Warning letters have been issued to 30 retailers, including one distributor, for illegally selling unauthorized disposable vaping products. The FDA typically sends warning letters to manufacturers, however, now retailers are facing stiffer scrutiny.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated today that the unauthorized products were various types of Puff and Hyde brand disposable e-cigarettes, which were two of the most commonly reported brands used by youth e-cigarette users in 2022, according to the FDA.
The “action underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to addressing the role retailers and distributors of unauthorized tobacco products play in this concerning public health issue facing America’s youth.,” according to the release.
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said cracking down on disposable products most used by youth is a priority for the regulatory agency. “We’re committed to holding all players in the supply chain – not just manufacturers but also retailers and distributors – accountable to the law,” he said.
The warning letters are a result of a nationwide blitz to crack down on the sale of unauthorized e-cigarettes that are popular with youth – specifically Puff and Hyde products. The blitz included investigations of hundreds of retailers and distributors across the country. All products cited in the warning letters are disposable e-cigarettes.
“Since becoming director of CTP, I’ve been crystal clear that FDA will not stand by while retailers and distributors seek to profit off illegally selling products that are well-known to appeal to youth,” said Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “Retailers and distributors play a key role in keeping unauthorized tobacco products off the shelves, and if they fail to do so, we’re committed to taking appropriate action.”
The FDA generally sends warning letters the first time an inspection or investigation reveals a violation of the law, and recipients are given 15 working days to respond with the steps they’ll take to correct the violation and to prevent future violations. A majority of recipients of warning letters voluntarily correct the stated violation.
Failure to promptly correct the violations can result in additional FDA actions such as an injunction, seizure and/or civil money penalties. In addition to today’s actions among retailers, the FDA issued a warning letter to an importer of Puff Bar in October 2022; that investigation remains ongoing.
In February, FDA filed the agency’s first civil money penalty complaints against four e-cigarette manufacturers; to date, FDA has filed civil money penalty complaints against ten e-cigarette manufacturers.
And in October 2022, the first complaints for permanent injunctions were filed against six e-cigarette manufacturers. From January 2021 through May 2023, FDA issued more than 560 warning letters. All of these actions are part of FDA’s standing compliance and enforcement portfolio, and the latest counts of these actions will continue to be reported on a routine basis.
“FDA will continue to take action against anyone making, distributing, importing, or selling unauthorized e-cigarette products, especially those most used by youth,” the release states.
Two popular disposable vaping devices, Hyde IQ and Elf Bar BC5000, each have their faults.
By Mike Huml
The Hyde IQ vs. the Elf Bar BC5000
With vaping continuously rising in popularity, convenience is the name of the game. In particular, disposable devices have quietly begun dominating the market. As with any vaping product, there exists benefits and drawbacks, and as the overall quality of disposable devices has unquestionably been increasing, some drawbacks are inherent to the nature of disposables. Two popular disposable vapes have seen the mitigation of these drawbacks to different extents—the Hyde IQ and the Elf Bar BC5000. Both are similar at first glance, but how do they truly stack up against one another?
Aesthetics
The Elf Bar and the Hyde IQ are similar in size and shape. The Hyde IQ is slightly shorter and wider than the Elf Bar, but both are very lightweight and easy to slip into a pocket or pocketbook. The Hyde IQ features hard plastic all around with some texturing to improve grip. There’s a sticker placed on the front that brands the device “Hyde.” The Elf Bar is also fully plastic with hard plastic on the top and bottom, but the body has a rubberized finish for a better grip. Additionally, the labeling is applied directly to the surface and reads “Elf Bar,” and “BC5000,” followed by the name of the flavor contained within.
Both the Hyde IQ and the Elf Bar are clearly constructed with economy and value in mind, but the Elf Bar edges out the Hyde IQ by presenting a more premium look and feel. It’s more subdued and not as flashy as the Hyde IQ and is likely to appeal to both men and women. While the Elf Bar favors pastel colors and a softer aesthetic, the Hyde IQ leans into a Hot Wheels car-type appearance and color scheme. While the Hyde IQ may stand out from the rest on the shelf, there are certainly more important features other that looks when it comes to any vapor product.
