QR Joy, the retail manufacturer of Fume disposable vaping hardware, has introduced its “most powerful, longest-lasting vape” device, according to a press release.
The Fume Unlimited comes pre-loaded with 14mL of e-liquid in 17 classic and exotic flavors, including icy, fruity, sweet, and more. Its 400mAh rechargeable battery ensures that vape enthusiasts will be able to enjoy every one of the 7,000 puffs Fume Unlimited has to offer, a release states.
The new Fume Unlimited offers 7,000 puffs of e-liquid and a USB-C charger.
“Vape enthusiasts love unique flavors and want to be able to enjoy every last drop of e-liquid in their devices,” said the president of QR Joy in a release. “Packed with loads of flavor and a handy USB-C charging port, Fume Unlimited offers virtually endless vape satisfaction in a sleek, pocket-sized package.
QR Joy teased Fume Unlimited at the 2022 Alternative Products Expo in Medellin, Colombia, in late May, and will officially unveil the new device at the CHAMPS Chicago Show June 7-9.
Vaporesso released two new vaping kits featuring its state-of-the-art COREX heating technology during the Vaper Expo UK event held in Birmingham from May 27-29.
The COREX heating technology took two years to develop and uses a patented Morph-Mesh Structure that offers more heating and a stronger flavor boost, according to a press release. A key component of COREX is cumulus cotton. Formed by a complex microfibre structure, the cotton is fluffier and provides a higher liquid delivery, ensuring a more consistent and longer vape experience.
The GEN PT60 | 80 S and LUXE X use the COREX technology as well as the AXON Chip and SSS leak-resistant technology.
“Vape user satisfaction is at the heart of the VAPORESSO brand and the continuous innovation in design and technology ensures that the products remain of top quality and reliable,” the release staes.
So Soul, a fast-growing disposable vape brand showcased its new vaping products: X7000, XS600 and Y650, as well as a wide range of other vaping products during Europe’s biggest vaping event. The Vape Expo U.K. was held at the Birmingham-NEC from May 27 to 29.
The X7000, So Soul’s premium series of 2022 disposable devices, uses an ergonomic design that creates a comfortable grip and a pure asthenic visual impact.
XS600 and Y650 provide 600 puffs and 650 puffs and flavors including Blue Sour Raspberry, Kiwi Passionfruit Guava, Apple Peach, Cherry Ice, Strawberry Ice, Watermelon Ice, Raspberry Sherbet and Grape, according to a release.
“Established in 2021, So Soul has rapidly risen through disposable e-cigarette products, which have been widely acclaimed globally in a short period of time,” the release states. “As a high-tech enterprise integrating product R&D, production as well as brand operation, So Soul envisions a world where people have easy access to affordable, safe, and effective alternatives to traditional cigarettes.”
After launching the Argus GT 2 in April, VooPoo released two new kits this month. The popular Argus POD was released on May 23rd and Drag Q was released on May 26th.
The Drag Q boasts a 25W max output that intelligently adjusts based on the pod used and a long, narrow drip tip. With its 1250mAh internal battery the device can last all day on a single charge, according to a press release.
For those looking for a more compact vape, the new Argus Pod combines the more traditional pod mod shape with the power and versatility of the Argus range. The Argus Pod features GENE AI 1.2 technology, which automatically adjusts power between 5W and 20W. A built-in 800mAh battery guarantees a lengthy charge, which you’ll always be on top of, thanks to the 0.69-inch OLED screen display.
“We’re excited to release not one but two new products to our iconic VooPoo ranges,” a VooPoo spokesperson stated in the release. “It was our goal to give MTL vapers more variety, so with the pocket-friendly Argus Pod and pod-style Drag Q, vapers can choose the right vape for them.”
The latest in disposable vaping, the ZOVOO Dragbar 600S, was unveiled and officially entered the market on May, 9. In a press release sent to Vapor Voice, the company states that the new device is equipped with an upgraded design of five flower-shaped air inlets, which allows for a more evenly distributed airflow. This creates a more comfortable and balanced taste experience.
