6mg to 12mg freebase.

On coils: Prism coils come in 1.5 ohm (12 to 14W) and 1.7 ohm Pro (9 to 14W). The T18E coils are not compatible with the standard Innokin T18 or T22 tanks, so buy the right ones.

• Gurgling or a little leaking: usually from very hard draws or overfilling. Draw gently, fill to just below the top, and store it upright in the stand.
• Burnt taste: a new coil that was not primed, or an old coil with gunked cotton. Prime properly and replace coils when the flavour drops.
• Device will not fire: it is locked or flat. Use the button sequence to unlock, then charge.

For a longer battery life, avoid draining it to zero and keep the pen out of hot cars. Look after the Pyrex glass too; it is tough, but not drop-proof.

The Endura T18E suits vapers who want a reliable, fixed-power MTL pen with replaceable coils and a tank they can see through. It is simple, durable and backed by cheap, widely available coils.

It is not for anyone wanting clouds or adjustable power. If you want a similar pen with both MTL and sub ohm coil options, the Aspire PockeX is the obvious alternative. For a tougher MTL kit with a big battery, look at the Innokin Adept Zlide.

All three are classic tank kits rather than pod systems.