Battery
For many vapers, neither the Hyde IQ nor the Elf Bar will last all day on a single charge, but they’re not far off. The Elf Bar contains a 650 mAh battery while Hyde has not revealed the battery specifications. From a subjective standpoint, the Elf Bar does last considerably longer than the Hyde IQ, but it also takes longer to charge. With an empty battery, the Hyde can charge to full in approximately 15 minutes while the Elf Bar can take up to 30 minutes. What’s more, the Hyde IQ has passthrough functionality, allowing it to be used while it’s connected to the charger. The Elf Bar does not offer this feature.
Normally, the trade-off here would be obvious—longer battery life versus faster charging—which is a wash and a matter of personal preference. However, due to the lack of passthrough functionality in the Elf Bar, the Hyde IQ takes the point in this category. Although the battery charges remarkably quickly, that means that passthrough functionality isn’t needed for the most part. Ironically, the device that would benefit most from passthrough functionality is the one that does not have it—the Elf Bar.
Capacity
Both the Hyde IQ and the Elf Bar boast 5,000 puffs, but something doesn’t quite add up. The Elf Bar contains 13 mL of e-liquid while the Hyde IQ only contains 8 mL. On paper, that information may lead one to believe that the Elf Bar perhaps hits a little warmer, but that is not the case. Both devices are very similar in terms of vapor production and heat, but the Hyde IQ does come off as slightly warmer with a bit more vapor.
Without a puff counter, it’s nearly impossible to determine the actual number of puffs in each device, but subjectively, the Elf Bar lasts longer before needing to be discarded and replaced. With a slightly smoother vape experience and larger capacity, this makes perfect sense. As such, the Elf Bar comes out on top.
Extra features
Fancy features are usually an afterthought when it comes to disposables as they tend to bloat the price and take away from the simplicity of such devices. However, in this case, the Hyde IQ offers a few things that are useful and unique.
First, the Hyde IQ features adjustable airflow. A sliding switch on the bottom of the device allows for a narrow range of airflow adjustments, but there is a range nonetheless. The Elf Bar has nothing to compare. Granted, the airflow is smooth and the amount of air is just right for mouth-to-lung vaping, but it might not be for everyone.
The Hyde IQ also features 2 LEDs that change color to indicate remaining battery life as well as remaining e-liquid. This is extremely helpful to avoid a surprise dry hit when there’s no e-liquid remaining and to give the user a heads-up when a charge is needed. Now, these lights are not 100 percent accurate nor consistent. The Hyde IQ’s e-liquid light will often begin to blink, indicating there is less than 15 percent e-liquid remaining, but continues to work properly for quite a while. It’s by no means perfect, but it does offer a very general idea as to how much juice is left. Anything is better than guessing.
The battery life indicator is much more reliable than the e-liquid light, likewise turning from green to yellow to red, then to blinking red at critical levels. It’s simple and effective, and having some idea as to the remaining battery life is a fantastic quality-of-life feature, particularly for devices with smaller batteries like disposables.
The Hyde IQ takes the point in this category. Although the airflow adjustment is rudimentary and the indicator lights can be somewhat less than accurate, it’s nice to be able to adjust the airflow according to user preference and to have some level of confirmation when it comes to the battery and reservoir.
Vape quality and flavors
Flavors are highly subjective, and every vaper has their own tastes and preferences. Both the Hyde IQ and the Elf Bar have lots of flavors to choose from, although the Elf Bar has a few more than the Hyde IQ. In general, the Hyde IQ will offer flavors that are more robust while the Elf Bar’s flavors are more subtle. Both devices’ flavor descriptions match the actual taste to a large degree—if you order spearmint, it will taste like spearmint.
