Disposables are hitting headlines all over the media now and they are now also getting the attention of parliament, with talks to ban them altogether. Disposable vapes are electronic cigarettes that are designed to be used once and then thrown away. They are pre-filled with e-liquid and come with a built-in battery, so there is no need to recharge or refill them. Disposable vapes are a convenient and easy-to-use option for those who are new to vaping or for those who want a hassle-free experience. However, they are not as environmentally friendly as refillable e-cigarettes, as they generate more waste. We look at the biggest problems with disposable e-cigarettes and how they can be potentially addressed.
Youth Vaping
A recent article published by the Guardian claimed as many as 15% of 11–15-year-olds are now using vapes. Whilst estimates vary across different sources, a rise in youth and underage vaping is certainly a problem, especially if it begins to rise. The UK government are now acting with measures in place to clamp down on underage vaping. It’s illegal for people under the age of 18 to be served tobacco related products. It’s also illegal for an adult to purchase these products for people under the age of 18. This is often referred to as a “proxy” sale.
The easiest way to prevent this problem is by ensuring all retailers have strict procedures in place to verify the age of people purchasing tobacco and vape related products. If retailers have these procedures in the place, they’ll find the number of people under the age 18 trying to purchase from them will fall as they won’t have a reputation for serving underage individuals. It’s a simple solution.
Ministers and health officials are now arguing that the packaging of disposables appeals to kids. Whilst there are strong arguments for and against these claims, if retailers are sufficiently verifying the age of people who look under 25, the whole packaging issue won’t be such a problem because people under the age 18 will know they can’t purchase those products.
Environmental Concerns
Whilst most user’s disposable of their disposables approximately, you still find them littered on the roads and in public spaces. This causes harm to the environment because the devices are plastic, contain lithium batteries and are not biodegradable. It also causes further hazards because members of the public could easily fall over them.
The environmental concerns of disposables are real, and they do need addressing. One solution could be to offer more recycling containers on the streets and in other public places, like parks. Another solution could be issuing heavy on the spot fines for anyone who is found to be littering the streets with their disposables. Finally, if the UK government does really take its environmental responsibility seriously, they could develop an overall strategy by looking at nations such as Singapore, where the streets, public spaces and stations are all pretty much spotless.
Questionable Practices By Big Brands
Companies like Elf Bar & Elux haven’t exactly helped with the public perception of disposables. We all heard about when Elf Bar were caught supplying single use devices that were overfilled and illegal under the TPD laws. It’s important to remember, the genuine Elf Bars, which were overfilled, didn’t really pose any threat to people using them. They just contained more than 2ml of e-liquid, which is why people would get longer out of them compared to compliant devices. Under UK laws, an e-cigarette container, tank, or pod cannot contain more than 2ml of nicotine-based e-liquid.
Elux have recently hit the headlines when some of their 0mg disposables with a capacity over 2ml contained 20mg of nicotine within them. Not only is this practice illegal, but it’s also very deceptive for customers and morally wrong.
The practices above create a seriously negative image of the industry as a whole and should be addressed with harsh penalties. For the vape industry to grow organically, the public perception of it needs to be positive.
Illicit, Replica & Fake Products
The rise of disposables was fast, coming almost out of nowhere. Whilst they were available for a while and trace their roots back to the start of vaping, when disposables became popular, there was a sharp rise in the number of illicit, replica and fake disposables. These disposables can be harmful to health and do not meet the legal requirements to keep vaping as safe as possible.
Retailers can avoid these types of products by purchasing from reliable channels. Consumers can avoid purchasing these illicit products by using trustworthy vape shops and verifying their products.
Trading Standards need to adequately step in here and punish rogue traders who are openly selling these products. To do this, they need proper understanding of e-cigarette products and how to distinguish between replica and genuine products. This would not only help customers but also level the playing field up between genuine and rogue traders.
Should Disposables Be Banned?
The answer is probably no. Disposables and single use vape devices can probably play an effective role in helping people stop smoking and help the government achieve their targets for a smoke free society. To make disposables more sustainable, tighter regulatory controls are required and the government also need to punish companies and traders who choose to sell single use devices in an illegal or unethical way. They also need to make recycling points readily available so single use e-cigarettes can be disposed of in an eco-friendly way.
]]>The OXVA Xlim Pro is the youngest and most powerful member of the Xlim Series, equipped with a wealth of new features that upgrade the overall performance, appearance, and style of the Xlim Pod System. The Xlim Series has been making waves in the industry, offering the perfect solution to ditch both disposables and tobacco. Does the new Xlim Pro live up to expectations? Let’s find out!
Review
One of the most notable upgrades to the Xlim Pro is the new top-fill pods. Well, in practice, they don’t fill from the top like a Caliburn or Xros. They still fill from the side like the V2 Xlim pods. The only difference is the rubber bung lifts up and not to the side. We’ve generally found this a little more fiddley, but some have also preferred it. Either way, it’s not an issue because the Xlim Pro is still compatible with the V2 pods.
Another upgrade to the Xlim Pro is the extended battery life. The device is now equipped with a 1000mAh battery. According to OXVA, the extended battery life can last up to three days. In reality, the upgraded battery will give you a little longer than the previous Xlim but three days is a little overkill. For the average vaper, a fresh Xlim Pro will give you a battery life of about a day. It’s important to note though, the Xlim Pro does charge up pretty fast, especially compared to competing kits like the Argus Pod Kit.
The Xlim Pro has better construction and appearance. Compared to its predecessors, the Xlim Pro feels a lot more solid and better quality. Now this isn’t a criticism of the previous devices, it just means the Pro feels a little better in the palm of your hands.
Another great feature of the Xlim Pro is the RGB display. The device now has a colourful LED display that shows the wattage, battery life, and other important information. This makes it easier for vapers to keep track of their settings and battery life, ensuring that they always have the best possible vaping experience.
In terms of size, the Xlim Pro is slighter longer than the Xlim, Xlim SE and Xlim C. However, the difference is only marginal and it’s still as portable as ever.
Concluding Thoughts
Overall, the OXVA Xlim Pro is an excellent choice for vapers who want a high-quality pod system that delivers a satisfying vaping experience. The new features and construction add a little bit of elegance and durability to the Xlim Series and we're sure you wouldn't be disappointed with one. Click here to get your hands on one!
Specification
The UK government has taken a progressive approach to vaping in recent years. In 2016, the government’s Tobacco Control Plan acknowledged the potential benefits of vaping to help smokers quit traditional cigarettes. Since then, the government has continued to support vaping as a smoking cessation tool, while also taking steps to regulate the industry and protect public health
Benefits of Vaping
One of the key benefits of vaping is that it can be a less harmful alternative to smoking. Traditional cigarettes contain thousands of toxic chemicals, many of which are known to cause cancer and other serious health problems. Vaping, on the other hand, involves heating a liquid (known as e-juice or e-liquid) into a vapor that is inhaled. While e-juice can contain nicotine, flavourings, and other additives, it does not contain the harmful tar and other chemicals found in cigarettes.
Smoke Free Society & Government Targets
The UK government has recognized the potential benefits of vaping for smokers who are trying to quit. In fact, the government’s Tobacco Control Plan set a target of reducing smoking rates among adults in England to 12% or less by 2022. One way to achieve this goal is by promoting the use of vaping as a smoking cessation tool. The government is also aiming to:
In 2023, the UK Government confirmed its intention to launch the world’s first “Swap to Stop” vaping scheme. Under the scheme, almost 1 in 5 smokers will be offered a free vape starter kit along with additional behaviour support to stop smoking. Pregnant women who smoke will also be offered financial incentives to help them quit. This scheme is designed to help the government achieve its ambition of a smokeless society by 2030.