“Without sacrificing user experience or changing external dimensions, it optimizes the internal space structure of the atomizing rod and enlarges the battery capacity to 500 mAh for durability. This new product delivers enormous value in addition to excellent daily experience,” according to the release.
The first offerings of the Dragbar 600s includes 10 mouthwatering flavors, including strawberry ice, peach ice and O.M.G. In addition, 10 new flavors will be available at a future date.
“Quality and taste are the core to impress consumers and the soul of electronic atomizers. ZOVOO always adheres to the concept of ‘user-focus’ and constantly develops new disposable vapes to meet the ultimate needs of users all over the world,” according to the release.
There were numerous innovations introduced in the hardware segment last year.
By Mike Huml
The year is finally over, and 2021 was a rough one. Not just in terms of the vapor industry but for everybody the world over. After a year like that, it’s important to look back and appreciate the successes and accomplishments despite the challenges faced. In particular, the vapor industry has had to bear the burden of federal and state regulations, supply issues, shipping delays and much more. However, even with these new obstacles and the continued plateauing of new vapor technologies, consumers have mostly still been able to access a wide range of quality vaping products thanks to the hard work of advocates and business owners alike.
Now, new opportunities for the future arise. Hurdles and challenges inevitably await, but the vapor industry always weathers the storm. There will always be successes and failures, wins and losses, but at the end of the day, it’s important to reflect upon how far vaping has come in such a short time and remember how human innovation transformed the simplest of circuits—a battery and a resistor—into a life-saving product that changed the world of harm reduction.
Here are my selections for the best vaping products of 2021:
Best Pod System: The Caliburn G2—UWell
The Caliburn series of pod systems from UWell has long been a favorite not only for pod vapers but vapers of all levels. Whether as a daily driver or as a backup or portable alternative, the Caliburn has earned a reputation for being a simple, no-hassle device with easy vapor production, accurate flavor reproduction and a killer analog-accurate throat hit. In 2021, UWell released their follow-up to the popular Caliburn G—the Caliburn G2. The Caliburn G2 features all the things vapers have come to love about the Caliburn G plus a few extras to further improve the experience.
The Caliburn G2 has a larger 750 mAh battery compared to its predecessor’s 690 mAh battery. While this doesn’t provide a huge boost to battery life, any improvement is welcome, especially when it doesn’t translate into a larger device—the Caliburn G2 is virtually the same size as the Caliburn G. Both devices use a USB-C charger for blazing fast charging, and both devices can be charged from empty to full in less than an hour.
The Caliburn G2 also has a larger window for viewing remaining e-liquid, which is ironically made unnecessary due to the innovative haptic feedback system. When a pod runs empty and the user attempts to take a drag, the Caliburn G vibrates to indicate that a fill is needed. Of course, the larger window is still a welcome upgrade that doesn’t detract from any other features. Additionally, each pod now has an airflow adjustment ring on the bottom to allow for a wider range of airflow settings rather than the two fixed options available with the Caliburn G.
The Caliburn G2 continues to use mesh technology in the coils for a quick ramp-up time, more even heating and improved flavor. Many pod systems have trouble wicking too fast or too slow, leading to either weak vapor production or spitback and leaking. The Caliburn G2 does not have these issues whatsoever, and that factors into the user experience in a huge way. Ease of use, excellent performance and new refined features all contribute toward the Caliburn G2’s title as the best pod system of 2021.
Best Starter Kit: Aegis Mini2 and Solo2—Geekvape
These two kits share their accolade of best starter kit because they are virtually identical in terms of what’s included and performance. Aside from a few aesthetic differences, what sets these mods apart from each other are the batteries. The Mini2 features an internal battery while the Solo2 requires an 18650. That being said, with the advent of pod systems and their dominance over the beginner vaping market, the term “starter kit” has evolved to mean a bundle of products that includes all the necessary hardware to get started with a new setup rather than simply a kit for new users.