As for overall vape quality, there are some slight differences between the Elf Bar and the Hyde IQ. The Hyde IQ is a bit warmer with greater throat hit. It’s punchy, and the flavors shine very apparently. This results in great amounts of flavorful vapor, which doesn’t necessarily require long drags. On the other hand, the Elf Bar’s flavors are more nuanced, and the vapor is cooler and smoother. Neither is objectively better than the other, but there are differences, nonetheless.
In addition, the Elf Bar never floods or gurgles whereas the Hyde IQ can, potentially, when left on its side or when its e-liquid is running on empty. This clears up after a drag or two and doesn’t seem to cause leaking or spitback, but it can still be annoying when it happens. With the charging port located on the bottom of the device, some gurgling is likely to be experienced after charging the Hyde IQ since it cannot stand upright while it is charging.
All other things being equal, this slight flooding isn’t a deal breaker. However, the Elf Bar does pull slightly ahead due to this. For fans of warmer and harsher vapes, it’s still worth going with the Hyde IQ despite this small issue.
Value
The Hyde IQ and the Elf Bar both retail for between $15 and $30 depending on the retailer. In terms of best bang for the buck, the Elf Bar wins outright. It contains 13 mL of e-liquid compared to the Hyde IQ’s 8 mL and houses a larger battery. On the other hand, the Elf Bar is missing all the features that make the Hyde IQ unique—adjustable airflow, battery and e-liquid LED indicators and passthrough functionality. So in terms of pure value, the Elf Bar offers the most nicotine for the money while forgoing all the bells and whistles.
Overall
Between the Elf Bar and the Hyde IQ, there really is no clear winner. For a slightly smoother and more consistent vape at the best value, the Elf Bar is the way to go. For a bit more fine-tuning and peace of mind along with a hotter, throatier vape, the Hyde IQ is the better option.
Either way, both devices satisfy the ever-popular need for a quality vape experience with minimal fuss. Smaller pod systems and disposables require bulk purchasing or frequent stops at the vape store whereas these larger 5,000-puff devices can last 3 days to a week without breaking a sweat. The Elf Bar and the Hyde IQ both offer similar experiences with subtle differences, but as is always the case with vaping, it will ultimately be up to the user which device is best for them.
The manufacturer of Hyde and Juno brand e-cigarettes is suing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services claiming the agencies violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
New York-based Magellan Technology accuses the agencies of refusing to review company’s premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs) for 12 products, a process which has cost the company $1 million. Magellan claims the FDA “arbitrarily” and “capriciously” rejected the applications, according to law360.
“Magellan had already spent over $1 million on the PMTAs at the time the RTA [refuse-to-accept] order [was] issued and plans to spend over $10 million on the PMTAs in total,” the suit states.
Texas-based retailer Vapor Train 2 LLC is also a plaintiff in the suit. The companies asked a Texas federal court to temporarily stay the RTA order the FDA issued to Magellan, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday.
“FDA acted arbitrarily, capriciously, and otherwise not in accordance with applicable law in issuing the [refuse-to-accept] order,” the lawsuit states. “The agency invoked regulations governing [premarket tobacco product applications] acceptance that do not apply to Magellan’s [applications] and failed to consider timely amendments containing required content that Magellan properly submitted.”
According to the suit, applications for Magellan’s products were submitted to the FDA on May 12 and 13 by a third-party company based in China, Skyte Testing Services Guangdong Co. Ltd., before the May 14 deadline.
However leading up to the due date, the FDA made last-minute changes to what was required in an application, the suit claims. Specifically, on April 14, the agency used emergency powers to amend a document, Form 4057, which Magellan would need to include with its application.
An amended version of this form wasn’t posted on the government’s website for almost two weeks, additionally, the FDA didn’t announce the change until May 16, two days after the applications were due.
Magellan claims that at the time Skyte submitted the applications, the government’s website did not generate submission tracking numbers. Magellan claims didn’t learn those numbers until after the FDA issued its RTAs in October, according to the suit.
Without the numbers, Magellan was not able to properly submit amendments to its application, specifically a new Form 4057. Skyte tried to submit updated documents on Aug. 18, explaining in the summary page that these documents were meant to be included with its May submissions, according to the suit.