Regulation To Support The UK E-Cigarette Industry
While the government supports the use of vaping as a smoking cessation tool, it also recognizes the need to regulate the industry and protect public health. In 2016, the UK introduced new regulations on vaping products, including a limit on the amount of nicotine that can be included in e-juice. The regulations also require manufacturers to include health warnings on their products and restrict the sale of certain types of vaping products, for example, tanks over 2ml.
Conclusion
Overall, the UK government’s approach to vaping is a balanced one that considers the potential benefits of vaping as a smoking cessation tool, while also recognizing the need to regulate the industry and protect public health. As more and more smokers turn to vaping to quit smoking, it is likely that the government will continue to support this approach.
]]>The UK government is set to announce plans to make it more difficult for children to illegally purchase e-cigarettes. The Department of Health will allocate £3m to tackle the issue and create an enforcement squad made up of trading standards officers to clamp down on shops selling vapes to under-18s. Health Minister Neil O'Brien is particularly concerned about the rising use of disposable vapes. The measures will also call for help in identifying how best to stop children from vaping. Only people aged 18 and over can buy vapes or e-cigarettes in the UK, but there has been growing pressure on the government to crack down on illegal sales to children. NHS figures for 2021 showed that the reported usage of e-cigarettes had risen to 9% among 11 to 15-year-olds in England, up from 6% in 2018. In the same period, vaping among 15-year-old girls jumped from 10% to 21%. A more recent survey from public health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and King's College London found that about one-in-11 (8.6%) young people in England either occasionally or regularly vape. The enforcement squad will carry out projects across England, including making test purchases at convenience and vape shops, and will have the power to remove illegal products from sale. Vapes or e-cigarettes are considered safer than normal cigarettes because they do not contain harmful tobacco, but the NHS advises that they are not risk-free, and the long-term implications of using them are not yet clear. Trading Standards has said that shops selling illegal vapes and the sale of e-cigarettes to children are the top threats to the UK's High Streets. There is concern that cheap, brightly-coloured vapes are ending up in the hands of 12 and 13-year-olds, with experts discouraging young non-smokers from taking up the habit. ASH has called for plainer packaging on vaping products to make them less attractive to children. Councils in England have also said vapes should be kept out of sight of children in shops and the legal minimum age of 18 should be marked clearly on each product. The UK Vaping Industry Association said the solution is to enforce existing laws on retailers rather than focus on packaging.
Sources
BBC News
The Guardian
]]>A vape starter kit is simply any e-cigarette device that is simple to use and helps users transition into the world of vaping with ease. They tend to have limited to no customisable settings and the knowledge of vaping required by the user is relatively low. Characteristics of a starter kit include:
When shopping for e-cigarettes and starter kits, you are spoilt for choice and for beginners shopping online, it can be confusing and time consuming. Nearly every vape hardware brand offers a large selection of starters kits due to the growing nature e-cigarettes. People have also started to move away from larger, cloud producing devices and moved onto smaller and more compact solutions. These types of kits generally fall into the scope of beginner vape kits.
To make it easy for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best starter kits that are currently available from leading and trusted brands, including Aspire, OXVA, Vaporesso, TECC & Geekvape.
Best Beginners Vape Kit
The OXVA Xlim Pod Series
The OXVA Xlim Pod Series currently consists of 4 variations:
This particular series has become very popular and whichever one you decide to go for, they all offer a solution that is simple, compact & easy to understand. There is no need for coil changes, unlike traditional starter kits. Instead, the Xlim Pods have a prefixed coil within them and once the coil reaches the end of its useful life, you simply dispose of the pod and replace it with a new one. Setting up a new pod for first time use is simpler and less messier than changing coils.
The market is flooded with open pod systems, but the Xlim series gets a good reputation because it offers performance as well. Whilst these small pod devices are not necessarily flavour producing kits, the flavour produced by the Xlim pods is extremely good. They really help to bring out the true flavour of your e-liquid.
Pros
Cons
The Aspire PockeX Kit
The Aspire PockeX Kit has been around for a while now and some may argue that it is a little dated compared to other devices. However, the flip side of this argument is that both new and existing vapers still gravitate towards it and rely on it as their main e-cigarette. It has stood the test of time and continues to perform well. In most cases, it can effectively help you stop smoking and start vaping, making the transition as hassle free as possible.
Pros
Cons
The Vaporesso XROS Series
The Vaporesso XROS Series is loved by vapers all over the UK. Similarly, to the Xlim Series, it requires no coil changes and is compatible with e-liquids and nic salts that have a 50/50 ratio. The maximum nicotine strength it supports is 20mg.
The Xros series has a smaller airflow system compared to some of the other starter kits. This is perhaps better for beginners as the draw itself feels closer to a traditional cigarette.
Pros
Cons
The Aspire Favostix
The Aspire Favostix Kit is an open pod system and was one of the first to allow users to adjust their wattage on small pod kit. The Favostix provides everything you would expect from an Aspire Kit in terms of performance, reliability, draw and flavour quality. The Favostix can easily be overlooked online, it didn’t receive the push or hype like some of the other pod systems got but at the same time, long time industry professionals and experienced vapers recognise Aspire as an established and reliable brand and most likely would recommend it.
Pros
Cons
Disposable Vaping – A Quick Note
Disposable vapes have become extremely popular and do offer a few benefits of their own. For example, zero knowledge of vaping required, no maintenance and no setup required. If you are in two minds about if you should give vaping a go, disposables can help you trial vaping before committing to a longer-term device. However, as a regular solution, we do not recommend them. They are very hard to dispose of and create environmental issues. Moreover, they are cheaper than traditional cigarettes but a lot more expensive than owning your own vape device.
If you do want to purchase a disposable vape, click here, or visit a reputable vape shop.
E Liquid Suitability
All the devices mentioned in our list are compatible with nic salts and freebase nicotine e liquids that have a 50/50 ratio. Click here for nic salts and click here for freebase e liquids.
Conclusion
Choosing your first vape device can be a little difficult and it may be better to get support from a vape expert before you purchase your first starter kit. Getting the first step right is key to ensuring a smooth move to e-cigarettes. Every user has different requirements and different preferences and therefore, there is no one solution for all. The list and guidance we have provided above can help you choose your first vape device. However, if you need more assistance, pop up on our chat or visit your local Dragon Vapour store.
]]>If you’re visiting Qatar for the World Cup 2022, you’ll be in for a good time. News recently broke out that alcohol will be banned to most fans within the stadiums. The only exception is for those who have corporate bookings, which will be allowed to enjoy drinks during the matches. However, what’s the situation with e-cigarettes?
Can you Vape in Qatar?
Vapers around the world will be wondering what the laws and regulations are in terms of their e-cigarettes in Qatar. Leave your vape behind! Vaping and the use of e-cigarettes has been banned in Qatar since 2014 and anyone who is caught vaping or bringing an e-cigarette into Qatar can face a fine up to £2200 and 3-months in prison.
How to Get Your Nicotine Hit in Qatar?
Obviously, some vapers maybe anxious visiting Qatar without their e-cigarette. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to return to the use of traditional cigarettes to get your nicotine fix. Whilst you’re over in Qatar, you may be able to find solutions like nicotine pouches and nicotine gum which should easily be able to provide you with your nicotine fix. These solutions may not be the best substitutes for e-cigarettes.
What to Do in Qatar?
Outside of the world cup and topics like if you can drink or vape, Qatar is a fantastic place to visit. Things to do in Qatar include:
Find more things to do by clicking here.