Geekvape has always provided some of the best value when it comes to the intermediate to advanced market, providing hardy and simple devices with a good range of features at a reasonable price point. The Mini2 and Solo2 kits take Geekvape’s well-loved Aegis aesthetic and apply it to a 100 W mod then add in the Geekvape Z subohm tank for a perfect introduction into subohm vaping and cloud chasing.
These kits naturally come with extra tools and parts as well as a spare replacement coil, but the main attraction of any intermediate kit is the promise that it can provide something that a user can’t find in a pod system. Whether that’s a full day’s battery life, massive clouds of vapor, more customization of the vape experience or an easier way to taper down nicotine levels, many starter kits attempt to provide these features with varying degrees of success.
Geekvape’s Mini2 and Solo2 can provide all these things with minimal hassle and under $60. The mods themselves are water resistant and dustproof with excellent shock protection in case they’re dropped on the ground. While the Solo2 requires an 18650, both devices can be charged with an included USB-C cable. The menu is simple enough to not incur frustration while also serving to introduce users to the common three-button system.
The Geekvape Z tank uses top adjustable airflow, rendering it virtually leak proof. It’s also top-filling and performs almost at the level of any rebuildable worth its salt while providing 5.5 mL of juice capacity. Replacement coils are available in two varieties and are readily available from a multitude of vape shops and online retailers.
There is no single aspect of the Aegis Mini2 or Solo2 that can be singled out as their defining feature. Rather, both kits do everything very well, and that should be the goal of any starter kit. They provide a well-rounded experience that balances features and simplicity, power and size, quality and price point. For anyone wanting to take the next step in vaping, the Aegis Solo2 and Mini2 are the best starter kits of 2021.
Best Rebuildable: Steam Crave Aromamizer Series
Rebuildable atomizers, once the gold standard of vaping quality, have humbly been taking a back seat for the past few years. While simpler and more broadly desired devices have stolen the spotlight, the hobbyist vaper niche market still exists backstage. Any “best of” claim will be disputed by the passionate vaper—each has their own hands-down favorite, and nothing can convince them otherwise. However, when taking everything into account from performance and quality to price and availability, the Aromamizer series of atomizers from Steam Crave stands apart from the rest.
First, the Aromamizer series consists of four different atomizers that range in size from 25 mm to 41 mm in diameter. This means the majority of vapers will be able to find an Aromamizer that perfectly suits their favorite mod. Many varieties are capable of sharing spare parts and build decks, which makes it easy to try new builds without the need for multiple RBAs. Additionally, each Aromamizer can function as either a tank or a dripper. The level of customization is unprecedented.
Next, the Aromamizer is built to the highest quality standards and performs as well as, if not better than, atomizers at twice the price. Steam Crave is the only notable manufacturer that bridges the gap between the notorious $20 clone and the $200 authentic. Depending on which Aromamizer is chosen, the price hovers between $40 for the 25 mm Supreme V3 and $75 for the 41 mm Titan V2. The Aromamizer design is original to Steam Crave and packs all sorts of features into a single package.
In addition to interchangeable build decks, the Aromamizers are top-filling with juice flow control and a wide range of airflow options. Being an RDTA, each deck is built like an RDA rather than many dedicated RTAs that wick completely differently than RDAs and therefore are designed with more restrictive decks.
The latest series of Aromamizers have undergone years of refinement and it definitely shows. Quality and performance aren’t even a question for these RDTAs. But the icing on the cake is price and availability. Many high-end rebuildables are produced at a small scale and can be prohibitively expensive, and because of this, few vendors are willing to risk carrying large quantities of these atomizers for a niche market. It’s too much risk for not enough return, and that can make finding quality rebuildables difficult, even if a vaper is willing to pay a premium.
So, with that in mind, the Aromamizer series is the best rebuildable of 2021 due to its high quality, perfect performance, level of customization, price point and general availability.
