Lost Vape Thelema Elite 40 Pod Kit Gunmetal Espresso

Overview

The Lost Vape Thelema Elite 40 Pod Kit Gunmetal Espresso by Lost Vape in Gunmetal Espresso at 0mg. Free UK delivery over £20, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 4pm.

Overview: what the Lost Vape Thelema Elite 40 Pod Kit is

The Lost Vape Thelema Elite 40 Pod Kit in Black Carbon is a refillable, rechargeable pod system for UK vapers who want more control than a basic plug-and-play pod stick offers, without stepping up to a full box mod and sub-ohm tank. The 40 in the name refers to the maximum output, which is around 40 watts. That figure places the kit in the middle of the pod-mod category: it is more flexible than a fixed-output pod, and it is a good deal smaller and simpler than a traditional box mod setup.

Lost Vape is a long-established hardware brand, known mainly for its Orion and Ursa pod lines and for higher-end mods that use its Quest chipsets. The Thelema name is one of the brand's longer-running device families, and the Elite 40 version sits towards the compact end of it. If you have used a Lost Vape pod device before, the general layout and the way the pod clicks into the body will feel familiar.

Because this is a reusable kit rather than a disposable, you buy the device once and then keep it running with e-liquid and replacement coils. That matters in the UK for two reasons. First, single-use disposable vapes can no longer be sold here, so a refillable kit is the straightforward route for anyone who used to rely on disposables. Second, running costs are usually lower over time, because a bottle of e-liquid and a few coils cost far less than a steady stream of throwaway devices.

This page is written to help you decide whether the Thelema Elite 40 suits the way you vape. We cover the specifications, how it performs, what flavour to expect, how it is built, how long the battery lasts, how the coils work, which nicotine strengths make sense, who should and should not buy it, how to set it up, what to do when something goes wrong, and how it compares with other pod kits at a similar price. Where we give figures, we say whether they come from the product's rated specification or are our own reasoning, and we suggest you confirm the exact numbers on the pack.

• Type: refillable pod kit with built-in battery
• Colourway: Black Carbon
• Output range: adjustable, up to around 40W
• Age restriction: sold to adults aged 18 and over only

Key specifications at a glance

Specifications for pod kits can vary slightly between production batches and regional versions, so treat the list below as a guide to what you should expect and check it against the box you receive. UK-market versions are built to UK rules, which means a 2ml pod capacity rather than the larger pods some overseas versions use.

• Device type: refillable pod kit with an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Maximum output: up to around 40W, adjustable in steps
• Battery: roughly 1,400mAh class, built in and not user-replaceable
• Pod capacity: 2ml for the UK market, which is the legal maximum for refillable pods and tanks sold here
• Coil: replacement coil heads from the Thelema Elite range, mesh-style construction in the sub-1-ohm region
• Charging: USB Type-C
• Filling: top-up through a fill port on the pod, no tools required
• Activation: draw-activated, with a fire button for adjusting settings on the device
• Colour: Black Carbon
• Typical box contents: device, pod with coil fitted, USB-C cable, quick-start guide and warranty information

A few points are worth spelling out. The battery figure is the one most likely to differ by a small amount between sources, so if the exact milliamp-hour rating matters to you, read it off the packaging. The pod capacity is fixed by UK law at 2ml for anything you refill, so if you see a 3ml or 4ml version of a Lost Vape device advertised elsewhere, it is not the version sold to UK customers. And the coil compatibility is specific: Lost Vape uses several different pod and coil families across its range, so do not assume that coils from another Lost Vape kit will fit. Buy replacement coils that are listed as compatible with the Thelema Elite 40 and match the compatibility line on the product page.

Nothing in this kit needs a charger brick of any particular type. Any ordinary USB power source works, such as a phone charger or a laptop port, although a modest 5V output is all it needs. We say more about charging in the battery section.

Performance and puff delivery

A refillable pod kit does not have a fixed puff count the way a disposable does, so any number you see quoted for a device like this is an estimate. The useful way to think about performance is in terms of three things: how much vapour each draw produces, how consistently it is delivered, and how long a fill and a charge last.

Vapour and throat feel. At the lower end of its power range, the Thelema Elite 40 behaves like a conventional pod device. Draws are warm rather than hot, vapour is moderate, and the airflow suits a tight mouth-to-lung style (MTL), where you draw into your mouth first and then inhale. As you raise the wattage, the coil produces more vapour and more heat, and you can open the airflow for a looser, more restricted direct-to-lung style (RDL). Having this range is the main reason to choose a 40W kit over a 15 to 20W one: you can adjust for the e-liquid you are using instead of being locked to one setting.