(Credit:Expedia)
]]>As the cold winter months kick in, some people begin to move away from ice and menthol flavours and take a preference to dessert and pudding flavours. Dessert flavours may not be as popular as they once were but there is still a demand for these profiles. Dessert flavours is a broad category that covers e-liquids like doughnuts, jam, cookies, custard, and any other pudding type of flavour. We’ve created a list of all the very best flavours for those with a sweet tooth.
Blueberry Jam Tart by Jammin
The award-winning Blueberry Jam Tart by Jammin Vape Co has been recognised as a leading dessert flavour. Its best described as a delicious homemade pastry which has been filled with sweet blueberry conserve. Anyone who likes a fruity dessert flavour should not be disappointed. Blueberry Jam Tart is available in 50ml Jammin shortfills. You can also purchase it in 10mg & 20mg nic salts from the Pod Salt Fusion Series.
Big 5 Kangaroo
From the land down under, Big 5 Kangaroo is a sweet sticky date pudding flavour. The profile in this flavour is unique as it hasn’t been attempted much but it has certainly proved to be a success. The intense nature of Kangaroo allows it to remain consistent without losing flavour as you vape your way down the bottle. As a nic salt, Kangaroo is available in 20mg. A common criticism of high nicotine dessert flavours is that they can taste harsh and earthy. Big 5 have perfected their recipe and you’ll find that even if you vape it in 20mg, it tastes just as smooth as its shortfill counterpart.
Double Donut Vanilla
Double Donut Vanilla is a warm deep-fried doughnut, infused with a sweet vanilla filling. Anyone who is into their sweet doughnut flavours should give this one a try. A further benefit to this flavour is that even though it offers sweetness, it doesn’t cause your coils to burnout prematurely. It is available in 100ml shortfills
Kelly Kel’s Peanut Butter Fudge
Kelly Kel’s Peanut Butter Fudge is simply delicious and rich. That is the best way to describe this flavour. It has the intensity and consistency that you would expect of a premium dessert brand and Future Juice have clearly spent time and dedication, ensuring this dessert flavour is satisfying.
Dripping Desserts Jammy Biscuit
Jammy Biscuit by Dripping Desserts is a great flavour for anyone looking for a sweet strawberry jam flavour with a biscuity base. Give it a try, you may recognise the flavour even if you’ve never vaped this type of e-liquid before.
Concluding Thoughts
You’ll never be short of dessert flavours when it comes to vaping, particular if you sub-ohm. Above are just a few of our favourite dessert style flavours but there are thousands to choose from. If dessert isn’t you regular choice of e-liquid, it can be a nice alternative if you’re getting a little fed up with the same fruity and ice flavours. We recommend opting for a 50ml shortfill if it’s your first time trying this sort of profile. Desserts can be an acquired taste and people either tend to like them or dislike them.
]]>For the purposes of this article, menthol will solely refer to any flavour that uses a minty agent or a combination of menthol with another flavour. We will not be referring to flavours that use ice, which is a different concentrate to menthol and offers a more cooling, rather than minty sensation. The only exception to this ice menthol-based flavours.
Menthol e-liquids are amongst the best-selling profiles across the UK. There is a variety of reasons for this but perhaps the biggest reason is the fact it helps ex-smokers get a similar hit to menthol cigarettes, which are now banned. Another reason is because not everyone likes fruity, berry, tobacco, or dessert-based flavours. We’ve compiled a list of the best-selling menthol flavours across the UK.
Pod Salt Ice Menthol
Pod Salt Ice Menthol is available in 11mg and 20mg and is a popular choice amongst nic salt vapers. The combination of menthol, ice and nicotine salts creates a super smooth and refreshing experience. One thing that makes this flavour unique when compared to other ice menthol flavours is that it has a very subtle hint of sweetness which makes it that little more satisfying. Whether this was intentional or not, it has worked a treat!
Vampire Vape Heisenberg
Dubbed the granddaddy of all vape flavours, Vampire Vape’s Heisenberg is perhaps the best-selling flavour of all time, let alone amongst menthol vapers. It’s a combination of menthol, aniseed and berry that has proved to be a tremendous success story.
Vampire Vape Heisenberg is available in freebase nicotine (3mg,6mg,12mg & 18mg), nic salts (10mg & 20mg) & shortfills (50ml & 100ml).
Pukka Juice Triple Menthol
Pukka Juice Triple Menthol is a great choice for anyone looking for a triple serving of menthol. This intense menthol blend is seriously refreshing and will open your airways from the minute it hits your lips. Available in 3mg, 6mg & 12mg.
Fire & Ice – Menthol, Double Menthol & Triple Menthol
The Fire & Ice range is a menthol and tobacco range that includes standard menthol, double menthol, and triple menthol. Additionally, it also includes some minty options. If you like to mix it up when it comes to your menthol flavours, this range is for you. Great tasting menthol flavours at cheap prices.
Fifty 50 – Ice Menthol
Fifty 50 has a solid following, offering over 20 flavours that can easily become your next all-day flavour. For those looking for a simple and traditional ice menthol flavour, look no further than Fifty 50 Ice menthol. This smooth and simple flavour is everything you would expect from an ice menthol flavour. It’s supplied in 3mg,6mg,12mg & 18mg freebase and 18mg salt nic.
Concluding Remarks
Customers have a lot of choice when it comes to menthol flavours, and we’ve only mentioned a few above. When choosing any vape flavour, ensure you purchase from a reputable e-cigarette source and if you are choosing flavours which are 10ml with nicotine, ensure it is TPD compliant. An established e-cig retailer will easily be able to fulfil these requirements.
]]>Sherbet based vape flavours have slowly grown in popularity over the years. Initially they became popular and were associated with brands such as Double Drip who introduced flavours such as Super Berry Sherbet and Raspberry Sherbet. However, they still seem to be a rather small niche in the overall market. Manufacturers don’t always opt to include a sherbet flavour within their brands. Below are our top 5 picks if you’re in the market for sherbet flavours.
]]>
Vaporesso hit the nail on the head with the launch of the XROS series and took advantage of the growing open pod system sector. The XROS series provided a simple solution for those looking for a quick and easy nicotine hit without the need to change coils or mess with settings. Recently, Vaporesso have decided to expand the XROS series with the introduction of the XROS Mini and XROS 2 Kits. Both systems look pretty much identical to the original XROS and work in the same fashion. Vaporesso haven’t made too many adjustments and both systems are still targeted to new starters and people who want a no-frills experience.
The XROS Mini Kit
If you think the XROS series couldn’t get any simpler, think again. The XROS Mini Mod has no buttons, and the device is simply activated by drawing on the mouthpiece. It utilizes the XROS 1.2Ω Pods and is powered by a built-in battery that is rated at 1000mAh. It can be recharged in 60 minutes using the Type C USB cable provided.
The XROS Mini Kit is more compact than the XROS and XROS 2 making it even more portable and adopts a diamond patterned style body which gives it a more elegant and non-slip design.
The XROS 2 Kit
The XROS 2 Kit is the direct upgrade to the original XROS and features a better battery life and more stylish design. It continues to support both auto and button activation. However, the power button has been improved to prevent unintentional firing.
The XROS Pods
The XROS 2 and XROS Mini support the Vaporesso XROS Replacement Pods. They are available in two variations:
The 1.2ohm variation provides a more traditional mouth to lung draw and operates at a lower output. The 0.8ohm option also provides a mouth to lung experience. However, it’s a little warmer and more flavoursome. Each variation has a similar life span and preference is very much a personalized choice. They are perfect for nicotine salt-based e-liquids (nic salts) and standard 50/50 e-liquids and users can vape as high as 20mg with each pod. This makes them perfect for ex heavy smokers.
