In the first of a new series of articles putting popular product categories to the test, we ask retailers and customers what they think of some of the leading compact pod-based vaping systems on the market today.
by Antony Begley
The facts are simple: the vaping industry is worth around £1bn in the UK yet only about 18% of that is accounted for by local retailers; the vast majority goes through vapeshops or online.
To steal back some share, the major manufacturers appear to be backing mess-free, easy-to-use pod-based systems as perfect for c-stores. SLR decided to take a closer look at some of the most popular options on the market.
The myblu range offers the company’s “best vaping experience yet” featuring a battery that lasts all day, and charges in 20 minutes. Swap flavours with a click for “more satisfaction without any hassle”.
- Starter pack RSP: £19.99 (device + one pod + micro USB charging cable)
- Pods RSP: £5.99 (two pods)
- Flavours: 14 are available – Mango Apricot, Tobacco Crème, Coconut Breeze, Cherry Crush, Ginseng Ginger, Green Apple, Bourbon Caramel, Caffe Latte, Eucalyptus Lemon, Blue Ice, Tobacco, Menthol, Strawberry Mint, Blueberry
- Pod capacity: 1.5ml
- Strength (mg/ml): 0, 8, 16
- Battery life: 24 hours (based on average vaping usage)
- Charging time: 20 mins
- Battery: 350mAh
- Power output: 12W
- Weight: 20.5g
- Additional options: As well as standard pods, myblu also offers nicotine-salt based Intense Liquipods in four flavours (Blueberry, Tobacco, Menthol and Strawberry Mint) for a fuller, more intense flavour (only in 16mg/ml strength).
The US sensation is now targeting the UK’s adult smokers after securing more than three-quarters of the US market in under three years. With no buttons or switches, the ultra-lightweight Juul vapouriser uses nicotine salt-based pods and is aimed squarely at the premium end of the pod market.
- Starter pack RSP: £29.99 (device + 4 pods + charging dock)
- Pods RSP: £9.99 (4 pods)
- Flavours: 5 – Golden Tobacco, Glacier Mint, Mango Nectar, Royal Crème, Apple Orchard
- Pod capacity: 0.7ml
- Strength (mg/ml): 20
- Battery life: 24 hours (based on average vaping usage)
- Charging time: 45 mins
- Battery: 200mAh
- Power output: 8W
- Weight: 12g
The Vype ePen 3 is the latest version of BAT’s range of compact pod-based systems. The ePen 3 is smaller, more powerful and delivers twice the vapour of the 2nd generation ePen. It also uses larger 2ml pods.
- Starter pack RSP: £9.99 (device + 2 pods + micro USB charging cable)
- Pods RSP: £5.49 (2 pods)
- Flavours: 7 – Blended Tobacco, Crisp Mint, Wild Berries, Golden Tobacco, Dark Cherry, Fresh Apple and Infused Vanilla.
- Pod capacity: 2ml
- Strengths (mg/ml): 0, 6, 12, 18
- Battery life: 24 hours (based on average vaping usage)
- Charging time: 2 hours
- Battery: Lithium-ion polymer battery, 650 mAh
- Power output: 6W
- Weight: 37.1g
- Additional options: available in a range of soft-touch metallic colours; blue, black, red, silver and gold.
The Dot from Liberty Flights is a compact device that uses nicotine salts-based pods to deliver a smoother vape for the higher strength of e-liquid used. The pods are held in place by magnets and the system uses a ceramic cube with an integrated flat metal film instead of a traditional coil. When heated, “the increased surface area of the film delivers an accurate and consistent vape”.
- Starter pack RSP: £9.99 (device + 2 pods + micro USB charging cable)
- Pods RSP: £6.49 (2 pods) / 3 for £18
- Flavours: 7 – Menthol, Tobacco, Strawberry, Berry Nice, Red Crush, Blue Crush and Purple Crush; also available in Eden CBD Format Mixed Berry, Strawberry and Blueberry.
- Pod capacity: 2ml
- Strengths (mg/ml): 20 / CBD pods 200mg
- Battery life: 24 hours (based on average vaping usage)
- Charging time: 30 mins fast charge
- Battery: 350mAh
- Power output: 6.5W
- Weight: 23g
JTI’s Logic PRO capsule vaping device was updated last September with a new soft touch finish, lighter weight and improved charging time.
- Starter pack RSP: £14.99 (device + USB charging cable + 3 capsules)
- Pods RSP: £4.50 (3 pods)
- Flavours: 8 – Tobacco, Menthol, Cherry, Berry Mint, Strawberry, Blueberry, Watermelon, Vanilla
- Pod capacity: 1.5ml
- Strengths (mg/ml): 0, 6, 12, 18
- Battery life: 24 hours
- Charging time: 100 mins
- Battery: 650mAh
- Power output: 6.5W
- Weight: 77.1g