Puffs per pod. A 2ml pod typically supports somewhere in the region of 300 to 600 puffs, depending on how much power you use, how thick the e-liquid is and how long each draw lasts. Higher wattage and higher VG liquids use up the pod faster. Lower wattage with a 50/50 liquid stretches it further. This is our estimate from how mesh coils of this type usually consume liquid, not a rated specification.

Puffs per charge. A 1,400mAh cell holds about 5.2 watt-hours of energy. At 20W, that is roughly 15 minutes of actual firing time before accounting for efficiency losses, which works out at around 250 to 350 three-second puffs. At 15W you get noticeably more, and at 35W or 40W you get considerably fewer. If you vape at the top of the range, expect to charge once or twice a day.

Consistency. Pod kits can lose some punch as the battery drops, and the Thelema Elite 40 is not immune to this, although most users report that output stays steady until the battery is close to empty. Top up the e-liquid before the pod is nearly dry, because vaping on a low pod is the quickest way to burn a coil and get a harsh, burnt taste.

• Low power (about 12 to 18W): gentle vapour, longest battery and liquid life, best for nicotine salts
• Mid power (about 20 to 28W): fuller flavour and vapour, the sweet spot for most users
• High power (about 30 to 40W): large vapour, shorter battery life, best with lower-strength freebase nicotine

Flavour profile and what to expect from your e-liquid

The device does not have a flavour of its own, because it uses whatever e-liquid you put in it. What the hardware does decide is how that e-liquid tastes: how sharp, how warm, how full, and how quickly the flavour fades during a long session. Mesh coils generally do well here, because the large coil surface heats the liquid evenly and gives a rounder, more consistent flavour than the older single-wire coils found in many entry-level pods.

Fruit and ice flavours. These are the most popular in the UK, and they suit this kit well. Sweet fruit profiles come through clearly at mid power, and menthol or ice blends keep their cooling character without turning harsh as long as you avoid pushing the wattage to the top of the range. If a fruit liquid tastes muted, try raising the power by a couple of watts. If it tastes sharp or hot, lower it.

Dessert and bakery flavours. Creamy, custard and pastry liquids are heavier and more viscous, and they tend to need a little more power to wick properly. They can also leave residue in the coil faster, so expect to change the coil a little sooner than with fruit liquids. If you vape sweet, thick liquids exclusively, keep a spare coil on hand.

Tobacco and menthol. Tobacco flavours need a gentler touch. At low to mid power, they taste smooth and slightly toasted. At higher power, the flavour can become thin or scorched. Menthol, on the other hand, is forgiving across a wide range.

Switching flavours. Coils absorb flavour, and the residue from one liquid can show up in the next one. This is called ghosting. If you switch between very different profiles, such as tobacco and a strong fruit mix, you will taste the previous liquid for a short while. The practical fixes are to change the coil when you change flavour family, or to dedicate a spare pod to each family and rinse them between uses. Rinse the pod with lukewarm water, let it dry completely, and refit it. Do not run the device with a wet coil.

As a rule of thumb, 50/50 and nicotine salt liquids give the clearest flavour and the smoothest throat hit at this kind of power. Very high VG liquids produce more vapour but can taste flatter and may wick slowly in a pod this small.

Design and build quality in Black Carbon

The Black Carbon colourway is a dark, textured finish designed to resemble carbon-fibre styling. It is a surface treatment rather than a structural carbon component, so you should not expect any difference in strength or weight from it. The look is understated, and the dark finish hides fingerprints and light scuffs better than a glossy or pale colour would.

Size and weight. The device is a compact, slightly rounded rectangle that fits in a trouser pocket or a small bag. With a built-in cell of this size, it feels dense in the hand without being heavy. It is bigger than a slim pod stick, but noticeably smaller than a box mod with a tank.

Controls and display. A single fire button handles power adjustment and settings, and a small screen shows the output level and battery status. A one-button interface keeps things simple, although it can take a few minutes to learn the click patterns. The manual lists them, and they are worth reading once.

Pod fit. The pod seats into the top of the device and is held in place with magnets or a friction fit. It should click in cleanly and sit flush. If it sits crooked or rattles, remove it, check that the contacts are clean and dry, and refit it. A properly seated pod is the single most common fix for connection errors.