Conclusion
The XROS 2 and XROS Mini offer pretty much the same thing in terms of what a user can expect. They both provide a simplified and hassle free vape experiencing, offering ease of use and convenience. In terms of battery life, the capacity is the same on both and neither will last longer than the other. The main differences are the size (XROS Mini is smaller) and the draw options. The XROS Mini does not have a button powered activation option whereas the XROS 2 gives users dual activation options.
LIMITED TIME OFFER! GET 2 XROS MINI KITS FOR £20. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION.
]]>The Geek Bars have taken the worldwide vape industry by storm with millions being sold around the globe. Users immediately took to them due to their simple experience, compact size and good flavour quality. Geek Vape themselves have struggled to keep with up with demand with wide spread shortages being reported through all official channels. Unfortunately, and due to this popularity, the black market for Geek Bars has been on the rise with a number of fake and replica Geek Bars being reported in circulation in the United Kingdom. These replicas are usually cheaper and contain inferior ingredients, some of which can be harmful. The batteries contained within these replicas are also likely to be cloned battery cells.
At Dragon Vapour, we only ever purchase stock from reliable, traceable, direct and official channels, therefore, you’ll never find these replicated and fake products at any of our stores or online. Our trade partners have sent us some guidance on how to spot a fake Geek Bar.
How to Spot a Fake Geek Bar
Incorrect Colouring
Wrong
Incorrect Font
Invalid Barcode
Non Official Packaging
Geek Bar Pro by Geek Vape
The Geek Bar Pro Disposables are illegal under UK TPD laws and should be avoided. They exceed the maximum nicotine and capacity levels permitted in the United Kingdom. Its also likely these have been imported into the UK via unofficial channels. The same applies to other disposables. Any disposable that is above 20mg and has more than 600 puffs is likely to be illegal and in unofficial circulation in the UK. These should again be avoided.
To get the best possible experience with vape products, only purchase them from a reputable and established seller.
]]>The market for sub-ohm tanks is always competitive and ever changing with manufacturers trying to battle it out and create the best tank that can accommodate both clouds and flavour production. Sub-Ohm tanks have certainly improved in recent years in terms of flavour and many tanks can now create a flavour experience that is close to an RDA/RTA. Below are our 5 top picks for Best Sub-Ohm Tank of 2021
Valyrian 2 Pro by Uwell
The Valyrian 2 Pro is the bigger brother of the original Valriyan 2 tank and continues to be favourite amongst cloud and flavour chasers. It features a larger airflow than the Valyrian 2 and supports an 810 drip tip which allows it to create larger clouds. The beauty of the V2 Pro is that it can operate at higher wattages and produce dense clouds without compromising the quality of the flavour. A real achievement by Uwell. In terms of leakages, thanks to Uwell’s patented condensation chambers, both the Valyrian 2 and Valyrian 2 Pro do not suffer from any major leaking problems.
Pros
Cons
The Wirice Launcher Tank
Unlike the Valyrian Series by Uwell, The Launcher is able to support both medium & high wattage outputs through the use of the W801 & W802 coil heads. Whilst the Launcher may not be the biggest cloud creator, it still packs a punch and its flavour production is up their with the best. Wirice revolutionised the coil changing method with the Launcher and it allows users to change coils without the need of detaching their tank or getting their hands messy.
Pros
Cons
The Zeus Mesh Tank by Geek Vape
The Zeus Mesh Tank by Geek Vape adopts the same design as the Zeus RTA. This in turn makes it leak resistant due to the fact that Geek Vape have placed the airflow on the top, rather than the bottom of the tank. The combination of a large top airflow and wide 810 drip tip allows the Zeus Tank to create huge clouds and the overall experience of it is not far off it’s RTA cousin. Furthermore, it also has a plug n play coil system which prevents the Z mesh coils from getting cross threaded and generally makes the overall coil change experience a little cleaner.
Pros
Cons
The Aspire Guroo Tank
Aspire’s influence on the Sub-Ohm tank sector maybe a little less when compared to the likes of Uwell & Geek Vape. However, they did revitalise the sector with the release of the Cleito tank and they’ve certainly added to it with The Aspire Guroo Tank. Similar to the Wirice Launcher Tank, the Guroo Tank attempted to make the coil changing process as simple as possible. Aspire developed the world’s first Attach-Pull Release Tank with the Guroo which enables users to detach and release coils without losing their juice or getting their hands saturated in e-liquid. In terms of flavour and cloud quality, it may not be the ultimate beast for cloud chasers, however, it can still produce large clouds where users can get the full taste of their e-liquid.
Pros
Cons
VooPoo PnP Pod Tank
VooPoo have almost struck the whole industry with a bolt of lighting, repeatedly releasing high quality pod systems and other vape devices. The PnP Pods became extremely popular after the release of the original Vinic Pod System. VooPoo eventually went on to release the PnP Pod Tank which allowed the PnP Pods to be utilised on any device that supports a 510 connection. Whilst the PnP Tank can be used as a direct to lung or mouth to lung tank, it is ideally suited to the sub-ohm PnP coils due to the airflow system of the tank. When paired with the VM5, VM6 & VM1 coil heads, the PnP Tank can create a traditional sub-ohm experience, blasting clouds of flavour. The biggest draw back which puts this tank into 5th place is the issue of leaking. The PnP Pods do leak a lot more than your regular sub-ohm tanks. However, most pods using the plug and play system do get the same problem. Another weakness is that the PnP coils can lose flavour pretty quickly in comparison to other sub-ohm tanks, for example, the Valyrian 2.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
The Sub-Ohm market may have lost a little ground in the UK with the rise in popularity of pod systems and high strength nic salts. Nevertheless, manufacturers still continue to innovate and release new sub-ohm tanks on a regular basis. Recently, as you can see from Wirice and Aspire, the aim at the moment seems to be to improve the performance of sub-ohm tanks by paying particular attention to the method involved in changing coils.
]]>Nicotine is an addictive substance that is found in a variety of products including e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and cigars. It is known to stimulate the brain’s reward system and have an overall therapeutic effect. Whilst nicotine can receive negative publicity from time to time, it is not responsible for the deaths from the use of traditional tobacco products. Chemicals such as tar, benezene, carbon monoxide lead are just few of the substances that cause adverse health effects from the use of traditional cigarettes.
In the UK, Nicotine is a controlled substance and is governed by TPD & TRPR guidelines. All nicotine containing products must be submitted to MHRA before they made available for sale.
It is a known fact that nicotine is a highly addictive substance. Simply a small amount of nicotine can lead to dependency. However, experts have shown that nicotine shares some similar characteristics to caffeine and have concluded that its no worse than a cup of coffee. For example, both nicotine and caffeine are addictive and both chemicals can raise blood pressure.
The amount of nicotine in a single cigarette depends on a variety of factors, for example, strength, size, and brand. On average, a single cigarette contains around 12mg of nicotine and the end users is likely to consume around 1.2mg of nicotine whilst the rest is burns away. So, if someone smokes around 20 cigarettes per day, their daily intake of nicotine would be roughly 24mg. This would be slightly below consuming a 20mg 10ml bottle of nic salts per day. Nicotine content varies in other tobacco related products:
Overdosing on nicotine is very unlikely when consuming it through regulated products and there are very few cases of people poisoning themselves with nicotine. One of the reasons for this is because your body will naturally reject a product when its had too much. For example, you’ll get a headache or start to feel sick. According to the CDC, 50-60mg of nicotine is a deadly dose for an adult who weighs about 150 pounds. However, research has shown the actual dose could be a lot higher. Products in the UK that contain nicotine are restricted to 20mg with a content limit of 10ml.
]]>
The Uwell Valyrian 2 tank has hit the vaping scene with extreme power and flavour and some could argue it is now the best sub-ohm tank to ever grace the industry. For Uwell, it is their best sub-ohm tank and easily surpasses the standard set by their original Crown series.