Best Mod: Hyperion DNA 100C—Lost Vape
Lost Vape is another longstanding company that breaks from the norm. In a nutshell, this manufacturer is responsible for getting the most mods utilizing Evolv’s DNA boards into the hands of vapers for years. While other companies were copying Evolv’s technology—whether it be variable wattage, regulated subohm vaping or temperature control—Lost Vape simply went to the source and put DNA boards into high-quality mods at reasonable prices. The Hyperion DNA 100C continues this trend, and as a result, Lost Vape has produced the best all-around mod to date.
The list of features provided by a DNA board is extensive and too long to reproduce here. Evolv has been at the forefront of vaping technology for over a decade, so in general, it’s safe to assume that any feature found on a mod today was pioneered by Evolv. They did it first and probably did it best. Consequently, the Hyperion is a full-featured device with variable wattage, temperature control and the entire gamut of DNA features. That plays a huge role, but it’s not the whole story.
To put it too simply, the Hyperion is a Geekvape Aegis Solo with the quality bumped up a notch and the inclusion of a DNA board. The C-frame design is hugely popular and functional, allowing for a great asymmetric aesthetic that’s comfortable to hold and allows an infinite number of customization options for the “soft” side. The Hyperion is available with different colors and materials, including carbon fiber, leather and vinyl.
The Hyperion is also extremely durable, being water resistant, dustproof and shock resistant. It can be powered by a single 18650, 20700 or 21700 battery for maximum battery life and can output up to 100 W of power—more than enough for the general vaping population. The battery can be swapped and charged or charged internally via the USB-C port, which is also used to connect to a PC for firmware updates or to play around with Evolv’s EScribe software.
Sure, other mods can fire up to 200 W or higher, but for someone looking for a top-of-the-line device that can do it all—and do it modestly—the Hyperion can’t be beaten. It’s the result of years of refinement by Lost Vape that takes a popular and functional design that’s crafted to the highest quality standards and couples it with the best internals on the market in the form of the DNA 100C for a final product that’s a modest size with respectable power that could very well last a lifetime. The Hyperion DNA 100C from Lost Vape is the best overall mod of 2021.
Best Advanced Mod: Hadron Pro—Steam Crave
At some point, everybody wants to splurge. Every human eventually wants something out of the ordinary, something bombastic that could very well be overkill, price and practicality be damned. That mid-life crisis of a vaping device is the Hadron Pro from Steam Crave.
This device certainly has its negatives, from a certain perspective. It’s huge, it’s plain and some assembly is required. However, it uses a DNA 250C board with a 4C LiPo for maximum battery life and a potential 400 W of power. It’s huge for a reason, and that’s the battery that can last for a long while when used at reasonable power levels. Coincidentally, it also gives an excuse to purchase the 35 mm Aromamizer Ragnar, which pairs perfectly with the Hadron Pro.
Most of what makes the Hadron Pro so great is admittedly the DNA 250C. And while the design is plain, plain can be a good thing when the asking price is approaching $200—the last thing a device that expensive needs is an extreme, polarizing aesthetic. And that large battery previously mentioned? The reason it needs to be installed by the end user is that it is replaceable. Again, a great feature when it comes to an expensive device, as a dead battery isn’t the end of the line for the Hadron Pro. While using four 21700 batteries might seem a better idea to achieve the same effect, the size of such a mod would not only be impractical but unusable.
None of this is to say that the Hadron Pro is gimmicky—far from it. Every feature provided by the DNA 250C is here, and although the size is a bit unwieldy, it makes for a perfect coffee table mod, and there’s technically nothing that keeps a vaper from bringing the Hadron Pro out and about, provided they have big enough pockets and don’t mind the extra weight.
For advanced vapers where the pros always outweigh the cons, and impracticality always yields to superior performance, there is no better option: The Hadron Pro is the best advanced mod of 2021.
Geek Bar is launching its first range of shisha vapes, which will be widely available across the U.K.