But the FDA later rejected these forms for not including the submission tracking number, the lawsuit claims. The agency specifically noted that “although you submitted additional submissions which may have been intended to amend your applications, [the submissions] did not specify the [tracking number] assigned to the original submission within FDA Form 4057,” according to the suit.
Magellan claims the omission was not its fault.
The FDA did not act “in accordance with law by failing to consider Magellan’s timely amendments submitted on Aug. 18, 2022, on the grounds that the amendments did not include or reference the submission tracking numbers assigned … when FDA itself failed to assign the original bundled applications corresponding submission tracking numbers,” the suit states.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed that Magellan Technology received marketing denial orders (MDOs) on Oct. 6 for 32 products. However, Magellan CEO Jon Glauser said the FDA acknowledged in writing that it had “erred in failing to inform the company” about the MDOs and only after the Oct. 6 announcement did Magellan receive the letters from the FDA.
“Because the affected PMTAs had been pending with the agency for over two years, we can only surmise that what the FDA deemed an “inadvertent error” in failing to inform the company was caused by an apparent rush to include the MDO action with the Agency’s press release on the National Youth Tobacco Survey data, which shows youth vaping down 50% since 2019,” Glauser states in an email. “The MDOs covered only certain Hyde products containing tobacco-derived nicotine. No Hyde products containing non-tobacco nicotine are subject to an MDO.”
In response to an inquiry by Vaping360, the FDA reiterated that it had served Magellan Technology with an MDO.
“After reviewing premarket tobacco applications for 32 Hyde e-cigarettes, FDA issued marketing denial orders (MDOs) for these applications submitted by Magellan Technology, Inc. on Oct. 6,” the agency told Vaping360. “In addition to the MDOs issued on Oct. 6, as acknowledged by Magellan Technology, Inc. in their statement, FDA also issued a Refuse to Accept (RTA) Letter for other Hyde e-cigarette products.”
Glauser states that the FDA did issue a Refuse to Accept (RTA) letter for certain of Magellan’s Hyde products containing non-tobacco nicotine, identifying two administrative requirements the regulatory agency claims the company’s premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs) were lacking.
“First, with respect to two of our bundled applications, the FDA stated that a signed statement as to the accuracy of certain translated documents was missing. However, the agency misunderstood the fact that the documents themselves are dual language documents that are maintained by our Chinese manufacturer in both English and Chinese. Because the relevant FDA regulation only requires a certification for documents that have been translated from another language into English, we believe that the cited regulation is inapplicable,” Glauser explains. “This is the only issue cited against one of our bundled applications and on October 12, 2022, we filed a petition for stay with FDA requesting that the agency immediately stay the RTA determination on this basis.”
The second Item, Glauser wrote, relates to nine other applications that the FDA claims a certification statement verifying the PMTA submissions were “true and correct” was missing from those submissions. The FDA had preciously told Magellan that the company already had submitted amendments to its applications with the certification, but the agency could not determine to which applications the amendments needed to be applied.
“To that end, the FDA noted that ‘although your submission(s) may include the required content for a PMTA,’ the absence of the form made it impossible for the FDA to review the applications. While it is unfortunate that these technical issues cropped up with respect to these applications which had to be filed under enormously short time constraints, it is not a reflection of the high quality of scientific work that Magellan has assembled and continues to generate as part of its commitment to the PMTA process, work which the FDA has not yet reviewed,” wrote Glauser. “Magellan’s counsel and consultants already are engaging with the FDA regarding these issues and are asking the Agency to reconsider its initial determination so that Magellan’s application review can progress forward. In the event that FDA refuses, Magellan intends to move promptly to seek judicial relief regarding the RTA letter.”
In response to the FDA press statement announcing the order, Magellan Technology denied having received an MDO, saying the agency had refused to accept its premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) on a technicality without reviewing the PMTA on its merits.