The Valyrian 2 is available to buy for £37.99. A glass extender can be purchased in addition to this to increase capacity to 6ml.
What Makes the Uwell Valyrian 2 Stand Out?
The Valyrian 2 has managed to stand out in a crowed industry. One of the main reasons for this is because it is capable of firing at high outputs without compromising flavour quality. You can easily run the Valyrian 2 at 90-100W and you will still be able to pick up on all the flavour notes of each e-liquid. Most tanks that claim they can run at higher outputs fail to remind users that they will sacrifice flavour for larger clouds. The Valyrian 2 will give you both flavour and clouds and this is a great achievement by Uwell.
Leakage
Uwell have developed the Valyrian 2 to a high standard and it benefits from a condensation within it and this significantly reduces leaking and condensation build up on your mod. The only time leakage will occur is when a coil is at the end of its life or because of user error. Other than that, you will find no leakage with the tank.
E-Liquid Usage
The Valyrian 2 is thirsty when compared to a Cleito tank that operates at 40 watts. However, for a tank that produces such large clouds and operates at such high outputs, it is efficient with the usage. If you have the extender on it, you should not find that you must top it up every second. Your first tank after a coil change may run dry quick but that is because a lot of the juice gets soaked up by the large coils used by the Valyrian 2.
Coils
The Valyrian 2 currently has 4 coils that are available for it. These include:
The Valyrian 2 Quad coil is the only coil within the series that does not use mesh coil technology. We have found that all these coils can operate 10 watts below the recommended minimum output without any decrease in performance.
The Single Meshed and Quad Coils allow for the biggest clouds because more air can pass through them. The dual and triple coils provide a slightly tighter drag than the other two options. The Single Meshed coil does seem to be a favourite amongst Valyrian 2 fans, followed closely by the dual meshed variation.
The average life of these coils does depend on usage; however, users can expect them to last around 1-2 weeks. This is also dependent on batch quality and how they have been prepped before usage. All coils come supplied in a pack of 2.
Cloud Chasers
The Valyrian 2 is the ideal tank for cloud chasers and tricksters. The dense production of thick clouds that are full of flavour make the Valyrian 2’s performance just as good as an RDA or RTA. Tricksters will have no problem showcasing their skills with this tank.
E-Liquid Compatibility
The Valyrian 2 is a traditional direct to lung tank and can easily handle juices from 70%VG/30%PG onwards with a maximum strength of 6mg. Any juices that are higher in PG or nicotine will not perform well with this device and users can expect harsh throat hits and leakage.
How Does the Valyrian 2 Compare to Other Tanks?
The Valyrian 2 may well have earned itself a place at the top of the market for sub-ohm tanks. Its closest competitor is probably the Falcon King tank by Horizontech. The Falcon King certainly dominated for a while, but has the Valyrian 2 overtaken now? In terms of popularity, you may find that users are still glued to the Falcon King and the Falcon King certainly received more of a push than the Valyrian 2 in terms of publicity and media attention. This is not surprising because the original Falcon was a breath of fresh air for sub-ohmers when it was introduced. It was also first tank to utilise bamboo and flax fibre. The Valyrian 2 brings nothing new in terms of coil technology but rather perfects the technologies already out there and we can comfortably conclude that users will almost certainly prefer the Valyrian 2 if they are chasing flavour and clouds.
The Valyrian 2 does have a slightly higher price tag than most sub-ohm tanks but the higher quality also seems to shine through with it.
The Original Valyrian v Valyrian 2
The Original Valyrian tank certainly sparked some hype at the time and a lot of users thought that the Valyrian overtook the Crown Series at the time. Uwell also went a step further and released the Valyrian with a variety of pins that could adjust the airflow. Despite producing good quality flavour and decent clouds, the Valyrian had one major drawback and that was the life of the coils. Users frequently complained the coils burnt out quickly. In addition to this, there was only two coil options for it. Uwell have addressed this with the Valyrian 2 and coil life is significantly better now, and this accompanied by better quality flavour. Furthermore, users can choose from 4 different col variations.
A lot of users of the Valyrian 2 tank will say that it is the best sub-ohm tank to date, and this is hardly surprising. It is extremely hard for tank to operate at higher wattages whilst maintaining flavour and reducing leakage. Uwell have managed optimise all three performance factors with the Valyrian 2 and it would be hard for someone to justify why this tank should not be at the top of the sub-ohm industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Coil is Best for Valyrian 2?
The answer to this question is very much subjective and depends on user preference. Some users prefer favour the quad coils over the other three variations as the quad coils use standard wire, rather than meshed strips.
What Coils are Compatible with the Valyrian 2 Tank?
The Valyrian 2 & Valyrian 2 Pro are compatible with the Valyrian 2 coils.
How Long Does a Valyrian Coil Last?
It would be hard to put an exact number on the life of a Valyrian 2 coil. It all depends on batch quality, usage, type of e-liquid and how the coils are setup prior to first time usage.
What is the Best Wattage for a 0.32 Ohm Coil?
Uwell recommend that the 0.32 Ohm single meshed Valyrian 2 coil has an operating range of between 90W to 100W. Coil guidance can be found on the coil packs and on the coil itself.
Update
The Valyrian 2 & Valyrian 2 Pro have now been discontinued following the release of the new Valyrian 3 tank. The Valyrian 3 tank features a more stylish and elegant finish and continues to make use of the Valyrian 2 coils whilst also supporting the new Valyrian 3 coil variations. To find out more, click here
]]>The Vaporesso Xtra is a simple and stylish pod system that boasts a 900mAh battery capacity and refillable 2ml pods. Furthermore, unlike some pod systems, the Xtra can be easily switched off and on from the button at the bottom. In addition to this, it has an auto fire system where users simply need to draw to get it activated.
The Vaporesso Xtra is available in 6 different colours for only £22.99! Replacement Xtra pods are available by the pack for £5.50
Design
The Xtra’s design is aesthetically pleasing. It fits easy in the palm of your hand and its compact size makes it easier to transport around. The construction itself is solid as well and it does not use a plasticky construction that a lot of other pod systems use. This contributes to the overall durability of the system.
Xtra Pods
The Vaporesso Xtra pods come in two different variations; 0.8ohm mesh and 1.2ohm. The 0.8ohm mesh provides a warm and flavoursome experience and can be used with e-liquids up to 70% VG & 30% PG. Typically, like all mesh coils, the wicking capabilities of the 0.8ohm mesh coil are great.
The 1.2ohm pods create a typical MTL experience and are excellent for nic salts and standard e-liquids. Whilst the 0.8ohm pods provide better flavour, the 1.2ohm pods are still capable of producing a flavoursome vape for coils that have a resistance of above 1ohm. These pods maybe better suited for starters who are purchasing the Xtra as a smoking alternative because the draw is like the draw of a cigarette.
In terms of the life of the pods, they generally last anywhere from 1-2 weeks, but you can get the odd one that may last a little longer. A lot depends on batch quality and usage.
Battery Life
Vaporesso claimed they literally wanted the Xtra to supply users with extra. This can be seen in its battery life. Most devices this size have a battery capacity of around 300mAh.Vaporesso have gone further and implemented a 900mAh battery within the Xtra. This should last approximately 1 day but that does depend on usage.
The Xtra has a smart battery indicator on the side which helps users to monitor their battery life. It will display the following 3 colours:
You will notice a slight decrease in output as the battery begins to drain.
Chipset
The heart of the Xtra is the AXON MINI Chipset. The Axon is a fast firing chipset that creates a smooth and accurate vape experience. Furthermore, its instant firing technology allows for flavour to come through better.
