Change of Pace

The FAV successfully accomplishes its goal of bridging the gap between combustible smoking and vaping.

By Mike Huml

The FAV aims to achieve the seemingly impossible: replicating the taste of a cigarette without burning tobacco. Its primary focus is to effectively convert smokers into vapers, addressing the common complaint that vapes don’t taste like cigarettes. By precisely weaving a variety of tobacco leaves into the cotton wicking material, the FAV claims to have finally accomplished what no other device has managed to do over the past 15 or so years, which is to replicate the flavor and feel of an analog cigarette. Has it succeeded?

The device itself is fairly standard. The rounded body contains a 450 mAH battery that can be charged via USB-C. Each replaceable pod comes in two pieces that snap together before use and are inserted into the body. These pods hold 2 mL of e-liquid, each coil has a resistance of 1.2 ohms, and the battery fires at a power of 9 watts to 9.5 watts. On average, the battery and the pod last for approximately 300 puffs to 350 puffs, with the battery charging in about 20 minutes. For comparison, the average pack of analog cigarettes offers 200 puffs.

A decorative sticker is wrapped around the top portion of the body, adding some flair without being overly offensive to the aesthetic. The mouthpiece is round and wide, resembling the size and shape of a traditional cigarette while ensuring a smooth vaping experience without any spitback or gurgling. When the pod is installed, the device provides a haptic vibration to confirm that it’s ready to go, and a single LED offers some visual feedback as well. It’s a simple design but one that will appeal to the target market of current smokers who are likely not looking for anything extravagant.

Aesthetics and operation are simple but also ancillary to the focus of the FAV. So how does it compare to a cigarette? First and foremost, the draw is remarkably similar to that of a cigarette. Vapers will likely recognize the trademark scratchy airflow reminiscent of the cartomizer days, which is ideal as cartomizers were always closest to emulating the sensation of smoking a cigarette. The FAV delivers a consistent yet intangible “fuzzy” experience when taking a drag, capturing the essence of an analog cigarette.

What about the flavor? Does it taste like a burning cigarette?

Not exactly. But it’s damn close.

In a blind taste test, it may not fool a smoker entirely, but it unquestionably comes the closest any device has ever come. It’s important to note that cigarettes burn, and replicating that distinct flavor can only be achieved by burning something, which undermines the harm reduction aspect of vaping. The most apparent difference between the FAV’s flavors and other flavors is the lack of excessive sweetness. Over the years, e-liquids have become increasingly overloaded with sweeteners, which can be off-putting for smokers looking to transition. Additionally, the FAV delivers a substantial throat hit. As nicotine salts have become more popular due to the lack of throat hit, the FAV is more reminiscent of liquid nicotine, feeling more like a 24 mg to 36 mg liquid nicotine throat hit, which is far harsher than even most 50 mg nicotine salts. That’s impressive considering each FAV pod is offered at a strength of 20 mg.

The FAV offers six flavors, roughly categorized as full flavored, light and ultralight, with corresponding menthol variations. The lighter flavors tend to be sweeter, but the level of sweetness in even the lighter flavors pales in comparison to traditional e-liquid flavors. The available flavors are as follows:

Bravado (full flavor)

This flavor certainly lives up to its name. It has the deepest tobacco flavor and strongest throat hit. It’s the earthiest flavor of the bunch, with a possible whisper of vanilla on the back end. The closest cigarette comparison would be Camel Turkish Royals.

Bravado Jade (menthol full flavor)

This flavor closely resembles its nonmenthol counterpart. While it introduces a mild cooling effect on the draw, the tobacco remains dominant throughout the exhale. The throat hit is primarily derived from the tobacco rather than the menthol. The closest cigarette comparison would be Newports.

Iconic (light)

This flavor is likely to become a favorite among users. It offers a touch of honey-like sweetness on the draw and a subdued tobacco flavor on the exhale. The throat hit is significantly milder compared to Bravado, and the flavor concludes with a cleaner finish. The closest cigarette comparison would be Marlboro Lights.

Iconic Teal (menthol light)

This flavor is notably crisper than Bravado Jade, delivering a cooler draw that persists through the exhale. The throat hit is slightly harsher than Iconic but still far less intense than Bravado. The cooling sensation lingers, but there is no minty flavor. The flavor leans more toward tobacco than menthol. The closest cigarette comparison would be Marlboro Milds.