Magellan Technology demanded that FDA not only retract the press announcement but also issue a corrective statement making clear that FDA did not issue an MDO to Magellan and that it has not yet conducted a scientific review of Magellan’s products.
The market for disposable vapor products is surprisingly diverse.
By Mike Huml
It’s one of the fastest-growing segments of the vapor industry. Disposable products that once collected dust on store shelves are now finding a growing fan base. With so many on the market, it’s easy for distributors and retailers alike to get caught up in the confusion. We decided to review some of the more popular brands to help our readers see some of the differences in a product segment where everything can seem the same. As it turns out, however, each product has its own personality. Almost every disposable device we tested had something that made it just a little different than its competition.
The Leap Go
“The Cigalike-alike”
The Leap Go disposable vapes closely to a traditional analog cigarette. The draw is tight but smooth, reminiscent more of a full-flavor than a light or ultra-light smoke. The size is more akin to a 100 mm cigarette with slightly more weight.
At 5 percent nicotine, the Leap Go should more than satisfy those switching from smoking or anybody who prefers high nicotine strengths or nicotine salts. The vapor is light but still flavorful and satisfying. Each Leap Go device can last for approximately 200 puffs, which is about the equivalent of one pack of traditional cigarettes, assuming ten puffs per cigarette and twenty cigarettes per pack.
There are no unappealing surprises to speak of, such as leaking, gurgling or dry hits. Everything works as intended. The Leap Go is about as unassuming as it gets, replicating the look, feel and draw of an analog cigarette. For those looking to try out vaping with no baggage or hassle, the Leap Go is a great option. There’s no refilling or charging to worry about, no replacement pods or coils and no worries. Simply pull it out of the box, remove the silicone stoppers and it’s good to go.
The Leap Go is positioned to be an introductory device, making the transition from smoking to vaping as seamless as possible, and on that front it succeeds. While more advanced devices or even other disposables may boast slightly increased performance, few can capture the feel of smoking as accurately as the Leap Go. It may not appeal to many vapers, but as a tool to ease smokers into vaping it succeeds tremendously.
Cigalikes have fallen out of favor over the years due in large part to the popularity of pod systems. The Leap Go is a neat callback to the early days of vaping without the hassle of leaky cartridges and dead atomizers. It’s a cool nostalgia trip for vapers but still a very relevant step for many smokers in today’s vaping landscape. It’s interesting to think that lives may literally be saved due to just one disposable e-cigarette taking a step back and returning to roots of how vaping all started.
Cali Air
“Intensity Squared”
The Cali Air disposable deviates from the traditional cigarette shape significantly. It’s a flat e-cigarette that’s about one inch wide, two inches tall and less than a quarter-inch deep. It’s smaller than a business card but packs a punch.
A disposable product, there is no refilling or recharging necessary. A pair of silicone covers must be removed before use and then it’s all ready to vape. What would be considered the “mouthpiece” lies at the top corner of the Air, which makes it extremely comfortable to use especially for anyone who isn’t used to large mouthpieces or drip tips. Having the airflow hole at the corner rather than in the middle helps to make the Cali Air feel a bit more familiar and less like sucking on a credit card.
The flat shape not only makes the Cali Air easy to carry around but makes it comfortable to hold as well. It won’t convince anybody that it’s an actual cigarette, but it feels good in a different way. The majority of the Cali Air is made of anodized aluminum, so it’s slightly textured and light.
The draw is fairly tight, and the flavor is pretty intense making for a great vaping experience. There is no leaking or gurgling, and the draw is smooth. It has a familiar feel to many of the better pod systems on the market and may be better suited to current vapers rather than those making the switch from smoking.
The Cali Air contains 2.7 mL of e-liquid, but the puff count is what matters most with disposables given they can’t be charged or refilled. The Cali Air lasts for approximately 500 puffs, which equates to about 2 1/2 packs of analog cigarettes. At a nicotine strength of 5 percent, this should satisfy most anyone for at least two days.