The Uwell Caliburn and Caliburn Koko have certainly taken the pod market by storm by providing a simple to use pod system that allows you to re-fill with your favourite e-liquids. The Caliburn Koko is probably the closest competitor to the Xtra. However, the Xtra does have some features that may help it accelerate against the Koko.
In terms of battery life, the Xtra has a far superior capacity. The Koko only has a built in 520mAh battery whereas the extra has a 900mAh capacity. This means you will get better battery life using the Vaporesso Xtra and you will not have to charge it as much. However, Uwell have kind of addressed this issue because the Koko can recharge in 20 minutes.
The Xtra and Caliburn pods do share some similarities. They both have a 2ml capacity and they are both refillable. However, the Caliburn is a top fill and Xtra is a side fill. Both the Caliburn pods and Xtra pods are as good as each generally. However, the Xtra probably has the slight edge on the Caliburn pods because 0.8ohm mesh pods produce better life. In terms of the life of each pod, they both have around the same life. Neither pods have a real leakage issue when the are fresh out the box.
The Vaporesso Xtra has a more solid and durable construction when compared to the Caliburn Koko. This is since the Xtra has a metal body and the Caliburn has a plastic shell.
The Vaporesso Xtra certainly has a place in the vape pod market because of its simplicity and ease of use. It is a great little vape kit for those who are just getting started and for those who now prefer using smaller pod systems rather than larger box mods. The flavour produced by its pods is also very satisfying and even sub-ohm users would appreciate it. Additionally, its an excellent device for nic salts and standard e -liquids.
]]>The world of vape pod systems has erupted over the last few years with many vapers now turning to pod systems. Pod systems are designed to be both discrete and portable and allow users to carry them round daily with ease. The list of successful pod systems is endless, but the more popular ones include:
Prior to the introduction of pod systems, the market for sub-ohm vaping was booming however many users did begin to criticise sub-ohm devices because they are generally large and bulky. Pod kits like the VooPoo Vinci solved this problem because VooPoo designed it to be small and powerful.
Pod systems are great for both new and experienced users. For new users, pod systems, especially those designed for nic salts allow starters to vape at higher nicotine strengths using nicotine salts and benefit from a more natural nicotine delivery. Furthermore, pod systems are generally easy to use which is better for people who are new and just making the switch to vaping. Experienced and long-term vapers have also started to use pod systems. A big reason for this is because they are portable, and they can also produce a high-quality flavour. Long term sub-ohm vapers who vape lower nicotine strengths tend to place a greater emphasis on flavour and pod systems have certainly not disappointed this sector of the market.
The market for vape pod systems can be sub-divided into two sectors:
Open and Closed pod systems both have their advantages and disadvantages and users are normally presented with both options at first
Open Pod Systems
Open Pod Systems, such as the Uwell Caliburn allow users to fill their pods with their favourite e-liquids. Some open pod systems require coil changes and others require the whole pod to be replaced. If an open pod system requires coil changes, users will need to change and replace these coils when the coil reaches the end of its life. Similarly, if an open pod system requires pod replacements instead, users will need to change the pod when the coil within it burns out. The average life of a coil is between 1-2 weeks and is heavily depended on the e-liquid used with it, the amount of usage and batch quality.
Benefits of Open Pod Systems
No Messy Coil Changes
If an open pod system requires you to change the whole pod when the coil burns out within it, users are not required to prime their coils in the traditional way, which we all know can get messy. To prime coils that are pre-installed in pods and not removeable, users simply need to put a couple of drops directly onto the wick and then fill their pods up. Once their pods are filled, they must take 4-5 dry hits or dry pulls before first time usage.
Non-Restricted
Open Pod Systems allow users to use whichever e-liquid they enjoy, and they are not restricted to a specific number of flavours. The only restriction users may find is that their juice must be appropriate for the coil within the pod. For example, the Uwell Caliburn has 1.4ohm and 1.2ohm pods. This means users can only use standard e-liquids and nic salts with a maximum ratio of 60%VG/40%PG.
Cost Effective
Touching onto the previous point, users of open pod systems can use their pods until the coil burns out. On the other hand, the pre-filled pods with closed pod systems have a maximum capacity of 2ml and cannot be re-used after they run dry, even if the coil within it is perfectly fine.
Drawbacks of Open Pod Systems
Leakage
Open pod systems that require coil changes tend to leak more than Closed Pod Systems because of the slot required to insert and remove coils. However, some manufacturers, like Aspire, have managed to overcome this problem by designing their pods so that the coil must be inserted from the top.
Complications for New Users
Experienced vapers may not have a problem with pod systems that require coil changes. However, new users, especially those who are being forced to switch to vaping may find the whole coil changing system annoying and frustrating at first.
Benefits of Closed Pod Systems
Ease of Use
Closed Pod Systems are simple and easy to use, making them more user friendly. People simply need to connect their pod and start vaping. Most closed pod systems do not even require users to press any buttons and are normally draw activated.
Less Technical Requirements
Closed pod systems are rarely cross compatible with other pods and users do not need to worry about getting the correct e-liquid for their pods. For example, the My Blu pod system is only officially compatible with the My Blu Pods. You cannot buy and fit the JUUL pods on it.
Drawbacks of Closed Pod Systems
Restrictions
Closed Pod Systems are restricted to flavours. They do generally include the generic flavours like menthol and tobacco so if you only vape these flavours, it will not be an issue. However, users who want to try all different flavours will not be able to. Furthermore, some closed pod systems only use nic salts. This is great for most users but if you are the unlucky one who finds the acidic nature of nic salts irritating, then you will not be able to change back to freebase nicotine.
Expensive
Closed pod systems can be more costly than open pod systems when it come to e-liquid top up. Please see our example below:
Some users would be able to vape all this in one day. So, your average cost of operating this closed pod system would be roughly £10.00 per day. Not a real saving compared to the cost of cigarettes.
Open Pod systems can be significantly cheaper. For example, say you have the Uwell Caliburn Pod System and you use Vampire Vape Nic Salts.
The average user will go through 4 bottles in a week and replace a pod every 2 weeks.
As you can see above, the weekly cost of open pod systems is significantly cheaper than closed pod systems.
Open pod systems and closed pod systems both have a place in the market for vape devices. Closed pod systems tend to be slightly cheaper to get started with, so it is a good way for new users to see if vaping is for them. If users find that it is working, then it maybe worth them upgrading to an open pod system. However, if users are happy with the flavours of a certain closed pod system and are not really fussed by the cost savings, then there maybe no reason for them to even upgrade to an open pod system. The choice between the two can be very subjective and based on the individual users’ preferences.
]]>In May 2020, new laws which stem from the EU TPD regulations will come in that will ban the sale of menthol cigarettes, skinny cigarettes and roll ups throughout the United Kingdom. The movement has been welcomed by a variety of anti-smoking organisations and charities.
The new regulations come in to effect to deter young people and new users from taking up the habit. It has also be argued that menthol cigarettes make it easier for people to start smoking because the menthol flavour disguises the harsh taste of traditional cigarettes. There was a belief that menthol cigarettes were safer than traditional cigarettes at one point but this was never proven and most experts believe they are just as harmful and produce the same negative health effects. For example, lung cancer.
Phillip Morris, a European cigarette manufacturer, attempted to appeal the law but it was rejected by the European Courts of Justice.
Cigarettes are currently only permitted to be sold in packs of 20, as part of a wider plan to create a smoke free society. This significantly increased the cost of smoking when it first come in and with rollups also now being band, smokers who use roll ups will see a significant rise in the cost to smoke.