Durability. Lost Vape builds its devices with zinc alloy frames in many models, which generally stands up well to everyday carry. Like any pod kit, it will mark if kept loose in a pocket with keys, and it is not designed to survive repeated drops onto hard floors. The pod itself is plastic and the part most likely to crack if mishandled or if cleaned with harsh chemicals. Keep a spare pod if you carry the device every day.

• Dark, low-key finish that suits everyday carry
• Compact enough for a pocket, large enough for a comfortable grip
• Simple one-button control with a clear on-screen readout
• Pod is the most fragile part, so treat it carefully

Battery life and charging

The built-in battery is rated at roughly 1,400mAh. That is a sensible size for a 40W pod device: large enough to get through a normal day at moderate power, small enough to keep the body compact. As calculated in the performance section, the energy stored is about 5.2 watt-hours, which is why real-world runtime depends heavily on the wattage you choose.

What to expect. At 15 to 20W, many users will get through most of a day on one charge, particularly if they vape in short sessions. At 30W and above, plan to top up midway through the day or carry a USB power bank. Cold weather also reduces battery performance temporarily, so a device kept in an outside pocket in winter may drain faster than the same device indoors.

Charging. The kit charges through a USB Type-C port. Charging from empty typically takes somewhere between one and two hours depending on the charger and cable, which is our estimate based on the cell size and normal pass-through charging rates. Any standard 5V USB source will work. Cheap, unbranded chargers are the most common cause of charging faults, so use a reputable one where you can.

Battery care. The battery is built in and cannot be swapped by the user. A few simple habits help it last longer:

• Do not leave the device charging unattended or overnight
• Do not charge it on a bed, sofa or any surface that traps heat
• Avoid leaving it in a hot car, in direct sunlight, or next to a radiator
• Stop using it and charging it if the casing swells, becomes unusually hot or smells of burning
• Try not to run it flat repeatedly, because shallow top-ups are gentler on lithium-ion cells

End of life. After several hundred charge cycles, capacity gradually falls. When the device no longer lasts long enough to be useful, do not put it in your household bin or kerbside recycling, because lithium cells can cause fires in collection vehicles and recycling plants. Vapes count as waste electrical equipment. In the UK, you can drop them off at your local household waste recycling centre, or return them to a retailer that offers take-back for electrical items, including many vape shops and some larger supermarkets and electrical stores. Check your council's website or a recycling locator to find a nearby drop-off point.

Pod and coil technology

The pod and coil are the parts that decide how the kit vapes, and they are also the parts you replace most often. The Thelema Elite 40 takes a pod with a replaceable coil head. The coil is a mesh design, where a thin sheet of woven or perforated metal replaces the wrapped wire used in older coils.

Why mesh. A mesh coil has a much larger heating surface than a single wire. This has three practical effects. It heats up faster, so the first draw after a pause is less likely to feel weak. It heats more evenly, which reduces hot spots and spreads the flavour. And it tends to last a little longer before developing the burnt taste associated with a failing coil. The trade-off is that mesh coils generally use more liquid and more power than simple wire coils at a given resistance.

Resistance. Coils for kits in this category generally sit in the sub-1-ohm region, which is what allows a 40W output to be used safely. Lower resistance coils are suited to higher wattage and looser airflow. Higher resistance coils suit lower wattage and a tighter draw. The resistance is printed on the coil head or its packaging, and the device will usually show a warning if the coil is missing or the connection is faulty. Always match your power setting to the range printed on the coil, because running a coil outside its recommended wattage shortens its life and spoils the flavour.

Coil life. Most users replace a mesh coil every one to three weeks, depending on how much they vape and what they vape. Sweet, thick, dessert-style liquids shorten coil life, while lighter fruit and menthol liquids are kinder. Signs that a coil is ready to go include a dull or burnt taste, reduced vapour, a gurgling sound, or leaking from the airflow slots.

Priming a new coil. This step prevents most early coil failures. After fitting a new coil, add e-liquid and wait at least five to ten minutes so the cotton is fully saturated. Take a few gentle draws without pressing the fire button, then start vaping at the lower end of the coil's power range for the first few puffs.

• Always buy coils listed as compatible with the Thelema Elite 40
• Prime every new coil before use
• Do not dry-fire the device with an empty or unprimed pod
• Keep the contacts clean and dry

Nicotine strength guidance and UK limits

Choosing the right nicotine strength is largely a matter of your vaping style and your current smoking or vaping habit. This section is general information and not medical advice. If you are unsure, speak to a stop-smoking service or your pharmacist.