The Geek Bar shisha vape includes 575 puffs and uses the same battery technology as previous Geek Bar products. The range, which comes with 2 ml e-liquid capacity and contains 20 mg/ml nicotine to comply with U.K. regulations, is available in a number of flavors, including Watermelon Berries Shisha, Hawaii Sunshine Shisha and Pineapple Guava Shisha.
The fruit flavored range is designed to help adult smokers quit conventional cigarettes. A study conducted by Nicotine & Tobacco Research last year highlighted that vaping sweet flavors associated with fruits were more likely to help an adult smoker give up their habit than use of tobacco flavored e-liquid, according to Geek Bar.
“Shisha pipes have become increasingly popular in the U.K., and we wanted to give those who smoke them a safer option just like we do for conventional cigarette users with a range of disposable vape products which have been a phenomenal success in the U.K.,” said Geek Bar CEO Allen Yang.
“Due to the popularity of Geek Bar in the U.K., we’re delighted to add this new shisha range to our product offering. We are plugging an important gap in the market which will support improved public health in the U.K.”
The new shisha range will use Geek Bar’s new packaging which will allow both retailers and consumers to check the authenticity of the product from a compliance perspective as well as make it clear that the product is for sale to only over 18-year-olds.
Typical vaping devices use a coil made of resistance wire. Instead, the new Surge vaping device uses an ultrasonic vaping chip that vibrates 3 million times per second. The ultrasonic vibrations split the e-liquid into a cloud of vapor, without the use of a traditional heating wire.
Credit: Surge
“Ultrasonic heating creates smaller vapor particles, delivering nicotine content more efficiently for increased satisfaction. Since no wires are heated to produce vapor, dry hits and burnt flavors are eliminated from the vaping experience,” according to a press release. “Additionally, the lower working temperature of the ultrasonic process reduces potential toxin emission and maintains the chemical stability of the e-liquid.”
Surge Vapor hopes that its new approach to vaping technology can maximize harm reduction while increasing satisfaction for vapers.
Surge Vapors initial offering is developed for new vapers trying to quit combustibles. Its lightweight design, automatic draw activation and pre-filled ultrasonic pods currently come in six flavors, which have been specifically developed to pair with ultrasonic technology.
“Our mission was to create new vaping technology, which advances tobacco harm reduction and maximizes satisfaction,” according to the release. “After years of research and development, this is now a reality. We are excited for vapers around the world to experience the next generation of vaping with Surge.”
E-liquids producer Riot Labs claims to have launched the world’s first carbon negative disposable vaporizer, QBAR.
Available in U.K. stores and online from Jan. 11, the compact device is Riot Lab’s first disposable product. The product will be available in several U.K.-manufactured flavors and three nicotine strengths. Each device offers 550 puffs—equivalent of 30 cigarettes—before requiring disposal.
“The launch of QBAR, our first venture into disposables, and our new brand campaign, is all geared up to changing the status quo on smoking cessation, and continue to deliver on our mission to help people quit smoking,” said Ben Johnson, who founded Riot Labs in 2016.
QBAR is made from three elements that are all 100 percent recyclable. The outer casing is made from PLA plastic cornstarch, which is decomposable, but will be recycled into clothing, vinyl records and material for 3D printing. The 420 MAH A battery will be being reused in future devices and other electronic devices. The mouthpiece, which contains the liquid, will be incinerated power going into the national grid
Riot Labs is also launching a Riot Recycle program to make it simple for stores and customers to recycle their devices, of. Consumers can drop their QBARs off at Riot Recycling Bins in specialist stores for dismantling and recycling.
Ambitiously aiming for Zero Waste, Riot Labs also plans to work with stores to track how much waste each has saved so they can continue to optimize and find ways to achieve further reductions.
“From day one, it’s been our mission to help people quit smoking for good, through creating products that are better for people, and better for the planet,” said Johnson.
“Everywhere you look, companies are making efforts to be greener but that isn’t happening fast enough in the vape sector. We’re proud to lead the way with the first carbon negative disposable device—with its unique benefits we believe it will make a big impact on people’s smoking cessation journeys.”