Smoking cigarettes is one of biggest causes of preventable deaths worldwide, with an estimated 8 million smoking related deaths per year. 1.2 million of those deaths are thought to be caused by being exposed to secondhand smoke.
]]>
]]>
Apart from Brexit, the recent headlines in the news have been about all the deaths in the USA caused by vaping.....................apparently. Donald Trump has also announced that his administration will ban flavoured e-cigarettes in the USA., something that is likely to cause the vape market to crash in the USA.
Is Vaping the Cause?
Whilst the media was quick to claim that all vaping products are bad for us and have been the cause of a new lung disease that has claimed people's lives over in the USA, it has since been discovered that it was black market cannabis (THC) that was the cause of the deaths and not your standard and tested e-cigarettes. The cannabis cartridges that people consumed in the USA contained a high level of vitamin E oil and health experts are now focusing on this.
Any product brought off the black market which is made illegally is not subject to industry standard testing to ensure that it is fit for human consumption. Rarely wilt you get a honest breakdown of what that product contains either. As a result, you could be consuming a product which you think is a vape liquid for example, however it could have other substances in their which you don't know about that can be extremely dangerous for human consumption. The reason this usually occurs is because people who sell from the black market try to maximise their own profit margins.
This can apply to anything and not just vaping. For example, there is a huge black market for cologne. People go around the UK selling fake Hugo Boss aftershave and people who buy think they have got an absolute bargain. Shortly after using it, people normally get some sort of skin irritation. That doesn't mean Hugo Boss aftershave causes skin irritation, it just means that fake Hugo Boss products do. That is why you should never buy products from an unknown source.
UK Safety
Health experts in the UK have said that people vaping in the UK are safe and have stated that the deaths in the USA are due to poor quality controls and illicit fluid.
In the UK, e-cigarettes are regulated by MHRA and consumer laws. MHRA has set safety and quality standards for any e-liquids that contain nicotine and all nicotine products must be tested and submitted to MHRA for approval. Whilst the shortfill e-liquid market isn't necessarily regulated by MHRA yet, it still must comply with consumer consumption laws and guidelines. In the UK, any product that is to be consumed by humans must be tested to ensure that it is fit for human consumption. This applies to shortfills that are imported to the UK.
General Safety Advice
The article above shows how harmful products can be if they are purchased from the black market. Please stick to the following guidelines for your own health and safety;
SMOKING KILLS
Whilst vaping is likely not to be risk free, health experts have pointed out that it is 95% safer than cigarettes. Please see the facts below:
Something to think about
For further reading, view "Is Vaping Safe" by Doozy Vape
Crusher E-Liquids consist of 10 fruity ice flavours that are ideal for those who enjoy a refreshing and cooling vaping experience. People who miss that smoker's throat hit may also benefit from these because the cooling agent within them gives you a refreshing throat hit.
Those who used to enjoy Nasty Juice and Fantasi e liquids may certainly enjoy a bottle from the Crusher range. It uses a similar Malysian style icy base that made both Nasty Juice and Fantasi so popular. Unlike Nasty and Fantasi though, Crusher has been produced to be coil friendly. Whilst both Nasty and Fantasi were extremely popular, they were criticized because they used to burn through coils very quickly. This is unlikely to be the case with Crusher.
Flavours to Choose From
Crusher flavours include:
Specification
E-Juice Analysis
Prohibition Vaping have not really gone innovative with the flavours here but what they have done is perfected all the flavours and added a cooling Malaysian style icy hit to them. All the Crusher flavours are full of intense flavour and it is hard not to be able to taste them even after vaping a whole 100ml shortfill bottle.
The Lemon Ice is good for those who are suffering from "vaper's tongue". The citrus ice nature of the e-liquid ensures that it resets your taste buds and every e-juice you vape afterwards will taste amazing again.
Those who enjoy a bottle of Yeti but are getting bored of the flavours may benefit from switching to Crusher because of the similarities of the two brands. They both implement a Malaysian ice base in their juices. That also applies to vapers who want to switch from the Crusher range. Yeti maybe a good alternative.
Consumers of Crusher can vape this brand with confidence. It is manufactured in some of the best ISO certified labs in the UK and is fully tested to ensure that is safe for consumption.
Performance
The E-Liquid industry is very saturated, and it is extremely hard for any brand to survive in the long run. Crusher may not be the most well-known brand in the industry compared to brands such as Dinner Lady and IVG. It has however built a solid reputation amongst our customers and we find they never seem to get sick of it. Furthermore, we never experience customer dissatisfaction relating to the life of coils during a bottle of Crusher. It certainly seems that Crusher is likely to be here for the foreseeable future with us.
Conclusion
The Crusher range is one of our better selling ranges and never fails to satisfy our customers. If you haven't tried it before and want to get your hands on it, click here!
(THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS IN THIS ARTICLE ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHOR AND DO NOT REFLECT THE VIEWS OR OPINIONS OF DRAGON VAPOUR LTD)
]]>The Uwell Caliburn has rocketed in sales since arriving at Dragon Vapour. Customers love the fact that it is portable, refillable and ascetically pleasing. It also doesn't break the bank balance, coming in at £24.99! The kit comes with 2 pods and a USB cable. Will the Uwell Caliburn spark the end of the infamous Juul Pod System?
Features | Juul Pod System | Uwell Caliburn |
Battery Capacity | 200mAh | 520 mAh |
Pod Capacity | 0.7ml | 2ml |
Output | 6.5W-9W | 11W |
Refillable | Non-Refillable Pods | Refillable Pods |
Dimensions | 8.72cm x 9.48cm |
|
Battery Capacity
The Uwell Caliburn Kit has a larger battery capacity compared to the Juul Pod System meaning that it will last you longer before it needs charging. On average, our customers say the Caliburn is lasting them about a day however it does depend on usage.
Pod Capacity
The Caliburn pods hold 1.3ml more e-liquid than the Juul pods and the Caliburn pods are also refillable with whichever nic salt or 50/50 e-liquid you desire to use. On the other hand, official Juul pods are non-refillable and restrict you to only a handful of flavours. They also only come in 20mg nic salt strength meaning its difficult to bring your nicotine strength down. One way around this is to use the non-official J-Pods which are refillable Juul compatible pods.
One thing to bear in mind is the cost of using both devices. Juul pods come in a pack of 4 with a total of 2.8ml of e-liquid for £9.99. On the other hand, you can get a 10ml juice for the Caliburn as cheap as £2.99 making it considerably cheaper. A pack of four pods for the Caliburn comes to £10.99 and the pods last roughly for a week or 2.
Power Output
Juul Labs do not disclose the power output of the Juul pod system but we believe it roughly has an output of 6.5W to 9W. The Uwell Caliburn has an output of 11W meaning its slightly more powerful than the Juul Pod System. This generally results in a slightly stronger nicotine hit (assuming you use 20MG nic salt in the Caliburn Pods) and increased liquid usage.
Size & Dimensions
The Juul Pod System is slightly smaller than the Caliburn Pod System which makes it a little more portable. However, the differences in the size makes little to no difference in reality.
Both the Juul & Caliburn Pod Systems have a lot to offer. From one aspect, you could argue that Juul is a lot simpler to use because you don't need to refill the pods and worry about the pods burning out. On the other hand, the Caliburn is a lot more flexible and has a lot more to offer and you're not just restricted to a hand full of e-liquids.
(THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS IN THIS ARTICLE ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHOR AND DO NOT REFLECT THE VIEWS OR OPINIONS OF DRAGON VAPOUR LTD)
]]>This charger (like many others) allows you to charge different types of batteries, including AA, AAA, AAAA, C, D cells and many more. What makes this charger different from the rest? It will bring your batteries back to life (to a certain extent), That's right your batteries that are completely dead may have another lease on life with this charger.