With a larger capacity and battery, the larger size is necessary to accommodate the increased performance, but the nontraditional shape keeps the Cali Air from being bulky or unwieldy. If longevity and performance are more important than an accurate tactile representation of an analog cigarette, the Cali Air is a fantastic choice.
Bidi Stick
“I Only Smoke When I Drink”
The Bidi Stick is very similar to today’s popular pod systems. Its long, flat shape allows it to be used like an analog cigarette, but it looks nothing like one. It’s slimmer and longer than the Juul, with a similar light weight. Unlike modern pod systems, it’s one single piece that cannot be refilled or recharged, making it about as simple as a vape can get.
The body is a slightly rubberized texture with a soft plastic mouthpiece. It’s light, slim and perfect for taking on the go. A single LED on the end of the Bidi Stick lights up when activated to give a nice visual representation that the automatic switch is doing its job.
The draw is medium-tight and should appeal to most people, and it’s not too airy to diminish the flavor. It’s a good balance, being that the flavor is intentionally light and refreshing. That’s not to say that it doesn’t produce good vapor, because it does, but many liquids are loaded with too much flavor and sweetener, which can prematurely kill a coil and lead to poor flavor and vapor production. Subtle flavors are all-too-often underrated, and it’s surprising to find these flavors in a disposable e-cigarette.
Each Bidi Stick contains 1.4 mL of e-liquid at a strength of 6 percent, which is higher than average. Nonetheless, one would assume that the Bidi Stick is equivalent to a pack-and-a-half of cigarettes, which is about a day-and-a-half of normal use. However, the packaging suggests that each Bidi Stick should last one week.
Conclusion: This is a great disposable for light smokers or vapers. The high nicotine means that fewer puffs are required to reach nicotine satisfaction, and the light flavor speaks to the vaper who wants something nice and refreshing every now and again. That said, there’s nothing really keeping anyone from using several Bidi Sticks per week, but if 300 puffs per week is the recommendation, it’s clear that this is intended more for nonregular users.
With that in mind, the Bidi Stick may be the best option for occasional nicotine users for all the reasons above. It requires fewer puffs to get the same amount of nicotine, and the flavor is light as to not be offensive or overwhelming. The throat hit is also smooth and not boosted with the addition of menthol.
The Bidi Stick appeals to possibly the most overlooked nicotine user—the social smoker. They exist, and the Bidi Stick proves that they are not forgotten.
Hyde
“The Caricature”
The Hyde is very similar to a standard pod system with one exception: It’s a one-piece disposable. No refilling and no charging are necessary, but the shape and size could pass for a standard pod system aside from the color. The Hyde has a black, plastic mouthpiece and white body that fades into red with a faux spray paint look. Its appearance is a little edgier and bolder compared to some of the more subdued aesthetics of its counterparts, but it could appeal to some. If the look doesn’t, the performance surely will.
The Hyde’s draw is fairly tight, which contributes to the fantastic flavor and dense vapor production. It feels much like a full-flavor analog cigarette. It’s extremely lightweight and somewhat shorter than expected for a device of this nature. It lends itself well to hands-free vaping.
The Hyde includes a white LED at the tip that shines through the red coloring to give a certain red glow that imitates a lit cigarette. The white and red colors of the body combined with the illumination make the Hyde appear almost as a caricature of an analog cigarette in a way that might make the foreign concept of vaping a little more familiar for smokers.
There is no estimated puff limit on the packaging, but the mouthpiece is translucent so that the user can actually see how much liquid is remaining. The Hyde holds 1.5–2 mL of e-liquid, which would put it somewhere in the 300–400 puff range. With a nicotine strength of 5 percent, each Hyde unit is equivalent to a pack or pack-and-a-half of analog cigarettes, which is pretty standard.
What really sets the Hyde apart is the performance. While it’s aesthetic could arguably be the gaudiest of the bunch, looks can be deceiving. Vaping the Hyde is an absolute joy with its smooth draw, clean flavor and impressive vapor production. While the draw isn’t turbulent in the least, the heating element does give off a slight crackle as the e-liquid is heated. While a matter of personal preference, this generally adds to the satisfaction of vaping, and smoking for that matter.