UK limits. In the UK, nicotine e-liquid is capped at 20mg/ml, and refillable pods and tanks are capped at 2ml. The same 20mg limit applies to disposables and pre-filled pods as well. A refillable kit like the Thelema Elite 40 gives you the freedom to choose any strength up to that cap, including nicotine-free liquid. Nicotine e-liquid bottles are limited to 10ml, so you will fill the pod from small bottles or from a 10ml bottle of a ready-mixed liquid.

Nicotine salts. Nic salts deliver nicotine more quickly and with less throat harshness than traditional freebase liquid, so they suit low-power pod use. At 12 to 18W, a 10mg/ml nic salt is a common starting point for people who smoked a moderate amount, and 20mg/ml suits heavier smokers who want a closer match to the nicotine delivery they are used to. Salts are best kept at the lower end of this kit's wattage range, because at 35W and above, a high-strength salt can feel harsh and deliver more nicotine than you need.

Freebase nicotine. If you want to use the upper part of the wattage range for more vapour, a lower-strength freebase liquid is usually more comfortable. Strengths of 3mg/ml to 6mg/ml are typical for looser, larger draws, since you take in more vapour with each puff. A tighter draw with a freebase liquid usually calls for a slightly higher strength, such as 6mg/ml to 12mg/ml.

Rules of thumb.

• Heavier smokers switching to vaping often start with 18 to 20mg/ml nic salts at low power
• Lighter smokers often do well with 10 to 12mg/ml nic salts
• Cloud-chasing or looser-draw users generally choose 3 to 6mg/ml freebase
• If you feel dizzy, nauseous or get headaches after a session, you are probably taking in too much nicotine, so step down a strength
• If you keep reaching for the device again within minutes, you may need a little more

Nicotine is addictive. Vaping is intended for adult smokers who want an alternative to cigarettes, and it is not recommended for non-smokers or anyone under 18. Keep e-liquid and devices out of reach of children and pets.

Who the Thelema Elite 40 is for, and who should look elsewhere

No single device suits everyone, and a kit with this much adjustability is not the right choice for every buyer. Here is an honest breakdown.

A good fit for:

• Former disposable users who want a longer-lasting, lower-waste alternative and are willing to refill a pod
• Smokers moving to vaping who want a pod-style draw with enough power to adjust when they find their preferred setting
• Vapers who like to tinker a little with wattage, airflow and e-liquid but do not want to manage a tank, mod and batteries
• Experienced vapers wanting a compact backup device for travel or work
• People who prefer mesh coil flavour and are comfortable replacing coil heads

May not suit:

• Complete beginners who want zero setup. A kit with adjustable power and a coil to prime is more involved than a pre-filled pod or a closed system. It is not difficult, but there is a short learning curve.
• Heavy cloud chasers. At 40W with a 2ml pod, this is not designed for very large vapour production. A sub-ohm tank kit with a higher-power mod will serve that style better.
• Anyone who wants the absolute lowest outlay. Very cheap fixed-output pod kits cost less, though they offer less flexibility and often poorer flavour.
• Users who cannot manage refilling. The 2ml pod capacity means refilling at least once or twice a day for moderate use. If that sounds like a chore, a pre-filled pod system may suit you better.
• Non-smokers and under-18s. Vaping products are for adult smokers only and are not sold to anyone under 18.

If you are in the middle, ask yourself two questions. Do you like being able to change the strength of your hit and the size of your vapour? And are you happy to buy e-liquid and the occasional coil? If both answers are yes, the Thelema Elite 40 is worth considering. If you want something you never have to think about, a simpler system is probably a better match.

How to use the Thelema Elite 40: setup, filling and daily use

Setting up takes about ten minutes, most of which is waiting for the coil to soak. Follow these steps in order for the best results.

Before first use

• Check that the pod and coil are the ones supplied with the kit and are undamaged
• Charge the device fully before the first session if it has any charge warnings
• Wash your hands and make sure the pod and its contacts are clean and dry

Filling the pod

• Remove the pod from the device and locate the fill port
• Open the port, then fill slowly with e-liquid, aiming the bottle tip at the side of the opening so you do not flood the central airflow tube
• Stop just below the maximum fill line and close the port firmly
• Wipe away any spilled liquid from the outside and, especially, from the contacts
• Leave the filled pod standing upright for five to ten minutes so the new coil can saturate

Using the device

• Fit the pod into the body until it sits flush
• Follow the manual's button sequence to switch the device on, normally with several quick presses of the fire button
• Start at a low wattage, around 15 to 20W, and take a few gentle draws
• Increase the power in small steps until the flavour and throat feel suit you, staying within the range printed on your coil
• Draw slowly for two to four seconds, then pause for 20 to 30 seconds between puffs to let the cotton re-wet

Daily care

• Top up the pod before it empties completely
• Wipe the contacts with a dry cotton bud now and then
• Store the device upright, away from heat, and out of reach of children
• Replace the coil when the flavour fades or turns burnt

Switching the device off when you are not using it, using the sequence in the manual, prevents accidental firing in a pocket or bag. Many UK vapers use this as a routine part of carrying the device.