Pros:
Cons:
In conclusion this charger is easily the best charger on the market but its at a cost, £70 rrp is a little steep but well worth it if you are an enthusiast vaper or a mech mod user.
(The opinions in this review are those of the individual and are completely subjective)
]]>Slow and uncertain economic conditions has recently caused large organisations to fold and household incomes continue to struggle in comparison to the cost of living. The uncertain economic conditions has also made job security a concern for many people.
At the same time, the price of cigarettes has continued to increase with the average pack of cigarettes costing £10.00 a pack now. Switching to vaping could significantly help smokers save their disposable income. Please see the calculations below:
Cost of cigarettes to a heavy smoker
So on average, if a heavy smoker smokes 20 a day, its costing them around £3650 a year to smoke. This doesn't include the extra cigarettes they may smoke when they go out in the evening or on nights out. Smokers tend to smoke even more when they are out until the early hours of the morning,.
Cost of vaping
Let's say you decide to switch to vaping and start off with the PockeX Starter Kit and purchase 3 10ml e-liquids with it. Your starting cost would be £32.00
Three 10ml e-liquids are likely to last you around a week and cost £10.00
The coil in your device is likely to last around 2 weeks but most people like to change them after a week. So lets say you change your coil once a week. That will cost you £2.50 a week and even less if you buy your coils by the pack.
These batteries are fairly powerful and can pack a hefty punch so need to be handled with care, the last thing we need is for them to ‘short out’ causing what is commonly known as "thermal runaway".
Thermal runaway occurs when the temperature of a cell increases in an uncontrolled manner, leading to its failure. This temperature increase generates gases, which vent when the pressure inside the cell rises above a design value. For lithium-ion cells, these gases are hot and combustible, which can become a hazard if a pack was not designed to control the causes and consequences of thermal runaway. It can result in the venting of toxic and highly flammable gases and the release of significant energy in the form of heat. If ignited, these gases can cause enclosed areas to over-pressurize, and if unmitigated, this overpressure can result in an explosion and severe damage to the battery and surrounding equipment or people.
I’m sure we’ve all seen horrific pictures of injuries to people said to be caused by batteries in E-cigarettes so I won’t be putting any more here. Nor shall I write about the specific conditions that caused them. However we can prevent ourselves from becoming one of these statistics with just a little common sense, powers of observation and care.
I want to reiterate warnings that we see everywhere about the condition of the ‘wraps’ or ‘wrappers’ used on replaceable e-cigarette batteries. Under no circumstances should you use any battery with ANY kind of damage to the wrappers, no tears or rips should be anywhere on the wrapper.
Tips & Tricks:
A tank is essentially an atomizer that is placed inside of a tank filled with e-liquid that pushes the liquid through to a wick that feeds the juice up through your e-cigarette and turns it into vapor. Once upon a time, this process could be painful for some vapers, especially those who vape a lot, since wicks didn’t always move e-juice quickly enough. Tanks have evolved, though, and are now able to keep e-juice moving more efficiently.
RDA, RTA, RBA:
RTA's and RDA's are both types of RBA (ReBuildable Atomizer) The RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomizer) is a tank system and the RDA (Rebuildable Drip Atomizer) is a dripper system. With rebuildables, you "build" your own coil. In other words, you physically wrap a coil, attach it to the system and add a wick. There are many different builds, each one depending on the RBA type and the desired vape the user wishes to achieve. RDTA is the best of both worlds, it has the convenience of a tank (juice capacity) and the flavour of a RDA, this makes it the most versatile atomizer on the market.
Pros and cons of a Tank vs RBA, RDA, RDTA
Tank Pros:
Tank Cons:
RDA, RDTA, RBA Pros:
RDA, RDTA, RBA cons:
Overall View:
The choice is up to you.
Due to the versatility and ease of use of a tank, if you are a beginner stick to a tank until you wish to upgrade.
(This article is complacently subjective)
]]>In a nutshell, nicotine salts are the natural salts found in the tobacco leaf and provide users with a smoother vaping experience, as opposed to the harsh throat hit from the standard nicotine used in e-liquids. Nicotine salts absorb quicker into the blood stream and allow users to benefit from a quick nicotine rush, similar to that of a cigarette.
Why are nicotine salts so popular?
What's the difference between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts
Freebase nicotine is the standard nicotine that has been used in TPD compliant e-liquids and nicotine shots. Freebase nicotine is alkaline based where as nicotine salts are formed in the presence of acid and extracted directly from the tobacco leaf. Its the alkaline which gives you the harsher throat hit from freebase nicotine, whereas benzonic acid has the opposite effect. The lower PH levels in nicotine salts ultimately gives you a smoother vape.
Nicotine Salt Variations (NicSalt-B & NicSalt-S)
Manufactures typically choose to implement their e-liquids with either nicotine Salicylic (NicSalt-S) or Nicotine Benzoate (NicSalt-B). NicSalt-S is found in foods such as herbs, fruits and vegetables and is a more natural form of nicotine salt. The acidic levels in NicSalt-S are slightly higher than NicSalt-B, resulting in a smoother throat hit. NicSalt-B was initially used in e-liquids and is responsible for the initial hype around nicotine salts. It may have a slightly lower P.H content than NicSalt-S but it is still a lot smoother than freebase nicotine.
Some manufacturers have started to use Nicotine Malate Salt (NicSalt-M). NicSalt-M can give a slightly sour flavour twist so it should only be used with e-liquids that are attempting to give a tangy twist to their profile. Some studies have shown that NicSalt-M can reduce coil life and it's not as smooth as the other two variations. However, NicSalt-M is not currently in mass circulation.
Smoothness Scale
NicSalt-S = Smoothest
NicSalt-B = Smooth
NicSalt-M = Least Smoothest Nicotine Salt Form
Freebase = Standard Throat Hit - Particularly Harsh at Higher Levels
Hybrid Nicotine
Companies such as Riot Squad have started to use a combination of nicotine salts and freebase nicotine in their recipes. The combination of the two is referred to as Hybrid Nicotine and allows users to enjoy the best of both worlds. You get the smoker's throat hit which is caused by freebase nicotine and the natural sensation of nicotine salts.
Reference
]]>What is CBD?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol and is a non-psychoactive chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD can either be consumed orally or vaped using an electronic cigarette device.
What is CBD used for?
Its important to understand that a vape shop cannot give any medical advice about the use of CBD. CBD has been widely researched and been found to have a number of potential health benefits. These include:
How Does CBD work?
Unlike THC, CBD does not get you "high" or contain any psychoactive components. In the human body, there is a endocannabinoid system which is made up of receptors. THC is known to activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors whereas CBD does not. CBD activates other receptors such as vanilloid, serotonin and adenosine. By activating these receptors, CBD is able to influence body temperature, pain perception and inflammation. CBD is also able to minimise the psychoactive effects of THC because it can inhibit the FAAH enzyme, a chemical compound that activates the CB1 receptor.
When CBD stimulates the adenosine receptors, it can reduce inflammation and anxiety. High levels of concentrated CBD is also known to activate serotonin receptors, which ultimately leads to anti-depressant effects.
CBD blocks the action of CPR55 which helps prevent the spread of cancer cells and decreases bone re-absorption.
How can CBD be consumed?
CBD can be consumed in different ways, including:
If you don't currently vape and would like to consume CBD, we would recommend the oral consumption because we believe there is no point starting a vaping habit if you don't need to. Vapers can enjoy CBD through CBD E-liquids which is usually CBD infused into an e-liquid.
Have you consumed CBD? Give us your feedback and comment below.
(CBD is not sold by any brand operating under Dragon Vapour)
]]>