Resolute (ultralight)

This flavor exhibits a subtle saccharin sweetness on the tip of the tongue during the draw, disappearing immediately upon inhalation. The throat hit is surprisingly sharper than with Iconic. Resolute offers a somewhat tangy exhale and minimal tobacco flavor overall, resulting in a sharp yet clean taste. The closest cigarette comparison would be Parliament Lights.

Resolute Green (menthol ultralight)

This flavor shares the same sweetness on the draw as Resolute but delivers a slightly sharper throat hit and a notable menthol presence on the exhale. The tanginess persists but is balanced by the menthol, resulting in a well-rounded experience. The closest cigarette comparison would be Marlboro Menthol Ultra Lights.

Unlike traditional cigarettes, the “light” designation does not affect nicotine levels, as all flavors contain nicotine at a strength of 20 mg. However, none of the aforementioned flavors leave a lingering chest tightness or residual wheezing. While they may not taste as “clean” as traditionally flavored e-liquids, they still provide a clean-feeling vaping experience. It’s worth noting that the menthol varieties do not possess an overpowering icy kick. As of yet, there is no comparable option for those seeking a flavor similar to Kools.

The FAV is undoubtedly the best option for smokers who still enjoy smoking and are not necessarily looking to quit altogether. Transitioning from smoking to vaping, though easier than quitting abruptly, still requires some adjustment. Many new vapers who persist for at least two weeks often find themselves missing the act of smoking but no longer able to tolerate the taste when they revert back. However, many individuals are unable or unwilling to endure that duration and end up abandoning vaping to return to smoking.

For individuals who have been exclusively vaping for an extended period, the FAV may not offer much novelty. While some vapers might be tired of overly sweet flavors saturating the market, the thought of a cigarette’s taste can be overwhelming for many. Nonetheless, the FAV is perfect for those genuinely committed to making the switch while still enjoying the flavor of their cigarettes.

Until now, tobacco-flavored e-liquids have failed to hit the mark. True tobacco flavors often resemble licking a tobacco leaf while others present a disappointing blend of nutty, vanilla and caramel notes. As previously mentioned, replicating the flavor of burning without actually burning something is nearly impossible. By incorporating tobacco into the wicking material, where it is subject to heating, the FAV comes remarkably close to achieving that goal.

Although many manufacturers have experimented with heat-not-burn devices that vaporize tobacco leaves, these devices have seen little success. The FAV strikes a harmonious balance between liquid-based e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn (HnB) devices. It operates similarly to any other pod system but offers a taste more akin to an HnB device without the waste and inconvenience of loose-leaf replacement.

Furthermore, the FAV aims to address the issue of youth vaping. The device’s chip remains nonfunctional unless activated by the retailer at the point of sale, adding an additional layer of security, provided the retailer follows ethical practices. Moreover, the FAV’s flavors primarily attract current smokers, making it less appealing to minors by design.

However, this feature also prevents the use of stolen products and ensures that only legitimate pods will work with the battery. There are plans to incorporate more features in the future to enhance security and assist with the cessation process, such as limiting the number of puffs per day.

At its core, the FAV does not differ significantly from other pod systems. It consists of a pod inserted into a battery, producing vapor upon inhalation. Its aesthetic design is generally unremarkable, not standing out in any particular way. Nevertheless, given its target market, this approach is likely the best route for the FAV.

It appeals to a broader audience, and its true innovation lies beneath the surface. No other device, be it a pod system or otherwise, can genuinely claim to taste like a cigarette. The FAV can, and it is not mere hype. Although it does not perfectly replicate the experience of an analog cigarette, it comes remarkably close. Introducing a mind-numbing menthol flavor to the lineup would be a welcome addition, but the FAV is undeniably a unique offering in the market.

The FAV successfully accomplishes its goal of bridging the gap between smoking and vaping, exceeding expectations in the process. This device fulfills the desires of smokers who were hopeful when vaping first gained popularity. Many curious smokers were deterred by poorly executed tobacco flavor reproductions, subpar build quality and poor quality control.

The FAV presents a simple yet refined device, born out of years of iteration and improvement of the pod system archetype. It combines this perfected design with new and innovative flavor technology, potentially capturing the attention of smokers who have remained unconvinced over the years.

For an industry that thrived on innovation for so long, it is refreshing to witness truly meaningful innovation reemerge. The FAV stands as a distinctive device in all the ways that matter, potentially serving as the missing link in the market that smokers have been eagerly awaiting.