Everyone is different. Some it's really important that a mod or tank look a certain way, be a particular color/shade, matching etc. Others not so much. If taking the mod out of the equation and strictly comparing tanks then it's a matter of what kind. You specified basically subohm tanks, something you just replace factory coil heads in so that cuts out rta's, rdta's, rda's.
For me it would come down to a few things regarding performance. Decent vapor production/flavor? How is the airflow? Even if it's adjustable not all airflow is the same and poor airflow (not just amount) can kill flavor.
Does it have a 510 compatible drip tip or does it use a proprietary tip forcing me to use the one that came with it? (Could be an issue if you're not happy with a proprietary drip tip).
How fast does it consume juice? Some coil heads have numerous coils and have a reputation for being a juice guzzler. That can get expensive if you're not into diy juice making.
Quality of coils, some have a reputation for dry hits and having to fiddle with poking the cotton wicking to improve how it works out of the package. Access to replacement coil heads, are they readily available? Affordable? If it's a popular brand/model then chances are if one vendor runs out you can get them elsewhere. If it's not then that could be a problem if your source stops making or carrying them.
Looks can factor into it, for me personally that's secondary. A beautiful gold plated atty encrusted with diamonds and mother of pearl with premium virgin wool as wicking for the coils makes no difference if it has issues that kill flavor or make the vapor crappy. It would end up in a display case where I could look at it and not bother using it.
For the mods, part of it is looks but again it's about performance and quality. Extra wattage can be nice, I have the alien 220w as well. Doubtful I'd get anywhere close to 220w, not on 2 18650 batteries. That's with any mod and usually the '220w' capability is with a very limited range of resistance, other resistance ranges forcing that 220w ceiling to some other lower value. Part of the mod choice is reliability, does it have known problems? Autofiring, crappy 510 threads that pull out, battery door magnets that fall out? When considering features, how well does it do what it says? Is tc decent or spotty (if you use temp control). Looking at the alien I'm pretty happy with it, the looks, fit/finish, price, hand feel. Tc isn't as good as others but it's not a $200 device, I paid $40 for mine.
With tanks or mods, looks and sticker ratings are at the lower end of importance to me personally. If it doesn't perform well, is difficult to use, breaks too easily or doesn't function the way I need/want it to, the rest of it doesn't matter. Hand feel for mods is also important to me, I'm going to be holding it 100% of the time I'm using it to vape. If it's too big/heavy, the shape feels funky, it's uncomfortable, I won't want to use it.
I have recently purchased a Smok Alien 220w with the baby beast. Its great, but I use a lot of juice do to it only being 3ml. I also use a Istick 30w with a Kangertech sub mini tank for just around the house. Don't want to cloud up the kids or the house. My question is (hypothetically) If all mods were 220w and all tanks were compatible, How would you base your choice? How do you choose mods and tanks just in general. Looks? Power? Also I'm not into building either.