Philip Morris International has launched the new IQOS Iluma Prime in Switzerland duty free, according to DFNI Frontier.
The announcement follows the market launch of IQOS Iluma in Japan in 2021.
The IQOS Iluma Prime is PMI’s first tobacco-heating system to introduce induction-heating technology, which utilizes no blade and requires no cleaning.
“Our objective is a world without cigarettes, a world where cigarettes are replaced by smoke-free alternatives that are a better choice than continued smoking,” said PMI CEO Jacek Olczak. “We have launched several generations of our IQOS heated-tobacco system, expanding our portfolio to offer constantly improved, science-backed solutions that take advantage of advancements in technology and address pain points heard from consumers.
“This commitment to continuous innovation plays a significant role in our ambition to deliver a smoke-free future. The launch of IQOS Iluma, our most innovative device yet, gives adult smokers another better choice and represents an important leap forward in our efforts to accelerate the end of smoking.”
“IQOS Iluma is our most innovative offering to date and the new flagship in our portfolio of science-backed, smoke-free products. Its breakthrough induction-heating technology heats tobacco from within, without burning, so there’s no smoke, no ash and, like previous IQOS devices, it emits, on average, 95 percent lower levels of harmful chemicals compared with cigarettes,” said Michele Cattoni, vice president of heated-tobacco platforms at PMI.
“However, unlike our previous tobacco-heating systems, IQOS Iluma has no blade. That means no tobacco residue or cleaning—ever. With this, and other product features, we aim to address consumer pain points that may have hindered some adult smokers from beginning or maintaining their journey away from cigarettes in the past.”
Vaporesso released two new vaping kits featuring its state-of-the-art COREX heating technology during the Vaper Expo UK event held in Birmingham from May 27-29.
The GEN PT60 | 80 S and LUXE X use the COREX technology as well as the AXON Chip and SSS leak-resistant technology.
After launching the Argus GT 2 in April, VooPoo released two new kits this month. The popular Argus POD was released on May 23rd and Drag Q was released on May 26th.
The Caliburn G2 also has a larger window for viewing remaining e-liquid, which is ironically made unnecessary due to the innovative haptic feedback system. When a pod runs empty and the user attempts to take a drag, the Caliburn G vibrates to indicate that a fill is needed. Of course, the larger window is still a welcome upgrade that doesn’t detract from any other features. Additionally, each pod now has an airflow adjustment ring on the bottom to allow for a wider range of airflow settings rather than the two fixed options available with the Caliburn G.
Geekvape’s Mini2 and Solo2 can provide all these things with minimal hassle and under $60. The mods themselves are water resistant and dustproof with excellent shock protection in case they’re dropped on the ground. While the Solo2 requires an 18650, both devices can be charged with an included USB-C cable. The menu is simple enough to not incur frustration while also serving to introduce users to the common three-button system.
Next, the Aromamizer is built to the highest quality standards and performs as well as, if not better than, atomizers at twice the price. Steam Crave is the only notable manufacturer that bridges the gap between the notorious $20 clone and the $200 authentic. Depending on which Aromamizer is chosen, the price hovers between $40 for the 25 mm Supreme V3 and $75 for the 41 mm Titan V2. The Aromamizer design is original to Steam Crave and packs all sorts of features into a single package.
To put it too simply, the Hyperion is a Geekvape Aegis Solo with the quality bumped up a notch and the inclusion of a DNA board. The C-frame design is hugely popular and functional, allowing for a great asymmetric aesthetic that’s comfortable to hold and allows an infinite number of customization options for the “soft” side. The Hyperion is available with different colors and materials, including carbon fiber, leather and vinyl.
None of this is to say that the Hadron Pro is gimmicky—far from it. Every feature provided by the DNA 250C is here, and although the size is a bit unwieldy, it makes for a perfect coffee table mod, and there’s technically nothing that keeps a vaper from bringing the Hadron Pro out and about, provided they have big enough pockets and don’t mind the extra weight.