Overall, the Hyde might be the most divisive-looking disposable, but it more than makes up for that in pure vape quality.
Hyppe Bar/Puff Bar
“The Twins”
The Hyppe Bar and Puff Bar are very straightforward even as far as disposables go. The “Bar” part of their names is accurate—they simply look like bars. They are relatively small but angular and polygonal. There is no separate look for the mouthpiece, and an arrow is printed on each device (as well as the flavor, nicotine strength, etc.) to indicate which side is the mouthpiece. The coating is matte and slightly rubberized in a single color that really does bring one word to mind: bar.
Performance-wise, the Hyppe Bar and Puff Bar are suited for those who prefer lighter flavor without sacrificing vapor production. It’s a medium-airy draw that works best with faster drags, which is perfect for smokers. It’s a welcome change for vapers as well, who have largely been conditioned over the years to adopt a slow-and-steady drag.
A blue LED on the tip lights up when a drag is taken, but it’s not visible to the vaper when in use, acting only as a cosmetic feature to observers. It’s not exactly necessary, but nothing is lost with this addition either.
The Hyppe Bar has the most information packaging, which shouldn’t go unnoticed. There are product specifications so there’s no guessing—it holds 1.3 mL of 5 percent e-liquid with a 280 mAh battery that’s good for up to 300 puffs.
It also features a scratch-and-scan sticker to verify authenticity and an enclosed underage vaping warning card. The Puff Bar is very similar, lacking only the battery capacity rating and the included warning card.
Both the Hyppe Bar and the Puff Bar vape very well, with voluminous vapor and light, refreshing flavors. So why are these two products so eerily similar? It’s unclear, but it’s likely the case that these are both produced by the same manufacturer and have been customized and branded by different wholesalers or retailers. This is common practice in many industries, including vaping, and shouldn’t dissuade a purchase. Both brands of the “bar-style” disposable work well and identically. They’re simple, colorful, lightweight and refreshing. The Hyppe and Puff Bars are both solid options in terms of disposable e-cigarettes, regarding both performance and aesthetic.
Pop
“Vapeable Sunshine”
The Pop disposable e-cigarette is another bar-style vape but with some differences that make it clear that its different from both the Hyppe Bar and the Puff Bar. Aside from more colorful packaging, there are a few visual differences that set it apart. The blue LED on the tip still illuminates when a drag is taken, but the airflow hole in the mouthpiece is slightly larger making for an airier draw. In lieu of a rubberized matte coating, the Pop is shrouded in a colorful wrap that matches the packaging and corresponds to the flavor. It’s reminiscent of wallpaper, in a comforting country-home type of way.
According to the packaging, the Pop holds 1.2 mL of 5 percent-strength e-liquid and is usable up to 400 puffs. Compared to the size and puff count of similar disposables, this likely means a higher coil resistance. As such, the Pop is gaining a bit of longevity but losing a bit in terms of performance. That’s not to say that performance is poor but simply that the design is different. The Pop produces equal vapor compared to similar disposable devices, but this is due to slightly increased airflow. A higher coil resistance results in less liquid and battery power being used with each puff, as well as lighter flavor, but it has the potential to last longer.
The Pop definitely takes a different approach when it comes to how an e-cigarette should look. While many shoot for sleek and unassuming, the Pop has opted for bold, colorful and fun, and not in a way that could be construed as marketing to children. Many would shy away from overly colorful packaging, but the Pop does it tastefully and doesn’t rely solely on looks. The performance is still there, and users can feel justified in their purchase.
Overall, the performance of the Pop is surprisingly good. Like some others, it’s light, refreshing, easy to use and extremely portable—everything a disposable e-cigarette should be. This type of disposable is great for light users, new vapers or social nicotine users. It works well, there’s no hassle, it is widely available and tends toward the lighter, airier, more refreshing end of the spectrum rather than the more intense side. The Pop is colorful and fun, exemplifying a no-worries mindset that its performance reinforces.