Troubleshooting common problems

Most problems with pod kits come down to a handful of causes: a poorly seated pod, a coil that has not saturated, a flooded or leaking pod, or a flat or faulty charger. Work through the following checks before assuming the device is faulty.

Burnt or harsh taste. The coil is usually either dry or worn out. Check the liquid level and top up if needed. If the pod is full and the taste remains, replace the coil. Also check the wattage is within the range printed on the coil, and lower it a few watts if it is not.

Weak vapour or weak flavour. This is often a partially clogged coil, a low battery, or an e-liquid that is too thick for the power setting. Try a fresh coil, a full charge, or a slightly higher wattage. Very high VG liquids can wick slowly, so consider a 50/50 mix if you see this often.

Leaking. Common causes are overfilling, filling directly into the airflow tube, a loose fill port seal, or pressure changes such as flying or travelling to altitude. Fill below the maximum line, close the port firmly, wipe the contacts, and store the pod upright. If a pod keeps leaking, check it for hairline cracks and replace it.

Gurgling or spitting. This indicates condensation or excess liquid in the airflow path. Remove the pod and blow gently through the mouthpiece to clear it, then wipe it dry before refitting.

Device shows a coil or connection warning. Remove the pod, dry the contacts on both pod and body with a clean cotton bud, and refit. If the warning continues, try a different coil, because a faulty coil head is more likely than a faulty device.

Device does not fire. Make sure it is switched on, charged, and that the pod is seated fully. Try drawing more firmly. If it still does nothing, charge it for a while with a different cable and charger.

Device will not charge. Try another cable and power source, and look inside the Type-C port for lint or debris. Do not use a pin or metal tool to clean it. A short blast of air is safer.

Overheating. Stop using the device immediately, let it cool away from flammable materials, and do not use it again if the casing is swollen or damaged. Contact the retailer for advice.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, contact the shop you bought it from. Keep your order details to hand, and see the warranty and returns FAQ below for your rights under UK consumer law.

Value for money and how it compares with other pod kits

Value is not just the price on the label. It is the combination of what you pay up front, what you spend to keep it running, how long it lasts and how much you enjoy using it. On those terms, the Thelema Elite 40 sits in the middle of the market: it costs more than the simplest fixed-output pods, and less than a full tank-and-mod setup.

Running costs. A refillable kit relies on e-liquid and coils. A 10ml bottle of e-liquid fills a 2ml pod around five times. Coils are replaced every one to three weeks for typical use. Over a few months, that cost is normally well below what a regular disposable user would spend, although you should work out your own figures from the e-liquid brands you buy.

Against other options. We compare in general terms below, because specifications and pricing change over time and between sellers.

• Slim fixed-power pods (for example, the Vaporesso XROS family): these are smaller, lighter and simpler, with lower power and smaller batteries, often around 1,000mAh or less. They are easier for beginners and cheaper to buy. The Thelema Elite 40 offers more power headroom and adjustability, at the cost of extra size and complexity.
• Mid-power pod mods (for example, the SMOK Nord series): these are the closest rivals. Some Nord kits offer larger batteries and a wider power range, and they have a loyal following for flavour. Others in the range are comparable in size and power to the Thelema Elite 40. Choose by pod and coil availability, by the feel in the hand and by which brand's coils you like.
• Other Lost Vape devices: if you already own a Lost Vape pod device, check whether coils and pods are shared before buying. They often are not, so owning two families means stocking two sets of coils.
• VOOPOO pod kits: VOOPOO's Vinci and Argus lines are popular alternatives with strong chipsets and good flavour. Many users choose between these and Lost Vape purely on style and which interface they prefer.
• Box mod and sub-ohm tank kits: these offer much larger vapour and battery life, but are bulkier and need more care. They are a different category, and not a direct replacement for a pod kit.

Fair verdict: the Thelema Elite 40 offers a useful middle ground, with good adjustability, mesh coil flavour and a compact body. It is not the cheapest option, and it is not the most powerful. If you value flexibility in a pocketable size, it is a reasonable choice. If you want maximum simplicity or maximum vapour, look to the ends of the market instead.